#i only understood when grandpa told me to sit down

[dickggansey]

i should have learnt ukrainian as a child i rlly should have it would have been cool languages are so cool

[inbabylontheywept]

Weird Grandpa Story #2

I remember asking my mom once, if her dad had gotten ornerier as he'd gotten old. I'd heard about that happening, and it would've made sense for him. He was already the orneriest old cuss I'd ever met. Couldn't even imagine him being grumpier than he was.

Instead of answering the question directly, she told me about what it was like going to church with him as a kid. Their church was a small Mormon ward out in the sticks of Colorado, and he served as their Bishop - mostly by virtue of being the only one willing to do that much unpaid work. He was also the ward pianist. He actually liked playing piano, and he liked having an audience, so it was more or less understood that he was willing to be the bishop in exchange for being the pianist. 

Which could've been a good trade, but there were a few problems.

The first problem was that Grandpa Dale played every song at about triple speed. He was a deeply impatient person, and that extended to how he played music. The second problem was that he had a bad habit of cursing under his breath. That would've been a scandalous  enough habit for a Mormon bishop, but was made much worse (and also much funnier)  by him being pretty damn deaf. So what he thought of as "quiet" cursing under his breath was more of just a verse hoarse way of yelling. I only visited him for a week or two every summer, and I still learned most of my bad words from him. 

So every Sunday would start with a quiet prayer, and then Bishop Grandpa Dale would go to the piano, sit down, and play the nightcore version of Praise to the Man. He would occasionally play other hymns, but he really, really liked that one. This would continue until he hit a wrong note, which was basically inevitable because his music philosophy was that if he could play a song flawlessly, it was time to play it faster. So he'd play until he hit that wrong note, at which point he would scream-whisper SHIIIIIT and, because he did not actually read music so much as memorize it, the only way he'd be able to get his rhythm back was by going back to the start. 

If it was a good Sunday, he could get it in two tries. Some Sundays took as many as five. 

I learned two things about Grandpa Dale from this story. The first was that he could play piano. I'd never actually seen him do that before. Still haven't, come to think of it. Second was that the man that I visited once a year, who always seemed on the verge of exploding, who scared the absolute dickens out of me, was actually the chilled out version of the man my mom grew up with.

And it helped knowing that, actually. I'm actually a pretty anxious person, and my mom is, also, a pretty anxious person, and as a teenager we'd sometimes get in these doom loops where we'd wind each other up until our springs cracked. She'd be worried about me growing up to be happy, and I'd be worried about letting her down, and my worrying would make me unhappy, and my unhappiness would make her unhappy, and we'd just kind of dissolve into these anxieties like cotton candy in the sea and become totally unbearable to be around for a bit. Then my dad would sit us both down and very politely tell us that we were being crazy. He had this quote how being sad that someone else is sad that you're sad is the emotional equivalent of being a Klein flask and that at some point you have to just say I am allowed one (1) single layer of emotional recursion, at most, and ideally zero. 

And it was always kind of embarrassing and silly, but when I was tempted to be more upset with my mom about it, I could remember the piano story and go: Sheesh. She has more of a right to be anxious that I do. For me it's really just genetics, but she grew up with the Cactus-Killing Gopher-Smasher. A whole 18 years of that. I spent two weeks every summer with that guy, and I love him, but I always came home feeling like I'd survived something. She's a trooper.

[ghoastixx]

Bringing your slashers/horror characters to Thanksgiving

Includes: Michael Myers (OG), Beetlejuice, Billy Loomis & Stu Macher, J.D., Otis Driftwood, Baby Firefly, Poly Lost Boys, Carrie White

Includes: gn reader, swearing, pet names,

———————————————————————————-

Michael Myers

In reality, this man is not going to your family’s Thanksgiving. He’s not even taking his mask off.

But let’s pretend!!

Let’s say you DID get Michael to take off his mask and venture out of your home for Thanksgiving.

You told your family that he was mute, some understood that better than others.

Grandma? Loves him for some reason.

“Hi baby, is this Michael? Oh hi sweetheart, how are you doing, come let’s get you guys seated.”

She’s so sweet he’s so unused to it other than from you.

He would freak out a lot of people by sitting there and just staring at everyone.

He’s so big and tall compared to everyone, grandpa would ask if he could help him move a dresser or some shit.

“Come on Michael, we’re gonna be late!” You called, waiting patiently by the door.

When you both arrived at your family’s home where Thanksgiving would be hosted this year, Michael was very tense. Very rarely did he ever take his mask off and he hadn’t had a thanksgiving in years. You took his hand and brushed your thumb over your knuckles as you walked inside, taking your shoes off. Your grandma greeted you with a hug and a comfortingly sweet voice.

“Sweetheart! So glad you could make it! Is this Michael? It’s a pleasure to meet you young man,” your grandma said with a smile, touching his hand which made him tense. “Come now, let’s get you guys seated before the food gets cold.”

Mikey was nervous walking through the house, seeing pictures of grandkids and uncles and cousins, seeing everyone seated.

Your grandpa took liking to his muscles,

“Yeah! Looks like you could get the job done, you mind helping me move some boxes in the garage? My back isn’t as nice as it used to be and my kids are pieces of shit.”

“Dad😡”

———————————————————————————

Beetlejuice

Yeah he can pretend to be problematic for thanksgiving.

Would purposely scare the shit out of your cousins.

Your family calls him musty..

Your emo cousin likes him though!!

“Y/N…get him out of here he stinks!” Meanwhile your dead boyfriend is sitting across from your emo cousin who’s lowkey studying him over. He’s just letting them too, he says it reminds them of Lydia.

Your family is boring to him, he’d much rather have thanksgiving at your own house with Lydia and Adam and Barbra.

“Come on babes, this is boring, we’re out of here,” he states as he takes a Turkey leg and promptly leaves the home, hand in yours.

———————————————————————————-

Billy Loomis & Stu Macher

Your parents and family do not approve.

They’re mostly confused as to why you brought two boys with you. They call it slut behavior.

Billy’s family most likely can’t even get through a normal dinner, let alone Thanksgiving, so he was down for coming.

Stu’s family were out of town and he didn’t want to go to some fancy thanksgiving with a lot of people he didn’t know. He’d rather stay in Woodsboro and get drunk for Thanksgiving, but being with his partners worked too.

Your family is way turned off by Billy, they think he’s rude, where as they think Stu is too energetic.

Billy and Stu would find any excuse to dip, letting them have private time, away from everyone.

Stu would make dirty jokes at the table in you and Billy’s ear.

You get a lot of side eyes from everyone..

You knock on the door with both of your boys, only to be greeted by a strange look.

“Y/N, baby, you brought your friends? How..nice..”

When you were all sat down at the table, your aunt started,

“Two boys Y/N? You friends from school?” Your uncle interjected

“I recognize you Loomis. You better not be causing any trouble.” He practically growled. Billy just nodded.

Lots of apologies to your boys after.

“It’s alright baby, it was bound to happen,” Stu said, grabbing a beer from his fridge

“It’s alright puppy, the food was good,”

———————————————————————————-

J.D

Would genuinely probably be the politest to your parents and family,

Got to make a good impression!!

He’d stay close to you the entire time, making sure to show off who he was to you,

God don’t even get him started on his opinion on politics PLEASE..

I feel like he’s the type of guy that your parents would be nice to in person but when he leaves everyone’s like “he’s so weird?😀”

The type of guy to call older relatives ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am’

Would hit the deserts HARD

“Sweetie your new boyfriend is very nice,” your grandma hums as you help with the dishes, he sits in the other room, arguing about politics.

“Yeah, he sure is something,”

“I’m very glad you could bring him,”

Your aunt walks in the room, shaking her head, “he’s really weird honey,” you looked at her with a confused facial expression, “I don’t know how to explain it. He’s just.. odd.”

———————————————————————————

Otis Driftwood

You’re eating dinner at his house. Nothing else.

——————————————————————————-

Baby Firefly

Would actually try to go to dinner with you if that’s what you really wanted.

Would probably make an okayish impression on your family,

They think she’s energetic and odd,

She knows…a lot,

I like to think that she does like domestic feelings, so she might actually love to go to your thanksgiving,

You’re holding her hand as you drive back to the firefly home, smiling as your stunning girlfriend rambles next to you.

“It was so fun! Thank you for taking me baby,”

“Of course,” you hun as she continues to speak very highly of the little tradition.

———————————————————————————-

Poly Lost Boys

Your parents are very thrown off when you tell them that Thanksgiving needs to be a little later than 1:00 this year because your boyfriends get off at 5:00.. (when it gets dark)

They are even more thrown off when four bikers walk in with mullets and frills and no manners at all.. well, the quiet one has manners.

David would try and make a good impression while keeping up his ‘I’m the top dog’ behavior.

Dwayne just wants to help out and actually make a good impression.

Marko will spend most of his time with any pets and Paul will follow in foot.

They house down food. It’s sort of embarrassing

Your parents are so thrown off it hurts.

“Sweetie where did you meet them again?” Your mom whispers to you from across the table,

“So, boys, what do you do for work?” Your father questioned, each boy having a way different reaction it looks suspicious.

Your parents just nod and try there best to get through the dinner.

After dinner it gets even worse, they’re all over you, touching and giving little kisses during conversation, right in front of your parents.. god it was going to be a long night.

———————————————————————————

Carrie White

Genuinely would do her best to come to your thanksgiving if her mama let her.

She’d be all dressed up and pretty, silently so excited that she gets to go to someone’s thanksgiving.

She’s so polite and quiet around your family,

If you all say grace, she’s an active part of it.

She’d be so flustered and happy to be there,

She thinks your family is so nice!!

You knock on the door of her house for her to rush down, saying goodbye to her mama. You would say hello to Mrs.White, but very uncomfortably.. you didn’t like Carrie’s Mama.

You smile upon seeing her. She looks so pretty.

“Hey darling, you look great,”

She blushed, looking down a little flustered, “thank you,”

You open the passenger door, letting her get in and closing it for her. She felt so nice, being treated so kindly. She’d remember this day for a while.

Please send me any slasher requests,

(Although I’m more prone to write for Billy & Stu at the moment)

[dazaiandhislovelybandages]

𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 {𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘰 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘰}

A/n: OKAY THIS IS IMPORTANT BEFORE YOU GO ON READING THIS. I am not romanticising depression, these are just the words that I want to hear whenever I am in a state like this so yes. There is nothing romantic about this situation. I know it will suck and to be clear I don't even know why I am writing it to begin with. Also requests are open

Trigger Warnings: depression, crying, mentions of food

Genre: angst, hurt/comfort

Pairings: Shinichiro x reader

Even though you couldn’t quite recall when your last depressive episode had ended, a new one came and it wasn’t long before everyone in the house understood what was happening. Hopefully, Emma at least, thought that you were just tired because of your job. Mikey, on the other hand, thought that Shinichiro was the one at fault. Obviously you told him that that wasn’t the case but the boy didn’t seem to change his mind. The grandpa was the only one who actually asked you directly about what was wrong and you did your best to explain the situation.  

  Shinichiro though… Shinichiro seemed to be a completely different case. 

  When the depressive episode began, you did your best to just hide it from everyone even though your plan eventually failed miserably. Slowly but steadily everyone began picking up the hints: you barely left your and Shinichiro’s room, you barely talked, barely smiled and slept like a dog. 

  Shinichiro never asked what was wrong though. You still don’t know whether his grandpa had actually told him anything or not but up until the day you actually talked to him about your depression, he didn’t say a thing.

  You had taken the day off that Thursday after your boss had decided to close the shop for a few days due to a trip he was going to make. Usually, when depressive episodes would occur, you would lock yourself in your room and just stare at the ceiling, sleep or cry. That time however, you didn't want to be left alone and you didn't know why.  

  So slowly you got dressed and headed over to Shinichiro’s shop.

  “Did I forget something?!’ His eyes widened when he saw you and he almost fell off his stool after trying to stand up to greet you. You only shook your head in response. 

  “Can I sit here?”

  “Of course!” 

  See, Shinichiro was perfect but he was terribly oblivious and stupid. So when you actually sat down next to him, he thought you wanted his help with carrying groceries.

  “Do you see any groceries?”

  “No, but I assume you want to… buy them first?”

  “Just keep working.” You rolled your eyes and leaned back against the wall. For a split second you doubted your decision of going there but even after thinking of leaving it seemed as if you had spent your leftover energy in going out. 

  “You know… I can wait, for as long as you need.”

  “Where did that come from?”

  “I can tell you’re not well. You ate exactly seven bites of the breakfast Emma made which to be precise is your favourite, you slept fourteen hours yesterday and on Monday you locked yourself in the bathroom at exactly four in the morning and when you came out your eyes were bloodshot red as if you had been crying.” You just stayed there, staring at him, not knowing what to respond. “You can talk to me about it, you know?”

  “I know. But I am not sure I am ready.”

  “I told you I can wait, angel.” Shinichiro smiled at you and opened his arms. Hesitantly you moved a little closer and placed your head in the crook of his neck the moment he wrapped his arms around you. 

  And you hated yourself even more at that very moment. To be honest you couldn’t even remember what had triggered you into going into that depressive episode to begin with. All you knew was that you hadn’t gone out of it yet and that you were tired. 

  “Tell me, does duty call?” 

  “Mmm?”

  “Sanzu wanted to play with Mikey so I’ll be taking him to Takeomi’s house later this evening. I was planning on staying there until it’s time to leave but do you need me?”

  “You don’t have to cancel your plans Shin.”

  “But I am willing to, if you… if you want me there.”

  “No, go. I asked your grandpa to tell me more scary stories.” You finally wrapped your hands around his waist and smiled when he pulled you even closer.

  “Inspiration?”

  “Boredom.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I am okay.”

  “Is that what you tell yourself?”

  “I suppose.” 

  You don’t know what brought tears to your eyes that moment but after much thinking you figured out it was the realisation that you were in fact not okay and the fact that you hadn’t been hugged by another person at a time like this like ever. Nonetheless you couldn’t avoid the fact that your sobbing slightly quickly turned into you shaking while crying in his arms that somehow remained wrapped around you during the entire thing in an oddly comforting way.

[intercoursefluids]

Where Do I Belong Chapter 3

Marinette shouldered her bag, waiting for Alya and Nino to finish gathering their belongings. 

They had a plan, they would walk to each of their houses together, gather their supplies, and meet everyone else back at Chloe’s.

It was a good plan. With everything that had happened recently, being able to get something under control felt amazing for everyone, it felt even better that they were all putting their heads together to find Adrien.

It helped them do something other than just sitting around and waiting for news on the case.

What didn’t feel so good however, was how everyone else in the school had been giving the “Akuma Class” a wide berth.

They tried to be subtle, not outright running away when one of its members walked in the room but still leaving the first chance they got.

It hurt but Marinette understood.

Hawkmoth just loved to target her and her classmates, it was to be expected that everyone would be rather cautious.

What wasn’t expected, and was rather unsettling, was how quiet Hawkmoth had been.

The whole class had been on edge. Jumping whenever something fluttered near them, constantly looking around for any signs of evil butterflies.

The longer they went without an attack, the more anxious everyone got. 

They were stuck in an awful loop.

Marinette was pulled from her thoughts at two different hands jerking her back onto the sidewalk just as a motorcycle blew past.

“Thanks, Nino.” Marinette smiled at him, ignoring Alya’s betrayed gasp from behind her.

“Thanks ‘Nino’ ?! How about a ‘Thanks Alya !’. ‘Cause y’know, I kinda saved your life there girl!” Alya blurted, yanking on Marinette’s arm.

Marinette turned to Alya, a completely blank look on her face.

“Nino pulled me to safety, you tried to simultaneously launch me into the concrete and rip my arm off.”

Nino snorted beside her, nudging her to walk since the light had changed.

Alya sputtered, dramatically claiming betrayal and abandonment as they neared Marinette’s Grandpa Rolland’s place.

The group walked through the door still giggling, quietening down once they noticed the guests in the living room.

Two men and two boys around their age.

“Oh, hello! Sorry, I just need to grab a couple things then I’ll be out of your hair.”

Marinette turned to walk to the room she had been staying in, her friends following close behind when her Grandpa called out to her.

“Marinette. Come sit down, we need to talk.”

Marinette turned just in time to catch the glances that the men sent each other.

They seemed confused, and a little worried.

Marinette looked at her friends, shrugging at them before turning around and taking a seat in an armchair.

Nino and Alya followed her, Nino resting his elbows against the back of the chair and Alya sitting down beside Marinette’s legs, throwing her arms in her lap.

“I’m not sure you will want your friends here for this, Marinette. This will be very personal for you.” Rolland warned her.

Marinette looked at Alya, feeling Nino place his hand on her shoulder in silent support. She was starting to worry.

“They can stay.” Marinette stayed firm, if more life changing news was going to be dropped on her, she would need her friends.

Rolland nodded, seeming to accept her answer even if he didn’t approve.

“Do you remember how your father and I had refused to talk to each other for a few years? I believe you were told that it was because I didn’t approve of the way he was doing things.” Rolland never looked away from her eyes, it made her more nervous than it should.

“I remember.” Marinette was hesitant, leaning more and more into her friends’ support.

“What you were told is only half true. It wasn’t that I disapproved how Tom handled his business, I disapproved of him adopting you.” 

The air was punched out of her lungs. A roaring sound filled Marinette’s ears, it was like she was underwater.

All of a sudden Marinette was aware of everything, Nino’s hand moving from her shoulder to wrap around her chest in a one armed hug, Alya’s gasp, the straight panic that had made its place on the two strange men’s faces. The shock and concern on the boys’ faces.

How her Grandpa- how Rolland - was looking at her. It was pity, pure and unadulterated pity.

“What…?” Her voice sounded like a whisper to her own ears but for all she knew she could have been shouting.

“With Tom and Sabine’s… unfortunate passing, I have decided that it would be best if you were sent back home.”

Marinette tried to speak but Rolland plowed on, talking over her.

“I tracked down your real family, they expressed how overjoyed they would be to take you back and came to Paris to pick you up. I have taken the liberty of packing your belongings for you. You will be going home-”

“I AM HOME!” Marinette screamed, shooting out of her seat. Her chest was heaving, she felt like she couldn’t breathe, she was drowning.

“I am home! This is my home! Paris is my home! I don’t understand! What are you talking about?!” Marinette’s voice was ragged, sobs wracking her body as she demanded answers.

“Do not raise your voice at me child! I am doing what is right! Paris was never meant to be your home! You belong with your family!” Rolland’s voice echoed around the small building but it didn’t deter Marinette.

“I am with my family! You are my family! I belong here!” Marinette sobbed. It was too much, too much all at once.

“This is why I told them not to adopt you! Your REAL family has come for you and you can’t accept it! I told them that this was not how it was done! You do not separate family from one another!”

“WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME!?” 

“I AM DOING WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU! You belong with your family! You were never meant to be here! You WILL go with your family and you will be better for it! One day you will understand.” Rolland’s voice softened at the end, he was not moving on the matter. He had already decided she would go with her ‘real’ family and there was nothing she could do to dissuade him.

Marinette took a ragged breath, ready to begin her pleas anew when Alya’s shriek tore through the building.

“AKUMA!”

Marinette turned, spotting the butterfly heading straight towards her and did the only thing she could think to do.

She ran.

Tag List:

@Toodaloo-kangaroo

@Ev-cupcake

@Vroomtaka

@rosesandsailboats

[roomsbyadverbzine]

half bakery (aka why not) [0x763]

written by Angela Isaakidou | διάβασέ το στα ελληνικά εδώ

Eternity is now a reality!

Who said you need a body to live? With Afterlife™ you live forever!

Upload your consciousness to Afterlife™ and live with all your loved ones forever!

Communicate with the living people of your life at any time! It really works!

Don't miss the opportunity to live forever! Eternity suits us! Eternity is what we deserve!

(Subscription to the service: 12000 eternally. Contact your own insurance company to see the corresponding offers)

My dear grandfather,

It is strange that I am writing you this letter. I haven't had a real notebook in my hands for years. As I drag my pencil across the paper and watch its blunt nose shrink, I feel like I'm paying homage to your teenage self. I finally understand why your eyes glowed so beautifully under the artificial light in the emergency room when you talked about 2017 and your little black notebook. I thought it was silly, almost primitive to sit and write, but now I understand. My hand, as if it has a brain of its own, writes on its own before my head has time to think. I feel like I have a magical power that allows me to create something eternal and temporary at the same time.  

Right now you are sitting next to me on your white bed, your crazy bed as you keep calling it. You're sleeping peacefully, curled up like a baby. A moment ago you opened your tiny eyes and asked me, "What day is it, Mommy?" I didn't have time to answer you, you went back to sleep.

It's strange how even though we will meet again, relive it all over again, in a dimension we don't have the intelligence to comprehend, it hurts me to say goodbye to yourself in this body. I remember you saying that in this world we have numbered days and that's the way it should be. One day you told me that we are born into this world to love and write poems. You laughed and as your smile faded, you said that somewhere around 40 you lost your instruction manual and instead of poems you were drawing floor plans in Rhino and instead of love you had anxiety.

Ever since I can remember, you've had a worried look on your face and made hasty movements. You rarely calmed down, but when you did, you'd open your tablet and read "whatever I'm in the mood for at last." I'll never forget the first time I saw you cry. I was dancing Carmen, a role Grandma used to dance beautifully. Your favorite role from your favorite play. As soon as I got off the stage, I ran to say hello to you, Mom and the others. You said excitedly, "I wish your grandmother was here. She would have been so happy to see you dance..."

Just before you completely lost it, you vehemently refused to be uploaded to Afterlife. You may have never been able to tell me why, but I understood... I wouldn't want to be in an unknown place either, unknowable, dark and cold with all the people, or what was left of them, without the love of my life.

I love you very much, Grandpa.

I love you now. Truly, with my beating heart.

My great-grandfather was born in a village many years before the political transition. He was one of those who never thought he would live to be old. And yet he has reached the age of 126. Before he lost it completely, he barely spoke. All I knew about him was that he studied architecture, skated too much in his youth and that he was part of the last generation to eat chocolate. When he got Alzheimer's he talked incessantly, but only to me. That's when I also learned that my great-grandfather was a poet. A romantic, educated man who wrote in real pencil until he forgot his name.

He died on April 19, 2326, my birthday.

I read him my letter, he smiled. He took my hands, kissed them, and as he closed his eyes I realized that the last face he saw was Grandma's.

Angela Isaakidou is from Kavala, she studies in Ioannina. She shares stories usually with dance, she decided to try with writing. this is a machine-translation, later edited by humans.

photos: Fani Tranou | featuring: Stella Parastatidou, Christos Vogiatzis | graphic design: Stratos Politis | a&r: Konstantinos Karaiskos

[thewanderer-000]

Penelope Thompson(18 + yrs and up)

The mother of four sat out in the field as her long time lover the father of her fourth son ordered his flock to pack away material for New Eden. It'd been a long while since they left Jacob's gate, a hopeful sight to her was their son running around with one of uncle John's airplane models that he was given. Their trusted wolf sitting at a distance, Hati surveyed the the small area, protecting her family. Penelope laughed at her little boy running, shouting, trying to climb trees like a bear cub. Then roar of engines sounded in the distance, definitely wasn't what anyone expected. Jacob immediately went to pick up his little boy as he threw his rifle to Penelope. Eden's Gaters got vigilant as did Hati, staying close to Jacob and little Ferdinand.

"Come on my little bear cub, time to go. Penelope, they may not be too close but let's be vigilant. Those fuckin' Scavengers could be watching from the trees" I say scanning the area as we retreated, Pen readied my reconstructed rifle, eyeing the horizon through the sniper scope ready for anything. Joseph wouldn't like this but I wouldn't going to part with my rifle, especially when I'm on an outing here with my family. I quickly moved to get everyone out of the area, New Eden's Gate was a damn fortress, thankfully. Not a full 3 years out, and we got Scavenger bull' on our plate.

___________________

"That was too close. I don't think we should take little bear again" I say in an exasperated yawn to Penelope, she looked on like it wasn't so bad. She probably was right but what if we weren't so lucky next time, we haven't yet got ready to go California way to search for her family. So far the research going out that way is filled with worry, strife and more fuckin' Scavengers. A few of my followers found Scavengers, they're dotting a few places outside of what used to be Hope County, Montana. I couldn't help thinking on it as we undress, I kick off my shoes, hesitant about bringing up conversation 'bout California.

"About California, I think-, I think we should go without our little bear, babe" I felt a lump in my throat trying to sound like we weren't actually going to make it there and back. She looked relieved though, Penelope grabbed my hand endearingly but tight and sighed. I knew it was serious, she never does that unless she's scared.

"I hate to say it, but, I think that's best, if you asked me a week ago, I think I would have tried to argue against the notion. Realistically it might be too much for him, he'd like to go, I'd hate to leave him. I don't want to leave him! But I would hate to lose him" I am shakey as Penelope says that last part, but it's a real concern. One I know we both share, I mask that I'm falling apart at the thought, but not too much as I squeezed her hand a bit. Before I knew it she pulled her hand away to try stopping her tears, Penelope wiped away the few tears rolling down her cheek. We sat on the bed quietly, I knew this would be difficult, breaking the news to him would be hard.

___________________

Our mother Penelope Thompson, once Penelope Wyatt was out there somewhere, it'd been years and the General just put our cause on the back burner since forever. We were trained, me and my brothers could just go out on our own and look for her. We were getting desperate to find her, I could only remember the name Hope County. My grandmother had said the name but she and grandfather just decided to live on without mom. Our father didn't care to remember, he already dropped her memory and chased whomever to get us a new mom. But he wouldn't 'round much. And we let him know we liked it better that way, we understood why grandma and grandpa just wanted to live without her. She was the only girl, grandma was in asylum after we made it in the bunker under the base. But after a couple years she was alright to talk about her but our bio dad started to try talking about our "family". Odd since we told him to buzz off, he wasn't clean and had women coming and going from his place a lot.

Grandmother and grandfather tolerated him but once he started on the live as a new family bull, it was time for him to go. He spent most of our lives dodging us or going no contact after the end of the world, which was odd since we all lived in a big ass military bunker. We didn't need him, our grandfather out ranked him but once out we found our own, joined service. Not much of a choice but it was something to find mom. We did better than our biological father. But I kept having dreams of mom, it was too vivid, I wanted to talk about it but how does one do that. I rubbed the bridge of my nose, I know I had to talk with my brothers though. We're hunting, so it's a good time.

"Hey, guys. Uh, I dreamt of mom. And- and I think she's alive, I don't know if that makes sense or-" I say scanning their responses, after a moment they're relieved. Max gave a big sigh.

"Oh holy fuck, I thought I was the only one, I thought I was going through the shit, David" Max said rubbing his head and face, it felt hopeful, I had hoped she was out there somewhere. Waiting or searching.

"Me too, I couldn't understand why this was happening and it only freaked me out" William sat just staring at the ground, I see them gears turning. I knew he was already planning on going after her, and looking back at Max I knew that was his intention too.

"Well, let's get our deer and then we prepare for Hope County, Montana. Find mom, and whoever the others are" I say picking up my rifle, we find our places and hunt.

(Edited update: my fics aren't in chronological order, sorry lol)

[axl-ul]

The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Nine

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey tot he West because the whole AO3 site, where I originally posted this, got taken down for now)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

Wukong was watching the young monk wearily. He saw his tensed body relax a bit only for it to clench again as somebody asked a question. The noise which came from the monk’s moving feet drowned out the assembly of crickets and cicadas. The fresh memory of sunset was gone like a reflection on a moving surface of a pool. The hour of the rat was approaching and the signs of fatigue began to show up. Wukong felt the need to speak to his master although he was aware the young man would disapprove of him right away. The surprise marking his face once Sanzang initiated the conversation couldn’t be described enough. “Wukong, would you mind a word, please?“

The monk carefully stepped closer to his disciple as the simian was just taking care of the elephant. “I wanted to apologise.“ The raised right palm cut off Wukong’s words and enabled the monk to continue in his speech,“I was harsh on you. But I see you made a great progression. As you can see, the journey is full of obstacles and hardships and for such a reason we must not only stick together as a group but we must accept ourselves as we are. Only then we…I can see the wrongdoings in this world and so the misdeeds even I am responsible for, though I have devoted myself to Buddhism and its teachings. Because looking at the misery inflicted upon the others is ultimately my own. I made you suffer numerous times even when you meant good and I, unfortunately, misinterpreted your intentions. You are wise. And you’ve always had the good in yourself though your pride might have blinded you. Looking at you, I now see I may be no different at times. I am sorry for that. And I am honoured to have you as my disciple.“ Sanzang squeezed Wukong’s hand while he patted the simian’s shoulder with the other hand. A faint honest smile played on Sanzang’s lips.

The sudden confession left Wukong speechless. It took a short while for him to process what in fact happened. The monkey carefully crafted his response but it was time for him to be honest with himself - he was lost. He couldn’t answer as he didn’t know how to answer. Of all things that came to his mind he chose the one which went straight to the point. “Thank you, Shifu. I am grateful to have you, too. You saved me on that day and I shall never forget your kindness. You showed me the way and told me how to follow it. I won’t disappoint you ever again. I promise that as I have promised myself to become a proper monk. Whatever it takes and whatever stands on my path of enlightenment, I will overcome it.“ Sun Wukong squeezed the smooth monk’s hand back. Motioning towards a thin tree trunk, they both sat down as the monk gladly took the invitation. As it became a tradition, the monkey sage took a seat by his Master’s side on the ground. This time, the otherwise distant man quickly assured him to sit down on the trunk, as well. For a time, those two, a holy man and a disgraced demon, looked into the void of the grove. It reminded Wukong of his first meditations. There was nothing and everything. The smell, the noise, the breeze bumping into him, the inner thoughts. But all he did was to focus on his breathing. Breath in. Breath out. In. Out. Again. There’s nothing. Nothing to be happy about, nothing to be afraid of. He understood it while still learning the practices of Master Puti. With Sanzang, it seemed to be even easier. Everything held inside him escaped, vanished. Not a speck of dust remained in the thin air. The grandpa of monkeys at Mount Huaguo finally found some peace after nearly two tiresome weeks. Out of the blue, a tiny cricket jumped on his thigh and chirred. The thrill brought an image of another of Puti’s disciples. His small voice rang against the back of Wukong’s mind. He quickly drove it away yet it was too late. The boy wasn’t able to focus as one thing always disrupted his thoughts. It thumped, it pulsated, it pounded, it filled his ears with endless beating from inside out. The small, warm flesh his mother gave him even before the boy was born and nurtured by her.

The tranquillity was shattered like a piece of glass. “Shifu. I know it’s rather a rough topic for you. However, I have a question.“

“Ever so curious,“ Sanzang chuckled,“what is it, my disciple?“

“Your parents…when you met your mother for the first time. How did you feel?“

“Wukong, you know that a monk must detach from earthly matters. Family ties are no different.“

“I understand. I was only wondering, Shifu.“

A moment later, Sanzang couldn’t contain himself,“I was happy. I felt an indescribable joy but also a sorrow that I didn’t know her as a child, only as an adult. All in all, one thing was for certain - I was grateful. I suppose she felt the same.“ The monk directed his eyes on the eldest disciple. The simian didn’t move a muscle. Instead, he was as still as a statue. If the monk had been a stranger, he’d have believed the charade. 

“Wukong, I know what you’re thinking about,“ he said calmly,“and believe me, you are not alone. The burden you carry…“

Monkey King didn’t let his master finish“Shifu, my apologies but I’m not sure whether I want to speak of it any further. I was curious. That is all. However, I’m thankful that you answered my question.“

“Honestly, you surprised me a bit,“ Sanzang patted the hairy skull,“I expected you to dodge but this time, you were honest with both me and yourself. It is alright if you don’t want to share more. At least, you didn’t masquerade. You’re becoming more honest with each day. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, let alone say it out loud. Yet, I am proud of you. And happy for you.“

“To be truthful one must go through many obstacles. And to have a good teacher,“ Wukong looked at smiling Sanzang. Then, the monkey recalled one more thing he wanted to ask sooner. “Shifu, what exactly is written in your small diary? My intention is not to sound rude. Simply, I cannot resist but to ask as I see me and my brothers have already achieved a certain level of understanding and acceptance. Of course, I dare to speak on their behalf, as well, Shifu.“ A panic glistened in the monk’s friendly gaze. Clear distress waved from the tip of his ears to the very bottom of his feet. It lasted no more than a second. But Wukong’s keen eyes noticed how shaken Sanzang was. It didn’t matter that the monk could barely see the tip of his nose as Chang’e’s nightly throne hid itself behind a purple cloud. The fiery eyes held to their infamous glory.

Never thinking in a pure malice, Wukong was prepared to investigate further if it weren’t for rustling leaves. Zhu Bajie’s head emerged in the centre of the wild vine curtain. He announced that the soup was ready and Sha Wujing was all too happy with the outcome of his culinary skills so the arrival of the two men would be more than welcome. Tang Sanzang swiftly marched away. The moment he did, Bajie bumped into his older brother, the mischief drew an unmistakable grimace.

****

“Gentlemen, I couldn’t wait to see you!“ The witch opened her arms welcomingly, at the same time she kept her voice low so as not to startle the sleeping monk, the heiress and the sand demon. She was gently caressing the elephant who seemed to relax under her touch. Under the pale moonlight, it was clearly visible how her torn dress lost its vibrant shade, the mud coloured the ragged silk with strange brown stains. Despite the advisor being a sorry sight, her strangely shaped face never let itself be subdued by a sole wrinkle. “Darling Bajie, did you bring me what I asked for, please?“

Bajie flapped his ears when he offered the witch a small flask of herbal brew,“Here it is, Lady Márgerdra.“ His expression was an absolute delight when the witch playfully pinched his cheek.

“Lovely. Absolutely lovely.“

“Oh, my…Lady Márgerdra, no need to show such affection…“

“Excuse me, Brother Bajie? My apologies. I was talking about the content of the bottle. Is it anything important that my ears should hear out, my dear?“ Márgerdra tore her eyes away from the liquid and turned to Bajie whose skin changed from a light pink to deep red. Wukong didn’t bother to hide his amusement. In fact, he was enjoying himself so much that not even the witch’s scolding gaze stopped him. “Like a small boy,“ she shook her head,“shall we begin, then?“

The witch carefully slid the blanket off of the elephant’s back and placed it in front of herself after she kneeled down on the warm ground. Meanwhile she assumed the right position, Wukong slowly poured the liquid around the witch, thus creating a perfect circle around her. Bajie didn’t let them act on their own and he prepared a small brush and Wujing’s old map of the region. For a long time, nothing occurred. Because the awkward feeling settled down, Bajie scratched his chin and whispered,“Hey, do you think she knows what to do-“

“Shush,“ Wukong’s slim palm covered Pigsy’s snout and growled,“this type of magic requires a great deal of focus.“

The middle disciple murmured through the thin gape in between the monkey’s fingers,“How are you not taking out your cudgel? Thought you didn’t trust her much…“

“Boys,“ the witch’s icy blue eye opened, her angelic voice sounded more disappointed than angry,“could you be so kind and let me concentrate?“ Her plea worked right away. The demons kept their promise so the woman in front of them would grasp onto the blanket and try to evoke an image of the place the animal came from. Soon, she finally began to grasp on what she hoped for.

Yellow veils embroidered with gold and silver threads, the high throne carved from a sole piece of jade, walls heavy with embroideries of mountain peaks, deer, flowers and dancing figures flashed before Márgerdra’s eyes. A large map was displayed on a long table, some characters were smudged but the witch managed to read the name and the location of the place just fine. Wandering peacocks and their long feathers rubbed against her ankles while people approached her. They had strange faces, some had scales around their lips, the others possessed feathers instead of hair on their jewelled heads. One of them even had a single horn in the centre of their forehead. Or was it in the middle of a face? The figures surrounded by wealth and fortune quickly bowed profoundly and offered respectful gestures only a ruler would receive. She walked further when a bare limb slid down her rough hide. It was long, smooth and quite feminine, gold circlets dangled around the ankle. A ringing laughter resonated in big ears, the light weight shifted on the round back when a tall figure with a pointy helmet arrived. The grimace was strange and the man’s report distorted the more he spoke,“The monk’s approaching, Your Majesty.“ All faces began to blur after that. Colours, smells, all of the noises began to spiral down to eternity. This wasn’t good.

Márgerdra’s nails dug into the soil. Her head started spinning so much the wolf demoness had to bend and support herself on her hands. In spite of the pain cutting through her body, the demoness didn’t open her eyes. She continued catching the visions. She wanted to see more. She needed to see more to get everyone out, back to safety.

The witch grunted. A strange noise came to her. A pleasant sound of strings ruptured into wild screams of the crowd outside. Instead of the warmth, the biting white light of the winter sun shone on her face through a small hole in the wall. Her face itched and hurt, the cutting pain dragged from the middle of her forehead to the bridge of her nose and stopped by her jaw once it crossed the side of her cheek. Something bad was going on but the little girl had no idea what exactly. She felt a slimy hand sliding down the small of her back as it pressed against her trembling frame. Her body was constantly dragged on the cold floor in two directions. The movement wasn’t big but it was enough for her stomach to be swollen and full of scabs. A collective laughter once she let out a painful moan which flooded the space. Her sobbing stood no chance against the thunderous voices. Instantly, the sounds mixed with a petrifying howl while an enormous beast pounded against the thick door as if that thing was trying to get inside the cramped room.

The blonde girl clenched her clawed fist. She blinked.

She was standing outside, tied to a stake. Snow fell on her skin. Looking left and right, she saw two naked figures tied up as well. They weren’t much older than her and though their faces were covered by thick thatch of hair much darker than her own, she recognised them. Udu. Ulfu. The latter didn’t scream. She only raised her head. When she did, the whole world collapsed as the horrific beast with an abysmal gaze swallowed it.

The lost soul was falling down, somewhere, anywhere. It was taking too long for the ground to claim her shattered bones.

The freezing cold stopped. Nothingness left her as quickly as it had arrived. The familiar warmth enveloped her. A hot breath gently slid down her cheek as the low voice whispered. She was sure. Márgerdra knew who to expect, he’d been waiting for her to return. Instinctively, she reached out with her hand to place it on a soft cheek. Corners of her lips curled up, her heart slowed down, the tension left her body. The demoness finally opened her bright eyes and her smile only widened. There they were - big, warm and beautiful. So kind but also full of worry. She missed them so much and him even more. “Ereanth…“

The low voice spoke again,“Eh, blondie?“

Márgerdra froze on the spot. The tenderness behind the bitter surface never ceased to be. It was all there…except for the right person. His eyes weren’t green at all. The cheek she was holding was too hairy. It felt right and yet strange and distant.

“Monkey?“ she squinted her eyes. She saw him before. His name lingered on the tip of her tongue, “Wukong…sorry.“ Márgerdra grabbed her head and began standing up,“I should have…“

“Don’t,“ Wukong wrapped his arms around Márgerdra,“You’re weak. Bajie, wake Sha Seng up.“

“No need…for that. I’ll be alright.“

“Lady Márgerdra, you can’t be serious. If only I had a mirror I’d show you how terribly you look!“ cold sweat rushed down Pigsy's forehead as he watched the witch. She stopped shaking but a thin trickle of blood made its way down from the nostril. Her skin, which was usually healthily fair, was now paler than the distant moon.

“No, please, don’t worry yourself with this pitiful soul. If I may ask you, though…“

“Anything, my dear,“ Bajie squeezed her fragile hand.

“...could you, please, fetch some water? I’m terribly thirsty.“

“Right away,“ Pigsy dashed out so fast that Wukong barely managed to tell him to be careful. The Monkey King’s gaze lingered in the distance before he looked down again. Some of his fingers intertwined with long hair.

“Jade Peak of Shufen.“

“Excuse me, Márgerdra?“

The beauty smiled,“Jade Peak of Shufen. That’s the name of the city where the elephant is from. I sensed the presence of various demons. I suppose it must be their lair so we…should be more careful. They have a ruler who seems to know about the Master, too…“

Wukong leaned over and observed her face, the gesture cut her off abruptly. Because the bleeding didn’t stop even when he wiped away the blood with his hand bandages and pressed into her nostril, the Sage helped the demoness to lie on her side in a way she’d be still facing him. “What else? Is that all?“

“No. I didn’t catch much. Wukong, I’m sorry. I thought my skills would be more useful. I truly believed that this wouldn’t repeat like the last time.“

“What do you mean? You’ve done this before with the same outcome?“

“I used to practise it more often,“ Márgerdra thought hard for a second but eventually she came to a conclusion that the Great Sage is trustworthy enough. “Being a witch and a skilled seeress I was capable of not only seeing things past, present and those which were about to happen. I was able to shape the future to a minor extent. Until…something happened. I don’t know when or what exactly happened, though. When I try to recall any of my memories it hurts terribly. My magical abilities are even worse - anytime I want to see anything I pass out and have lapses of memory…“ the muscles on her jaw waved as she gritted her teeth. Wukong offered no more than a silence.

Her nose wrinkled yet an icy wind blew around her tongue,“A witch who’s in fact a con artist. That is the truth, after all. I tricked the King, Mei’s father. I slept with the right officers and concubines. I established my own circle of liars just so I could keep my distance from Fulin and my own mistakes.“

Wukong murmured under his nose. She was telling him things he could never dare to imagine but he believed her. The whole situation was as if he were looking into a mirror.“You became what you pretended to be…“

“You say it,“ Márgerdra looked up,“as if you know it all too well, my friend.“

Worried but glad she found him reliable he nudged her to go on so as to keep her conscious,“Let me guess. Mei doesn’t know this either. Apart from you being a demoness, right?“

Márgerdra swallowed. “Yes and no. In fact, she is aware of my idiocy and forbade me to continue in such circles of magic. But she has no idea about the real story behind how I kept my position at her court. She’s surely heard about my lovers. However for the most part, she thinks many of the old wives’ tales are not more than rumours. For these two reasons, I’d like to ask you…“

“...to keep my lips sealed. As you wish. I’ll let Bajie know he didn’t see any ritual when he shows up. Argh, where is that idiot? Hopefully he didn’t fall into the river.“

“Why? At least he’d take another proper bath.“ Márgerdra sniffed. “Not that the two of us are any better,“ the witch chuckled. Surprisingly, Wukong joined in. They giggled even more when the large animal approached them and her trunk started poking Márgerdra’s neck, forcing a weak snort out of the she-wolf.

“She seems to like you, blondie.“

“Really? I didn’t notice, monkey,“ still giggling, Márgerdra pressed herself against the disciple’s chest but to completely escape she had to ultimately bury her face under his armpit. The view, strangely enough, brought an unknown feeling inside Wukong’s chest. Once the tickles stopped, the trunk petted Wukong’s head and the gentle giantess returned to her spot. At that moment, the Monkey King noticed the Wolf Witch was still holding his cheek. Panicking whether to shout at her or ignore it for the sake of providing some comfort to the demoness, he breathed in and brought his fingers up to touch the back of her hand. He hesitated for a second just like the witch herself. She lowered the limb herself, in the end, with apology in her bright yet tired eyes.

“You uttered a word or a name when you woke up.“

“Yes,“ Márgerdra averted her face and repeated the name,“Ereanth. My husband.“

The monkey choked on his own spit. His whole body shook, though he tried to keep himself down. “You’re married? I had no idea that you…“

“We’re not together anymore. We separated after an…unfortunate event,“ she chose her words wisely but the small tear behind her lashes didn’t escape Wukong’s attention. Out of respect, he didn’t want to push her further. Besides the sentimental side, he also lived through the consequences of pushing Márgerdra’s limits. He decided to shift his attention to a thin scar he noticed on her face. It was long and barely visible. Indeed, if it weren’t for the lack of make-up and the right lighting he doubted he’d ever found it. “I’ve told you that my scar comes from one territorial monkey before I learnt how to preserve my body, strength and life essence. What about you?“

The tables turned as now it was Márgerdra who shifted and tried to cover up her face,“Sorry. You shouldn’t have seen it. It’s only a minor distraction. Let’s leave it at that, please.“

“I can ignore it if you say so. But can you?“

“You’re unbelievable sometimes, you know?“ The witch fell silent but she wasn’t able to hold her tongue for long. “When I was younger, our village decided my oldest sister wasn’t good enough.“

“Did she steal someone’s peaches?“ Wukong smirked, not realising what the woman was about to tell him.

“Worse. She wasn’t considered to be either dead or alive. For them, she was a walking curse, not a child. One day, they barged into our hut. They took us and I was about to receive a serious whipping. The first attempt was somewhat successful. Hence the scar on my face. But Ulfrika came back. She returned for us, I think. We were meant to be…burnt alive…I’m sorry. I can never fully remember the day. It’s all fuzzy.“

“Ulfrika must be your sister.“

“She was the oldest of us three. Then Udra and then me. However I don’t remember what happened to her. Whenever I asked, Ulfrika only changed the subject. It’s been only the two of us for the longest time,“ Márgerdra subconsciously leaned against Wukong. The foreign pressure unnerved him at first but decided to embrace the feeling. It surprised him how quickly he got used to it as he didn’t want the witch to let go of his shoulders and neck. Her fragrance rose up his nostrils. He wasn’t listening out of need anymore, rather out of sheer interest.

“Then I met my, now former, husband. He was such a gift for me. He…he understood me. We lived for each other. There wasn’t a day he wouldn’t have made me smile.“

The demon watched her dreamy face. While he was glad she was coming back to her strength and also feeling better, the monkey couldn’t shake off the strange itch in the back of his head. He was biting on his cheek to keep his cool. “I believe he must’ve been a great addition to your family. Your sister had to be more than satisfied with such an outstanding brother-in-law.“

“No. They didn’t get along. She used to call him a good-for-nothing. Funny,“ she weighed her words again,“he was the most hard-working person I’ve known. That is until I met you, honestly.“

The last sentence took the monkey demon’s breath away. He felt oddly both honoured and appreciated.

“Can you promise me one thing? The same you promised Her Highness. Don’t you ever try the Spell of Remembrance again. At least not alone.“

She nearly pinched his cheek but seeing how uncomfortable he was with their proximity she pulled away. Locking her eyes with his, she squeezed his hand, the sign she was rather serious,“Don’t worry. I’ll wait for one troublesome monkey with a funny face. And pretty eyes.“

Flabbergasted Wukong stuttered, which made Márgerdra giggle. “Don’t give me that look, Wukong. I only said what was on my mind. And I don’t intend on lying to you anymore. Forgot what we swore back at the tavern?“

“I’m more surprised you didn’t yell at me for touching your hair, blondie,“ he rolled his eyes.

The witch parted her lips. Realisation kicked in but it was too late. Even stranger, the image of his fingers wrapped around long yellow cascades didn’t bother her anymore. Truly, many years had passed since someone was allowed to do so. The witch nearly forgot the touch was able to kindle her lost hope.

Quick but heavy steps approached the pair. Stressed out Bajie was holding a gourd in one hand and a bundle of herbs in the other. “Dear, are you alright? I brought some medicine. I hope I didn’t come late, did I?“

****

After a quick explanation and several reassuring questions the witch obeyed Bajie’s advice and went to sleep. Wukong was tracing down the map and wondered what sort of trickery could help the group to pass by unnoticed.

“Shifu’s hair’s been coming out lately. He didn’t have a chance to shave so he could potentially pass the role of a young farmer. No. Rather a servant. He’s too delicate for daily work on a field. You, me and Wujing, the three of us could be soldiers or merchants. But in ragged shirts and trousers we’re more suited for beggars. Bajie, stop sitting there and help me out! What? Why are you looking at me like that?“

Bajie grinned widely,“Our dear lady is getting fond of you.“

“Excuse me, Brother?“

“Wow, she made you change your vocabulary. In the morning, I better congratulate her as only Shifu was able to pull some manners out of your old hide.“

“Lies, deception and myths. I can be rather sophisticated if I want to,“ the Monkey King made another note in the map. “By the way, did Shifu wake up?“

“Nope. Sound asleep. But I doubt we’re going to get away with the ritual that easily.“

“C’mon, you sound like Ol’ Sha. Trust me. Shifu is never going to find out. Hey, could you hand me some ink? The brush’s getting dry.“

Pigsy scoured his pockets and a small bag he previously put on the ground. Sunken eyes darted between the sack and the moon. “Chang’e, I hope you’re doing well, my love,“ he sighed. 

“I’m sure she hears you all the way up there,“ Wukong added mockingly.

“Shut up! What can you know about us?“

“That the two of you were meant to be. The mighty Marshal Canopy and his sweet little muse, the most beautiful of all goddesses, Chang’e,“ with the last word spoken, Wukong’s impish contours softened, brown fur turned black. His whole body once so broad and firm as steel was now thinner, softer, more feminine. A silky veil encircled the jewelled head when the false goddess called out,“Dear Marshal, I am so lost without you. My heart has always belonged to such a bold soldier only you can be. You’ve always had an eye for pretty things and I understand why you couldn’t contain yourself and peek at me when I was in my loincloth. Do you remember?“ Transformed Wukong stepped closer and traced Bajie’s jawline,“When your eyes would linger on me? Even though I was married to the handsome archer Hou Yi.“

Honeyed words hit the former Heavenly official’s nerves. Pigsy stood up and fiercely looked down on his brother. “Stop it! You don’t even look like her. Your tail’s completely visible. And she was engaged, not married.“

“Last time I checked the rumours,“ delicate lips parted and let the unnatural rasp through,“ Lady of the Moon, indeed, was married, Brother Daizi. Not that it matters much now, you perverted moron.“ Wukong wanted to deliver even more flowery language when the leaves in the distance rustled. A chaotic din climbed down the point and finally crawled inside the ear. The monkey waved his hand in front of his eyes and scanned the environment. There they were. Soldiers. Not a common breed, unfortunately. The strange mist surrounding them was a clear sign of demonic presence. Grabbing Zhu Bajie by his collar he dashed through the forest until they reached their small camp. Carefully, he woke up everyone and commanded them to pack what they had. “What’s happening? Are we being ambushed?“ Sanzang yawned while he was rubbing his sleepy face. 

“We don’t have much time. Quickly!“

“Great Sage, what about the elephant? Won’t she pose a threat or…“

“Not now, Mei. Careful where you’re stepping,“ Márgerdra scolded the princess, alas, too late.

Bam! Before she knew it, the young girl fell down on her face. She propped against the trodden path only to find a shining tip of a polearm which nearly stabbed her forehead. Her gaze followed the length of the weapon, the further she went the more certain she was about the identity of the person. Human arms peeked out from under the lamellar armour which covered the barrel-like torso. On the contrary, limbs were short and thin making the soldier look like a living caricature. The small head with button eyes enforced such an image and made Mei burst into laughter until the small satchels on the sides of the nose expanded. Shaped like fleshy tears, they slowly popped out from under the helmet. The sacs deflated as quickly as they puffed up. Another eight or nine identical soldiers gathered behind him, their halberds pointed at the group. Horrified and speechless, Mei didn't move a muscle, her advisor wasn’t any different. “Sir! We found the trespassers!“

“Did you?“ Another soldier as tall as Tang Sanzang stepped out behind the pilgrims. He was armoured, as well, however the structure of the metal pointed towards a much higher rank. The moon illuminated his elongated face set on a noble neck. He looked the demonic disciples up and down, a scornful sneer waved through his lips. Wukong immediately repaid in an equal manner, though he was a good full head and half shorter. His boldness made the captain laugh out loud,“Tell, are you not the Monkey King who once wrecked Heaven and now protects the Tang monk on his way to the West?“

Although it was too late to mask Sanzang and the women, a plan was born in Wukong’s clever mind,“Should I truly tell you the truth, shall you release these gentlemen?“

“A monkey that is not only brave but well-spoken, as well? I must be dreaming. For you showed you’re not up for a fight, then so be it,“ a simple hand gesture dismissed the troop. “Now, I kept my part of the deal. It is your turn. Speak up and don’t waste my precious time!“

“I am,“ Wukong ignored the fearful looks from his fellow travellers and cleared his throat,“not who you think I am. My name is Huang Wei, a scholar marching from the regions South of these lands. Me and my brothers are passing by your country as we set out for an expedition to discover new routes and…“

“Brothers? As in sworn brothers?“ The captain raised his thin brows awaiting the monkey’s reaction. 

Wukong knew the soldier was trying to corner him. If he agreed, the captain could once again become suspicious. If he denied, the truth about them being monks would be buried, however they looked far too different. Then it clicked. “Some would say so and some would say otherwise. We all hail from different parts of the world and yet we can see our mothers wouldn’t stand each other.“

The captain, taken back by such a strange claim, replied,“How so, Huang Wei?“

Bajie partially caught on Wukong's lie. He ignored his Master’s glare and cheerfully throwing his hands around took Wukong’s side,“People would say our father was more or less that of an adventurous nature. He travelled to many countries, four to be exact. Wherever his steps led he found interesting wonders and marvels.“

“In other words, we all may not look related but the family bond found us one or another way. To continue our father’s legacy, we sought out the knowledge of scholars which leads us to this day, sir.“ Wukong’s pretended kindness made Sanzang squirm.

To the Sage’s displeasure, the soldier was still persistent. He approached the one who seemed to be the youngest of the man, the most human resembling, and drew in his smell. The man with big eyes and short black hair dressed in ragged cloth resembled a beggar in the middle of a cruel winter as his body trembled. Stepping back, the soldier, seemingly satisfied with the result, agreed,“You truly possess the smell of both a human and a demon. What is your name, boy?“

“He doesn’t talk, sir. Our youngest brother is mute,“ Wukong quickly called out and Sanzang, although deeply ashamed, had to admit he was thankful for his decision. Spared of the intentional lying, he relaxed.

Until one of the soldiers called out,“Sir, he’s lying. I heard him speak.“

Wukong’s jaw clenched. Standing still as a statue he didn’t make a sound.

“He meant that his brother is shy. The monkey himself can be clumsy with words from time to time,“ Mei blurted out before she realised that soldiers weren’t paying much attention to her. The captain’s piercing eyes appeared before her and caused blood to rush to her temples. She was scared but she withstood his narrow gaze even when he leaned over to sniff her. The princess, taken by surprise, stayed unharmed, as well. So far.

He observed her in much greater detail than he did the monk. She felt his cold fingers brushing against her cheek. Her perfect skin and black eyes impressed him beyond belief. “And you, little petal? Who are you?“

“My sister…“

“I don’t speak to liars!“ the captain raised his voice, cutting off the simian’s poor attempt at distraction. This was bad, very bad. Whether they took them or not, he hoped for the women to stay out of this situation.

“Say your name and what are you doing here?“

“We…“ Mei mustered up all the courage she had and stuttered,“We met these gentlemen some time ago and they seemed like a good company to be around. They are resourceful and…“

“We? Who is ‘we’, little petal?“

Mei’s eyes clutched, her knuckles on the cold ground turned white. Although she refused to say who she meant, the captain looked up anyway. In fact, even if the young woman wasn’t in a better state than a beggar, she charmed him. Yet when his index finger touched the other woman’s chin so he could see better under strange hair he felt his breath be snatched away. The woman, so odd and yet unearthly beautiful, the captain of the queen’s guard was intrigued. Everything about her rang with peculiar wonder - her yellow hair, her round eyes, the shape of her face, she didn’t even need to stand on her toes to face him. The captain grimaced,“Not only you’re a liar but a kidnapper, as well!“

“You dare to accuse me of such wrongdoings, sir?“ Wukong tried to keep his cool, however it was clear to his master and brothers he was slowly losing it.

“Of course! This beautiful lady is kneeling down and crouching in fear because of you and you dared to steal away one of the Heavenly fairies. Say, am I wrong?“

“Should I be the one to make you admit your idiocy?“

“What did you say? Repeat that, you filth!“

Wukong’s eyelid twitched. He had to purse his lips, otherwise he’d spit out the worst things imaginable. Not that it helped much. “You claim I am a liar, a thief and an abuser. Yet you’re the one abusing the law itself! Bandits and murderers are freely roaming the territory and you do nothing but come after the innocent! You want to hunt down the monk from the Great Tang Dynasty in the East and eat his flesh to make yourself immortal. The poor woman isn’t crying because of my hideous face but because you and your men decided to point your weapons at her while she has no way to defend herself!“

“You insolent ape…“ the captain was equally running out of patience.

“I am a monkey!“ Wukong unwrapped the tail from his waist and pointed at the proof of his true heritage. At this point, he was fuming with rage and growling like a mad dog.

“And the fairy? Why does she have a stronger demonic scent than her ‘sister’? Did you curse her as she clearly is one of the Celestials?“

Márgerdra forgot to take a breath. Her heart missed a beat. Wukong knew he had to say something. He said the first thing that came to his mind, although later it was the lie he regretted the most,“Because she is my wife!“

Nobody let out a single sound. Everybody stood at their places as if they were scalded, mainly Sanzang, who was unsure whether to use the Headband Tightening Spell, and Márgerdra. The witch was the first one to break the painful silence with only two words she was able to find,“Your what?!“

“You see,“ the Sage ignored her,“we decided to visit her parents as a part of our way. She is a half-human, not a fairy, and so if I wish to be a good son-in-law I must undo the mistake of not meeting my parents before the wedding.“

“He must have hit himself in the head. Captain, we are not married.“

“Don’t listen to her. She’s still in shock as I courted her right after we met. We got married about a month ago. Here, her half-sister can confirm. Right,“ Wukong pinned Mei to the ground by his shocking claim,“sister?“

The girl had no better option than to collaborate,“The truth is all he says, captain. My beloved sister may not possess the same looks as me. However I love her dearly and wish her only the best as she was the one who took care of me. She resembles our mother whereas I inherited our father’s looks. My brother-in-law,“ simultaneously, Mei and Márgerdra glared at Wukong,“is a kindhearted person. He means no harm. On the contrary, those we have travelled with were killed by bandits who live in these mountains. We were only seeking shelter. We thought they found us again. Turns out, it was only your troop on patrol duty, sir.“

The captain paused. He brought fingers to his chin and scratched his beak-like nose. Immediately, his spine stretched out and his armour shone in full glory. “In the name of our beloved ruler, Queen Shufen of Jade Valley, you’re under arrest. You shall be taken in for an interrogation by Her Majesty.“

Márgerdra’s eyebrows sharply flew up. Shufen. It wasn’t a place, it was a person. And now she even recognised the man in the pointy helmet. In her vision, it was him who reported them to the demon queen. She was so engulfed by her inner thoughts she didn’t realise the soldiers put her right beside the Monkey King. He leaned over to whisper something as their hands were being tied up. “Don’t. Rather keep your mouth shut for the rest of the…“

“Day?“

“Week! Imbecile…“

“This trip isn’t going to end soon, is it?“ Mei behind them whimpered.

****

“Damn it. That moronic official got sooner to them. What are we gonna do?“

“What do you think?“ one of the vipers hidden in the bushes hissed back,“We’re reporting what we saw. Boss ain’t gonna be happy. But I’d rather tell the truth. Y’know what happened to the last guy who lied, don’t you?“

“Dong got rid of him.“

“Kinda. The cloaked guy ate him.“

The second viper gulped.

“Weird,“ the first one continued,“that cheeky monkey sounds oddly close to him. C’mon. We better hurry back. I don’t want to be around when the queen’s nephew’s on the patrol. He could remember us from the days Boss deserted.“

“You’re right. One thing’s better than the other these days.“ Together, two shadows vanished in the dark shadows. Only an injured fox was able to see them. It whimpered when the stranger who hunted down approached. The cloaked one stretched out his hand and ripped out the fox’s throat. He didn’t waste a second and showed the meat into his mouth.

“Right decision. Lying is bad,“ his dark eyes glistened when the first sun rays shone him,“trickery, though? That’s different. That’s so much better. And smarter.“ Bloodied salivas trickled down his furry chin.

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Taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added): @vanessaroades-author @rubywrite @aohendo @rbbess110 @jgmartin @outpost51

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List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

[unluckyhoneybee]

Mini Norris pt2. (Lando Norris)

Being a step mum is difficult, but not as much as you thought. Fluff.

Mini Norris Pt1.

Note: The second and last part of this story. I won't write more sorry. REQUESTED. NOT EDITED.

Toby, Cinni, Lando and I had been living together for a few months now.

Life with the Norris was so easy it seemed strange. Toby was a real god boy, he was polite and so sweet and hardly ever caused problems. Lando and he understood each other perfectly, they were best friends so everything was always solved easily.

Lando had understood my position. He understood that I didn't want to be Toby's mum and that I didn't want my own kids. He understood that there were limits that I didn't want to cross and he respected it, which made me fall even more in love with him. He made it so easy. He understood that Toby and I needed space, that we could be the bestest of friends but we also needed to spend time alone with him. There were dates, weekends away just the two of us, we still made plans alone just as he had his moments with his son.

Apart from that, Toby and I were getting closer and closer. He had even told me a couple of secrets, giggling a don't tell dad before running to his room. He was the cutest boy.

At first, on race weekends, he went to his grandparents' like usual. But for the last two, we had stayed at home together. We had gone to visit them on Sunday to see the race together. The boy loved to sit on his grandpa's lap and comment with him on every single thing.

This one was the third we would stay alone and when Lando was getting ready, I heard a loud Toby being shouted. Seconds later, the kid ran down the stairs and crossed the living room, disappearing through the backyard's door.

"Toby! Come back"

I heard Lando's heavier steps and I got up.

"Lando, what happened?"

"Toby! Where are you? He opened my luggage and pulled everything out"

Lando was red as a tomato, fuming and probably not thinking straight.

"Toby!"

I grabbed his arm.

"Lando wait"

"YN, don't"

"Lando"

I cupped his face.

"Hey, he is a kid. He is too young to understand. Let me talk to him"

"Don't get mixed, YN, please"

I took a deep breath. I usually let him solve these problems. But I hadn't seen him so angry with Toby yet and he would leave in a couple of hours. He couldn't have a fight now and then fly away to a triple header. I knew him and he would regret it.

"Lando, you are too angry right now. You need to calm down. Take a deep breath, relax a bit and I will talk to him meanwhile"

"YN..."

"He wants you to stay for a bit longer. So do I. I understand what he is feeling. Let me talk to him, please. I'm sure he is under the tree sitting with Cinni with that frown only you two can put"

He looked into my eyes for a few seconds and then hugged me.

"You don't want to go and argue with him, I know both of you well."

"Okay..."He said pulling a part.

"Go and wash your face, okay. Deep breaths." I kissed his lips and then we walked in opposite directions.

I found Toby exactly where I thought he was, under the tree. He was crying and had hidden his head between his legs. Cinnamon, as his guardian sit next to him.

"Tob?" I walked slowly, not wanting to scare him. "Tob, honey. Can I sit with you?"

He nodded and I did so.

I sat next to the kid and sighed. The poor boy was sobbing.

"Do you want me to hug you?"

Toby nodded and curled into my side when I enveloped him with my arms.

"Dad is angry at me"

"He was just a bit angry, but I already talked to him." I caressed his hair. "I don't want him to go either. I'm going to miss him a lot"

"He always leaves"

That broke my heart. He was so young.

"I know, Tob. But he loves racing and we love watching him racing, right?"

"I want him to stay at home"

"I do too, honey" I took a deep breath. I knew Lando was looking through the window, I could see his shadow. "I miss dad a lot too and it's okay to feel sad when he leaves. But Dad loves racing, he has so much fun when he is driving his car. It makes him so happy"

"I like when Dad is happy"

I smiled. Toby finally looked at me. I helped him dry his tears.

"I like when Dad is happy too. That's why I let him go to race because it makes him so happy. Even though it makes me a bit sad I always think of how much fun he is having and how much he loves it"

"He is sad when he leaves?"

I nodded.

"He is, but he knows that we see the races from here and we cheer a lot for him"

"With grandpa"

"Mhm."

"I didn't want to make him angry. I just wanted him to stay"

"I know. But he has to take a plane pretty soon"

His lip trembled a bit and he looked at me through his tears.

"Hey, we have to be happy, okay? Dad wants to remember us smiling, not crying. We will call him every day and see the races and everything."

He nodded.

"You want to go and tell dad how sorry you are?"

"Yes"

"Okay, but first. Promise me something, Toby"

He nodded and took my hand, intertwining our pinkies.

"Next time you feel sad because dad is leaving, come and talk to me instead of doing that. I can help you to feel better. We don't want him to be angry when he leaves."

"Pinky promise"

We both got up and he made grabby hands, so I took him in my arms.

We went together to Lando and I's bedroom. He was redoing his luggage and turned around when he heard us coming into the room. Toby was hugging my neck tightly and his forehead was pressed against my temple. I knew that he was probably scared that Lando was still angry at him, but his dad's face was much softer now. His eyes were full of tears and his nose was a bit red.

"Lando, Toby has something to say" I said with a soft voice.

"Yeah?"

I nodded and he walked closer, enveloping both of us with his arms.

"Hey, Tob." I said moving him a bit. "What was that we talked about?"

Toby lift his head and looked at Lando. The kid was crying again and that made Lando's lip tremble.

"I'm so sorry, dad" He sobbed a bit. "I won't do it again. I will talk to YN instead and she will help me feel better"

Lando looked at me at the same time he ran his fingers through his son's locks.

"I know you are sorry, buddy. I'm sorry too." He kissed his forehead and then pulled me for a kiss. I smiled.

Toby hugged his dad's neck and Lando took him in his arms, sitting on the bed with the kid on his lap. They cuddled with each other and it was my turn to cry. A few tears escaped from my eyes.

"I'm going to miss you a lot, dad"

"I'm going to miss you too, Toby"

I wanted to go with them, but the moment felt so intimate that I felt as if I was intruding.

"YN says that racing makes you happy and if you are happy we are happy too, so even though I'm a bit sad because you have to leave, I'm happy because you are going to have so much fun driving" Toby said grabbing his dad's cheeks.

"Thank you very much, Tob" Lando looked at me then. "And thank you very much to you too, come here"

I smiled and walked to them. I sat next to Lando and he hugged my shoulders.

"I love you both a lot and I miss you so much when I'm away. But yes, driving makes me super happy and I love when you call me after the races. And it makes me happy to know that you watch the races together and cheer for me." He said looking mainly at Toby.

I kissed Lando's cheek.

"We love you a lot, too. Right, Tob?"

The kid nodded.

"Now, let's help dad packing" I said tickling him a bit.

"Yes!"

I only needed a call to Adam, Lando's dad, to get the tickets for a flight to the race next race. It was the second in the triple header and the one in the middle, so it seemed the best option for us. Toby was missing Lando, asking when he would come back and how many days were left for race day. On the other hand, Lando was missing Toby too, ending the calls with sad eyes and voice.

"Are we going to see dad now?"

The flight had been easy because Adam and Cisca were with me to take care of Toby. But the moment we put a foot outside the hotel, the kid had grabbed my hand and hadn't let me go.

"Yes. Jon is waiting for us"

Cisca was grabbing his other hand and had a huge smile.

"How happy are you to be here, Toby?"

"I'm so happy. I'm going to see dad racing"

When we reached the garage, Jon told us that Lando was in an engineering meeting, so we waited for him. And the moment he came through the door, Toby ran to him, taking Lando by surprise.

They hugged, Lando lifting the kid in the air and both of them laughing.

We had the best weekend ever. Toby was so excited and Lando exuded happiness. He spend each second of his free time with us, showing us how everything worked, the car, the paddock, the pitlane. Everything.

Toby spent the whole race sitting on my lap and talking with Adam, sitting next to me.

There were people curious about the little kid who looked exactly like Lando Norris, some people from the team who didn't know Toby yet. He would always answer with: I'm Toby Norris and Lando Norris is my dad. She is YN and she is my dad's girlfriend, we are best friends and she is super nice. Which didn't fail to make me laugh and smile each time.

When we were leaving after a very good race with a P5 for Lando, I was walking ahead with Cisca, talking about random things. Suddenly I felt a tiny hand in mine and looked down.

"YN, stop"

I frowned and stopped, looking for Lando with my eyes. He was a few meters away from us with his dad and Jon.

"My dad told me to show you this and tell you that he loves you a lot. And that you are super nice to me and he is super happy to have found you. And to ask you if you want to marry him. But I don't know what marry is"

I looked at Toby's hands, where a velvet box waited opened with a ring inside. My heart was beating fast and my hands were shaking. I looked at Lando, who was coming closer with slow steps.

"Lando..."

"I think you are the perfect person for me, you are who I want to share my life with and the person I want in Toby's life. I think I can't find anyone better than you. I... I'm so bad with speaches." We both laughed and he took my hand. I had tears in my eyes and couldn't stop smiling. "We don't have to do it know, we can wait. But... YN, will you marry me?"

"Yes. Yes Lando."

I heard Cisca laughing happily as I kissed and hugged Lando.

I couldn't be happier. I kissed Lando's cheeks a thousand times and then his lips. He looked into my eyes for a second and whispered.

"Thank you for being so good to us"

"I could not be, you both had something" I caressed his cheeks.

"Dad! The ring!"

"Oh yes" Lando gestured me to crouch down next to Toby, doing it too.

The kid took the ring with so much care and put it on the finger Lando told him. Then, he hugged me with so much force that we almost fall. Everyone laughed happily.

"I love you so much, YN"

"I love you so much too, Tob"

Lando kissed both of our heads and then it was turn for his parents and Jon to congratulate us.

As we were walking out of the paddock, Toby in Lando's arms and my hand around Lando's waist, I felt a happiness I had never felt before. I had found someone who understood me and loved me no matter what I wanted for my life. Plus, that someone came with a mini version of himself who was the most adorable thing in the world and made my days better.

"Lando"

"Tell me"

"I love you a lot. Both of you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life."

"I couldn't ask for someone better"

[jbreenr]

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥

Pairing: Ransom Drysdale × Reader

Summary: You wanted to meet Ransom's family, he wanted to make sure you'd never want it again.

Word count: 3k.

Warning: Poorly written smut (+18 only, please), public sex (prompt 11), fingering, unprotected sex (don't do that, kids. be responsible), a bit of dirty talk, the Thrombeys being the Thrombeys. And I think that's it.

A/N: So, after finding out one of my stories was stolen an translated in Wattpad, I did not know if I should post this just yet but, what the hell? Let's do it. Anyway, this is for @stargazingfangirl18 and @navybrat817 's Shameless Hoes for Chris Challenge so, happy belated birthday! Yaaay. 🥳 Hope you like this at least a little and that it's not as bad as my paranoid brain thinks it is. Also, I just love how the prompts fit perfectly together, don't you? As always, lack of vocabulary and grammatical mistakes abound. *apologizes in español*

Wheel results (just attaching evidence):

ᴹʸ ᵍⁱᶠ

Draining, tedious, exasperating. Those were some of the adjectives Ransom associated with Thrombey family reunions. He'd arrive late, have some sort of conversation with his grandfather and leave early to do whatever that took him away from that big house.

Today though, he had a reason to stay for more than half an hour.

If it was up to him, you two would have stayed at home, happy, relaxed, and most importantly, naked in his bed, having a more pleasant time than the one you were most likely about to have. 

He tried to persuade you. Of course he did! But your insistence and puppy eyes made it impossible for him to say no to your request. 

So, here you were, getting out of his car, cake in sweaty hands and an excited smile on your lips, an expression so different from Ransom's, who seemed to be ready to get back behind the wheel and drive straight to Canada.

He didn't knock; he simply opened the door and held it for you to enter. If the three floor house was imposing from the outside, you felt impressed by the inside. Extravagant sculptures, apparently expensive paintings and other kinds of pieces of art were scattered everywhere, telling you just how wealthy and eccentric Ransom's family were. 

“That's Harlan Thrombey! ” You exclaimed as you stood in front of the portrait of your forever favorite author holding a knife and a book.

“So?” Ransom asked, unconcerned.

You turned to him open-mouthed, the cake almost slipping off your palms as you went to playfully slap him in the arm.

“How come you are related to Harlan Thrombey and you didn't tell me?” Your question was more of a shock than an accusation.

The carefree gesture he did with his shoulders only accentuated his next words. “I did not think you would be interested in knowing.”

“I wouldn’t be interested?” Incredulity, flowing out of your lips. “He’s the best thriller author of all time! He���s like today’s Edgar Allan Poe!”

To say that you didn't believe him was an understatement. He knew for a fact that you liked Harlan Thrombey's books, just taking a look at the bookshelf in your apartment was proof enough of that.

“We call him grandpa here.” Said a femenine voice. A brunette walked in your direction, her pretty features hardening as she looked at your boyfriend. “Don't we, Hugh?”

He seemed to be ready to say something but decided not to. Instead he inhaled and placed his hand on your back.

“This is Y/N, the only reason I’m not telling you what you need to hear right now.”

Her eyes rolled in irritation and then turned to you. “I’m Meg. Let's introduce you to the rest of the family, shall we?.” And she dragged you to the room where more people were gathered together, discussing something, not before sending a deadly glare at Ransom.

Given the distance between you and him, you didn't listen to the heavy sigh he let out before waking behind.

“Everyone!” Meg called, making everyone leave whatever they were doing to look at her –and you, in consequence. “Meet Y/N, Hugh's new friend.” She then proceeded to introduce every single member of the family, including the housekeeper and the nurse, except for the grandfather, who apparently had a moment of inspiration and left them momentarily to put his ideas on paper.

None of them left their seat to go and shake your hand except for Meg's energetic mom, who hugged you and expressed how much she loved your coat even though it was soooo last season.

Sitting on a couch next to Ransom, you half expected someone to ask you about how you two met or how long had you been dating or what was it that you did for a living. Nothing. As fast as their attention was on you, it fell from you to their previous discussion.

You now understood why Ransom jokingly suggested deep cleaning the house instead of attending that reunion.

What you weren't aware of, Ransom thought, was that all of them were behaving wonderfully compared to previous times.

You didn't know if you felt more disappointed or uncomfortable. Ransom had left your side to go to the studio for a second and you had barely had any interaction with his family. All of them, dipped in their own matters to even notice your presence. 

Fran, the housekeeper, was kind enough to take the cake to the kitchen and offer you a glass of water, but after giving it to you, she disappeared along with Meg and the nurse. 

“So,” All at once, the room went quiet as Ransom's uncle spoke. “Have you read any of dad's books, Y/N?” Only until you heard your name was that your head snapped up.

“Oh, uhm… yeah. I'm a big fan.” Taken by surprise, you simply answered.

“Really? Which one have you read?”

And to that question, you felt suddenly included in the conversation since you had knowledge of the topic.

“I'm like fifty pages from finishing 'The Needle Game' and intrigue is eating me alive.” As you heard the excitement in your voice, you tried to compose yourself and said “Though 'Nick Of Time' is my favorite.” You smiled at him, hoping that your answer was a good one.

The woman that was introduced to you as Ransom's mother nodded as she licked her lips. The light of the fireplace, reflecting on her glasses as she moved her head up and down.

“Have you read 'Ultimatum' or 'Drop In The Pocket', dear?” Her tone was curious, but the look on her face said differently.

You responded anyway. “They're not bad. I feel like the ending of 'Drop In The Pocket' was a little vague and out of line but it can always be interpreted as an open ending so…” The change in their expressions told you that you had to add something else to that answer. Maybe it was not time for literature humor yet. “But I enjoyed both.”

She hummed and took her drink, detaching from the talk that continued with courtesy questions until it morphed into a heated discussion between Ransom's father and uncle, who would repeatedly ask for your opinion to back up his own.

The discomfort you felt, dispelled to be replaced by the disturbance of being bombarded with dozens of questions at a time, each louder than the other until they changed to a completely different topic to which you were occasionally included as a neutral point of view.

“She knows what she's talking about!” Said Richard at some point when you confirmed one of his arguments. “Thank you, dear.”

Ransom came back from his obligatory argument with his grandfather to find you nowhere to be seen. 

“She's using the bathroom.” Informed Jacob, who did not take his eyes off of his cellphone. 

Thinking that you went there to hide, he started his way to your potential direction until an overheard observation from his mother stopped him halfway through. 

“… Did you hear how she talked about dad's work? Oh, I assure you she won't make it to next week with Ransom.”

Her and Richard's backs were to him, both of them unaware that their son was listening to their share of opinions.

“And did you see her hands?” Joni joined the criticism contest. “She could use some moisturizer, I tell you.”

As usual, they ignored her attempt to fit in and kept going.

“I know it's contradictory to say this,” Richard paused, as to make his point clear. “But he could do better.”

Despite their whispering, Ransom heard every single word and was glad that you were not there to see what was about to happen… 

Ransom's words stuck on his throat when he saw you making your way out of the bathroom, fixing the skirt of your dress, with such niceness and warmth directed to him as you smiled, oblivious to the fact that the people you were trying to get to like you weren't going to. 

His parents were right. He could do better. He could determine to not see them ever again and it would be the best thing to happen to him… Besides you, obviously.

“What's wrong?” Your concern was evident, just as his annoyance was undeniable.

Cold hands caressed his cheeks and Ransom thought of going back to Joni and tell her to fuck off. Your touch was soft, comforting, and gave him the greatest idea he'd ever had.

“I want to show you something.” Was his answer. It was better if you were the one who decided to never step on that house for the rest of your lives. It didn't matter if it was out of embarrassment.

Taking your hand in his, he guided you up the stairs to the first landing. The creaking sound of the old structure, probably alerting everyone in the other room that you were going to the next floor.

“Are you okay?” The sweet giggle that you let out when he abruptly stopped, almost making him feel bad about what he was seconds away from doing. 

“Better than ever.” And he stamped his lips to yours. 

Taken aback, it took you a second to respond. Hands on each side of his face as his own explored your body. When his fingers lifted your dress to caress your ass cheeks was when you ended the kiss. 

“What are you doing?” You asked in a breathless whisper. “Not that I'm complaining.”

You were cornered against the wall with Ransom towering in front of your smaller frame.

Trying to escape from whatever he had in mind was useless, you knew that much. Though, you were not sure if you really wanted to escape.

“What I've been wanting to do ever since you got a shower without me this morning.” His lips found your jaw and descended to your neck where he sucked to create a bruise. Your eyes closed to the sensation.

“Wait. No, wait.” His fingertip that had started rubbing your still clothed bud paused it's motions as his eyes focused back on your face. “We can't do it. Not here.”

Ransom's finger went back to work, bringing a soft moan that you tried to suppress. “Why not? No one's gonna come here.” His other hand moved up your thigh to lift it. “Even if they did, they wouldn't notice.”

With an expert swing of his wrist, he moved your panties aside, letting the cold air that wandered inside the house hit you before his skilled middle finger entered you while still managing to rub your clit in circles with his thumb.

Adrenaline ran through your veins, fuel activating every nerve in your body and shaking away fear from your brain, replacing it with lust and boldness.

“I'm blaming you if we get caught.” Your hips jolted forward wanting to feel more of his hand, the contradiction between your words and actions, making him smirk.

He added a second finger. Knuckles deep and his cold ring slowly warming against the inside of your thigh, he said, “I'll take responsibility, sweetheart.” Pumping his fingers in and out, he felt your slick running down the back of his hand to his wrist, wetting his overly expensive watch and the cuff of his cozy sweater .“But I can't assure you we won't get caught.”

His words, instead of working as a bucket of cold water as one would expect, increased your need to be touched by him, the yearning for him to take you right there and then. 

“Damn it, Ransom.” One of your hands flew to his shoulder to hold onto him for dear life. “I'm close.”

“You're not cumming unless I'm inside you, pretty thing.” At what point did he unfasten his belt and unzipped his trousers, you had no idea. The friction of his digits was gone in a second but the feeling of his already leaking tip rubbing against your most sensitive parts was enough to make you forget about those trifles.

Your lips opened, ready to tell him to keep his voice down when he suddenly thrusted home, stretching you out so deliciously that you had to cover your mouth to muffle the moan that threatened to inform everyone of your current activities.

Ransom's breathing hitched. Being inside you was a dream come true, feeling your walls enveloping his cock so fucking good… it was like you were made for each other, and he was going to prove it, even if his family didn't really get to know.

His hips started moving. Back and forth, back and forth. Delicately at first, letting you adjust to his size but the second he felt you throbbing around him, he increased the pace. Little by little his pounds gained power and energy.

Your whimpers –stuck in your throat, leaving only soft snuffles that crashed against Ransom's cheek, soon became more rapid, erratic and as his fingers dug in the flesh of your thigh to keep you still while he accommodated to go even deeper you heard a creaking noise.

Your boyfriend's blue eyes met yours, his movements never faltering despite the alert given by the dark wooden floor under your feet.

There was a conflict in your head, and Ransom could tell. The way you tightened and the pleading look on your face told different stories, yet Ransom knew they had the same ending.

Shaking your head, your eyes asked him not to do it, but you knew Ransom well enough to be sure that not even begging could stop him. 

“You love it, don't you?” His smile grew bigger as his change of position allowed him to hit your sweet spot on and on, ripping high pitched whines from you and obligating you to close your eyes. “The thought of getting caught. The image of someone seeing how good I make you feel.” The placement of his foot, making the landing creak repeatedly each time he pushed up accompanying every word. “Fuck, you're talking me so well. Such a dirty girl, uh.”

His big hand yanked the strap of your dress down, exposing your left boob. Your already hard nipple was soon attacked by Ransom's fingertips. He'd pinch and twist it slightly, just enough to make your back arch in search of his touch.

Pleasure was overflowing your senses, you could feel your heart thudding in your ears and your legs losing strength. Your hand left your mouth to grip at the back of Ransom's neck to keep you from falling.

The sight of your lower lip trapped between your teeth didn't please Ransom. In other circumstances, he would've let you stay that way, as quiet as possible so no one would walk on you. This time though, it was his intention to rip the most delicious sounds from your lips so you thought of the possibility of his family listening.

And so, he lent to kiss you, passion and desire transmitted through his breath. His tongue asked for a permission that was not really required, but as you let it in, Ransom took the opportunity to bite down your lip.

With your lips forcefully parted and Ransom's restless hand traveling back to your bundle, you had no other option than to moan with each quick circle his digits drew.

A series of laughs and undistinguished words were heard from a distance. Both Ransom and you turned to see what they were about, stopping in your tracks with him still buried deep inside your needy cunt.

“Guess dinner's ready.” Unbothered about the information he just gave, he hid his face in the crook of your neck and resumed his movements.

A shaky oh, fuck fell from your lips as you felt the familiar knot in your stomach forming. Your head flew back, hitting the wall with a soft thud. 

“Careful. We don't want to be obvious, do we?” You knew you were about to explode, and by the way your walls were clenching and your trembling body tried to separate from him, Ransom knew as well. “Let go, sweetheart.” A roar erupted from him as he felt you tightening around his length. “Cum for me.”

With a last, powerful thrust of his hips, you let out a silent scream. The coil snapped, making you see a kaleidoscope of colors behind your eyelids and listen to a loud ring in your ears. 

Ransom followed right after, cursing as he finished inside of you, coating you with every last drop and making sure everything would stay there.

He slid out, leaving you with a feeling of emptiness as he zipped his trousers and took a step back to let you fix your appearance.

You managed to accommodate your dress just in time for Ransom's family to walk out of the room they were in to see you. Your agitated breathing and blushed cheeks, getting everyone's attention. 

“Are you okay, dear?” Ransom's dad asked.

“She's fine.” Your boyfriend answered for you. “She's feeling a little sick. I better take her home.” He took you by the hand and helped you down the stairs to the door, which you thanked. Had he not done it, you would have tripped taking the first step.

“But she hasn't met grandpa yet.” Meg noted, furrowing her brows.

“It'll be next time.” And with that, Ransom took you out of the house and in the passenger seat of his car without giving anyone the chance to say goodbye.

When you were at a considerable distance, you sighed, letting out the air you didn't know you were holding.

“Just so you know, there won't be a next time.” You informed him, against your want to meet his grandfather.

“Why not?” He asked with a chuckle, already knowing the answer. 

“Cause embarrassment won't let me come back in the near future.”

Behind an eye roll and a tap on your thigh, Ransom hid the triumphant grimace his perfectly carried out plan gave him.

[navalcriminalimagines]

Your Alden Parker fics are my absolute fav & you write him so well!!! I was wondering if you could do 8, 90, 96. I think it would be cute if Parker said 96

thank you so so much, anon!! I truly appreciate what you’re saying, i needed that lately!! I hope you’ll love that one, it was fun writing it :D

8. “Just pretend to be my date.”

90. “You have to tell me why we’re committing a felony before we do it. Not that that’s going to stop us, but at least I’ll have all the facts.”

96. “I saw that. You just checked me out.”

Warnings: drunk!Alden, creepy guy

A federal agent with a dark past

“Evening Lumbergh! What can I get you?” You joyfully greeted that customer who had been an usual before you started working at the bar.

He chuckled and sat on the barstool, right across from you. “You have to stop calling me that, Y/N. The usual,”

You turned around and prepared his usual drink. “Not my fault you looked like that guy in Office Space! Just a little greyer,”

“I’m old, I know. Thank you very much,” He tried to suppress a smile to pretend to be offended, but Alden loved coming to the bar and talking to you. Even though you kept calling him “Bill Lumbergh”.

You put his scotch in front of him and started small talk while taking care of other people’s drinks. “Oh god, oh god.” You exclaimed, looking down to the glass you were drying. Alden stared at you and saw the panic on your face.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Just pretend to be my date, my boyfriend or whatever. Please!” You seemed desperate so of course he was going to do it. But before he could ask why, a man stood next to him and greeted you. Alden quickly understood what was going on.

You were a bartender, a gorgeous bartender. You knew how to handle customers, but there were always creepy ones, and that guy was obviously one of them. He started to ask questions, wondering if you were free after your shift. You kept looking at Alden for help and he delivered. “Hey man, I don’t think we’ve met.” He said to the creep. “I’m Alden, the one who’s taking Y/N home tonight.” He smiled. “So, get lost, would you?”

The man looked between you and Alden for a moment, so Alden took that opportunity to grab your hand and held it in his. “This grandpa, Y/N? Seriously?”

“Oh, if you only knew…” you smirked, and squeezed Alden’s hand.

“Well, call me when he won’t be able to get it up or—die.”

Alden didn’t really pay attention to what he said, he’d heard worse but on the other hand, you didn’t like it at all and Alden saw your angelic face turning into a demon… The cutest demon, but still. “Mike, can you throw this guy out, please?” The good thing about Mike was that he didn’t need any explanation. He nodded to you and took care of that creep.

“I’m sorry for this, Alden. I didn’t mean—“ Since his hand hadn’t left yours, he just squeezed it again to make you stop talking.

“I just hope he understood.” He didn’t say that all he wanted to do was take care of this guy himself. You shrugged your shoulders and he knew it was more than what just had happened, but he didn’t push.

Alden didn’t come back to the bar for over a week. Not that he didn’t want to, but work happened. When he came back, he was happy to see that you were working. His usual spot was taken, but when you spotted him, you mentioned him to come to you. “Stay there,” you told him before disappearing. You came back with an extra stool and basically made him sit behind the bar and a minute later, a scotch appeared in front of him. “Do you need me to be your date tonight too?” He smiled, taking a sip of his drink.

“It’s Saturday night, take a guess.”

“Well, as long as the creep from the other day doesn’t come back.”

Alden should’ve shut his mouth. Because the guy came back. Luckily, he didn’t come to talk to you at all - he clearly noticed Alden next to you - but it still bothered him. Men like him shouldn’t be allowed around women. Period.

It was the first time in many years that Alden stayed until the bar closed. He didn’t even pay attention to his consommation of alcohol. He just stayed next to you, wanting to make sure that no one was bothering you. From a moment, he thought that he may have made him look like a creep but when you smiled at him and gently put your hands on him, it was all forgotten.

“I should leave too,” he said when he realised that the bar was empty except for you and…him. He stood up and understood that he had too many drinks. He should’ve paid attention. To his defense, you refilled his drink without him asking for it. “How much do I own you?” He asked, struggling to see what bills were in his wallet.

“Nothing Lumbergh, it’s on me.” You chuckled.

“No but seriously,”

“I’m serious, Alden. Having you right here avoided me having to deal with drunken men who never take no for an answer.” Alden locked eyes with you, trying to figure out what you were saying. “People thought you were my boyfriend. It stopped them, so—thank you.”

“You don’t have to—let me help you clean up then. I had many scotches, it must have cost a lot.”

You wanted to protest but Alden grabbed a towel and the cleaner and started to wash the tables. “I already did that one,” you laughed.

“That one?” He stood next to another table.

“Nope.” So he cleaned it.

You cleaned the bar together. You didn’t talk much but it was so nice. Plus, the man was fine to look at. Especially when he bent over tables to wash them, showing off his butt trapped in his tailored suit pants. “I saw that,” you heard him say. “You just checked me out!”

“What? No!” You blushed and refocused on your task.

“I may be drunk, sweetheart, but not that drink. You totally did,” he grinned and as an answer, you just stuck out your tongue to him which made him laugh.

“So— Do I have a nice butt?”

“Shut up and clean this table again, it’s still dirty.”

Smirking, he did as told, making sure to lift his jacket so you’d have a nice view. “You’re an idiot,” you chuckled.

“You saw that so you checked me out again!”

Alden walked up to you behind the bar, where you were finishing off. “I feel like a piece of meat.” He grinned again.

“You really had too many drinks, Lumbergh.” You said, straightening his jacket. “Do you need a ride?”

“I’d love a ride.”

As you were walking to the parking lot where your car was, Alden took this opportunity to hold your hand. You didn’t pull away and he loved that. “Oh no,” you said. Thinking that he may have misread you, he immediately let go of your hand but you grabbed it back right away. “That creep from last week—that’s his car.” You whispered, pointing at a dark car, parked really close to yours.

Alden’s blood boiled instantly and he didn’t think twice before pulling you behind a random car. “Huh? Alden?” You asked, confused. You watched him fishing for something in his pocket and he pulled out a knife. “What the—?”

“Shh, I’m trying to see if he’s inside or not.”

You watched him look around, but obviously he couldn’t see what he wanted to. Grabbing your hand, he started to walk to the next car, ducking. “Duck!” He told you and you laughed.

“You have to tell me why we’re committing a felony before we do it. Not that that’s going to stop us, but at least I’ll have all the facts.” You told him.

“We’re just going to teach this creep a lesson. That’s a pretty expensive car, isn’t it?”

“Aren’t you a federal agent?” You smiled.

“With a dark past,”

You laughed again and decided at this very moment that you were very much in love with Alden Parker. “Let me do it,” you grabbed the knife from his hands and continued the ascension without him. Alden watched you jamming the knife into the four tires. He loved how victorious you looked.

“He’s not inside.” You told him. “Wanna finish?”

Alden jogged to you, grabbed the knife and traced several lines on the body car. “This is one for calling me grandpa.” You laughed while looking around to make sure no one was there.

Once he was done, he put the knife back in his pocket and kissed you without any warnings. You melted into his kiss, tasting the scotch on his tongue. “You’ll have to erase the security camera.” He smiled against your mouth.

“I will, Agent Parker.”

“Special Agent Parker.”

He kissed you again and let you give him that ride.

[barry-j-blupjeans]

hello i love ur writing and fics and ur very talented and i RESPECT THE FUCK out of ur work ethic… request… can i get some good good angus hurt/comfort idc who i just wanna see that boy b loved and also angsting

Hi!!

1) Thank you so much slkdfsdf!! I try my best to be consistent at the vv least slfdsfd

2) This got kinda long!! I'm gonna put most of it below a read more, but you can also find it on ao3! either way, I rr appreciate comments n reblogs n stuff :O!!

3) Unspecified hurt/comfort turned out to just be a fic about Angus w chronic pain bc I needed someone to vent onto sldkf. all of Angus's experiences are based on my own and what helps/hinders me.

I hope u enjoy it!! n thank you, again!!

--

Angus had the distinct feeling that something was wrong with him. No, scratch that. He knew something was wrong with him. Not in the condescending way adults always did, like "Angus you're too small to be in this line of work!" or "Angus, isn't it past your bedtime?" or "Angus, Angus, Angus, you're too little, you're not smart enough, you're not mature enough."

No, Angus knew that was a bunch of bullshit. Frankly, he was more mature than half the people used to he worked with, which wasn't all too surprising considering it was the militia. But no, it wasn't that. And it wasn't that he was "different" from other people his age. He was a prodigy, no doubt, but that wasn't the thing that was wrong.

Angus was... fucked up. He knew how people were supposed to work, physically and emotionally. So he knew people weren't supposed to be in pain most if not all of the day, every day, on end. He knew the consistent stabbing in his legs wasn't normal and the fatigue and the aching definitely weren't right. He'd say it wasn't a problem, except for the fact that logically, it was. No one should be existing in pain every day.

But if there was one thing Angus prided himself on, it was figuring out how to fix problems on his own.

Over the years, he'd been very carefully and quietly researching how to help his pain. He couldn't let anyone know, because then they wouldn't let him work and he loved working. They'd put him on bed rest or send him to a doctor and while doctors could be useful in normal situations, none of them ever knew what to do with Angus. It always came back to,

"But you're too young."

(read on ao3 or click below!)

Which is one of the biggest reasons Angus hadn't said a word about it after moving onto the moon. In his militia job, they had required physicals. Angus had been referred to a pediatrician, which had endlessly annoyed him even if he understood why. His grandpa had always taught him to be honest with doctors, so when the pediatrician asked him if he was having any physical problems, he had explained. And they told his boss, who told the matron at the base, who told a few others.

It had been a mess, for a while. So Angus was keeping his lips shut tight about it all.

It was just harder on the moon. He had been incredibly uncomfortable the first few days but Mr. Avi had assured him that that was normal for newcomers. Sure, Mr. Avi had said "one or two days" and Angus's extra bad pain had lasted a week, but he dealt with it. He had pain potions for when it got really bad, but he didn't like using them if it was only sort of bad.

But on the moon, everyone was closer-knit. The base had a much more open floorplan than the militia had, but people were more likely to look at you as you went past them. He had to be careful about not limping or wincing with each step. He had to make sure he wasn't sitting down more often than a regular person his age would because that would raise suspicions. Some days were worse, but after a while, Angus settled back into his routine of "okay until a flare-up" and went about his business.

Today was a bad day. Today was an awful day, even. Today, Angus was carrying a pain potion with him, which was saying something because he hated taking those. They made him feel like he couldn't do anything by himself, like he wasn't strong enough. If he gave in and took the pain potion, that was sort of like admitting he was in pain and he couldn't do that because then everyone would just treat him like a little kid. People here were good about respecting him despite his age and every pain potion he took was like a step away from that happy feeling of being included.

It's a "just in case" at the bottom of his bag that Angus had been firmly ignoring. He had woken up late and it had set him on edge. Most of the morning had been spent trying to read in the library, but he just couldn't focus long enough. Now it's lunch, past lunch, even, because Angus is one of the few left in the cafeteria. He stared at his lunch- a corn beef sandwich and broccoli cheddar soup. His lunch stared back.

Angus didn't want to eat this. He felt bad. His wrists felt like wooden rulers, unbending and strict. He felt like his stomach was churning and his bones were the gravity that was keeping them in orbit with the planet below. He felt like a rock at the bottom of the sea. He felt like-

"Good afternoon, Angus," a pleasant voice his right said. Angus clocked his brain back in. Madam Director was standing at the edge of the table. "Do you mind if I sit? I had a few things I wanted to discuss with you about a possible relic find."

Angus sat up straight. The best he could, at least. He said a quick, "of course, Director!" and pushed his lunch aside, pulling up his bag and retrieving a notebook from inside. The pain potion sloshed threateningly at him. Angus ignored it. He opened the notebook.

"It's the Temporal Chalice," she said. "There's a bubble, located in the Woven Gulch that we think might be- Angus, are you okay?"

"What?" Angus asked. And then he realized he hadn't been writing anything down. His hands hurt when he flexed them. Holding his pencil was uncomfortable. He ignored it. "Sorry, Madam, I zoned out for a second. Could you repeat that?"

"The Temporal Chalice," Madam Director repeated. "I think it's currently located in the Woven Gulch. Another seeker spotted a magical bubble and- Angus, are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine," Angus said, ignoring the throbbing in his hand. His wrists were now aching. His fingers were aching. He was aching everywhere. He quickly added a "Ma'am" because he realized he had forgotten.

"I don't think so," Madam Director said gently. "I can come back-"

"No!" Angus said. "I'm- I really am fine, Madam Director! My wrists just hurt a bit, I think I was gripping my pencil too hard earlier."

She was silent, staring at him with an appraising expression. Angus swallowed. After a moment, she sighed, shaking her head. Very slowly and carefully, she reached out and dragged the notebook towards herself. Angus didn't know what was happening anymore, so he didn't stop her.

"Angus," she said, closing the notebook and setting it aside with his lunch. "Talk to me."

"I am talking to you," Angus said, flushing. "And I'm telling you I'm fine, Madam Director!"

"I'm not gonna push you on it," she said, holding her hands up to show her innocence. "But I'd like to know if I can help you."

"You can't," Angus bit out. "Help me, I mean. I'm fine. Also, it's very weird that you, my boss, are asking me to spill my personal secrets. Uhm, Ma’am."

"I'm not your boss," Madam Director said. "Well, I am. But I'm not asking as your boss. I'm asking as a- a friend, Angus. And I understand if that's weird but I truly do care about everyone on this base and I'd like to help, if I can. Even if it's just talking. That'll be my final offer. If you don't want to, then we can get back to business."

Angus was silent. He glanced around the now empty cafeteria. No one would hear them if he wanted to talk. Angus rubbed at his wrists, thinking. Who was to say that the Director wouldn't rat him out to everyone else on the base? If she thought the pain was "too overwhelming" for him and made him rest instead of work? He glanced back at her. He must have been silent for too long, because Madam Director slid his journal back over to him and said,

“The Temporal Chalice.”

Angus made sure to write it down this time, gritting his teeth and making himself focus.

--

In the end, it wasn’t too hard to figure out that the Chalice was inside the magical bubble. What was hard was figuring out what else was inside. They had no way of knowing what they were sending the Reclaimers into and Angus tried not to be worried about it, but it was hard. And it got infinitely harder the moment the cannon blasted them through and Angus’s stone of farspeech buzzed and crackled, the connection dropping.

“I’m sure they’re fine,” Madam Director said after a tense moment of silence.

Today was a good pain day. Meaning he was still in pain, but he could do normal things like stand and walk for extended periods of time. He had paced rather obsessively waiting for the Reclaimers to get planetside and his legs only hurt moderately from it. Now, he was seated across from the Director while she pretended to write and Angus pretended to read.

They were both rather good at pretending, Angus had found.

The Director hissed, making Angus look up from the book he hadn’t been processing. She shook out her hand, holding her wrist. After a second, she leaned back in her chair with a sigh. Several things popped.

“Are you alright, Madam Director?” Angus asked and she grimaced as she had only just remembered he was there. She sat up a bit straighter again.

“Hand pain,” she explained, stretching her hand back with a wince.

“Oh,” Angus said. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Thank you, but no,” she said with a small smile. “I’m quite alright.”

“Okay, ma’am,” Angus said. He stared back at his book. She picked up her pencil. And then she set down her pencil and she seemed to pause. Angus was looking at her over the top of his book and she was frowning at her desk, not particularly focused on anything. After a tense moment where Angus had to look back at his book to avoid staring, she said,

“Actually Angus, I would like to talk about it, if you wouldn’t mind. My hand pain, I mean.”

“Oh,” Angus said again. “Oh, of course, ma’am!” He set aside his book and sat up straighter, folding his hands in his lap. “Talk away!”

“Well,” she started, flexing her fingers and wincing. “Would you happen to know what arthritis is, would you?”

“I do, ma’am,” Angus said. “Is that’s what’s up with your- your hand?”

“I’m afraid so,” she said with a melancholy sort of smile. “It was originally juvenile arthritis, but as you can see I’m no longer juvenile.” Here, she chuckled slightly and Angus did too, though he didn’t really find it all that funny. “And I’ve found a few things that have helped over the years, but I was wondering, Angus, what you would recommend? For- for pain relief.”

“Uhm,” Angus said, about to be the biggest hypocrite in the world. “Pain potion?”

“Hmm,” the Director said like she hadn’t thought about that before. “That’s a good one, yeah. Anything else?”

“I’m not stupid, ma’am,” Angus said, trying to phrase it gently but it just came off as sort of annoyed. “I know you’re playing it up. I’m sorry about your hand, though, I really am. But arthritis is- it’s chronic so I don’t know much more that I can say besides pain potions and rest.”

“I wasn’t trying to imply that you’re stupid,” she said patiently. “And I’m well aware my conditions chronic. But there’s more to it than just pain medication and rest. In fact,” she leaned forward like it was a big secret. “I’ve got some other tips and tricks up my sleeve about it. If someone wanted to know.”

Angus let out a shuddering breath. So she knew about him. He could rectify this. She wasn’t reacting like his boss at the militia had. And if she dealt with chronic pain herself, she could be more receptive to his troubles without treating him like a child or downplaying it.

“How do you always know everything?” he asked instead of rising to her bait. “That’s the secret I want to know, ma’am. You’ve got prying eyes anywhere? Listening ears?”

“I run a secret organization on the moon,” the Director said dryly. “I’ve grown accustomed to knowing both everything and absolutely nothing at the same time. If you don’t want me to know, then I won’t know. I’ll never bring it up again. I’m simply offering us a way to, uh-” she glanced at the wall. It had been twenty minutes since the reclaimers went offline. “Pass the time. And perhaps a way to help manage your pain a little better. No one else has noticed, Angus, but you do tend to limp a bit.”

Fuck, Angus thought.

“Fuck,” Angus said out loud.

“Here,” the Director said, standing up. She took her notebook with her and rounded the desk, sitting on the chair next to Angus instead of the one behind the desk and across from him. “Now I’m not your boss.”

“I’m not sure that’s how that works, ma’am,” Angus said, but he was smiling a bit.

“It’s exactly how it works,” Lucretia assured, flipping open her notebook to a blank page. She grabbed her pen from the desk and wrote, with a slight wince, “One, pain potions or meds. We know those work.” She glanced up at him. “But we don’t always want to take them.”

“You do that too?” Angus asked. “I thought I was being- I thought I was being childish about it. I-”

“It’s not childish,” Lucretia said. “For me, I want to be able to handle stuff by myself. I think along the lines of “oh, Lucretia, you built a moonbase, you can handle your pain” or “oh, Lucretia, you’re a published author, a little more pain can’t get you down.””

“You’re published?” Angus asked, but Lucretia brushed over it.

“But those thoughts aren’t true,” she said. “Yes, we’ve done some pretty badass shit. Like moonbases or capturing train murders-” Angus grinned. “But we’re just people when it comes down to it, Angus. And people can’t function if we’re in pain all the time. So, for reasons to take pain medication-” she made bullet points below the first line. “To function properly. To live comfortably. Anything else?”

“To work better?” Angus suggested and she nodded, writing that down.

“It’s very hard to work when you’re in pain, as I’m sure you’ve noticed,” Lucretia said. “Number two. Ice. Having something cold on it. I find that when my wrists tend to swell up, putting ice on them can help. It reduces the swelling and cools me off because the inflamed area is often very hot. Do you deal with swelling?”

“I… don’t know, ma’am,” Angus said. “I think sometimes, maybe? But not always.”

“Still,” Lucretia said. “Ice can do amazing things just for helping you relax and sometimes that’s just what you need, Angus. You gotta let yourself just chill sometimes. Pun definitely intended. There’s no point in pushing it or the pain will get worse. We’ve got a spa on base, I highly recommend it. Though you don’t want to go with Merle.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Angus said, trying to stop himself from giggling at the idea of Lucretia and Merle in a mudbath with face masks together.

“Three,” she said. “We’re gonna go in the exact opposite direction. Heat. Not just heating pads, but hot showers or baths can do wonders. I love me a hot bath. You?”

“I don’t usually have time to take a bath,” Angus said. “But hot showers work really well, I’ve noticed!”

“Maybe make time for a bath,” Lucretia suggested. “I’ve got some bath bombs you can borrow, they’re heavenly. Just don’t tell anyone I’m the one who gave you them.

“Number four,” she moved on. “Just like. Lay down.”

“Lay down?” Angus repeated.

“Lay down,” Lucretia said. “Just sit on your bed and lay down.”

“Sleep?” Angus said. “I think that’s sleep.”

“This isn’t sleeping,” Lucretia said, scribbling that down like it was a very important note. “You don’t even have to close your eyes. But laying down is great because your body has been working all day to keep you upright and sometimes you just need to not deal with gravity for a while. It doesn’t usually reduce anything, like the others might, but you just get the chance to exist for a while instead of trying to do things. To go back to tip two, you gotta let yourself chill for a bit. Feel the moment.”

“What if- what if the moment is painful?” Angus asked, worrying his lip between his teeth. “And you don’t wanna feel it?”

“Feel as in acknowledging and accept it,” Lucretia corrected. “Not as in revel in it. Something that also helps with this is weight. Like a weighted blanket or just several blankets piled on top of you. You’ve got a weighted blanket, right?”

“I got one for Candlenights!” Angus said. “So- so I can do that, I think.”

“Good,” Lucretia said. She glanced down at the list and then at the clock on the wall. It had been thirty-five minutes since the reclaimers went offline. Angus saw Lucretia take a deep breath and then look back down that the journal. She stood up, one or two pops sounding, and circled back around to her desk. She was smiling as she set her journal down and even through her tense posture, Angus could tell she meant well.

“Is it bad?” he asked suddenly, unable to help himself. “That I’m- that we’re… like this? I just want people to take me seriously and I- I have to work so much harder for that just because I’m like this. Isn’t that- abnormal? Uh, ma’am.”

“I don’t think it’s bad,” she said carefully. “We’re normal people, Angus. Well,” she glanced around at the room, her grin getting a bit wider. “As normal as we can be here, at least. But there’s nothing bad about us or who we are. Please try to remember that. Here-” she scribbled something down on the paper and ripped it out of her journal, passing it over the desk for Angus to have. “Keep that. I’ve got my list on the wall next to my bed. Maybe you could put yours somewhere similar?”

The list outlined what they had talked about in quick notes. At the bottom, she had written, “you’re worth the effort you make!” with a little thumbs up next to it. Angus grinned, holding the note to his chest.

“Thank you,” he said, a bit teary. She finally sat down in her chair again. It creaked slightly under her. “Really, Madam Director, this means a lot!”

“Just doing my job,” the Director said, winking.

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

Devil in Disguise... Part 20/?

Lee Bodecker x reader series

<Part 19<

Warnings: 18+ readers only, swearing, fingering, unprotected sex, light spanking, car sex, public sex, scheming, talk of indecent photographs

You hummed to yourself as you stood in the kitchen cooking breakfast, well, lunch for Lee. He'd be getting up soon to start his next shift at lunch time and you knew he'd want to stay in bed as long as possible since he didn't get home until 4am.

Last night the two of you had dinner at the diner with your grandpa so you could catch up before Lee started back at work after your weekend away. You'd barely gotten stuck into the piece of chocolate cake you were sharing when one of Lee's deputies turned up saying they needed his assistance with something. Whatever it was must have kept him busy most of the night as you didn't even get a phone call from saying he was bored like every other Monday evening he worked.

"Hmm, now that's a delight to see first thing." Lee spoke from the bottom of the stairs.

You shook your head with a smile. "And good morning to you too, Lee."

Lee chuckled as he came up behind you and slipped his arms around your waist. "Good morning, Sugar." He kissed your cheek. "You know how you'd look even better, cooking me breakfast?" He asked. You shook your head as you began to plate his food up. "With my cock burrowed in your pussy." He whispered and kissed your neck.

You gasped, "Sit down." You playfully ordered him, giving him a shove with your arm as he chuckled. "How was work last night?" You asked as you placed his food in front of him at the table.

"Long." Lee hummed around a mouthful of food. "Oh, guess who I arrested last night..." You shrugged. "Principal Dent and Mr Jackson."

Your eyes widened. Mr Jackson was Mary's father which meant, "They got the diary."

Lee nodded. "We got a call to the Dent's residents where Mr Jackson had forced his way into their home and was practically choking Sam to death. He was shouting about him being a bastard and taking advantage of his daughter." Your eyes widened with excitement. "He had the damn diary in his pocket like a damn Bible." He chuckled. "Sam was as white as a sheet when one of the photographs flew out of the damn thing and practically landed in his wife's hands."

You covered your mouth and laughed. "Good... I told ya' it was a good idea to put it in there."

Lee nodded. "I apologized to, Sam, back at the station for not being able to stop whoever was behind the whole thing," Lee chuckled, "He just nodded and said he understood that I tried my best... Son of a bitch still ain't gotta clue."

You shook your head with a smile. "What did his wife do?"

"She just said he was on his own and walked away." Lee shook his head. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next."

You didn't have to wait long to find out what happened. Rumors in Knockemstiff spread like wildfire. The nosy neighbor who had called in the noise complaint hadn't wasted any time telling her friends about the whole ordeal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time Sunday came around, you'd heard all sorts of rumours about Sam Dent but the ones you knew were true, were his wife had kicked him out and filed for divorce, he'd lost his job as principal and was sleeping in a grotty motel. Sally had packed her things up and left town, too ashamed of what happened between her father and best-friend. As for Mary, you hadn't heard or seen anything of her, until today.

You stood by Lee's side as the pair of you, along with everyone else that had just attended Sunday service as you stared at the notice board with gaping mouths. There was no longer any church information pinned to the board but the photograph of Sam Dent and Mary, along with some other photographs you'd never seen before that were of Mary in some compromising positions.

"These young 'ens, nothing but whores." Mrs Jones muttered glancing over her shoulder at you.

You rolled your eyes at her. Lee chuckled as he slipped his arm around your shoulders and pulled you away from the crowd.

"She ain't wrong, Sugar, you are a whore." He whispered in your ear so only you could hear.

You let out a soft gasp as you playfully slapped his chest. "Only for you." You giggled. "Do you think that had something to do with, Mrs Dent?"

Lee shrugged, "Most likely. She took the photograph with her. If her husband was dumb enough to keep that shit in the house, then 'course she was gonna find it." He shook his head.

You nodded, "Where d'ya keep mine?" You asked with a playful smile.

Lee smirked at you as he opened the passenger side door to his Cadillac. "Open the glove box."

You got into the car and opened the glove box as Lee shut the door and walked round his side of the car and got in. There was a small metal box inside the flove box that you took out and looked up at Lee. "Now what?" You asked as your fingers tapped the small lock.

Lee flipped through his house keys until he came to the right one and handed you it. "Open it." He smiled.

You took the key and quickly unlocked the small box, grinning as you opened it and found the various photos of you from the weekend you spent away. Some were just of you smiling that Lee thought you looked really pretty in, and some were of you doing a lot of naughty, sinful things.

Lee licked his lips as he watched you flick through them his pants twitching as he glanced down at the photographs and then at you. "Fuck, Sugar, put 'em away." He groaned as he palmed his crotch before he started the car. "Or I'm gonna have to fuck ya' 'ere." He pulled away from the curb and set off.

You let out a small chuckle and put them away, locking it up and putting the box back into the glove box. "Maybe not here, but somewhere secluded." You bit your bottom lip.

Lee smirked, "I know the perfect spot."

You weren't sure where Lee was taking you, until you pulled up in a familiar spot. It was where you had your first date. It looked a lot different to when you were there a few months ago. The weather had changed a lot, getting much colder as autumn set in.

"You know I love ya', right, Sugar?" Lee asked, drawing your attention back to him.

You nodded, "Of course I do, Lee." You leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips.

Lee wrapped his arms around you as he slipped his tongue into your mouth. You moaned softly into his mouth as you laid your hand on his soft tummy and slowly slid it down until you came to the bulge in his pants.

Lee pulled back with a soft hum as you gently began to palm his hard cock. "Fuck, baby, gonna let me fill ya' full of my cock?"

You bit your lip and nodded. "Yes, Sheriff."

Lee leaned forwards and kissed you again. "Move over a bit baby." Lee ordered as he unbuckled his belt. You moved over enough so Lee could move from behind the steering wheel. "That's it. Now, C'mere, darlin'." Lee patted his thigh as he pulled his cock free.

You bit you bottom lip as you pushed yourself up and threw your leg over his thick thighs. Lee put his hand between your thighs and brushed his fingers through your wet lips.

"Naughty little thing, not wearing any panties to church." He tipped his head back and pressed his lips against your throat.

"Only because you ruined them before we left your house." You pouted.

Lee smirked, "It's okay, baby. I like ya' not wearin' any." He slipped a finger inside of you, making you moan softly. "But only for me, Sugar."

You nodded, "Yes, Sheriff."

Lee pumped his finger in and out of you as he kissed and sucked at your throat. "Want another, beautiful?" He whispered.

You nodded, your hands gripping his shoulder. "Yes, please." You begged.

Lee smirked up at you as he slipped a second inside of you and began on scissor then, stretching your cunt as you began to move tour hips. "Look at you. A desperate little whore, ain't ya'? Want my cock, baby girl?"

You nodded with a whimper. "God, yes."

Lee removed his fingers from you and wrapped the same hand around his hard cock, spreading your juices and his pre cum as he stroked himself. He let out a heavy sigh as he pressed the head of his cock against your slit and slowly let you slide down his length.

You let out a deep groan, your fingers tangling in his cropped hair as his cock filled you. "Oh, Lee," You groaned.

"Fuck," Lee laid his large hands on your thighs under your dress. "Baby girl, you feel so fuckin' good wrapped around me." He whispered, lifting his face up to connect your lips.

As his tongue slipped into your mouth you began to lift yourself nearly all the way off before falling bakv down.

The car filled with heavy breathing and soft moans as the two of you found a rhythm. Whispered praises and declarations if love filled the air as the car began to fog a little.

"C'mon, baby girl," Lee gave your backside a light tap. "That's it. Good girl." He smirked up at you as you through your head back, your face contorted in pleasure as you bounced on his cock. "Fuck. C'mon, that's it, fuck." He grunted as he reached down and began to rub your clit with his hands.

Your mouth fell open as you cried out in pleasure, cuming around his cock as he pushed up into you. Lee worked you through your orgasm as his own shortly followed.

"What would you say if I asked you to marry me tomorrow, Sugar?" Lee whispered as the pair of you untangled yourselves one another.

You looked up at him with a smile as you sat back beside him. "I'd say yes, Lee."

Lee nodded with a grin before pressing a kiss to your lips. "Good to know."

You pulled back, "Y'ain't gonna ask me, are ya', Lee?" You raised your eyebrow at him.

Lee shook his head with chuckle, "No, but some day soon." He sent you a wink.

"'kay, good... Give me some warnin' so I can make sure my hair is nice 'nd my nails are painted." You joked as you straightened your hair out.

Lee shook his head with a smile. "Yer always perfect, Sugar."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taglist: @est19xxshit @acciosiriusblack @stucky-my-ship @the-girl-who-want-to-die @greeneyedblondie008 @moonlacebeam @charmed-asylum @insanitybyanothername @quinnmaddie @cc13723things @chrisevanseagletattoo @atashi-no-yuuki @bluebouquetcupcake29 @saphic-susperia @kaylamcd2000

[peachy-rambles]

Peachy xir,,, can we please get some fluff?? As a treat?? We need the serotonin. the happy brain juice if u will.

Fluff as per requested! I hope you like Michael because I was in the mood to write him UwU

---

Michael loved his grandparents!

(Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he should call them his Elders, to show them respect. But he liked grandparents better!)

Grandpa Phil and Grandpa Techno were the best!

They visited him a lot when his dads were busy, so Michael wasn't always alone. Usually when they visited, they brought him lots of gifts and Michael's dads even let him go outside with his grandparents sometimes! He always had lots of fun with them and he loved them so much.

Michael was still learning Common and mostly knew Piglin, so sometimes it was hard to talk to other people, including his dads. But Grandpa Phil and Techno both knew Piglin! Phil couldn't speak it ("He has the wrong vocal chords," Grandpa Techno had told Michael), but he understood it and would listen to Michael babble in Piglin. He'd nod along and talk with him in Common. But Grandpa Techno knew Piglin AND could speak it! It was so easy to talk to Grandpa Techno and Michael loved hearing Techno tell him stories in Piglin.

Both his grandparents had lots of great stories! Sometimes they told him about an ancient Empire they once ruled together, sometimes they told him about adventures they had before their Empire or sometimes adventures they had by themselves. (He didn't like those stories as much. He liked it better when they told him stories when they were with each other.)

Michael learned that Grandpa Phil was really good at making clothes. He usually had some new clothes for Michael when he visited and had even made a little red cloak for him that looked just like Grandpa Techno's! The gold eyepatch Michael wore outside sometimes to cover his missing eye had been made by Phil too. Michael loved all the clothes Grandpa Phil made him, they were always so warm and comfy, and perfect.

Grandpa Techno always had lots of gold for Michael. The first piece of gold he'd ever given Michael was one of many gold rings Techno used to wear on his fingers. It had been the first time Michael had met him (it hadn't been the first time they met, it was just the first time Michael remembered) and Michael had been sitting in Techno's lap, fascinated by the gold rings Techno wore.

Before Grandpa Techno had left, he'd taken off one of the rings (the one with a small white diamond inlaid in it) and slipped it onto Michael's small wrist.

Michael had been so overjoyed because somehow he knew exactly what Techno's gift meant - that Techno had accepted Michael as his family, that Michael was a part of his Sounder and that Techno was a part of Michael's.

Techno brought Michael lots more gold after that, but the ring was still Michael's favorite and he treasured it.

One time when his grandparents came over, Grandpa Techno was holding a small blanket in his arms and Michael could smell an unfamiliar scent coming off of it.

Techno had kneeled down to show Michael the blanket and in it, a small white face had peered back at Michael.

It was a baby polar bear.

Michael had never seen an animal like it before and was fascinated by the small cub. He spent the day being supervised by his dads and grandparents, playing with the cub and by the end of the day, he'd fallen asleep with it curled up by his side.

He got to keep the polar bear and named it "Mimi".

While Michael loved when his grandparents visited him, and all the gifts they gave him, his favorite thing to do with them was go outside.

His dads didn't trust the outside world, had warned them that it was dangerous and there were scary people who wanted to hurt him. But they knew they couldn't keep Michael inside forever and would sometimes take him out for walks. But they were usually busy most of the time, so sometimes when his grandparents visited, they'd buddle him up in his warm winter clothes and take him outside into Snowchester.

Mimi would always come with them, attached on a lead that Techno or Michael would hold onto. They'd play in the snow, running around and making snowmen. Grandpa Phil even started a snowball fight once when he threw a snowball at Grandpa Techno. Michael had lots of fun that day and laughed as they all threw snowballs at each other.

A few times his grandparents brought him outside of Snowchester, to see the rest of the land.

Michael will never forget the first time they all stepped through a Nether portal and into the Nether.

It was so pretty and amazing, and the place felt strangely familiar to Michael! But they didn't stay there long, walking to another portal to bring them to his grandparents home.

He liked his grandparents home. There were a lot more animals there that Michael got to see and he got to play with all of their dogs. He even got to see some puppies that had just been born and hold one!

His grandparents had lots of cool stuff and so many books inside their house. Michael still couldn't read Common yet, but Grandpa Phil gifted him a few of their books and promised to read them with him back at Michael's house.

(Grandpa Techno had slipped in a book he said was called the Princess Bride and that it was his favorite, but that Michaeal could not tell anyone. Michaeal nodded vigorously and promised, just as long as Techno promised to read it to him.)

His grandparents also showed Michael their weapons and equipment while Michael was at their home. Grandpa Techno even showed Michael all the different types of swords he'd made himself.

"Will you make me a sword when I get older?" Michael asked him.

"No," Grandpa Techno had said and laughed when Michael pouted, "I'll teach you how to make your own sword. Every Piglin gets taught at some point in their lives how to make their own weapons."

Michael did in fact, already have his own gold sword back home, but it was very old and not usable. His dads told him that he had it when they found him, but Michael doesn't remember how he got it or why.

Michael doesn't remember anything before his dads, actually.

His dads told him that he was really sick dead, he'd been a lifeless zombie and just an empty husk when they found him, and was for a long time. But Grandpa Techno gave his dads a special golden apple that made Michael all better. Michael still only had one eye and one ear, but the rest of him was fine. He wasn't sick at all anymore and was really healthy.

He couldn't remember anything from when he was sick or anything before then, but that was ok, it didn't bother him. His dads and grandparents assured him it was fine and he believed them.

He was happy - he had his dads, his chicken and Mimi, he had his Uncle Tommy and Aunt Niki, and he had his grandparents! He was happy with his family - his Sounder - and that's all he cared about.

But he did miss his grandparents because they hadn't visited him in a while. He started to get worried and even Mimi sensed it, getting anxious and pacing around the house most days. His dads didn't tell him anything, not even when he asked where his grandparents were.

But then, one day they showed back up!

They looked...a little different. They were wearing their armor and had their weapons on them, they even had a few bags with them. They took their armor off and put their weapons away when they came inside, and Michael saw that Grandpa Techno had a new scar on his face, with bandages on his arms. When Michael asked if he was ok, Grandpa Techno just shrugged and said he got into a bad fight with a mean "authoritative" Creeper.

Michael spent the day inside with his grandparents. He would've preferred to go outside, but he hadnt seen them in so long that he was happy just to be with them.

Grandpa Phil cooked them dinner while Grandpa Techno let Michael tell him about all the things he'd missed while he was gone. He kept talking even during dinner and didn't touch his food much, too excited to eat. His grandparents didn't seemed to mind and listened to him with a smile on their faces.

After dinner, they all huddled up in Michael's bed, Phil holding Michael and Techno holding both of them as Techno read the Princess Bride to them. They all ended up falling asleep like that and that's how Ranboo and Tubbo found them when they got back home.

"Michael's going to be really happy when he finds out they're going to be living here," Ranboo said, smiling at them.

"I know. That's why I agreed to let them stay here until things die down," Tubbo commented with his arms crossed over his chest. He wasn't exactly happy with the situation, but he knew it was the best considering the circumstances. Afterall, why would Sam or Quackity look for their escaped prisoner in Snowchester of all places? Especially since it was known that Techno and Tubbo were enemies.

They weren't, but no one outside of their family needed to know that.

Because they were all a family now - a Sounder, in Piglin terms - and looked out for each other, would protect each other where their past families hadn't. They wouldn't fail like before and would stick together.

(Michael was, in fact, overjoyed when he found out the next morning that his grandparents would be living with him from now on. The adults all smiled at him as he ran around the room in excitement, completely unaware as to the true reasons to this change. He was simply content that he wouldn't be alone in the house anymore and would spend lots more time with some of his favorite people.)

[izayoichan]

Arlene: Sit, there is a chair there, I guess you will tell me the rest now?

He nodded as he sat down, she wheeled herself over and took his hands. Even that felt different now than it normally did. 

John: Well, Kieran really had only one choice, which was to remove me from my job. And what he should do, is to send me to what some would call Nirvana. Which is just energy, no more life cycles, no more life. Arlene: Oh… John: But he meant since what I did meant that they were gone, that he could bend it enough to put me back in the “pool” Arlene: Grandpa told me about that one.. But he didn’t? Or you would have been in line to get reborn? John: Yes. He decided to let me choose, I could go in the pool, or I could come back to you, but as a mortal. He also told me what I am.. Which makes making me mortal hard. Arlene: What you are? John: Like your grandpa was a merman before his death, I was a phoenix. Apparently, I messed up my rebirth somehow. - he chuckled- And yes, phoenix’s have their own rebirth, so reapers don’t normally need to help. Arlene: But… your mortal now? John: Yes, and when I pass, a reaper will take me home, and from what I understood, I would be reborn again where “I belong”. As a Phoenix, and with no way to return here. It slowly dawned on Arlene what he was saying, and she lowered her head, only to feel a hand on her cheek that made her look at him again. 

John: I chose a mortal life with you, cause it was just better than never seeing you again. And if you still want me, then I intend to make the best of it. -he moved forwards in his chair, putting his forehead against hers- I chose one lifetime with you. Arlene: …. -she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, a lifetime seemed short compared to forever, but it was an eternity compared to nothing. - A lifetime sounds good.

She couldn’t help it as she started to cry though, and she felt herself lifted from her chair onto his lap, and safe arms were put around her. 

John: I hope you don’t mind me being around more, helping out here at the shelter and so on? I’m sure I can learn to clean kennels? Arlene: Might have to have Lucas train you. -she smiled, pulling back again.- But it sounds good to me. John: Good. - he smiled, putting her back into her wheelchair. - Your grandfather said it was close up time, you might as well start training me in what to do. 

He had a lot of time to think over the options, and this had been the one he had asked for, knowing very well it wasn’t sure Kieran would be able to, luckily he had been able to, giving him some time here with her but not at a small cost. His daughter would have to take on his tasks for a while, and Chris would also have to do more work, all for him to have one lifetime with Arlene. Minutes later he found himself shown around, and explained how to help close up, at the end of the teaching session they met up with Chris and Hayle, all ready to head home to tell the rest of them the news.

Beginning - Previous - Next

[reg-arcturus-black]

hiiiii! i hope you’re having a wonderful day, filled with sunshine & rainbows !! 💫✨ may i please request sirius x daughter! reader imagine where the reader is staying with sirius for the first time since he went to azkaban and when she goes to bed he tries to tuck her in but struggles because the last time he’d have done it, he probably would’ve read her a story but she’s presumably grown out of that by now and so he’s not really sure what to do ? 🥺🍄 oml and her room probably hasn’t been touched in like 12 years- the memories, the guilt he must feel- i’m gonna criiiii

Hi!!! That is so kind of you 💕 I hope you're doing okay in these terrible, terrible times 🌸❤

This was honestly such a beautiful plot! Thank you. And I did cry while writing it... Hope you like it, too 🤗

The Reunion (Sirius Black x Daughter Reader)

1.4k words

Fluff

Requests now open.

Masterlist

You paced nervously in the hallway, waiting for that knock on the door. Ever since you were 2, you had been living with your grandparents. Your mother was a muggleborn and was found by the vengeful deatheaters a few months after Sirius was imprisoned. Your grandparents didn’t understand a lot about the wizarding world, but they understood you. They were your best friends.

When you would ask about your mother and the bad people who took her away, they would gently sit you down and tell you all about her. They would tell you how much she loved you, the way she had cried when you were first born, how similar she was to you, how she had spent every minute fighting for your father’s innocence.

They would then tell you about your father. How much he loved your mother and you, how you had his grey eyes and the beautiful hair and his affinity for mischief. They even told you about his friends and the pranks they did in school.

Your mother had so many pictures from her school days. Pictures with your father, with her friends, with his friends. You could spend the entire day looking at them. But you could never bring yourself to. It was too difficult. Too difficult to look at the pictures of the two most important people you barely remembered.

Harry was younger than you. Once you had received the news that your father had broken out, you both had talked a lot about him. You told him Sirius was innocent but you had no proof, neither did he have any reason to believe you.

Once his fourth year and your sixth year was over, you had gotten a letter from your father. He was finally healthy enough to travel and wanted to meet you at the apartment he and your mother had shared. You had spent 2 years there as an infant before Sirius had been wrongly accused and your mother moved back in with her parents.

Your grandpa and grandma were ecstatic when they had heard the news and had instantly allowed you to spend the weekend with him. You didn’t know if you were nervous or excited. Probably both.

Your heart beat sped up when you heard a knock and ran to open the door. You were greeted by a man looking in his 30s who looked so much like you. “Dad...” you said, not being able to believe that he was finally here.

He smiled and pulled you into an awkward hug. “It is so good to see you, sweetheart.”

You grinned and let him in, closing the door behind him.

He looked around the house he had shared with your mother, all the memories rushing back. When they had first bought it, decorated it and his favourite one, when they had brought you home from the hospital.

“I - you can have a look around if you want,” you offered, not knowing what else to say. “It must have been a long time since you were last here.”

He nodded, “It is, but I am starving. You want to have dinner first?”

You gave him a small smile and went towards the dining room. “I didn’t know what you liked so I got pizza.” You said nervously. “We can get something else. I am sorry I wasn’t - ”

“Pizza is just fine,” he grinned.

The silence during dinner was very awkward. Neither of you knew what to say. Sirius’ heart was heavy with sadness and guilt. How he had missed out on all those years. Missed out on your firsts. The first time you left for Hogwarts, the first time you had cried over someone, your first detention. And guilt because it was his fault. If he wouldn’t have gone after Peter, he would be there to watch you grow up.

“Uh, how is school?” he asked, snapping you out of your thoughts.

“Nice, I like it there,”

He nodded. “I did, too. My family was the worst so Hogwarts was my home. Especially after I met your mother.”

You didn’t know how to respond to that. Your heart clenched at her mention and didn’t say anything else during the rest of the dinner.

“Do you wanna see the rest of the house before you sleep? I don’t think you have before.” He asked.

You shook your head and followed him upstairs. The first door he opened was the master bedroom’s, a picture of your mother and father lying on the nightstand, covered in dust. Every inch of the room and the bathroom was covered in dust.It had been so long it was a miracle the light switches worked. With a flick of his wand, he cleaned it all up and made it look as good as new.

“She was beautiful,” he sighed, looking at the photo.

You nodded and left the room quickly, going to your nursery. There was a crib on one side and a bed on the other. The wall had a shelf full of books, both muggle and magical alike. A broom hung over your crib, zooming around in circles. This room, too, was covered in dust.

You were reading the titles of the book when you heard him chuckle behind you.You turned around and saw him remove all the dust. You gasped when you saw the room properly. There were hand-painted drawings on the wall and stars on the ceiling.

“She painted the walls.” he told you. “And the stars were my idea. There were nights when she missed you a lot and would come in here and sleep in this room. After a point, we all slept in the nursery, hence the bed.” He laughed fondly.

You didn’t like it. It was too painful to know that you had all these wonderful moments but you hardly remembered them. Too painful to know that you never got the chance to make more of such moments. You sighed and sat down on the bed.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, sitting down beside you.

You looked at him, eyes full of unshed tears. You never realized how much you had needed him until he was right in front of you. “I - I barely remember you. Or mom. I see flashes of you and her, but that’s it.” He placed an arm around your shoulder and your voice broke. “I missed you, but it was so difficult missing you when I didn’t even remember you...” You then broke down into sobs as he pulled you into him. “I missed you so much, dad.” You cried.

Holding you in his arms as you cried only drowned him deeper in guilt. “I am so sorry, baby...” he said softly. “I never should have left that night. Please forgive me.”

You sniffed and looked up at him, tears still rolling down. “When grandma told me what you had done, I was so angry at you for leaving. But then I realized I wanted to be like you. Brave and loyal to a fault. McGonagall says I resemble you two so much that it is actually scary.” You laughed softly.

He smiled and wiped away your tears.

“I will be right back,” you said and left the room to change after sitting in silence for a few minutes.

He smiled softly to himself, knowing that his daughter had missed him just as much as he had. It gave him peace knowing that you had forgiven him. He was going through the story books when he realized that you were not 2 years old anymore. He couldn’t read you bedtime stories anymore.

“There are a few photos I need to know more about,” you said from behind him, as if reading his mind. “You can tell me about them.”

He nodded and ran off to get the photographs from downstairs. You placed the box in front of him and settled into bed, waiting for him to begin.

He chuckled at the collection of pictures your mother had. “These were my friends,” he said, handing you a photo of 4 boys with arms around each other, laughing to the camera. “Peter was a friend, too,” he said sadly.

“Tell me more,” you asked, your eyes full of excitement.

He laughed and began an elaborate tale of the Marauders in Hogwarts, reminiscing all their pranks and memories. Somehow, talking about them with you was not as painful as it was with others or when he was by himself and he wouldn’t want it any other way.

By the time he was done, you were already asleep. You had not completed the story behind even one photograph. He chuckled softly and tucked you in, kissing your forehead.

Now that he was finally home with his daughter, he was not going anywhere ever again.