#i myself am a princess in a princess way and in a prized small dog owned by an elderly person way.

[therevengeoffrankenstein]

van helsing's effortless prince charming slay does impossible things to me.

[bugsbucky]

DITTO

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: You and Bucky are on a mission and forced to share the king sized bed. Which wouldn’t usually have been a problem if you and Bucky didn’t hate each other’s guts.

Warnings: teasing, flirting, possibly some sexual tension, enemies to lovers, language, foreplay, implied smut.

Word Count: 1,651 (ooops)

Authors Notes: this is for @the-ss-horniest-book-club 24 Hour Surprise Drabble in collaboration with @the-ce-horniest-book-club / @the-th-horniest-book-club and @the-mcu-horniest-book-club. Today’s theme was Tropes and I picked There’s Only One Bed and Enemies To Lovers from the list! Hope you enjoy ❤️

“Oh yeah baby. A king size bed just for me!” You squealed in delight as you face planted into the soft mattress.

“You mean, a king size bed just for us?” Bucky mumbled setting his duffel bag down and toeing off his combat boots.

It was a long trip, Upstate New York to California for the weekend. Okay, well maybe it wasn’t that long but it seemed that way because you were stuck with Barnes the whole time.

Tony needed you and Barnes to come here and work undercover, to retrieve some information from club members about some illegal trade of hydra weapons, or something like that. You weren’t really sure since whenever Tony started to talk, your ears closed up most of the time.

But you couldn’t deny the gorgeous ocean view from the rented condo Tony had found. The french doors were opened, the ocean breeze swooping throughout the condo. It was obviously a step up from the grotty motel room you found yourself staying in just a week ago.

“No Mr Barnes. This is my bed. That’s your bed.” You wagged your finger to the floor and Bucky scoffed, stepping in front of you with his big arms folded over that ridiculous buff chest of his.

“I’m not a dog Y/N. I don’t give a fuck if you like it or not but I am sleeping in this bed with you tonight. Feel free to take the floor, I don’t mind.” He grinned and if it wasn’t for your phone ringing, you might have knocked that grin off his face.

“What is it Tony?!” You snapped unintentionally. Bucky laughed and started to unpack his duffel bag as if to piss you off even more and make a point that he was staying in here tonight.

In your dreams you handsome, gorgeous asshole.

“Whoa there. Who took a shit in your bed? Anyway I have an update. I need you and Barnes at the club by 7PM sharp.” Tony gave the orders and you rolled your eyes, flipping Bucky off when you saw he was laying on his side of the bed.

“Yes boss.” You sassed and threw your phone at Bucky. “Get off the fucking bed and get dressed.” You ordered, grabbing your own clothes and storming into the bathroom. You slammed the door shut and groaned when Bucky yelled through the door.

“YES BOSS. Right away BOSS.” His voice was muffled behind the door and it might have been pointless but you flipped him off once again.

“I hate that fucking guy.” You muttered, turning the jet shower on. You just hoped there would be free food at the party.

***

The mission was a success. You’re not sure how you and Barnes managed to keep it together for so long without being down each other’s throats, but you did and it paid off.

You got the information you were looking for recorded on a small device that was strapped to your thigh. Now it meant you could enjoy the next couple of days relaxing, grabbing a sun tan and avoiding Barnes as much as possible.

“I’m really surprised you didn’t act like such a fucking brat tonight doll.” Bucky complimented as he took his suit off.

“I’m surprised you didn’t wedge your head up your ass.” You retorted as you undressed and changed into your comfy pyjamas. You couldn’t wait to sleep in your king size bed tonight. Your comment earned a snort from the man who just loved the tease and piss you off. It was his mission, it just didn’t matter what he was doing, he would always find a way to squeeze in a moment to annoy you.

“Yeah well, the only thing that did go up my ass was my boxers. I hate wedgies.” He chuckled and you wondered for a moment if he was testing you. He slipped his slacks off and threw them on the chair in the corner of the room and pulled the duvet cover back.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? I told you this was my bed.” You walked around to his side of the bed with your hands on your hips and your jaw gaped open as he proceeded to make himself as comfortable as fucking possible.

“Look. We’re not fucking five, we’re mature adults and the bed is big enough for both of us. Stop acting like a spoiled princess and get into bed and sleep.”

“No. You don’t get to tell me what to do.”

“I just did now get into bed before I throw you on the mattress and sleep on top of you.” He warned, pulling the duvet back when you refused to budge. “I’ll fucking do it.”

“I don’t care.” You muttered and dropped your gaze to your feet.

“What?”

“What?”

“You know what.” Bucky swung his legs over the edge of the bed and rested his palms on his -holy shit- muscled thighs that you just noticed. The man has been holding out on you. “If you wanna sleep on the floor, be my guest.” He smirked.

“If you hate me I don’t know why you’re trying to so hard to get me into bed with you.” You scoffed and shook your head. You turned away but his hand reached out and grabbed your wrist, gently pulling you back.

“I don’t hate you. You hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, you just annoy me which I thought was why you hated me.”

“I annoy you because you hate me and keep calling me an asshole.”

“I call you an asshole because you-”

“Shut up and come ‘ere. This could go on all night and I’m dead tired.”

“No I’m not done yet. So you were- AH!” You squealed as Bucky hoisted you up over his shoulder and threw you on the mattress as he promised earlier. You bounced and giggled, the feeling being similar to jumping on an 8ft trampoline. Bucky also kept his other promise and climbed on top of you.

“What do you think you’re doing?” You giggled up at him. His large hands took your smaller ones and held them above your head. His hips slipped between your now open legs like a piece of jigsaw puzzle.

“I told you that if you weren’t going to get into bed that I’d throw you on it and sleep on top of you. I’m a man of my word doll. Now goodnight.” He pecked your lips quickly and shifted around to find a comfortable position.

Of course as he was moving his hips, his clothed member was becoming hard and kept rutting against your core. You sighed softly, your legs wrapping around his waist on their own accord.

Bucky’s face was buried in your neck, breathing in the delicious scent you showered yourself in earlier during your shower. His teeth gently grazed the skin, biting and sucking to leave a mark.

“Bucky- what the hell are we doing?” You whispered against his ear. His hair curtained his face but you could see the once blue orbs had changed into a lustful shade of black.

“I don’t know doll. But I really don’t hate you, never have and never will. It’s quite the opposite actually.” His cheeks were dusted in a cute shade of pink as those black orbs locked onto yours.

“Ditto.” Your blush matched his, a low growl from your lips when his tip unintentionally knocked against your clit.

Bucky’s tongue darted out to wet his dry lips before he lowered them to yours. They were soft and warm.

Your lips parted and he took the opportunity to slip his tongue in and fight for dominance. His non-bionic hand travelled under your sleep shirt and cupped your soft breast. His thumb and forefinger pinched your hardening nipple, eliciting a soft moan from you in response.

“Are you sure you want this? Once I stop I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.” He panted, his minted breath fanned in your face.

“I’m sure Buck.” Those three words was all it took for Bucky to move his lips from your lips to your throat and down to the swells of your breasts. He pulled off your top, throwing it into the corner of the room somewhere as he continued his journey.

His lips found your nipples, kissing, gently biting and sucking. Your moans grew louder and your panties became more soaked by each passing second.

Once he gave both breasts attention, he continued kissing down your stomach, nipping and sucking any bits of skin his teeth could grip. He was marking you and that thought turned you on even more.

He settled between your legs, a wet patch on the front of your cotton panties giving away just how aroused you were. His fingers hooked on each side of the waistband and slowly peeled them down your legs.

He licked his lips when he was faced with his prize; your glorious wet pussy. Your juices had seeped from your entrance and dripped to the inner side of your thighs.

Bucky kissed his way up your legs, taking his sweet time and giving both legs his full attention just like he did with your breasts.

He looked up through hooded eyes and watched as you were moaning impatiently and squirming under his touches and kisses. You were this wet and he didn’t even fuck you yet. He decided he had teased you enough and pressed a light kiss to your mound.

“Are you sure doll?” He asked for a second time. You hugged out impatiently and propped yourself up on your elbows.

“Bucky. If you do not fuck me right now I will personally tear off your dick and fuck myself with it. Under- ohhh.” You moaned as his tongue delved between your lips, finally putting his tongue on the sensitive nub you’ve been desperate for.

Taglist: @jobean12-blog​ @marvelgirl7​ @godofplumsandthunder​ @hawksmagnolia​​ @deanthedemon​​ @crushedbyhyperbole​​ @eurynome827​ @emilylyoness​​​ @buckybarnesplumwhore​​​ @buckys-henley​​​ @sarge-barnes-sir​​​ @this-kitten-is-smitten​​ @kitkatd7​​​ @jamesbarnesappreciationclub​​​ @littleredstarfish​​​ @tuiccim​ @mystoragehatesme​ @starspangledseb​​​ @bambamwolf87​ @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog​​​ @lokilvrr​ @buckbuckybucko​ @supernaturalwintersoldier​ @winedrunkbarnes​ @coffeebooksandfandom​ @the-romanian-is-bae​ @dark-academics-and-florals​

[ladyanput]

A Stolen Dream Ch.1

All the monsters and demons were surprised when the powerful Maleficent returned to her dark castle, cradling a tiny infant to her chest. But they didn't dare speak a word, merely watching her as she went to her room with a look of satisfaction on her face, the tiny baby squirming and fussing in her arms. Even her raven upon the dark fairy’s shoulder seemed perturbed by the sight of the child and its flailing limbs. 

Maleficent laid the small baby upon the dark sheets of her bed and unwrapped the bundle. She got to work immediately with fixing the baby's leg, then clearing any blemishes and imperfections with her magic, a bit transfixed by the incredible softness of the baby’s skin.  She had to make the girl perfect in every way. She then raised that baby as if it were her own, though having her minions do the hard work as she supervised.  But the baby put up such a fuss when Maleficent was not around, that the dark fairy often found herself carrying the little brat around. The great fairy even allowed the baby to sleep in her bed, with Diablo watching over her. The dark fairy would watch that tiny chest rise and fall, feel the warmth of the small body next to her, and feel a stirring in her that she could not name. 

Eventually, she named her Delilah.

Seven years had soon passed, and Maleficent could already tell that Delilah was going to be a great beauty, in human standards at least. Every night Maleficent took to brushing the midnight black hair that Delilah has been gifted with, adding magic to each brush stroke, to make the hair soft and silky and luxurious. Not the sunshine golden hair of Princess Aurora, but Maleficent found herself enjoying the colour, preferring it. One would think she wanted a perfect copy of the princess, but no, Maleficent wanted an opposite. She knew those little fairies had blessed the princess with beauty, but it would no doubt be the common beautiful princess; tall, slim, with curling golden hair and large, innocent blue eyes. It almost made Maleficent cackle at the thought of how often such princesses were made to look as such by magic.

"Mother." Delilah's soft voice interrupted Maleficent's thoughts and she gazed down at the small girl, meeting her dark brown eyes. She smiled down at her, but there never was any warmth in those smiles. At the sight, Delilah warmly smiled back, her small hands folded neatly into her lap. "I was wondering if I could go and make a friend."

"Oh?" That made Maleficent's brows raise, and she tilted her head ever so slightly. "Why on earth would you want a friend, child? You have my minions here. Besides, you are a princess, you have no need for friends, only the subjects you shall soon rule over."

"Oh…" Delilah's voice became soft, disappointed as her shoulders slumped. Maleficent sighed to herself at the pathetic sight, and began to braid the girl's thick hair before trying it off with a black ribbon. "I am sorry, mother, I shall not ask again. I was not thinking as a princess should."

Delilah slid down from the stool and curtsied to the dark fairy, then climbed onto the bed and curled up. It was not long before she fell asleep, her soft breathing eventually evening out. Maleficent put away the brush and box of silken ribbons, then returned her gaze to little Delilah.

"Well,  perhaps a friend would not hurt. Just one…" Maleficent watched the small child, before turning to where Diablo was perched. She caught the look in his eyes and sneered. "I am not going soft on her. She is just a tool to ruin that foolish king for insulting me. I'll send her to the little prince of that fooling king Hubert. He and Aurora are engaged, are they not? Surely the fairies will try to keep the king happy by getting the little princess to fall in love with the prince."

Diablo rustled his feathers ever so slightly, then tilted his head, as if urging her to continue.

"I can carefully groom him into falling in love with her. She'll be the thing he cannot have, so different from the innocent, angelic Princess Aurora. It can work, I know it will. Humans are so easy to fool." Maleficent hissed, grasping her cane tightly in her hand. She slid her fingertips along the jewel at the top and suddenly a scene appeared.  The young Prince Philip sitting in his bedroom fit for a Crown Prince, staring out his window in utter boredom into the dark woods that lay just beyond the town below.

"What troubles you, your Highness?" A servant entered the room, carrying a tray of rich foods for the young prince, being made to eat in his room while a drunken party of debauchery went on in the dining hall below. The prince sighed and shook his head, continuing to stare out the window, his mind lost in whatever thoughts they were struggling with. "Well, at least you are going hunting with the king tomorrow. Maybe you will get a deer."

The ten year old prince turned, crossing his arms, his expression cloudy.

"I do not wish to hunt with the noblemen's sons. They only wish to be with me because I am a prince." Philip muttered bitterly, gazing around the room fit for a prince with a bed full of silk sheets, clothes of the highest caliber, anything any child could ever want. "They pretend to like everything I like, then go about talking behind my back."

The servant said nothing, not quite sure how to reply to the Prince's words. From his experience, most royalty enjoyed being surrounded by people who agreed with everything they did. Perhaps the young prince would be more perceptive than his father, the servant hoped.

Maleficent chuckled ever so softly, taking a seat on the edge of her bed as she watched the scene. As she watched, her hand absentmindedly went to stroke Delilah’s hair.  A prince tired of his riches and his title, Maleficent had seen this time and time again, it was a fun little trope. Suddenly, an idea hit and she turned her gaze down to the sleeping Delilah and grinned a grin that made even Diablo shiver.

...

The hunting party made their way through the forest, keeping their eyes peeled for any possible prizes as they rode atop their noble horses. Prince Philip maintained a look of indifference as he rode amongst the noblemen’s sons, listening to them babble worse than the gossipy women in the palace.

“Your highness, that bow is of the finest craftsmanship, where on Earth did you obtain it?” One of the boys piped up, Roland if Philip could remember by the sight of the boy’s signature red curls and green eyes that glinted with envy and greed as he eyed the prince’s bow.

“It was a gift from King Stefan-” Philip began, but Roland’s eyes widened in shock and he began to laugh.

“Isn’t that the king with the cursed daughter who is fated to die?” Roland asked, the words a bit messy from his laughter, the other boys around them joining him in the laughter, while Philip scowled. “What kind of idiot invites the entire kingdom to a christening, even the disgusting commoners, yet does not invite the most powerful being in the realm?”

“And the Prince here has to marry her, yet she’s been hidden away. I bet they hid her away because she is so ugly and stupid.” Another boy jeered, and Philip felt his spine go stiff.

“You dare to insult my future father in law and my future wife?” Philip’s tone went steely, so much so that the laughter immediately died down and many of the boys exchanged nervous glances. “I highly suggest you hold your tongues, before I find you disfavorable.”

“Forgive me, your highness, I forgot myself.” Roland bowed his head, so that Philip missed the look of unadulterated hatred on the boy’s face. “I will think before I speak next time.” 

Philip merely urged his horse forward, catching up with his father and the hunting party. Someone cried out when a blur of white darted by, then many gaped in awe when they saw it was a buck with pure white fur. King Hubert gave a sharp whistle and the dogs ran after the beast as it darted off. 

The hunting party gave chase, but paused when they realized that the buck had disappeared.

“We should split up to find it.” One of the duke’s piped up, and the rest of the party agreed, many grouping off and heading in different directions. Philip took the time to slip off on his own when he saw the young sons arguing about who he would be hunting with.

The prince rode for quite some time, before seeing a flash of white up ahead. He urged his horse and raced after the buck, heading deeper and deeper into the dark woods. He quickly lost sight of the beast and looked around, realizing he had gotten himself quite lost, entering a small clearing with a sizable river in its center. He cursed softly under his breath, then slid off of his horse, taking in his surroundings.

It was then the buck burst out from the bushes right in front of him. Philip stumbled back a few steps, then found himself falling backwards, right into the icy cold river. As he was engulfed in the water, the young prince struggled against the strong current, but soon found himself growing weak, his heavy clothes beginning to weigh him down. But then something grabbed his arms and he was pulled from the freezing water. 

Laid out on his back, gasping for air, Philip looked over at his saviour, only to be surprised at the sight of a small girl kneeling at his side, dark, dripping hair hiding away most of her face save her downturned mouth.

“W-what..?” He whispered, but then bolted up when the little girl turned on her heel and ran into the forest, disappearing rapidly from sight. The prince sat there, dumbfounded and shivering. He only snapped out of his stupor as he heard the approaching of hooves, his father and his knights bursting from the brush. 

“Phillip! Phillip, my boy, what has happened? Why, you are sopping wet!” The king cried out as knights rushed forward, helping the young prince stand. Philip shook his head in disbelief and stared in the direction the little girl had taken off to. 

…

Maleficent smiled to herself as she watched the hunting party ride off with the wet prince, her hand absently stroking the head of the young girl at her side. 

“You did very well, my dear, very well indeed. I can see already that you have made quite the impression on the young prince.” She mused as she leaned down to scoop the young girl into her arms, holding her close. “You did satisfactory work.”

“I am sorry, mother, I could not get the sense to speak to him. It felt as if my tongue had been turned to stone and I was worried my heart was going to burst. He almost drowned, it was rather frightening.”

“Fret not, I believe you shall have the chance to talk to the prince still. No doubt that that little swim in the river will leave him quite fatigued, perhaps a bit ill. The poor prince will be bedridden, I am sure that you can keep his company.” The dark fairy chuckled softly as she gave Delilah a little pat on the cheek, before her expression turned serious. “You must gain his trust, Delilah. He is to be your betrothed in the future, when you make your rightful claim as a princess.”

“Really? Oh mother, that would be wonderful! He seems to have such kind eyes, mother, and I bet he shall grow to be very handsome.” Delilah’s face lit up with pure joy, the girl already lost in the daydreams of becoming a princess and marrying a handsome prince, of receiving a happily ever after.

“Delilah listen closely,” Maleficent grabbed the young girl by the chin and made her look into her eyes. “, do not believe in such fairytales. You must focus on being a proper princess, of ruling an entire kingdom and becoming queen. Do not let your mind wander up to the clouds and allow yourself to be deluded by such nonsense. You shall never utter anything of such filth ever again, do you understand me?”

“...” Delilah lowered her gaze, but slowly nodded her head. “Yes mother.”

…

Phillip glared out the window of his bedroom, bundled up in the thick blankets the servants had covered him with. After he had been brought back to the castle and fussed over by several physicians, the young prince had been forced to stay in bed while everyone else enjoyed a banquet downstairs. He felt rather bittered to be missing out on such a festive occasion, but it did save him from having to converse with the sons of those noblemen. 

“I did not wish to eat deer anyhow, I must prefer rabbit.” He grumbled, crossing his arms as he watched the sun just beginning to set. But he sat up abruptly as he saw a pair of small hands appear over the rail of his balcony, then remained seated in stunned silence as the little girl from earlier boosted herself up and over the railing, landing on the stone with a soft thud. 

The prince watched as the small girl brushed back her wild mane of black hair, revealing an almost cherubic face with large brown eyes. She smoothed down the skirt of her simple grey dress before turning towards the bedroom, only to freeze at the sight of him watching her. 

“How.. How did you manage to climb all the way up here?” Phillip was on his feet in seconds, rushing over to the girl as she stumbled a few steps back and pressed up against the railing. 

“O-oh, I climbed using the ivy. It is rather thick..” Delilah felt her tongue go heavy once again. The young prince had changed from his royal regalia to a simple tunic and breeches, his hair slightly mussed, looking less like a royal prince and more like a common village boy. But he could never shake off that royal aura he had about him, something that had Delilah curtsying just as her mother had taught her. “I beg pardon, your highness, but I wished to see if you were alright. You took such a nasty tumble into the river, I was afraid for your health.” 

“So it was you that saved me.. Why did you not stay? I owe you my life, allow me and my father to repay you for your bravery!” Phillip reached out and grasped the young girl’s hands, trying hard not to think of how much more tiny she was compared to him. She was almost two heads taller than him. 

“No!” Delilah blurted out, causing the prince to flinch as if struck. Panic instantly flooded her veins and she grasped his hands back, tugging him closer. Mother would be very cross if she were to be discovered by anyone else in the castle. “I mean, please your highness I need to reward. I am just thankful that you are safe and sound home. I am but a simple peasant girl, I could not possibly be rewarded. Besides.. Other nobles, they.. They are not as kind to me as you are. I would just rather hear your thanks alone.”

Phillip stared at the girl, mulling over all she had just said, before finally giving her a firm nod. His lips quirked when he heard her stomach growl. 

“Very well. May I at least give you some food? I would not be a very good prince if I did not at least feed one of my most loyal subjects.” The prince bowed and went towards the cord that would summon a servant to his room.

Meanwhile, Maleficent watched the entire scene from her staff, a slow smile spreading across her face as she stroked Diablo’s soft feathers. 

“Did I not tell you, my pet? This girl shall be a better asset for me in the end.”

Taglist:@magicalfirebird @bluediva @valeks-princess @ifluffysquirrel @primeemeraldheiress @2sunchild2 @gingerdaile @totellismert @reyna-avila-ramirez-alreanaldo @zebrabaker @cupcakeandkisses @bluerosette23 @ranger-gothamite @cherrycokewrites @chaotic-chaton @krispydefendorpolice @actual-human-disaster @internally-confused-what @awesome-starfish-and-tacos: @dawnwave16 @mandy984 @myazael @vespersong @sparkle9510

[extremelyblackandwhite]

where does it end?

Pairing: Queen!Reader x Knight!Bucky Barnes 

Warning(s): angst, sexual themes, triggering content, dark!steve

A/N: by @lookiamtrying​ request, i am posting the last part to an year old mini fanfic i wrote. last chapter inspired by love me or leave me. enjoy xx

The world had barely seen the Queen ever since her loss. She was locked in her room and never left for any reason. Steve had been assigned her duties and her meals were taken into her chambers by her handmaidens. She had even moved her King and husband from her room. No one heard from her and some handmaidens were quick to start coming up with the wildest of theories while some believed she could be expecting, but James knew it wasn’t the truth. 

     - The King’s calling for you, Sir Barnes. - Natalia walked into the training chambers where he was supervising some new blood into the royal army. James sighed, turning to his second and telling him to take his place before following the redhead into the King’s headquarters.

He wasn’t very keen on talking to him much less look at him. James despised him with every drop of his being but yet he couldn’t figure out if it was because he had gotten the ultimate prize or if he had threatened to have her head cut off due to infidelity which had never happen. 

They finally stopped in front of the King’s Quarters which had been the young Queen’s library and now rudely turned into somewhere where Lord Rogers rudely tried to take her place. He was royalty but he didn’t have the grace or the beautiful ruling ability the Queen had. 

    - Your Royal Highness ... - the redheaded female knocked on the huge mahogany doors whose initials had been removed. She slowly opened the door to see the blonde reading some papers. - Sir Barnes is here, as you requested. 

    - Thank you, Lady Romanova. - he said, not even looking up from his papers. Natalia took James inside, leaving him there only hearing his heartbeat and the wood crackling on the fireplace. He heard the doors closing behind and his last conversation with the king came to mind. 

    - Your Majesty, what do you wish from me? - no matter how hard he disliked the man, he was still his King and while Y/N was unavailable, he’d have to answer to him and only him.

    - You are a smart man, Sir Barnes. My advisors say you take it after your father, ever so calculating. You’re a man who, like me, knows that despite our dear Queen being ever so thoughtful, ever so loved, she has one job that she needs to do as a Royal of her gender. Can you tell me what is it?

    - Provide heirs to ensure the house keeps on. - James refused to look Steve in the eyes. He didn’t understand where he was going, he didn’t understand why he asked that. - What does that have to do with me, your majesty?

    - She refuses to see me and since she’s the rightful heir, her advisors have suggested another husband for the Queen considering we won’t produce any heirs. - Steve got up from his seat walking up to one of the countless shelves filled with books owned by the crown family. - I’ve spent years in my brother’s shade, heir in spare and I will not have my marriage annulled and lose my crown because my wife refuses to lay with me. 

    - I don’t understand what that has to do with me, Your Majesty. 

    - My wife clearly doesn’t want to lay with me but she doesn’t seem to have minded laying with you before we were married. At this point I don’t care who the child is as long as she’s pregnant. 

Bucky’s heart sank into his stomach as his brain started to process what he was asking of him. It couldn’t be, he wouldn’t want that, Bucky couldn’t do that. His eyes seemed void of life as he looked up at his King whose position was so so fickle.

    - I don’t think I understand, your Majesty. - Bucky hoped he didn’t understand, he really hoped he was wrong. 

   - What part of fuck my wife do you not understand, Sir Barnes? - he growled at the man standing in front of him. - I will not be thrown off my rightful throne because my wife refuses to get knocked up. 

   - With all due respect, your Majesty, it is her rightful throne. She’s the heir.

   - You see, Sir Barnes I really don’t wanna accuse my wife of adultery. It will end up in her beheading and I really don’t think the people would enjoy that. Besides, of course I will pay you a good amount for your service and it’s not like I will deprive you of seeing the child. - Bucky could feel himself churn at the thought of the man so many called loyal and rightful treat Y/N as if she were a breeding dog, as if she were a business, as if she wasn’t the human with the heart of gold he knew she had.

No, no, Bucky couldn’t do that to her. He knew his Queen like the palm of his heart, she was sweet, fair and anyone who’s by her company normally basks in her light which seems to reflect of her own words. He couldn’t agree to treat her as if she was merely a breeding object but he also couldn’t allow for her to be beheaded. It terrified him to see the face he used to love to wake up next to, her little smirky whenever she stole swords from knights as her princess, her sunny smile whenever she performed an operetta correctly gone. He couldn’t see her gone. No. He had promised to protect his sovereign and she would always be her Queen.

     - I cannot do that. 

     - Your father fought to protect this kingdom. I am fighting to protect it too, you cannot let a woman rule by herself, who’ll inherit the throne? Besides, you surely didn’t mind fucking her like a cheap whore when she wasn’t married.

     - Your wife has always been loyal to you since her marriage. I’ve told you that before. 

     - Then I think you have a choice to make. 

Bucky felt the world collapse on top of his. Through his mind rushed the moments he had shared with her, from the very first moment he met her sitting at one of her mother’s teas, pink frilly dress, the smile she gave him to her wedding when he refused to stop the ceremony. He wondered if he should’ve had stopped but he also wondered what life he could’ve given her. It didn’t matter anymore, he should’ve stopped it, he should’ve done something. He thought of the life she could’ve had if he had stopped her, she wouldn’t have gotten pregnant, she wouldn’t have lost the baby, he wouldn’t have disappointed her once again and she wouldn’t be traded around like a harlot.

As he exited the study, he knew what he had to do. He had to take her away from the kingdom as sure as possible, send her to one of their allies, maybe to one of her younger sister’s kingdoms gained by marriage, anywhere that could aid her in stopping what was happening behind her back.

    - Don’t. - he turned around to see his wife, Natalia. She held a cold look in her face, too cold contrasted to her fiery red hair but he still could point out the crack in the ice of her eyes. It was still there, begging. - I know what you’re thinking about, James. Don’t do it. 

    - Get off my way, Natalia. - she stood in front of him like an unmovable rock, stronger than the tide itself, never stopping. - I won’t say it again.

    - Just sleep with her, James. He’ll pay you well and we could leave this, we could maybe buy a piece of land, start over. - jealousy is a damned thing, he realised. He realised jealousy had shaped the wife once friend who he had known all his life as someone who knew right from wrong, it had shaped her into a cunning woman, one which knew how to ride the problem of her marriage away. But she couldn’t erase the problem, she could never get what was already someone else’s, no matter how hard she tried. - You’ll only end up getting yourself killed.

    - Move.

    - No, James. 

    - Do not make me hurt you. - he stepped closer to the red head, close enough he could feel her breathing on his face, fists clenched. 

    - Would you hurt your wife for her? 

Yes. The answer was yes but he wouldn’t say it to her. Instead he shoved her away from him, watching as his lack of answer broke through her cold facade allowing him to overpower her. Natalia watched as he strode through the halls, not even looking back. He had been gone a long, long time away, but now, now he was walking away and she stood in the corridor, on her knees, stubborn soul refusing for the tears gathered on her eyes to stream down her face, hate growing where love once blossomed. 

Bucky strode through the corridors, the phantom of Y/N still haunting him as if the memory of younger, better days were pulling at his brain like bottled regrets. She would always let her hand close to his, hoping for him to grab it and he never did, he never did. He wondered why he never did. As he stepped closer to her chambers, he could see her handmaids surrounding the door, still locked out and not allowed in. 

   - You’re needed elsewhere. - he spoke in a tone which left no room for interpretation. The girls immediately rush away, fears of the man which seemed to had turned bitter with time too present in their minds. Bucky didn’t care or feel any pity for them. They had comfortable lives, they didn’t need pity, they needed to be away from the Queen.

His hand went straight to the door handle, pushing it open but the door didn’t budge. Y/N was still locked in. He tried in, hoping the door would cave in but once again it didn’t. They weren’t supposed to cave in. His fists started banging against the gold encrusted door and had he not lost his flesh arm long years ago, it would’ve started bleeding from the force alone. 

    - Open the door, Y/N! - desperation dripped from his voice but she herself, like the door didn’t cave in.

   - Stop banging on the door and go away, James. - he could hear her from the other door. So close and yet so far away.

   - Open this door or so help me I will break it down myself. - Y/N didn’t doubt him. She knew what his arm could do but she was also much too smart not to get hurt again. Nevertheless, she unlocked the door, turning the small golden key held by the lock and he immediately pushed the door open. Her eyes scanned him, he was deranged, like an animal in the wild.

   - Get out, James. I swear I will call the guards on you. 

   - We need to go. - he walked into her bedroom, straight to the hanger where her cape hanged from. Grabbing it, he threw it at her but Y/N remained in her spot, no affection for him in his face. Had he not been so concerned for her head remaining on her shoulders, it would’ve hurt him. - I said we need to go, Y/N. 

    - You don’t get to order me around. 

    - Do you still love me? - the question took Y/N by surprise. Almost as if something had hit her, she took a few steps back, looking behind her to see that not so far away there were some guards. She could just call for them.

    - James, I will call the gu ...

    - Do you still love me? - he interrupted the young queen, punctuating every single word like a stab on an already aching heart. There was no saint, there was no devil, just two aching hearts filled with scars that were starting to harden the youthful hope it used to harbour.

Did she still love him? Yes. She can’t find the words to tell him, head and heart bleeding in negative thoughts. She could never say to him she didn’t and whenever she told him she did, he would turn his face and walk away leaving her broken, shattered on the floor by a love surely classic love tales warned her about. In her memory everything still burned from when he said he didn’t love her from when he called himself a mere companion. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him she loved him so instead she nodded.

    - I have to get you out right now. I’ll explain later. - he stepped towards her but there was no ice cold nature to him, no violence. Instead, he slide the cape behind her, tying it around her neck before placing the hood over her head. It was a bleak brown cape she would use whenever going into the town’s market. 

His hand wrapped around hers as he turned the opposite way from the guards, walking towards the training grounds from which he could sneak her out and into the carriage which led into the town where she could get a train ticket into one of her sisters’ kingdoms. He kept rushing through the halls until a very familiar voice made him stop, rushing her to the opposite corridor. Both of them were up against the wall. 

   - Thank you for letting me know, Natalia. - the voice boomed through the corridor before he turned to address the guard with him. - Make sure Sir Barnes and the Queen leave. Sadly, our Queen seems to have chosen an illicit affair over her wedding and therefore she is a traitor to our country. 

Y/N looked up to Bucky, not understanding exactly what had happened but knowing she clearly couldn’t remain in the castle. Bucky mouthed kitchen to her, before helping her rush down the corridor onto the kitchen. Both of them ran through the oven heated grounds until the wooden door. Luckily for them, it was open.

   - Here. - Bucky handed her a small pouch. - There’s enough for a train ticket and more if anything happens. 

   - Are you coming?

   - Bucky, you’re gonna be killed. If affair isn’t believed, he’ll surely blame you for rape or kidnapping and he’ll kill you.

   - Y/N.

   - Do you love me? - she had one hand on the open door’s handle and one extended to him.

Yes. His hand touched hers and they exited, door behind them closed as everything was left behind.

[babybottlepop96]

Home Again Chapter 2

warnings: Same as the first chapter (reccommend reading chapter one first)

~10 Years Ago~

When Jean awoke, it was dark, wet, cold. The smell reminded him of that time he left a cheesesteak sub in his mother's fridge, stuffed all the way in the back and forgot about it, it smelled of rot, decay and death. The air was thick and he choked on it. When he tried to move, he couldn't, his hands behind his back and stuck to whatever wall was in the room, the feeling of mold and miss sticking to his hands had his stomach churning with disgust.

"Ah, looks like the runt is awake." A deep, raspy voice sounded, echoing off the walls and sounding much louder than what it probably was. Jean turned to the sound to see a doorway lit by a candle. Above the flame was a long, thin, stubble coated chin, a mouth of thin lips curled into a wicked smile showing off dark yellow and brown stained, crooked teeth, a short pug like nose and then eyes that seemed to burn a bright blue in the low light. The man was tall, lanky, but underneath the tight green shirt showed off toned muscle. "How you feeling princess?" 

Jean just looked at the man, "What's going on? Where am I?" He asked just above a whisper.

"Ah, straight to the point I see, well, ya see princess-" 

"Don't call me that." Jean hissed as a boney, calloused hand smacked him across the face.

"Don't back sass me boy!" The man's deep voice bellowed, causing the volume in the small space to vibrate the moist walls. "I will call you whatever the fuck I feel like!" The man pulled Jean up and pushed him against the wall, bending down a significant amount to get right into his face. Jean's nose scrunched as the smell of tobacco and whiskey invaded his nostrils. "You belong to the Nevidljiv now, you have no right to speak to anyone without permission. You will learn place, princess, and I will making fucking sure of it." The man sneered in his face. Jean's eyes widened and his body started to shake. What the fuck was happening? What is the Nevidlijiv? What's going to happen to me? All these questions ripped through Jean's mind as he was dropped to the floor, landing with a painful thud against the hard floor beneath him. "The quicker you learn, the less painful it'll be for you. So I suggest you do what your told the first time." The man looked at the young teen on the floor and smiled wickedly, "We start lessons in an hour." With that, the man and the source of light was gone. Jean was left alone in the cold, damp, dark space with just his thoughts.

~1 Hour Later~

Jean was suddenly dragged out from wherever he was, the sloshing of something thick and liquidy seeping into his work out sketchers. Jean let himself be taken, the words of the disgusting man from earlier still ringing in his ears, 'The quicker you learn, the less painful it'll be for you.' Jean was then led up a set of stairs, the air becoming less thick smelled more like tobacco and cinnamon scented candles. A door was swing open and Jean had to close his eyes before the blinding light that smacked in his face. "This the new kid?" Another man asked and Jean opened his eyes, only to stare into a pair of eyes, one white like cream and another eye that was like an olive green, staring back at him filled with an emotion that screamed hatred.

"Yes, sir. This one was found walking in the park only a few hours ago. Lappell found him." The man dragging him spoke, the man from earlier.

"Well, Lappell did a good job this time. Finally, a bitch that should make a decent penny if he is trained correctly. Thank you Marcus, you may leave the boy and do whatever." The man, Marcus, pushed Jean into the big, bright room and closed the door behind him. Jean stared at his surroundings, the white walls and high ceiling seemed to stretch on for forever, the only things that he could see that weren't white were the dark brown, leather couches and a baby blue door on the opposite side of the room. "Get a shower kid, then come back out. Do not make me wait longer then five minutes." The short, chubby man walked towards one of the couches and turned to look at Jean, who was standing frozen in place. "Don't make repeat myself boy!" The man yelled and Jean turned to the blue door, which he assumed was the bathroom and made a mad dash towards it, opening it and stumbling pass the threshold.

He was right, this was the bathroom, but the site of it made him want to vomit, it was dirty, spelled of shit, vomit and copper. Yellow stains covered the walls that he only assumed used to be a pristine white at one point. He quickly undressed and turned the shower on, he stepped in and let the burst of cold water drench him. He scrubbed off the dirt and sweat and everything else that seemed to cover his body in the amount of time from the morning he woke up to now. What day was it? The man, Marcus said a few hours, but was it longer? 

Jean got out of the shower only to find that his clothes were missing and he had no towel. Panic set itself within his body and he bagan to shake. Suddenly the door was ripped open, almost off it's hinges, and the shirt chubby man stood before him. Jean made aove to cover himself, but the man grabbed him arm and drug him towards the center of the two couches that now seated more men, all in dark business suits and perfectly styled hair, puffing cigars. "Men! Meet the newbie." The stubby man spoke…. Happily? 

"My, my, my. This one is a beauty! You really out done yourself this time Reggie." A pale man with peircing hazel eyes and cherry red hair spoke, lips curling into a smirk as he looked over Jean's naked form. Jean moved to cover himself again, but the red head snatched his hands. "Don't you dare cover yourself, boy. We quite like the view." Jean stared to shake again, he was not liking where the conversation suggested, he just wanted to bolt through the door Marcus brought him through, but he had no light, no clothes, no shoes, he didn't know where the hell he was or how he even got here. He was stuck and he was alone. 

"Spin around for us." Reggie spoke from his seat on the couch next to the red head. When Jean didn't move, a hand hit his face, the force giving Jean whiplash. "Spin around!" Jean nodded shakily, the faint taste of blood hitting his tounge as he slowly turned in a circle, hands balled at his sides as he concentrated on not covering up his dignity. "Good boy." Reggie purred like he was talking to a dog who just learned how to obey a simple command. "Who would like to break in the new toy first?"

~Present Day~

"Where the hell did you find him?!" Marco cried as he rushed to a sleeping Jean, holding a cold, pale, thin hand in his own warm, freckled, tan ones as a tear slowly slipped down a cheek.

"We went looking for a new maid, as you know since… Mrs. Kirstein passed, we haven't been able to find one quite as good as her. So we scouted for one at an auction." The young men were silent, all knowing how much everyone on this side of the state hated under ground auctions that sold off people for there own benefit. But Marco, knowing his father was desperate for a friend like Mrs. Kirstein, understood why he would've went so low. "We made it for the last fifteen minutes or so for the pleasure portion of the auction. None of us bothered to look and see who was being sold off, we didn't have the hearts, until the last person came out and the bids were flying out left and right, huge numbers, more then any other I've heard for being sold. I got curious and turned to see the one face I never thought I'd see again. Jean." 

Marco looked at the sleeping man and gently brushed some hair out of his face, his eyes roaming the expansive canvas of his body, bruises varying in color from blue, purple, yellow and green, all in various states of healing. The scars and freshly stitched wounds done by Dr. Yeager himself. His once almost smooth perfect body had been beaten on, dirtied, and touched by unknown men and possible women, he was put into pain and suffering for probably ten years. A while decade Marco wondered what had happened to Jean, and now he wasn't liking the reality of it. "Who had him?" He whispered as his fingers traced old wounds on jeans right arm.

"He was being sold throught a human trafficking organization known as The Nevidlijiv, it's Creation for Invisible. Meaning this organization it's soon secret, no one knows about it unless you know someone, someone powerful. It started back in the late 1800s by a group of men who wanted nothing more then to steal and use others weaker then themselves to.. keep them company, if you get my drift." Dr. Yeager informed and the rest of the young adults listen intently. "After a few years of kidnapping young men and women, they decided they wanted to make a pretty penny, so they started selling them. Always moving to different locations or even different countries to keep themselves off the grid. It's cash only, if it's traceable, it's not allowed. No phones or may other electronics are allowed in the places the auctions are held. Hence, invisible." Dr. Yeager looked at Jean's unconscious body and sighed, "And I'm afraid Jean here, was the top prize for those disgusting pigs. Sure, being the best means too care, but that doesn't exclude from anything else, he was probably treated worse because of being the top one to want." 

Marco could feel the tears cascading down his freckles cheeks, as held onto Jean's hand tighter. "Fuck! If I would've known something like this could've happened, I would've-" Eren suddenly spoke up, his voice cracking as he willed himself not to break down. Sure, he was an asshole to Jean, a major dick bucket, but he realized after Jean had vanished it was because he himself, was trying to hide the fact that he also liked the same sex. When Jean never showed up for school again, he felt this odd pang of hurt inside his chest and realized then, he really liked Jean.

"Eren, it's okay, none of us could've guessed this would've happened." Armin then spoke, putting a comforting hand on his boyfriend's shoulder and brought him in for a hug.

"Do you know what else happened to him?" Marco asked, as he looked towards his father with tear filled eyes.

"I was given this. A list of prior "owners" and all the medical records he had in the last ten years." He held out a decently sized folder, filled with papers. Marco took the black folder and began looking through it, heavy in his hands, he wanted to be sick.  Every single medical record was signed with a different name for major things like surgery or anything that required severe medical attention. Others where I put signed by people who had bought Jean at auctions and some just had awful names written down: Bitch, Whore, Slut… just to make a few. As Marco got further the papers the words began to blur into a mess of scribbles. He closed the folder and tossed to across the room, laying his head on the couch next to Jean, Marco let out a loud sob, breaking everyone hearts as they saw the heir to the Bott mafia and business weep his heart out for the boy he lost and then found again.

Jean suddenly let out an ear piercing scream, shaking and clawing at his own skin. Marco fell away as he wanted the man he loved for years convulse like mad man and scream like he was in pain. Dr. Yeager and Mr. Ackerman held him down, "Get the sedative!" Dr. Yeager yelled at no one in particular. Mikasa grabbed the syringe from her adoptive father's bag and handed it to him. After Jean was injected, Jean fell limp against the couch once more.

[seerdiary-sun]

You know what, fuck anyone who says "disney princesses" are anti feminist.

Those "princesses" are NOT from disney. They from the anglo saxon times baby!

And yeah, back then they were a little wild and crazy but lets be real, those stories, the ones Grimms wrote down, came from house women

Yeah thats right, to women that were all suffering (probably) were like, " yeah, this busty ass rich boy gonna ask to hear the stories I tell my children, im gonna make it clear that you shouldnt mess with us"

and the Grimms (who maybe were just big nerds) were like "thats fucking amazing Im writing that shit down" but they never respected women enough to credit them so their stpries were SHIT!

Nobody wanted to read about the dissection of stories from "old wives" in clinical, scientific manner.

So people were like "naw dog, this shit STANK!" and they were poor and shit and idk what happened to them but i dont think they had a good life.

But we dont care about that.

The love that a mother has for her child can not be hidden because it is inherently so strong (not always but lets stop being childish and always thinking about how something could have been terrible, like com on. You are making everyone miserable with such unhealthy pessimism [yes there is healthy and unhealthy pessimism and optimism] and more importantly you are making yourself THE MOST miserable)

fuck what was i saying?

anyway the mothers love could not be hidden so some sorry ass decided to revive the grimm brothers with edits back to the original story.

or no fuck wait, did one of the grimm brothers do that?

well whoever did it, they got money from it and everyone was like "yaaaaaahhhh we love yooouuu yaaaaaaahhhhh!"

and it was passed down through generations because of their (the mothers) timeless lessons held the great archaic knowledge of Life TM.

and it was all by women talking to other women and creating stories together.

And THATS WHY Cinderella is a feminist classic.

Not only was it the success story of women having their story told, but it was also about women who were so kind hearted getting what they deserved and never even bothered to ask for because they were THAT NICE and so a prince stumbled in and was like "you gucci fam? do you want someone to like, talk to? Do you want someome to deeply listen to you and care about every single word you say??"while rupunzel was just j chillin being bored as f.

Cinderella got her dreams to come true by having a night to relax and enjoy the ball and herself.

She made herself a dress and everything. She even asked she was like "can i have the night off please" and her mom was like, imagine a small dog barking, she was like "nah fuck that we hate how secure you are with yourself and others. we are super jealous and insecure about how you stay kind and soft no matter what life throws at you when it's clear we havent! i mean lookat us, we ugly because we dont think we deserve to be pretty! we skanky because we dont respect/love ourselves enough to believe someone would be unconditionally loving to us without wanting anything in return! So you know how it be, we locking you up!"

and Cinderella was like " damn that sucks. you guys go to the ball, imma take time to cope in a healthy way about this, by crying so see yall" and she cried and was on the way to picking herself back up again when BAM!

Someone help her have a solo girls night out, and she was like "damn thats real nice. ill follow your rules that you set, because i am thankful for your kindness, because i know personally, like PERSONALLY, how hard it can be to be kind without getting anything in return."

So she went, bopped at a party, not really trying to disturb anyone's night be3she is so honored that she was even there, met some random himbo who was a lil ditzy, but she aint here to judge because she is secure in her own self enough to not be prejudice.

12pm hit, bitch gotta go, accidentally dropped a shoe, we apologize for that later there is no time to hang, and the prince was like-

"beautiful on the inside and out woman, dont you know im a prince who can finacially and physically support you so you dont have to?!?!?!"

and she was like " i cant fucking hear you, i feel bad that i had this time for myslf so imma run back before i get in trouble for not helping out them girls who are skanky and need help"

then the prince was SO cool he was like " aight, i checked the nobles, aint none of them was her, we got to try the common folk - because my girl is SO noble, she probably live in a sewer idk, i just dont know, she made me realize common peasants are like, cool."

when he get there

no wait.

he has to send his steward because he's going to work on rebuilding his peasant aqueduct system, in case Cinderella living in the sewer. We dont know, we dont know. this amazingly kind and great listener of a woman makes me feel alive and makes me want to be good for my common people.

so he sent his steward. his steward, bless his heart, aint seen the bitch.

so his prince man was like " i trust you, i love you, take this prized possession of mine, my only connection to my homegirl, as a symbol of my trust, and with my love for you and her, im confident you will find her.

so steward man went off with a lot of love and anxiety to please his prince boy.

shoe doesnt fit them girls, neither would that union fit.

and Cinderella was like " oh damn, thats my slipper, imma play it cool and just simply ask to try it on, so that nobody suspects that i went and had myself a good time on someone elses account.

and step ma was like "no way, imma bfeak this slipper, because i need you emotionally to feel like theres hope for me, when you always kind"

and slipper broke, anxious steward crued.

cindy was like "damn, there goes my disguise. this man needs a slipper to please his bro and also right now, i feel like i was neglecting MYSELF by not believing i deserve this man. also that tight butt and good listening got me feeling things"

then the prince found his girl, cindy got to relax, evil step people were forced to take a hard look at themselves and finally decide if they were worth love from themselves.

and the sweage ducts, were cleaned or whatever.

the end

Cinderella rules.

Love wins.

[bits-bobs-and-barnes]

Coercion {Loki Laufeyson x Reader}

This is the second part to Bend the Knee, read the first part here!

{Author’s Note: I was thrilled by the response to the first part of this series, and am excited to see if the second chapter lives up to expectations! As always, if you liked the piece, make sure to like and reblog it to help my blog grow! Send me a message, or leave a comment below if you’d like to be tagged in this series, or any of my other series! Also, feel free to drop me an ask if you have any requests, or just want to show some love! Hope you enjoy!}

Warnings: mentions of murder/warfare, forced marriage, sexual thoughts

Tags:  @chonisberonica @jilldsumner @legendsaresooftenwarnings @jessiejunebug @loki-poki-foki @pandacookieowo @kneel-before-queen-loki @rjohnson1280 @mother-of-fandoms-250

Your brother was, unsurprisingly, stubborn and fought his handlers each step of the way. He snarled curses at the back of the God who led the procession, vision bleeding red as the man took your arm, leading you with tenderness, and speaking of the beauty of Asgard in the spring. 

Every few minutes, you would glance back, eyes pleading, begging him to cooperate-- for the sake of your lives. Loki was being lenient, kind even, and that could change in a moment if he grew irritated with the irate comments spewed from your brother’s lips. 

During one of these such moments, Loki touched your chin and urged you to look back to him. “Do not worry, Princess, he bothers me little. Some men cannot stomach defeat-- it is all too common in war.” He smiled warmly, and moved his hand to rest on the small of your back, guiding you forward. 

“What war?” Your brother wheezed, his eyes dark with fury. “There is no threat greater than Odin and his brood, you are nothing more than tyrants crushing weaker realms beneath your boot,” he spat with disgust, pulling against the two guards who held him in place. 

Annoyance flickered across Loki’s face as the boy interrupted him yet again, and he withdrew his hand, turning to face the shaking beast your brother had become. He gripped his bloodied chin, and forced his gaze up. “My leniency has its ends, cur, and I’ve had enough of your insufferable jibes,” releasing him, and muttering soft instructions to the handlers, who tugged your still struggling brother away from the pair of you. He turned back to you, and urged you forward with renewed vigor. 

Your eyes lingered on your brother until he was out of view, offering a silent prayer to whatever gods were still listening that he would be safe until you could negotiate his freedom.

Loki guided you through seemingly endless corridors and stunning parlors, describing each in detail that was quickly lost on you. The tour was concluded in a much larger hall, absent of the usual activity of the palace-- save for two figures at the front of the room. “My father,” Loki murmured in your ear, “and my brother,” the latter was mentioned with more irritation than reverence. 

Odin the Conqueror was less terrifying than you’d imagine. His hair had long since gone white, he was missing an eye, and he was dressed in finery-- ornate and well-decorated armor, speaking with his other son, the blond. 

Thor shamelessly admired his brother’s new prize, flashing you a predatory smile. He hardly glanced to his brother as Loki recounted their stunning victory, and the success of their conquest. He was too busy imagining the filthy things he would do when he got you alone; balling up that pretty skirt in his hands and making you weep with pleasure. 

Odin listened with interest, allowing his pride to shine through as Loki described his assault on the palace, and the recovery of two of the old King’s children-- including the beauty at his side. “You have done very well, Loki,” he complimented, gesturing for him to bring you closer. “Princess Y/N, welcome to Asgard,” he greeted cordially.

Overwhelmed, you finally spoke. “I-- thank you,” you offered lamely, wishing more than anything that you could be six again, hiding behind your mother’s skirts. It would do you no good to snarl and bite like a feral dog, you were outnumbered and outmatched, so you relied on the years of etiquette drilled into you by your tutors. “It’s quite… beautiful here,” you made no mention of the slaves that had built this beautiful palace, or the realms they’d pillaged to afford their fineries. 

Odin beamed like this was some great compliment, looking around his dazzling throne room with little humility. “I am glad that you are unharmed,” his eyes returned to you, “I… apologize for the violence you must have witnessed, I imagine it is a great weight for a girl of your age.” 

You couldn’t muster the will to offset his worries, your lips set in a tight line. 

“Your Father was a good man,” he looked slightly more solemn now, “but he had no vision. What did he hope to accomplish by defying us?” His tone implied you were not supposed to answer. “Your people are strong, proud, even farmers took up arms to protect your family-- that loyalty, it cannot be bought.” He leaned forward on his throne, as though he was explaining something complicated to a child. “You are their leader now, and they look to you for guidance.” 

You were confused, and it showed. 

Loki was in your ear almost immediately, “speak, Princess,” he urged, “you are safe here.” 

“I don’t understand,” you admitted, feeling a chill shoot up your spine as Loki’s lips brushed against your ear, “my kingdom is yours, isn’t it? Am I not your prisoner?” 

Odin laughed deeply, and leaned back to his usual posture. “Did you explain nothing to this poor girl, Loki?” He teased, standing now, and approaching you, standing before you as a God, a King, and a legend. 

Loki’s hand retreated out of respect, and he stood back, carefully watching the exchange. “Our time together was short, father.” He offered curtly, in defense of himself.

“Indeed,” Odin agreed, ignoring his son’s tone, and admiring you at closer distance. “Commonfolk do not trust their conquerors. They trust what they know, who they know-- and you are beloved in your kingdom.” 

It was not untrue. Your father had ruled for centuries, and had a reputation for being just, kind, and fair. With your extended lifespan, your Father had taught you many things, but above all-- that you must use your station to help those beneath you. With this in mind, you frequently would leave your palace to walk among the common folk, and help what you could. A little gold here, some food there, and within a few decades, you were adored by the common folk as the sweet Princess who would take the bread from her table and split it with the servants who served her. 

You didn’t respond, waiting for him to make his meaning clear. 

“Your Father had many allies, and if they see you submit to being part of my greater empire, they will follow,” he explained, “your father was respected, and as his daughter, you have more influence than you realize. Asgard seeks an alliance with the newly appointed Queen.”

You could almost scoff. After murdering your family and destroying your palace, now they wanted an alliance. “I cannot offer anything of value that you do not already possess,” you stated politely, with an edge to your tone. “And my people are not so easily tricked.” 

Loki smothered a smile, but kept any words from his lips, knowing that this moment was crucial. 

“You could offer yourself,” Thor chimed in from near the throne, finally freeing himself from his lustful thoughts. “Isn’t that all you have?” He spoke as though it was as simple as exchanging coin for beer, and not willingly putting yourself in shackles.

Loki rolled his eyes, stepping forward until his hand returned to its former position on your spine. “What my brother means to say, is that we seek an alliance through marriage. Myself, or my brother would wed you, and rule beside you-- ensuring Odin’s will in enforced. You would be there,” he searched for the word, “to ease people's worries, and your duties would remain nearly the same as they are now.” 

“It would be a smoother transition than appointing a new ruler,” Odin offered logically, “and you would be treated very well, provided you remain cooperative.” 

“And if I refuse?” You could hear yourself speaking, but your mind was blank with rage and anguish, “If I don’t want to be your puppet Queen?”

Loki stiffened imperceptibly behind you. His father was benevolent… to a point, but he did not tolerate disrespect-- especially from a captive. “I’m sure your brother would rather you took the offered choice,” he interjected, “it is rather generous, for a woman in your position.” 

Odin’s smile had disappeared, and he was left with a much stiffer expression. “But I suppose, in the end, it is your fate.” His voice was cool and unimpressed, and like this, you could see where the tales had emerged. This was the man who would slaughter entire bloodlines for a few more miles of territory, the man who had ordered your father killed, the man who’d spared you to suit another scheme. 

What choice did you have? If you refused, your sacrifice would be for nothing-- your brother would die, and your people would suffer under Odin’s regime. If you submitted, if you served him-- at least you could protect those that you loved. At least you could save your brother, protect your people from some cruelty. “And my brother will remain unharmed?” You asked, your voice on the edge of a whisper. 

“He will be kept to a cell, but unharmed,” Loki promised, inwardly thrilled by the lack of resistance in your tone. “On my honor, Princess.” It was one of the sweeter things in the world, submission. 

Odin watched you expectantly, his temper waning as you had rescinded your barbed tongue. It would be unfortunate, after all the trouble it took to bring you here, to have to kill you now. Wasteful, even. 

“If everything you say is true,” you straighten your posture and tried to emulate your mother, trying to present more of a presence, “then I have no reason to refuse,” you concluded judiciously. 

Odin smiled, and clasped his hands together as though he were proud of you for drawing an obvious conclusion. “Very well then,” he glanced back to Thor, and then to Loki, “there is only one matter left at hand,” his tone was anticipant, “which of you should be her husband.” 

[xiumin-on-this-shit]

All My Idols Ch 35: Not The Right Time for Us, But Time to Raise Hell

“Hi,” Kyungsoo greets bashfully, opening his front door, I’ve never seen the man look so awkward. “Hi Oppa,” I respond back, dancing on my toes. “Come in!” He opens the door fully, allowing me to step pass him and into the quiet townhome, the only sound coming from the speaker playing softly in the corner. I slip off my shoes, a pair of pink slippers is sitting there for me to step into. Kyungsoo takes my jacket from me, he hangs it up in the nearby closet before leading me farther into the beautiful apartment. “Thank you for coming over,” He mumbles sweetly, leading me into the kitchen.

“Thank you for being so flexible with our plans. Again, I’m so sorry about Jiyong oppa, he isn’t usually this crazy,” I grimace at the memory of this morning. Kyungsoo, thankfully, just laughs it off, “I knew what I was signing up for when I asked you out on a date. If I’m being honest, I’m happy that we moved it here. More private.” “I agree, it’s hard enough to go out in public as us but with a price on our heads I don’t imagine it would have been fun.” “This also give me a chance to show off my cooking skills,” He gestures to the pots and pans on the stove. I take a moment to fully appreciate the full kitchen that isn’t usually in Korean apartments, I can only assume the man had it installed himself. I breath in the scent of seasoned meat and something spicy, not Korean spicy though. “Pulled pork tacos,” He pulls all lid off one of the pans revealing frying pork. I raise a brow at him, not knowing it is part of his cookbook. “You had mentioned to Yixing hyung that you were craving more western foods so I thought I would give it a try, so please be kind when trying it. It is my first time.” I can’t hold back the smile spreading across my face, “Thank you Oppa.” “Anytime.” “I’m going to take you up on that offer, I hope you know that.” “I really hope you do,” He hums as he stirs the meat a bit, “Now tell me something though. How did you escape Jiyong and the rest of big bang?” I chuckle, “Oh that was a tricky thing. Seunghyun oppa helped me out a lot after lots of fatherly warnings, he was able to hold Jiyong and Seungri back while I gave the other two puppy dog eyes that they couldn’t refuse.” “I should expect nothing less from you, the greatest escape artist. You alluded me and the other members for almost a year, I have personally experienced your amazing skills.” “Yea,” I awkwardly rub the back of my neck, guilt settles in the pit of my stomach, “I’m still sorry about that. I was just so over whelmed with the idea of meeting all of you I panicked every time you guys appeared.” “No need to apologize, we are here now.” His smile melts my heart like it always does, making me smile like an idiot, “But there is something else I should apologize for.” “What?” “The randsome for your capture.” “For mine? Yours is twice as valuable!” He whips out his phone, the announcement clear on his phone, “’For bringing back our princess unharmed you will receive a prize of $100 and a group photo with Big Bang.’ The price on mine is only $50.” “This is ridiculous.” “Now it’s ridiculous?” The usually sweet man mocks. “When would you have drawn the line?” “When I started receiving more than twenty messages for not answering back.” Those doe eyes slide over to my phone which is sitting silently on the counter, silent but not dead sadly. You have 13 missed calls You have 32 unread messages “Oh my god.” “Are they all from the same person?” “I’m just assuming from at least five different people if not more.” “And here I thought I was popular,” He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly as if trying to push away the blush crawling up from under his shirt. “I’m probably distracting you from some important people.” “You are not distracting me from anyone, my phone is taking away from me focusing on you,” Without any hesitation, but a small amount of anxiety, I turn off my phone and hope for the best. Setting it to the side I look back up at Kyungsoo, “You have my full attention.” “And I have no idea what to do with it,” He blurts out without much thought. “You’re the one who asked me on a date.” “I didn’t think you would actually say yes! I figured you would have let me down gently since Minseok hyung is your favorite.” “What does that have to do with me dating anyone?” “He’s your bias!” “He was my bias since 2013! My lack of dating is more to do with my lack of interest in it than in my casual obsession with boys who I thought would never know I existed.” “So Minseok hyung?” “To be honest I’m a little in love with him, but I’m a little in love with every idol I knew about before all of this, that does include you by the way. But that is a different kind of love, okay?” “Okay.” “Now can we have a normal conversation about each other and not someone else? Please?” “Okay, what do you want to talk about?” I hum, “What is your favorite childhood memory?” Time flies faster than I expected, playing an interesting version of 20 questions breaks the ice easily. I find myself asking more personal questions as time goes on and he does the same in turn. Before long, he is dishing out our meal on to expensive looking plates like he did it for a living. If I could I would take a picture but instead of opening that can of worms I opt to just memorize the picture in front of me. The tortillas lined up loaded with pork and different toppings, from cabbage to carrot to cilantro, and a few other things I couldn’t name. The different colors brightened the dish and put into a whole other category of delicious, I almost don’t want to eat it. Kyungsoo eagerly encourages me, or gently pressured me, into taking a big bite, his eyes the size of the moon and just as white, until I smile in appreciation, “It’s delicious Oppa!” He lets out a breath, “Thank goodness.” “How about you try a bite?” I hold out the small taco to him, I flip it around, so he can have the uneaten end. The man nervously licks those full lips before opening his mouth, allowing me to feed him. It is the most date like thing we’ve done all day and it ended exactly how I expected, with the filling landing on the floor in between us. Neither one of us can hold in a laugh at the loud splat that echoes through the kitchen that has us clutching our stomachs. “Delicious,” He agrees when he can catch a breath. “I’ll clean it up.” “You’re my guest, I should do it!” I chuckle, “I recommend cleaning up yourself,” I hand the man a napkin to clean off his chin. I duck under the counter with another napkin to clean up the small mess before dumping it in the trash. “Did I get it?” He wonders holding up his chin for me to inspect. I gently guide his chin with my hand, tilting his head in many different, dramatic directions before pulling away with a smile, “Yep, as handsome as ever.” We throw a few more jokes at each other before continuing our meal. The man’s surprisingly dark sense of humor brightens my day more than it should. I barely have time to take bites in between his contagious laughter and never ending snide comments. Seeing his heart shaped smile in person for so long is doing serious damage to my soul and my cheeks, I don’t smile this much. Things are going great until there is a knock at the door. We share a confused look as we put our food down and shuffle into the hall, “Are you expecting someone else?” He shakes his head, “No but that never stopped anyone before.” We go closer to the door, stopping just shy to turn on the little monitor on the wall. Kyungsoo quickly gets the camera to show Kai and Sehun standing on the other side. The man next to me literally growls, “Those idiots.” The two seem to realize the camera is on and quickly begin shouting at it, “Hyung! We know you are home! Is Charlie here? She isn’t responding to anyone and since you turned your phone off I’m assuming she’s in there with you! Hyung!” “I’m going to kill them,” Kyungsoo reaches for the microphone button but I catch his hand. “Maybe if we ignore them, they will go away,” I suggest. They bang on the door together, “I mean they will have to use the bathroom eventually and leave.” “You would think they could leave us alone for one day.” “You would think that, but I knew this would happen. I’m sorry Oppa, this is all my fault,” I groan as I rest my head on his shoulder, groaning at my own blessings. “Don’t look so hopeless, maybe you’re right and they will go away.” Their timing is so perfect I’m half sure they can hear us, Sehun informs us, “We told Jiyong where you are.” “Fuck,” I blurt out, dropping to the ground in utter hopelessness. Kyungsoo chuckles sadly, “Well I guess that’s game over. It was nice to have all of your attention for at least a few hours.” He joins me on the floor, we lay side by side in the hallway and stare at the ceiling for a moment to collect ourselves. “To be completely honest,” Kyungsoo hums, “I should have known better than to ask you on a date. It was kind of an unspoken rule for this reason alone. I figured I could get away with it since you said I was one of your bias but I guess I was thinking too highly of myself.” “I am going to throw you out there to them if you don’t shut up. We are both amazing. We both deserved a quiet afternoon, not just two hours of hiding out. This is all fucking ridiculous. I love everyone but I just really wanted to go on a date without being hounded or stalked. Now I see why you guys don’t date, sneaking around sucks!” “It really does, but don’t worry, as time goes on you’ll get more freedom. Trust me, that’s why you’ve only received a few threats here and there compared to people trying to break down the door for me. You just gotta be patient.” I look at him, “Patient?” He nods. I look back up, my eyes narrowed into slits as my anger begins to set in. It’s not even for myself but for my many friends and idols who have to deal with this on a regular bases. They have to be patient with their heart, sell it away in their company until their contract allows. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, not wanting to get myself all worked up. “Let’s go,” I jump to my feet. Kyungsoo slowly sits up, he stares up at me confused, “Where are we going?” “If I have to be patient and not date, this no longer a date and that means we are no longer targets so we are going out and having fun. Now get up because we need to get out of here before the mob arrives.” I grab my own shoes and a pair of his that match his outfit well enough before heading towards the back for a way out. “The back door is to your left. Let me turn everything off!” Kyungsoo yells from the kitchen as I pull on my shoes. He joins me a few moments later and pulls his shoes on faster than I expected, the normally shy, quiet man bounces one his toes happily. Ready to run. “I think they are getting suspicious. I wouldn’t be surprised if Chanyeol and Baek are hanging out in the alley way.” I stand there for a moment next to this man, staring up at him with obvious adoration at the fact he is ready to go on the run with me away from his friends and colleagues with a price on his head. It feels like the plot to some cheesy romantic drama but I don’t mind, I just smile as I grab his hand lead him out the door.

I hold Kyungsoo’s hand in a death grip as we run down a random alley, finally out of sight of our captures. Our chests are heaving, our feet ache, and our legs are barely holding us up but the massive grins on our faces tell each other that it was so worth it. We hold our breath as we see Baekhyun and his giant accomplice sprint by the alley, our eyes lock after about 30 seconds, we let the breath out as our laughs fill the busy alley away. “I guess I got my cardio for the month out of the way,” “For the week? I’m good for the year!” We slouch against the wall with a deep sigh of relief. My aching legs force me lower, I wrap my arm around Kyungsoo’s, he looks at me with raised brows, “If I’m going down I’m taking you with me.” He laughs, “I don’t think I would mind that too much.” We huff out a breathless laugh together as we take a quick moment to relax. But when my eyes land on an older woman eyeing us suspiciously I tense and spin around to face the brick wall behind us, forcing Kyungsoo to do the same. “We probably should have put on some kind of disguise.” Kyungsoo glances over his shoulder as casually as possible, absolutely failing to make it casual. I struggle to hold in a laugh as he looks at the woman with his large eyes, her thin, heavy bagged eyes study him in return but she shows no reaction if she does recognize us. She looks back down to the stone bowls boiling in front of her, she flips the fish grilling to a crisp, she pays our strangeness no mind and I silently thank her lack socialite knowledge. I once again release a breath, this one I didn’t know I was holding. “I’ll be right back,” He tells me as he leans me up against the wall of an alley restaurant. Before I have the chance to even question him, he is answering with a smile, “We need disguises, and one of us is easier to spot than the other.” I look down at myself, my blonde curls fall into view, “Fair enough.” He nods as he peeks out of the alley and quickly slips away into the full afternoon crowd. I sigh. The lady looks back up, “You and your boyfriend are interesting. You look cute together but act very strange.” I smile warmly at her honest compliment, “Thank you ma’am, but we aren’t dating.” “You’re not? Why?” She snaps back, “He’s really handsome! You aren’t going to find a better looking man, sure he isn’t very tall but he has strong shoulders and that is what is important!” “He is very handsome!” I quickly agree, “But we both decided we aren’t going to date, we aren’t in the right spot in our life.” She snickers, “You’ll die alone if you are waiting for the right time.” “Ma’am, I am only 23.” “I was married with two children at your age! How else are you supposed to be the youngest grandmother in the neighborhood?” “You can’t be a grandmother!” I click at her, earning a smirk from the older woman, “You don’t look a day over 25!” “You little sweet talker,” She playfully pretends to swat at me with her stirring spoon, “I remember when I was young, I thought I was indestructible. I would do all sorts of crazy things, drove my father insane but it was amazing.” “I see how you ended up with two kids at my age.” “Watch that mouth of yours,” She warns with her spoon pointed at me once again, “What I’m trying to say before your-not-boyfriend comes back is that if you are young and have no responsibilities yet, have fun, be crazy, don’t care what other people think, okay?” “Okay.” Kyungsoo appears with a shopping bag in hand, “Okay I think this should keep us from being spotted by anyone, I don’t think anyone has come back this way, so we should have an opening to sneak away.” “I see you are already doing something crazy,” The lady hums, staring back at her cooking. “Did I miss something?” Kyungsoo questions. I shake my head, “Nothing really, just some information from a wise young lady.” The woman huffs. “Let’s get this stuff on and head to the han river.” “The river? We are going straight to the most public place?” I can tell he isn’t going to say no but he isn’t going to hold himself back from questioning my decision. “I figured fuck it! Why not?” He nods, “Okay! Well than let’s bundle up and do this.” The sweet man wraps a large scarf around my neck, followed by a hat and a face mask, the go to for idols hiding in the open. He then puts the same things on himself, blending in perfectly with crowds on the street while I still stand a part with my tan skin and my curls peeking out from my hat. “Just keep your head down and your hands in your pockets, I’ll keep my eyes ahead and lead us there okay?” “Yes, sir!” I salute him before shoving my hands deep into my pockets, Kyungsoo locks his arm with mine as he leads the way back on to the street. We blend in with the crowd, shoving and being shoved as we make our way to the closest subway station. We don’t talk the whole way there, on the subway platform our eyes are searching for our captors. On the train Kyungsoo blocks me from the rest of the train car by positioning me into the farthest corner, his height and wide shoulders easily hide me from any possible prying eyes. Our stop is announced over head, he pulls me along off the train and up to the street. Even in the chilly weather people still litter the grass, couples and groups huddling together to stay warm while they chat and munch on snacks. It’s so full of people that I almost consider removing my face mask, I doubt anyone would suspect we would come here but just to be sure I leave it on. Kyungsoo leads us to the edge of the river, we sit together on the cold stone bench few away from the water. We sit there for a while just enjoying the people walking by and the each other’s company. Every time a person comes to close we both tense slightly, but each time the stranger continues on their way, unaware of who we are. Kyungsoo relaxes once again at my side, his shoulders slumping. He sighs, “I feel like an escaped convict. Like we are just waiting to get busted.” “We are,” I agree, eyeing people inconspicuously over my shoulder. “Someone is probably going to find us by the end of the day, how long do you think we have?” “My money is on 10:00.” I hum, “I give us until midnight to raise some hell.” “It’s going to be getting dark soon so that will give us a little bit more cover. We have about three hours until my bet will loose, do you think we can do it?” “Three hours? Damn right we can! But we might as well enjoy the hunt too,” I pull out my phone and turn it on. I quickly put it on do not disturb before pulling Kyungsoo close and snapping a picture of us. “Would it be cruel for me to just tease them?” A large grin spreads across his face, “As you said, we might as well enjoy it.” With our agreement on the subject I save the photo and make a delayed posting time for thirty minutes from now, “Lets grab a snack and go!” “Where are we off to?” “I picked this one, your turn! What is something you love to do around town? Or what haven’t you had the chance to do in awhile?” “We could um, I know it might not be the most hell raising thing, but we could… go try on traditional clothes?” I grin, “I haven’t had the opportunity to, lets go!” Arm in arm we stop at a truck vendor and pick up some bubble tea before rushing towards the shops a little farther down. We scan each sign from top to bottom of the tall building, trying to find the least busy Hanbok shop to go into. We find one another block down with only two other patrons inside. Against my arguments, Kyungsoo pays, we are separated and allowed to pick out whatever colors we would like. The shop owner is an older man who doesn’t obviously show if he recognizes us. Inside the dressing room I scan over each beautiful piece of fabric, the bright beautiful colors leave me in awe. A baby blue top attracts my full attention, the pale pink skirt compliments it so perfectly it makes my decision easy. There is a diagram on the wall that explains how to put it on but when it comes to the little knot to hold the top closed I struggle more than I should. Peaking out of the dressing room I find Kyungsoo already in the staging room, sitting awkwardly on the pillow throne. With the large amount of dramas I have watched over the years, I am able to figure out he is dressed as the prince. So handsome. The silky blue fabric looks so wonderful on him, I stand in the doorway for a long moment just appreciating him. His eyes find me a moment later, they close slightly as he smiles at me. “Any chance you can help me tie this?” I gesture to the coat. He quickly comes over and almost expertly ties the little bow on my chest. The click of a camera brings both of our attention to the shop owner who is already snapping photos. “I am sorry, I usually have a girl here who helps the lady do their hair and help them into the gowns,” He apologizes softly. I wave away his kind words, “It’s okay! I figured it out.” “Plus, her hair looks amazing naturally,” Kyungsoo adds in shyly. The owner ushers us into our positions, doing the usual couple photos before doing individuals. It’s almost impossible for us to keep a straight face with the man narrating our ancient Korean story as star crossed lovers. We ruined a few photos but made a few of them even better with genuine smiles and mischievous grins. After the photo shoot and the man emails us the photos he gives us the option to wear them out around the area. We share a look but decide to decline his kind offer. If we want to make it at least another two hours we can’t completely push our luck just yet.

[lokikingofasgardslover713]

3} Princesses, Princes & Cade

Masterlist

Shackled Babe Masterlist

Loki Laufeyson x Plus Size Reader

Warnings: Odin REALLY being a son of a bitch. Nothing bad yet

Summary: The princes of Asgard meet the princess of Alfheim. How do they take to one another and will Odin take her earlier than expected?

A/N: Hang on it gets juicer after this chapter.

Words: +2,500

4 years and 5 months later

A loud squeal had everyone’s teeth grating when it was apparent the princess was on her way with her brother Arrow. The middle son had been giving the princess her daily fighting lesson from the back of their fathers prized stallion when they had received the summons to head to the throne room.

Arrow not even bothering to dismount at the entrance to the white marble palace. Instead he spurred the dapple-grey beast up the steps and down the halls as he had been known to do on occasion. The prince completely overlooking the six-legged horse that stood on the opposite side of the entry way with two smaller steeds.

The squeal still echoing through the halls, over the sound of hoof beats as the doors to the throne room were opened for him. A jerk to the reigns bringing the massive beast to a halt. An arm around the princess to keep her tightly to his body as the stallion reared and spun for a few moments. Arrow letting out a laugh at his sisters excitement and never noting the looks they were receiving as the beast finally steadied.

“Arrow! Again,” came the excited voice of the princess who was looking at her brother more than the court. The little girl only looking away when she noted her brothers look of mirth change to one only witnessed when she and her mother rode onto the battlefield with he and her brothers.

Sparkling sea green looked towards the throne where her mother and father sat. No, they stood today with a golden guard on either side of the steps, while in the middle of the guard stood a man with one eye. She knew him as Odin, but two younger men with him she wasn’t sure of.

Arrow dismounting first to pull her from the saddle, her arms and legs wrapping tight around her brother as an elf guard held the animal. The tall prince stepping towards the group but giving them a wide berth as he made his way up the dais to the queen and hand off the little princess.

The supposedly lady like princess dressed in gold and black battle leathers and a dragon. A literal dragon the size of a medium dog perched to her back. It's greenish brown head laying across her chest, wings wrapped around her torso like armor. The visitors noting the small leather gauntlets on her wrist that covered the glittering rune shackles.

The little girl holding to her mother who held her close. Odin seen the fear in the old Norns dull gray eyes, and he knew Astrid would fight to her dying breath to keep the little girl.

“Training her as a warrior I see,” came Odin’s stoic voice as he looked over the little girl. His one good eye studying the dragon, then Lyall with disdain before looking back to the child. The princess looked tall for her age, but well-kept and large structured like her mother. The silver sparkle still in her eyes as she took in the men before her.

“It is our way,” Lyall spoke hotly himself, the princess slipping from her mother’s arms before she could be stopped. The little girl with the dragon now bounding behind her down the dais with the queen on her heels to stop her.

“Y/N stop little one,” Astrid spoke out. The queen stopped by the golden guard that allowed the little girl to pass along with the dragon on her heels like a faithful dog. The queen cut off by the guard that stood shoulder to shoulder, the woman glaring at the three Asgardians with dull grey eyes. The princess stopping before the two princes to stare up at them.

Both gave her a smile, the brawny one came off as a total goober but the lanky one came off as intelligent. It shocked her as the first to kneel before her was the lanky one who offered his hand to her. The little creature looking to him, she knew etiquette, but she knew no woman was to bow to man, brother, king, or husband.

The dragon surveying the princes close to share a look with Y/N, the dragon nodding it was OK . It was as if dialogue had been exchanged between the two before offering her small hand. Sea green orbs studying the raven haired one close, noting him look over the gauntlets. The faint hint of seidr there tickling at his own as he gave her a small smile before kissing her slight hand.

“It's an honor to meet you princess Y/N Astriddottir. I am Loki of Asgard,” he spoke with a smile, noting the princess studying him close. The dragon at her side letting out a snort as he curled around her legs protectively. The four-legged creatures back the height of the little princesses waist acting more like a guard dog than a dragon.

“The honor is all mine. Prince Loki of Asgard,” she spoke fluidly and giving a small nod of her head. Loki had to admit it was charming how she acted grown up, but it bothered him that she was forced to grow up fast due to a contract with Asgard. The god releasing her hand as Thor now done the same.

“Hello little one,” Thor began, offering his hand to the princess. The dragon leaning his muzzle out to bump his hand, sniffing it over before looking back to Y/N. The two meeting gazes same as before as if words were exchange before she offered her hand.

“It's a pleasure to meet you princess Y/N Astriddottir,” Thor smiled, kissing the small hand that was swallowed up in his, giving her a smile but it was becoming evident she was growing impatient with the formalities.

“The honor is all mine. Prince Thor of Asgard,” Y/N smiled, nodding her head to the prince as she studied him. The little girl getting antsy, having stood still for too long, used to constantly moving and playing.

“This is Cade,” the princess spoke excitedly. Obvious her focus was gone as she grabbed the dragons head to pull it up, a choke hold on the creature that took it in stride. Pointed tongue shooting out to lick over her face to make her giggle, the two gods studying the princess and her pet.

“It…,” Thor began, but the princess was quick to correct him.

“He.”

“He is a magnificent pet, princess,” Thor tried once again but she was quick to cut him off. The dragon still in a choke hold but not daring to move from her grasp. It appeared Cade was enjoying the attention, the creature young like her and becoming antsy as well.

“Cade is my friend, not a pet,” Y/N spoke very well for a 4-year-old and with authority. Cade sensing her unease and snapped at Thor to make him stand, while Loki was quick to attempt to calm the situation. He and Thor were there to help, not make it worse for the little girl.

“He means nothing by it princess. My brother doesn’t know when to shut his mouth,” Loki began smoothly, remaining kneeling before the little girl.

The god showing no fear of the standoffish dragon that bared fang at the gods, a small hand on his long bumpy neck, the princess not speaking but the dragon cocking his rough head as if she had. The creature turning with his wings pinned to his side to lay his head across her shoulder as if in apology before moving behind the princess to sit like a guardian.

“Why don’t you two take the princess for a walk,” Odin spoke up. Loki standing with Thor to look at their father, then to the throne as well as Astrid who looked horrified to say the least.

“Aye,” Loki spoke up, this would be an excellent way to figure this out. It was apparent the aspect of the two princes taking the little princess was a subject that terrified her mother, father and brothers as well as Cade.

“I will go with you, show you…,” Arrow began, taking steps down the dais but paused as Odin was quick to cut him off.

“No. They will be just fine with her. I need to speak with the entire family about the treaty,” Odin spoke to the entire court. Thor nodding his head to the All-father before looking down to the princess who studied them close, but took the hand Thor offered to allow them to lead her out of the throne room.

The entire court watched the scene as the princes of Asgard left with the small princess between them, Cade trotting behind her. The stallion jerking from the guard to trot out behind them, showing the princesses elemental gifts was over beasts as well. Odin waiting until the door shut before facing her parents, the queen remaining at the bottom of the steps, head held high.

“She appears to have power over beasts. What else can she control? It is obvious she shares your powers, a being who holds sway over all elements,” Odin spoke, looking to Astrid who took a deep breath looking to Lyall then to Odin once more.

“We aren’t sure. Her powers will not fully show until she is of age. In 11 years, it should be known. Though, you should be told, Y/N has showed power over all elements, not just earthly, as mine,” Astrid spoke as if in warning to the All-father that looked at her carefully for a lie. A reason to take the princess then and there, watching for his old lovers tale and found none.

“The creature. What was it she called it,” Odin moved on looking at Astrid still, he could feel her gaze trying to burn holes through him.

“His name is Cade. The dragon gifted to her by myself and my sons, as well as imprinted on the princess. He is the last of his kind and will follow her to Ragnarök without a second thought. You will do well to leave the dragon alone,” Lyall warned the All-father who looked at the king devilishly as if he was planning more ways to throw kinks in the old gods plans.

This time the echo was laughter, the little princess running the open court yard. It was apparent the young monarch was recounting a battle with Cade playing the part of the enemy she had brought down. Y/N not shy of showing how she used the earth to capture the man.

A hole opening up in the grass to swallow Cade and leave his head sticking out of the dirt chattering at her. The little princess plopping in the grass before finally allowing the dragon out to shake the dirt off. Cade sure to sit in front of the two gods who sat cross legged in the grass in front of Y/N.

“That is quiet a talent little one. Who taught you that,” Loki began, the dragon making a point to flop to his back between the princess and men. Watching her little hand rubbing over the creatures scalely, iridescent chest and noticing her carefully check over the thick armor plates that covered his chest.

“I was born with it. My mother just teaches me how to control it,” she chirped as the dragon chattered it's fangs. Small fingers pushing nimbly under the plates of the dragons chest to dislodge dirt and small stones.

“Well, how about I show you my gift little one,” Loki spoke, getting her attention to watch him conjure a rabbit to his hand. The black and white bunny springing over the dragon that jumped to its tallons. The animal settling in the little girl’s lap for her to pet and giggle at before looking up to Loki excitedly then to Thor.

“I can’t make you a bunny, but…,” Thor began as a clap of thunder sounded, and a shower began to rain over them. The dragon quick to talloned feet to open his wing for the first time, the massive expanse of leather completely shielding the princess.

Though she was safe from the shower as were the brothers, but Thor smiled at Cade as the dragon became soaked. The dragons bright topaz eyes narrowed at the Asgardian as it finally stopped raining. Cade shook off his hide to shower the two gods with the water but keeping the princess dry.

The princess holding the bunny giggled at the two, yelling for them to show more as it seemed the talks were going on further into the evening. The brothers trying to keep the hyper little creature entertained.

“Princess? May I see your wrists,” Loki asked carefully and sure to watch Cade out of his peripheral. It was best he keep the dragon in his sight, the princess not hesitating to jump to her feet. Holding the bunny close to step forward and take a seat on Thor’s leg facing Loki proudly.

Holding the rabbit in one arm, she presented the gauntleted wrist and watched the raven haired one remove the gauntlet, curious to what he was doing. The rune shackle twinkling with seidr as he and Thor noticed their own runes on her small wrist.

“Mother said it was a gift from the All-father when I was born. It's  because I was the first daughter,” she chirped happily. It was obvious no one had told her to much of the treaty if anything. Loki looking the shackle over for a loop hole, a way to get the poor princess out of the trade but it began to look even more grim.

This was very old, very powerful seidr that out rivaled that of his mother, possibly Odin, and it felt dark to an extent as he let her have the wrist back.

Cade took a step up to Thor. The dragon placing his talons between the gods crossed legs to stand with his broad snout to the gods nose, glaring at him and breathing hot breath in the gods face. He was acting as though he was listening to someone. Finally, he turned his head to bump the back of the princesses with his snout before moving to lay in front of the two once more.

“Did your mother tell you that you were going to come stay in Asgard when you are 5 years old,” Thor began gently, the little girl turning on his knee to place her legs between his. Sea green orbs looking at him closely and thinking she could have fun with how naive he seems to be.

“She told me. Said that it was to teach me how to be a lady so that I can grow to be a strong warrior. Then, when I come of age, I get to come home,” she chirped, making the two instantly feel sick at the position they had been put in, along with the princess.

“That’s right princess,” Loki spoke up, earning a glare from Thor. The younger god quick to shake his head in a way that told his brother not now, this wasn’t the place.

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[waitjustaflick]

Cross My Heart

Happy Halloween!!!  This is a Treat Prompt, though it features one Tricky feline.  I changed the prompt a little so that I could set the story Pre-ESB because I live for UST.  (Or I am lazy and that’s what I find easiest to write…)  Also played with a first person Han POV because why the hell not?  Here’s the prompt: 

On a mission to provide aid to Lothal in the aftermath of the Rebels’ victory a Rebel victory, a black Loth-cat keeps crossing Leia’s path, leading Han to wonder at a Corellian superstition he heard as a child.

~~

Shoulda left the Rebels months ago.  Don’t know why I’ve stayed.  Every week, I think, now’s the time.  Pack up the falcon, tell Chewie to can it, and leave.  Fly back into free space, into the only place I’ve ever felt like myself.  

I certainly don’t feel like Han Solo here.  Han Solo doesn’t take orders.  He picks and chooses what he’ll take on (sometimes with a blaster to his head but still).  He doesn’t do charity work ‘cause he knows what a lost cause is and it ain’t gonna be him.  He has colleagues, clients and enemies.  He doesn’t have friends.

Friends are where it all goes wrong. Sure, they seem nice enough - ask you how you’re doing, share a bottle of whiskey, care if you live or die.  But then there’s more.  There’s always more.  Friends ask for things, friends want you to do favors.

“They’re stranded, Han…” she said, “We can’t just leave them there with no way to call for aid.  All we’ll do is make contact, set up a communication system then…”

I don’t know how she does it.  She isn’t charming.  Not like me.  She’s steely and bossy and thinks she’s a damn hero.  It’s insufferable really.  Wouldn’t even call her a friend if it weren’t for all the times she’s saved my life.  

Every week I tell myself I won’t give into her. I remind myself that she’s annoying and pint-sized and just plain exhausting.  And I almost believe it until she crosses my path again. Then somehow every care in the world falls away except for the one that has to do with making Leia happy.  

I must have a mother thing.

I snort as I adjust the ridiculous poncho she’s put me in.  I barely remember my mother.  She died (or left?) before I was nine years old.  Feel like I should remember more.  Wasn’t that young.  But my life got pretty crazy for a while after and it seems to have scrambled what came before.  I remember she was pretty.  Red hair, bright like most Lothalians. And she was the one who gave me these eyes.  

She wasn’t a delicate woman.  When her mouth was closed she seemed sweet and timid, but once she opened it you knew where she came from.  She would curse and spit like the sailors she’d bedded in the brothel she came from.  But she was kind, not two-faced like my father.  She said what she meant and meant what she said.  And late at night, after another hardscrabble day, she’d tell the best stories.  That’s when she was really beautiful, when her eyes got all twinkly and she’d share that hidden longing for magic I see in most women.

Don’t see it in Leia.  Wanted to for a flick.  Maybe.  But, she’s all business all the time.  And it’s not even a good business.

“Remind me again how you’re paying me?”  I ask, slipping on the mask she’s shoved into my hand.

She tenses and I can practically hear the crackle of her temper.  I feel am answering surge of frustration.  

“How many times do I have to remind you, I ain’t in this for your revolution?”  

“Or me?” Leia snaps, turning to pin me with that dark brown gaze.  She has good eyes, I’ll give her that.  Deep, compelling, hard to sneer at.

But I make an attempt.

“That what you want, Princess?  Want me following you around like a puppy dog?  Like—”

I almost say Luke.  But there’s that friend thing again.  Now it’s messing up my zingers.

Still, it seems to snap her out of it.  She recoils ever so slightly which puts me even more on edge.  

“I certainly do not want that,” she sniffs, “I just thought…never mind.  We’ll take a portion of the relief fund for your retainer.”  

She makes me feel so small sometimes.  And Han Solo is not small.

“This thing doesn’t run on dreams, you know?  Or on hope,” I purposely reference her rallying cry, “it runs on fuel.  Fuel that’s harder to get and more expensive than it’s been in 20 years.”

Leia glances up at me, and I feel my stomach knot up like it does around her.  It’s that mother thing.  Makes me feel like a naughty little boy.

“I know,” she says carefully, “and I’m willing to pay you, was planning to, but when you ask like that.”  Her nose scrunches up and the knots sort of dance into my chest.  It’s not a normal thing for knots to do.

“Yeah,” I sigh, trying to release them.  “Know I drive you crazy.”

The side of her mouth quirks just a bit, and out they go.  I feel back to normal except for that queasy feeling I get when I know she’s won.  I’ve prioritized her happiness once again.

“Alright, well, we’d better get going.  Those transponders aren’t going to deliver themselves.”

Leia nods and slips her mask on as well.  I can’t help but feel relieved by the reprieve from her eyes.  They peek trough the the mask but are shaded into an almost nondescript darkness.  Nothing striking about those.  

We both look ridiculous, her in a black witch’s costume and me in a nerferder get up because of the holiday on which we’ve landed.  The night of the Veil happens once every three years on Lothal and causes general commotion on the planet.  A three-day long festival encircles the day when the veil between this plane and the spiritual one supposedly comes down.  

I pretended not to know any of this when the Princess briefed me, but the truth was I knew it well.  Many of my mother’s stories, the only things I remember with crystal clarity, happened during or around this day.

I’d almost told her when she’d mentioned this place. Felt it on the tip of my tongue.  Of course, I bit down on that impulse.  Can’t be spilling my guts to every pair of pretty brown eyes, but I remember that almost now as we venture into the Lothallian night.  

Never told anyone about my mother.  Told a few people about my father.  Mostly other smugglers when I was starting out.  He was both proof I knew the business and a way to show them I’d be better.  Tore him down with all the berks that knew him.  

But, never had a reason to talk about my mother.  Doesn’t really matter when she’s gone and I’m grown.  But I feel the strangest desire to talk once again.  Almost a pressure on my tongue.  

I open my mouth just as a streak of black dashes across Leia’s feet. She squeals and jumps back, knocking into me.  I reach down on instinct and steady her shoulders.  The feel of warm skin through cheap satin almost singes my fingers.

“You okay?”

She lifts her hand to her chest then let’s out a soft laugh.  Something about the sound of her mirth and the feel of her skin makes my head swim.  I step back and shake my head, searching for whatever it was that scared her.  It’s only as I almost give up that I see the little critter sitting on a fence post bordering the outskirts of town.  

“What is that?” I say, squinting up at the small, squat beast with luminescent green eyes.

Leia catches her breath and looks to where I’m pointing.  

“Ohhh…” she breathes, “it’s a loth-cat.  She’s so pretty.”

I frown as a foreign chill goes up my spine.  I’m not one for superstition, too smart for that, or too old.  But I can almost swear I hear my mother’s voice in her rough Lothallian accent.

If their path be crossed by a loth-cat “Tis your true love you’re staring at

She always swore that’s how she’d met my dad.  My good for nothin’ father, selfish and shifty and stupid.  But she loved him.  Enough to make me almost believe in his goodness.

He was sitting in the parlor - at the grand piano - she’d said.  And the madam’s loth-cat - a rare, and prized pet to have on any planet - had jumped onto my father’s lap.  

“For a minute, I thought she’d claimed him for herself. But not in a mo’ she glared right at me with them laser eyes and crossed straight to the floor.  Knew he was mine right then.”

She’d smile wistfully at that, sometimes straight my father, who was probably too drunk to notice.

Love made you do the stupidest things.  

“Might want to keep going, Princess. Loth-cats are bad luck.”

She peers over her shoulder at me, flashing a mischievous smile.  

“How would you know?”

I squint at her.  If I didn’t know better, I’d think I saw a flash of magic behind that mask.

“Know better than you.  How many folktales did your fancy tutors tell you?”

She tilts her head, “None.”

“Well, then—“

“But the cooks told me plenty.  And my chambermaid Giirta.”

The loth-cat looks down in interest, it’s tails twitching to and fro.

“Alright,” I murmur, curious in spite of myself, “and what’d they tell you?”

Leia’s mouth opens slightly then shuts right as the loth-cat meows.

“Nothing,” she says, her voice returning to her normal alto timbre, “I don’t remember anything about a loth-cat.”

I am tempted to take her word on this.  I should drop it anyway except…except…

I know her tells.  I know when she’s tired, her shoulders slump and that famous Princess posture goes straight to hell.  I know when she hasn’t eaten in half a day, her tongue’s as sharp as vibroblade and quicker than my quick draw. And I know when she’s stretching the truth, she bites her bottom lip.  

Just like that she’s doing right now.

“Never heard about them, huh?”

She shakes her head and makes a real good show of getting back on the road.  Apparently neither the loth-cat nor I want this conversation to end cause he chooses that moment to leap off the fence post and onto my shoulder.  The damn thing claws my neck trying to get a grip then leaps across my body and scampers into the brush.  

By the time its over, I think I have aired out every Corellian curse that I know.

I finally look back at Leia to see her mask pushed up and those troubling brown eyes wide with shock.  I touch my hand to my neck and circle back to a couple curses as I look at the bright swath of blood.

“Now that was bad luck,” Leia said, voice substantially softer.  She briskly moves into my space and reaches for my hand.

She clicks her tongue like a little matron and lifts her hand to my chin.  I try to focus on the burn of the scratch rather than the brush of her fingers.  It’s just the damn nursery rhyme putting weird ideas in my head.

“He got you good,” Leia says more soothing than serious.  “Wait a moment.”

She reaches down into the bag she’s been carrying and draws out a small box.  She sets it on the fence post, the same one the loth-cat just vacated, and reveals its contents.  

“You brought a bacta kit with you?” I ask, unable to keep the shocked skepticism out of my voice.

She pins me with a look then lays out her supplies.

“I’m always prepared.”

Something about her demeanor, the back to business air, makes me want to rattle her.

“I can tell you what it means,” I say, smoothing out my tone to silk, “If you want.”

For a moment I don’t think she’s heard me as she plucks something from the pile and strides purposefully towards me.  It’s a damp cloth that she dabs gently on my neck.

“I’m sure I don’t want to know.”

She circles back to the box and returns with a substance both warm and cooling.

“Oh I think you’d be interested in this one, Princess,” I say, enjoying the way her lips tighten and her nostrils flare.  I’m pretty sure she’s blushing though it’s hard to see in the bleached light of the moons.

She finishes molding the bacta to my neck then takes a step back.

“You’re insufferable, do you know that?”

My answering smile is so big it threatens to displace her handiwork.

“Now, why should you say that?”  I counter, “You don’t even know what i’m going to say.”

I’m pretty sure I’ve caught her now, but she parries as she always does.

“If it’s coming out of your mouth, it’s bound to be insufferable.”

I throw my hand to my heart caught now in a full-on performance.  “Now, is that a nice thing to say to the love of your life?”

Leia starts then stares for a long moment.  I almost have enough time to regret the foolishness coming out of my mouth when she steps towards me one more time.

“Ah…right,” her voice is more of a purr now, “I do remember something along the lines of…” she pantomimes a frown of concentration then recites as if by rote:

“If their path be crossed by a loth-cat ’‘Tis your true love you’re staring at”

She’s centims away, close enough to breath in.

“So it’s you then?” She asks, eyelashes aflutter.  “My knight in…tarnished armor?”

There’s a hint, more like a hold-full, of challenge in her eyes.  For a flick, I consider taking her up on it, dipping my head and taking those lips, nibbling them the way she had when she told her fib.  Instead, I do the stupidest thing I can possibly do because, well, I’m me.  

“Yeah, I’m the knight.  And you’re the Princess.  Just like in all those stories my mama told me.”

The word drops like a detonator into the silence of the night.  Leia falters.

“Your…mother?”

I realize too late what I’ve done, ended the fun and ushered in something private and tender and painful.  A new wound exchanged for an old one.

“Forget it, “ I say, stepping back and turning to look at the town over the length of farmland field.  “It’s a stupid superstition.  Let’s keep going.  We don’t have all night.”

For a moment I think she’ll actually do it, actually listen to me for once.  I don’t know why that makes me feel s—

“Who was she?” Leia asks, almost like an afterthought, as she packs up her bacta kit.  

I don’t look at her, considering my options.  I could shut her down, but we’ve got a long night ahead of us and I’d rather not do it in silence.

“She was a no one.  Poor as dirt.”

Leia listens for more.  That tell is a tilt of her head.  I look away, feeling the words rise in response.

“But she loved me,” I can feel Leia’s eyes on me, and for a moment, I hate myself.  “She tried.  S’more than I can say about anyone else.”

I hear the song of crickedas seem to swell as Leia takes this in.  

“She told you stories,” she says finally as she slips the box back into the bag of transponders.

I want to shrug this off, go into my well-worn routine, but there’s something about the still serenity of the night singing around us.

“Yeah,” I say, letting the weight of some long lost thing settle in my chest.

“So, tell me one,” comes Leia’s voice, cool and clear.

I look over at her and she’s already turned back to the road, her fingers toying with the edge of her sleeve.  She’s nervous too.

What’s she got to be nervous about?  I’m the one about to spill my guts.

And out they come, earnest and detailed and oh-so-embarrassing.  She laughs and cajoles and clamors for more.  As that phantom longing grows in my chest, rather than diminishes, I think once again, I shoulda left the damn rebellion.

But somewhere in the Lothalian night, there’s a black cat that just might know better.

[imagine-loki]

A Warrior’s Life

TITLE: A Warrior’s Life

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter Fifty-Eight AUTHOR: wolfpawn ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Viking Loki coming to your village, raiding, and pillaging, before deciding there is something about you that intrigues him and deciding to take you back to Asgard with him. There, you are forced to learn a new life and language, and though you hate what has happened to you, you learn that Loki is not as bad as you think.

RATING: Mature

“Do you think that mother will be proud?” Nafi asked as he helped his father tie the carcass of a hog to his horse.

“Your first hunt and you had a clean kill, of course, she will be.” He smiled.

“Can I tell Thodin and Barwin?”

“Yes, you can, but as we stated, you are not to do so in a bragging manner.”

“I promise, it was so much fun, thank you, father.” The youngster was still jittery, high from the adrenalin of his kill.

“Well, when it goes your way, there is nothing more exhilarating, and you get to know that you have provided food for your family.” Loki agreed, though his face fell slightly when his memory brought him back to his first hunt.

“What happened when you had your first hunt?” Nafi sensed his father’s mood alter.

“Nothing.” Loki dismissed. “I was not awarded a kill.”

“So you killed something but Thor got the credit and the glory?” Nafi wagered.

“I fear you may have the gift of Allsight.” Loki pulled the boy in against him. “It was an elk, nothing big; he was a sickly thing really, seemed old. I got him in the neck with an arrow, it missed the main vein, but it went into his windpipe, so he hadn’t long to live as he was not able to breathe properly, so I rode after it, not wanting to prolong the beast’s suffering either. But Thor shot him a second time, which was not too difficult, it had begun to stagger, well your grandfather refused to think that a nine summer old could be a better hunter than his heir. He dismissed my claim that it was actually my kill.”

“What did Uncle Thor say?”

“He said the animal was staggering and gasping for breath when he shot it, giving credence to my claim, but it did not matter, Odin was never one to care too greatly when it came to my achievements.”

“How do you not get angry at that? When Uncle Thor returned from Svartálfheim, when you were injured, it was him that was supposed to be there, not you. I got so mad; you will always be second to him.”

“It was never Thor's doing, though. He has always treated me as a brother should, he cannot be blamed for what Odin was responsible for, and he could not control that.” Loki explained.

“But surely it still angers you, when you see everything that he was given above you?”

Loki untied his horse and prepared to mount. “I do not think us too badly off, do you?”

“Father, we were only given what we have because mother made grandfather richer than he ever thought possible, even the home we now have is only as a result of Baldr’s death. Our old home was tiny; Maebh had to sleep like a dog on my bedroom floor when she first came.”

“What has you even thinking as you are of late Nafi, of heirs, lands and homes, you are not even a decade old?” Loki asked curiously.

“Barwin’s brother told him that he will have to learn a trade to ever have anything in his life. Then Barwin and I were talking with Thodin, and he told us that only the oldest son gets the father’s land. That the girls are married off, but that younger boys so not get anything. And one of the older boys said that I will get nothing as you are married to Maebh, and all of what is ours will go to Vali, as he is your heir as a result of your marriage, and not me.”

Loki had not realised the topics that young boys were discussing had gotten so political. When he was his son’s age, he and Thor were discussing fishing spots and weapons, inheritances did not even occur to them. “Nafi, this is not something for us to even be considering at present, I was not aware that you had your mother and I all but signed off to be forced to take our place in Valhalla.”

“No, it is not that, it is just…never mind.”

“So, we do not need to worry about such things, your mother and I are well.”

“Except Mother is not well father, is she?” Nafi challenged. “You called Eir, meaning she is quite ill, what if she…?”

“Nafi!” the boy jumped at his father outburst. When he spoke again, his voice was small. “I…We cannot think like that. It was just some bad eggs, that is all.” Loki was trying to convince himself more than Nafi, and Nafi knew it, so the boy just nodded his head and said no more, keeping his own worries to himself. Loki jumped into the saddle and turned the horse to head for home. “When we go back, Eir will have checked her over, so we’ll see they that all this worry has been for naught.” Again, Nafi remained silent.

The ride to the hunting spot had taken the most of the afternoon, but even with the added weight of their kills on their steeds, the pair seemed to make the road back faster, their horses, sensing their urgency, trotted the most of the way.

As soon as they arrived at the yard in front of the dwelling, Loki called for their farm staff to take his horse. Nafi dismounted quickly and ran towards the house, noting a horse and cart not belonging to them in the yard as he did. As he and his father came to the front door, it opened in front of them.

“And that will aid her?” Frigga was facing away from them as she spoke to whoever it was that was there, not noticing her son and grandson in front of her.

“It should assist somewhat but it is not a guarantee,” Eir stated, pausing when she saw her path was blocked by the master of the house. “Prince Loki.” She curtsied.

“Darling, we were not expecting you back until at least dinner, if not tomorrow,” Frigga smiled though the gesture did not seem to make it to her eyes.

Loki noticed immediately. “I thought you were coming yesterday Eir.” He turned to look at the healer.

“She was, she did.”

“I returned today your highness, to check on the princess and to give her a remedy.” The healer explained.

“So she is healing?” The hope blatant in his voice.

“I fear that is not a simple question to answer your highness, it seems your wife will be considerably ill for some time to come, but I must insist that for such time, you must prevent her from eating eggs and most milk produce. She will require a diet based mostly on fish and grains.” The healer instructed.

“So it was the eggs.” Loki tried to take everything in, but in truth, his mind was still stuck on the cause of what was ailing his wife.

“They did not help in any manner, but she was not poisoned by them.”

“I do not follow.”

“Nafi; you, Vali and I are going to the village, your parents need to speak alone.” Frigga put her hand on her grandson’s back, causing him to look up at her in concern.

Loki paled. “Is there something I need to know? Mother?”

“You and Maebh will have much to talk of when she wakes, she fed Vali not too long ago, so I will prepare him and we will go.” She walked back into the house and retrieved her youngest grandchild before returning to the doorway. Vali gurgled happily at the sight of his father and brother.

Loki looked sadly at his biological son, whose eyes were so akin to his mothers. “Did you miss us?” The infant replied by bouncing in his grandmother's arms excitedly.

“He did seem somewhat confused by your absence,” Frigga admitted. “Come Nafi, I want to hear everything you did on your hunt. Are those your prizes?”

“I caught a hog, well killed it.” Nafi declared proudly.

“A hog? Well now, I need to hear this.” Frigga smiled ushering him to the healer’s cart.

“My Bron was twice your age when he first hunted a hog, you are a skilled young man.” The healer commended.

Loki watched as they all got onto the cart and waved their farewells before leaving the yard.

Somewhat worried he rushed into the dwelling and to the bedroom he shared with his wife, who was currently sleeping on the bed. He watched the steady rise and fall if her chest for a moment before getting a pelt to put over her and went to clean himself up.

“You’re home.” Maebh’s voice was heavy with sleep.

“Yes.” He smiled weakly.

“How did it go?”

“He killed a hog. I got us an elk, well it is a young sickly one.”

“I like elk, I am going to enjoy eating that.” she grumbled.

Loki was unsure if she was even aware she was speaking. “Well, I have it ready to be hung.”

“Thank you. Where is Nafi, I am sure he is dying to give me a rundown of every last detail?” she stretched slightly.

“He and Vali have gone to the village with mother.”

“So we have time to ourselves?” Maebh smiled.

Loki was slightly confused by her actions, not particularly in keeping with how his mother seemed to act. “How are you feeling?”

“Annoyed.” He frowned. “All I want is eggs, but I cannot have any for the foreseeable future, my body is not too accepting of them apparently.”

Loki came closer to her. “Is that all?”

“Well I have been told to rest and cease stressing myself out, and to not allow too much to cloud my mind, my head is still healing.” She explained.

“So you were right?”

“Aren’t I always?” She pulled his hand to her face and kissed it, before taking a deep breath. “You smell like the forest.”

“Well, I would since I just returned from there,” Loki smiled. “I will wash up now.”

“No.”

“No?”

“Join me.” She pleaded.

“For what?” the blush on her face caused the smile to turn into a smirk. “Say it, darling, say what you want.”

“You.”

“Me what?”

“Please, Loki.”

“Say it my love, and it will be done.”

Her face reddened more, but rather than utter the words, she pulled her husband towards her causing him to fall onto the bed only for her to get up and straddled him, one strong leg on either side of him. “Well I was going to plead for you to mount and take me, but perhaps I should be more active in this.” She smiled slyly. Loki lay under her, eyes wide, his body reacting positively to her unusual forwardness. Maebh loosened his pants and forced them from his hips, his long length hardening in front of her. Not sure where the confidence was coming from, she bit her lower lip before lowering herself down and gingerly licking him.

Loki’s eyes widened and a guttural moan choked its way out of his throat at what his wife was doing. “God’s Maebh.”

“Use words.” She grinned, knowing her husband would get the comparison.

“More please darling, that is, Gods I cannot…”

Maebh continued her exploration for another few minutes before rising up again, relishing the scent of her husband. Slowly, she crawled up him before once again straddling him and aligning herself with him and sinking down onto his hardened shaft. Gasping at the feel of him stretching her so well, Maebh gave herself a moment to adjust before she began to rise up and down, hoping her was receiving as much pleasure as she was.

Loki was shocked that he did not have to touch Maebh for her to be so ready and willing for him, he had no idea why she was being so amorous, but never in his life was he going to question it. Placing his hands on her strong ass, he used his own strength to assist her movements.

It did not take long for their actions to become more frantic and erratic, both getting steadily closer to their release. Knowing that she would not be able to move much after her own climax, Maebh reached behind her to where Loki was filling her, taking his heavy sack in hand and caressing it. The sound of undiluted pleasure that he emitted and a particularly strong thrust up into her caused her to fall over the precipice of pleasure, gasping for air as her body spasmed. She fell forward as Loki continued to thrust upward.

“Should I pull out?” He asked through gritted teeth.

“No,” Maebh whispered weakly, shaking her head as she still recovered from her own orgasm.

“But if you are ill if you were to…?”

“Fill me.” She begged wantonly. Loki could not contain himself any longer and pushed himself into her as deep as possible, unloading his seed in several spurts, adoring how hot and wet she felt around him.

When they both were spent, slowly, and somewhat stiffly, Maebh got off her husband and fell to the side, still out of breath.

“I do not think it wise to risk you becoming with child until you feel better my love,” Loki stated, still panting. “I know the risk is a small one, but still.”

“Well that is the issue I fear, I am so ill because such has already occurred.” She confessed, looking at him sheepishly, awaiting his reaction.

Loki turned his head to look at her, the tiredness that was starting to claim him evaporating almost instantaneously. “What?”

“It appears I am already carrying another child.” She repeated.

“But Vali is barely half a year old.”

“As your father stated, I am young enough to get with child easily, apparently too easily. Are you angry?” She bit her lip, not sure what his reaction actually was.

“No, I… Norn’s I thought I was at risk of having you taken from us by some illness, but instead, we are to have another…” Loki pulled her close to him and kissed her when he pulled away again, something came to him, causing him to frown. “So if that is what is wrong with you, which is not something wrong at all, why was mother so out of sorts on my arrival?”

Maebh pulled herself close to her husband. “I am more ill this time, that is not too worrisome but it is not something to rejoice in, it will cause this to be very difficult. “

“It was more than a childbearing illness that seemed to be bothering her.”

Maebh inhaled deeply before she spoke again, terrified at home he was about to react. “That is because Tyr’s widow knows about Nafi.” Loki stiffened and pulled her away from him roughly.

[flapperfromthefuture]

I don’t know how I ended up at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, but once I heard bagpipes and a cannon go off, I felt right at home.

“Is there a quiet reading corner for people who get overwhelmed?” said A, as we braved the crowd piling into the festival grounds. It was Scottish Highlands week. I lost count of the number of kilts I saw, but two of them were on dogs, (unfortunately neither of them were the actual Scottish Wolfhound we saw but he looked like he was having a wonderful time in his element nonetheless) and one was on a guy who was also dressed as a bear.

I was nervous about bringing Lumi, but my sweet little anxiety fluffball who used to be so hesitant and skittish with strangers fit right into festival life. And everyone wanted to pet her! I couldn’t get five feet without being stopped—at one point Lumi had four kids with painted faces and princess costumes petting her, and she was basking in the love of her public like a movie star. She happily watched the joust and a bird show and even stopped for a drink at the Puppy’s Pub.

A tried her hand at archery and throwing knives, spears, stars, and axes. She passed on the opportunity to throw actual tomatoes at the jesters, because “I just don’t like wasting tomatoes.”

I started fading after about hour 5 of Celtic music and vendors saying “We take Master Card and Lady Visa!” (It was funny the first fifty times). I’d enjoyed our adventure, but didn’t feel the need to return.

Until I saw the sign for the Cupcake Crusade.

“Hmm, there’s a cupcake contest the last week of the festival,” I said.

A guy in chain mail pulled a wagon full of kids past us, and Lumi tried in vain to share their open bag of chips.

“First prize is $200 and a season pass, a sweatshirt and a tankard, second prize is the pass, sweatshirt and a tankard, third is the sweatshirt and tankard,” said A. “What’s a tankard? Like a tank top?”

“No, it’s that tall mug they have in the gift shop,” I said.

A slammed down her ice cream waffle.

“YOU GOTTA GET THAT TANKARD!” she said.

“We could just buy it in the gift shop,” I said.

“Anyone can do that!” said A. “And we’ll have a season pass for next year! We can bring your mom to the bird show for free!”

“I’m not going to win,” I said. “I don’t even make cupcakes.”

“You’ll win,” said A, like she was commanding an army. “You watch Bake-Off all the time! Your cupcakes will be the best! THE BEST!”

“That’s magical thinking!”

“That’s the only kind of thinking I have!”

Needless to say, as soon as we got home, I got to work. Even though I have actual real work that demands my actual real attention, all I could think about were cupcakes.

I needed 12 cupcakes in 3 flavors, that would be judged on both flavor and design. I don’t know how the people on Bake-Off select their recipes without freaking out: should I go for savory flavors to stand out? Or classic sweet flavors that might be boring? Should I try fruit fillings? Or nuts? OR BOTH? Did you know they sell fancy cupcake wrappers on Amazon with filigree designs? Should I buy those and go with a tribute to Art Nouveau in cupcake form? Or something a little less niche, like a design inspired by my favorite World Showcase pavilions at Epcot?

(Yes, these are all real ideas that I had. I know this because I made a spreadsheet of ideas when I should have been doing something else).

I wisely tabled my salute to silent film and chose two recipes inspired by the flavors of the fair—but then I got three hours of sleep because I couldn’t stop going over my options for the third spot. Could I pull off an ice cream waffle cupcake? Or something that would evoke both archery and roasted almonds? (Real ideas!)

Around 3 AM, it hit me—unicorns. The final piece in the thematic puzzle. There was a unicorn grilled cheese at this thing, how could I lose?

The mental gymnastics portion was complete. Now it was time for baking gymnastics. My test batches went well, thanks to the spreadsheet I made for ingredients, but when it was time to bake for the big day, my first batch of rainbows was a little less than fabulous, so I had to try again.

I baked 58 cupcakes in 24 hours. I became an assembly line of one person. To entertain myself while I worked, I imagined explaining my flavors to Mary Berry, and my imaginary Mary Berry was very supportive, especially once I cracked open a Guinness.

I called my first flavor “GOT Guinness?” because children of the ’90s will never, ever escape “Got milk?” jokes. I found the recipe here and it worked really well. I don’t know anything about beer or Guinness but A told me to buy Guinness Stout in a can, not a bottle, so that’s what I did. I had to simmer it on the stove with the butter and cocoa powder, which felt very dangerous, especially because I kept confusing the dials on my stove and almost setting myself on fire.

I forged my swords from the finest Valyrian aluminum foil while watching British Bake-Off and took solace in watching fellow gays struggle with math under pressure.

I dubbed my next flavor “Kettle Corn Cupcakes” even though the recipe was for caramel corn cupcakes (I’M CREATIVE). I picked out liners with vertical stripes so they’d look like old-fashioned popcorn bags. I also bought real vanilla beans (they are expensive!) and learned how to scrape out the seeds, which made me feel extremely cool and like I could forage for sustenance in a jungle, which I could not.

Next were my “Rainbow Unicorns”—because I overcomplicate things, I tried to get ahead of my own brain by finding a simple recipe that seemed foolproof. Maybe it was too simple? I’m also not good at piping. I don’t have the intrinsic hand strength to pull it off. Especially at 10:30 at night. I was so tired.

I finally put my cupcakes to bed around 11:30, after triple-checking that I had, indeed, selected my 12 best cupcakes to go to the big show (that’s 4 of each flavor if I have 3 flavors, right? RIGHT?). I set them up verrrry carefully in my best cake carrying case, then picked out 9 understudies for my other carrying case as back-ups in case someone got smushed or crumbled under pressure. The rest of the 58 (well, more like 54 at this point, I got hungry) were frosted and put in plastic containers ready to be given out to friends and family. That’s what baking is all about, isn’t it? Sharing good things with the people you love?

(No! It’s about VICTORY TANKARDS).

I had been baking and decorating since 9:30 in the morning. I set my alarm for 6 AM (on a WEEKEND) and tried to sleep quickly, which did not work.

Lumi was so excited to return to the Renaissance Festival, even though it was raining and she had to share the back of the car with about 40 cupcakes.

I somehow managed to park, get my ticket, turn in Lumi’s dog registration, trek through the entire mud-soaked festival in the pouring rain with my dog and my cupcake carrying case and find the “Crystal Palace” where this thing was going down.

I had no idea where I was going but I forged ahead and tried not to slip in the mud. I heard two ladies behind me say, “Is it this way? That girl has cupcakes and she’s going this way.”

I yelled “FOLLOW ME!” and led a cupcake charge up a very small incline, and turned in my cupcakes in with SIX MINUTES to spare.

I sank into a chair and waited for the judging to start. Stella and her new super-extroverted new boyfriend joined me, already on their first mead of the day.

“You got this, buddy!” said Stella, rubbing my shoulders like she was my coach. “Dude, you are tense.”

The judging portion was fun and light and everyone was having a good time, which is the most important thing, but I was a nervous wreck and just wanted to leave—they really do need a quiet corner for people who get overwhelmed.

I couldn’t even look at the other contenders—some of them looked so professional with their piping and decorations, they put my little swords to shame.

Still, the MC held up one of my Iron Thrones to show off to the crowd.

“That’s a good sign!” said Stella.

Stella is the most optimistic person I know. We’ve had a lot of dark moments together through decades of friendship, eleven of which were with the same piano teacher, but she’s never lost that buoyant streak of “Everything will be great even though it’s metaphysically impossible.”

As the judges finished eating all 81 contending cupcakes (there were 27 people and we each made 3 flavors, so that’s right, isn’t it?) and started filling out their score sheets, the MC went around and asked for their early favorites.

“I liked the kettle corn one,” said one judge.

“THAT’S YOU!”  screamed Stella’s new boyfriend. Most of what he says, he screams. That’s fine, just not a communication style I endorse.

“I saw that judge lick her fingers!” said Stella. “She was eating one of yours! She didn’t do that with any of the others!”

But one person made cupcake teacups with chocolate handles, another made a castle centerpiece with sugar cubes, and someone else did Shakespeare themed flavors (GENIUS! Why didn’t I think of that?).

In the end, I didn’t make it to the next round. Stella sweet-talked her way into seeing my score sheet and she said that I was close—and that the judge who liked my kettle corn cupcakes wanted the recipe. That’s quite a compliment—it’s not a tankard, but I’ll take it.

I’d been so nervous that I hadn’t eaten anything, so we broke into my carrying case of understudy cupcakes.

“Dude, these really are good,” said Stella.

“You’re not even supposed to have gluten,” I said.

“I know,” she said, through a mouthful of Guinness cupcake. “It’s worth it.”

Stella’s new boyfriend grabbed my shoulders and screamed, “Your cupcakes are TITS!”

I gave one of my spare containers to Stella to take home and bid them farewell. Lumi and I watched a fencing competition and walked through a tiny maze of fairy houses, and several people wearing elf ears swooned over her.

Later, after a much-needed nap, I took my other container of spares to my parents’ house, and told my parents, my sister and my sister’s boyfriend Steve the entire story of my brush with cupcake immortality.

“Their taste buds must have been damaged!” said my mom. “At least it was a good experience for your first bake-off.”

“I’m proud of my little guys,” I said. “Stella’s new boyfriend said they were, and I quote, ‘Tits.'”

“They were what?” said my dad.

“TITS!” said Steve.

“Oh, youth,” said my sister, who is one year older than this dude. “So, how was Stella’s new boyfriend?”

“He’s very nice,” I said. “He was very supportive. He’s just really extroverted.”

“Is he more or less annoying than Steve?” said my sister.

Steve was sitting right next to her. He just shrugged and took another bite of cupcake.

  Renaissance Festival Cupcake Contest I don't know how I ended up at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, but once I heard bagpipes and a cannon go off, I felt right at home.

[lovemesomesurveys]

What is the last movie you watched in a theater?: The Avengers: Endgame. What is the last DVD you watched?: Greta the other night. What is the last book you read?: Burying the Honeysuckle Girls by Emily Carpenter. What is the last song you had stuck in your head?: This random song from a commercial at the moment.  If you had to sing in public, what would you sing?: Oh nooo. I would not sing anything at all in public. Nope.

What is your pet peeve?: Eating sounds (smacking, slurping, sucking), ice clanking against a glass, people who are always on their phones when you’re talking to them. Do you smoke?: Nope. Do you drink alcohol?: Nope. Do you do any recreational drugs? Elaborate if you like.: Nope. What is the last thing you Googled?: The title of a book. When is the last time you were in a library?: Back in 2014 sometime.  Name any pets that you have.: My doggo, Princess Leia. Name any siblings that you have.: Nah, but I have 2 brothers. Who is your favorite relative?: I am closer to some, but I don’t choose favorites.  What is your favorite childhood memory?: Playing Barbies for hours, playing with my cousins, watching cartoons... just being a kid. What is your scariest memory?: Let’s not go there. When is the last time you were sick?: Always in some way or another, but I had some kind of stomach virus a couple weeks ago. When is the last time you went to the doctor?: Last Thursday. When is the last time you had your vision checked?: Like 3 years ago. When is the last time you had your hearing checked?: Not since like high school when they had these hearing test people come sometimes. Do you know your blood type?: I actually don’t. I should, seeing how I’ve had countless lab work done throughout my life and a few surgeries, 2 of which I had transfusions. Do you donate blood/platelets/plasma/etc.?: No. I’m anemic. Ever been in the Emergency Room?: Yes. Ever broken a bone?: Yes. Ever had surgery?: A few. Ever spent overnight in the hospital?: Yeah. I’ve had to spend a few months in one. Ever visited someone else in the hospital?: Yes. Ever put someone else in the hospital?: No. What achievement are you most proud of so far?: I don’t feel proud of anything I’ve done. What would you go back and do differently?: Oh, man. Soooo many things. A lot of which are health related. If I had done some things differently and took better care of myself, I wouldn’t be dealing with some of the things I am now. What is the last thing you bought for yourself?: Food. What is the last present you received?: A shirt. What is the last present you gave someone else?: Earrings for my mom on Mother’s Day. What is the best present you have ever received?: Anything I’ve received. What is the best present you have ever given?: I don’t know. Have you ever bought anything on eBay? Yeah. If so, what?: I’ve bought a few things. I’ve never bid on anything, though.

Have you ever sold anything on eBay? If so, what?: Nope. Do you have an Amazon wish list?: No. Have you ever used anyone else's wish list to buy a gift?: No. What is the best surprise you have ever had?: Hmm. What is the last surprise you had?: I don’t remember. What is your most prized possession?: My laptop. Have you ever had roommates?: I live with my family if that counts.  Have you ever lived alone?: Nooo. Which do you prefer? Why?: I couldn’t live alone. What is on the wall to your left?: Some decals, a couple canvas paintings, and a small watercolor painting of a giraffe. What is on the wall to your right?: A calendar.  What is next to your bed?: A TV tray I keep my bed with bottles of water, my medicine, and my coffee mug, a floor lamp, a small trash can, and a beside table. What is on your bathroom sink?: I just answered this in a previous survey, but toothbrushes, hair brushes, toothpaste, hand soap, facial creams and cleansers. Have you ever looked in someone's medicine cabinet?: No. Have you ever stolen anything from someones medicine cabinet?: No. Have you ever been robbed?: I’ve had credit card info stolen. Have you ever been cheated on?: No. Have you ever cheated? Ever get caught?: No. Have you ever been in love?: Yes. Are you in love now?: No. Is someone in love with you?: No, and no one ever has been. I can’t imagine anyone ever being in love with me. Are you in a relationship with someone?: No. When did you last go on a date?: Back in 2016. Ever kiss someone on the first date?: No. Ever sleep with someone on the first date?: No. Ever had a one night stand?: No. Ever give someone a wrong phone number on purpose?: Yes. Ever been given a wrong phone number?: No. When is the last time someone turned you down?: 2016. When is the last time you turned someone down?: Uhh I think it was like 2013. When is the last time you lied to someone?: Recently. What is the last lie you were told?: I don’t know. What's the strangest thing you have ever witnessed first hand?: Hmm. What scares you the most?: Losing my loved ones and never getting better/getting worse. What makes you happy?: Being at the beach and my dog. What makes you sad?: I’m always sad. When is the last time you cursed out loud?: I don’t remember. When is the last time you laughed out loud?: Yesterday. When is the last time you cried?: Last night. When is the last time you cried in front of someone else? Maybe a week ago. When is the last time you wanted to hit something?: I don’t know. When is the last time you did hit something?: I don’t know. I’m not one to typically hit things. Ever literally banged your head against the wall in frustration?: No. Ever hurt yourself on purpose?: Yes. Ever thought about killing yourself?: Yes. Ever tried killing yourself?: No. Ever seen a psychiatric ward?:  Yes. The psychology club I was in in college visited one. Ever been put in a psychiatric ward?: No. When is the last time you had to fill a prescription?: A few days ago. Do you take any medication regularly?: Yes. What is the last thing you did that you didn't want to do?: Go to the doctor last week. I had 2 appointments back to back. What is the last thing you convinced someone else to do?: I don’t recall. Do you like the way you look most of the time?: Noooo. I am a mess. Do you use any bath/beauty/grooming products?: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant.  Do you have a product that you consider a necessity? What is it?: The stuff I listed up there. Do you wear cologne/perfume/aftershave regularly?: No. It’s been a long time. What do you consider your biggest weakness? Oh where to begin. What do you consider your greatest strength?: I don’t know. I don’t feel I have any. What would you say your personal motto is?: I don’t know. Ha. That probably is my motto. I say it all the time.  Who would you say your personal hero is?:  My mom.

If you could live in a different time, would you? When?: No. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Hmm. I’m not sure. Why do you get up in the morning?: For coffee. Do you go to sleep easily and/or on time?: I typically go to bed around 2 or 3, and no, it’s never easy. Do you sleep through the night?:  Sometimes.  Do you snore?: No. Do you prefer to sleep alone or with someone else?: I’ve only ever slept alone. How many pillows do you sleep with?: I only use 2, but I have 6 on my bed. Do you prefer cold air and blankets, or warm air and no blankets?: Cold air and blankets, definitely. I can’t sleep if it’s hot. When is the last time someone else slept in your bed?: No one has. How often do you change your sheets?: A couple times a month. How often do you do laundry? Do you use a laundromat?: It gets done once a week. How often do you vacuum?: My mom vacuums my room a couple times a month. How often do you dust?: Never. :X Do you wash dishes by hand or do you have a dishwasher?: We do both. What is your favorite way to kill time at home?: I go on Tumblr, do surveys, watch YouTube, watch TV, check social media, color, read, rest, sleep... What is your favorite way to kill time when waiting for someone?: Mess around on my phone. What is your favorite way to kill time when traveling?: Listen to music and sleep. What is your favorite travel destination?: Somewhere with a beach. When is the last time you were on a plane?: Sometime back in 2006. When is the last time you were on a boat?: 2007. What is the most 'extreme' activity you have ever done?: Nothing. What do you want to do before you die?: Something with my life. Travel. How do you want to check out?: Blah.

[flairina]

Flair’s Dreams, January 2018

Certainly been a while. Some of these are written in shorthand, so if you bother browsing through these, forgive me for that. It gets better later on.

1/3/18: (2:00-6:45)

I end up inside Shin Megami Tensei world (again- it's apparently happened at least twice before) due to someone taking an unwanted photo of me, and thinking that I'd like it to do such. The SMT world in this case is a giant, ever shifting tower of some sort, which rumbles as if hit by an earthquake while changing. I end up in a section controlled by Alice (the demon) called "Tick Tock Goes the Clock", with decor describable as the inside of a building from Alice in Wonderland where the main colors are pink, white, and gold. I have some sort of feud with the White Rabbit (the guy/demon who brought me in here?) before I'm finally left alone. I try to remember the way a few demon conversations proceed (the short mushroom demon likes men and alcohol, the four winged cerulean bird thing thinks pants are kind of cool, etc) when the tower shakes, and an 8-demon procession turns down the hall. Some are the bird thing but there are two kinds I've not seen before, one of them a sort of floating blue horse thing. They enter the room on the left (structured like a classroom) and emerge from the other door, behind me, singing and generally unaggressive. Two girls who are permanent residents here are also part of the line, and notice me. Brooke (a black girl with long, thin pleats/braids) says hi, while the other girl (a white girl with her hair curling up at the front off of her head like a squirrel's tail) asks her how I keep getting here. I tell her it's sheer random chance, as is how I keep getting out of here. The demon's singing appears to be summoning a wedding chapel, which I stop through my own music somehow, causing it to make a weird whiffling noise as it blinks back out of existence.

1/5/18: (Powers Dream?)

I'm either "playing" as, or actually am Samus (Metroid), and am currently in the middle of Metroid Prime 3, which requires me to ascend a space pirate "tower" ("urchin"-like room was notable). This is a late game area, and the entire 3D outline of it can be seen on the map. I make it to a normal office room (somewhat out of place) filled with space pirates, and use the photon beam to eliminate them. The charged shots are purple, and track/hone in on the enemies. There is a "tooth" language that only the pirates can access/understand, but by pulling them out of the stomach of a dead one in the corner (it ATE the teeth for some reason), I should be able to understand it soon. I'm no longer Samus, and decide to raid the nearby wardrobe for something to wear, but mom is suddenly in the room, trying to move stuff out. In the closet behind me, there are lotions on the top shelf, including a "snuggling" lotion.

A strange species of creature catches four DnD-type characters (all human men) and intends to transform them, allowing a single last request from each. They then twist the requests to make the transformations ironic, turning the group into a girl, a mutant raccoon, Princess Daisy (request involved a sneer), and a ____ (ICR what, but it wasn't human). The non-humans alleviate this by make themselves look like copies of the girl and Daisy member, and progress on, thinking that someone can reverse this in the area below a nearby canyon. Just as they're about to head down, they all transform back- but as each other instead of themselves, which shocks and frustrates them.

1/8/18: (2:??-7:20)

There is a person who is repeatedly turning into combinations of three different animals in order to fight something in a dark, pseudo-futuristic room. I can see them on screen to shoot at one point, and the twins from Flip Flappers are involved.

A giant snake "person" (just looked like a two-story tall snake) attacks me and others in a city alley. It can't tell people apart easily, but recognizes me from smelling my runny nose somehow, and comes after me.

The tent I was sleeping in outside an apartment is torn apart by the weather, which picked it up and proceeded to rain, HARD, solely above my stuff.

I need to give an example of something I have "triumphed in" for a required stage show. I'm slightly late, and the first example I give has something to do with electric powers? I then switch to saying I triumph in comedy itself.

1/10/18:

2D version of a 3D game, sand "castle" area, stars to collect Mario-style, giant mantis creature (boss?) in 3D Pikmin-esque leaf area, fought using morph ball (Metroid)?

1/11/18: (9:00-9:45 and 10:00-10:22, naps) (1:17-6:45)

Endbringer attack (Worm), it’s The Simurgh, “sometimes they stay dead for days, but they always get back up” (the Endbringers can be killed, but they don’t stay down), I’m at work, Blasto’s stuff turns everything inside purple and monstrous, and dogs become zerg-dogs, I’m Taylor, I run outside, “unlike inside, here, the bodies were real” I think to myself, envisioning them, except there actually aren’t any, I can’t even see the destruction, find some old guy and walk with him, there’s a giant model of earth to the right, see places on the continents being struck with poofs of red smoke, it represents something that’s actually happening, one barrels right into us, something to do with the endbringer attacks, some other guy with us now, old guy climbs into treehouse, which is thankfully unoccupied, speaks a little about how fire extinguishers are less effective in the arctic, then falls asleep in a bed in the back, me and the other guy sleep ourselves, and wake to the kid and his friend recording something nearby, they don’t notice us until I stand (I’m me again), they protest my presence, tell the kid to help me wake the guy in the bed up, they’re related?, go to scientist guy’s large yellow house, guys named Rick and Ray live here, they have a “human tainting” chamber/tube, think I’m watching videos at class/work and just getting really immersed, stop and wake as a result

I’m in a movie theater watching an animated movie, and become convinced that because the movie has characters named Rick and Ray and I JUST dreamed about that that I got the info about the future, movie ends, person in snake cosplay, accidentally head off in a sideways moving elevator for 50 minutes, come back, see giant gel monster things, fancy plaza with tennis courts and such, night sky looking ceiling, family has been waiting

I receive information that implies I am the girl who “won the game” and left for Heaven 6 months ago. I took “The Lilac Path”, was compared to a flower, and either literally was or was represented by a white, harsh featured woman’s mask with thorned briars behind it.

1/12/18: (1:??-9:30) (Powers Dream)

Fast vampire guy with long hair and Klaus (BBB), huge and intricate mansion, they’re after me/her (multiple tenses- I was “playing” as the female MC from a forum quest?), there’s a person cannon in the next room which is somehow Homestuck related, vote on song to play as we send off to another house, decide on Here from The Ancient Magus’ Bride, I still have pills left, but didn’t realize until I literally bit into them.

Five story playground equipment in backyard of house me and two girls broke into, we go inside, Yoda uses Spaceballs to distract a bunch of stormtroopers so he can turn them into water, I ask how that makes any sense, The Force can’t do that

Filthy purple room with green stringy things everywhere, on a team playing “hide and seek” (keep three items away from other team), room is too small and empty for this, novel new strategy, I distract the seeker when he comes in by fighting him with a rubber sling ball, and time runs out

A black guy with dreads/braids is sitting in a mostly black room at the top of a tower, a silver staircase leading inside. I’m not him, but can feel him comb his hair, somehow. He threatens Hannah Montana, until I, as Ayumura Tamako (but seen from a third person perspective), along with some tall guy, break through the outside wall (which has only air beneath it) and interrupt. I throw some sort of purple laser boomerang at the black guy, the results of which ICR, before I start to feel as if I’m just imagining this part, like I’m just daydreaming. Not liking this, I decide to leave this dimension, and fly(?) outside to do so.

1/13/18: (1:??-9:30) (Taste Dream)

There is a "Dream Dungeon" game, played in the style of SMT: Strange Journey, with a black and white map. There are small, reddish-pink bipedal creatures with oversized arms called "Neebles", that are extra powerful compared to the normal enemies, but I beat the first one fairly easily all the same.

In order to change fate, I need to alter a teddy bear/my alarm/my phone, which allows me to wake up early.

Card game where pictures must be matched, in a kitchen, blue and white buttercream doughnut I can taste, need Dad to help me snap a lobster's neck, which I think I'll be able to taste as well, something about planetary alignment and 413, I suck root beer from a fish grenade thing

1/14/18:

List of chapters, two centered around betrayals by cultists with red robes, Mom and I in a light white-greenish hallway, star projections on our feet, they signal that this is the spot to leave from, we spin to teleport out, we were on chapter 6, but then chapter 9 happens

Good, bad, and normal dream all forced to revolve around the same thing: a yellow and red thing with scales.

Make it to "banned" area by getting banned, made completely of sand colored blocks (seamless), indoor confinement with a single reception desk, place a portal there so it's a good thing (would have taken forever to get there otherwise).

Competition, sports style events, grannies and ___ on one side, robots and ___ on the other, I end up winning (most were gun events), take granny as prize, it'll all be connected soon anyways so it doesn't really matter...

1/15/17: (2:00-6:30)

I'm in my house, upstairs, while everyone is sleeping. I head downstairs, and Mom (who was asleep upstairs) sits up from the couch and screams at me, seriously startling me.

I'm playing/editing a game, from the inside, via the dev mode. The beginning mostly consists of large colorful platforms (with things on them) and floating bars (balance beams), some of which have yellow "slowdown" pads on them, all floating in the sky. There are two large, worm-like dragons with dark blue shell armor flying in the sky above. I passed by the Sun and Moon God area before, and end up going back to interact with them. They stand on small platforms above a larger central one. The sun god has eight arms. They speak to me, but their dialogue implies that you shouldn't be able to see both at once- I can, because I'm still in dev mode, which I'd forgotten. Cursing, I restart in normal mode, with a lot of progress lost.

The setting is a school, where many of the teachers are special (supernatural or otherwise) in some way. A wiry black "electric gremlin" locks 33 other monsters in with it in a room to play hide and seek, or rather "hide and shock" with them. In the hallways, there are several vocaloid-like beings who have "load" put upon them whenever a video starring them is uploaded. This existence is hard on the original/first of them, a girl with shoulder-length brown hair and a yellow and pink outfit, as because of the other's popularity they won't ever leave or fade away (while she will?). Phoenix Wright is nearby, and becomes angry with her, rushing at her to attack. I'm also there, and try to hold him back, but he begins transforming into a giant blade armed monster thing, making this difficult. I try disabling him with elbow strikes to the head, and ICR what happens after. Elsewhere, in a giant gray stone cavern with a thin spread of water covering the floor (possibly in the school), there are a ton of people milling about. A mouse cursor (moved by someone unknown) that can jet water out of its tip climbs up a rock near a big deal villainess woman in a black dress. Her name is revealed to be something familiar (something with "night" in it), just before she grabs and restrains a tall black man with pink dreads, who slashes at her with his hands and wounds her arm. She's intrigued, as that hurt her more than she's been hurt in the last ___ (some number of hundreds of) years. She tears away his disguise, revealing him to be Death the Kid (Soul Eater). Because he's in danger, a portal forms and teleports him out. I'm left somewhat confused however, as the "disguise" person is still around. The scene then plays out again, fully animated this time (it wasn't originally), no different except that DTK briefly turns into an orc. Above/upstairs, a group with bulky red and yellow cloaks (like bulky, darker versions of the Journey characters) and names based on angels have been waiting to leave this place, and are disappointed when the portal (the upper half of which was sticking through the ceiling) quickly closes. Later, an older male teacher fed up with doing nothing, along with me, decide to go looking for whatever is going on around here after hearing about the animal colonies that were here being gone (only the moving pictures/drawings remain). A horse and maid were previously kidnapped from here; if we could find the horse we'd have a lead. We proceed down a long hallway with rooms in the middle, but I keep getting ultra tired, and have to keep resisting sleep. We get to the front area, which has a setup like a shop with fully stocked shelves (mostly wigs?). The teacher decides we need wigs, and steals one. I grudgingly take another (a tokyo ghoul one), but don't think I'll be able to fit my hair under it. The teacher tells me to just do the best I can until we get downstairs. I think to myself that I'm glad he's having fun at least.

1/19/18:

Game with woman in blue who dies, I wonder how it affects Mom and Ian's dreams, Ian wants me to watch Castlevania "M___ of Blood" because it ties up plot threads from Dawn of Sorrow, but I don't want to, part of it plays out IRL in front of us, guy in white suit fights the boss on an altar at the back of an elementary school library like place, using millions of spears from the walls and floor, the boss counters with vines and just as many swords.

A familiar (as in a witch's familiar) sort of thing is floating over the sink, but I don't want to accept it as one (as mine?) because I know it won't listen to me.

There are giant piles of snow stacked in mountains outside the house, in the middle of spring, the huns from Night at the Museum are going around the neighborhood hitting everyone in the face with snowballs, I get excited (this is apparently an annual event), I go outside to change my panties for some reason, dude with a sharp object in hand comes after me, I flee through tall grass back to the house, recent argument between me and Elizabeth?

1/20/18: (2:00-9:??) (Powers Dream)

I'm in a small (less than 20) group of people with "God" powers, allowing us to fly, and giving us various other abilities as well (some of us, at least?). I'm relatively new to the group (and the area?), and worry that they dislike me, especially after I did something that I didn't think was rude, but they did. I try to find a moment to apologize, but can't seem to- there are too many kids in the house that all (or at least most) of us are living at, leaving precious few moments that everyone is available at the same time. Later, I'm at a sort of futuristic store, full of white plastic tubes and such, where I pick up two small items I didn't mean to. The one in my right hand is small, white and pink, and semi-triangular, and somehow shakes me when I hold it. Nearby, a girl from my group who sort of looks like Miu (DRv3) points out a tiny hammer either in or near something on the floor, which was relevant to the adventure/plot that happened previously where we attained said flight/godhood from. Later, I'm walking with Josuke (JJBA) under a winding overpass. It starts raining the second we step under open sky, and stops when we step under the pass, repeatedly. This indicates to both of us that we're under attack, thus we summon our stands. Josuke's looks kind of like Frieza (DBZ), while mine is long and kind of insectoid, with at least six limbs and enough flexibility to curl through the air. I then warn myself, still also back at the store somehow, and am that version of myself again. I tell the girl from my group about it and she goes to get the others, before I realize that it hasn't actually happened yet (there are two different time versions of me running around, and I'm currently the earlier version). I run out of the store and down the stairs, trying to talk to someone telepathically as I do(?). I come across a girl I know/have talked to on the stairs, and tell her I need to break her arm (which we discussed previously) in order to draw "their" attention, as I can't think of any other way. She's not happy about this for obvious reasons, and so tries to jump from the stairs and break MY arm to prove that will also get their attention. This fails utterly (my arm fails to break with her weight), and I tell her that's why it won't work with me before lifting up the girl (the crowd gasps) with the same arm and tossing her into the bookcase on the nearby wall, feet first. This makes her body turn cartoonish, and other people around pull her out as I hope that's enough and rush out of the building. Even later, there are many floating pillars high in the sky, with a central larger pillar meant to be reached by jumping from the smaller ones. A guy from my group is up here, doing just that (landing on the sides), and upon noticing the three golden glints in the central pillar, starts making his way there (they indicate either treasure or entrances). He doesn't manage it via jumping, and so ends up just flying there. I follow him in, and it turns out this is just the temple of the "Jungle boss" we beat already, so there's no new treasure here. The boss is basically just moving circular sawblades on a slope that descend slowly on a conveyor belt, which need to be broken by being "bowled" over. There are cardboard cutouts of rocks that turn real when bowled off to the side for this explicit purpose. The guy didn't do great on this before, but he just didn't get it I don't think, because I do very well with no practice at all. Also, by clogging the entryway, you can basically win automatically. Once we do, the guy who monitors this place asks if we want to go up to the top again, to which I say nah, we've got it, and just fly up on my own. While doing so, I think to myself that I'm getting too used to flying, and won't know how to go without it soon, to the point that I've memorized how it feels (like being "lifted" by the inside of the back of the shoulders/heart area). It then "slips" out of me in midair, which I panic about ("Hey!")- it feels as if God (who I envision as a long haired black guy made of stars and space) is lifting me up by my shirt.

In Grandma's room, whole slabs of my leg meat suddenly fall out, causing me to fall to my knees. My leg looks like raw chicken on the inside, and a large shard of rough, bloody bone comes out from just above my ankle, along with a chunk of the side of my foot. It doesn't hurt, but I still panic, and ask Mom what to do... and she just tells me to put it back.

Girl with seven different voices in her head, she's a parahuman, she sings to Lung (Worm), which is hilarious, on the Christmas before, a nerdy boy (who was the girl?) is driving, his different personalities are taking over intermittently, he gets in trouble due to something that happens in the car.

Sentient, pyramid shaped guy made of rock called Mr. Volcano, he's actually really tiny, church area where the ground is covered in high dark water that can partially(?) be walked over, all the buildings are black, giant orb building I get on top of, see family below and wave, will have to backtrack all the way if I want to get to them though.

1/21/18:

I get out of (my) bed, wander out to the theater area, starscape ceiling everyone is staring at, find family in the crowd, was backstage earlier (metal area with green room in back) that I was seen in.

There's a weird researcher looking guy in my bed, he all but tries to molest me, I know he's not real but still feel him poking me under the armpit, to get rid of him I sit up fully, say when I look up he'll be gone, and he vanishes.

1/22/18: (Powers Dream?)

Check-in room for an unfinished movie (early access?), I look like a woman with dark hair in a suit and have a fake ID/page to get in (the result of disguise magic?), guy with "Taurus" in his name tries to get in, I can tell he's also disguised/fake by what he says, somehow he's revealed to the rest of the room, he escapes into the dark-bluish dungeon/labyrinth outside, Ben 10 (or someone similar) pursues in a tiny, fast, white spider form (Kumoko?)

1/23/18: (1:3?- 6:40)

Four people meet up at the center of a town after a period of time, and show off proof of what they beat in order to let them proceed. Two did the normal version, one did a lesser version, and the last did something strange. They enter an aqua green palace, and somehow complete several “incorrect” fights.

1/26/18: (2:50-10:00)

Giant waterfall with bumpy, multicolored ground all around, the waterfall itself and the ground goes all around the area, it has a complicated "fall", Ian and I are there?

Robin, Jason, and Anne (The Wotch) are in a pink, cluttered bedroom, Robin is wearing a weird ninja outfit thing, they transform, Robin turns female and his clothes constrict into a really tight dress, later, on a lawn, Anne straight up admits to a guy (cheerfully) that she's altered his memory, with a display on a laptop that has a bunch of gold rectangles together and flashing, missing red ones to display the missing memories.

Someone is coming after an enemy “boss”, but it's actually a decoy, being issued commands by a scientist girl (the real final boss, so to speak). She goes through the underneath of her base to change the wires and such, where the light is dark purplish.

Guy who makes those around him extremely clumsy and can make himself Happosai-sized, making him very hard to hit or catch, I was on a team to guard against/catch him previously, one of the girls on the team gets frustrated enough to suggest arming everyone with guns, I corner him in a mall, in an area that's sort of like a giant tube, I still can't manage to hit him though, he goes on to be an ice skater, in the same mall someone is trying to use their henchman to kill people, but they're too incompetent, I'm on to them.

1/27/18: (2:00-9:30) (Powers Dream)

In a flat, "outer space" void, there is a spiral of gymnastic mats that leads to the Five God Dragon (Yugioh) at the glowing center, you can step outside the spiral of mats too, but that's no fun, there are enormous, whale-sized fish under the blackness that you can catch.

I'm a beautiful female ninja with shiny black hair and an elegant pink and green (seemingly peach inspired) outfit that looks like a mix between a dress and robes, walking through a town. It is possible to obtain small chests there (both normal brown and aqua green ones) from events, the latter only being openable with keys obtained from fights. There is a free hot spring that I want to go to, but I get interrupted before I can, and end up stuck going to a snowy mountain area for a mission. The entire time I just want to get back to the hot spring, to the point that I keep letting my clothes partially slip off. The guards, of which there are two lines on either side in front of me, find this very weird. I drop into the below-ground snow tunnel they are standing over to begin my mission.

I'm in a mansion/dungeon that anyone who enters supposedly only has a single night to escape. However, you actually have an endless amount of time, because time will stop progressing outside it the moment you enter. I'm dressed in a black leotard with gold accents along the sides. Coming up from a dark below ground area, I progress through an area of enemies that are no longer tough for me to beat (though they're destroyed before I can encounter them, via horizontal lightning), picking up the lightning items they drop. I think to myself that I need something blunter to kill them, since I want the kind of items they'll drop if I use a blunt weapon. I've explored most of the place, but have no idea where to go now. There is a rule that I need to stay out of the sight of the mansion's guards/servants, which poses a problem as there is one crouched right in front of the door to get back to the entryway (their stare is seen as a red cone of light). I hit the lights from my end (which only lasts a few seconds) and scamper out, climbing up a ladder across the way on to a catwalk. There are buttons on the wall to the left to press, and a gathering of people up ahead of me, one of whom is a kid who will alert the adults in 7 seconds that I'm here. It's possible to bribe him, and I have before, but I don't this time, instead swinging to a slightly lower catwalk, followed by another. I then fall/slide down a pit that leads to a furnace, turning into Bendy (Bendy and the Ink Machine) and moving off into a smaller side-tunnel.

1/29/18:

Video game/board game/obstacle course, Mario-like bit with aqua blue flooring and small electrified bits to jump around, upper area with movable present like boxes.

1/30/18:

The Protagonist (DDLC) was meant to be a girl from the start, but was changed. He enters a mall where there is a large flashy display overhead with the DDLC girls on it. Later, it turns out Monika has been with us (in the real world) the entire time, possibly due to a game glitch caused by a poster. Furthermore, because of someone's severed hand, she is  omnipresent/everywhere at once at all times. She can control things by using her left hand for the mouse and her right for the keyboard (or the cursor, which is separate from the mouse?), which she reveals while in a car with me and _____ while suffering from awareness overload.

In a store, I "hatch" shriveled, radioactive bats. There are bats that "counter" them that look more like bluish, quadrapedal lizards the size of large dogs, most of which are sealed off in a toxic/radioactive factory mostly composed of tunnels, which ends up becoming the "endgame" area we have to traverse. Inside, the Homestuck trolls are sprawled out in a tunnel to the left, looking dead (they aren't), and for some reason we start a cookout just inside the entrance.

[carefreetwenties-blog]

Finding My Own “Sea of Knowledge”

Ever since I learned how to, I have always read for pleasure. When I was first starting grade school, my dad would take my sister and me to the public library in the town we grew up in every Saturday morning. I walked through the library doors, armed with my big canvas tote bag, ready to fill it up with enough books to hopefully last me until the next weekend. I specifically remember the Judy Moody series and A Series of Unfortunate Events books being my favorite. Being that young, my weekly trip to the library was the highlight of each week. I read books not necessarily because they taught me things, but because they were compelling to me, and I loved to submerge myself in the exciting plot of a new story.

It wasn’t until the 4th grade that I was introduced to the one book that even to this day has had such an incredible effect on my life. Our first encounter is kind of a random one. In a decent attempt to get me out of the house, much to my chagrin, my mother signed me up for Girl Scouts. Toward the end of the year when it had gotten too cold to go camping and participate in other outdoorsy activities, my troop leaders still tried to make our meetings fun by taking us to do things like bowling or to an arcade. One week, they told us that we would be going to the local high school to see a play that the theatre students were putting on. When we got to the auditorium that evening, I looked at the playbill I had received and read the title of the play: The Phantom Tollbooth. I had never heard of this before, and one of my troop leaders had told us that the performance we were about to see was based on a very popular children’s novel. I was excited.

 Even though the show was put on by local high school students, it really was the starting point of my love for this story. My elementary school had a free book program each month where every enrolled student could look at tables upon tables of all different types of books and pick one to keep. A few months after seeing the play, I remember observing the copious amounts of books after lunch one day until my eyes gazed upon a blue, paperback book with a picture of a little boy and a dog with a clock on it. I looked at the title—The Phantom Tollbooth. I had found it! I couldn’t wait to start the book that the play I had enjoyed so much was based on.

It is difficult to remember specific events from your younger years, especially all the way back to 4th grade. But I recall finishing The Phantom Tollbooth and just feeling like a different person. The narrative follows a young boy named Milo, who admits that he is always bored, until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his bedroom one day after school. He is given a small, red car, a map, and instructions on how to use the tollbooth. He follows a map to the Kingdom of Wisdom, which includes the Sea of Knowledge, and two separated empires: Dictionopolis, the City of Letters, and Digitopolis, the City of Numbers. Meanwhile, Milo is given the duty to help bring the two detached kingdoms together by saving their two princesses, Rhyme and Reason, who had been exiled long ago. Even with the help of new friends he meets along the way—Tock, the “watchdog,” the Spelling Bee, Humbug, Alec Bings who sees through things, and the Whether Man—Milo finds his adventure to be more difficult than he thought. The whole story is full of puns and idioms; one of my favorites is when Milo jumps to Conclusions, an island in the Kingdom of Wisdom.

 I remember my love of words and grammar really igniting after reading this book. I wanted to learn more about the English language, syntax, and why these things are so important. The Phantom Tollbooth was more than just a story to me; it was the open door to the world of language that I never thought I’d be interested in. This passion has lasted up till now; I’m 23, a senior in college, majoring in English. I still have the exact same copy of The Phantom Tollbooth that I saw on that table of free books close to 15 years ago. The blue cover has faded and there are signs of wear-and-tear, but it is one of my most prized possessions. I read it once or twice every year. Even up to this day, I still haven’t read a single book that has influenced me as much as The Phantom Tollbooth has.

Almost 2 years ago, I decided that I was going to dedicate a part of myself to The Phantom Tollbooth like it had devoted itself to me. I wanted my favorite characters from the book tattooed on my right arm. This would be my very first tattoo, so I wanted something that obviously had importance in my life, and I couldn’t think of anything else I wanted more. This tattoo has been a project for close to 2 years and it still isn’t done, but it is a constant reminder of one of the things I love most in this world, and something that genuinely shaped me into the person I am today.

“It’s not just learning things that’s important. It’s learning what to do with what you learn and learning why you learn things at all that matters.” – Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth

[proudbookaddict]

  Grab THE KNIGHT by Skye Warren NOW! “Positively sinful, and outrageously sexy! Emotions run high and readers will be left gasping.” – New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones

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The power of pleasure…

Gabriel Miller took everything from me. My family. My innocence. My home. The only thing I have left is the determination to get back what’s mine. He thinks he’s beaten me. He thinks he’s won. What he doesn’t realize is that every pawn has the chance to become a queen. And the game has only just begun. THE KNIGHT is book two in the Endgame series from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren about revenge and seduction in the game of love.

EXCERPT:

“Still giving orders, little virgin? Is that something you’re born with in the St. James family, or did they teach you that along with your ABCs?” Rage tightens a knot in my stomach. “I’m not a virgin.” “No?” he asks, lifting a hand to my face. I stand very still as he captures my chin between his thumb and forefinger, torn between wanting to wrench away and wanting him to kiss me. How can he make me feel alive when I’ve been sleepwalking for months, years? What sick twist of fate let the hands of this man bring me pleasure? “You made sure of that.” I mean the words to come out cold, unhurt. Instead I sound breathless and somehow inviting. The white carpet may as well be streaked with red. We’re both back in his bedroom, both flushed and sated and ripped to shreds from what he’s just done. He lifts my face, almost tender. “I put my cock into your warm little hole. Pushed right through that thin hymen to do it. It felt like fucking heaven to break you open.” I’m a tuning fork in his hands, and the sound I make is pure arousal. “I despise you.” “You were so wet,” he says, almost thoughtful. “But some of it was blood, wasn’t it?” “I’m going to find a way to get my house back.” He bends his head slightly, enough that our lips are an inch away, the words a tickle of breath against my lips. “I got off on the slide of your blood on my cock. I came that way, spilling salt into the fresh open wound.” There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to him, no line I wouldn’t cross in this moment. My anger takes an unholy shape, rearing back with all the fury and fear of a wild horse ready to trample his enemy. “And God help me, I’m going to ruin you. The way you did my father. I’m going to break you.” He nudges my chin higher, exposing the vulnerable line of my throat. His mouth drops to the tender skin, a whisper of a kiss. “Do you want to make me bleed, little virgin?” The violence takes me by surprise. My swing is wild, aimed straight for his face with all my strength. He catches my wrist midmotion, the abrupt stop shooting pain down my arm. We’re frozen that way, him holding me, breathing each other’s air. “Don’t call me that,” I say between clenched teeth. “Little virgin.” “I’m not. You saw the proof of it. You paid a million dollars for it.” “Actually,” he says, voice deceptively mild. “I paid a million dollars to use you for a month. And as that month isn’t over yet, I think I’d like to collect.” Shock courses through me, singeing every angry intention. “No.” “And as for your virginity, there are a hundred ways you haven’t been taken. A thousand ways you haven’t been fucked. A million dollars left to earn.” “That money’s mine. You sent me away.” “And yet,” he says, echoing his earlier words, “here you fucking are. This is what you wanted. This is what you came for. Did you really think you’d see me and walk away without my come inside you?” My gasp sounds virginal even to myself. “Of course I did.” He uses the hold on my wrist to drag me closer, off balance, almost falling into him. His warmth surrounds me, along with a musk my body remembers. Alarm bells ring more than they did this morning. A strange man could hurt me, but Gabriel—he’s worse. My own kryptonite. “Here’s the thing about fucking a virgin,” he whispers, breath a caress on my temple. “You gave me your pretty little hymen, the small spill of blood. The first feel of those walls squeezing my cock. And there’s no way to get it back, not ever. No matter who else you fuck. Even if you settle down with some prep-school fucker and let him climb on top of you every single night, I’ll always be your first. You will always be my little virgin.” The show of possession does something strange to me. It should be offensive. It’s meant to be offensive, but the humiliation turns liquid and hot inside my body. And the worst part is, I can’t even deny the truth. He left an imprint inside me. I can still remember the stretch of him, the burn. The very shape of that heavy thickness I can feel against my stomach now. And anyone who comes after him, they’ll never quite fill the space he carved inside of me. “That’s right,” he murmurs, soothing now that I’ve acquiesced. “I’ve got you.” “No, we can’t—” He releases my wrist only to run a finger along my cheek. “So young. You look so young like this.” “It’s the makeup,” I say with difficulty. And the hair. And the clothes. In a thousand ways I was different before, the society princess. What am I now? Almost homeless. Definitely scared. His eyes gentle, more brown than they’ve been before. “You didn’t think you were getting fucked today. You got dressed and took the bus and came up the elevator having no idea.” “Don’t feel sorry for me.” A slight smile. “Not enough to stop. Take off those clothes. Let’s see what you look like when you’re just a sweet, innocent college girl and not the toy I bought at auction.”

Start the series today!

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Blurb:

"Sinfully sexy and darkly beautiful, The Pawn will play games with your heart and leave you craving more!" - Laura Kaye, New York Times bestselling author. The price of survival... Gabriel Miller swept into my life like a storm. He tore down my father with cold retribution, leaving him penniless in a hospital bed. I quit my private all-girl's college to take care of the only family I have left. There's one way to save our house, one thing I have left of value. My virginity. A forbidden auction... Gabriel appears at every turn. He seems to take pleasure in watching me fall. Other times he's the only kindness in a brutal underworld. Except he's playing a deeper game than I know. Every move brings us together, every secret rips us apart. And when the final piece is played, only one of us can be left standing. THE PAWN is a full-length contemporary novel from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren about revenge and seduction in the game of love. It's the first book in the brand new ENDGAME series.                                 

The cover and blurb for THE CASTLE by Skye Warren is here!

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Blurb:

 I’m safe in the ivory tower Gabriel Miller made for me. That’s what he says. Enemies lurk outside, waiting to strike. An army of enemies held back by these walls. Except some animal instinct warns me the danger is much closer. It’s already here. Is Gabriel Miller my protector or my enemy? Is this house a castle or a cage? There’s nowhere for me to go, no one left for me to trust. No escape from a past determined to capture its prize.

                                  About the Author:

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance such as the Chicago Underground series. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, two sweet dogs, and one evil cat.

Contact Skye:

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