#i'm sorry! i read them and since there's no way to mark them unread again after doing so i forget they're there

[nostalgicatsea]

This tends to happen when I'm overly busy, but I want to open for prompts again because MTH put me in the mood to do so. :/ I could...maybe open for one paragraph ficlets? A few lines? Surely that's not too much of a commitment?

[pandorasprongs]

INTERLUDE | are we still friends?

'it's nice to have a friend' fic masterlist + playlist | previous chapter

PAIRING: jamie tartt x fem!reader

WORD COUNT: 3.2k

SUMMARY: after months of ghosting, reader finally gets to talk to jamie again at the end of her second year.

WARNINGS: language

A/N: so we're going back in time to when reader's in uni and early in jamie's man city career :) hope u all enjoy! (also i know frats aren't a thing in the uk but i didn't find that out till after i published the prologue rip) i'd also suggest listening to 'are we still friends?' by tyler the creator for this chapter too just for the vibes — also!! thank you so much for 200 followers it's insane so many of you enjoy my fics :))

Age 19

"And that's it for this semester! Congrats everyone!" Your professor greets the room as the last person finishes their presentation. The room cheers, — albeit weakly given that most of the students there were coming down from their finals week caffeine addiction, — and everyone soon starts filing out.

You pass by your professor on the way out with Liv and hand her the trinket that the two of you planned on giving out to all of the professors you've had this semester. Some out of gratitude, some to make them feel guilty for the low marks they've given. This certain professor, a lady in her mid-40s who has been in the STEM area of research for years, had designated the two of you her favorites.

"Thank you so much, ladies. It was such a pleasure having the two of you in my class." You both give her a warm smile before heading into the hall. 

When you make it outside of the building, Liv lets out a cathartic scream of relief. "It's finally done!" You laugh at your friend's reaction. You were glad too, but not enough to yell in public.

As you headed back to your student hall, you pulled out your phone. It had become routine to message Jamie every time you were heading back to Manchester, which you were the next week when your parents picked you up.

Hey Jamie! How've you been? How's Man City? Saw the match with Cardiff, you did great.

You press send before adding on, If you're still here, maybe you want to meet up before you go back? I'm heading back to Manchester next week too if you want to meet up then instead. 

You send that too and type out I miss you, but after glancing at the rest of your unread messages, you delete it and sigh in defeat.

You don't even know why you're still trying. You haven't spoken to Jamie in months. No, it's almost been a year. The last time you did was when you went home for the summer holiday after your first year of uni, but even then, Jamie seemed distant and cold. He left the lunch early too after he got a call from his manager, much to your dismay. Even before that, his messages to you were getting less and less frequent till he finally stopped replying a few months into your second year.

Maybe it stung more knowing it was around the time you left that you realized how really felt about him. It wasn't just platonic love anymore; you might've actually been in love with your best friend then. But those feelings have since disappeared, at the same rate that Jamie disappeared from your life.

So now you were in a pub, supposedly celebrating the end of your second year in uni, but you couldn't stop staring at your phone, waiting for a reply. You've been re-reading your message to him and staring at that delivered in the corner until you finally broke out of the trance thanks to one of your friends calling out to you.

"Oi! You're not even tipsy. Are you playing or not?" Tina asks and you shut your phone before shifting your focus to the conversation. Right, you're playing Never Have I Ever.

"Shit, sorry," you apologize before lifting your hand. "I am now. What's the last one?"

"It was never have I ever slept with a footballer," Liv explains quickly, but the entire group had this knowing look on their faces that told you everything they thought of you.

Maybe it was fueled by the anger directed at said footballer or the fact that you knew they all thought you were a prude for not having hooked up with anyone the whole time in uni, — as far as they knew, — but you give them a knowing look that caused everyone's expressions to shift.

"No fucking way, you have?" Sam asks and you take a shot as confirmation.

"Technically yes," you explain but decide to hide which player it was. Because if they knew it was one of the up-and-comings of the Premier League, you'd never hear the end of it. Plus, one of them was bound to snitch to a newspaper for sure. "Back when I was 17 and before I left for uni, I slept with someone who ended up getting scouted." You neglect to mention that someone was your best friend, who agreed to be your first time because you were sure you'd make a bad decision the moment you stepped foot in a uni.

If they knew where you were from, they would've figured it out instantly. But you didn't have a Mancunian accent and none of them had ever bothered to ask where you were from over these two years — except Liv, who was no longer paying attention to the whole game and just scrolling on her phone, — so you were basically in the clear.

They moved on from your grand revelation quickly and continued with the game. At the end of it, you were probably the most sober out of all of them, so you ordered a Cosmopolitan. Maybe alcohol led to bad decisions, but at least it kept you off your phone.

You continued to talk with your friends till Tina gasped. You all turn to her to ask what happened when she exclaims, pretty loudly, "Looks like all of us have a chance at checking 'hooking up with a footballer' off our lists tonight." She giggles before leaning back into her seat.

You join the rest of them to look at what Tina had just seen and realize that not one, but two teams' worth of players had just walked into the pub. From Cardiff City and... Man City.

You already feel your heartbeat quickening and your eyes instantly start looking for Jamie in the crowd. The thoughts of 'he has to be here,' and 'he can't be here,' battle it out in your head, but when your eyes finally land on your former best friend, you don't know if the butterflies in your stomach are a good thing or not.

"Well, fuck it." You hear one of the girls you're with say as she downs another shot and gets up from the table. Some of the others join her in the group, but you're still frozen from nerves. Best way to heat up? More cocktails.

You watch with the other girls from a distance as the braver ones take their chances with the footballers on the other side of the bar. But for most of it, you can't take your eyes off Jamie. 

He looks really different, like bad different. He's loud and boisterous, but not in the way he was before. You watch how he talks to his teammates and you can almost see how his overconfidence masks the level of insecurity he has with much older players. Or maybe you're overthinking it. You haven't seen him in a while.

When your friends get back to the table along with some new drinks and stories, you try and listen intently. But you really couldn't stop looking behind them.

You don't think Jamie's felt your eyes on him, so you weren't worried he'd turn and see you staring. But if he did, you wondered how he'd react. Would he go wide-eyed and stare back or just look away as if he didn't just spot his best friend of a decade at a pub? You were about to find out.

After downing one of the drinks in front of you, — you weren't even sure if you were the one who ordered that one, to be honest — you excuse yourself from the table. When they saw where you were walking over to, they decided to start cheering. It did help your nerves, even though you were approaching them for different reasons.

"Jamie!" You get his attention and the moment his eyes land on yours, shock fills his face. You almost scoff at that. He goes to the place where you're studying and assumes that he wouldn't run into you?

You didn't even plan out what you were going to say, so instead you sarcastically greet, "Nice to see you here. In Cardiff. Where I go to uni."

Jamie doesn't say anything and just continues to stare at you. His cocky facade almost slips too, till one of the other Man City players rests his arms on Jamie's shoulders and he suddenly tenses. You've seen him before, probably in one of those tabloid articles, judging from his overall demeanor. He seemed like the type to get into those scandals.

"Ah fuck, I thought we got rid of you lot already. Don't you have enough drinks from your friends over there?" George, you finally remembered his name, states and you're taken aback. He must've seen you coming from that direction.

"No, I'm not here for that." You answer bluntly before turning back to Jamie, starting to get annoyed. "Are you seriously not going to say anything?" 

The Jamie you knew would be the first to defend you, even if it was just over someone knocking into you in the halls or stealing your pens. But it wasn't that you were after, honestly. You just wanted him to say something, anything at all.

"You know her, Tartt?" George scoffs and looks at Jamie. When Jamie continues to stay silent and just looks down at his feet, he chuckles and nudges the younger footballer. "A past hook-up, huh? Judging by your reaction. No need to be embarrassed, Jamie," he glances back at you and tries to whisper, "She's quite fit. Well, by your standards."

You roll your eyes, the anger starting to bubble. Now, Jamie had to say something right? But seeing no reaction, you correct him yourself. "Look, I'm not one of his bitter exes. I'm his..." You actually don't how to end that sentence.

George takes advantage of your pause and by now, some of the footballers around them had turned their attention to the scene. "Look woman, I don't care who you are to him, but take. the. fucking. hint."

You still don't remove your eyes from him. "Jamie," you whisper, almost pleading at that point.

Jamie looks up and seeing the multiple eyes on him at the moment, he finally speaks up, "You want an autograph or something? We're trying to enjoy our night, so I'll sign a napkin for you and you can be on your way."

The coldness in his response causes you to stumble and you take a step back. What did he just say to you? You try and search his face for any sign of remorse or guilt. Something that says, 'Please don't hate me, I didn’t mean it.' Nothing.

The sounds of the other footballers laughing don’t help either; it only contributes to the rising feeling of heat and embarrassment in you. You can feel the tears starting to form. There's no reason for you to break down in front of all of them, so you answer quickly, "Right. No need. Sorry for disturbing your night." 

You turn around quickly, but not without hearing George ask Jamie who you were. For a second, you almost thought he'd give him the truth.

"Dunno, probably some fan I met before." That breaks the dam and the first few tears drop to your cheeks. A crying girl isn't an irregular sight at a bar, but you really didn't feel like staying in the same place as Jamie anymore.

You approach the table to grab your things when you notice that most of your friends had already scattered across the pub. The only one left there was Liv, — who was the designated driver for tonight despite your university being a 5-minute walk away — who notices your tear-stained face and is quick to rush over to you. "What's wrong? What happened?"

You shake your head. "Don't worry. I just want to head back." Liv hadn't even known you for two years, but she knew that you weren't one to talk about your feelings. Instead, she nodded and offered to help you out of the pub, but you shook your head once again. You had a relatively high limit and partner it with what just happened with Jamie, you were practically sober. You grabbed your clutch and coat before rushing out of the place, furiously wiping the teams from your face.

Fuck Jamie Tartt. Fuck those Man City losers. Fuck everyone involved in turning your best friend into whoever that was. The boy you once knew was gone. Fully and completely gone. You had to accept that.

But even then, you thought you'd hear the door open behind you. You thought it would be Jamie. You thought he'd chase after you. You thought he'd pull you into a hug. You thought he'd apologize for what he did and for everything. You thought he'd cradle your face as he did so. You thought he'd plant a tender kiss on your lips as an apology too. You thought he'd re-enter your life as if nothing had changed.

But he did none of that. 

And you went home alone.

—

"(Y/N)? It's Liv, again!" You hear from the other side of your door, but make no attempt to move from your position in your bed. It was just too comfortable, perfect for wallowing in when you've officially ended the longest friendship you've ever had. Liv continues, "I'm heading home soon, but I asked Donna if she could keep bringing food for you to your door till you head home."

You were touched by the gesture but knew you weren't going to touch any of those bags till late at night when the hall was completely deserted. Till then, you'd be sleeping. Your parents had delayed picking you up till the last day and you've never been more glad about that.

"See you next semester! Love you!" were Liv's parting words and once you heard her footsteps recede, you fell back to sleep.

In all honestly, you've lost track of time at that point. Yeah, it was pathetic sitting in your room as if you were mourning the death of a loved one, but it's not like anyone cared. Well, Liv did, which is why she started bringing you food when she realized you weren't leaving your room, but she was heading home to London. Your parents had no idea what happened and you intended to keep it that way. The rest of your friends were off with their own lives, not even giving you a second thought. Jamie sure as hell didn't care what happened to you. He made that clear.

So for the rest of your time left in the hall, you just stayed in your room. Like a hermit. Jamie would've found it funny, you thought once, till it caused you to burst into tears once again. The more you tried to forget Jamie, the more you thought of him, which was the worst loop you could be in.

He's even in your dreams. One of them felt so real because you were in your exact position in reality when your phone rang. You saw his name as the caller, but 'dream you' just pressed decline. Even deleted the missed call notification. Good for her.

Then, you wake up to a missed call and a text from your mom. On route to Cardiff! Can't wait to see you, sweetie. 

Ah, fuck. Had that much time really passed? You jumped out of your bed and start fixing up. Technically, you had 3 and a half hours to do so, but counting showering, cleaning up your suitcases from your dusty closet, and shoving almost a years worth of items into said suitcases, then you were in a bind and never prayed for traffic more in your life.

And from the sheer fear of your parents giving you a sermon in front of the entire building, you almost forgot about your former state of wallowing in self-pity. Then you were faced with taking down the decorations on your wall. 

There was a mix of everything from school banners, even flyers, and pictures you'd taken with your friends and parents. You started with those first until the only ones left were the ones related to Jamie. You had pictures with him from multiple stages of your life. There was one from the first football match of his you ever attended and one from your graduation, too. 

You had kept the note he made you when you were 16 and you joined your first individual debate tournament. ‘Fucking smash it!’ was scrawled in his handwriting on a post-it note, which you've hung on your wall since your first year of uni. 

Even the rings he used to buy you for your birthday till his mom told him to find something new. You slowly pulled them from your desk drawer and realized there were only four. One missing. They were old anyway. You end up shrugging it off and placing them into your suitcase.

When you started inserting the rest of the items into an envelope, you continue to look at that picture with Jamie from when you were seven. Suddenly overcome by an emotion — rage, pity, nostalgia, you're not really sure, — you crumple it with your two hands and hold it like that for a few seconds. 

You finally let go and see the two distorted faces, you're suddenly overcome by feelings of guilt. 7-year-old Jamie didn't do anything wrong; what was the point of taking your frustrations on a picture of him? Maybe you can throw darts at a printed photo of the current Jamie when you get home instead.

You flatten the picture as best you can before putting it back into the pile in the envelope. You finish packing your desk and place all the items into one of your suitcases. You look around the room, satisfied. Sure, your sheets weren't made yet, but you were going to leave the place anyway and you needed to shower. It was 40 minutes till your parents would knock on your door, — as seen in the picture they sent of the GPS — so it was more than enough for you to get ready.

Time passed by quickly and soon, your dad was helping bring your bags down to the car while your mom talked about how much weight you've lost while you were away, like they always did. 

"Oh! Jamie, he had a game against Cardiff last week, right?" Your dad remembers as he starts the car. You almost freeze at the name, but turn to look out the window to avoid your parents catching whatever expression you had on your face. You were too tired to mask it properly.

"Yes, he was amazing!" Your mom exclaimed before asking. "Georgie said she told him to meet up with you here. Did he?"

"No," you answered quickly. You never lied to your parents, which is probably why they accepted your response so easily. You don't look back at them and continue to look at the passing trees. "Must've been busy."

A/N: yeah... and there you go! here's what happened that night in the pub and hopefully it makes me much more clear why reader still holds something against jamie! we're going back to the present day timeline for the next one so stay tuned!

TAGLIST: @moonflowersandsparkles @faith-alons26 @rexorangecouny @aiyaiy @thegirlthatwantedtowrite @giggling-sewer-ginger @katdahlali @higherthanheroes @guccilongboard @alipap3 @rockchickrebel @ellietartt @shineforever19 @skewedcherries @jamietarttdodo @meg-ro @deepdarkvelvet @taytaylala12 @scaramou @rae4725 @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo (couldn't tag you for some reason?)

[uniquegamers21]

~Alhaitham & Clorinde~

The scribe and the duelist champion sit in silence for a moment. Alhaitham rubbed his forehead before a long sigh escape his lips. He never knew it would be chaos like this. Fatui managed to do this few steps ahead and yet, even the duke tempted to mark her despite what happened. The scents getting thicker, he knows that she is awake by now. Even so, her scents is masked by three different scents. Those scents usually prevents another one's from claiming their target. Plus, the three of them were quite strong, anyone would stay away from her, but not him. Even if Alhaitham half vampire, part of him still a human. Knowing her apartment building have problem with water, she won't be able to go back there for now. "It seems she's awake now." Clorinde placed her teacup on the table and stood up. Reaching for the doorknob and open it slowly. "Hello, My name Clorinde. There's nothing to be worried about. I worked with Judge Neuvilette, the ruler of Fontaine. I'm really sorry for what you've been through I'm sure you have a lot of question right now." Clorinde had a few spare clothes that might suitable for her. She placed it on her bed for her. "You can wear this for now. Any question you had, we will answer it. I know it is a lot to take in, we will answer your question. We will be waiting for you in the longue." Leaving her with her own thoughts, Clorinde seems a little bit awkward. She wasn't the type of person that easily comfort someone. As the duelist, she had to be fierce in case someone asking for the duel of truth. Alhaitham decided to read some books while waiting for her, as for Clorinde, she sips her tea like always. He is no longer hearing the ambulance or police car from outside. It seems they got it under control as soon as Neuvilette took charge of everything. He heard the Fontaine's Archon, lady furina is a great archon, yet she couldn't couldn't everything without Neuvilette by her side. Perhaps this is why those fatui able to take charge in everything.

Alhaitham close his boom as soon as he heard the door opened and revealed no other than Demetra. He could see exhaustion in her face.

"If you are worried that I could do the same as them, please don't be. I am Alhaitham, the scribe from Akademiya and currently here to pursue a higher education before going back to Sumeru. I'm also half Vampire and half human." Alhaitham made an indifferent expression on his face as he stared at her, hiding countless worries and concerns for her well-being. A small sigh escaped his lips as he grabbed a blanket from the couch and walked up to her. The way he moves is slow and careful, not to scare her. He slowly wrapped that blanket around her before placing his hand on her head, soothingly ruffling her red hair. "I'm glad, you woke up. It's been a while since the last time I saw you. You may not remember me, but the time you played with Rayne, I was there" Alhaitham pulled his hand back, not wanting to overwhelm her for a moment. On the table, there were three bandages which will be explained to her later. There are blue ones, the ones that she used to wear. The orange ones mean that the person is half human, and the last is the black ones, which means the person is taken and marked by another. Both Alhaitham and Clorinde used something in their tea to stay in Control. Even when they marked her, they could scent such delicious smells coming from her. The tea calmed their nerves, and Alhaitham managed to be himself without losing control of wanting to mark her. "For your information, I am also your skating partner and your classmate as well, so it's a pleasure to meet you." Alhaitham expression were unreadable. He has always been like that, stoic and cold which made people mistake his attitude as offensive or lack of sympathy. However, the way he acted earlier and the way he stared at her is completely different. "And you won't be able to go back again. Your apartment flooded with water, just as you burn the entire alleway." Added Clorinde as she gave her a few pictures of what happened there.

~Neuvilette~

In another place, Neuvilette just finished giving some official letters to the three of them. Good thing he acted fast, even so...the situation is still dangerous for them. He never thought Fatui would move so fast to get them. Perhaps, they were even after them before they went here. Staring at the stacks of paperwork, Neuvillette can only sigh softly. His hand slowly moved to sign the paper, before a hawk appeared on his window. "Ah, about time. Now, now Mrs. Furina, I hope you learned something from this lesson because everyone will be judged in upcoming trials. Due to your incompetence, two rare hunters that only exist once for five hundred years fall to Fatui. Although Wriothesley marked her, it doesn't mean that they deserve this. They are humans that still growing up and deserve to enjoy their normal lives. " Neuvilette rubbed his forehead as he read the small letter. Should the trials be here or should he put the trials on holiday? He wasn't sure what would be the appropriate next step. However, he shall decide everything tomorrow. "I-I know! Everything is under control, I, Focalor had to think it throughly for everything. You don't need to worry besides-" Neuvilette slammed his hand on the table and gave the paper to her. "This is the number of casualties, you are the Fontaine's Archon, the leader and I am the judge. Please think it through one more time." Neuvilette stood up from his seat. He decided to meet one of them first, starting from Demetra in Clorinde's house. The rains slowly come as Neuvilette leaves his office. Many people greet him, yet he know behind those eyes, they held contempt for him. He unable to keep everything in check properly.

~Rayne~

Rayne tried her best to find any dried clothes, yet she only found one clothes and underwear. Running her hand through her short hair, she feels frustrated knowing that she has no other clothes. Even the blankets are wet. She had no other choice, but to wear this black T-shirt and underwear. Her room was a mess and her mark kept sending strange things to her body. It feels really weird like a tingling sensation to her. She goes silent for a moment. She remembered that She brought scara to her and he ended up biting her neck, making her go..like that then, dottore came and did that thing. Both of them bite her neck, is there any mark on her neck? Taking a small mirror, she saw a strange mark on her neck. There are two of them. It's not a dream, both of them are vampires. The question is, how many of them? Is her bestie back yet? There are so many questions in her mind and she must get the answer today at all cost. She slowly opens the door and takes a peek at the two of them before walking out, glaring at them. "Listen, this is the only dried clothes I had, so no comment." Rayne tried her best not to feel embarrassed as she sat on the floor. "So, since I regain my logical mind, let me confirm a few things. Both of you are vampires and these are your marks? Does that mean, it same like you are claiming me? And I guess, you two weren't the only vampire...isn't that right? Now, since it's all clear, tell me why these apartments flood with water? and out of all people, why do you mark me? Besides, you can always find someone else to mark with! It's not even 24 hours that I came here." Now, she gets it why would they give the newcomers the blue bandages. Perhaps there are some restrictions that allow them to do as they please IF the person they are after, taking off that blue bandage.

Surprisingly, Rayne took the news with calm mind. Her eyes wandered into her belonging and it seems she had to work extra or check whether she found another new room for her. She couldn't sleep in wet bed and...chaotic room like this. Not to mention, her phone is completely broken and it will be hard to contact her friends as well. Rayna scratch over the make, it's feel a bit itchy and warm on the same time. Is it because the mark reacted to how they feel and their needs? Though the water disappeared, everything still wet. Suddenly, she saw a pigeon fly from the window. It seems to have a paper on it's feet.

"I will take that one" Rayne took the paper and read it loud. "In two days, be ready for trial- wait, what does the trial means?!" Rayne started to freak out. It's not 24 hours she stayed here and she already in trouble. At least, the trial will happen after the beach party- wait, no. It's till not a good thing at all. Rayne didn't know anything relate to trial or whatsoever. "Scara, I forgive you and I could hear your voice while I fall asleep. So, thankyou. And You, Dottore. I do half-forgiving you, since you take advantage of me, in that situation. Geez...this is a mess" Rayne wondered if she should stay and clean everything or wearing wet clothes and search of nearby hotel. Suddenly, out of nowhere the door slammed open, her door completely broken and reveal a woman in yellow suit. "W-what the hell are you doing!?" She definitely won't be able to stay in this place any longer. When she realized that she stared at her outfit, she quickly dash to he room once more, slammed the door shut. She barely had any dried clothes right now. There is no way she would be able to stay here with broken door even if her reason was to save anyone in need. She definitely need another place to stay. Maybe she shouldn't go to this place from beginning. Maybe she should ask one of them for a place to stay? How about her friend? Is she alright ? She couldn't contact her since her phone is completely broken. Should she wear her clothes? No, it will risk her having fever for wearing wet clothes. She even ruin her paper schedule. Opening the drawer, the wet paper still there but she still could see the name there even if the ink were not that clear. Her name is right under scara name- wait a sec! They are classmates?! She could hear someone knocking the door and probably the three of them having some kind of talk or something.

Supernatural AU

(Genshin Impact Private roleplay one x one)

[ Pantalone ] & [ Childe ] & [Wriothesley]

Wriothesley knows that he is in trouble right now. He saw the Fatui delegation leaving Neuvilette office. When he touched the doorknob, he could feel his murderous intent from inside. "Come in" his cold voice made him take a deep breath before opening the door. He could see the table that was prepared for the meeting. It has wonderful tea scents and matcha slice cake on the table. "What is it?" His indifferent attitude to what happened made him mad. However, he remains calm as he taps the table. "Is that all you can say?" Standing up, Neuvilette grabs the paper from his table and throws it to his face. "I disappoint in you, Wriothesley. I thought at least, you can hold back yourself and do the right thing." Wriothesley picked up the paper, one by one. He read it slowly, per sentence.

"Trial?! How can the news reach this fast? I will go back to that place, I can't let them have her-" SLAP!! There's a red mark on his right cheek, Neuvilette slapped him hard, his expression wasn't like usual his emotionless self. He felt angry because no one he could trust to handle such a trivial trouble and let Fatui get what they wanted. The situation there was so intense that even Melusine didn't dare to walk in. "This isn't too late, we can still arrange the trial. After all, he made his mark on her. We still can save one of them. Though, I can't say for another one, we still can save her from Fatui's grasp" A soft yet stern voice made two of them turn their head. It was no other than chlorinde. The duelist champion, the vampire was known for her agility and precision. 

"we should go now" her expression showed nothing, sometimes wriothesley had a hard time talking with her. Their relationship goes to the tea buddy and nothing more. After all, she often breaks his door whenever she comes in. 

----------

In front of the new apartment building, Alhaitham met someone he recognized. After all, he used to stay in Sumeru before. How come he is here now? "You are that...Hat guy?" Said Alhaitham with his stoic expression. "I should have been the one who asked you. Why are you here and what are you doing here? I never thought the reason you moved from Sumeru was to stay in Fontaine." He crossed his arm with a small frown on his flawless face. He wondered why is he near this building. Is he after Demetra too? He had been told by Kaveh before about the awakening. Today should be the day when they unleash their potential and it is also the highest peak of their blood. Their blood is rare enough, that no supernatural creatures would want to miss them. However, during this day, it was holding much more power than before. "Don't tell me...are you after her too?" There is one reason why would she worried about his soon-to-be partner more than Kaveh's relative. That is because of her origin. Those who were marked by bravery will burn everything once the power is unleashed from her body. It might even burn the entire city and have a bad after-effect on her body. He didn't feel any of her presence around her. There's only one human and one vampire in that apartment building. Since he is half-human, his abilities are quite limited. Suddenly, the water pipe in that building lost control, and water leaking out in everywhere. That must be Rayne. "Crap, I'm too late! Where's the secret alleway?! Take me there and I will-" Before he finished a loud explosion could be heard from afar, a huge fire swirling around the building that is not far from there. No, he is too late to find her. Alhaitham ran in the fire direction, as fast as he could, hoping that is not too late. 

[A few minutes before the accident]

Childe and Pantalone enjoyed their time, devouring her, sinking their fangs into her soft, delicate skin, and drinking her blood. The rich taste of her blood made their body grow even stronger than before. Childe can feel it, if this keeps up, he will be able to master the foul legacy in no time. As Pantalone, he never thought he would feel such a power like this in his veins. His sense of smell, his sights, and hearing had been shaper than before. Such a magnificent power, yet a fragile host. It is a shame that she knows nothing about it. Taking his time admiring her, Pantalone's hand slowly caressed her cheeks gently. "You should blame Diluc for this. After all, he is the one who hides the truth from you" Crawling on top before positioning himself above her, Pantalone leans forward as his lips embrace hers passionately. Enjoying this sinful moment between them. Pulling away, he left a trail of kisses down to her chin, running across her jawline until he reached her neck. His lips pressed gently against her skin, so gentle like a lover. 

Flashing his fangs to brush them against the tender area he wished to scar. Wasting no time, he sinks his fangs deeply into her neck.  The sweetness of her blood filled his mouth, a soft moan escaping his lips, as expected of the legendary hunter lineages.

Continuing what he did, Pantalone slithered off the bed and made his way in between her thighs. Positioning his tip near her entrance, his body trembling with excitement. With both hands gripping each side of her hips, in one thrust he pushed his entire length inside of her. He didn't even give hera chance to take a break. He positioned his hands just under the back of her knee. Lifting her thighs, repositioning her legs just enough to have them hover in the air. He won't give her a chance to take a breath and keep pushing his length till it hits her spot. with one final thrust forward, he finally reached his climax. If it wasn't because of protection, his thick, hot loads of liquid would fill her to the brim of her entrance. Groaning softly, Pantalone slowly pulled away from her, watching her expression as she slowly slipped away into the dreamland. "I think that is enough for the night" Pantalone grabbed the blanket and covered her body. This room is quite a mess now. He didn't even remember how long they played, but the time to enjoy this will end soon. "Hey, what do you mean by 'it's enough'? Are you f****ng kidding me?!" Pantalone eyes colour glowed for a moment, making him pause his action. "You know what? Screw this, why don't we finish it by fighting outside. The winner shall take her" However, this won't make him cower in fear. Tartaglia loves battle and the feeling of adrenaline, no matter how strong he is. Though he only drank her blood a little, he could always do a quick test with his foul legacy. Instead of fighting, Pantalone threw his phone at him, it was showing the location of Wriothesley who seemed to head back there. "With the current me, I will welcome you anytime. However, he won't be back here alone. You know what this means don't you?" Childe hated to admit it, but he couldn't fight the entire Fontaine alone. Besides, it will make their nation's relationship worse. "Tch. Fine" both of them quickly clean themselves and wear their clothes. What they didn't know is, the fire mark on her body glowed a little. As it glowed, the fire started to appear near the drawer. "Hey, I smell something- wait, fire?" Childe used his water element, unfortunately, it wasn't the end. One by one, the fire started to appear around them. "This..." Pantalone saw how the fire started to expand yet not a single flame touched her body. Is this her awakened power? He wanted to grab her but as soon as his hand touched her body, it burned his skin. "Gah! " Pantalone stared at the wound, his healing process was too slow. Is this because of the hunter's power? The fire swirling around her. "She might burn the entire building at this point, no, with this power she might even try to burn the entire city" 

Pantalone saw the fire swirling around her body as if forming into armor with wings of fire on her back. Slowly the fire lifted her body and broke the rooftop. Pantalone and Childe rush outside, everyone scrambles to leave this place. 

As the chaos erupted, the water formed around her like a tornado, swirling against her fire, slowly putting it out of the way.

"I'm glad we arrived on time. Wriothesley, Clorinde."  Neuvilette stands there, in his usual formal attire. Everyone was surprised to see Monsieur Neuvilette there. 

"Yes, sir" Wriothesley ran towards her as the fire slowly devoured her fire, but being careful not to drown her. He used his water and carve a path for him and Clorinde to get her. Once he closed enough, he grabbed her body. His mark on her body glowed and the fire reduced a little bit. "Ah, I get it now. So, I need to take down the fire and touch her at the same time" Wriothesley grinned, knowing he had a massive chance to get her. "Still thinking about that?" As if reading her mind, Clorinde touched the mark of fire on her and whispered something in other languages before everything turned to normal. Before Wriothesley caught her, Clorinde kicked him away and carried her in her arms, covering her body with her jacket. She made eye contact with Neuvilette who nodded at her and left that place in an instant. Heading towards her apartment. However, on the way there, she met someone. His clothes showed that he was from Sumeru. Half humans and Half Vampire. 

"Wait, I'm Alhaitham from Sumeru. I'm here for her. I've been looking for her everywhere. Thankyou for taking care of her"

"You should have protected her better," said Clorinde with coldness in her tone. "Show me, where is her place?" Alhaitham shook her head, knowing that apartment was...in a mess right now. "I don't think we can take her there. Another one awakens just like her. Water is flooding in everywhere. its better to take her to my place." Clorinde thought for a while before she shook her head. "My place. You come with me"

In the end, they took her to Clorinde's personal house, a large house that has a good aesthetic in it. She placed her in her guest room and covered her with a blanket before she closed the door. "Now, Alhaitham. Tell me what you know" Alhaitham seemed hesitant, but he had no choice. It is for her own good. 

​​​​​​In her dream, she was in the middle of a strange place. Filled with cracked ground, magma around her and a strange floating red stone in front of her. The stone has the prism shape, floating in front of her. The moment she set her eyes on that stone, the images of her past appeared around her. 

'why?' A male voice spoke within her head.

'Why can't you feel my presence, Demetra?'

'Why?' The stone glowed as if signalling that it was indeed the stone that talked to her. However, the moment she was about to touch it, someone grabbed her hand and choked her neck. "I got ya...Princess" The man was full of black liquid around his body, slowly that liquid fell from her body, revealing a handsome man with red eyes. "I won't let you get away again, Demetra!" The prism shone brighter this time, it made the man release his grip on her and send her back to her own world. She can hear the man's voice screaming in anger when he no longer gets his hand on her. 

[ Rayne ]

Everything seemed like a dream to her, a pleasant dream that she never had before. Everything he had done, pushed her to the edge. Every time, he sinks his fang, her body reacts differently. It's like her body is on fire, it's too much for him to handle. It's like his touch is her water. He is the only one who can take these feelings away from her. "W-wait Dottore...slow down-" a soft moan escaped her lips, in normal situations, she would probably lash out like a female lion. However, she couldn't think straight. Never in a million times that she would spend her first time like this. Her heart beating so fast, her lewd voice filled the room. She could feel her legs tremble, her body losing all its strength every time he drank her blood. The way he kept hitting her sensitive spot, made her wrap her legs around him, not wanting to let go. She wanted more of him. "D-dottore, I wanna come..." Reaching climax, she moaned in pleasure calling his name. The moment, Rayne reached a climax, she became quiet. Her breathing turned to be more stable unlike before. Everything turns hazy, maybe his venom is too much for her for the first time. She stared at Dottore's face for one last time before she fell unconscious. Unknown to her, her hydro mark was slowly visible on her neck. It glows slightly, as a sign that she will awaken her power soon. It all started from the water pipe on the first floor, the water from the sink, and the bathroom started to come up. It flooded the apartment and even started to make their way to the street. The second floor, the third floor and next is the fourth floor, the place where she stayed.

"What the hell is this?! The water pipe is out of control!" A loud voice was heard from outside. Then suddenly, the water pipe in her room also did the same. It's like the water turned to life and even tried to nearly drown everyone. The water slowly surrounds the person's body and goes into their head, blocking their sources of oxygen. However, the water didn't even touch her. Instead, it goes around her. "Someone please save me!" Many people scream outside asking for help while Rayne falls unconscious.

Meanwhile, Rayne had a strange dream. She opens her eyes to see the fallen city. Everything is drowned by water, she wants to come out when she realized that she is in the water. However, someone pulled her back. "You can breathe in here, don't worry" a male voice made her turn her head. She never saw him before. "Who are you?" The man didn't say anything and pointed at the strange prism floating behind her. It has a hydro symbol in it. "What is this? Who are you? What is happening here?!" Since the man kept silent, she decided to touch the prism and in an instant the memories of her past flooded her mind. "I...don't want to remember"

the man shook his head as he turned his back against her. "You had to....after all, you are a hunter. Not a prey. You shouldn't let them leave their mark on you, otherwise...they might have control over your power soon.." This makes her confused even more. What kind of power? Suddenly, the man in front of her, choked her with such strength. "Wake...up"

Rayne jolts awake, she can feel the sensation on her neck. Why the hell is he doing that?! "Geez...what a bad dream- wait, what the hell are you two doing here?!" She is surprised to see Dottore and Scara in her room, they look like about to start a war with each other. Her eyes landed on her belongings, only to see her room condition in chaos. everything is wet, her book, her clothes, and even her blue bandage. She even doubted that she had something to wear tonight- wait, something to wear? She took a peek at her blanket and realized that she didn't wear anything. "Both of you...OUT!" She throws anything at them, whether a pillow or anything she can find in her room. At least, when they were out of her room, she quickly closed the door and looked for any dried clothes to wear. Her face still turns red from embarrassment.  "Remember, none of you leave this place! We still had something to talk about!"

[rose-colored-amy]

So, this is a continuation to my extremely short one-shot Last Moments, Last Regrets, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Regardless, I'll leave the link of that one in here:

Also, thanks to @coeurhh for suggesting I write a second part. You're a sweetheart 🥰

She made a lovely fanart/gif, which I'm also sharing, of course:

Prompt: AU. Sakura's death goes unnoticed to everyone but the squad she protected with her life and Tsunade. Team Kakashi doesn't find out until the very end, when Naruto and Sasuke have already had their fight, and there's nothing to do about it but mourn the absence.

Warning: Mild Sasusaku and lots of angst. Team 7 sort-of-fluff (?)

—Blue Bird, Let Go—

"Hey, bastard... I know they really let us down, the village, I mean."

"Aa... "

"But I really think it's not all that bad. When we were I team, I knew you understood. It felt like having a brother, believe it."

They were watching their lives go by, shadows of unknown faces passing by them, not noticing their pain, or not caring whatsoever. Their backs were touching, but it was all cold and bleak; a bad memory. A clan slaughtered, a demon sealed. Two lonely boys wallowing in their own sadness.

"Well, even if I don't make it, I'm glad it was you, bastard—"

"Shut up, idiot." His voice sounded strained, even for his standards, but Sasuke was so tired he couldn't even bring himself to care.

"We're really dying, ah? Wanna say something? I do have things to say, 'cause there's no way I'm dying—"

"In silence?" Sasuke interrupted, but Naruto payed him no mind.

"Without telling you how much of an asshole you've been! I couldn't even keep my promise to Sakura-chan! She's gonna be so damn mad when she finds out, I'm sure she'll drag me back to life just to cave my face in—" He was rambling at that point, but it was just so comforting and normal to Sasuke that he didn't even acknowledge it anymore.

"Hn. Sakura... She..."

"She still loves you, asshole. I don't have any idea how it can be possible but—"

"I'm sorry..." It sounded rushed, but Naruto heard it perfectly, and in the darkness of their shared consciousness, Sasuke heard a resigned sigh.

"Well, it's not that bad. I cannot imagine dying beside anyone but you, bastard."

"Idiot..." He made a pause. "Me neither."

"You're both a pair of idiots!"

Suddenly, the unreadable mass of unrecognizable faces around them cleared, and one figure stood in front of them, pink eyebrows frowned in annoyance. Though this version of Sakura looked familiar, it was one none of the boys had seen in a long time. Genin, long-haired, Sakura was glaring at them, arms crossed.

"Sakura-chan! What are you doing in here?!"

Her eyes softened. "What, so I'm supposed to let you two die, after everything? No way in hell!"

"Sakura..."

"You!" She pointed at Sasuke, who flinched slightly at her rudeness. "I don't know what the hell happened, but I don't care. Lighten up and start being your moody self. We love you just like that! Don't act so repented and shit! If you're sorry stop looking like a lost puppy and start doing something about it, you asshole!" Her voice was raising with madness and it was slightly off putting to see what used to be a stuttering lovestruck preteen talking to him like that.

Naruto snorted at that, obviously delighted for not being at the receiving end of her wrath for once. It was short-lived, however.

"And you!" She pointed at the blonde; then crossed her arms. He jumped back in fright. "What is this? How dare you even consider dying after you promised to be the best goddamned Hokage in history?! Here I am, rooting for you, while you lay around like a lazy pig with your edgy bro there. You should be ashamed of yourself!" She scoffed.

Naruto's mouth was so wide open he could have caught a fly. "Lazy pig? Are you kidding?!"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, half amused, half annoyed. "Edgy?"

Suddenly, the edges of their vision began to blurr, like a genjutsu being unravelled. "Ah, someone came to help you at last." Sakura seemed relieved. Strangely so.

"Hey, Sakura-chan! You know what? You're right. I'll be the best damn Hokage ever, believe it! Just you watch!" He threw a punch to the air.

Seemingly placated and pleased with his answer, she nodded. "I know so." Then, she turned to her other teammate, who was concentrating solely on her face, mismatched eyes softened as they'll ever be. "And you'll make sure he doesn't mess up, right?"

They shared a long silence. There was something strange about Sakura aside her appearance. He could tell. "Hn. I will..."

"Hey! I don't need him watching over—"

"Sure you don't." He countered sarcastically.

"Also..." They turned to her again. "I'm sorry."

"Wha—" Naruto stuttered. "What the hell would you be sorry for, Sakura-chan?! If anything, it's the bastard here who should be apologizing to you!"

"Sakura..." Sasuke seemed to be searching for the right words, but she couldn't let them go without them listening to her. To what she needed them to know. There wasn't much time left after all.

"I'm sorry, because I wasn't what you needed..." She closed her eyes, her pretty minty orbs. Her appearance suddenly shifted, before then now standing her true self, still dressed in the standard shinobi uniform of the alliance. Her forehead protector lost to whoever knows where. "And thank you. You both made me stronger. You made me appreciate what I had. And I'll always, always love you. Our moments together like team seven... I'll treasure them for all eternity."

"Sakura-chan..."

"I know Konoha wasn't the best to you both, but don't forget the good... The wholesome moments. It's all that matters in the end... Our bonds, the bonds you managed to forge with sweat and blood... The world we live in, the world that gave me the chance to meet you. To me, that's to be cherished. Forever."

The white light started overwhelming the rest. Even Sakura's features started dissapearing.

"Live. Just live." For that, she specifically stared at Sasuke, a soft smile playing on her lips. "And thank you."

Sasuke started racing towards her, hand stretched, a forebonding understanding shaking his bones. "Sakura!"

And then, they both lost consciousness.

When they woke up, aside from feeling like shit, the first thing that crossed their minds what the finality of Sakura's words. Tsunade was beside them, patching them up, with Kakashi beside her, silently watching over them.

"About time, brats! What were you think—"

"Baa-san." Naruto interrupted her, his voice the most serious she had heard him until then.

"Where's Sakura?" Sasuke finished for him, his eyes icy and detached, trying to keep his worry at bay.

But she didn't need to answer. Her chakra flow hesitated, spiking with sorrow. Her eyes glistening with unbearable loss. Kakashi, at her side, stared, eyes widened in comprehension.

She was gone by a long shot.

And they were just finding out.

...

Everybody had different ways of dealing with loss. Naruto helped rebuild the village along with everyone else, but he skipped his usual meals, his ramen left forgotten in his kitchen counter. His movements when sparring were sloppy at best, not just because of the new prosthetic limb, but also because his mind was clearly somewhere else. Usually, Shikamaru would drag him out his makeship house, like he had done when Jiraija was gone for good. Sometimes, he would bring Ino with him, who was suspiciously skinny and messier than normal. No makeup covering the dark circles under her eyes.

Kakashi spent more than usual at the memorial stone every day, tracing the newly marked name of the girl who once remained him of Rin but that had come to claim a place for herself in his heart. Also, he took more missions than it was allowed in a month, going so far as to pick up his ANBU mask again, which caused an altercation with Tsunade, who hadn't been sober in a long time and had been hoping to hand the Hokage seat to him.

Sai avoided the color pink for a long time.

Sasuke... Well, he dealed with loss the same as everyone else... Longing for the missing person to be there, itching to have the opportunity to say what he couldn't at the time. Wanting to be alone whenever they would reach for him... And he built a tomb for her in hopes to find some closure. Not that official, because there wasn't a body to bury, and it had no name, but it was enough for him. He would bring with him camellias every day, buying them at the Yamanaka's, where Ino would always glance at him in silent understanding.

One morning, on his way to her tomb, he spotted a young shinobi leaving a white lilly for her. When he came by, the child spoke without a care, like they were acquaintances. "This is Sakura-san's, right?"

"Hn." It wasn't really an answer, but the child seemed to understand anyway.

"You know? Mama and big sister are also buried in these grounds... I always talk to them and tell them about my day and stuff I want them to know!" He turned to the Uchiha, a smirk on his cherubic face. "I'm sure she would appreciate it as well." And just like that, he left without another word.

Sasuke sat on the ground, just in front of the stone, mismatched eyes half lidded. Sensing no one in the vicinity, he exaled a shaky breath, and his dam opened up, the words longing to be said broke the silence he had been wrapping around himself since he knew of her death:

"I miss you... I've been missing you since I first left."

[ethereal-wishes]

Meet Me Halfway: Part One

Sir Maurice – Duke of Avonlea – had pledged his daughter, Belle, to be wed to King Raul's son, Neal, ever since she was born. The pair would wed on her eighteenth birthday. Belle French had never met Neal, but she had met his father – King Raul. He was a man with short graying hair and a stern countenance. He never smiled, and Belle was aware of the ruefulness always lurking within his soulful depths. When, Belle, had asked her father why Neal had never visited, Maurice had informed her he was a sickly child. Raul would often journey to Avonlea and converse kingly affairs with her father. He'd never spoken to her in passing, often pretending she was invisible whilst in her father's presence.

Belle inwardly dreaded the day she would have to leave Avonlea and become the wife of a man she'd never truly met. She'd filled her time with educating herself about kingdom affairs, leading up to that moment. She'd received an extensive education during her childhood, because she didn't intend to be an ignorant ruler. By the time her eighteenth birthday arrived, she assumed she would meet the prince she was destined to wed. She'd been mistaken when her father revealed that Prince Neal had died a few short years earlier of the bubonic plague. In fact, Raul's wife – Queen Milah had passed as well.

“I don't understand, Papa. What are you saying? I've been expecting to marry this prince my entire life, yet why am I just finding out he's deceased?” she queried, her mind buzzing with questions.

The duke exhaled sharply. "There will be a wedding, Belle. It just won't be to Prince Neal.”

“Then who!?” She demanded, sickness roiling in her gut.

Maurice swallowed hard, averting his gaze. "King Raul still intends to honor the marriage agreement we forged at your christening. You'll marry him instead. He's without an heir and needs a new queen to rule beside him.”

Belle's countenance fell at the mention of the callous, standoffish royal. “You can't be serious, Papa. That man has the personality of a dead fish,” she countered.

Maurice sighed, wrapping his arm around his daughter's delicate shoulders. “You don't know him like I do. I know he's twice your age, but he's an honorable man. He'll be a good husband to you, I have no doubt. Though you may find you have little in common, you'll have a comfortable life.”

Belle nodded. “I'll accept King Raul's proposal because it's the right move for both of our kingdoms. I never knew the prince, but I'd hoped to.”

Maurice smiled, pulling her close. “You make me proud, Belle. Tomorrow, Raul will arrive for the wedding celebrations, and then you'll be escorted back to Albannach.”

“Let it be as you say,” she consented, spending the rest of her evening being refitted for her wedding gown. When she was finally granted some solitude, she spent her time reading in a cozy nook in her personal library. She would dearly miss her castle, her father, her friends, including every other piece of herself she was leaving behind.

~X~

The day of the wedding left her stomach tied in knots. He'd met her at the altar, decorated in his kingly ensemble. The veil hid her rouge cheeks and lacquered lips. The first words they'd speak to each other would be their vows. She fought back the urge to tremble as she spoke the sacred vows pauper and prince had exchanged for ages. His eyes fixated themselves on her, studying, committing each detail to memory. She became enraptured by his eyes, the wind being knocked from her as he brushed his lips ever so slightly against hers. She blinked as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. There wasn't time to contemplate what had just transpired, before she found herself being led by his arm to a carriage. Once the doors shut, she knew she'd never step foot in Avonlea again. A tear trekked down her cheek, and she couldn't stop the way her body trembled. The king gazed at her, his eyes filled with something unreadable.

“I'm sorry,” he whispered. “For ripping you away from everything,” he spoke – the sound of his lilting brogue filling the carriage, startling her.

“Pardon?” She spoke, startled by his phantom voice.

“The ripping. I'm sorry for ripping you away from your homeland, your friends, your father,” he paused. “The ripping hasn't stopped though, the seam hasn't been mended.”

“Why do you speak in riddles, your highness?” She addressed him formally, trying to wrap her mind around his enigma.

He smirked at her response. “I'm used to the ripping. My son was ripped away by the plague, my wife, my subjects, my countrymen. There's so much blood it would flood the towns. I need the ripping to stop.”

His countenance fell, revealing those same sad eyes she vaguely remembered during her girlhood. She longed to reach out to him but wasn't sure if it was appropriate, but she supposed it mattered little because it was their wedding night. Soon his hands would be anywhere they wished, marking her as his prize.

Despite her hesitation, she reached out to him, grasping his hand in her own, and testing the weight of it in her palm. He stiffened, and she assumed he wasn't used to this kind of touch, but she continued, stroking his fingers, admiring his beautiful, weathered hands. “You have beautiful hands, you know?”

He scoffed, amused. “There's nothing beautiful about me, princess. The years have worn me away, until I'm a shell of the man I used to be.”

“Your highness, I believe we're all layered. And maybe the years have been unkind.” She continued her gentle ministrations over his digits. “But my father said you were a good man, and I don't doubt him at all.”

He interlaced their fingers, startling her. Her breath hitched in her throat as he began making obsolete patterns on her skin. “These worn, despicable hands have killed men, princess. Yet, you touch me without revulsion.”

Belle dared a glance into his eyes. “I'm aware the cost of keeping a kingdom, securing your reign for centuries to come. It is built upon blood and alliances. And it's the reason we're sitting here in this carriage. I wasn't supposed to marry you, and you weren't supposed to marry me. However it's the way fate destined it to be – You and I, sitting here in this carriage, hand in hand.”

“Now who speaks in riddles, princess?” His age lines crinkled into a smile, as he drew her knuckle to his lips, kissing it reverently.

Belle's breath hitched in her throat. “Tonight, I apologize for my inexperience.”

The king gazed at her, full of wonder and awe. “And I apologize for mine, it has been many years since a woman has warmed my bed,” he admitted, sending a shiver down her spine.

He gathered her hands in his own, gazing into her cerulean depths – his eyes filled with so much sincerity, it wrenched her heart. “I would never hurt you, princess, and tonight I will treat you as a delicate flower. It will be a new journey for us both, this union. I'm sorry I'm not young or handsome.”

“I think you're handsome though.” She brushed prettily at his statement, and he half smiled. He couldn't help but think of her as his delicate flower, one he hoped wouldn't wither at his touch.

“And twice your age,” he teased, planting a sensual kiss against the underside of her wrist. She shuddered at the contact, aware their hands were still connected.

“38,” she answered coyly.

“39,” he corrected. “Today is my birthday.”

Belle blinked owlishly at his statement. “Why ever did you choose to wed on your birthday?”

The king shrugged. “To make a fonder memory. My birthday isn't exactly a joyous occasion.”

Before she could inquire further, the carriage came to a screeching halt. Screams erupted from the outside, and her eyes grew wide as she observed him brandish his sword. “Stay in the carriage, and whatever you do, don't leave. I shall return,” he commanded swinging open the door. He shut it, and she bolted it, sinking down – muffling her ears to drown out the screams coming from the outside. She wasn't sure if it had been hours or days, but the screams finally ceased and all was quiet. She stayed frozen in the carriage, wondering if he was dead. Suddenly the door swung open, revealing his cloaked form.

“Bandits, bloody bastards killed my driver and a few guards, but we got them rounded up,” he cursed, and Belle's face paled when she noticed the blood drenching his tunic.

“Are you hurt?” She inquired, her ears beginning to ring. He reached for her, bracing her fall. He pulled her onto his lap, commanding his men to make haste. He knew she'd only fainted. She was too delicate for him, and he secretly feared he would crush her with the weight of his sins. An innocent lamb caught in the lion's den.

She awoke, lying in his arms. She blinked, noticing a far away look in his eyes. The carriage was dark, and she assumed the sun had already set. She admired his beautiful, careworn face. She absentmindedly reached up to caress his jawline. He shuddered, gazing down at his new bride, unused to such a reverent touch.

“What are you doing, princess?” he mumbled, taking her hand and delicately kissing the underside of her wrist.

“I was hoping to, get a feel of what my new husband's skin felt like,” she spoke, blushing deeply from her admittance.

He gently brushed chestnut locks from her eyes. “Oh how delicate you are, wife. So innocent and fair. What have I done to deserve such a gift?”

Feeling bold, Belle raised up to capture his lips in an inexperienced kiss. The one they'd shared back at the ceremony was brief, but this time, she allowed herself to truly explore the outline of his lips – truly taste him. He kissed her back fervently, cradling her face in his hands. She'd shifted her position and was now sitting on his lap. He nipped lightly at her lower lip, and she carded her fingers through his soft mane.

He gripped her hips gently, securing her onto his lap. The kiss made her feel pleasantly warm, and she ground her hips into him, causing him to jerk forward. He broke the kiss, a predatory look in his eyes. “Be careful, little lamb, not to awaken the lion. The beast within has quite an appetite,” he warned.

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27360130/chapters/66855967

Belle experimentally ground her hips into him again, causing his grip on her to tighten. She flushed deeply, her rosy cheeks eclipsed within the darkness of the carriage. His gaze grew intense, and he bruised her rosebud mouth with his lion teeth. Tongues and teeth clashed messily together, battling for dominance. The kiss was short lived for the carriage had came to a halt.

“We are here, my delicate bloom,” He purred deliciously in her ear, causing her entire body to tremble in the most pleasant of places. “We are in Albannach.”

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

CSUAVS prt 3... I'm tired of world building already

Returning to his ship in an angry daze, Kosmo had tried to climb into his lap feeling dejected from Lance's lack of attention. Keith... he just couldn't understand. Sitting on his thin bed, he glared down at Lance's communicator in annoyance as replayed their conversation in his mind. Maybe entering Lance's room had been a touch too far, but the anger he'd shown was way out of proportion. And what did he even mean that Earth wasn't his home anymore. From the moment they first reached the castle, Lance had been dying to return to his family... And what did he mean Shiro had already retired to be with Curtis? None of it made any sense. He'd wanted to see his best friend again, but said best friend seemed to genuinely hate him... And what was with his lack of marks? Was it make up? The more he thought about it, the more his mood worsened, the communicator in his hands threatened to break if he applied any more pressure to thin device. Fuck it. Fuck Lance. It wasn't like he didn't have enough on his mind as it was. He still had no leads over Guile. He'd found his best friend and long time crush living in a fucking brothel, getting up to gods know what and he has the nerve to get mad when Keith makes the effort?! Not caring he was invading Lance's privacy, Keith thumbed over the communicators surface. If Lance wasn't going to tell him what the quiznak was going on, he'd have to investigate himself. He had to know... he had to know if it was personal, or if Lance had snubbed the rest of the team in the same manner as he'd done him. Opening his call logs, he scrolled through the list. Each Earth Sunday, he called Veronica. In fact, Veronica seemed to be the most called person on his phone. Next was his mother, listed under "Mama", presumably a blanket name for his family, phone calls home seemed to happen once every two movements lasting for at least a varga each time, though they were also the most missed calls on the device. If Lance was phoning home, then why was his parents so worried? It didn't make sense. Closing his call log, he opened Lance's messages. Veronica's name popping up first, marked with 5 unread messages. Next was his mother again... then Hunk, Pidge, and Shiro, but the dates on these messages were far older, three or so phoebs ago. Frowning, this wasn't the Lance he knew. Lance always liked to check in. He always liked to know everyone was alright. Opening Shiro's message thread, his heart fell when he read what was there. Four times Lance had tried to reach out to Shiro, each time asking "how he was" or "what he'd been up to", only for Shiro to reply each time that he was "sorry, but couldn't talk at the moment". Growling slightly, he closed the thread to open Pidge's, only to find it reading more or less the same thing. The cherry on the top was Hunk's thread. Lance had been encouraging him and Shay, telling Hunk to "go for it", and that he was "an amazing catch anyone would be lucky to have", only, the messages had tapered off to exactly the same thing as what had happened with Shiro and Pidge. Closing out of the thread, he scrolled down further to find he hadn't messaged Lance, or replied to his messages either in over four phoebs. They'd spoken via calls, but the messages thing... He honestly hadn't realised it'd been so long. Flicking back to the call log, he felt sick when he did the maths, Lance had hardly been involved in any of the teams movemently calls. By trying to give Lance space, he'd inadvertently shut the man out completely. If he was Lance, he'd be pretty pissed too, especially when they'd gone through all of this before on their return journey back to Earth. None of them meant it maliciously. People simply got busy with life, but for Lance, Voltron had always been a cruel test of self worth when the Red Paladin had absolutely nothing to prove to any of them. He was the one Keith trusted to watch his back. To question his judgement and to pull him back into line when he fucked up as leader of the group. He'd thought he was doing better. He knew he was doing better. He'd been able to work through so many things when stranded on the space whale with his mother, but the one person who deserved his attention, who'd always tried to make him feel welcome in his own stupid ways, had slipped right through the cracks. It was a bitter pill to swallow. He had to see Lance again. He had to let him know he was quiznakking idiot and that he was sorry. That... even if Lance didn't have those kinds of feelings for him, he still wanted him in his life. Flopping back on his bed, Kosmo crawled up to drop his head down Keith's chest with a sad whine "Sorry, boy. It's me he's mad at. He's been out here for months, and none of seem to care. He didn't want to come back out here. He was happy back on Earth and I thought I could live with that... but he's not ok... I know I'm supposed to be concentrating on Guile... but how do I leave him like this? How do I leave him when he's hurting? He goes above and beyond for all of us, and what do we do? We don't even bother to reply to his messages. I must have seemed like the biggest arsehole in the universe turning up out of nowhere and asking his help like I haven't been ignoring him" Whining at him, he took it to mean Kosmo agreed "We should go apologise. I need to return his communicator too... He's going to be pissed when he realises I have it... Maybe I should return it before he comes back from work? That way he won't know... Why wouldn't he talk to me?" A drunken unremembered night wasn't enough to ruin the bond they'd formed was it? Or was something else weighing on Lance's mind? When his own communicator started ringing, he jumped violently enough for Kosmo to teleport away in fear. Pulling up his mother's call, he sighed as she saw right through his unhappy expression "What happened?" "Erathus" "Hold on a tick" Catching sight of Axca and Kolivan, the last thing he wanted was an audience to his stupidity. Leaving the control room, his mother was soon back with the same concerned look on her face "Is something wrong?" "I fucked up" "Language" "Fine. I stuffed up so quiznakking royally, I don't know how to fix it" "Explain" "None of have been talking to Lance. I didn't even realise how much time had passed and he wasn't exactly happy to see me" "Did he say so?" "Pretty much. I don't think he meant to force his communicator on me, but he tried talking to all of us, only for us to brush him off. Each time. Finally, he stopped and none of us realised" "Keith, there's still so much to clean up. Ten thousand years of tyrant cannot be fixed in a few short years" "But... this is Lance. He literally got himself blown up like the first day he met Coran protecting him. He'd do the same for any of us, and we... Especially with Allura. Now I've shown up asking for a favour. No wonder he's so mad" "Did you try explaining how busy you've been?" "I didn't get the chance, he was on his way to work and I don't think he appreciated me letting myself into his room" "Keith" "It wasn't my fault. Kosmo had to sniff him out because he wasn't listed on the guest registry of the..." He couldn't say brothel, that'd only make things worse "... hotel he's been staying at. The door opened before I could knock, and when I called I got no answer" Sighing heavily, his mother shook her head "Alright. What about Guile?" "Nothing. Nothing on Thatus. Nothing from the rebel camps, or the planets I stopped by" "I'll speak to Kolivan over how he wants to proceed. I can already tell what you want to do next" "Even if it's just for a quintant, I want to talk to him. Make sure he's doing better than it seems" "I know you care deeply for him, but you need to be prepared to accept that he might not feel the same way about you, as you do about him" Keith's face reddened "Mum!" "I'm just saying..." "I know exactly what you're saying. I've already accepted it, I just want to know he's ok and apologise for ignoring him without intending to" "Alright. Call me. You might be worried about him, but I'm worried about you" "I know, mum. I'll check in tomorrow" "Be safe" "Yeah, yeah. I love you too" Ending the call, Keith closed his eyes. This wasn't how his vacation was supposed to be going at all. * Leaving Kosmo in his ship Keith found something more appropriate to wear back to the club in the form of a plain black shirt, black skinny jeans, and his black boots. Highly unoriginal, yet enough that looked more touristy than he had previously. With Lance's communicator in his pocket, Keith was armed with an apology and the hope Lance would let him get everything off his chest without yelling again. He'd had feelings for Lance so long that it'd been honestly painful to give his best friend the support and push he'd needed to pursue Allura, despite how she'd treated his best friend. Lance had worshipped the ground the princess had walked on. He'd been brushed aside over and over again, forced to watch her fall in love with Lotor, the forced to watch as Lotor tore her heart out. He wasn't naive enough to believe that Allura was incapable of getting over her feelings for him, it was just... on Earth all she'd been preoccupied with was spending every waking moment waiting for the robeast pilot to awaken, then suddenly she was as keen on Lance as he'd been on her since day one. Lance had worried himself sick over their date, coming to him of all people for reassurance. Watching the sunset, he'd desperately wanted to tell Lance not to go through with it all, lying to himself that as long as Lance was happy he could be too. Making his way back to the club, the never ending tide of people streaming through the streets hadn't seemed to abated in the slightest, even 12 vargas later. The city illuminated in every colour rainbow as adverts played on massive screens for things he'd never even heard of. Small walkways he'd never noticed that morning now lit up, advertising casinos or clubs, and all manner of entertainment. A person really could find something here to satisfy that itch of perversion each tourist seemed to carry silently on their shoulders. He hated it all. Clubbing wasn't his scene, or maybe clubbing alone wasn't his scene. He hadn't had the most practical of childhoods, or atypical teenager life. The years most spent experimenting were lost to him on the space whale, yet he couldn't bring himself to regret a single moment of the time spent getting to know his mother. The time has softened his sharp edges, giving him a whole new perspective on life. Letting himself into the club, he skipped the front desk as he headed for the main dance floor, aliens of every race all dancing and mingling as unidentifiable music played over the speaker system. Whatever it was, the atmosphere was soaked with sex in the air. Ordering himself a drink really didn't seem worth it, yet without Kosmo to teleport him up to the second level, he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. The building clearly had more than two levels, the roof not visible from street height at all, yet if he did attempt to enter at higher level it might eventuate in him causing a scene that could cost Lance his precious job. Positioning himself at the end of the counter, he ignored the way his drink glowed a soft green as he opened his communicator to pull up the buildings security data. "Is this seat taken?" In his own world, Keith didn't realise he was being talked to. He'd found the schematics to the buildings air duct system, the main turbines on the 95th floor... There were smaller outlet shafts at ground level around the back of the building, but they tapered down to a size that he'd have to be a mouse to get through, completely ruining all chances of using the ducts to reach Lance's room. For someone who loved space and the starts, he was surprised Lance didn't want to be closer to them. Feeling a tug on his arm, he was pulled back reality. A young female alien with four arms and far too much make up was staring down at him "Sorry?" "I asked if this seat was taken?" "No?" Turning back to his communicator, his arm was tugged on again "You're not very good at flirting, are you?" He was being flirted with? "Sorry, I'm..." "What? You think you're going to sit there and act like you're too good for me?!" "No, it's..." "It's what? Is there something wrong with me?" Other than the fact she wasn't Lance? Or the fact she looked as if she'd bathed in her makeup before leaving her room? "No. I..." Yelling something at him in something that must have been her native tongue, Keith sat there in shock as stormed off. He hadn't even done anything, and it wasn't like he'd asked for any of that to happen. Fuck it. He was on a mission to find a way up to Lance's room while bypassing the bouncers that guarded the second floor. It was time for diversionary tactics. If he couldn't awkwardly people his way through this, then he'd have to Blade of Marmora his way through instead. Pulling up the building schematics again, he pulled up the power grid, thanking Pidge yet again that her program made everything far too easy. With a few taps, there was a smirk on his lips as the lighting behind the bar went out, the bar tenders visibly confused as customers grew angry over their inability to drink themselves even stupider. The first punch thrown under up with the offender hurled over the bar, from the way the staff simply sidestepped the commotion Keith was left wondering how many times brawls had resulted in the same thing happening. As the two bouncers moved to break up the fight, he restored power to the bar before draining his drink and slipping through the warm bodies on the dance floor. He hadn't intended on a brawl, but damn it'd been effective. The second floor was illuminated differently as Keith walked the passage. Some doors lit with an aqua light above sensor strips to the right of them, some lit with red. Given he didn't know what the aqua or red lights were about he wasn't even going to speculate what the yellow or light green ones meant, despite the fact the light above the sensor strip to Lance's room was glowing yellow. Lifting his hand, he waited like he had that morning, hoping that when the door opened Lance wouldn't be there and he'd be able to return the communicator without him noticing. After that, he'd slip back down into the club and message Lance over catching up. It wasn't like he didn't have time to waste now that his mother had Kolivan preoccupied. Taking a few moments, the door slid open silently to reveal the brightly lit interior of Lance's room. The lights from the street spilling in to cast patterns across the ceiling which were pretty in their own way, yet left him with a kind of hollow feeling in his chest. All this life was going on around Lance, so why was his room so devoid of it all? Shaking his head, he scolded himself. He'd already snooped enough by going through Lance's phone. Anything else he wanted to know had to come from Lance himself. It was only right, and he wasn't hearing the full story with the sideways stalking of him. Striding across the room he fished out lance's communicator from his pocket, so he could carefully place it back down from where Lance had retrieved it earlier. Turning back towards the door he knew he had to leave, but... if he did, would Lance answer him when he messaged? In all likelihood, he probably wouldn't. They'd moved past that in their relationship. But maybe he would? It'd been vargas since he'd turned up on Lance's doorstep, enough time for Lance to process that he was there and wanted to talk... Quiznak. Why was it that Lance turned him into such a bundle of uncertainty? Crossing back towards the door, there was a solid thud against it from the otherside, followed by a soft laugh that could have only been Lance's. Keith's heart leapt at the sound, only for it to fall when a gruff voice joined it. Lance was laughing with someone else... and he was about to be sprung in Lance's room all over again. Slightly panicked, he did the only thing he could and threw himself at the bathroom door, it sliding back with a soft whoosh as he drew his blade and darted inside, hitting the door panel to close it as the main door to the apartment opened, wedging his blade between the door and the frame, his stalkerish ways hitting a whole new level as he watched through the gap. Laughing and giggling, Lance had his legs wrapped around a Galra, a second one crowding from behind, the mood between the three of them flirtatious enough for Keith to step back. He didn't want to see this, but he couldn't look away. "Slow down... mmm, just like that" Watching both Galra mouth at lance's neck, Lance moaned for more, the one behind him ripping off the man's shirt causing Lance to giggle even more "Did no ever teach you patience?" "No" Laughing like it was the most hilarious thing he'd ever heard, Lance was cut short as he carried over to his bed and dropped down. Crawling up the covers he soon disappeared from view, yet his voice carried well "Come here, papi. I haven't had a Galra in a while..." Lance was... he was... no... "We're going to fuck you until you can't walk" "Just the way I like it" He could hear the wink in Lance's voice, followed by a rustling of cloth. Moving out of the way to undo their pants, Lance was down to his boxer briefs, long caramel legs spread as he reached out for both Galra... "That's right... come here... I'm going to make you both feel so good..." Covering his mouth to stifle his breathing, Keith was murderous. Lance shouldn't be... not with... it was stupidly romantic, just like Lance was, but Lance should only be having sex with the person he loved. Someone to treasure him. Someone who wouldn't pay him and leave him. Closing his eyes, he willed his breathing to calm, opening them as Lance let out a particularly loud moan. He was going to die right here. Lance would causally walk into he bathroom and find him dead right there. Keith. Killed by his embarrassment caused by stalkerish ways because he couldn't simply grow a pair and ask Lance out properly. What a way to die. "Slow down, papi... we have all night and this little pup is going to be such a good boy for you both" Drawing both Galra close, Lance traded kisses between the pair, before reaching under his pillow with both hands. The pair of Galra growling as he did "It's ok. We humans need a little help to loosen up down there..." The next moment brought a flurry of action on Lance's end. One moment he was moaning, the next he was tearing two black tranquilliser guns out from under his pillows, both finding their marks against the necks of the two Galra hovering over Lance. It was only a tick before the purple liquid in both had been depressed into the Galra's necks and the pair were scrambling backwards off him Lance, holding the wound site as they glared down at him "Have a nice nap boys" Collapsing down the bigger of the pair cursed "Leandro", promising to "tear his throat out of if he ever saw him again". Lance wasn't phased at all. Climbing from his bed, he made his way to his kitchen where he opened the top draw to withdraw another communicator. This one black in comparison to the orange one Keith had snooped through before "LEA. 2D. NMTN. NCN. RTN. PHNPHS. TS" What was that supposed to mean? Why was Lance listing off a bunch of weird letters and looking so bored about it all as he did. Whatever it meant, that was all there was to the call. Pausing to retrieve a gown from his walk-in-robe, Lance moved to his bedside table where he retrieved two pairs of cuffs. Cuffing both Galra with a sigh, he gave each of them a kick to the side for good measure before dropping back down on the side of his bed. There were plenty of times in Keith's life where he couldn't find the words to say what he wanted, but right now, he wasn't even sure he knew what words were. Through the crack in the door he was forced to watch as Lance pulled the tranquilliser vial from the gun, then slid a softly glowing yellow one into place and held it to his thigh, openly injecting himself with whatever was in there. Placing the gun back down, he then rose to walk over to the kitchen. Keith couldn't... Sinking down onto the toilet, Keith buried his face in his hands. None of this made any sense in any way, shape or form. Lance didn't do drugs. He didn't go around luring Galra back to his bed only to drug them. And who was on the other end of that call? Left to stew a few doboshes passed before there was knock at lance's door and he found himself back on his feet spying all over again. Nodding at Lance, the man in charge of what seemed to be five aliens of the same species as the bouncers downstairs passed Lance a package silently while his goons gathered up the two unconscious Galra. The exchange silent. The group walking out the room like it was an everyday occurrence... "You're welcome! Jodido policia..." Policia... was police. He enough Spanish to know that. That was the police? They didn't look terribly police like, and with all the run ins he had, he really well and truly knew what police officers looked like. The police wanted those two Galra and what... Lance was working with them? Hadn't he been working as a bodyguard? Or had Hunk got it all wrong and assumed a job in security had meant bodyguard? Absolutely every single of one his questions could be answered if he simply burst from the bathroom right now to ask. Instead he sank back down on the toilet. What the Quiznak was all of this?! * Still trapped in the bathroom, Keith waited with bated breath. Lance was grumbling over something, drawing his attention back to sliver in the door. Obviously oblivious to the fact he was being watched, Lance went about getting changed into an outfit that could barely be called an outfit. He was covered, but that was about it. His outfit skintight leaving nothing to imagination. Settling down on his sofa, he tapped away on his black communicator, pulling up a holocall with someone he didn't recognise, talking for a few ticks, Lance was all smiles, grabbing his jacket and making for the door as he promised "he'd be right down". Now would have been the time to say something, Lance passing within millimetres of the bathroom door before disappearing out the main door like he hadn't just assisted in the capture of two over handsy Galra that Keith wouldn't mind spending 5 minutes unsupervised and alone with. Now that the apartment was cleared of Lance's presence, he was going to get some damn answers. Starting in the bathroom, he didn't like what he saw. Bloodied bandages. Bottles of red and blue pills. A small black box filled with those same yellow vials. If he was going to stalk Lance, he might as well go all out. He couldn't help Lance if he didn't understand what he was looking at, and what was a little stealing between friends? Popping the covers on both bottles of pills, he shook two of each out, then replaced them carefully. A quick check of the draw beneath revealed another one of those black boxes, this one half empty making it easier to steal a few tubes without Lance noticing. Pausing as he slipped the "borrowed" items into his pocket, he took a deep breath. Was he really going to do this? And was it really... what if he... what if whatever this was, was exactly what he was thinking it was? The drugs. Throwing himself at random strangers? Drugging them? Living in a club... that was actually a brothel... Did Veronica know? No. Veronica couldn't. She would have dragged Lance out of here the moment she'd heard. Something he too should be doing... But with all Lance had been through, he deserved the benefit of the doubt. Slipping out of Lance's room, the man in question was walking back along the hall with a male he didn't recognise. Attempting to appear casual, Keith went to lean on the door, only to remember at the last moment that the doors here opened automatically, leaving him cringing internally as his shoulder his the wall. Whatever Lance was saying was broken off when he realised Keith was standing there, a frown passing over his lips before being replaced with a clearly fake smile. The "friend" he was with didn't look too happy that whatever had been about to happen had no been waylaid "Keith? What are you doing in front of my room?" The weight of the pills in his pocket seemed to grow exponentially "Hey, man..." His internal flinching growing at the slighter higher pitch of his voice "... I just came by to... uh... apologise about earlier. It came across wrong. I mean, I do need your help, but that was secondary" Lance brightened up. His posture taller and his smile less fake "It's fine. It wasn't a good time, work and all that..." "Yeah?" "Yeah, man. It's all good. I'm actually in the middle of something... but we should talk?" "That would be nice. I'm heading off again tonight, but I'll call you?" Lance nodded, though that tinge of real smile was gone again "Sounds good. If you remember to send me those files, I'll take a look" "Are you sure?" "Can't let my down the former leader of Voltron, can I?" If it was Hunk, Lance would have been joking how he couldn't let down his "best bud" "Yeah. I'll let you get back to it" "Thanks. I'll be waiting for that call" "I've actually got some time off, so I promise not to forget" Forcing himself off the wall and to walk past Lance, the sweet scent of flowers met his nose in the moment their shoulders brushed. Lance had always taken care of himself, so no doubt he was reading everything wrong.

[marshaeb]

P.S:I'm Mated With The Cursed Alpha!

Chapter Ten

Hey guy! Don’t forget to Like, Comment, Review, and Follow for more updates! My apologies in advance for all the grammatical errors. Book will be professionally edited when completed.

For the past few days, I was wearing nothing but a high collar blouse, or a neck scarf. Just the thought of being caught with the remains of that platonic episode between Alpha Darius and I would bring me to shame.

But not once would I have thought he made so many. Some were huge and had a darker shade of red while the others were light.

Only once I had a hickey, and it was from Jackson. He placed it right on my thigh because I told him it would be easier to hide from Mom, but Alpha Darius on the other hand was a horny, hungry Alpha on steroids.

The dude was literally munching on my neck! But it was my fault for letting him go so far—shit— I’m talking like I could have done something. I would of only fuel his rage.

But...the pleasure was too much...I-I couldn’t fight it off, which only caused me to crack under pressure, and lied about breaking up with Jackson. I’m such a terrible girlfriend.

That day when he ‘sexually assaulted me in the daycare’s changing room, I’ve had Kylo, the head guard close by at all times these couple of days. So where ever he would be stalking me, he’ll get the idea not even try that shit again!

Only a week left until my eighteen birthday. The one and only birthday in my life I dread!

I sighed deeply and wrapped my scarf back around my neck to hide those gruesome ‘love marks’.

Since it’s my day off from the nursery, I’ve decided to see Sarah at the hospital. Her birthday, making her eighteen was two days ago, but seeing that I’m busy with the nursery, I didn’t have the time to stop by.

So, I got her a colorful bouquet, a happy eighteenth birthday balloon, a box of chocolates and... A vibrator!

I know it’s a bit much but, I got to look out for my girlfriend. She’s been single for a month now.

After walking up to the third floor to Sarah’s room, low and behold, I ran into Chelsea McGregor. There she stood, arm in a cast as she an her Mom stood at the front desk to sign her out.

“Why hello, Ms. Window hopper!” She said giving me a sly smile. “It’s been a while since we saw each other. Here to see your best friend, huh?”

With so much going on, I have totally forgotten about her and her little clique. I guess Sarah and I weren’t the only ones who were attacked that night.

“I heard you’re not at the hospital anymore.” She chuckled as I walked by, trying my best to ignore her. “I guess mama Alpha wants you on her watch at all time....too bad.”

I balled my hand into a tight fist, trying to control my wolf. I need to get the hell away from her before she ends up staying another two weeks in this hospital.

On my way to Sarah’s, room 105, I stop in front of the door and took a shaky, deep breath to clear my head. Knowing Sarah, she’ll easily read right through me.

“Enough waiting,” I whispered quietly to myself.

I opened the door, walking in on Sarah and a man I didn’t know, sharing a laugh together.

I stood there awkwardly with her small bouquet of flowers in my hand, watching as they turned all flustered.

“J-Joel!” She gasped in surprise. “Come in! Come in! So glad to see that you’re alright!”

I stepped inside with an unreadable expression on my face as he and I exchanged looks.

“You’re looking fine for yourself,” I said, hugging her on the hospital bed. “Who’s this?”

“Uh-um...this is...” She started, taking in a deep breath as they looked each other, intensely, in the eye.

There was a quiet pause. I stood back, and for the first time ever, felt like an unwanted third wheel as I look between them, studying their friendly gestures.

Who is this guy anyway? And how does he know, Sarah... my best friend? I mean... I dislike how possessive and overprotective I’m feeling, but Sarah has always been like a sister to me.

And why on earth are they staring at each other with that dazzle look in their eyes? They are being way too friendly. Especially seeing his hand touching her feet under that was under the bedsheet.

What is up with them? Did I miss something from these past few weeks being apart?

I looked between them and clear my throat to make it known that I was in the darn room!

“Oh...right,” she chuckled softly, “Joel, this is Bobby Hamilton...the physical education teacher at my school. You know, the one I told you about that night.”

“Ah, yes...nice to meet you. I’m Joel, Sarah’s longtime best friend.” I said as we shook hands.

“I guess, I’ll come by later, seeing that you have company.” He said, rubbing her feet.

Come back...later?!

“Ok,” she said as her eyes sparkled intensely. “Please... be safe.”

He walked to her and placed his hand on the back of her head, kissing her on the forehead. Their eyes locked onto one another for an intimate moment, then he quietly left the room.

My eyes drifted at her as she held her gaze at the door. What’s with her?

Shit!...WHAT THE HELL’S GOING ON!

“Ah...did I interrupt?” I finally spoke.

She snapped out of her daze and looked up at me, taking my hand in hers as she smiles cheekily from ear-to-ear.

“No, you’re different, Joel...” She said, rubbing her thumb over my knuckles. “Maybe, if it was someone else...but anyway, I’m so glad to see you!

I gave her a weak smile. “Don’t look so to me... You barely even look at me before he left.”

“Oh, come on, Joel!” She sighed, patting me gently, “that’s not true...I mean...I could hardly remember what I did.”

“Because you’ll we’re too busy making googly eyes at each other!” I said.

“Stop...we were not making ‘googly’ eyes at one another,” she blushed. “But, I have something to tell you!”

“So do I,” I said, feeling my mood starting to change for the worst.

“Oh...Well, you go first!” she said.

Gently, I playfully thud my finger against her forehead. “Happy belated Eighteenth Birthday!” I smiled, handing her her gifts and the boutique of flowers.

“Oh, Jo’!” she gasped, shaking the boxes, “You’re too sweet! Thank you so much!”

“Yes, and sorry for missing out on your big day...you know I would always be there for you, just like you’re always there for me,” I said. “But the Nursery could be a little hectic sometimes... dealing with the pups.”

“I know, but do you like it so far?” she asked as my mind instantly went on that Alpha Darius.

I swallowed deeply and slightly nodded my head.

“Yeah...the pups, they’re great.” I anxiously replied.

“That’s great, glad to hear that,” she said. ” Everything’s working out in favor. Away from Mr. Honky, Alpha.”

I felt bad. I wasn’t being one hundred percent real with her. What’s wrong with me? Sarah’s my best friend we always tell each other everything! But somehow, I feel as if we’re both holding back on something. She too was being quite nonchalant, and Sarah’s the complete opposite, when I’m around.

“So...you wanted to tell me something?” I smiled.

She paused and took a deep breath as a smile widened on her face. By the looks of it, I can tell it was a big deal to her.

“Mr. Hamilton...” she blushed.

“Yeah...what about him?” I said bluntly. “What’s going on with you two?”

“Well, remember that horrible night when all of this happened,” she said pointing to her bandages, “you were right about everything, Jo!”

“I was right about what?” I whispered, completely confused.

She widened her eyes at me in disbelief... “You seriously don’t remember?” she sighed. “Remember when I told you about Bobby, our school’s physical education teacher’s excessive staring and how he always turned all flustered when I’m around...”

“Yeah...” I said waiting for her to continue.

“Well, you pointed out something really important,” she said, squeezing my hand as if she thought she had ringed a bell.

“Really? What was that?” I said.

Her smile faded away. “Come on, Joel! Fine! I’ll throw it out at you.”

She turned to her dresser on the other side of her bed, when my eyes suddenly laid on a massive rose bouquet on the table.

How on bloody Earth did I miss that?! My gift isn’t worth shit compared to that. And there was a massive gift basket along with it.

Little by little... I was starting to feel jealous, shut out, and replaced.

“Wow...” I smiled weakly, “who brought you those gifts?” I asked, knowing damn well who got it for her.

“Bobby did!” she squealed, touching the red petals. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they? And these are just the first...plenty more to come!

“Wow!” I said softly. “I guess you won’t be needing this, then.”

I tore open my gift exposing the pink dildo inside. She burst out in laughter and turned the on the machine.

“Really, Joel!” she chuckled. “I’ll still keep it...you know...when I need it.” she winked at me, but I couldn’t find within myself to smile like how I wanted. My whole mood had changed ever since I walk through the door.

She turned around and pulled out a small box that nearly made my heart sink, but not in a good way. It was a beautiful, shiny, rose gold, diamond-encrusted ring.

“Is that...what I think it is?” I said, feeling the jealousy and a little betrayal starting to flare within.

“YES!” She jumped, ecstatically on her bed. “That’s right! Bobby proposed to me! I didn’t want to wear it because I wanted to surprise you!”

I paused as reality suddenly struck me like a useless punching bag.

“That could only mean...you two are mates...”

“BINGO!” she exclaimed, holding up her arms. “Do you remember now! You were right! He was my mate all along!”

I tried to give her my warmest smile, but it pained me too much especially as my eyes glance at her neck.

She’d been marked. MARKED! It was the brightest mark I’ve ever seen.

“What do you think, Joel-y?” she said, taking my hand in hers. “He’s such a sweet, sweet guy, Joel! I know you’ll like him.”

I stepped back and took a few deep breaths. My heart feels like it was being crushed over and over again.

Could it be? Am I really getting heated and envious of my best friend’s happiness? I feel so rejected right now! I mean I’m all for her happiness...and I know it selfish of me, but what about mines? These past months have been nothing but hell for me! It’s getting even worse now that my birthday’s a few days away.

I hated this so much! Not only is my relationship being jeopardized, my friendship too! Sarah’s getting take away from me!

Look at that big love mark! Her smile and happiness. Those gifts. That huge ass ring! And to top it all off, her man was always by her side. It was the exact thing I wanted.

“Something wrong. Joel?” she said softly, brows furrowed deeply. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing...I’m fine...“I said, hearing a slight crack in my voice.

“No, you’re not fine...what’s wrong?” she repeated, reaching for my hand, but I rejected her so immaturely, pulling my arm away.

“I said...I’m fine!” I shouted.

“Who are you fooling?” she said. “It’s obvious you’re not! Shouting at me like I did something wrong?”

I clenched my jaw in irritation and jealousy. I finally latched out on her.

“Fine! When were you going to tell me that you were seeing the twerp...or whatever his name is...” I said.

“First of all...there’s no need for name-calling. His name is Bobby.”

“I don’t care!” I said rudely, folding my arms.

“Well, I do!” she replied. “He’s my mate!”

I looked away, mumbling quietly to myself.

“Where is all this coming from anyway?” she continued. “I thought you would happy for me, Joel...”

Still not being honest with my true feeling and laying everything out on the table, I ignored it and her feelings. Maybe then she’ll have a little dose of how I’ve been feeling lately. I know it’s a very narcissistic thing to do, especially to my best friend, but hurt people hurt people. Regardless of who they might be.

“Maybe I would have, if I didn’t have to find out like this?” I said.

“Like what? My engagement? About my mate?” her voice cracked. “Really, Joel? My birthday was just two days ago. Since then, everything changed drastically for me. I had no idea all of this was in store. And for one thing...I thought you as my friend would be thrilled.”

“Well, sorry...” I said in a disingenuous tone.

“You’re not sorry and you know it, Joel!” she said. “I’ve always been happy for you and Jackson!”

“Well if that’s so...that’s hard to believe, now that we’re recently not in a happy place!” I replied as the tears began to fall from my eyes.

Suddenly it came to her.

“I see...I’m so sorry Joel... I didn’t take into consideration how you would feel about all this, knowing your current situation.” she said in a soft tone.

“Well...don’t be, I’m fine!” I lied to her and myself.

“I’m being serious, Joel!” she said.

“Well, don’t be!”

“I’m you’re best friend, how can you tell me, ‘don’t be’?”

“BECAUSE IT DOESN’T CONCERN YOU!” I exclaimed. “Just like how you’re happiness does nothing for me...my situation does nothing for you!”

Hurt and anger crossed her face as I watched the tears started to form in her eyes.

“H-How could you say that?” she whimpered softly. “Because of your situation and me being a good friend, I’m in the hospital at this very moment!”

Though I felt terrible seeing her break down like this, a petty, immature part of me felt a bit satisfied and wouldn’t allow me to come clean and apologize.

“Well, stuff happens,” I said, shrugging my shoulders.

“STUFF HAPPENS?” she bellowed. “Joel, did you forget that I was the one who fought and stood for you when that Alpha had you dangling hopelessly by your hair?”

Something inside me snapped hearing her petty choice of words. “Dangling?”

“Yes, ‘dangling’! You were completely defenseless...desperate even!” She said in a condensing tone.

“Well, fine...call me whatever you like!” I said, rushing towards the door.

“I’m not saying whatever I like!” she said. “I’m telling you like it is! It’s not my fault the Moon Goddess chosen a good man like Bobby for me!”

“Thank the ‘Moon Goddess’, right.” I mocked her, feeling my confidence starting to crumble into pieces. “Yippie! You got your Prince Charming and your happily-ever-after. Let him wine and dine you...even fuck you senseless, day and night like you always dreamed for your mate to do.”

“And I bet he will...maybe you should take back your gift, you’ll probably need it more than I do!” She said coldly.

I stood there without any words to say as I felt my esteem getting chewed up and spit out like it was nothing.

She gasped loudly, covering her hands over her mouth in shame. “Joel... I-I’M SO SORRY!” she cried. “I’m sorry! Please!”

“Forget it...enjoy your perfect life...” I said, rushing out of the room door.

Maybe this was all meant to be!

A/N

Hello readers! What do you guys think of this Chapter?

How do you feel about Joel and Sarah little argument?

Can you really blame Joel for feeling the way she does?

Was Sarah last remark a little to much?

How do you think their friendship will go from here?

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Read Chapter Eleven (Click the link below)