#i tried to make her eyebrows distinguishable from her hair and i accidentally made them fucking huge but i actually kinda love it

[ursaribbon]

what? do you want us to make like gay inventions?

source @momphineasandferbmadeablog

[angstyaches]

The Strong One

I accidentally posted a reply to this ask too soon (instead of saving it as a draft as I’d planned) but here is what Mushroom Anon said:

ngl your self indulgent fics are some of your best ones. okay so my request was : a generally stoic and strong character getting sick from emotions? like from a panic attack or anxiety? their s/o is worried because ???? what happened?? turns out they’ve been having a Really Stressful Week TM and proceed to get pampered and loved. For felix and elliot. omg also how about : a little outsider shot of the two of them here pov ryan and nancy. thanks! 🍄

Post Thicker Than Blood Arc (i.e. after Felix comes back from visiting his mother’s nursing home etc.) And dude, I LOVED the Ryan/Nancy POV idea, holy shit. Thank you so much for that addition!!

CW: secrecy, bickering, panic attack, emeto, mention of (past) deaths.

___

“Good morning, darling,” Felix chirped as he entered the kitchen. Elliott was sitting at the marble countertop, one hand propping up his chin while the other tapped away at his laptop keyboard. Felix wasn’t sure what Elliott was working on these days – and he tended to get huffy and defensive when asked – so Felix made a grand gesture of cupping a hand around his eye while walking past. Look, darling, I’m not looking!

“Morning?” Elliott glanced down at his watch, tilting the laptop screen so that it was almost halfway shut, despite Felix making it obvious that he wasn’t looking. “It’s basically the afternoon.”

“Hmm?” Felix took hold of Elliott’s wrist, tilting his head to read the time. “No, it’s still the morning for seven more minutes and twelve more seconds.”

Elliott grunted. “Oh. Well. You got me.”

Felix chewed his lip, his feathers a bit ruffled by Elliott’s tone. He glanced through the kitchen towards the sitting room. “Where is everyone?”

“I think Nan dragged Ryan to the farmer’s market.”

“No!” Felix gasped. “I wanted to go, too.”

“Should’ve woken up earlier then, huh? Maybe joined me on a morning run?”

A grin spread across Felix’s face, his natural response to Elliott’s attempts to mould him into a morning person. It hadn’t happened in the last seven years, so it wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.

He leaned his head against Elliott’s shoulder, even though his hair was still dripping wet from his shower. “I love it when you nag me. You in the mood for a drop of coffee?”

“No, Fee, I’m fine.” Elliott tugged the laptop screen even lower, as though he thought Felix was trying to peek.

Felix looked up, a bit startled by the solemn tone of Elliott’s voice, and confused by just how protective he was being on his screen. His partner looked down at him, still the taller of the two while sitting on the island stools. His eyes portrayed an uneasy darkness that made Felix frown.

“Is…” Felix’s heart skipped a beat. “Is everything alright, darling?”

Elliott blinked. “Yes. Why?”

“I – you just seem…”

One of Elliott’s eyebrows arched.

“… Tense,” Felix grimaced.

“Tense?” Elliott repeated dully. “Well, excuse me. Not all of us had fifteen hours of sleep.”

“Huh. Okay.” Felix pursed his lips and padded unhappily across the white tiles, towards the coffee maker. He felt silly. He could usually handle Elliott’s teasing and such, but something about the way he was acting felt strange. It was like something had shifted between them.

Felix felt his heart sink as he scooped coffee grounds into the machine, his motions slowing.

It had been three weeks since Felix had returned to the Aldridge’s townhouse, after spending a few weeks up north and visiting his mother in her nursing home. Beyond his first few days back, Elliott hadn’t questioned him too much about what had happened up there, so Felix had assumed – hoped – that he’d decided to put it all behind them. But there was a chance he had changed his mind since then, right?  

Felix blinked, realising he’d spilled grounds on the glistening white countertop. He barely cared. He turned around. “Elli?”

“What?” Elliott had lifted the laptop screen again, still sitting stiffly as he navigated some screen that Felix wasn’t allowed to see.

“Are – are you still angry with me?” There was a tiny hitch in Felix’s voice, which he couldn’t help. He didn’t want to take Elliott’s mood and make it all about himself, but the thought of Elliott quietly holding onto resentment made Felix’s stomach hurt.

Elliott let out a rasping sigh and slapped the lid of his computer shut. Felix jumped on the spot, watching with wide eyes as Elliott dropped his head into his hands where he sat. Felix was overcome with worry, sure, but for a tenth of a second, all he wanted to do was check that Elliott hadn’t broken his laptop and lost whatever secret project he was working on.

“Darling?” Felix laid down the coffee scoop and wrung his hands. “If – if this is about anything that we talked about, I would want you to tell me.”

“No.” The word was murmured so softly that Felix barely heard it. Elliott let out a shaky, audible breath, his face still hidden in his hands. “No, boo, you – you and I are fine.”

“You – I’m sorry, you keep using that word. Fine…”

“You and I,” Elliott huffed, “are perfect, Fee.”

That should have been reassuring, but Felix still had that sinking sensation in his chest. Elliott’s shoulders rocked forward slightly, like he was trying to curl into a ball where he was seated.

At least this time, Felix didn’t have to hesitate in coming to Elliott’s side. “Elli,” he sighed, sliding his arms around Elliott’s waist, resting his forehead on his back. “Talk to me.”

“I…” Elliott started off shakily, gulping so hard that Felix heard it from where he was positioned behind him. “I-I don’t…”

As he waited for Elliott to find the words, Felix gently moved a hand up and down over his ribs, hoping the contact was soothing and not stifling. Elliott’s chest was rising and falling way too quickly for Felix’s liking. He decided he should probably back off and give his partner space to breathe, but as soon as he started to move, Elliott grabbed one of his hands and tugged it towards his chest again.

“You have something, now, or someone who… who can tie you to your old life.” The words vibrated within his chest and his back as he choked them out.

Felix frowned and lifted his head, looking up at the back of Elliott’s. The taller boy’s dark hair was scooped into a messy bun. The ends were knotted and ratty. It hadn’t been cut in so long. “Darling, I don’t want to be tied to that life. I want to be tied to this life, with you.”

“I know, I know, but it got me thinking about the people I used to know, and how…” Elliott shuddered in Felix’s grip. “How they would all... I knew it was a long shot, but I tried finding some names online, but we – Jesus, most of us didn’t even have full names, we were just trying to survive –”

“Darling,” Felix whispered, at a complete loss for anything more substantial to say.

“I mean –” A dark tremble of laughter broke through Elliott’s voice. He swivelled the stool, stepping down and taking a few steps across the tiles. “It’s pointless to even look for them, right? What are the odds any of my old friends also happened to end up becoming immortal vampires, huh?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“Rhetorical question, boo.”

“Sorry.” Felix followed a few steps behind Elliott as he went to the kitchen window. It didn’t even seem like he was looking at anything in particular, but simply exposing his retinas to the light from outside.

“Elli?” Felix said quietly.

Elliott glanced at him, just for a moment. His eyes were dark and wet, his lips trembling as he gradually lost the battle against full-on hyperventilation. He shook his head violently, gaze wandering aimlessly again. “I don’t – I don’t feel right. What’s wr… What’s wrong with me, Fee?”

“Darling, try to slow your breathing.”

Elliott slammed his palms down either side of the kitchen sink, his shoulders buckling forward under the pressure of the gasps and heaves racking his body. “Felix, what’s wrong with me?”

“You’re panicking,” Felix said, shocking himself with how calm he sounded. He closed the last few paces between them, unable to resist being next to Elliott while he was in this state. “I’m right here, alright? I’m going to touch your back, Elli, but – but please, tell me if it’s not okay…”

“Don’t,” Elliott gasped, shaking his head violently. His mouth bobbed open as he lowered his shoulders even further, eyes widening. “G-going to –”

A moment before Elliott started dry heaving, Felix realised what was happening, and obediently took his hand back. As a rule, Elliott detested being touched when he was sick, and Felix had learned to stop fighting that a long, long time ago.

Felix flinched at how violently sick Elliott suddenly was. His head was practically in the sink at one point, his body buckling under the intense convulsions. It was impossible to distinguish between the laboured breathing and the dry heaving, but every sound and every lurch made Felix’s heart twist a little tighter in his chest.

“Darling, I’m sorry,” Felix choked out. “I’m sorry I didn’t realise you had all of this going on inside you.”

Elliott whimpered at that, attempting to lift his head a little higher. “Fee, I just –” He was immediately interrupted by a wet belch, and a clear stream of saliva that he needed to spit away from his lips into the sink. “You just got back, I w-want – wanted things to be normal… for you.”

“Elli,” Felix whined. He couldn’t believe what was happening here. Elliott was trying not to cry as he spoke, and Felix almost lost it too, though he did his best to keep a hold of things. He couldn’t be sure, of course, but he had a feeling he knew exactly what Elliott meant by ‘normal’. He meant the normalcy where Felix could be a mess and Elliott was forced to be the strong one.

He watched as Elliott brought his elbows down gently in front of the sink, letting his head drop against them as the nausea finally seemed to past. He trembled and sighed deeply, seemingly in resignation.

Felix cleared his throat softly. “May I touch you?”

A very quiet chuckle emerged from Elliott’s buried face. “You may.”

Felix rested a hand gently on Elliott’s back, introducing the slightest amount of motion so that his fingertips grazed over a small portion of his spine. He lowered his forehead to Elliott’s shoulder again, this time with very little weight behind it. He needed Elliott to know he wasn’t leaning on him, but that he was there for him.

And he was capable of being the strong one sometimes.

___

“You know, there was a time where you would have helped me bring the bags in from the car,” Nancy sulked. Her arms were outstretched and wrapped around half a dozen bags from different vendors which were pressed against her chest.

“It is not my fault that you insist on buying so much,” Ryan said calmly, following her wife to the doorstep with her hands in her pockets. “For example, you did not need to purchase onions from three different stalls.”

“I told you; they’re different varieties!”

Ryan sighed as she opened the front door and stood back to let her wife into the front hallway of the townhouse. “An onion is an onion, love.”

“Felix,” Nancy grumbled, turning as she walked and narrowing her eyes at Ryan. “Felix will back me up. Felix! Felix, sweetheart!” she called towards the stairs.

The response from within the house was a muted sshhh, which sounded much closer than the upstairs bedrooms. Nancy frowned, meeting Ryan’s gaze for a moment as she closed the front door. Ryan made a beeline towards the kitchen and Nancy followed, dragging her feet slightly on the tiles as she struggled with her bags. She paused by the kitchen island to deposit all of them, watching as Ryan rounded the far corner and stared at what was happening on the sofa.

“Oh, sweethearts, what’s happened?” Nancy gasped, rushing over to stand next to Ryan.

Felix was sitting – almost upright – at one end of the sofa, white Elliott curled up next to him, his head resting in the smaller boy’s lap.

“Is… Is he asleep?” Nancy whispered.

Felix nodded silently. His poor eyes were red and a little puffy as he glanced back and forth between his two foster mothers.

“Anything we can do?” Ryan asked in a low voice, slipping her hands into the pockets of her slacks again. Nancy couldn’t help but pout; oh, sure, you’ll ask them if there’s anything they need you to do, but you won’t help me carry a couple of bags into the house.

A weak smile tugged at Felix’s exhausted expression, and he shook his head. His fingers drifted over Elliott’s head, brushing back a thin strand of his dark hair. Nancy once again couldn’t help herself, this time pursing her lips and wondering how long it had been since Elliott had cut his hair.

“Everything’s okay,” Felix murmured softly. “I’ve got him.”

[itseivwhore]

|°Ezio Auditore x reader°|

"Girl ho bisogno di Ezio che mi consoli, sto passando una giornata di merda e sono ancora le 10:20 di mattina, quindi bless me with your writing please♡ " - @fuckinherondale

First of all,translation,as always,for my non Italian buddies: "Girl I need Ezio to console/comfort me,I'm going through a shitty day and it's still 10:20 am,so bless me with your writing please"

Now.I don't know when you sent me this (most likely this morning,for the hour you have written there) but I swear I didn't see it until now that I uh...woke up from the sacrilegious and holy afternoon nap.Plus,Tumblr didn't send me any kind of notification (to be honest I am having trubles with tumblr lately,it's being a little shit,it doesn't send me even one notification :/). So I humbly beg your pardon if I am writing it just now,a bit late.

Warnings: well,no one?It's a bit emotional and way too philosophical but come on,it's Ezio,I can't always write flirty things when it's about him.

So there you go,an Ezio small,short one-shot.

Now,let's start,shall we?

~~~~~

"Alzati" his high,deep and authoritative tone seemed to linger for endless moments in the cold hair of that late autumn afternoon: his voice,icy as the breeze that silently moved the branches of the tall oak tree in front of them; his gaze,sharp as the blade of the sword that was pointing at it; his eyes,burning as the sun that,behind him,set the sky on fire.

The young woman slowly lifted her gaze from his hands,which held her sword's hilt weakly,to Ezio's serious and severe face; not finding the usual warm,welcoming and affectionate brown eyes in which she abandoned herself,drowning very often and willingly in those two deep wells,she set her gaze elsewhere.

Behind the tall,proud and imposing figure of the Assassin,numerous hills jagged the view,looking for the most part like green waves of a sea formed by orange leaves: finally,her tired glance lay on the village of Monteriggioni,a small glimpse of life in the midst of nature. The sun,on the edge of sunset,seemed to be a fiery sphere,painting the sky with vivid colours,clouds stained with blood.

A faint and silent sigh left the girl's lips,her e/c eyes,which were fixed on the leaves that covered the ground,now rose slowly until they met her brown eyes. The sunlight,although weak and dim,didn't allow her to see the young Auditore's face well;so she raised her hand in front of her eyes,blocking the sun's rays that blinded her.

Through her fingers,creating bundles of shadow,she was finally able to see Ezio's face: his thick eyebrows were wrinkled in an austere expression to say the least,but the invisible and gentle smile that raised his lips shamelessly betrayed the serious atmosphere that hovered around him. A few rays of sunshine fell on his tanned skin,a couple of drops of sweat slowly,almost lazily,ran down his forehead on which a couple of strands of his dark hair were stuck.

Stretching out his arm,he stretched out the weapon he was still holding and,placing the tip of his sword under the woman's chin,he gently lifted her face,the cold metal of the blade in contact with her warm skin making her shiver slightly. The Assassin leaned down over her,now permanently blocking the light,finally showing himself to her confused gaze: a small smirk formed on his scarred lips at the sight before him.

It was more than five hours that Y/n and Ezio,on top of that isolated hill,under the giant branches of that oak tree,were practicing: fighting against them with only their swords,fists and kicks. Nothing new for the young woman...but she had to believe herself again,when after a while Ezio started to be serious and to say the least ruthless with all his moves. Soon,Y/n realised that this wasn't their usual training: the young Auditore didn't utter a word,he didn't start to tease as to distract her as he always used to do.no tempting wink,no gracious touches,no phrases and malicious looks.

And,after what seemed endless hours,she threw herself on the ground,falling on her knees,her weak arms,her heavy breathing,her mind clouded,exhausted. While he watched her carefully,Y/n tried to understand the reason for such serious and solemn atmosphere on his part.

It was...unusual. And this only made her darker.

A lively spark flashed in his big eyes when,making his curious gaze wander over the body of the woman he loved,he saw that,despite all the effort,despite all the pain and all the tiredness,she still held her sword firmly in her fist in a firm and strong grip. The admiration and pride that Ezio felt for that strong woman was overwhelming.

He laid his eyes again on the woman's face,the smile that had appeared on his lips had disappeared immediately,continuing to look at her with a mixture of hidden and veiled concern,which she was partially able to recognize and grasp.

"I don't appreciate the stern look in your gaze" Y/n spoke suddenly,the words that left her mouth and that the wind quickly carried to his ears.

Ezio raised an eyebrow,perplexity and amazement that took possession of him as soon as he heard the girl uttering that phrase with what the Assassin distinguished as being... disappointment and anger.

"Rise up and fight" he answered authoritatively,still holding his weapon under her chin,his deep gaze that did nothing but observe her intensely,gazing into her very soul,making her feel almost naked: there was no armor around and inside her that Ezio couldn't bring down.

"Your enemy won't show any mercy" the Assassin continued with a thread of voice,slowly moving the sword and starting to drag it down her neck,looking at her from above.

A religious silence,to say the least,reigned supreme for a few endless moments among them,if it hadn't been for the joyful chirping of the birds and the feeble crawling of the oak leaves,which now cast strange and playful shadows on the carpet of leaves where they stood.

Ezio sighed and,with a quick gesture,he withdrew his sword in front of her,only to plant it firmly in the ground. Bringing one arm up,he wiped away the sweat with the back of his hand and,looking over his shoulder,took a quick look at what was his home: what had become his home and which he had to call that.

Sorrow and worry clouded,for a moment,his longing gaze as he walked and distractedly observed the fortified walls of Monteriggioni. Once again the whole village,including Villa Auditore,had been attacked by an unexpected and violent attack by the soldiers and mercenaries loyal to the Borgia family. Even if taken by surprise,they were able to defend the village with courage and ardour,but which had cost them many deaths.

And the harshness,seriousness with which Ezio was addressing Y/n wasn't,in fact,accidental. That endless battle between Assassins and Templars was involving,as has always happened in previous years,innocent and unsuspecting people of all that eternal and bloody struggle. Ezio saw the consequences:he saw how entire families were destroyed,falling and perishing helplessly under a single sword blow in front of his eyes.

And he feared when,on the same day of the attack in Monteriggioni,he found Y/n struggling in the arms of an enemy soldier who was holding her hostage, fear that completely attenuated her:totally defenceless if it had not been for a small but lethal dagger she had hidden under the long sleeve of her dress,sticking the weapon in the soldier's leg,running immediately,instead,between the strong and welcoming arms of Ezio.

The Assassin could not afford to risk losing a loved one...not another one. And for that very reason,he decided to train the young woman personally.

"I can't..." a faint murmur left her lips,discouragement and anguish that scratched her voice,turning her gaze away from his form for the umpteenth time,not wanting to be weak in front of her inquisitors' eyes.

Ezio didn't doubt,as he had never done before,of her strong and courageous spirit,but he had never before heard her utter such words,full of discouragement and pessimism: it was not like her,they were not sentences that he expected her to say,it was not a voice that belonged to her.

"I'm not..." before another desperate whisper could leave her lips,the young Auditore interrupted her.

"No one will help you in your hardest times,but..." he began softly,slowly taking some steps forwards towards her body; and,once he got closer,she was able to see the tears that,slowly and almost with bitter spit,were scratching her cheeks,tracing her face,bending under her chin and falling on the leaves on the ground.

"I will always be there. Per te" the Assassin continued with a low and serious voice,but full of affection,his eyes fullfilled of sincere and pure promises when she finally raised her gaze and met his one.

Stretching an arm,he opened the palm of his hand,offering it to her,at the same time giving her an inviting, erene and warm smile. Y/n looked for a few moments at his outstretched hand tiwards her direction,her sad look constantly moving from his face to his hand.

"Rise up,mia Signora" Ezio whispered in an encouraging tone,his imperceptible smile widening as soon as she placed her little hand in his; and,holding it tight,he lifted her off the ground from her knees,now standing before each other.

Continuing to smile at her,his other hand went up and,cupping her cheek,she leaned on his soft,velvety and feather-like touch,closing her eyes as he leaned in,sweetly kissing away her tears that were born from her insecurities and fears.

She opened her eyes once she felt him deteaching from her face,watching him with a gaze full of gratitude.Looking down,she noticed how their hands were still joined,him holding them in his firm grip,making her feel safe,protected and utterly loved.

"I prefer one strong and trustworthy woman,instead of thousand soldiers" Ezio murmured in a barely audible whisper that only her was able to hear. And,bringing her hands up towards his mouth and bending slightly,he left a small and chaste kiss on the back of them,still pressing his lips on her skin as he looked up at her shiny e/c eyes.

"The woman I admire and love"

~~~~~

`°`TrAnSlAtiOnS!`°`

"Alzati" = rise up;

"Per te" = for you;

"mia Signora" = my Lady.

[bennydwight]

Dragon Age Oneshot

Shameless, indulgent, one-sided Varric/Inquisitor, because I understand why we’re not allowed to romance the dwarf, but that’s not gonna stop me from being bitter about it.

(Also feat. Dorian being simultaneously the best and worst wingman)

 ~~~~~~

"Oh dear what's got the Inquisitor so long in the face this time?"

Lavellan hid her startle well enough that Dorian didn't comment. Maker's breath, he could be stealthy when he wanted to. Observant, too, so she didn’t see much point in lying to him. "I'm in love, Dorian."

She felt more than saw his interest pique, and he slid down the stone wall to join her on the steps. Below them, the courtyard was abuzz with activity: Dennet and his apprentice busied themselves with checking the new stock of mounts, the merchants from Val Royeaux shifted primly as Fereldan soldiers examined their wares, and patients of the last battle milled around the surgeons camp. Among them, even from this height, Lavellan could see Cole's wide-brimmed hat bobbing along through the crowd of wounded like a leaf on a river, likely offering comfort to those who needed it. Varric's copper hair trailed along beside, either gathering intelligence for his next book, or ensuring Cole stayed within the confines of human morality. Nice that those two got along so well.

Far below, a soldier said something and Varric laughed, the delighted rasp floating up to reach even Lavellan's perch. Why must he do that to her.

"In love, you say?" Dorian continued next to her. "Anyone I would know?"

Lavellan sighed. "He's roguishly charming, dashingly handsome, entirely uninterested, and so far out of my league he may as well be the Black Divine."

"Dear me, have you fallen in love with me all over again? Can't say I'm not flattered, though I recall us having this conversation once before."

That drew a laugh from the depths of her lovesickness and she nudged Dorian with a shoulder. "You know the flame I hold for you in my heart will never extinguish."

"Alas, perhaps in another life." He chuckled back.  "Who's the fortunate gentleman?"

"Oh please, if you think I'll out and tell you like some babbling maid chasing the butcher's son, I give you too much credit."

He leaned back, stroking his goatee with an interested finger. "Making a game out of it then? Very well, I'll play along. Ten silver says I can guess the lad in three tries."

A game was exactly what Lavellan didn’t want, but she far too much enjoyed Dorian's scowl when he lost not to play.  The ten silver could buy her something interesting from the baker too, next time they travelled to Val Royeaux. "You'll be paying for my next pastry run, Vint."

"Better save at least some of that silver for larger clothing then." He made a show of tapping his chin, deep, deep in thought, the flash bastard. "Roguishly charming, daringly handsome... Just to clarify, you are talking about a lad, yes?"

"Oh, no. Making that distinction would narrow the field by far too much. If you weren't paying attention to the pronouns, that's on you."

Dorian glowered at her, but there was no real heat behind it while the gears of his mind were ticking elsewhere. "From the description alone, of course my first guess would have to be our distinguished commander? Not that I'd blame you, mind, he is quite the man."

Perhaps too much man for Lavellan, the commander was far too battle-ready for her to find attractive (though admittedly the scars did send something stirring within her). And Cullen's evasive reactions towards the advances of other members of the fairer gender betrayed a disposition more boyish than Lavellan expected. She imagined courting Cullen would be very much like courting the spirit of a farm boy in the body of a marble statue. "I flirted with him once, for fun. I was afraid he'd wet himself."

Dorian's laughter rang warm and clear through the courtyard. "That might explain why you couldn't tell him, the poor man would throw himself off the battlements."

Lavellan stuck her tongue out at him. "Don't make it sound like my affections are a disease to be feared."

"They certainly spread that way."

"You enjoy it, you all do. Maker knows none of you under my command have ever gotten enough hugs in your lifetimes."

"Something we all know you're desperately trying to correct."

"This game is timed, Dorian, if you don't use your guesses in the next ten seconds then you forfeit."

"Don't be silly, that was never agreed upon," he waved a hand flippantly, but settled again. "Sera-"

"Nope."

"That wasn't a guess, you didn't let me finish! I was going to say Sera is in league all her own, so it can't be her."

"It counts."

"It doesn’t. "

Lavellan never was very good at keeping a straight face, especially in Dorian's presence. "Fine, fine, you get one freebie."

"Then my next guess would have to be the Iron Bull."

Oh, she'd thought about it. Maybe Lavellan was just weak for big hands and a soft voice. And who could forget those muscles? But Iron Bull wasn't exactly secretive about his thoughts on relationships, thoughts Lavellan wasn't sure she could share in the long run. And maybe it would have been different if Iron Bull committed to the Inquisitor, but after an accidental (and awkward) run in with Bull and a kitchen maid, Lavellan was pretty certain she'd seen all she needed to regarding Skyhold's resident Ben-Hassarath.

Besides. She'd seen the silky way Dorian's eyes smoothed over Iron Bull's shoulders when his back was turned. There had never been two people she was less inclined to come between.

She shot Dorian a sly side-eye. "I'll leave the lovesickness to other, more suitable people when it comes to the Bull, I think."

He hid the hitch in his shoulders almost perfectly, but the pink dusting on his cheekbones was a little harder to explain away. To his credit, Dorian didn't try. "Ahem. Well, you mentioned 'uninterested', so it can't be the swooning--"

He trailed off, but Lavellan's sharp stare snapped to him, ears twitching up. "The what?"

"Nothing, a slip of the tongue."

"Your tongue is so slippery it's a wonder it doesn't slither out of your head. Now out with it, who were you talking about?"

Dorian heaved a mighty sigh, but his eyes shone in that way they did when he'd been sitting on a sweet bit of gossip for too long. "Very well, I promised Vivienne I wouldn’t say anything since you didn't need 'undue distractions', but since you insisted. One of your throne guards can't keep his eyes away from you."

This was news to her. "Wha- Are you talking about Davrish or Johannes? Or Tel, he fills in sometimes."

"The lad who usually stands at your left. Human, on the tall side, dark hair. Hard to see much under the helmet, but he's got a scar under his eye."

Davrish then. "He fancies me?"

Dorian laughed. "Like Solas fancies the Fade. He reveres you. Whenever you're in the Main Hall, he refuses to look anywhere else. He practically vibrates when you're judging someone, I imagine since he's never had a woman that close to him in his life. Have you truly not noticed?"

She truly hadn't. She'd spoken to Davrish several times around Skyhold, usually a casual bit of snark tossed around regarding the latest judgement, but never had she gotten the impression that he was interested. Perhaps since, whenever she frequented the Main Hall, her attention lingered elsewhere... "I suppose I'm usually distracted."

Dorian leaned closer, something wicked crawling into his grin like a desert lizard. "Distracted, are you?"

Lavellan huffed, crossing her arms tightly over her chest as if that could still her heart's rapid beat. "I'm the Inquisitor, Dorian, not all of us can lounge in the library all day, drinking cheap ale and commenting on whatever daily atrocity Solas is wearing."

"Oh, that reminds me, did you see the particularly awful armour he picked up during your last trip to the Oasis? I could go on for days about the state of the stitching alone-"

He definitely could, as proven time and again. Times like these, where her Tevinter friend really got on a roll, Lavellan could feign interest well enough while letting her mind wander to more introspective topics. She nodded and made appropriate noises at appropriate times to Dorian's impassioned ramblings, but once again her eyes sought the copper head weaving in and out of view of the crowd below.

As if sensing her seeking eyes, Varric pulled his attention away from Cole and stared straight at her.

Lavellan's heart stuttered to a stop. Even this far away, his eyes shone with the barely concealed mirth he always seemed to carry just under the crooked quirk of his eyebrow. The corner of his mouth pulled up in that roguish smile she loved as they made eye contact, and one hand (gloved, why always gloved) rose in a lazy wave.

Like a dunderhead, Lavellan practically tripped over herself to return the gesture, nearly catching her finger in one of the buckles of her clothes in the process. Varric didn't seem to notice, his smile widening before he turned back to his odd little charge.

Too late, Lavellan noticed Dorian had fallen silent beside her, his calculating golden eyes boring into her frozen face. She heard the dots connect.

"Oh."

Don’t make eye contact, don't make eye contact

"Oh, MAKER."

Lavellan spun on him, the tips of her ears burning under his scrutiny. "WHAT."

He stared back, expression refreshingly open for once, though it bore no malice. Only stunned disbelief. "Lavellan, the dwarf?"

Not trusting herself to speak around the dry lump lodged in her throat, Lavellan reached into her pocket and dropped ten silver into Dorian's unresponsive hand.

He stared at the coins as if in shock, though Lavellan knew him well enough by now to know when he was exaggerating emotion. Dorian and Sarcasm were old friends. "I can’t- Vishante kaffas."

"I know."

"Of all the available young matches here in Skyhold, you're wasting your time making doe-eyes at the single most ineligible person this side of the Anderfels."

"I know.”

"He's in love with a crossbow, for Maker's sake!"

"I KNOW!" Lavellan groaned, burying her head in her hands. "If you think I haven’t had this discussion with myself numerous times then you are sorely mistaken."

A beat of silence. "Although," Dorian started in such an oddly contemplative tone that Lavellan peeked out from between her fingers. The silver was gone, tucked away while she'd been marinating in her own self-horror, and his hand returned to its previous action of thoughtfully stroking his facial hair. "He is quite the strapping one." His face took on a haughty air. "And we already knew you had a penchant towards the witty."

"Not only wit," Lavellan sighed, and now that her darkest thoughts hovered at the forefront of her tongue, she found it nigh impossible to stop them from stumbling into the light of day. "He's suave, confident in a way that still eludes Cullen. He has all the easy, rugged attractiveness of the Iron Bull with none of his-"

"Expansive tastes?" Dorian supplied, entirely unhelpfully.

"-worldliness." Lavellan corrected coolly.

"He's quite the complainer. "

"He's opinionated, and most of them are right. Varric is warmth, and friendship, and a drop of sunlight in the midst of the rainstorm that is the Breach."

"I may vomit."

"I am taking that as a challenge. He is soft eyes and soft leather, and the feeling you get right after you make someone laugh. He's quiet nights by the fireside, the smell of ink swirling in the warmed air. He is-"

"-headed this way."

Lavellan was just about to admonish Dorian for his unsportsmanlike attempt to distract her from her flowering prose (it had really started to flow there, too!), but a glance downward found Cole nowhere to be seen, and instead one copper-headed dwarf tromping up the stairs.

All thoughts of poetry dissipated. He was coming straight for them! "Oh... oh Maker-"

"Don't panic," Dorian smirked, "with a nose that large, he can probably smell your nerves."

She didn’t have the chance to smack him before Varric reached them, breath laboured in the way that often happened when short legs were presented with more than five steps. Lavellan wondered why Varric chose to spend the majority of his days in the Grand Hall when it required so many steps to get there (and she refused to let herself believe it was because he wanted to be near her, no no). "Well, you two are looking chummy."

"Varric!" Dorian opened with no shortness of theatrics, "We were just talking about you!"

"Is that right?" Lavellan heard more than saw Varric's raised eyebrow as she pinned Dorian under a glare so hot it had been known to stop enemies in their tracks.

Dorian, having evolved out of the category of "enemy" some time ago, barely noticed. "Yes, we were just discussing your romance serial, the one Cassandra enjoys so much? Are you planning on writing more?"

Lavellan’s glare had taken on a panicked note, her friend going rogue before her eyes. How hard did one have to stare at another for them to spontaneously combust?

Varric, large as his nose was, didn’t seem to smell her distress this time. He laughed. "I am if Seeker has anything to say about it! Why, you're a fan too? Learning anything interesting?"

"On the contrary, I have an idea for another serial I'm sure readers would enjoy."

Lavellan’s shoulders relaxed marginally, head tilting at a quizzical angle. What was he doing...

"I don't usually entertain book pitches, but for you Sparkler? Let's hear it."

"It's about a famous, powerful young artist, who falls in love with a roguishly charming, dashingly handsome writer-"

Aaaaand there went her shoulders again, hitched almost to her burning ears. Back safely to Varric, she frantically mouthed "I'll KILL you, you sunnuvabitch", the rest of Dorian's blatantly obvious pitch drowning under the blood pumping in her ears. His mouth quirked up in the only indication he was paying her any mind at all.

Varric made a thoughtful noise, and she didn't dare turn round to look at him. "An artist and a writer, huh? It's got potential. And no one can say it's... unrealistic." Maker's breath, was he implying something? Was that tone barely concealed subtext, or just Varric being an asshole?

And Dorian couldn't leave it at that, oh no, never let it be said that Dorian Pavus did things halfway. "And say, if you do decide to write it, I'm sure our dear inquisitor wouldn’t mind illustrating. Surely you two have known each other long enough that working closely for prolonged periods of time wouldn’t be too agonizing."

Using her body as a shield, Lavellan flipped him off.

"It's certainly something to consider," Varric hummed, none the wiser to Lavellan's mortification. Unless... he was playing with her? "I'm sure my lady readers would appreciate another romance."

Dorian stared straight into Lavellan's eyes. "They certainly would."

"What about it, Herald?" Oh Maker, he was leaning over her now. The scent of warm leather drifted over her like the sweetest perfume-- NO, that was gross! Don’t think like that! "Feel like collaborating?"

"Sure," her voice came out more like a squeak than a sound, and Dorian couldn't quite hide his snort behind his moustache.

The creak of leather as Varric leaned back. "Peachy. After we take care of this Corypheus business, of course, even I understand that we have priorities. Speaking of, I gotta ask Seeker something. Dorian."

Dorian nodded in farewell, radiating smugness. Expecting her turn to be next and realizing at the same time that she hadn't looked at Varric a single time during this conversation, Lavellan finally turned to the dwarf.

Bad idea. She turned directly into that insufferable crooked grin. His hooded eyes glittered with mischief, like he was privy to an in-joke. The sun set behind him, haloing his visage with golden light. Varric himself couldn't have written this scene better, and Lavellan hated herself for thinking it. Her ears drooped under the weakness of her own body.

Varric's grin widened marginally. "Inquisitor."

"Bye," Lavellan breathed more than said. Dorian snorted again, louder, but Varric was polite enough not to mention it. He continued up the stairs and Lavellan managed until his heavy bootsteps faded away to melt into a humiliated puddle. She slumped over her legs, burying her face in her hands.

"Dear me, Inquisitor, your ears are a most delightful shade of crimson."

"Dorian?"

"Yes?"

"Once I can stand again, I am going to take my knife and cut out your tongue."

"Oh, I'd still find ways to humiliate you."

"I wont even use my nice knife. It'll be a kitchen knife. You'll suffer for days, just like I am now."

He patted her jovially on the shoulder. "Come now, Lavellan, surely you must know that Varric is crass and boorish, but he's far from an idiot. He'll nip this in the bud within the week and I need to get a decent amount of teasing in before then."

Lavellan punched him in the arm.

 END

[capricornus-rex]

Imagine Prompt: Jealous Reader

Photo picked up from @darthvronton​

Cal Kestis x Reader

Summary: Greez finally takes the crew to Takodana—keeping the promise that he made not too long ago about laying off once everything was over.

Notes: I originally planned this as a sequel to Inseparable Dyad, I tried writing some parts to be ambiguous to its connection with Inseparable Dyad, but I think it works well as a standalone fic too. Either way works anyway, that’s why I made it ambiguous ;)

Masterlist

The Mantis entered the Takodana system via jump to hyperspace. You and Cal have been long awake after your nap, you’ve taken your places in the cockpit—Cal at shotgun, you on the seat opposite Cere.

The off-planet view of Takodana could be seen and appreciated from the Mantis’s windshield. Greez cranks the steering lever forward, you buckled to your seat as the vessel enters the atmosphere; soon enough, the turbulence went away and the crew could sit back and relax. The captain looks for a suitable place to land, not far from the castle but hidden well enough from prying, suspicious eyes.

“Okay, like I promised—Takodana!” Greez exclaimed, almost celebratory in tone.

As soon as you’ve set foot on the cushiony soil of the planet, a strong waft of petrichor invaded your sense of smell. The air was so fresh and clean. Everything about the planet reminded you of Bogano—of home. Unconsciously, you smile at the vast green horizon behind the castle; Cal turned his head to you, stared at you and your infectious smile caught on to him. He smiles to himself.

“Come on, I’ll show you newbies what a real Bloody Rancor tastes like!”

“I’ve never tasted a bleeding Rancor before,” a clueless Merrin blurted.

“No, no. That’s just a beverage name, not a real Rancor bleeding to death!” you explained whilst finding Merrin’s cluelessness somewhat endearing.

Greez was the tour guide for today. After all, he said that the whole crew deserves a day off after that long, exhausting quest and everything else that followed. He led you to the castle’s walls. Upon nearing the high arch that leads to the main door, you looked up high and saw flags flying their colors in the wild wind—there were so many of them that you could no longer see the part of wall where they’re stuck to, because the flags were clustered closely to one another, either way it mesmerized you.

Through the main door, the inside of the castle was like any other cantina—albeit the wider space and more seating areas. The entrance of the Mantis crew caused some curious heads to turn but they quickly looked back away. The last thing you need is more attention.

“Greez!” the voice of a middle-aged female calls from across the room.

“Hey, Maz!” Greez returned the greeting.

“Took you long enough to visit!”

The cantina keeper emerges from the dense crowd of patrons. An orange creature nearly in equal height with Greez appeared. She donned a pair of large glasses which may have made her eyes look slightly bigger than actual. Her voice was wise as it was feisty and lively, there is no doubt she is the castle’s owner. Aside from her appearance, you and Cal could sense something strong coming from Maz—you immediately distinguished that she was a Force-sensitive.

When the niceties and quick catch-up finished between Greez and Maz, he introduced each of you to her, afterwards Maz gave a polite bow to acknowledge all of you. Neither of you may have spoken, but Maz could already sense that you were thinking about her—curious about her, she could almost hear the questions in your head.

In a little while. Maz thought to herself, hoping that you would pick up the hint.

“Welcome to my castle, feel free to go about as you please. Help yourself to some drinks at the bar, put it on Greez’s tab if you like,” she said half-jokingly.

“Aww come on, don’t be like that, Maz! Say we split 50-50?”

Maz didn’t verbally respond, she just chuckled and dismissively waved at the group before walking up to a group she was initially speaking with prior to your arrival. Merrin decided to look around and order later, Cere wanted to sit down already and relax.

“I’ll have whatever you guys are having,” Cere said before going to look for a seat.

All that’s left is you, Cal, and Greez. The three of you sat by the bar, the bartender was a teal, female Twi’lek. As soon as Cal takes his seat on the barstool, she slowed down in wiping the glass in her hand.

“Hey there, delicious,” the Twi’lek spoke in a suggestive hushed tone, when that caught your and Cal’s attention, she continued on with the act. “Anything I could get for you?”

Cal was evidently taken aback by the display, he subtly pulled mere inches away from the Twi’lek while slowly raising his eyebrow at her. You propped your chin on your fist, a look that screamed “What did she just say?” plastered all over your face.

“Uh yeah, five Bloody Rancors, maybe?”

“I’ll get right on it,” she flashed a coy smile before turning around to work on your drinks.

You and Cal shot looks at one another, shrugging shoulders and throwing raised eyebrows back and forth with each other. Your free hand gestured to the Twi’lek, your body language echoing “Is she for real?”

Suppressing your growing irritation made you eerily silent and withdrawn. Greez calls the bartender and tells her to just serve it on their table, she acknowledged the request but kept her eyes on Cal. The Twi’lek was exuding so much attraction to Cal that she’s practically reeking of it.

The three of you immediately left the bar and searched for Cere and Merrin. The flow of the conversation was natural but you were unconsciously out of it, you barely interacted with the crew; Cal sensed the jealousy from the start, he put his arm around you to comfort you and you gradually picked up the conversation. The Twi’lek bartender served the drinks to your table, she noticed Cal’s arm over your shoulder, she maintained eye contact on Cal but you had eyes on her too. Your gaze pierced the Twi’lek, her seductive smirk reduces to a poker face and then leaves. Cal noticed your silence in her presence until she was gone and so he slightly tightens his grip on you.

The Bloody Rancor was apparently a one-hit wonder among the Mantis crew, even Merrin liked it! The chatter and the stories mingled with the patrons’, you decided to explore the rest of the castle and you hurriedly dismissed yourself, making up the excuse of forgetting something back in the ship. Cal waited for a few more paces before following you. He saw you heading back to the ship.

Cal waited a few more minutes before entering the Mantis. He heard the sparking of the soldering iron, the clinking of tools, and the crunching of screws and bolts being wrenched in. He followed the sound and found you in your lonesome by the workbench.

“Hey,” he called.

You glanced over your shoulder, repeated the word, and promptly returned to your handicraft.

“Something wrong?”

“No, not really. I just suddenly found the castle too… crowded,” you muttered and had a dry follow-up. “You should get back there, the bartender might miss you.”

Cal stepped forward, filling up the tiny space beside you by the workbench. He leans his waist against the edge of the table, crossed his arms against his chest, and simply watched you tweak on your gadgets. He knew that you were deliberately trying to avoid eye contact with him; surprisingly, his presence made you a little shaky, you weren’t holding your tools firmly as you should until you accidentally nipped yourself with wire cutters.

“Ow!” You hissed.

Cal immediately took your hand. You didn’t cut yourself luckily, but you nipped yourself hard enough for the base of your pointer finger to get swollen.

“It’s nothing,” you dismissed.

“No, you’re hurt,”

His thumb softly ran across your wound, you gently attempt to pull it away but his grip felt too secure albeit gentle, and then your fingers curled and encased his fingers. Cal slowly closes in on you with your hand held close to his heart.

“I’m fine really, you should go back, they’re probably looking for you,” you continue to dismissively mutter but Cal isn’t budging.

“I don’t think they’ll mind,” his voice was now only a whisper to you.

“Won’t they now?” you muttered.

“Stop talking,”

The gap between you two has vanished, he pulled himself towards you, and then the next thing you knew he has his lips locked onto yours. He dips his tongue into your mouth and a chill ran swiftly down your spine, your heart skipped a beat, failing to conceal your surprise. He gently lets go of your hand, cups your jaw with both hands and intensifies his kiss—causing you to throw your arms around his shoulder, pressing him closer to you whilst you rake his hair with your slender fingers until you gently gripped it.

You felt his smile in the middle of the kiss, you smiled too. His thumb ran across your jaw, his fingers were slowly sinking into the flesh of your neck—in response, you prodded your tongue which caught him by surprise this time. When you pulled away from the kiss, he followed up with another kiss on your forehead and then his lips trail down to the tip of your nose. Suggestive smiles beamed at one another as soon as you found each other’s eyes. Cal playfully pinched your cheek and added another kiss, a quick peck on the lips.

“We should really get back there,” you giggled.

Cal playfully made a pensive expression, squinting his eyes and smacking his lips.

“Yeah, I think we can stay a little bit longer,” he concluded.

You insisted to go back inside, with the half-joke that your drinks are getting warm. You grabbed both of his hands and led him out of the Mantis, the pair of you head back into the castle hand-in-hand. Along the way, he pulled you to him until he could lock his arms around your waist and embrace you, bury his nose on your shoulder and then sneak little kisses on your ear. Your giggles echoed on the outer foyer of the castle until you got back inside and rejoined to catch up with the crew and Maz.

[gleekto]

Even Better Than the Real Thing (3/15)

Summary: College AU/Famous!Blaine and Fanboy!Kurt - Kurt POV

Kurt really doesn’t have time to figure out the dating world between being a freshman at prestigious theatre school, LAADA,  and his active but secret blogging life in the Sing!Fandom. So what if Sing! ended last year? There are still fics to read and actors to follow. Especially the uber talented heartthrob lead, Blaine Anderson. He can act. He can sing. He can even dance. He’s gay. He’s out. And he’s only 24. Kurt is willing to twiddle his thumbs and click refresh until Blaine Anderson’s next project.

He just didn’t expect the next project to be on his roommate Rachel’s new TV show.

Part 1, Part 2

Even Better Than the Real Thing (3/15)

LimaBlaineFan: Spoiler alert - My source is back. He is going to be meeting Blaine tonight.

After Wednesday’s official announcement that Blaine Anderson had been cast as Rachel’s musically talented but romantically challenged love interest, Colin Red, on That’s So Rachel, Kurt’s followers jumped again. 331 more this time. It’s the credibility surge - not that he’d ever be a troll. 

Kurt realizes he’s in a potentially problematic position, with one foot venturing into the real life filming world of Blaine Anderson, and his other foot firmly in the fantastical world of fandom. He realizes that he could end up in a conflict of interest,  or with inside information that he clearly can’t share or worse, that he accidentally does. But who’s he kidding? He’s just been gifted a fan’s dream ticket of a non-fandom interaction with his celebrity crush. Yeah there might be consequences, but for now Kurt plans to enjoy having his cake and eating it too.

Kurt puts the finishing touches on his cocktail party outfit - layered blacks and greys for the cool fall day with a perfectly fitted long jacket. Sophisticated without looking like he’s trying too hard to impress very impressive company.

“Kurt, you ready?” Rachel is already halfway out the door as he grabs his phone and notices the red private message alert beside the growing notes on his “my source is going to meet Blaine” post.

MercedesSing!: It’s you, isn’t it? You remember that I know that Rachel Berry is your roommate, right?

Kurt types quickly as he exits the apartment. Can’t talk now with a winky emoji. 

...

The cocktail party for the cast of That’s So Rachel isn’t exactly what Kurt was expecting. With Patti and Barbra, he expected glitz and glamour, unlimited martinis, caviar, and free air pods in an obnoxious swag bag. Instead, there is some nice red wine, hot dogs in a blanket, fried mushrooms on a stick, and a take home cookie with a cartoon face of a smiling Rachel Cherry. Low key and almost relaxed. And he will definitely enjoy biting off Rachel’s head.

Kurt relaxes at the less intense than expected atmosphere, and manages to be an excellent plus one for Rachel’s idols turned TV moms. He and Rachel are so engaged discussing the brilliance of a gender reversed ‘Company’ with Patti, and his own lauded rendition of Rose’s Turn from his high school Glee club, that he almost forgets that Blaine Anderson is coming. Almost. 

When Patti is called over to meet one of the executives, and he and Rachel are left with a cone of appetizer fries in hand by the wine bar, he starts to get nervous. His eyes wander, trying not to search but definitely searching. There’s Jesse St. James who is playing Rachel’s music teacher talking to the showrunner. There are the friendly hair and makeup gang over by the couches. Rachel points out another couple of young women who will be playing Rachel’s friends. But no Blaine Anderson. Kurt tries not to look distracted.

“Rachel, hey!”

Just from the voice Kurt knows.

“Oh Blaine, hi,” Rachel turns around to a smiling and wow really quite perfectly dressed Blaine Anderson, approaching from the back door. 

“Sorry I’m late. I just had to finish up filming before running home for a quick shower.”

“Great to see you. We were just-”

“That is a really great outfit. Especially the shoes.” The words just fall out of Kurt’s mouth as he swings on the balls of his feet. Could he make a more awkward first impression? He apparently can’t keep his mouth shut when it comes to red shiny shoes perfectly matched with a soft red cardigan, skinny tie and jeans that fit just so. Somehow Blaine is even more warm and gorgeous in-person and wow, does he have style. Which Kurt appreciates - unfortunately, out loud.

“Oh. Thank you.” Blaine looks slightly surprised but not put off by Kurt’s over enthusiasm. “I could say the same to you,” Blaine grins now, eyeing Kurt’s grey sweater-blazer, which does look great, Kurt admits. He feels like the fanboy at Comicon. “I don’t believe we’ve met,” Blaine says. “I’m Blaine Anderson.” He extends his hand.

I know, Kurt thinks, smiling dumbly. I know. “I’m Rachel’s roommate.” Kurt shakes his hand - warm, soft, firm. Of course he would have a firm handshake. Kurt keeps smiling, hoping he’s being polite, but there’s an awkward silence.

“Kurt,” Rachel adds. “This is my roommate, Kurt Hummel.” Great. He forgot to say his name. Nothing like a first impression.

“It’s nice to meet you, Kurt.” He knows that people in fandom who have had the luck to meet Blaine in person have said it, but he can now verify that Blaine really is good at that eye contact thing. His eyes are focused right on him and Kurt is sure he will drown. Kurt nods, trying not to seem like he’s staring. “How did you two meet?”

Rachel looks at Kurt, waiting for him to speak, probably because Blaine is looking at him, and not at Rachel. When he doesn’t say anything, Rachel eventually chimes in. “We went to high school together in Lima, Ohio-”

“The thriving metropolis,” Kurt manages to snap out of his stupor to give a shout out to his hick hometown. Blaine nods, laughing. He’s still looking at him.

“I know what you mean.”

“You do?” 

“I’m from Ohio, too. Westerville.” Kurt knows that. “Not exactly the best place for a wannabe actor to grow up.” Blaine went to the prestigious Dalton Academy - also known as the gay Hogwarts of the Midwest. And he is absolutely not going to ask him about that.

“Fair,” Kurt replies, still smiling like a starstruck fanboy. He is a starstruck fanboy. And before Blaine notices, or worse, before he says something stupid, he figures he should exit while he’s ahead - leaving no damage in case they actually do meet again. “It was nice to meet you, Blaine and I’ll leave you two to talk shop. My glass is empty and  I’m going to get another red while the line is short.”

Kurt takes a deep breath while he waits in line. Conversation completed and no harm done. Rachel and Blaine are talking animatedly about something or other and he has a moment to breathe as he makes his way to the bartender, “Merlot, s’il vous plait?”

“You speak French?” Kurt turns to see a once again grinning Blaine Anderson, who has somehow appeared behind him in line. What? 

“Me?”

Blaine gives him a quizzical look. “You did just speak French to the bartender, right?”

“Oh! Oh yeah, of course. I don’t really speak. I just took French in high school.”

“A Corona please,” Blaine asks the same bartender as Kurt turns to walk away, red wine in hand, “Hey Kurt. Wait up.” Kurt freezes. Okay. “Cheers,” Blaine says as he chinks his beer bottle to Kurt’s wine glass. “Sometimes it’s nice to just have a drink and chill at these events, you know?” Blaine leans into him so he can hear what he’s saying in the noise of the crowd. “It’s a lot of industry people and a lot of being on. They’re great. Don’t get me wrong. But it takes a lot of focus to say all the right things to Patti Lupone.”

“Oh my god, I know. I just met her.” Kurt agrees. “I’m studying at LAADA so Rachel wanted to make sure I made the connection-”

“You’re at LAADA? That’s awesome. Such a great school,” Blaine knocks into his side.  “You know if I hadn’t gotten my part on Sing!-” Kurt keeps his face neutral, “I would have gone into musical theatre. Did you do Glee Club with Rachel?”

“She’s already told you about Glee?” Kurt says.  “Guilty. We weren’t exactly the top of the social pyramid at a football crazed school in Lima, Ohio.”

“I was in Glee club in Westerville, too, way back when. Dalton Academy?”

“Oh yeah,” Kurt nods nonchalantly. “The Warblers, right? I think we competed against them a couple of times two years ago.”

“Yeah,” Blaine nods fondly. “We were strangely revered by the boys at the school but Dalton was still very much an old boys’ club in the middle of Ohio. It’s not the progressive mecca some may think it is.”

“I may have heard a rumour-” Kurt pauses.

“Yeah, no. It’s not the gay Hogwarts,” Blaine makes quotation marks with his fingers. “Not when I was there at least. I was out but I never had a boyfriend until I moved to LA.” How can he be having this conversation? “But then I got Sing! and you know, dating wasn’t so easy.”

“It wasn’t?” Because Kurt is pretty sure that there would be boys literally lining  up for a chance at a date with fandom’s most eligible sweetheart.

“No,” Blaine shrugs. “It’s really hard to meet people when you’re on a show like that, you know? Constantly in the spotlight, or in the selfie camera. It becomes hard to distinguish between fan and friend.” Kurt’s eyebrows rise. “And with that schedule on Sing!  - I was too busy for anything serious, anyways.” Kurt nods keeping his face as flat as possible while his heart beats out of his chest, hoping Blaine can’t hear it over the background music. “I should apologize. I’m doing all the talking. What about you, Kurt? Do you have a boyfriend?”

What.

“Who me?” Kurt is taken aback. The combination of the very chill and bizarrely intimate conversation he’s having with Blaine Celebrity-of-My-Dreams Anderson, while being casually asked about his (non-existent) love life, the assumption that he’s gay and could be taken so obvious and ordinary, makes him feel like he’s in the Twilight Zone. He is in the Twilight Zone - he is talking about his love life with Blaine Anderson. He needs to compose himself. “Oh no. No no. Like you said, small town Ohio is not exactly a gay mecca. Just swinging and single,” Kurt says awkwardly. He knows he’s beet red but Blaine bites his lower lip and his smile gets wider. 

“Blaine!” Jesse St. James from across the room, beckons him over. “Come here. Meet Joan Silver - she’s the executive producer.” Blaine looks up at the ceiling and sighs.

“I’m being summoned,” Blaine says and Kurt nods, still feeling surreal. Blaine reaches out and squeezes Kurt’s upper arm, “Really nice to meet you,” He winks,  “Rachel’s roommate.”

[raspberryfanfics]

concepts—hyuga hizashi

Summary: All of the world's unproven things could be explained in concepts: fate, freedom, fear, love...and a girl obsessed with birds made Hizashi question everything he believed in and made him believe. He didn’t question it, he just let it be. After all, change is just a concept too. Word Count: 6612

dedicated to @theshitthatidoishere. Your comic inspired me to look for Hizashi backstories inspiring and the lack of them inspired me to write one. Your art is wonderful so please keep on drawing.

Read and follow on FFn for notifications on updates for ii and iii

i

There weren’t just the bandages to tell them apart.

Identical twins shouldn’t look so identical, with the same exact length of hair, posture, eye colour, skin tone, face shape, and voice. Yet at the same time, they shouldn’t be so distinguishable by a single glance. From the back, you may not tell the difference between Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Hiashi, but one look in both of their eyes and they were about as similar-looking as a kunai and a shuriken.

In Hizashi’s eyes, one would see a little joy, kindness, bitterness, and pain. There’s a saying that the saddest smile the brightest, and he was sad. In the academy, he excelled in his classes, graduating with one mark higher than his brother. He remembered coming home that day and overhearing his parents, who neglected him even though he was just as much their child as Hizashi was, scolding his sibling. 

At first, he was about to defend his brother, knowing that he didn’t deserve any of the yells for not fulfilling the role of an heir and being bested by a branch member. After all, Hiashi was only 12 years old and even if they had been separated, burdens of leadership shouldn’t be placed on a child. Yet the unlucky branch member remembered the pain of the cursed seal placed on his forehead on his fourth birthday and the love he lacked from his parents. He would prove them wrong one day.

The team he was assembled to was announced the next day.

His first squad member was Asuka. Just Asuka without a last name. He didn’t know much about her, other than the fact that she was shy, was an orphan, and loved birds. She was constantly drawing them on her notebook in class or gazing out the window to observe them. He was sure she wouldn’t be a problem to his progression, considering she had average grades. It was probably because she spent most of her time bird-watching rather than doing anything else. She was also the prettiest girl in their class and the only girl who wasn’t obsessed with Hiashi (because the other girls thought that the future leader of the Hyuga was husband material). Though she didn’t have any features that immediately set her apart, (dark brown hair like his and light honey eyes), her features were perfectly shaped with high cheekbones, large almond eyes, soft eyebrows, small button nose, and lips that rested in a natural pout. Funny, because she was probably the girl his brother had his eyes on and the only girl he wouldn’t get.

The second was Ryoku Kenji, last in their class not because he lacked skill, but because two months before graduating, his home was burnt down by rogue-nin and parts of his house collapsed onto him, disabling the use of both his legs and one of his thighs. They put him on prosthetic limbs and he was severely behind on his studies when he returned to school after multiple surgeries but managed to pass. Hizashi didn’t know if he wanted to be on the same team as someone who couldn’t even run properly but he kept his thoughts to himself. He wasn’t one who judged by appearances alone. 

Finally, there was their jonin leader Katate Kazane. Kazane-sensei approached them and to their surprise, she waved at them with a prosthetic arm. All three aspiring ninja stared, wondering how a jonin would be able to perform ninjutsu or genjutsu with only one hand. She didn’t tell them how she lost it, but took off her arm and threw it towards them, which took them by even more surprise. Ninja wasn’t supposed to be surprised, but their teacher threw her arm at them.

Kazane-sensei started off by asking them about their likes and strengths. He told her that he was able to use his Byakugan since age seven, which she didn’t seem impressed by. Asuka said she liked to and was able to run quickly and jump high because it gave her the sensation of nearly flying. Kenji only bowed his head and replied that he didn’t have any strengths, only weaknesses which he wanted to overcome. It was clear that he was referring to his disadvantage in moving because of his prosthetics. 

“Well, in order to pass, you will not be relying on any of your strengths.” she began. “As for you, Kenji, you will be relying solely on your weakness. You aren’t to use any ninjutsu or genjutsu, the only method you can use is taijutsu.”

She raised two fingers and suddenly, Asuka had dirt enveloping her feet, causing her to be immobile. “You are to fight in one spot. You are not to move.”

There was no time to be impressed at a one-handed jutsu, only fear. 

“And you, Hizashi,” she flicked her fingers again and darkness clouded his vision. He couldn’t see anything. “You will be fighting blind. If I see any veins protruding from your eyes, you automatically fail.”

He tried to stay calm. He always relied on his eyes. How could he fight without them? What really was a Hyuga without their eyes?

“Your goal is to immobilize my hand. The boundaries are here. Don’t cross them. You have until the stars come out.”

And with that, she threw several kunai into a large circle in the clearing, and Hizashi took some weapons from his pocket and threw them towards her. He could hear them miss their target and he leapt off, doing his best to use his other senses to try and navigate himself. It was hard, not knowing exactly what his target was doing, having to react the last minute when he could hear a swish of air, and not knowing if he even caught his target or not. He didn’t even know how his teammates were doing. 

From what he had heard, Asuka had dodged everything and used a couple of clones to distract their sensei and threw several weapons in the direction. She was mostly defending the two, using whatever she could to knock away dangers. When she was targeted, she easily leaned back and knocked away anything that came close. Kenji on the other hand, even though he wasn’t fast, happened to be strong. He didn’t land any punches, but his chakra control was good enough to cause a couple of dents in the ground. While listening to the sound of his teammate’s attacks, he didn’t catch the sound of fist swinging towards him until Asuka screamed.

“Hizashi! Duck!”

And he responded. He responded quicker than any other sound would to provoke him to, reacting to her order in an instant. Their eyes couldn’t meet, but an idea formed in both of their heads. 

“Swing! Duck! Kick! Left! Duck! Jump! Right! Swing! Behind!” he coated his hands with chakra and swung blindly, hoping to accidentally strike or come into contact with a tenketsu. “Do that chakra swing again! Chakra forwards! C-Right! C-more right! C-L, C-R-R! R!”

Suddenly, his female teammate was his eyes and he was her movements, trusting her command fiercely as Kenji covered them with strong punches. Her letters were quick and he got the hang of it immediately, as it was the only thing he could rely on. He hoped desperately that he would soon strike an arm, as it was the only hand that could perform hand seals.

Suddenly, he felt a metal hand come into contact with his face quicker than he could comprehend, and pain rushed to his face. Hizashi felt so helpless and he hated being blind. How could he—

“C-U”

Channelling the chakra to his hand once again, he sliced upwards so fast that he almost hit himself in the face. Yet he felt it cut through something, something similar to a wire. And it really didn’t do much until he felt a hand reach forwards and grab the part attached to the wire and pull back quickly. Everyone was silent.

“You all pass.”

Hizashi’s vision was suddenly restored and it was already sunset. When he looked around after processing the light, he noticed the metal hand in Kenji’s grip.

“Not only have you considered the fact that my prosthetic is still a hand, metal or not, you also learned to overcome your weaknesses and work as a great team. I look forward to teaching you three. Dinner is my treat tonight.”

The three collapsed in exhaustion and he met Asuka’s brown eyes again, thanking her silently for helping him considerably during the fight. She smiled, no teeth, but it was warm and sincere. No one smiled at him like that before. Even at twelve, his breath caught in his throat, finally seeing what all the boys in his class had seen in her. He possibly could be screwed.

In the following year, they trained hard.

Kazane-sensei pushed each of them, especially Kenji, who needed to overcome his disability quickly. He was now almost as fast as Hizashi’s average pace. Their teammate finally found a strong point, and that was his chakra control. Because he had a physical disadvantage, it forced him to work on traits he could control and studied medical ninjutsu at night. 

Asuka became even faster, running so quickly and jumping so high it really did seem like she was flying. She possessed wind release and occasionally used it in desperate times to practically make certain people “ride the wind”. Despite her love of the jutsu, it used up a lot of chakra. It happened to be pure luck that when their team defeated a B-rank rogue-nin, captured him, and found a summoning contract with ninja swifts. 

Though it probably wasn’t moral, Asuka forced a kunai to his neck uncharacteristically and demanded that he summon a swift, which he did. Kazane-sensei didn’t stop her because they were all too shocked at her sudden change of temper. It took him quite a while to summon it because apparently, the ninja bird was forced into the contract. The swift took a liking to Asuka, probably because she was sweet, innocent, and looked at the bird with such admiration that she immediately agreed to form a contract. She spent the next month honing her skills in summoning the swift until she summoned one whose wing was bigger than her.

There were two rookie teams in the chunin exams that year: his team, and his brother’s. As their sensei worked to train Kenji harder, he and Asuka sparred constantly. Both of their taijutsu skills improved rapidly and so did their long-range combat, as he learned from their final genin test that he couldn’t rely solely on his Kekkei Genkai. His team would also practice combination jutsus, formations, and discuss strategies for going into the chunin exams. Their plan was to not speak unless spoken to and make sure they didn’t leave an impression.

The written portion was hardly a problem for each of them. Their proctor was Orochimaru, who posed several questions based on morals and the shinobi code, making sure they could find several loopholes. Based on their wit and ability to take in every instruction, eleven teams passed towards the next exam, placed in the forest of death.

Each team then signed a waiver and listened to the instructions of Kato Dan, who gave each of them either a heaven or an earth scroll, explaining to them that they had four days to acquire another scroll and bring it to a temple in the middle of the forest. They were not to open the scroll until they reached the temple.

As soon as the horn went off, they ran off until they found a good place to discuss a plan. During this time, he kept his Byakugan activated in case any enemies approached them. They would make their way to the temple, they’d find the weakest looking team with their opposite scroll, and then complete the exam as fast as they could. Asuka would take the front as she was the fastest and reacted the quickest, he would take the back because of his Byakugan, and this would also protect Kenji, who was the only one who knew medical ninjutsu. 

Unfortunately, they overestimated their opponents and by the time a whole day had passed, they decided to attack the first team they came in contact with, who also thankfully had the scroll they were looking for. It was a team from the Village Hidden in the Clouds, who didn’t seem at all to possess incompetence. Yet filled with adrenaline, they didn’t care. 

Asuka started off with a simple wind jutsu, as Hizashi and Kenji threw on ridiculous-looking goggles from their pack to protect their eyes, swinging her cloak around to lift debris from the ground and leaves from the trees to promptly distract their opponents. Because the cloud-nin relied on lightning release, their opponents had a serious disadvantage against them. He used his air palm to push his target towards Kenji, who channelled his chakra into his fist, quickly knocking the ninja out cold. Meanwhile, Asuka was jumping around trees as the cloud-nin zapped each one she landed on with lightning, until she flew down right above him, swinging her cloak to ward off any other strikes or weapons, and kicked him towards Kenji as well so their second opponent was also unconscious. The last member of that team was now completely terrified so they spared a little mercy on him and disabled some of his tenketsu so he could at least look after his teammates.

They were the first team to complete the second task and went home to rest. They had a month to train for the final task: one-on-one battles.

Hizashi’s first opponent was Inuzuka Tsume and her dog Kuromaru. She was Hiaishi’s teammate and apparently, she and her huge dog did many quick and powerful attacks. Though he could always leap out of the way, he was starting to doubt how well he would be able to defeat her. He may be able to easily block a couple of punches but to block a 150-pound dog leaping at him and threatening to tear off his skin?

In total, there were twelve contestants who made it this far. He and his female teammate examined the chart and saw that if he were to proceed to the next round, he would be facing either a rain-nin or a sand-nin. Meanwhile, Asuka could face Hiashi if they both won their next round, something he was interested in seeing where it could go.

“Looks like you’re gonna have a disadvantage in your match.”

Hizashi’s breath caught in his throat as she leaned her head over his shoulder to examine the sheet of paper. When he tried to control his breathing, he caught a whiff of her shampoo. When he tried to breathe in with his mouth, he could feel her breath gently brushing against his neck. It was intoxicating and hard to concentrate when she was just so close. Asuka was way too close.

“What?” 

“You have a disadvantage against Inuzuka Tsume. She’s Hiashi’s teammate. She knows how to aim at the weak points of a Hyuga. She can probably beat him in a match and if she can’t, she’ll have enough of an upper hand to defeat you.”

“Your vote of confidence is deeply appreciated,” he mumbled, slightly offended.

She laughed. Her laugh was like music, soft, bright, and sweet. “Hey, that’s not what I meant!”

“Was it not?”

“No! I meant that we’re gonna have to train pretty hard to make sure that whatever you do, it’s better than what Hiashi can.” she grinned.

“I’m only slightly better than him.”

“Every technique?”

“Barely different enough to notice.”

“You know all the jutsus he uses?”

“All the same.”

Asuka snapped her fingers a couple times. “Are there any jutsus that the older Hyugas use in which Tsume probably doesn’t have experience combating?”

“Of course,” Hizashi scoffed. “You don’t think my abilities are limited to the ones I have now, do you?”

“Ah, men. Always defending their masculinity, even when it isn’t threatened.” she sighed. Before he could interject, she continued. “Why don’t you learn one of those?”

“Well, you see, those jutsus are reserved for the main members,” 

The tension increased dramatically. Asuka was the only person he trusted enough to tell her about his situation. She was a great listener and didn’t judge him, only his family. Yet he often had to make sure she kept all her opinions to herself because even if she was shy, she was very unafraid to speak her mind about topics she was passionate about.

“Will that stop you?”

And that’s how Hizashi and Asuka ended up at the Hyuga compound, observing the older members spar. She often came over to train so no one thought anything of it as they climbed onto a tree and watched closely. It was a very dull battle. He could tell she was bored as they swung at each other and stuck out fingers quickly. She only caught interest again when one of the members threw several weapons at once and the other rotated, blue chakra spinning in a circle.

“Woah,” she breathed in amazement. “What was that?”

“The Kaiten,” he said longingly. “They call it the ‘heavenly spin”. I wish I could learn how to do that.” 

“You mean you will.”

And it kept that’s when they started to train. 

They were extremely lucky when one day, he found his father teaching Hiashi how to do the Kaiten and he ran over to Asuka’s apartment as fast as he could, dragged her over quickly and quietly, then used one of her birds to listen to all the tips they acquired. After gathering as much information as possible, he started to perform it.

In their training ground, he would practice the spin by pushing out chakra continuously from each tenketsu and spinning so it surrounded him in a dome. However, sometimes if his chakra control wasn’t precise enough, he would spin out of control and land ten feet away from his lopsided crater. When he felt ready, Asuka would use her wind release and lift the debris, leaves, and rocks to hit him. She started out easy at first, only using a few twigs. As he got better and better, she would incorporate stones, then sand, then even knives. This also helped her accuracy with weapons while using her wind release. 

Because not much was known about her rain-nin opponent, they overall made sure to push themselves physically. This improved their amount of chakra and stamina so they would last much longer in a battle. They also made sure to summon the swifts once in a while to tell prepare them and practice with them. Hizashi found that battling her when she was riding her huge bird Chūrippu, facing the wind release of her medium one Yuri, or even the unpredictableness of the smallest swift Suisen, who was by far the most vicious was incredibly challenging. Dealing with an animal would be a lot of help for his upcoming battle.

When he faced Tsume in the first round, he realized how accurate his teammate was. She was so immediately accustomed to his fighting style it was almost like she possessed the Sharingan. It was challenging, but the longer he fought, the easier he predicted her next moves. Realizing that she was slowly losing the upper ground, Tsume swallowed a few food pills, gave a couple to her dog and suddenly, they were much stronger. The duo started a crazy combination ninjutsu—fang passing fang, and he realized how much more powerful the next attack would be. A split second before he launched into his kaiten, he met Asuka’s honey-brown eyes which he could read instantly. He could practically hear her in his mind saying “start showing off just a little”. 

The most satisfying part of spinning like that was the shock on his brother’s face as he stopped spinning. In the next moment, Hizashi charged towards his opponent as fast as he could and immediately disabled all of her chakra points, winning the match. 

To determine who would fight against him, a Sand-nin and a Rain-nin battled, the Rain-nin defeating the Sand-nin after sinking all of her sand with water. Asuka’s match against the winner’s teammate proved to be a very interesting match as she won by using the wind to control the water her opponent summoned, riding on waves with excellent chakra control Kenji and him taught her to do themselves. A smile spread on his lips, knowing that a month ago she would have difficulty even standing on water. 

Meeting in the contestant podium after being checked for injuries, they discussed their matches with Kenji, who was quite nervous about his upcoming battle.

“For a few minutes there, we really thought you were screwed.” Kenji teased.

“I didn’t think she would know your moves that well,” admitted Asuka. “Good thing we prepared, otherwise I really think your disadvantage would have ended up in defeat.”

 His twin’s match was up next. It was a short match especially considering the fact that Hiashi’s opponent decided to go head-first with taijutsu, and ended up disabled very quickly. Asuka would have to go against him, and he was slightly jealous.

“Wait, Tsume had an advantage because she was familiar with the Hyuga fighting style, which means you will too,” he said.

“Also means that he’s gonna be extra careful,” she said, analyzing her opponent, who unlike them, was without a scratch.

“You just have to end him quickly,” Hizashi said encouragingly. “Don’t be too hard on him.”

“Just a little easier than I go on you?” she teased. “That’s still pretty bad.”

“Just don’t aim for the blind spot unless you have to,” he said. “That’s kind of cruel.”

He expected a laugh, but she just frowned. “It wouldn’t be as cruel as how you’re treated.”

It wasn’t often when she looked so angry, but there she was, upset because of his situation, not hers. 

“It’s not like he’s the one who does anything,” Hizashi spoke softly. “He doesn’t know how to activate the seal yet.”

“Yet,” she said bitterly. “Tell me, does he stand by and watch without any sympathy?”

“Asuka…”

“I’m sure he’s been cruel to you too. Don’t say he’s never used his status selfishly.”

He didn’t really know what to say. It was unfamiliar seeing someone care for him as much as she did, and while it sent a warm feeling through his body, he ached for more. 

“Please don’t be angry, it’s not his fault. It was just fate.”

“I’m angry at the concept of fate. For everyone’s fate. We never get to choose if we even want to live.”

“The concept?”

“The concept that we can’t change anything. That we’re subjected to a destiny and there isn’t anything we can do about it. I hate the concept of not being able to choose, which is why it makes me so angry that you’re treated this way.”

She sighed, looked to her side where Hiashi was, and he was watching them interact very closely. It was clear that he was jealous of their relationship, after all, the heir of the Hyuga Clan was used to getting everything he wanted. A glare sent his direction was warning him not to get too close. He chuckled to himself. How could he stop himself from getting close when she was the one who always insisted on helping him and sharing the pain?

“Only if I have to,” she said. “Any last-minute weaknesses I’m not to pursue?”

He shook his head and faced the podium again. His brother’s other teammate, a guy with slicked-back black hair, a heavy fur coat, and fingerless black gloves won against a contestant from the Sand, which left Kenji’s battle next.

Asuka cheered, hollering out Kenji’s name as he prepared himself, carefully analyzing his teammate. The last Sand-nin didn’t seem that threatening. She was small, likely not very strong compared to Kenji, and therefore couldn't have a lot of chakra. However, this also meant that she would likely be very fast, which would put Kenji at a disadvantage because of his legs. 

He started off by punching the ground with his fist full of chakra. Most of the others were shocked by his strength and his teammates hadn’t realized how far he had come that month. There were rumours that he had received many tips from a medical ninja named Tsunade, who was known for her super strength and used this to his advantage. His opponent quickly dodged the ground ripping open towards her and bounced off a nearby tree to attack him from above. It worked in his favour, as his reflexes in his upper body were superior, demonstrating amazing taijutsu. He punched at her, his fist full of chakra, and everyone thought she would be done for good. However, she was able to dodge a direct hit, so she was only knocked back.

When she started on a jutsu which seemingly would target the ground, causing him to have to leap, also risking her seeing his prosthetics, finding his weakness, he punched the ground again before she could do anything. Kenji started a barrage of weapons towards her and charged with a katana in hand, battling her until she was at her breaking point. It seemed hopeless for the small girl until she seemed to notice a gleam of metal on his leg, She quickly formed hand seals in the air and pushed fired towards him. It wasn’t accurate, but since his legs were metal, it heated up anyways and pressed against his limbs, causing him to holler in pain. 

Though he had enough time to counteract it with water, the moment of distraction was enough for her to send a punch and knock him out, disabling him. Asuka sighed, in disappointment, knowing that he was very close to winning. However, their teammate fought well and they were still confident that it was enough to make chunin.

Hizashi’s battle with the rain-nin ended as soon as he was in range to strike 64 of his opponent’s tenketsu. Thankfully, his position also placed him in the person who would sit through a match so he could rest. He jumped up into the contestant podium and Asuka congratulated him. He wished her good luck.

He wondered how she would face Hiashi. It was clear she wouldn’t face him head-on, but it wasn’t like there was any other option. As soon as the match started, she flew off, before even giving him any time to activate his Byakugan. He saw her from the corner of his eye making familiar hand seals before shoving her hand onto the branch of a tree. There was a poof, and he saw her smallest bird summoned. She started whispering to it and he couldn’t read lips, but he did catch three words: first thoracic vertebrae.

Asuka then jumped off the branch and faced him once again. Meanwhile, her swift flew off, no one suspecting a thing. The two circled each other, examining their opponent closely, trying to figure out the best way to attack, or the best way to defend.

“I’ll go easy on you.” Hiashi teased. “Tell you what, I’ll only disable 32 of your tenketsu instead of 64.”

“I won’t need it,” she said. “I was told to go easy on you before our match, in fact.”

“By who? Hizashi?” he snarled, “Ignore him, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’ve been trained by the main house to learn all their secret techniques.”

“We know,” she said sweetly. “He appreciates your lessons.”

Hiashi’s face went pale and she waved to him up in the stands. The branch member of the Hyuga clan also paled in embarrassment.

“The tips your father offered you were very useful by the way. It would have been impossible to master the kaiten without them. How would anyone be able to master the ultimate defence by just observing?”

“You—you helped—”

“Well, I guess I did. Maybe you should go to him for some pointers. I’m sure it will help to receive some tips from someone who recently just learned the kaiten.”

“Don’t you dare underestimate me!” he cried and charged at her headfirst. 

It was suddenly vicious taijutsu battle and Hizashi waited, knowing that even if she knew how to defend herself, she wouldn’t last long. When his brother stuck out two fingers to strike the chakra point on her shoulder, she ducked easily, knowing exactly where he would aim. However, to everyone’s surprise, she stuck out two fingers as well and aimed at the tenketsu from underneath his arm, with perfect accuracy as well. Did Asuka learn the secret techniques of the Hyuga without the Byakugan?

The silence in the area was deafening and Hiashi paused in confusion and shock, only to realize that it was only a decoy. It was too late to react when she kicked him in the chest and he flew back, angry that he fell for such a stupid trick. Hizashi resisted a laugh. Of course, she was clever enough to aim directly at a chakra point, making him think part of his system was disabled, and aim a hard hit.

She started with long-range combat from there. First, she swept as much debris and sand as she could muster, throwing her weapons in there for good measure, circling it around him so it would possibly blind him or injure him. He did a good job defending himself, knocking most of it away apart from the sand, which only got in his eyes a little. She continued to surprise him with attacks from every direction, using techniques that even Hizashi, her own teammate, would have trouble anticipating. Asuka nearly caught him in a cleverly placed trap by disabling it herself, only escaping it too because she was quick enough to run out of the way so it almost hit him instead. 

It was all clearly going in her favour until suddenly, she slipped. She slipped. His teammate was graceful. She was practically able to fly, so there was no way she could have slipped. But she did. 

And this gave Hiashi enough time to get her in range and disable 32 of her chakra points.

He covered his mouth with his hand, severely disappointed in how close she was to defeating him. Hizashi was so excited to see the look of defeat in his brother’s eyes when he lost, and now, it was just the same arrogance on his face. Asuka fought well. It was sure to give the Hokage a good impression.

“I told you I would go easy on you,” Hiashi smirked. “Only thirty-two. You probably wouldn’t be able to stand with all 64 disabled.”

Asuka groaned and tried rolling away, but he smiled. “I expected you to actually try to get up. Looks like you can’t even stand with 32 disabled.”

The proctor was about to stop the fight until she used one hand to perform several seals.

“Maybe you can beat Hizashi, but that doesn’t mean you can beat me. You out of everyone should know that you can’t use any chakra now. Yet you still perform hand seals. One-handed ones. Too bad you’ll never get the chance to show them off.”

Hizashi agreed silently. Asuka knew perfectly well that there was nothing she could do once her points were disabled.

“Funny you say that because I was never able to beat Hizashi. He knows me too well. He knows exactly what I’m going to do next, which means that he’s always anticipating my next move. Yet also, it’s because we don’t spar with the intent to kill. This fight, I fought you harder than I’ve ever fought before. I will use anything to beat you.” she said, panting heavily. She quickly grabbed a kunai from her holster and threw it, but it missed severely.

“You missed. Maybe I could give you some pointers.” he teased, eyebrows raised, lowering his head to look at the kunai by his feet, “You underestimated me.”

Suddenly, Hizashi realized what she was doing. He grinned, shaking his head, ignoring the glances the others sent him. The moment she threw the kunai, Hiashi looked down and the back of his neck was exposed and facing the sky.

“No,” she coughed, forming more hand seals slowly. “I didn’t underestimate you at all. In fact, you are right.”

Her opponent’s eye widened in confusion. 

“I wouldn’t be able to stand with 64 of my tenketsu disabled. I know I can’t use chakra. I won’t be able to show off any one-handed seals, also because I don’t know how to do them. My sensei does. I didn’t underestimate you, Hyuga Hiashi. I don’t underestimate anyone. That is because I never overestimate myself.” Asuka said softly. “You’re only wrong about that and one other thing: I didn’t miss.”

And in that second, barely anyone saw it coming. A swift dove down quickly and slammed right into Hiashi’s first thoracic vertebrae and he started to fall over. The bird then dug into her holster and pulled out some wire, wrapping it around him. His body was tightly bound together and he finally hit the ground, grunting in pain. 

“The White-Throated Needletail, a species of swift, is the third-fastest bird on the planet. It also is considered the fastest in flapping speed, travelling at one hundred and five kilometres an hour. This is my summon, Suisen. She travels at one-fifty.” Asuka then stood up perfectly, towering over him. “She was also my back-up plan, in case I needed one. Thankfully, we can also communicate by hand signals, so she knew exactly what to do.”

Suisen chirped up. “For a person with a blind spot, you should probably move around a little more. It was very easy to remain out of sight.”

“I’d never aim for Hizashi’s blind spot, even if we were up against each other during the exams. Yet you are a different story. And also, I kind of had no other option.”

He growled. “You were able to stand this whole time! You knew about my blind spot! That’s—that’s completely unfair!”

“Everything in a match is fair. In life-or-death, you should be able to combat any factor. What really isn’t fair is the way you treat your brother. That’s a factor you can change.” she said. “Proctor, please tell me this match is over?”

“The winner is Asuka.” the proctor said, still in shock.

Cheering overtook the stadium and she waved Hizashi down. He released her chakra points and helped her to the medical station to restore a little energy. 

“You fought extremely well.”

“Technically, I didn’t aim for his blind spot, Suisen did,” she said softly, a pretty blush forming on her cheeks.  

“You don’t have to defend yourself,” he said softly. “Nothing is fair in the shinobi world, right?”

“Yea, that was a little harsh.” she chuckled to herself, rubbing her neck. “God, I’m sore everywhere.”

“Where?”

“Everywhere.”

“Be more specific.”

“Well, behind my neck and shoulders—what are you doing?”

Hizashi pulled her long hair back and massaged her shoulders, pressing his thumbs to her neck. 

“Giving you a massage.”

He felt her skin heat up and a smirk crawled up his face. She leaned back into his hands and sighed. “Th—That feels good.”

“Good.”

“You don’t have to do this.” 

“You have a match after this. You’ll need as much energy as you can get,” he told her. 

Her match against Hiashi’s last teammate ended up with her going unconscious and he didn’t even have time to check on her before having to go against him in the finals. His opponent, though strong, had used up almost all of his chakra so Hizashi defeated him quickly. He won the tournament.

His team was crying out in the stands for him as loud as they could and he waved at them before the proctor announced him as the winner. They all personally congratulated him and went out for dinner. It was a great night. He found himself smiling more than ever before, happy with how his whole team performed. Their sensei even cried a little bit, but she denied it. 

He insisted on walking Asuka home that night and they both walked slowly, unhurried. The twelve-year-old tried not to stare as the moonlight reflected off her eyes and her hair floated with the breeze. They talked for a while, about how they felt about the tournament, their teammates, the other contestants, and themselves. He was disappointed when he reached the door of his apartment and smiled goodbye. She slowly turned the doorknob and opened her door, but paused. 

“Congrats again,” she said softly, just before planting a kiss on his cheek. 

Hizashi swore he must have stood facing her closed door for a solid minute, eyes wide in shock at what just had happened. Had he imagined it? It was too quick to be true. Yet his face burning up could not have been fake, and he walked home in a daze.

His parents were mad at Hiashi when he got home, but he went his own way towards the branch compound, ignoring them. He was in too much of a good mood to care. Yet after a shower and fresh clothes, his mood was ruined when his twin knocked at the door. 

“Hiashi-sama,” he greeted politely, though he hoped his voice wasn’t stained with coldness. “Can I be to your assistance?”

“I’d like to have a word with you.”

“Yes?”

The heir to the Hyuga Clan pushed past him and crossed his arms as Hizashi closed the door. 

“Stay away from Asuka.”

Suddenly, he started coughing at his brother’s statement. “Excuse me, what?”

“You heard me. Stay away from her. She was the reason I didn’t win the tournament, and if it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t have humiliated me in front of everyone. You’ve been telling all of our clan’s secrets to her. It’s your duty to protect them.”

“She’s my teammate,” he growled. “She will always be my teammate. You can’t expect me to stay away from someone who will have my back for the rest of my life.”

“I can. I can make you do whatever I want—”

“This isn’t about your defeat to her.” he interrupted. 

“You must be out of your mind.”

“I am not. You like her. She was the only girl back in the academy who didn’t think you were their future prince charming. She’s a challenge, a conquest, and you thought that if you could beat her, or even just beat enough people, she’d admire you or date you. But she defeated you, she purposely tormented you, and you realized that she’d much farther from your grasp than you expected. Asuka would rather me, the second-born branch member than you, the spoiled heir, isn’t that right brother?”

“You—”

“You are in control of me and if your command is to stay away from her, I cannot follow that command because the shinobi way is much more important to me than the clan. I will still be her teammate and I will still help her train, let her help me train, and have her back. However, if it means this much to you, I will not make any advances onto her because I am a branch member, cursed to serve you.

“So you admit it, you’re interested in her.”

“It means nothing if you’re interested in her as well, Hiashi-sama.”

“You better your word, brother.”

That night, he had trouble sleeping.

Once again, please review on FFn and follow the story there for Part 2, which will be updated once proof-read, and part three after it is completed. 

fun fact: Asuka means “the fragrance of tomorrow” or “flying bird” depending on the kanji. Guess which one it is.

[the-quiet-winds]

Guiding Like a Lighthouse (part two)

[Sequel to ‘Between Angels and Demons’. Co-written with @ichlugebulletsandcornnuts]

[Part 2: Even Together, There Can Be Loneliness]

Jane, once she makes her way back to the kitchen, is greeted by a very confused Parr. 

“I heard the door slam,” Parr says softly, “what happened? Is she okay?”

Jane sighs, closing the door to the hallway as if Katherine could hear them from her room.

“We had a little bit of an... incident,” she says, for lack of a better way of phrasing it. Parr’s eyebrows raise and Jane clarifies. “She accidentally said something, and she’s a little bit embarrassed by it, I think.”

“What did she say?” Parr asks, leaning against the wall and folding her arms.

Jane looks at her slippered feet as a blush begins to burn in her cheeks. “She called me ‘mum’,” she says softly. 

Parr’s eyes widen but she gives a small, almost unseen smile. “Oh. How do you feel about it?”

“I loved it,” Jane admits, then looks at Parr. “I loved it, but she’s embarrassed about it so we agreed to not speak of it again.”

Parr tilts her head slightly, watching Jane for a few moments.

“I think she might come around,” she finally says. Jane frowns.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s just something I've picked up on,” Parr shrugs. “She enjoys it when you’re acting maternal around her, so it makes sense that she genuinely considers you to be a mother figure. Even if she doesn’t know it yet.”

Jane hadn’t considered this, mostly because she wanted to keep herself from getting her own hopes up and ultimately getting hurt. 

“Maybe,” she says with a shrug. “Now I think it’s time to eat, yeah?” she eyes the pasta she’d made, half-desperate to change the subject. “Don’t want it all to get cold, right?”

Parr gives her a small half-smile and thankfully drops the topic. Jane dishes out some of the pasta into bowls and then sets the rest aside for Katherine later.

Jane tries to make sure the subject doesn’t return to Katherine’s slip-up by bringing the conversation around to Parr’s current work, not wanting to dwell on the idea and potentially get her hopes up.

The evening quietly passes, and Jane, who settles on the couch to do some marking, never sees Katherine come down for dinner. 

So at about half-past eight, she brings the bowl up to her room. 

Katherine doesn’t even look in her direction, just mumbling a “thank you”, and continuing her work. 

Two hours later, when Jane goes to say goodnight, the pasta bowl is untouched and Katherine is asleep on her desk, arms folded on her notebook and face more or less buried in the crook of her elbow.

Jane tiptoes into Katherine’s room, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“Kat, love?”

Katherine mumbles something incoherent and presses her face into her arm even more. Jane smiles softly.

“Come on, love, let’s get you to bed.”

Katherine, still mostly asleep, lets Jane help her up from the desk and across the room to the bed. Jane grabs a clean set of pyjamas from the dresser and places them in Katherine’s hands.

Katherine’s eyes are still heavily lidded, a sleepy, dopey grin on her lips as she pitches herself into the woman’s arms. 

Jane holds her tight, hoping the embrace provides the warmth and security Katherine was seeking, before letting the girl back. Jane brushes some hairs away from her face before pressing a soft kiss to Katherine’s forehead. 

“Get some sleep, love,” Jane says. she makes her way to the door, but the untouched bowl of food catches her eye. “Why didn’t you eat, darling?” she asks. But she notices next the water droplets on the notebook, obvious tears, and the essay that just scrapes two pages but thankfully is done. She picks up the bowl, Katherine blissfully unresponsive as she tries to stay awake long enough for Jane to leave. “Goodnight, Kat,” she murmurs.

“G’night,” Katherine mumbles, followed by something else that isn’t quite distinguishable but still makes Jane pause.

She knows it’s just because she wishes she could hear it more than anything, but some traitorous part of her truly believes Katherine had sleepily mumbled, “g’night, mum.”

Jane’s heart hurts to think of it, that she’s tricking herself like this when it was probably nothing more than a sound, and she blinks rapidly as she opens Katherine’s bedroom door again and looks back at the almost fast asleep girl.

“Sweet dreams, love.”

---

The next few days, more or less, are absolute hell for Jane. 

Katherine barely looks her in the eyes, even in class. Her participation is a little less each day, an embarrassed flush flooding her cheeks whenever Jane calls on her. 

Jane doesn’t ask her about it, because she can’t bear to hear how Katherine messed up when she called Jane ‘mum’, how she probably didn’t even want that kind of relationship at all. 

And it stings. But Jane keeps a smile on her face and a perfect “nothing is wrong” facade.

School was weird for Katherine anyway. it’s not like anything had been officially said, but still everyone seemed to know that she’d been taken out of her father’s care and now lived with their English teacher. It wasn’t exactly the kind of gossip that made Katherine fade into obscurity, that’s for sure.

Now, as well as hushed whispers and discreet points in her direction, she had to contend with how much she’d messed up in that stupid slip-up with Jane.

As a result, she spends a lot of time in her room with the door closed. She doesn’t want to face Jane, or even Parr. And while she can’t shut out the harsh whispers at school, she can stop sitting in Jane’s room during lunch and drawing attention to herself. 

Only three days after the slip-up, Katherine is barely even eating lunch, sitting in the cafeteria, nose in a book.

She tries to distract herself as best she can from the fact that she has English last period today. This normally means that Katherine would hang around the classroom and talk to Jane about her day whilst Jane sorted out the last things she needed to before she left school.

Part of her contemplates whether Jane would stop her if she left at the end of the lesson and went to get the bus instead. Would she let her do it? Katherine isn’t sure.

She decides to try anyway. 

At the conclusion of the lesson, without a single word to Jane, she packs up her bag and breezes out of the room, following her classmates towards the bus loop. 

She finds and climbs on her normal bus, number 24, and doesn’t notice that she doesn’t recognize a single face on the bus until they’re pulling away from the school. 

When they reach the first intersection, the bus makes a left, even though Katherine knows they should be making a right. 

They changed the bus routes, she figures out very quickly, and wherever she’s going she’ll be a long way from home.

She knows she should probably get off the bus at the next stop and figure out a way to get back, but some petulantly fed up part of her stops herself. She just wants to be alone for a while, without Jane or Parr around, where she doesn’t have to think about everything she says and does in case something like that slips out again.

And so she sits there on the bus, crossing her arms and leaning on her backpack, resting her head on her arms.

Jane is immediately concerned when it’s past 3:30 and Katherine isn’t home. 

She let Katherine take the bus, knowing the girl wanted some alone time, but even if she had taken the bus she would have been home by now. 

She waits another fifteen minutes before grabbing her phone. 

“Where are you?” she texts, followed by, “please let me know you’re alright,” then finally, “I love you, Kat.”

Katherine doesn’t even notice her phone vibrating in her bag; she’s too deep in thought to be aware of much that’s going on around her.

She’s finally shaken out of her reverie by the bus driver leaning out of his seat and calling to her.

“‘Scuse me, miss. last stop.”

Katherine slips her backpack on and makes her way off the bus. This place is familiar, she realizes, and it only takes a moment before it hits her.

They didn't change the bus routes. 

She took the wrong bus.

Bus 24 took her to her old place, and she's only two blocks away from her father's house. She’d recognize these sidewalks she would run on all the time.

Unfortunately, this was the absolute other end of town from where she lived now, where home was. 

And it was getting dark fast.

So she starts to walk.

It’s a chilly day, and Katherine pulls her school coat tighter around her as she walks, tucking her hands into her sleeves to try to ignore the brisk breeze.

Her stomach starts to rumble a couple of minutes into her walk, a remnant of her barely-touched lunch. She shoves her hand into her pocket and is delighted to find a pound coin; she knows there’s a little shop around here she could buy a snack from. It was the one she used to wish she could visit as she ran back to her house when she lived with her father, much hungrier back then than she was now.

It’s nearing five, and Jane is beginning to panic. 

Katherine still hadn't come home, all of her calls going straight to voicemail and her texts going unanswered.

It’s growing rapidly darker and colder with each passing moment, and she knows Katherine isn't thinking straight. But she also has no idea where Katherine even is.

---

Katherine must have taken a wrong turn somewhere, because she really doesn't know where she is anymore.

By now, she should have made it back to the school, but she's in some sort of housing development project, with barely-working streetlights above her.

Finally admitting defeat, she reaches for her backpack and pulls out her phone. 

Just as she does, someone comes barreling into her. before she can react, they rip her bag off her back and sprint off, all of her school work, her wallet, her keys, everything except her phone, gone in an instant.

She tries to yell after the person but they turn the corner before she can find her voice. She runs to where the person disappeared but they’d vanished completely and Katherine comes to a stop, staring hopelessly into the distance.

Her first thought, slightly bizarrely, is that it was going to be a pain to get all her school notes written again.

Her second thought prays that Jane won’t be angry with her.

Jane has bought her that backpack, that wallet, all the notebooks and the cute little keychains attached to her house keys. She’d given Katherine almost everything the girl now owned, and someone had grabbed it from her because she’d been stupid enough to get the wrong bus.

She’s snapped out of her reverie by a voice somewhere behind her. 

"You’re in the wrong place, darling."

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

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[trufflerabbit13]

Searching for Brothers: CHAPTER VII: The Red Haired Man and His Crew

CHAPTER 7 Word count: 1.9 k

THIRD PERSON P.O.V.

The blonde female tiredly sighed as she pushed her bloody umbrella into the sea water, washing off the crimson liquid that seemed to stain it.

She silently thanked that all umbrellas were waterproof. She was well aware that if it weren't, the cloth of the umbrella would absorb all the blood, and it'll be impossible to wash off.

As she opened the umbrella and placed it on the deck to be dried by the sun, she joined her partner that quietly sunbathed on deck.

The white-furred beast was stretched out under the sun, his muscles relaxed. Looking at him, you wouldn't think he was in a battle with a group of pirates mere minutes ago.

Using the beast stomach as a pillow, Clementine stared into the cloudless blue sky.

It's been already six months since she left her small island that she called home. Her first bounty of 40,000,000 berî has risen to 60,000,000 berî after she accidentally beat a marine Rear Admiral and a Commodore. Truthfully she wasn't sure how she did it.

As she recalled the memory, her eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.

<<FLASH BACKS<<

Clementine was quietly eating a small meal when her ship suddenly rocked, barely missing the cannon that was aimed at her boat.

She slammed her fork down with annoyance as she walked right out, eyeing the large Marine ship that floated in the distance. Anger by her meal's disruption, she furiously glared at the rowdy group of marines who had their weapons prepared.

Seconds later all of them including the Commodore and the Captain dropped to the ground like flies, their eyes rolled back into their head as they foamed from their mouth.

Clementine freaked by the action quickly escaped the 'battleground' leaving the boat full of unconscious marines to be later found, making the news.

==FLASH BACK ENDED==

The blonde female ran her fingers through the soft fur of Roki's while her mind was wandering off.

A gentle breeze made her hair fly around slightly, she closed her eyes in pleasure, a small smile gracing her features. But a sudden attack on her face made her blue eyes snap open in shock. She spluttered as a paper stuck to her face because of the wind. She quickly pulled the paper away and looked at it in confusion.

Her eyebrows creased as she realized what it was.

"60,000,000 berî, The Blue Angel," she quietly read as she looked at the picture of herself petting Roki.

She still was confused how someone was able to take her photo. She had been positive that she had finished off everyone on the boat, but somehow her picture still got leaked, and she didn't even notice it. And she couldn't help but be slightly disappointed.

She had always imagined her first Wanted poster to be fierce and badass so people wouldn't mess with her. But, the photo in her hand made her look frail and weak.

Clementine sighed once again and looked at the wanted poster closer. Because of this wanted poster, people underestimated her. Just because of a damn picture...

She slowly stood up and looked at her compass that was connected to a chain around her neck.

A few days ago she finally arrived in west blue. The last ocean she hadn't searched yet.

The blonde was getting slightly frustrated how she never was able to get wind of her brother's crew. At every island she stopped she would question people about the Whitebeard Pirates.

And every time she got an idea where they were, they had already departed. It was literally impossible to catch up to them with her tiny boat.

She pondered about her plans, her bottom lip getting tugged between her teeth as she used Roki as her pillow. The peacefulness made her eyes drift close, sleepiness beginning to overtake her. However, her eyes snapped open when she thought she heard voices from a distance.

CLEMENTINE P.O.V.

I sat up and looked around in confusion. The only people on my boat was Roki and me. So that means...

Somebody was either on the boat, or somebody was near our boat....

I quickly stood up, making Roki lazily open his blue eyes. Though he quickly became awake as he noticed my tense limbs, his ear twitching as he too picked up voices.

I quickly grabbed my umbrella that was already dried and scaled up to the crow's nest, leaving Roki on the deck. As I scanned the ocean, my icy eyes widened when I saw the largest ship I've ever seen near my boat.

My eyes narrowed when I noticed someone was also in their crow's nest, waving at me.

My eyes searched for the Marine's distinct flag. When I didn't see the familiar white and blue cloth, I relaxed slightly. I could see the black flag, however, it was too far to clearly see the Jolly Roger to distinguish what Pirate group they were.

Maybe this group of pirates won't be like those other bastards that I fought. Using my umbrella, I zipped lined down the rope that was connected to the crow's nest before landing on the deck where Roki quietly waited.

I patiently waited at the very front of my ship, my guard up, preparing to fight just in case.

As the ship neared, the Jolly Roger became more clear. When I was finally able to see it, my eyes widened as I nervously gulped. A skull with two red lines going through the left eye...

Which meant....

"AHOOOYYY!!! WE COME IN PEEEAAACE!!!!" A handsome middle-aged man yelled as he waved his arm wildly over his head.

I immediately knew who he was from his bright red hair.

As the ship neared, Roki growled threatening, but I patted his head in warning. I can't... I can never lay hands on his man.... And even if I tried, I would end up dead in a matter of seconds.

As I got a closer look at the man, the three scars going down his left eye became clearer.

There's no mistake this man is him....

"HEY~ DO HAVE ANY BEER ON YOU???" He screamed as he leaned against the rail of his ship. He had a goofy grin plastered on his face as he held a large keg of alcohol up.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his question. Crouching lowly, I jumped, aiming at the rail of their ship.

"Whoa!!!" The red-haired man yelled in surprise, staggering back as I stood right in front of him with a smile.

However, I quickly stiffened as I felt a gun pointed at me.

"Captain, don't you recognize her?!" A male with dark dreadlocks yelled as he pointed his gun at me, his eyes narrowed as he finger played with the trigger.

I glared at him but stayed still, not wanting to start a fight.

The red-haired man looked confused as he scratched his, "huh? What are you talking about Yasopp? Why would I recognize her?"

I sweat dropped at his reaction but didn't say anything.

But just as I was looking at the red-haired captain, I felt a presence behind me.

My eyes widened when I noticed one male sneaking onto my ship, a sword ready to attack Roki who wasn't paying attention because I had given him the okay earlier.

As he swung his sword down, I screamed.

"GET AWAY FROM ROKI!!!!!"

My eyes widen as everything around me seemed to stop. Then suddenly it changed. Everything around me started to move in slow motion.

The male who was swinging his sword dropped his weapon as his eyes rolled back into his head. Some of the pirates on the ship fell to the ground, their mouths bubbling as well.

The red-haired man was gaping in surprise, but he quickly recovered and grinned wildly. However, I could tell there was a certain glint in his eyes.

The others Red haired Pirates, on the other hand, were still standing behind their captain, sending me threatening glares with their bodies tense.

"Shanks," a tall man sighed as he smoked on his cigarette. As I looked at him for a second, analyzing his appearance, I quickly remembered his name, because of his hair color changed, I almost didn't recognize him. Benn Beckman, first mate of one of the men I considered one of the most powerful in the world.....

"She's the one we were talking about when she got her first bounty a few months ago. The lass from East Blue." The man states as he let out a puff of smoke.

A look of recognition appeared on the captains face as he slammed his fist into his hand, "I remember! The one with 40,000,000 berî!!!"

"Captain, actually it's now 60,000,000 berî. The Blue Angel, also known as the pirate and marine crusher," a portly man mumbled out as he ate meat off a bone, laughing loudly as his shades glinted under the sun.

My icy blue eyes moved over all the Pirates who looked at me in curiosity. I jumped off the rail, landing on the balls of feet as I stood on the deck of their ship.

My hand reached for my hat making all the Pirates except the red-haired man tense and reach for their weapons.

Ignoring all of them, I took my hat off and placed it on my chest before bowing lowly in front of the man.

"Akagami no Shanks, it's an honor to meet you after all these years," I cooly greet, my head still down, "twelve years ago, you saved my little brother from getting eaten by a sea king. Thank you."

I lifted my head and placed my hat back on my head, stoically staring at the Red Haired Pirates who were gapping at me.

"T-Twelve years ago...?"

"She's from East Blue right?"

"Younger brother... That means..."

"EHHHHH?! LUFFY HAS A SISTER?!" All of them screamed, excluding the one man who was smoking his cigarette with amusement.

Red-haired Shank's eyes were popped out his sockets as his mouth dropped to the ground.

"No way, you're Luffy's sister! Wait that means you're Ace's sister as well!!!" Shanks yelled in shock and awe.

I slightly smiled at him, giving him a small nod, "I'm Clementine, Ace's younger sister, and Luffy's older sister." I stepped back up a little and jumped onto the rail, sitting on it.

The man with gray hair who was smoking earlier threw his cigarette bud into the ocean. Benn Beckham, the Red Haired Pirate's first mate, Shank Le Roux's right-hand man....

Such an interesting man....

"You aren't biologically related to Ace or Luffy are you?" Benn questioned as he placed a new cigarette in his mouth, taking a long puff from it.

I nodded my head as I dusted my skirt off slightly, "none of us are related, we shared sake together, declaring the four of us as siblings..." I froze for a second when I realized what I said.

My lips tugged up into a fond smile. Four, huh...?

"Luffy has one more sibling?" Shanks questioned, looking even more surprised.

My eyes sadden before I placed a neutral look back on. "I used to have a biological older brother by a year, but he got killed by a Tenryuubito."

All the pirates that were still conscious and listening to our conversation narrowed their eyes, some of them even sending me a look of pity.

However, I was surprised when Shanks didn't look at me with pity and just smiled at me, his teeth getting flashed.

"You're pretty strong! You have Haoshoku Haki, it's impressive. Dahaha!!!!!" He harshly slapped me on my shoulder.

I wasn't expecting the hit, my mouth dropped open in shock at the force as I tipped back.

Oh no...

[that1girloverthere]

Not just a game

One shot.

A game of Candor or Dauntless leads to something more.

Eric x Y/N

Tag List:

@buried-in-books

Let me know if you want tagged in future posts or removed!

•••

“Alright everyone gather round.”

Zeke and Uriah stand on a black couch in their living room, staring down at the large group of people surrounding me. Wild smiles dance across their faces and it’s hard to tell if it’s from the booze or the general excitement that fills the room.

My heart pumps, a thin sheen of sweat coating my skin, either from the dancing or my nerves I’m unsure.

“We’re playing Candor or Dauntless. Anyone unwilling, leave now!” They announce in unison. With the statement made they hop down from their podium and begging ushering those uninterested out of the apartment. When it’s all said and done the majority of the people have exited, leaving only 15 of us left. Those who remain are either young thrill seekers or have nothing better to do with their Saturday nights than play a childish game.

“In a circle!” Someone yells from the back, each of us slowly following their directions. I plop down where I stand, letting the other gather around me, uncaring of the occasional push I get from someone bumping into me.

I end up with Lynn to my left and Zeke to my right.

“Alright,” Zeke says next to me, his speech is slurred but still distinguishable. “If you don’t know how to play than oh well,” a few chuckles echo around the group. “Who wants to start?” I look around at the others near me, the question floating in the air. I’m about to volunteer when Uriah speaks up.

“Me,” He states, leaning in to look at his victims. “Shauna, Candor or Dauntless?” He asks. The blond haired girl makes a face that is meant to mock hurt, her hand over her heart.

“Dauntless, is there any other option?” She scoffs.

“Okay, go to the kitchen and get the scissors, come back and you’ll see what happens next.” He says this all with a mischievous grin, it doesn’t disappear until she renters the room. “Now. Cut your hair. To right about...” He says motioning to his jaw. “Here.”

“Ugh,” she frowns, flashing him a small glare. “I just finally grew it out. Fine, but you’ll pay for this.” She says pointing the scissors threateningly at him. Without much delay she takes a handful of hair, slicing the blades across it. Blond strands fall to the floor, not stopping until I’m able to clearly see the back of her neck.

“My turn.” She smirks, seemingly unfazed by her previous actions despite the ringlets of blond hair on the ground around her. “Ahh Eric, feared Dauntless leader, all mighty king. Candor or Dauntless?”

My heart skips a beat when I hear his name, or more so the exaggerated name she has just given them. It may not be commonly know, but I’ve had a crush on him since our initiation.

I remember the first time I met him, he was scrawnier back then, I laugh at the idea. Some eyes fall onto me for my random out burst but I ignore their gazes. Frankly I’m surprised he’s even here, this doesn’t seem like his type of scene.

“Why even ask? Dauntless.” He states, he seems to be one of the most sober people here, myself excluded.

“Perfect.” Shauna giggles and I know she has to be up to something. Her eyes meet mine for a split second but it’s long enough to tell me that she’s going to do something stupid.

Oh God please don’t.

“Why don’t you smooch Y/N over there. She seems to be enjoying her day too much.” She tries to make it seem like a casual thing but I know damn well that this was planned. I grown internally at her.

“Really Shauna?” I question her, granting me a famous glare in response.

“Don’t ‘really’ me, I just cut all my hair off, I think you can handle one kiss.” She snaps, I know it’s just a cover but her attitude makes me keep my mouth shut.

“Alright I’ll do it.” Eric says after staring at the two of us. Without hesitation he stands from the floor and walks over to me. Before I can fully register what’s happening his body is bent, his hand placed on the back of my neck. He smirks at me, the look making my heart flutter.

Calm down.

“Ready?” He asks, leaning in closer so our noses nearly touch. I can only manage a nod, staring into his steel grey eyes longer than needed.

“Y/N, I need you to say you want this. I don’t care about the game, if you’re uncomfortable I can leave.” He states this all so quiet I’m sure I’m the only one able to hear him. My heart squeezes at his consideration, the bad boy act dropping for at least a second.

“No.” I pause, probably having replied too quickly. “I, uh, no. It’s okay, seriously, it’s just a game right?” I can tell my voice is higher than normal but with his callused fingers drawing small circles on the back of my neck I can’t bring myself to care.

“Okay. Are you sure?” He questions one last time, and while I’m glad he cares anger and anticipation boils violently inside of me. Before I can change my mind I grip the collar of his shirt, swiftly yanking him forward.

Our lips connect and for a moment it’s calm and butterflies form in my stomach my heart doing flips. Yet the softness morphs into hunger in mere seconds, his hands tangle my hair, a thumb planted on my cheek. My body burns as I grapple for a handle, my fingers working into the grooves of his short hair, my other hand gripping his shirt. I can’t tell how long we stay like this, our beings stuck together like glue before cheers erupt from around us. The sounds of screams makes me jump, accidentally bitting Eric’s lip, eliciting a small groan in return before we pull apart.

I make brief eye contact with those in the room around me, a hodgepodge of reactions greeting me. The most notable being Shauna’s pride, her ego so big I can feel it across the room. Rolling my eyes I focus my attention back on the man in front of me, my stomach hallowing when I see the mess he’s become. His normally sculpted blond hair is ruffled and falls to his eyebrows in small tendrils, his lips red and puffy. It takes all the will power I have not to reach for his crumpled shirt again.

Sharing his gaze I watch as he leans in yet again, this time moving his lips to my ear.

“Wanna get out of here?” He asks, a hand grazing my waist. My breath hitches, every nerve in my body heightening.

“Yes.” I reply, barely finishing the word before he’s grabbing my arm and pulling me up and to the door, cheers echoing again around us as we leave.

This is bound to be the best night of my life.

•••

Hope you all enjoyed! Love you guys so much, thank you for all your support! ❤️❤️

[the-reader-to-my-hero]

My Hero

This was one of the first things I wrote for Shinsou Hitoshi and my character Amin Kanasu. Amin Kanasu originated from @ua-imagines origins headcanons, which you can go and check out! Basically I went “THATS CUTE AS SHIT” and designed a character but w h o o p s that character started to flesh out. There’s plenty of art of her on my blog (albeit mainly aged up). She is originally from India, but has lived in Japan for most of her life, has some PTSD from events in her early life, and is rather reclusive and insecure about her quirk...

Enjoy!

————

“You want to know my quirk” she stated simply, cutting right to the chase as sun filtered into the expansive library.

Her bluntness made Shinsou’s lips spread into a wide lazy grin that made most people shiver.

“I’ve already figured it out” he corrected, watching the way her eyes widened and her hackles rose. “I just want to see it” his monotone voice took on a softer approach, like coaxing a scared animal out of the corner of its cage. Her fascinating multicolored eyes lifted up to stare into him, as if trying to read his inner thoughts. He was pretty sure her quirk didn’t go that far but one couldn’t be certain. He stared coolly right back, the ball in her court.

What happened next would loop in his mind endlessly for the next 24 hours. It was like her scleras were two screens who had been turned from brightest all the way to darkest in a few moments. Except darkest was pitch black, unreflective, like pools of darkness with stunning multicolored jewels in the middle.

Then Shinsou felt a very distinct prickle on the tip of his finger, the one outstretched on the page of the book, so he dared to look over. Sitting upon his finger tip was a vibrant blue butterfly, intricately detailed, picking its way along his nail. He instinctively brought it closer, twisting his finger so it wasn’t unbalanced, and while it wobbled, it surprisingly stayed. Its miniature legs ghosted over his skin.

It didn’t take the purple-haired student long to realize something was off about it, however. It was so beautifully vibrant, just like the Indian girl’s hair, but its shine was completely detached to the current lighting, bearing its own ethereal glow. Hitoshi looked over to his shadow, and realized that despite its large appearance, the butterfly was not in the silhouette.

He emitted a deep half-laugh, as his eyes landed on the butterfly once more, turning his hand this way and that, the butterfly always climbing to the most convenient spot.

“So I was half-right” he voiced, as he watched the butterfly’s wings open and close, “I thought your quirk was just auditory”. He then reached out with his other hand, fingers reaching for the the butterfly.

They phased right through, but his lips only spread into a smile.

“But you are able to do full blown hallucinations”, the butterfly evaporated into blue dust at ‘hallucination’. Hitoshi’s smile faded. He had meant it as a compliment, but it seems he accidentally struck a nerve. He looked over at his peer, who’s eyes had returned to normal and was currently avoiding eye contact, her fingernails buried in her scalp. After a moment though, her mouth opened and she was folding her arms on top of the library table.

“I-it…” she began shakily, before letting out a faint sigh. Hitoshi just waited patiently, she wasn’t someone who could be rushed. “I - I...understand where you’re coming from...when you talk about ...people judging you for your quirk” she admitted quietly. That was probably the most she’s ever said in one go. Her accented japanese was unique, and she had a smoothy husky voice when she wasn’t overcome by nerves.

“People have attacked you for your quirk…” he outright stated. It wasn’t hard to put the pieces together: why she didn’t tell anyone about it, why she was so nervous and hesitant to use it. She glanced at him and then glanced at the textbook they were sharing, her hands moving to her lap. His tired purple eyes followed the fluid motions she made with them as she thought.

“Yeah..” is all that came out, and Hitoshi understood the simplicity of the answer. Sometimes you just didn’t know what to say when the whole world was against you.

“I get it” he replied wryly, watching her before looking back at their textbook. They were bathed in thoughtful silence for some time before she was the one who spoke up.

“You...said you thought my quirk was auditory...why?” her brow had furrowed, and she was glancing over at him every now and then.

The purple-haired student rubbed the back of his neck, a lazy grin creeping across his face “Well-sometimes in class- I swear I can hear the music you’re beating to”.

He watched her unique eyes widen, and she actually looked over at him in surprise, “Wait...really?”, her face was the perfect mix of shock and curiosity.

As a way of proving it, he hummed a little and tapped the beat on the table. The hero wanna-be must have been right because Amin’s jaw dropped. Her hands then flew to her mouth as if she had said something heinous. Truly seeing her so animated was a treat.

“Wha-I’m so sorry!” she squeaked, her brown cheeks heating up in embarrassment, “Did-did anybody else say anything? How long had it been going on? Wait- is it always that song?”

Hitoshi actually chuckled at her slew of questions, and shook his head, “Nobody else hears it, I asked...But its been around..a month or 2?” He’s honestly lost count. For all he knew it was there far longer and just escaped his notice. “The song…” he lets out a small chuckle, a little more sheepish now “I’m not familiar with your genre of music so I doubt I could really distinguish”.

She actually chuckled a little at that, instinctively hiding her smile behind her hand. He didn’t understand why, as there was nothing wrong with her smile.

“It doesn’t bother me though. I think it’s helped me focus sometimes in fact, given its nonverbal” he reassures drly, and took comfort in the way her shoulders relaxed and her eyes were filled with visible relief.

Then her eyes wandered off into thought, “That’s strange though.” she grunted, brow furrowed. Hitoshi hummed in response. She didn’t immediately continue however, staring into the wooden table, setting sun catching the scalp of her hair and setting it alight. “My quirk wasn’t...activated so to speak. Not strong enough to affect humans anyway”.

His eyebrow lifted a little at this. He hadn’t thought about how her quirk could affect other species. “How does your quirk work exactly?” he inquired curiously.

Without missing a beat, still deep in thought, she pointed to her temple, making a twirling motion. “I intercept brain waves; everything thats got a brain gives them off- But I can change them-distort them-bend them to my will so they see what I see-”. Her quick and concise answer about her quirk caught Hitoshi a little off guard, especially when she was afraid to tell anyone a few moments ago. She lets out a faint sigh, using the same finger to tap said temple, “Though if I use it on a lot of people at once-or for a long time-I get a nosebleed and even a killer headache.”

“Ah,” Hitoshi replied in understanding, “That makes sense. I can only brainwash one person at a time”.

The Indian girl’s eyebrows raised at this, and then Hitoshi watched how her eyes suddenly lit up, along with her straightening posture. Amin snapped over to look at him, something like a smile already creeping onto her lips. “Brainwash! Yes-You use your voice-but people have to reply to you as well!” She began. “Your quirk might...use some kind of...frequency?” The multicolored student began to falter, realizing her theory sounded pretty ridiculous. “Erm-Well-..”

“That’s not a bad theory,” Shinso interrupted, his voice monotone despite his attempt to compliment. He didn’t need her shrinking back into her shell now of all times. The hero-wannabe was just starting to see who she was. “Why did you bring it up though?” So far-she was a thinker-and the purple-maned boy was curious what she was thinking.

“Well-maybe-“ she began, before letting out an annoyed huff like a horse, not pleased with her disarray of words. Shinso cracked a smile, finding it entertaining to see her so animated. “Maybe because of your quirk, your brain is more...amicable. More sensitive to different frequencies”. When she caught sight of his questioning gaze, the blue-haired one shied away a little, her fingers combing through her hair. “I’ve learned how to control my quirk...how to keep it to a “frequency” nobody can hear…” she did air quotations before folding her arms. “Although I guess this means I wander a little bit-which is...a problem…” she grumbles under her breath, a grimace spreading onto her lips.

“Were you not always able to control it?” His question was blunt, as that was what stood out to him, and the way her eyes darted away and her posture shrunk was enough of an answer.

“No.” She answered, her voice monotone, as she tried to mask her discomfort.

Hitoshi decided it was best if his eyes went back to the textbook. They were practically done but...he didn’t want to be. This girl was more than met the eye and it intrigued him. “Me neither...I made most of my teachers nervous when I had a question…thought I was a little demon determined to get out of class”. He meant it as a joke, a means to reassure her, but no chuckle or laugh came from either. Sometimes it really felt like everyone saw you as a monster.

“I think...you’re pretty amazing” it was like the world had stopped. Hitoshi found himself frozen, the letters of the textbook becoming mere symbols and lines as he took in that barely audible mutter, the genuine sincerity of it, the vulnerability.

He knew she wasn’t the first to believe that. He knew people had faith in him, had hope. But she was the one person he had been certain wasn’t aware of his existence, let alone quietly cheering him on.

It slowly sinks into his mind that maybe she was the one who first believed in him at UA.

The first to believe in Shinsou Hitoshi

[itseivwhore]

|Edward Kenway x Reader|

Soooo…as we all know,today it’s the birthday of someee Welsh,blonde pirate~~and since I saw that almost everyone is posting gifs,shots and whatnot about him,I wanted to do my part as well.But sadly,I’m not a gif maker,or I don’t take super wonderful pics of the game:BUT!I’m a writer,and I know my things.So there,have a super long One-Shot I wrote not long ago for my book on Wattpad ;)

•Edward Kenway• |A bet|

~~~~~ 

The calm wind that blew slightly on that evening at the end of July,which brought with it the fresh and sparkling sea breeze,made the gray and numerous clouds move a little.The moon,which had now appeared on the horizon,lit weakly the figure of the sea with its ashen and white rays.

A sudden breeze made the h/c hair of a young woman move slightly and enjoying the delicate touch of the wind on her skin,she closed her eyes.She slowly raised the corners of her mouth in a serene and joyful smile,sighing in a relaxed way while she was lulled by the breeze,which almost caressed her face.She was happy that,after a tired day spent working at the Old Avery almost always surrounded by buzzards and drunken pirates,she could spend the rest of the evening to rest and with the only company of that quiet atmosphere.

But that moment of pure tranquility and calmness was abruptly interrupted by some strong and powerful screams and cries that,almost frightening the young woman,resounded like strong thunders in the sky.She opened her eyes,and immediately her e/c look wandered in search of the source of those annoying noises:and from her mouth came out an annoyed grunt when,leaning her eyes on the brig that had just docked in Nassau,did not notice and recognized,albeit unwilling and with a weight that weighed on her shoulders,that black flag that waved slowly in the wind.

Sighing tiredly,she leaned with her elbows along the wooden railing of the outside of the tavern,and began to pass her gaze on the figures of men who,walking first on the beach,at that time were scattered in the streets of Nassau.And while she was intent on listening with a little dose of attention to the cries and exclamations of those pirates that the wind brought to her ears,she felt a hand that suddenly leaned gently on her shoulder.Fearing little and jerking from fear,Y/n turned back, nd relaxed considerably when she found her friend standing in front of her.

“Have I frightened you?” Anne kindly asked while a gentle smile formed on her face,her Irish accent that made the h/c hair woman giggle slightly.

“No,I was just being thoughtful” Y/n murmured in a calm tone,raising the corners of her mouth in a slight smile,while with the corner of her eye she tried to see if the men were approaching.Anne silently laughed at her sentence and,crossing her arms to her chest,she came closer to her friend as the young woman returned to staring at the pirates in front of her.

“What’s so funny?” she asked purely curious,raising an eyebrow in a confused expression,which only increased the amusement of the woman.

“I’ve noticed that you’re always overthinking every time you see Jackdaw stopping along the coast,and I wonder,is that a case?” the Irishwoman quietly noted,her slightly ironic tone and hee eyes that shone with malice when, urning again,Y/n wrinkled her forehead and looked at her in a strange way.

“Oh,don’t play the innocent one with me,dearie.I know why you’re always so thoughtful and almost sad when you see that ship,” Anne continued in a soft,coquettish tone,leaning one hand on her shoulder and caressing her slightly,while the young woman carefully stared at the group of pirates now close to the tavern;her eyes snapping from side to side,from man to man,from face to face.But her gaze,full of tension,anxiety and trepidation,was looking for something else,someone else.

In the midst of those heads covered with blue bands,in the midst of those countless and colorful eyes,in the midst of those faces ruined by long and deep scars,Y/n felt like she was being scrutinized,feeling in a tremendous awe.And her heart immediately stopped beating in her chesther breath missed and she felt some shivers ran on her back when,managing to distinguish him in the midst of the crowd of pirates surrounding him,her e/c eyes met the two blue ones like the sea,which were scrutinizing her in a deep and intense way.

While he was walking at a fast and decisive pace in front of his other men,and while some blond locks of hair were falling in front of his face,he didn’t take his careful gaze away from her for a moment.The hood that had fallen on his head partially obscured his characteristics,but certainly could not keep hidden the corners of his mouth,which rose slowly up in a mocking and diabolical smile to say the least.

“It’s for him,isn’t it?” Anne quietly asked,and the young woman,although not turning around and continuing to follow him with the sole use of her gaze,could perceive and distinguish a smile through the gentle and delicate tone of voice of her red-haired friend.

Was it for him?

Y/n began to wonder about this and,while her eyes were busy trying to follow the pirate interested in her,her mind was pervaded by numerous and countless thoughts.

Was it for him that her heart was beating fast,almost as if iy wanted to come out of her chest?Was it for him that she felt a sense of disorientation,every time he smiled at her in a kind and friendly way? Was it for him that Y/n felt pure and genuine emotions,but that she felt with all her heart to repress within herself?But it was useless,foolishly and terribly useless to deny those who were esteem,admiration and also and above all deep and intimate emotions and feelings.

Since Y/n saw and met the famous pirate,Edward Kenway,she was always so fascinated not by his physical appearance,not by his fame and glory,but rather was attracted by his soul:if on the outside he could seem a dark,greedy,arrogant,impertinent and brazen pirate,whose heart yearned only and only for gold,rum,women and wealth,with his eyes cleverly perpetually illuminated with malice and a long tongue,inside was anything but all this.

With a pure,gentle,genuine and loyal soul,he possessed a sparklingfaithful and proud spirit,his face rarely showed a sweet,confident and sincere smile,which showed itself alone and usclisively with the people he trusted.And only she had the luck,perhaps the ability and the will,to see through and beyond those two blue,dark,deep and stormy seas that hidden part of him,which almost always kept hidden and in the dark:that part that only the young woman was able to get out.

Y/n’s heart quickly palpitated with emotion every time the Assassin told her about his adventures and first experiences as a sailor with a carefree and gritty voice;her mind and thoughts were devoutly attentive and focused on what he was telling her;her eyes overflowing with devotion and adoration every time a word left his lips,thus lighting up with excitement and adulation;everything about Edward attracted her in a special,unique,intriguing and also sensual way.

And Y/n felt,was certain after a long time he spent with him,that what bound them together was not just pure and simple friendship,it was something deeper,more intimate and more secret:it was the whole nights spent talking in a whisper as they looked at a sky covered with stars,it was those purely amused laughter that quickly left her mouth and that the wind carried away,it was those mocking,proud and mischievous smiles that spread on his lips when he saw that she was blushing violently after he had complimented her or said a dirty joke.

It was those delicate caresses on her smooth and s/c skin,it was those friendly, layful but affectionate kisses on his cheeks when he had to leave;it was those hands that touched each other quickly and not accidentally;it was those fast,deep,accomplices and captivating looks that met with too much frequency and that they exchanged that made that friendship become something deeper and intimate.

The same looks that,at that moment,the pirate Assassin was constantly throwing at the girl:sitting comfortably and almost brazenly on a chair at one of the tables in the tavern,finally took off his hood from his head,thus revealing his blonde hair that fell in front of his eyes.Y/n,shaking her head slightly and chasing away all those many thoughts that clouded her mind,she returned straight with her back and then turned to him who,once their eyes met,chained each other.

“Uh,apparently someone can’t get their eyes off you,dearie.” Anne murmured in a flirtatious voice to the young woman’s ear,pointing with an imperceptible nod to Edward that,now with his face in plain sight,continued to look at her with an intense look.

He smiled at her in a captivating way and,rising his head as if to greet her,he made her a mischievous wink;and he would have continued to look deeply at her,making her suggestive signs and almost invisible gestures,if it had not been for his master quarter,whom,sitting at his side,began to speak to him.

Y/n sighed slightly thoughtfully and,looking around,made to head to the counter and distribute beers and rum to the thirsty pirates who were calling her in the meantime,but her friend’s hand quickly grabbed her wrist,making her stop;she looked at her with a confused look,frowning her eyebrows in a curious way while the Irish female let go her hand.

“Go and serve him,I’ll think of all the others” Anne said in a low voice,encouraging her with the sole use of her clever eyes.

“Talk to him,listen to him,stay close to him…and don’t leave him until I hear strange noises coming from the back of the tavern…got it?” The red-haired woman added with an authoritative tone but,what were actually advice,to the young girl seemed more like threats said with a playful and teasing voice.Laughing purely amused at what she said to her,she raised the corners of her rosy lips in a grateful smile and then headed with quick and plush steps to the table where,again,the two pirates were talking.

Every step she took,every time her boots touched the wooden rods of the floor thus producing a slight noise and every time she realized that she was getting closer to him,her heart lost some beats and made it difficult to breathe.The distance that separated her from the table interested in her,seemed never to end,but without noticing because too busy thinking,she found herself immediately in front of the two pirates.

The first to notice the presence of the young girl was Adèwalè,who stopped talking calmly with his captain and turned to Y/n with a slight smile on his chapped lips.

“Good evening,Y/n” said the master quarter with a gentle tone,carefully scrutinizing her careless face that,unlike him,was not paying attention.So,following her gaze,a little amused laugh came out of his lips when he noticed that she was only and exclusively intent on looking intensely Edward who in turn,after slowly turning his head to the other side,began to look at her.

The blond man,as if to greet to her,slowly raised the corners of his mouth in an almost invisible friendly and mocking smile.But Y/n,though with a reluctance to re-emerge after sinking into his two blue eyes for a time that seemed eternal and infinite to her,returned to herself and greeted the man with the same kindness.

“What can I bring you to drink this evening?” the young woman kindly asked,moving the weight of her body from one foot to another,making her look pass by the two pirates who,exchanging a quick and almost accomplice look,nodded slowly.

“For me a mug of rum would be enough” Adèwalè said with a high and decisive tone,sitting more comfortably on the chair while he moved his dark eyes on the figure of his Captain who,unlike him,had a straight and composed posture on the chair on which he was sitting.

“And what would you prefer,Edward?” the woman asked once again,placing her big and e/c eyes on the pirate who,to her amazement,found lying on the wooden table:with his left arm stretched out on the surface of the table,he had his chin resting on the palm of his right hand,his look that looked at her distractedly,but that came back careful when he heard the voice of her.

So,slamming his eyelids a couple of times and returning to sit composed on the chair,he placed on her a flat expression,but that clearly showed the mockery that was,always and constantly,within him.

“I would prefer to drink you…is that possible?” he asked from all of sudden with a confident,cheeky,almost impertinent tone,raising a corner of his lips in a sly smile,having fun seeing what the young woman’s reaction would be.

He liked to poke and tease her,it was like a game,a killtime for Kenway.

And suddenly,they fell into a tombstone and religious silence,if it had not been for the high and noisy voice in the background of the other sailors.Although the young woman stopped breathing for a few seconds,she tried with all of her heart not to be embarrassed and caught unawares by what was obviously a dirty joke:

“No,unfortunately for you it’s not possible.” Y/n answered him with a loud and authoritative voice,slightly closing her eyes in two lids,scrutinizing him coldly,not letting any emotion leak out.The Welsh pirate looked at her once again,and then lowered his gaze to the hands that he held together under the table;he slightly twisted his mouth in a bitterly but falsely sorry grimace,and then raised for the umpteenth time a mellifluous look at her.

“What a pity…I bet you would have a delicious taste” Edward murmured in a voice to say the least regrettable,his tone low and scratchable;frowning in a confused way,from his lips quickly and smoothly came out the words that,once carried by the wind and reached the ears of her,made her heart tremble.

“Dream on,Kenway.” the young woman replied with a cold and diffident voice,trying to keep hidden the purely amused smile that so much wanted to come to light;because in reality,after all,she liked to tease him as much as he did.

“I’m going to get your drinks” Y/n proclaimed aloud and,giving one last quick,cold and challenging look at the blond man,turned around and went to the counter,on which were already resting two mugs.

While the young woman was filling the two wooden glasses,a strange but yet familiar feeling began to take possession of her,making her feel to say the least …in awe,making her feel slightly uncomfortable:it was as if her back was being stabbed by billions of knives, incessantly.But she tried to get away from that feeling,focusing on gently pouring the liquid into the two jugs.

But when she turned around,ready to go to the table to serve,in front of her she found nothing but a tall figure who almost towered over her.Wandering over her e/c eyes along the chest of the pirate,she calmly leaned on him a serene look,thus meeting his two intense blue eyes that scrutinized her carefully:it was no wonder, after all,if moments before the woman felt observed.

“If you let me pass,Kenway…” Y/n murmured with a harassed and determined voice,trying to move him away with her forearm,then continued to walk towards the table near the wooden railing;but Edward,not liking that she behaved in this way with him,swiftly stretched an arm in her direction and,taking her by the wrist,stopped her and pulled her vehemently to himself,resulting in a violent bang against his chest.

A few drops of rum flew and splashed away,so bathing both his clothes and the floor,also receiving a grumpy and obviously annoyed look from the young woman.The Assassin frowned in a falsely surprised way,and increased even more his tight grip on her wrist,gaining still a deadly look from her.

“What do you want,Edward?” Y/n suddenly asked,her voice loud and tired,looking at him distractedly and without interest.

“It’s not polite of you to respond in this way to a Captain,Y/n” Kenway replied with a mellifluous voice,his lips showing a cheeky smile,his tone was low and decreet.

An icey silence fell between the two,no sound was audible if it had not been for the noise,the screaming and the murmuring of the people around them.The young woman did not divert her eyes from those of him,keeping,with her head held high and with determination that sparkled in her proud gaze,the eye contact.While that of the pseudonym Assassin…Y/n couldn’t understand,in the most absurd of ways,how those two blue abysses could be at the same time two furious stormy seas and two calm and clear skies.

“I’m not afraid of you” she uttered with a sure voice and,tearing her wrist away from his firm grip,struck him with her and e/c eyes,remaining firm in front of him.The pirate,surprised and taken aback by the proud words of the young woman,simply observed her in silence,saying nothing.

Looking at him coldly,and primingly so proud and sure of herself for the last time,she walked back to his table,always feeling like stabbed by the same feeling of awe that,since he had arrived at the tavern,had attenuated it.Slow and sweaty steps followed her from behind,continuing in their direction even when the young woman stopped in front of the table.Leaning the two jars of rum on the woody surface,she was about to return to Anne who,smiling,was waiting for her behind the counter of the tavern,but a loud voice and more than anything familiar,made her stop.

“Why don’t you join us,eh?” that question,asked with such arrogance and mockery and with a loud voice was told by no one else but Edward,who returned to sit down and looked at her with a cheeky smile.She,turning back slowly,met his impertinent gaze;the pirate had no mercy and,especially,as Y/n had noticed,didn’t change his way of being,regardless of who he was talking to:that he spoke with a rich and powerful man,or with a humble and honest peasant,or with a wealthy woman,his tone and personality remained always and however bold,irreverent and charismatic.

“I’d rather not” she replied calmly,raising a corner of her mouth in a half bitter smile,noticing with strange astonishment that the murmur that filled the atmosphere was gradually waning,and then disappear altogether when Edward began to speak again.

“Let’s make a competition.Whoever drinks more rum and manages to stay sober,will win.While.whoever faints and becomes drunk,will lose,and whoever loses,as a result,will have to give something in return to the winner” the Welsh pirate explained with authority,pride that sparkled intensely in his blue eyes.

And Y/n made to open her mouth and answer him,but she was immediately interrupted again by him:

“What do you think,lads?!” Edward proclaimed shouting in a gritty and loud voice,asking to his crew and all the other men who were there,receiving numerous screams and whistles of approval.The young woman,after all,was not surprised:she knew very well that everyone would approve and supported the idea,not to say innovative,of their Captain,so as to get a nice and fun pastime.Edward squared her for the umpteenth time from head to toe,scrutinizing her carefully while,around his table,gathered all his sailors,clutching her and him in a small circle.

“No,we won’t make a competition for those who drink more,win” Y/n fought back with altered and determined voice,slightly frowning on her eyebrows in a confused expressiveness.

“Why not darlin’?Do you accept?” the Assassin asked again,raising an eyebrow,tilting his head to the side,competition that sparkled strongly in his eyes.But the young woman locked herself in silence,not saying anything,not a single word left her rosy lips.

But she wasn’t the kind of person who backed down in front of a challenge,she wasn’t a coward;but at the same time,if a part of herself wanted to accept,she knew more than well what would happen;after all,it wouldn’t have been the first time that Edward challenged another person to such a competition and,every time,it ended up in the same and identical way.The Welsh pirate would be the winner,with his exhausted and drunken challenger lying on the ground unconscious.

Catching the silence as a tacit denial from the young girl’s side,he dared to speak again:

“You said you weren’t afraid of me.I bet that you won’t be afraid of drinking some rum,mh?” he noted with a wise and secure voice,gettung now closee towards her and leaning both elbows on the wooden surface,ajarring his eyes slightly, looking at her with challenge.She knew well that,is she would accepted,not only she would be easily and blatantly defeated by him,but also the acceptance of that competition,was not really correct behavior for a woman.

But after all,they were in Nassau:and who,in that place,dominated by complete freedom and on which there were no rules of any kind,would gave importance to such a code?_No one._No one cared about anything or about anyone and certainly no one would look at her,in the days to come,with judging looks and no one would murmur embarrassing comments towards the girl.She wouldn’t back down,not when Edward had deeply hurt her pride, not when she wanted to prove to her that she was really not afraid of anything.

So,looking him in the eyes with authoritative air,pride and determination that made her e/c ones burn ardently,she turned her head to the side a little bit and,looking over her shoulder and taking a quick look at her red-haired friend,she exclaimed in a loud voice:

“Anne! Bring some mugs of rum for me and for the Captain."Hers,a sharp look more than a thousand blades and,in a strange way,calm as the sea on a spring evening;his,a look full of an instoppable ambition and,at the same time,of an abyssal depth.

The shadows of the late evening descended on Nassau,climbing on the buildings,swallowing the darkest streets in total darkness;the moon,surrounded by a sky covered with endless glittering stars,illuminated the streets that were desolate,which were crossed by a few people who,in silence, walked slowly and lazily to their homes:fast and plush or slow and insecure steps filled that quiet and steady atmosphere,if it were not for some high cries that came from Old Avery.Joyful sea shanties sung at the top of the throat were carried away by the light and cool summer breeze that was there that night. _"Weigh-hay and up she rises,weigh-hay and up she rises,weigh-hay and up she rises,early in the morning!"_ pirates,sailors and corsairs danced happily over the tables,singing and screaming the song with themselves while,in turn,they passed a big mug of rum.There were those who sang,those who drank,those who slept blissfully with their heads on a plate with food inside and those who were engaged in rather passionate and loving chores with courtesans. And there were also those who,like Edward who,sitting relaxed in a chair while slowly sipping his last mug,looked with a purely amused air Y/n that,by now,was drunk:the poor girl could no longer keep the lucidity after she finished drinking the fourth glass of rum that gave her,thus starting to laugh madly,to shout jokes and sing some sea shanties with all the others,losing in this way even the competition that she had accepted previously.The pirate,on the other hand,was more than capable of keeping the alcohol in his veins,enjoying his winnings. _"What will we do with a drunken sailor,what will we do with a drunken sailor,what will we do with a drunken sailor,early in the morning?"_ a low and amusing chuckle left his lips when he saw Y/n suddenly get up from her chair and sing loudly,joining the other sailors as she continued to drink the umpteenth mug. Looking carefully over the edge of the glass he had in his hand,Edward found himself more than attracted and almost enchanted by the girl:her cheeks were red because of the too much rum she drank throughout that evening,adrenaline running fast,along with wine and rum in hee veins and with her h/c messy hair.But everything about her attracted him even more than she already did on normal days.Her e/c eyes were strongly illuminated by a fire that burned proudly within her soul,catching completely and mesmerizing him as deep and intense as they were. So,once he noticed that Y/n was lying on the wooden table,with the glass still squeezed between her fingers in a gentle grasp,and that she had suddenly fallen into silence,with her head in her arms,he decided to intervene.Rising from the chair for a brief moment and heading towards her,he quickly took a stool and then sat down next to the young woman.The two were incredibly close,and Edward,extending a hand,began to caress the girl's arm,feeling as her soft and smooth skin slid gently under his calloused fingers. Y/n slowly lifted her head off the table when she felt a hand grasping her own gently.Looking at him tiredly,she lifted the corners of her mouth into an imperceptible and almost invisible smile.Returning her weak smile with another affectionate and soft one,the Welsh pirate approached her ear,gently moving some h/c strands of hair in front of her. "I think it's time to go" he muttered in a low,deep voice,inhaling her scent,thus beginning to caress the soft skin behind her ear with his nose,for then slightly snuggling his face on her neck,his beard making her shiver. "Already?" the young woman asked in a shaky whisper,leaning over his broad chest as one of his muscular arm suddenly yet slowly wrapped around her waist,pulling her closer. He hummed lowly,sending once again endless shivers down on her back,his hand squeezing softly her hip. "Aye.Do I have to remind you that I'm the winner,darlin'?" Edward asked in a mischievous and tempting voice,and Y/n could sense and feel his grin on her skin.She only slightly nodded in response,shifting even closer to him,her small back pressing againts his broad chest,hitting his guns,him greeting her with his arms. "And a winner must get his prize,shouldn't he?" the pirate continued in a persuasive,low tone,trying to make her understand what he had in mind.But the girl,even though she was still drunk and even though she was not so lucid,could understand what Edward was trying to say in such a hidden and in an allouring way.But she wanted to see how far he could go to get what he wanted,so she took time to have some fun with him. "And what kind of prize would you like to have...Captain?" Y/n then asked in a mellifluous tone,pretending innocence,throwing her head back when she suddenly felt his chapped lips on the sensitive skin of her neck,leaving a trail of wet kisses down to her shouder,hot breath making her head tilt to the side to give more room for his fervent and ardent kisses. And while Y/n was all too focused on him pressing his lips and leaving red and purple marks over her skin,she didn't notice his hands which,lustily all over her body,passed over her chest,then going down to her hips,giving a playfull squeeze,his fingers carresing her stomach,both of his hands stopping on her thighs.But when she noticed his hands on her inner thighs and when his hot and calloused fingers caressed her skin,she almost jumped,giving a shocked and amazed expression to him.But after all,what would she expect from all that,from him? She instantly understood his true,mischievous and lustful yet even pure intentions... but after all,she wouldn't mind,she'd been waiting for that moment ever since her e/c eyes met and chained themselves to his blue ones. And Edward also wanted nothing more than to have her and possess her in all the ways he was capable of,and to show her the pure and genuine feeling he felt for her. Was it egostic? Maybe,most likely,yes.But he didn't care,he waited for too long,and he had the unique occasion to have her,to show her love and to make her feel the passion he himself had for her and her only.And so,looking down to his hands which still were on her thighs,the young woman raised an ambiguous look on him,striving not to let him shine the emotion,and above all the acceptance,of his tacit proposal.But he knew,as she did,to read in her eyes:that intimate and private knowledge that approached him and that one,pure and interminable feeling that united each other. Giving him a soft and temptalizing smile,she raised a hand and,resting it on his bearded face,she started to carress and to scratch it slightly.Then,laying a single and chaste kiss on his jaw,she whispered to him in a barely audible,sensual and persuasive whisper: "Lead the way,Edward"

[miss-rori]

Attempted Assassination Chap 1

Masterlist 

Warnings: none

So this WAS supposed to be a one shot, but I got carried away. This is now a series, so enjoy! 

The one short was for @tastypowermove

Also, a quick little heads up that Rossa is my own character, and I hope you like her because she’s not going away lol

You had finally done it! After a terrifying risk to get there, you found yourself stepping on new ground. The Surface. Your hands coiled around the straps to your backpack in excitement. The sack held everything that you deemed necessary for survival. You began to stroll with a pep in your step, a new conviction filling your being.

Thump

The corners of your vision started to dissipate until the blackness took over completely.

You weren’t sure how long you were unconscious for, but you came to in what felt like seconds. A splitting headache threatened your skull when you opened your eyes. Why was it so bright? Details of your surroundings made themselves known as your sight adjusted.

“You idiot!”

Your ears caught a male voice outside the door immediately. Heart picking up speed, you frantically looked for an escape route. Whoever was continuing to scold someone behind that door didn’t sound friendly, and you weren’t staying around to find out.

A window. It was large and you could easily fit your body through it. You scrambled to your feet, running to the glass savior. You unhatched it with ease. The breeze hit you heavenly, but this was not a ‘smell the roses’ occasion. With a leg out the window, you gazed down. That was a long drop, would you even survive if you fell?

The door to the room opened and was quickly slammed shut. Your eyes snapped to the source of the noise. You looked like a child that just got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. There stood a pale man with white hair and matching scandalous clothing. He was no Hylian, that much was clear.

“And what do you think you're doing,” he remarked and marched to you. His ice-cold fingers wrapped around your arm and yanked you back inside. “This is unacceptable behavior, and I will not condone it.”

Your brows furrowed. “And what makes you think I care what you ‘condone’? Who even are you?” Maybe your tongue was a bit more sharp than usual, but that was only a side effect of your anxiety and confusion.

A growl was sent your way, causing you to contract from the sound to the best of your ability. His grip tightened on you. “How dare you disrespect a Lord in his own castle? You are downright insufferable,” he spat like venom. You wouldn’t admit it, but those words stung a bit. A moment of silence went by when you hadn’t answered.

“Dinner is in five minutes. Be late and you shall receive nothing.” He left quicker than he came, disappearing behind a cluster of diamonds.

Great. Now you were in an unknown castle with a hostile Lord, not knowing how to get your time-sensitive destination. What a prick. If it wasn’t for the churning of your stomach feasting upon itself, you wouldn’t have bothered staying in the castle at all. You took a few calming breaths before exited the room.

A long, intricate hallway laid out in front of you. Hopefully, you could just follow it and find the dining area.

After a while of speed walking, you came across a woman that pointed you in the direction. You would’ve assumed she was a servant, but she was dressed too nicely for that. She could be a friend or lover of that guy.

You did end up finding the dining room in no time, turns out you were heading the right way the whole time. The Lord turned to look at you with a glint of amusement in his dark eyes.

“Just on time. I’m shocked.” His tone was a bit mocking, but you tried your best to push that aside. “I was sure I’d have to dine in front of you.”

You offered him no words in response, only a scoff. He motioned a hand to the chair in front of him as if beckoning you to sit at the table with him, which you did. There was a huge elephant in the room, and you wished to address it. There had to be a reason you were here, but he hadn’t offered you one.

“Why am I here?” There no use in sugarcoating it. As you spoke, a delicious meal was placed in front of you by a servant woman. You nodded your gratitude to her, and she seemed surprised. Her doe eyes widened a bit as she scurried off. Did he never show respect for his staff?

A grin started to tug at his lips as if he were pleased that you asked. Should that make you as uneasy as it did? “A sharp one you are,” he responded and paused, most likely for dramatic effect. Wait, did he just compliment you? He continued before you could contemplate further.

“You are here by mistake. My guards believed you to be an enemy and knocked you out. They brought you here to me. Do not fear, for I am a merciful Lord and will compensate for their foolish error.”

That explained why you blacked out and woke up here, plus him yelling at someone outside the door before he presented himself.

You nodded slowly. “Alright. What did you have in mind?” You hoped it was something you could actually work with.

“That depends. I know your kind,” he said almost threateningly as he leaned forward, ”why aren’t you in the sky?” His stare was agonizingly sharp.

You raised an eyebrow and pressed harder against the back of your chair. What did he have against your kind? “Exploration, really.” Your voice was small, but it wasn’t a lie. After a drawn-out silence, he deemed it as the truth as well.

His calculating eyes didn’t calm down, but his aggressive stance had. “You may rest here for a couple of months. That should be enough time to stick your nose around the Surface, but you must see yourself back home after. If you feel the need to go against my request, I could surely lead you to a hole in the graveyard instead.”

Was he trying to make up for your accidental kidnap or get rid of you in any sense? Maybe a bit of both. There had to be something he was keeping from you that would result in this defensive behavior. He doesn't want you down here, and you were going to find out why.

For the time being, you would lay low, but once you got the castle figured out you would stealthy learn what you need to about him. Perhaps you should leave the matter alone, but you had an aching feeling. You had to know. Good thing you would be here for a while.

The rest of dinner went by silently, and once you were done eating you were taken to the same room you woke up in.

You noticed that there was a neat and expensive nightgown waiting for you on the bed. At least the staff was thoughtful enough to bring you a change of clothes. When you changed into it, you had to admire the way the fabric caressed you. As much as you would love to let loose and stay lost in the luxury of this, you couldn’t waste the night away. There was work to do.

Tonight would mark the first night of your investigation. A black cloak was hung on a hook by the bedroom door. You slipped it over the white gown, knowing it would do a better job of concealing you into the darkness. Even if there would be less staff out during the night (you assumed), it was better to be safe than sorry. If you were caught snooping, who knew what sort of punishment would await? He already threatened your life once over dinner.

Your hand grabbed the doorknob and rested there without movement. A moment to catch your breath and calm your racing heart was in order. What you were doing was risking, and your body knew that. Once you shaky exhaled you twisted the knob slowly and opened the door with only the tiniest of creaks. It wasn’t enough to truly be worried over, but you were still on edge about it.

Looking both ways down the hall, you could confirm that there was no one nearby to catch wind of your plan. If you were lucky they would all be hidden away to rest for the night. You stepped out of your room and closed the door behind you carefully.

Then began the journey. You had no clue where you were going, but you were going somewhere. There would be plenty of time to distinguish different rooms and search them. Maybe then you'd find even a piece of evidence left behind of the man’s identity.

Perhaps an hour or two had gone by before you were actually getting somewhere. There were many useless rooms that could serve the purpose of guest bedrooms, restrooms, or storage rooms. After so much time in your personal mission, you were getting confident in your stealth. Not a single employee had come to check out noises you were responsible for.

You came across a door that was just like any other, telling yourself that this one would be the last one for tonight. There was only so much time in the night, and you were sure that you couldn't discover the whole castle before morning while also managing to sleep. You entered the room to find a library-like study. Now, this was something you could work with.

The dark room felt eerie, your stomach twisting itself. There was many books on many shelves that looks to be ancient, a desk, and boxes with the purpose of organized storage. You were convinced that if you wandered into the paths between the tall shelves you would be found in a maze for weeks. What intrigued you the most though was the desk. There was a burnt out candle that looked very used like someone spent a lot of time there and documents on top of the surface.

Jackpot! It all clicked at that moment, and your whole body straightened itself out in delight. What better way to collect the information you were looking for than writing? There had to be some indication of what type of person you were dealing with- or better yet, a name. You would accept any time of lead at this point, this was getting tedious.

The slight echoes of your footsteps on the hard floor were filled with determination. You stopped right in front of the desk and picked up part of the stack of papers there. Reading through these would be no easy task, but you would manage. Most of it was about spells, which was odd. So he uses some sort of magic and could potentially be very dangerous. You'd be sure not to cross him.

Spells. Spells. Spells. There was so many of them, and you swore that if you had to shuffle through any more you would call it quits.

Your hands froze at the next paper. It was a good thing you didn't give up just yet. This seemed to be some sort of diary entry? It was boring in short, but you found exactly what you needed at the bottom.

Ghirahim.

There is was. A name. But what was it about this name that made you question everything about the situation? You've heard it before. Up in Skyloft, there were legends of different people or events from the Surface. Of course, the Surface wasn't a truly confirmed thing, but that didn't stop people from talking. The most popular of all of them was of an evil being. The Demon Lord Ghirahim. Now it made so much sense. The attitude, title, witchcraft, stubborn behavior regarding your presence… You had to do something about this. This man was no good according to legends. If there was anything you could do to get rid of him, you would see it through.

Your thoughts were cut short by the sound of mutters outside the door of the study. A shot of adrenaline rushed through you. Someone was coming, you had to hide. You hastily put down the journal entry and rushed behind one of the bookshelves. Why was anyone awake this late? As if hoping to find a clue you scanned the area. A window was visible from your hidden position. It was slowly lighting up outside. Was it already almost morning? You thought it was only past the middle of the night. Either way, you found yourself in a mess. The door was opened and closed, the chatter making itself intelligible. You were not the only person in the room.

“I don’t understand it, Rossa,” one of the women began. You would assume this was a servant of some kind.

A familiar voice answered, “he’s a man of many mysteries. No one has really had a glimpse of what it’s like inside his mind.” That was the woman that pointed you in the direction of the kitchen the night before, the one that was dressed very nicely! Did she live here?

The woman scoffed at who you could now identify as Rossa. “You know very well it’s not like him to show kindness to strangers, let alone let them stay here. Without supervision too! She’s a sky child, there is every reason to assume trouble.” Great. They were talking about you, and this other woman didn’t seem to like you very much.

“Perhaps he knows something we do not. Though he may seem rash at times, he does not act without his own reasons. Do keep in mind that he is also your master. Any disrespect is punishable.” It also sounded like a warning as if Rossa could tell Ghirahim what was said for negative results. “Just get what he needs when he wakes.”

Shuffling was heard around the area of the boxes, which happened to be just on the other side of the shelf. Maybe you would be safe. But if these two were awake, who else was? Rossa’s words suggested that Ghirahim wasn’t awake yet, but that didn’t mind other servants weren’t. Would you manage to get back to your room undetected?

Without any more talking, you heard the women leave with whatever they came to retrieve. You waited a few minutes or so after the door was shut before coming out. This experience was a real eye-opener that you were getting too comfortable while snooping. By letting your guard down. you risked getting caught. On your first night too, you were you so foolish!

After gathering your bearings, you slipped out of the room. There was no telling who was up and about so you ran the entire way to your room in fear of having another encounter. You quickly went into your room and shakily closed the door. Your heart was racing and your body felt hot. The risk of that was almost too much to handle, but now that didn’t matter. You had gotten away with your charade, and it was time to at least get a little bit of sleep.

You lazily stripped yourself of the cloak and hung it back on the hook. The cold air nipped at your exposed flesh as you wore nothing but the nightgown. What a lovely sensation after feeling so heated because of adrenaline. A sigh escaped your lips because of it. Trudging footsteps carried you to your new bed, and you didn’t waste any time slipping under the covers. The sheets were so silky and surrounded you like a cloud. You could get used to this. Without a second to spare, your heavily eyelids closed themselves and sent you into a deep but dreamless sleep.

[kingsman-fam]

The Littlest Kingsman [ 2 ]

Merlin & Child!Reader (with Harry and Eggsy)

[ Part 1 - 2 ]

Words: 2,315

Warnings: Zilch ! Just pure fluff !

Disclaimer: I don’t own Kingsman!

Tags: @sammysgirl1997​ A/N: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for such a great reception! I didn’t expect this fic to really take off, but you are all so lovely, it’s amazing!

This is the second chapter where we finally meet Harry! I hope you all like it! Please let me know what you think!

Without further ado, enjoy! \ (^ u ^) /

“Lovely day for a stroll,” Eggsy began by ways of introduction as he approached the bench; playing the role of a gentleman quite well, even without his bespoke suit. “Fancy meeting you here, Merlin.”

“Good afternoon to you too Eggsy,” replied the older man, unsurprised. “Do take a seat.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” the younger agent said, plopping himself down on the empty seat next to the quartermaster. With mannered introductions and niceties out of the way, Eggsy was quick to voice the queries that were piquing his curiosity.

“Why’d ya never tell me you had a kid, bruv?” “Because I don’t,” Merlin replied wryly. “(Name) right there is my niece.“

"Oh…” Eggsy breathed in understanding, leaning back in his seat. “You babysi'in then?” “She spends her weekends and breaks with me at ‘arry’s house,” Merlin replied, smirking at the sight of his niece who continued to expand her excavation plot - defacing the otherwise beautifully maintained greenery. Eggsy eyebrows furrowed at the Scotsman’s words. “Wait, so Harry knows 'bout her then?” Merlin opened his mouth to answer, but before he could respond, a high-pitched shriek cut sharply through the air.

Merlin searched for the accident that may have caused the wail, while Eggsy was in search of the banshee. Surely no human was capable of such a sound? Both of them, however, found no such thing. All they found was a dirt-covered (Name) jumping in excitement whilst clutching a bottle cap in each hand.   Before either Merlin or Eggsy could blink, the said girl broke off into a run and all but barreled into the bench they sat on. From his current vantage point, Eggsy could finally distinguish her features.   Her face was painted with mud and the occasional leaf blade, while her (Hair Color) hair was dirty in most places. She definitely needed a good scrubbing down; preferably with a fresh pair of clothes afterwards.

Despite all of this, however, her smile could very easily shame the sun. Merlin noticed none of this as he immediately surveyed the little girl’s head, arms, legs and torso, checking for potential injuries as the child in his grasp squirmed with energy. “Unca’ Hamish, I found two!” she exclaimed proudly - holding up both a Pepsi and a Coke cap. “They were both in the same spot!” Eggsy nearly snorted at her use of the older agent’s name. Sure, he had known it beforehand - Merlin accidentally revealing the moniker at a Christmas party in a moment of inebriation - but to hear it used oh-so-casually was more than a little amusing.

“That’s fantastic (Name),” Merlin remarked absentmindedly, still giving the young girl a thorough do-over. True, she didn’t really hit the bench that hard, but he would like to make sure of that himself thank you very much.

“I’m fine,” she assured, batting the older man’s probing hands away. The agent grumbled but stopped nonetheless. He then proceeded to help the girl pick which cap would be a better gift for her “Unca’ Harry”. As the little girl chatted away about ’but Unca’ Harry likes blue not red!’, Eggsy spotted a familiar figure making their way towards them. Harry - in his usual pinstriped double-breast - silently approached the little girl from behind.   Eggsy opened his mouth, ready to greet his mentor and offer him a seat. Harry, however, raised a finger to his lips, eyebrows raised conspiratorially while mischief twinkled in his good eye. Eggsy quickly snapped his mouth shut and was quite eager to be the spectator to whatever would transpire. Merlin also raised his eyes from his oblivious niece to his old friend and smirked knowingly. “-but the red one’s a lot cleaner,” (Name) continued. “The blue one’s all cracked but you only see it if you look really hard but still- AH!” The girl nearly jumped out of her skin when two much larger hands gently planted themselves on her eyes. Once she got over her initial shock though, (Name) grinned so widely Eggsy was certain it must have hurt.   “Hello Miss (Name),” Harry whispered in her ear, a smile gracing his features. With a joyful cry of “Unca’ Harry!”, the girl promptly launched herself into him - small arms instantly looping around the older man’s neck. A quiet laugh bubbled in Harry’s chest as he scooped the girl up into a hug - Eggsy looking on at the scene in wonder. “That is no way to greet a gentleman, (Name),” said Harry, his eye shining in amusement. Suddenly aware of her error, the girl straightened her back in Harry’s arms, looked him in the eye and dipped her head almost regally. “Good afternoon Mr. Unca’ Harry.” The older man smiled at her words and nodded his head in approval. “Very good,” he laughed. “You ought to remember your manners, (Name). What’s our favorite rule?” “I can have ice cream for brek-fuss but only when Unca’ Hamish isn’t looking.” “Y-yes, well…” Harry laughed nervously. “I was rather hoping that would remain our little secret, (Name).” Harry hoped Merlin had been out of earshot for their conversation, but seeing as he was sat not three feet away and was currently glaring daggers at him, there was a very slim chance of that.   'We are talking about this later ye twat.’ Resigning himself to the inevitable tongue-lashing, Harry simply returned his gaze the little girl in his arms. She looked at him expectantly - waiting for the confirmation that her answer had been right, and completely oblivious to the fate she had doomed him to. “That’s not quite it,” Harry said gently as the six-year-old pouted. “Try again. It’s 'Manners-” “Manners makef man!” “Exactly.” As the little girl beamed in Harry’s arms, Merlin thought it best to remind her of a very important fact that she seemed to have forgotten. “(Name), don’t you 'ave a certain something to give yer Uncle 'arry?” “Oh right! Right!” she replied in haste, then quickly turned to Harry. Without further ado, she opened her small hands to reveal the two innocent bottle caps that had seemingly been forgotten. “Do you want both of 'em?” she asked the older man who was inspecting each cap with amusement. “You see this one’s a little dirtier but this one has a crack that’s really tiny. I found 'em both at the same time over there but if you take both then Unca’ Hamish would be upset 'cus that wouldn’t be fair and I gots 'ta find-” “Breathe, (Name).” “-Find him anotha’ one but I’m really tired but I don’t want one of the caps to feel left out.” Harry chuckled lightly, and after making a show of weighing his options, he took the blue cap from her hand. “I’d like this one please,” he said, and placed the cap in his trouser pocket. (Name) grinned so radiantly at the acceptance of the gift she worked so very hard to find, that Harry could not prevent his own. It felt good to be the cause of such smiles; and over something so simple. Afterwards, the girl quickly shot a smug look over to her uncle who watched the proceedings with a smirk. ’I told you Unca’ Harry liked blue better.’ However, (Name)’s expression quickly morphed from one of smug victory to one of distress. “But wait!” she cried. “The red one’s going ta feel left out!” Merlin couldn’t help but smile at this. Leave it to his niece to consider the feeling of a dirty plastic cap. He knew, however, that the little girl was well and truly stressing over this little ordeal, and he racked his mind for a solution.   He found it in the form of the young man sitting beside him who - miraculously - had not made a sound from the moment the interactions had started.   Come to think it of, it had been ungentlemanly of him to leave Eggsy out of the conversation. Merlin wasn’t even sure if his niece was aware of the younger agent’s presence at all.   Well he’d have to rectify that, now, wouldn’t he? “Say lass, why don’t you give the other cap to Eggsy here?” Harry hummed in agreement.   “That’s actually a very good idea.” Harry then turned to the child in his arms. “(Name), wouldn’t you like to give the other cap to Eggsy?” In response, the girl took one look at the man her uncles were referring to, then quickly hid her face in the crook of Harry’s neck. Eggsy tried not to look too disappointed. He did try to smile at the child in the same way he did for Daisy’s friends, and they usually opened up to him after that.

As if he had voiced his disappointments, Merlin leaned over to whisper in his ear. “Don’t take it too personally, Eggsy. She’s shy when it comes to new people. She’ll come 'round, just you wait.” “-do you think, Merlin? Merlin?” At the call of his name, the tech-savvy wizard turned to his friend who had apparently been seeking his attention. “Beg your pardon,” he apologized quickly. “I didn’t quite catch tha’ last bit. You were saying?“ “I was saying it will be dark soon, and I’d very much prefer that we arrive home before nightfall.” “Aye, you’re right,” the older man agreed - looking at the sky whose blue hue had the faintest tinges of orange creeping at its edges. Just then (Name) quietly spoke into Harry’s ear, who seemed to agree with whatever she had just said. “Well, why don’t you ask him yourself, (Name)?“ The (Hair Color)-haired girl replied with a whisper that was too soft to catch; her words, however, caused Harry to laugh softly. “No, don’t worry,” the older gentleman assured. “Eggsy is perfectly friendly. I do believe he has a sister just a bit older than you, my dear.” The small child looked back at Eggsy - as if to inspect him once more - but quickly buried her face in Harry’s suit when she caught him already looking at the pair intently. “Now now,” Harry tutted. “A Kingsman does not shy away from challenges, (Name). Go on. You can do it. Remember when I taught you what needs to be said?“

Those words seemed to spur her into action. The girl took a deep breath and steeled herself for the challenge to come.  

Her uncle was right. She was a Kingsman. She would not shy away from something so simple as asking the friendly stranger - “Eggsy” apparently - to join them in their evening meal. And the young man had been nothing but pleasant. A gentleman knew to reward good manners.

Gathering what bravery she had, (Name) took a deep breath, and before her courage could falter, nodded to her uncle who set her down.

Both Harry and Merlin smiled at her encouragingly as she approached Eggsy - the likes of whom was kind enough to kneel on the ground to be level with the small child and seem a little less intimidating.

She took one last glance at her uncles, then squared her shoulders, lifted her chin and looked every bit as gentlemanly as one could. “Ple-sher to meet you,” she began - speaking with the accent most children had, as if the large words crowded her small mouth. “We haven’t been properly introduced. My name is (Name).” She then held out her hand to shake, which Eggsy took happily. It was quite amusing to see a child her age so well-mannered - no small thanks, he guessed, to her uncles. “Eggsy,” he replied with a friendly smile. It seemed to have the desired effect when she began to relax in his presence. “I was wond’ring,” she continued a bit more confidently. “Would you do us the ho-ner of joining us for dinner tonight?“ Eggsy positively beamed at the invitation - the girl managing a shy smile of her own. “The honor would be mine,” he replied with a small dip of his head. The girl seemed to sigh in relief - her shoulders loosing their tension, and her frame its stiffness. Formality out of the way, (Name) shyly held out the red bottle cap to Eggsy.

A small token of friendship.

The young agent felt his heart melt as he took the dirty cap, and now understood how Merlin could not bear to deny such a gift. It was such a simple display of innocence - something physical and concrete to show that she was quite willing to get to know him more.

It felt even better to see the guarded hope in the girl’s eyes - (did she really think he would reject her?) - transform into mirth at his acceptance. As Eggsy observed the piece of plastic, (Name) ran into Merlin’s arms, searching for the warmth and security her uncle never failed to provide after such an ordeal. The Scott, in turn, continued to congratulate his niece on a job well done - declaring that neither he nor Harry could have managed such a fine proposal. To this, of course, Harry had also agreed. “Well it’s nearly sunset,” Harry reminded them all. “Shall we get going?” “Let’s,” Merlin replied, (Name) still secure in his arms. “Come along Eggsy.“ Eggsy got up from the ground and brushed the dirt off his pants. He would deal with the stains later. He fell into step with Harry as the group left the premises of the park, the other people also beginning to pack up. As their footsteps quietly pattered against the sidewalk en route to the Hart home, Eggsy saw his mentor sporting an unusually fond smile. The type that made the agent’s face soften and brighten ever so slightly - making him look younger than he was. Curious to know what had caused such an expression, he followed the older man’s line of sight, and afterwards could not prevent a broad grin of his own.   Because few paces ahead of the mentor/mentee pair, Merlin walked with his usual long strides - his niece looking quite happy, perched securely upon her uncle’s shoulders.

[fingersinhisass]

bc carly @aldmerii humored me and answered all 60 questions of the oc question thing for shaelle, i’m gonna do it for al as well even tho literally no one asked so. here goes!

1. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S BIGGEST FEAR?

having his friends, people he’s grown to trust and care for, discover all the bad shit he did in the past and basically breaking all ties with him. he’s terrified they’ll think he’s a monster bc well. he thinks he’s a monster sometimes too

2. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE MEMORY?

it’s not one specific memory exactly, more like. a mix of lots of memories. in the summer he used to play outside all day with the other kids who lived in his neighborhood (very poor, pretty decrepit houses, mostly dust and dying grass) and like. those were some of the best times for him? because he was still too young to care that their family didn’t have enough money to send him to school, or that all of his clothes were hand-me-downs with at least one tear that had been fixed, or that his mother’s face was worn with wrinkles that would better suit someone much older than she was. so he’d play pretend with these kids in his neighborhood, and go on “adventures” and kick around pebbles and wrestle in the dirt, and then he’d come back home to his mother calling him, and she’d wash his face and feet and hands gently and tuck him into bed and he’d fall asleep under the heat to the sound of her soft voice and the insects buzzing in the grass.

3. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S LEAST FAVORITE MEMORY?

he’s got plenty to pick from, so i don’t think there’s one specific worst. but the gazes of people he willfully hurt, potentially even killed, really haunt him. he tries not to think about the stuff he did when he was younger.

4. DOES ANYONE HAVE A CRUSH ON YOUR CHARACTER? IS YOUR CHARACTER AWARE OF THIS?

my beautiful girl shaelle do,,,, and also this one demon dude they helped once. can’t remember his name bc he’s a pretty irrelevant npc. he was aware of that crush, but he has no fucking clue shaelle likes him

5: DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S DREAM DATE.

oh man. anything romantic that would make his date happy. it’s cliche, but he’s fond of long walks and candlelit dinners. he’s an exceptionally hopeless romantic.

6: WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

lol what’s that????? al likes a lot of people he’s not picky. he’s actually kinda lowkey a ho. 

7: HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER FEEL ABOUT THEIR NAME?

my boi gots lotsa names. his birth name makes him nostalgic, but he doesn’t really attach it to himself anymore -- the only person who can call him that is his mother. the name he used when he was a thief he absolutely despises. he still twitches if he hears it spoken, regardless of if it’s pointed towards him or not. he picked the name he has now himself, so he likes it quite a bit thank you very much. it makes him feel like a distinguished human gentleman. he’s a fucking doof.

8: DOES YOUR CHARACTER HATE ANYONE? WHY?

al is not someone who hates easily. he trusts easily (too stupid to learn from his past mistakes, he’d remark bitterly, but really it’s because he’s an idealist by nature and wants to believe people are inherently good). he doesn’t respond well to betrayal. at all. he accidentally punched a dude to death once for betraying the group. to be fair, the dude was really fucking old, and he only had one hit point left and failed all his death saves so like. not really al’s fault. you woulda done it too if you were in the same situation

9: HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER FEEL ABOUT RELIGION?

neither of his parents are very religious, and he wasn’t raised religious either, so it doesn’t really matter to him all that much

10. WOULD YOUR CHARACTER EVER KILL SOMEONE?

yes, but only if he felt it was justified and there were no better options. he is strongly against killing people who he feels don’t deserve it, but there are some people he would kill without hesitation solely because he believes their death will benefit many others. he’s got. complicated morals.

11: HOW DID YOUR CHARACTER MEET THEIR BEST FRIEND?

he met borem when they were assigned to be partners. they’re both detectives. although not sure how long that friendship is gonna last now...............

12: HOW WOULD/DOES YOUR CHARACTER FEEL ABOUT ROLLER COASTERS?

terrified. hates heights. don’t make him do this.

13: WHAT WOULD YOUR CHARACTER DIE FOR?

people he loves. easy.

14: WHAT IS THE CUTEST THING YOUR CHARACTER HAS EVER DONE?

when is my boy not cute, honestly???? idk, i can’t pin down a specific instance. but he’s like. super blushy and awkward around people he’s romantically attracted to, and that’s incredibly adorable. he took shaelle to the prison where her brother was being held so they could see each other again after ten years, and that was also very sweet

15: WHAT MUSIC GENRE WOULD YOUR CHARACTER LISTEN TO?

fuck, idk. he strikes me as the kind of person to just listen to whatever’s on. he doesn’t have a very developed taste in music

16: WHAT OTHER FICTIONAL CHARACTERS REMIND YOU OF YOUR CHARACTER?

jeez. probably gumshoe from ace attorney? mostly because they’re both good good detective boys just trying to do their best and i love both of them desperately.

17: DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY IRRATIONAL FEARS?

heights!!! he hates heights!!!!! which is funny bc his acrobatics score is insane.

18: HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER FEEL ABOUT HAVING THEIR LIFE RECORDED?

it would make him supremely uncomfortable. he may be very social, but when it comes to his home life he’s intensely private.

19: WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S DEEPEST, DARKEST SECRET?

he gots lotsa those. he’s stolen very important things that resulted in the detriment of others, he’s tortured and killed people, he’s aided in drug trafficking and human trafficking -- with children. which is when he quit, because he couldn’t stand that. he hates watching children suffer.

20: WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER?

he’s actually a really good detective. not because he’s smart, though -- he’s desperately determined to better society, and he’s also just very, very lucky.

21: IS YOUR CHARACTER FLEXIBLE?

oh my god, yeah. listen, my baby got 18 dex, +7 to acrobatics. he is EXTREMELY flexible. wink wink

22: WHAT IS THE WORST THING YOUR CHARACTER HAS EVER DONE?

oops i kinda answered this one already. i’m not gonna go into detail bc i kinda just don’t want to?? listen he’s done bad things he regrets

23: IS YOUR CHARACTER MORALLY GRAY OR BLACK OR WHITE?

hmm. he generally does things with good in mind, and usually he does it in a way that’s not so bad. but sometimes he twists the rules a little bit in a way that’s. ehh?? he’s not entirely against using violence to better things.

24: WHAT PREJUDICES DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE?

he’s generally not a fan of rich people or the ruling class. ofc he’s got a huge crush on shaelle, but like. she’s the exception

25: WOULD YOU WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOUR CHARACTER?

no bc he’s devastatingly handsome and i’d be terrified.

26: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HEADCANON FOR YOUR CHARACTER?

him whistle real good. he likes to whistle and sing like. all the time. when he’s just idly doing things at home he does it without even realizing it and he’s a little off-key sometimes but he can carry a tune

27: WHAT WOULD BE THE WORST WAY FOR YOUR CHARACTER TO DIE?

at the hands of a friend, probably

28: WHAT PET WOULD YOUR CHARACTER LIKE TO HAVE?

for a while he had some sort of ferret weasel thing? idk if nj is gonna let me say he’s still got it tho lmao

29: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE FOOD?

his mom’s recipe for fresh-baked bread. real white bread was a fucking luxurious treat when he was growing up and so whenever his mom would make a small loaf of it, maybe like once or twice a year, it was always so special to him

30: WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY HOBBIES?

he likes to read, especially adventure or romance novels lmao

31: WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA WOULD YOUR CHARACTER USE?

i can see him on twitter??? he’d have no idea how to use it though

32: WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER LOOK LIKE?

him real hansom. angular features, high cheekbones, tan skin, very fair hair and silver eyes bc he’s a sun elf. long, long eyelashes that are darker than his hair, thick eyebrows. thin build, 5′10, long nose. i’m lov my boy.

33: IN WHAT WAYS IS YOUR CHARACTER LIKE YOU?

he’s loud, goofy, occasionally pretty snarky, expresses emotions like happiness, excitement, and anger very easily, but feels weak showing sadness and tries to suppress it. fails. head over heels for shaelle.

34: WHAT IS CLICHE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER?

so many of my characters are pretty boys. so many. also he’s a lovable idiot

35: WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER?

i made him myself n he’s got a big ol’ heart.

36: DOES ANYONE WANT TO HARM YOUR CHARACTER?

there are a lot of people who would kill him immediately if they knew where he was and that he wasn’t dead. he has a lot of enemies.

37: DO PEOPLE HAVE JUSTIFIED GRUDGES AGAINST YOUR CHARACTER?

probably. he speaks his mind a lot and can kind of be an asshole sometimes 

38: WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR CHARACTER PLAY IN THEIR STORY?

he’s there to take everyone to fantasy jcpenny

39: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHARACTER’S NICHE ON TUMBLR?

historical fashion blogs and poetry all the way

40: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT?

creative writing or some sort of music class. he like both.

41: WOULD YOUR CHARACTER WANT TO HAVE ANY CHILDREN?

YES!!!!! he loves kids. LOVES them. his entire life he’s wanted to be a dad. eventually he’s gonna get married to shaelle and they’re gonna have lotsa babies, but currently he hasn’t had the time to meet anyone or settle down and he’s worried he never will.

42: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHARACTER’S DREAM CAREER?

he’s doin’ it. basically he just wants to help people however he can and make up for all the bad things he did for so long

43: WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER INSECURE ABOUT?

his social class. especially around shaelle. he definitely thinks he is absolutely not worth her time, and the subject of poverty or the social hierarchy in serin ilyan really touches a nerve for him. he also just really, really wants people to like him. 

44: WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER PROUD OF?

all the good work he’s done as a detective. he’s (surprisingly) solved a lot of cases, and he feels a sense of accomplishment and justice for doing it. like maybe he can start to sleep a little easier knowing he hasn’t just hurt people all his life.

45: WHAT WOULD YOUR CHARACTER CHANGE ABOUT THEMSELVES?

his past. he’d go back and do something different, try to actually work hard and make honest money instead of getting involved in what he did

46: WOULD YOU WANT TO TRADE PLACES WITH YOUR CHARACTER?

hell no. i love him to bits and i’d love to be a really handsome elf man, but like. my boy has way too much guilt that i wouldn’t want to live with.

47: WHAT FANDOMS WOULD YOUR CHARACTER BE IN?

al isn’t cool enough to like things like that. plus he’d be very confused by fandom culture i think

48: HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER TYPE?

hunt and peck, capitalized first letter but nothing else, punctuation when he sees fit

49: HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER STAND POLITICALLY?

he doesn’t know what, but he knows SOMETHING needs to be done about the poverty in his city. other than that he tends to look at the smaller scale of helping people

50: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER?

he messes up a lot but he never stops trying?? he has a lot of determination and things he believes in and i love him for that. i love him for trying so hard to be good.

51: WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE ANIMAL?

he likes mice, mostly because they were easy to find when he was a kid and he always caught them and tried to train them, but then felt bad and let them go like an hour later

52: HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER ACT IN GYM CLASS?

he’s not super strong but he is crazy flexible. probably not a ton of stamina and although he looks like he’s got the body for it he’s not that great at running. he’s just really fucking good at climbing and doing flips and shit. he’s always one of the last people out during dodgeball just bc he’s so good at dodging. he can move FAST.

53: WHAT CLUBS WOULD YOUR CHARACTER JOIN?

he probably wouldn’t join any clubs bc high school is around the time he started down the path of Bad Shit so he definitely wasn’t spending any time hanging around the school if he didn’t have to

54: WHAT IS THE SADDEST THING ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S LIFE?

he doesn’t realize that people are complicated and that good people are capable of and do bad things sometimes. he’s not a monster for the mistakes he made in the past. he’s genuinely good, he’s doing his best, and people love him and care about him and he needs to know that.

55: WOULD YOUR CHARACTER DO THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE?

hm, this question sure dates the original post... yeah he absolutely would. he likes doing dumb things like that, especially if they’re for a good cause. he’s a goof.

56: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR CHARACTER’S QUIRKS?

he’s very fidgety. he doesn’t even notice it but he’s really not good at staying still

57: HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER FEEL ABOUT FEMINISM?

i think he wouldn’t understand the complexities of it, but in general he would absolutely be for it. inequality pisses him off.

58: IS YOUR CHARACTER DORKY OR MORE ATHLETIC?

he’s an absolute dork. 100%.

59: WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER?

a lot of the time i worry he’s too contrived and tragic or that i play him out of character or that he’s just like. way too dramatic in general.

60: IF YOU COULD TITLE YOUR CHARACTER’S LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU TITLE IT?

The Good Boy: Please, Folks, He’s Doing His Best

[imaginesofeverykind]

Tag, Your It || Sam Drake x Reader ||

Characters: Sam Drake x Fem!Reader 

Fandom: Uncharted.

Requested: Yes! My first one!! [A request for Sam where you two are good friends, but both have feelings for each other. You're always flirting and stuff but no one has made a move yet. One day you're playing lasergun with Nate, elena and Sam, girls against boys. Sam finds you and sneaks up to you from behind, putting his gun to your head and holding you against his chest. But instead of shooting it ends up in a hot make out session. Later interrupted by Nate and elena who are wondering where you are :) xx love your writing!]

Prompt: Taking a break from the treasure hunting business, you, Sam, Nate and Elena all decided to unleash your inner children in a free for all game of Lazer Tag. Given the dark environment years of built up sexual tension between you and Sam finally crumbles down on the both of you. 

Tags: @rafeadderall @missdictatorme @dragonjedihobbit (Message me if you want to be tagged to get notifications of posts!)

Word Count: 1,798

A/N: Lmaooo so I wrote half of this and saved it as a draft but good old tumblr didn’t save it so heck. Y u gotta do me like that tumblr? SEND THROUGH REQUESTS TOO LOVELIESS <3 its also 2 am so i tried to edit it as best as I could but lmao heck/

Cursing under her breath, Y/N had made a break for the barrier, her heart pounding in her chest. It was dark, hard to hear but she knew they weren’t too far behind her. She leant up against the barrier, panting to gradually gather her breath back before jumping back into the action. 

Despite the fact that Y/N was in the centre of a large foam arena and the gun she had in her hand was actual a lazer gun, it was almost as if she was back in Madagascar trying to fend off shoreline mercenary’s or as if she was back in the ruins of Avalon the legendary Island of King Arthur.

The fact was that Y/N, a grown woman and three of her other supposedly more ‘mature’ friends, decided that they’d spend their well deserved break from treasure hunting in an adults arcade filled with games like Lazer tag to fuel their childish needs. 

Once Y/N caught her breath she bounded up and over the barrier just in time to see a silhouetted figure dart around a corner. She smirked and chased down the figure, not holding back the trigger when she rounded the corner herself. The lazer shot beamed from the barrel of the gun and hit directly at the chest plate which lit up and triggered the lights to flick on. 

“This rounds winner, Y/N.” the autoplay system announced, she grinned proudly and bit back a laugh after discovering her victim was Nate. “What can I say, you gotta be sneakier.” She shoved his shoulder and stepped back awaiting for the next rounds instructions. 

Sam and Elena emerged at different sides congratulating Y/N on her victory for that round, she bowed cockily, “it’s all in the strategy.” Sam stood beside her and peered down at her, “oh please, teach us.” A slight smirk pulled on his lips earning a shove in response. “Talent isn’t something you learn Sammy, you just gotta be born with it.”

“Oh why excuse me princess, I am a man of many talents.” Sam retorted, his smirk more evident as he looked down at her. Nate rolled his eyes, “all right you two, I don’t think we need a demonstration.” Of course, Nate’s unnecessary added comment was only to stir the pot between Sam and Y/N. Having been friends for quite some time, it was only natural that the two would end up developing feelings for each other at one point or another. Naturally, that’s exactly what had happened. 

For months now, quips weren’t just witty one-liners or typical banter, they were now mistaken quite often as flirting. Nate over the course of the past months had to put up with his brothers not-so-inconspicuous-but-very-conspicious complaining and whining over Y/N. It was obvious that the two were attracted to each other in more ways than one, hell, even Sully picked up on it. 

“The next round is, team death match, two teams face off. The team with most amount of hits in fifteen minutes wins. You have thirty seconds to pick your team and sync it to the system.” The automated voice sounded over the arena. Nate was quick to pick, ruffling Y/N’s hair as he made his choice, leaving Sam and Elena unimpressed. 

“What? She won the last round!” Nate put his hands up in defence, Y/N however shook her head and walked over to Elena, “we’ll settle this dispute once and for all, who’s better, us girls or you boys. But we all know who’s going to win right?” Y/N raised her eyebrow cheekily, a smirk pulling on her lips. 

Elena was far more on board with that Idea knowing that trying to verse a team of Nate and Y/N, they wouldn’t stand a chance. The two girls synced up their colours, it was blue versus red now. “I gotta admit, Y/N... i’m a little hurt you didn’t even think to pick me.” Sam frowned jokingly of course. 

The countdown started to flash at ten seconds, as she shrugged and winked at him, “c’mon Sam, you and I both know we’d take down these two in seconds. We gotta give em a chance to win.” She saluted him before the two girls both started to jog the opposite direction of Nate and Sam as the timer continued to beep before lights out. 

They had just made it to cover as the lights flicked off suddenly, leaving them in the dark environment only lit up poorly by few LED lights. “I’m thinking you take the west side of the arena and I’ll take the east side.” Y/N whispered, but before Elena could get up and leave she grabbed onto her wrist, “stay behind cover, if it’s quiet enough you’ll be able to hear them walking.” 

Both girls has parted ways and followed suit with the plan. Y/N was on the east side of the building, hidden behind a pillar, she stuck her head out to see any movement and immediately ducked back behind the pillar upon seeing a silhouette that was indeed not at all Elena. Her side pressed up against the foam pillar, she kept the lazer gun close to her and sucked in a large breath. 

She stuck her head out once more but gasped when someone had pointed their gun to her head and snaked their arm around her waist. She knew that someone was Sam, just by his distinguishable smell and strong embrace. “Bet you regret not picking me for a partner now.” His voice was low and silent, he pressed her up against his chest, proud of his little victory. 

A blush crept up her cheeks, she was thankful it was incredibly dark so she could blush shamelessly. A silent laugh passed through her lips as had to comment on how dramatic he was being, “you do realise that shooting me in the head with a lazer does nothing.” she referred to the gear she had set up that registered the lazer beams as hits. 

“Sure it does-.” he spun her around, his free arm still gripping her waist. He could only just the outline of her face, “-It thickens the plot.” Joking around like he usually did, would result in witty remark after witty remark laced with flirtatious connotations. However this time, it was different. 

For months now tension built up between the two of them, every time they’d make an accidental sexual pun or joke it was almost always followed by suggestive eyes, or every time they would touch accidentally they would linger longer than they should, or hold a gaze longer than necessary. 

“thickens the plot?” She repeated, snorting out a soft laugh making him roll his eyes, “I couldn’t think of anything witty to say.” Sam admitted shrugging in defence, he thought it sounded cool but it sounded a lot better in his head than it did coming out of his mouth. 

She laughed lightly, “Oh I know, that wasn’t one of your best... but besides the point are you going to shoot me or not?” She may have sound composed and put together but on the inside her heart was racing being pressed up so closely to Sam’s chest she was going into sensory overload. “I haven’t made up my mind yet.” His voice softened, while he could barely see her he knew where she was, and his face hovered closer to hers.

“What’s that supposed to-.” He cut her off by closing the gap between their faces, pressing his lips onto hers carelessly dropping the gun on the floor to and caressing her face gently. He caught her immensely off guard but the sensation was nauseating, the good kind of nausea, the kind that made her chest ache and stomach tingle.

He broke away from her but didn’t go too far, the short few second kiss leaving him clammy and sweaty already as well as Y/N. She looked up at him, only just seeing his features before on instinct she brought her hands up to the back of his head and through his hair. Time started to slow momentarily as they stood in silence, nothing but their soft breath was heard before an instant of animalistic hunger struck the both of them. 

The months building up to this moment for them was astonishing, their lips sloppily moved in sync, which contrasted the first kiss incredibly. Y/N ran her fingers through Sam’s hair while his own hands were preoccupied running up and down her sides. 

He bit down on her lower lip causing a hum of pleasure to pass her lips before pressing her up against the foam pillar. The two could barely keep their hands of each other, that was due to the fact that they were reluctant to let go after so many months of intense sexual tension.

They had to keep reminding them where they were and that as heated as things were going they were most definitely not going to do anything in a foam arena. Of course that meant they were going to have a wild night when they got home. Getting herself lost in the kiss Y/N tugged the ends of Sam’s hair a little too tightly, not that the groan from his mouth was one connected to pain but pleasure. 

“Oh please don’t do that.” He murmured against her lips, squeezing her hips slightly. “Sorry.” She mumbled in response, her voice muffled by his lips, “oh no, don’t be sorry, the more you do that the less i’ll be able to hold back from just taking you right here right now.” He admitted, his hands now trailing up to her hair, his calloused thumbs caressing her cheeks softly. 

“I don’t have a problem with that.” She mumbled, her hands still in his hair. “You don’t, but we do...” Nate’s voice greeted them, making the two jump apart. They hadn’t noticed the lights had switched back on and Elena and Nate stood not to far with smirks on their faces. “Jesus, Nathan. How long have you been standing there?” 

“Oh trust us, we just got here. We wondered where you’d both run off too... oh and by the way I won.” Elena grinned, Nate’s arm around her proudly. “This is a little embarrassing...” Y/N admitted, scratching the back of her neck nervously, her lips swollen, much like Sam’s were as well. “Hardly, but you two lovebirds run along now and you-.” Nate turned to his wife, “owe me fifty bucks.”

“Seriously? You guys bet on us, how original...” Sam groaned, rolling his eyes at his younger brother. At least Sam could very comfortably wrap his arms around Y/N and it not be strange anymore.