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delicrieux · 4 years ago

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☆ﾐ 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢 “𝚘𝚑”

PART 23: PRETTY BOY

emotions run wild when everyone is drunk and hardly coherent. quackity is always loud, but tonight is a full on assault on the senses (the ears, in particular). bretman simps for corpse too much for your liking. rae is happy for once. there’s a confession of love somewhere in there. sister james makes a very good impostor, but that’s old news, the real question is who gave you a knife? a new persona emerges that leaves the roaches quivering in their boots.

─── corpse husband x reader, a lil bit of everyone x reader (because she’s a queen) ─── soc. media + written fiction! ─── word count: a lil over 7k.

author’s note: it’s the way i can’t follow a fucking calendar for me. sorry guys, i swear to god i thought i had one more day before thursday . the idiot award goes to me and i accept it with pride. anyway, i was excited to write this for a while! quackity is in mexico, that’s why he drinks, too. my fic, my rules, he’s too funny not to include. im also working on an extra w dream and mr quack so look forward to that, too! hopefully u like this part ily xx and as always lmk wat u think!!

ultimate masterlist. ҉ myso masterlist ҉ previous. ҉ next.

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The outfit for today was picked with care and consideration. Hot, as always- you had forgotten your roots, your hoodie and sweats lay hidden in the bottom of your drawer never to be worn on stream again. You’ve changed. Clout really does that to people. Some viewers, naturally, find your hotness near insulting: how dare you rub your beauty in their faces, and so unabashedly, too?! If only you had a twinge of self-awareness, perhaps you would tone it down. But you don’t, and whether that’s by choice or not is the mystery the whole internet tries to solve (ARMY has been working diligently, and you admire their effort, though in the end their tireless labor brings no tangible results).

You went from hot to hotter. In all truth, the fires eating away at California can be blamed on you. You carry this burden in stride, in your platform overpriced shoes some girl scammed you on Depop with, in your fishnets, in your skirt, in your corset, in your rings and necklaces and chains. You woke up today and chose violence. Decided your existence will be a plague to the rest of the populace, and meant it (that, maybe, you took inspiration from a certain faceless Youtuber that so happens to be your boyfriend or whatever). You feel powerful. Like you could step on the world and the world would let you. You decide that it’s the way it should always be.

The smile on your lips informs of nothing good to your quaint, small audience of 40k. You change the lighting in your room from the soft cherry blossom pink to menacing violet. As fitting for a villain.

Perhaps California’s hellish sun has finally purged you of your bubbly, docile nature (arguably, you had never possessed it to begin with); perhaps it’s the forth mimosa you’re mixing as people slowly trickle into the lobby. Who knows?! Not you, definitely. What do all of those boring dead white European philosophers say? Embrace the unknown? Cheers, you’ll drink to that.

In stark contrast to your appearance, your room is a fucking mess. A war-zone of epic anime scale. Everything is scattered, well, everywhere. A perfect representation on what’s going on in your mind, always. You don’t like how people focus on your surroundings-- you’re the main attraction, hello? Are you not enough to sustain them? Must they beg for more?! Totally ungrateful. You shake your head in disappointment, as if a mother scolding her children.

noooooo! mom pls forgive me i will never ask abt anything ever again T_T

yall looking at the room? lol couldnt be me

feels like im five and my mum just told me i cant eat a pretty rock i found on the pavement:(

You can’t contain your sly grin. Eyes twinkle with a purplish hue, appearing all the more menacing. You tricked them once again, oh how absolutely evil of you. In your blind delight you accidentally spill champagne on your lap.

“-Oop, fuck.” You snort.

why does she sound like goofy

The scandalous drunk Among Us stream is about to start. You had been eerily silent through the greetings, and those that chose to approach you were met with a cold shoulder and minimal replies. All on purpose, of course. You wish to plant a seed of unease within them, and so far, it’s working. There are questions unanswered, jokes unsaid, Quackity unteased. It breaks your heart, but it must be done. You look into the camera, all vulnerable and devout, as if to say: I’m doing this for you, all for you.

pack it up yandere simulator

idk whats going on but i think im into it?

villain arc villain arc villain aRC VILLAIN ARC

“Hey, guys,” Corpse’s voices rings in your headphones, and not a blink later his astronaut appears in the lobby in a cloud of smoke, “Hi, Y/n.”

More sharp, excited hellos follow after. You merely hum, though give no further reply. As Corpse strays to your side, Charlie steps in in front of him, “BDA access only. You have a permit, bitch?”

“Y/n is being quiet-she’s being quiet, guys!” Quackity helpfully informs, as if the rest failed to notice your cryptic silence, “Don’t be sad Corpse, man, Corpse don’t be-she didn’t say shit to me either.”

“Y/n has decided to not waste her breath on the SDS.” Charlie voices, “And you know what? I actually agree with her for once.”

“SD-what now?” Dream questions.

“The Small Dick Society.” Charlie explains, noting Dream’s whine of protest, “Oh no, don’t give me that shit, weren’t you bitching about not being invited and not belonging to exclusive clubs? Congratulations, you’re finally part of one.”

“Wait!” Quackity interjects, “Am I part of it too?”

“Guess, Sherlock.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Corpse says. You nod to your audience, like he just spoke the God honest truth, and follow in his example. Your tentative sip unexpectedly turns into a greedy gulp, but you’re not complaining. The only slightly coherent thought that rings in your mind is drink tasty.

“Ignore them,” Rae chimes, “Y/n’s probably plotting something and using Charlie as a cover up.”

“I��d never.” The words slip past your lips before you can stop them.

“Well you sure are very quick to deny it.” You can hear her smirking, can hear the proud lilt in her voice, like she caught onto your silly little scheme, like she has you all figured out. Your eyes narrow dangerously. The night behind your window pools dark, with far away city lights glimmering before they, too, seem to dim.

Your roommate is back on your shitlist. How her name was missed among the rest.

“I’m defending my honor.” You yelp, the playfulness back in your voice along with your sunny smile, “I can’t have my wifey slandering me online. At least do it in private, geez.”

If Rae’s such a good detective, you’ll give her a good chase. Perhaps you’ve been laying it on too thick. Made her too suspicious. She can’t out you yet--not when your plans are so grand, so fun. It would be a waste.

“Why weren’t you saying anything then?” Quackity questions.

“Do I need a reason not wanting to talk to you?” You shoot back. Your friends laugh and he tries to shriek something past their cackle. You lean back into your chair, the tension from Rae’s confrontation finally easing. You wink at the camera and bring a finger to your lips. The roaches swear to secrecy, elated by your wickedness. As appropriate, they spam devil emojis and various renditions of evil hohohos and hehehes. The apple truly does not fall far from the tree. You had raised them well. You raise your glass in solidarity. A few donations fall into your pocket, easily summed up as: make them suffer.

Muting the discord call, you give a single response, “Oh, I intend to.”

i hope this doesn’t awaken something in me

^already too late for me bro

As caught up in wreaking havoc among your viewers as you are, you miss Sykkuno’s entrance, though from what you can tell, Charlie gave a stern warning to back the fuck off to him, too. He’s playing into your plan so beautifully. Truly, you couldn’t do this without him. Back to stalking the chat you go.

Your eyes flicker to the game upon Bretman’s signature drawl and “Hi, daddy.”. You have no time to get offended at Corpse’s sweet “Hi, honey” back, because the next person to join the discord call and the lobby leaves you speechless. You knew, of course, you had been informed of the line-up, but still, you had never expected yourself to be so close to Jomes Chorles himself. You make a weird gesture with your hands, half wave half excited wiggle, as if you’re telling the audience to calm down, when, in fact, it is you that needs calming.

He goes saying his hello’s like doing a public service, name by name, before, lastly, uttering, “Hi, Miss Y/n. Loooove the vids.”

He’s a roach in disguise, who could’ve known?! Your audience is so diverse and unexpected, gosh, you’d shed a tear if the mascara wasn’t so expensive.

“Hi!” You reply with a grin, and it’s genuine this time, a glimmer of your old self, “Hi, I love your videos, too. It’s like, really cool to finally meet you.”

“Oh my God, you too!” Is his enthusiastic reply, “Okay, the energy in the studio today? Love it.”

“Is this all of us?” Quackity asks.

“Sadly.” James says with a note of disappointment.

“HEY!”

“Okay, guys!” Ash chimes, “Let’s do this! Proximity Among Us, round one, go go go!”

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Luck does not shine upon you during the first round- you are stuck as Crew Mate, your life cut short by Bretman who had the audacity to bite your head off. You’re positive Ke$ha wrote her hit single Cannibal about him, and if she didn’t, she definitely had a That’s So Raven moment and predicted it. It’s also insanely suspicious as after you are eliminated he sticks real close to Corpse, feigning innocence (and this is a controversial opinion you do not endorse) better than even you. It wounds your pride, having been picked off so casually, so quickly, and now stuck a ghost you roam the halls of the dying spaceship, lost, confused, heartbroken.

Charlie runs past you, not once even glancing in your direction. “Brother...” You mutter sadly, “Do you not see me here? Do you not feel... the loss of your twin’s heartbeat...?" Damn, these mimosas really are making you emotional. You sniffle and take a sip to calm the storm within you. No rage, just sadness. You are still processing your own tragic demise.

Suddenly, a meeting is called. There’s a horrible red X on your astronaut. You are the only one dead so far, and of course the rest won’t vote out the fucker. How bitterly you sit! With your arms crossed over your chest and your glare sharp enough to cut through glass. Fuck the sad shit, now you’re just angry. At the very least, the second Impostor could’ve given you some company!

“I knew something felt off.” Charlie is first to speak.

“Who the fuck killed Y/n?” Corpse questions, and his voice ignites a whole discussion that lasts much too short. The others skip, having no suspect yet. It’s much too soon to start pointing fingers, but you still feel like they should have at least tried. Pouting, you fix yourself another drink.

“Stop drinking!?” You gasp, exasperated at your chats demands, “I’m dead! What else should I do, the tasks?! Nah, fuck that. I’m done. I’m out. Charlie better employ his fucking detective skills because if the Impostors win, I will literally quit the game--yes I will, no I’m not bullshitting, fucking watch me.”

Thankfully, Bretman was caught venting, and you didn’t have to end the stream prematurely. The second Impostor, your roommate (oh, the betrayal, Rae, how could you?!) was voted out due to Corpse’s suspicion. Victory to the Crew Mates! The game restarts and you find yourself back in the lobby.

“Miss Y/n,” Bretman says, “I am sooo sorry for killing you first, baby. It was just too easy. I couldn’t pass it up.”

Giggling, Quackity chimes, “Sister slaughtered.”

“Oh my God,” James groans, “shut up!”

“Yeah, Y/n.” Charlie speaks, and there’s an accusatory note in his calm voice, “Why the fuck did you allow yourself to be eliminated first? Real noob shit, I expected more of you.”

“HUH?!” You frown, “What’s with the victim blaming?! I literally was doing my task and Bretman snuck up on me. It’s not like I had a weapon to defend myself!”

“You have been avenged,” Corpse states, “and that’s all that matters.”

“Thank you, Corpse!” You say, “At least someone cares.”

“Hey, I helped, too!” Dream pipes up.

“No, you didn’t.” Corpse shoots him down, “I was the only one.”

“You were not--”

“Literally was. Isn’t that right, Sykkuno?”

“Uhhhh-” Sykkuno trails off, “Well, we-we all helped!” You can hear his shy smile, and you just know he’s bobbing his head up and down at this exact moment, “We all helped. Team work!”

“Team work!” The rest echo, save for yourself, Corpse, Charlie, and the two Impostors. Silence speaks more than a thousand words or whatever. You pray to any higher power willing to listen to finally assign you the role of the villain, the one you were born to do.

Sadly, higher powers must have either shitty customer service or are in need of hearing aids, and you almost scream in frustration when your astronaut appears along with the others, the bold CREW MATE title chipping away at your master plan.

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“Hey, Y/n, hey! Hey, Y/n!” Rae finds you in Cafeteria, where you, metaphorically, are eating your feelings. Not that she needs to know, of course. She sounds chipper, a bit ditsy, and that must mean she’s sufficiently tipsy. You store that information for later, and forget about it as soon as you notice Dream and Sykkuno, like her very own personal bodyguards, trailing after her, “Wanna play a game?!”

“Is this Saw?” You inquire, somewhat lazy. You’d be lying if you said the alcohol wasn’t affecting you, it’s just instead of making you bubbly, it makes you mellow. This was supposed to be fun, you were supposed to terrorize everyone and laugh as they perished by your hand, yet here you are, wallowing in self-pity. The roaches start worrying. The donation jingle chimes.

BEATINGS & SLUTATIONS yns_fishnets donated 5$ mom just wait it out & dont worry youll get your vengeance soon lead them on!!!!

Your fishnets have a point!

“Saw?--No, no, haa, no it’s a drinking game.” Dream sounds like he has had one too many rounds of this mysterious game, and naturally, you are intrigued.

“Where we drink!” Sykkuno clarifies. Right, well that explains everything! If you had any questions, you surely have none now.

“Okay, so, name a category, and you have to, like, say a word associated with it...Or something along those lines.” You hadn’t even agreed and Rae is explaining the rules already. She knows you too well. It’s both a blessing and a curse, “Can be anything! Okay, Y/n, Y/n, Y/n start!”

“Uhh--” If only your brain computed as fast as she spoke! “Song lyrics! Wait--who drinks?”

“You fail, you drink!” She hurries, “Choke me like you hate me but you love meeeeee. Syk, go, go go!”

“Uhm, ah, I don’t wanna feel like this, uh, fuck?” He laughs--it’s a raspy, embarrassed little sound, “I don’t...wanna look like this? Dream, now you!”

“Wait, we’re singing Corpse’s songs?”

“Any song!” You urge him quickly, “Hurry! Or drink!”

“She say I kill her cat like I'm Luka Magnotta--”

“Hey! That’s cheating! You can’t use my song!” Rae protest.

“That wasn’t in the rules!” He counters.

“Y/n! Time’s running out!” Sykkuno exclaims.

“Oh, uh, will-will the real Slim Shady please stand up!”

NOT EMINEM WHAT THE FUCK

MOOOM WHT THE HELL THIS ISNT 2008 T_T

“Ra-Ra-Rasputin, Russia’s greatest love machine--”

“All...All the other kids with the pumped up kicks better, uhh, run better run, faster...-faster than my gun?”

“Uhh, shit--fucking hell.” Dream laughs, and Rae practically screams at him to keep going, “Alright! Okay! I’m singing--uh, you’re so golden, na na na na?”

“I tell you what a woman loves most,” You chime gleefully, “it’s a man who can slap but can also stroke.”

finally, the mother mother representation we’ve all been waiting for

i aint exactly gay but i aint exactly not gay >:)

the bis won

“I steal a few breeeeaaaths from the woooorld for a minute--”

“Mitski?!” You question, eyes bulging, “Baby, who hurt you?”

Even if you can’t see her, you know she’s waving her arms around and shaking her head, “Not the point! Sykkuno!”

“Uh, I-I, uhm, I don’t--”

“Drinnnnk!” You all chorus.

“It was a good concert,” You say, “Syk, I’ll drink with you.”

“Thank you, Y/n. That’s very kind of you.” He says softly, with a smile lining his lips. You grin.

“Oh, fine. Everyone, bottoms up!” Rae decides, and no one protest. A moment of silence passes, then, “Well, GG, GG, let’s do some tasks?”

Your enthusiastic Ariana Grande-esque “yuh” is cut short by the second meeting of game two being called. The first one to go had been Ash, voted out during a bathroom break as a joke, and you still feel a bit bad about that. Now, you notice Charlie has been eliminated. A sense of righteousness fills you--while you mourn for your brother from another mother and father and family tree, you feel like this is divine punishment for slandering you before the start of this round. Karma. Nothing much is discussed, and the meeting ends shortly with everyone skipping.

You spend a good ten minutes wandering around with Dream, who’s mission appears to be convincing you to join his Minecraft server, and really, there was no need for him to try so hard. You failed to provide him with a concrete answer only because it would've been to humiliating to admit that you agreed instantly upon hearing the word Minecraft.

That’s when things get fucking weird. Another meeting is called whilst you’re in the middle of fixing lights, and once the board with the members appears you audibly gasp. There had been 8 living, breathing astronauts rushing around the map, and now only 4 remain. You, Corpse, James, and Alex.

“What the fuck--what the fuck?!” You screech alarmed, noting Dream being among the perished crew, “I was just with Dream fixing the lights, I was just with him, what the fuck--”

“Okay, no one panic.” James says, “Let’s figure this out. Okay? Okay. Who else is close to Electrical?”

“I’m at Nav.” Quackity says.

“I’m at Cafeteria, but Y/n--” Corpse starts, “kinda weird that Dream died when you were with him?”

“I didn’t fucking kill him, I swear to God, Corpse, why are you accusing me?”

“Don’t be so defensive.” He says smoothly, “I’m just pointing out the obvious. We all have a reason to be sus, no? Considering you were right with him.”

“...It is suspicious.” James agrees, and a part of you dies inside. You understand their hesitance to trust you, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating!

“Guys, I didn’t kill him, I swear. He invited me to play Minecraft, I wouldn’t do that to him, not after that!”

Corpse merely hums, and it brings no comfort what’s so ever. The situation is spiraling, and not in your favor. Trying to salvage your chances at freedom, you try again, “Wh-James, James, you called the meeting, right?”

“Yeah, I found Rae’s body near Medical.”

“So I couldn’t have killed her and Dream at the same time!” You latch onto that piece of information, hoping it will save you.

“You could’ve vented.” Corpse points out, “Plus, there’s no telling how old the body is.”

“Killing five fucking people? It’s the work of one person, or else the game would have already ended. As it stands, I am no way sober enough to think all of this out.”

A brief silence hangs in the air; your lungs constrict from tension, from spilling words so hotly. You grasp your glass, as if for emphasis, and take a shy sip. It taste sweet, a bit too sweet for your liking. Must be your nerves. You drink again to wash the taste out of your mouth, which, surprisingly, doesn’t work. You whine a little, stomping your feet like a child about to throw a temper tantrum.

“...I believe her.” Quackity says. You breathe out a sigh of relief.

“Alex, thank youuuuuu!” You gush, batting your lashes as if he could somehow see you and that would somehow portray your innocence, “I knew I liked you for a reason!”

He mutes his mic, his spill of words lost to your ears, but chat helpfully informs that he’s screaming because you don’t hate him.

y/n out here collecting men like pokemon cards

Now all that’s left is to convince the others. You start with the one you know will work, “Corpse,” You address him in your sweetest voice.

“Y/n,” James warns, “don’t you dare--”

“Baby, I didn’t kill anyone, I’m crew mate, you gotta believe me.”

“She's innocent.” Corpse declare, thoroughly convinced.

“Oh my fucking God, you fucking simp!” James laughs, “She’s obviously manipulating you!”

“No, no, she isn’t. She’s innocent, I agree with Quackity. Now, it’s either you or him.”

“Could be you for all we know!” Alex accuses.

“Guys, time’s running out.” You mutter fretfully, noting the seconds tick by from white to red.

“I’m voting Alex.” Corpse says.

“What?! Fucking traitor! Fine, I’m voting for you.” Alex hisses.

“Ugh, hate agreeing with Quackity, but I’m also voting Corpse. Sorry, hon, nothing personal.” James says. The VOTED icons pop up beside their characters and you panic, pressing your mouse idly but it’s too late, there wasn’t enough time, and you cry as Corpse is thrown into lava. The chat spams F, and it feels like salt on a fresh wound.

In a second you’re back in Cafeteria, shell-shocked and trembling, and Quackity cusses because the Impostor is still among you. His frustration doesn’t last long as you watch in horror as Jams Chortles, beauty guru supreme, murders the only other crew mate in cold blood and all you can do is gape and let his cheerful laughter fill your ears. The screen bleeds red, informing of Impostor victory, the second one being Ash. Looks like you voted her off for the right reason, but little difference did it make.

“Corpse!” You yell past the cacophony of voices, all in varying forms of excitement or anger, beelining for his in-game figure, “Corpse, I’m so sorry, I panicked, I tried pressing the button but I wasn’t quick enough--”

“It’s alright, baby. Don’t worry about it.” He’s so calming, so gentle, you might burst into tears again. What did you do to deserve him? You wish he was with you so you could smother him in a hug. Alas, all you can do now is say “I kith you, mwah!” and rush to the other side of the lobby, as if to hide from such a bold display of affection, even if it was a joke (it wasn’t).

yall say corpse simps for y/n but the reality is y/n simps for corpse harder

queen stop its embarrassing

bhaddies can simp!! i wouldnt but its her choice <3

More deliberations, commentary, and short breaks. Once everyone has returned, the countdown starts. You’re still reeling from the chaos of emotions, the five stages of grief you experienced in 1 second upon Corpse’s unjust demise, that it takes you a moment, a single heartbeat to realize what you’re seeing on screen.

The letters IMPOSTOR hang above your astronaut, with Dream standing just behind you as your newly appointed partner in crime. And suddenly, all the sadness and the tenderness and sympathy vanish with a curt exhale. You slowly turn your head to the chat, muting the Discord call, your soft chuckle of disbelief turning into a full blown laugh.

it’s happening!!!!

omg omg omg omg

VILLAIN ARC VILLAIN ARC VILLAIN ARC

You slap your palm over your lips, trying to contain your wicked smile, to tone down your broken giggles, “N-No, I can’t laugh yet,” shaking your head softly, you look into the camera, “they’re all going to die.”

pack it up light yagami

this has awoken something in me.

^ same

The crew mates go their own ways, rushing to do their tasks like the diligent little workers they are. How adorable. Their grim fate is still miles away from them. The shit you’ll pull will be for the history books. Much like your outfit, which you picked keeping in mind your newfound thirst for blood, you had devised your plan of action with care and consideration. You had been mulling it over all day, drawing on paper like the absolute madwoman you are; hell, you even made sticky notes on who to go for first and what to say. Sure, being moderately drunk hinders your memory slightly (an understatement of the century), but you got a feel for what you’re going to do. It’s nothing short of evil.

Dream and you don’t exchange words, you merely nod at him-- which he, of course, can’t see-- but your criminal bond enables telepathic communication. You can hear his thoughts, ones that strangely sound like drink drink, drink drink. And really, who are you to refuse such an enticing offer?! As he fucks off to stalk his victims, or play pretend, you take a sip. The cocktail is still sweet, but this time it’s not the icky sweet you had tasted prior. You glance at your sticky notes, ones the roaches can’t see, and nearly spill your drink for the second time today as you jerk.

“Fuck!” You exclaim, shoving your headphones off and spinning in your chair. You hastily stand up, wobble -- the world is pleasantly funny right about now -- and giggle. Stepping past the mountains of abandoned clothes and pillows and blankets and anime plushies, you maneuver your way to your bedside table and yank it open, nearly taking out the whole drawer with you. In the mess of old diaries and bad drawings, pencils, jewelry, and stickers, you fish out something you should not be wielding in your inebriated state.

It’s a knife.

In midst of teenage angst you had ordered it off of Amazon with your mom’s credit card, all the while whining that it’s not a phase, mom, and it’s what all of my cool kid friends with fried hair have, and don’t you want me to fit in, don’t you want your daughter to be happy?! You think it’s about that time, the time of too much uneven eyeliner and black eye shadow, that she took to calling you little raccoon. Trash rabbit was your personal favorite, but she used it sparingly. When you presented your Macy’s outfit, holding up a fucking butterfly knife, to your dad, asking if it was a look, he glanced up from some boring business magazine all boring business dads read and said, with a bright smile might you add, “It’s a something!”.

Oh, how it gleams in the lilac light. You used to do tricks with it, back in eight grade maybe, and--what the fuck? Why did you parents allow you to buy it in the first place? Well, because you’re the only child, the only one important, of course they got it for you and clapped enthusiastically at your performances, because why wouldn’t they? The whining they’d face otherwise would’ve been harder to endure than a whole dance number to Panic! At The Disco’s greatest hits. Broadway looked so fucking shabby in comparison. Your mom said so, so it must be true.

Stumbling back to your extremely confused viewers, you take your seat, feeling a bit more grounded now that you’re not standing on your platform shoes anymore. Putting on your headphones, you grin at the chat that starts swimming, and not from too much drinking either. You do a quick flick of your wrist, one that thankfully doesn’t end in injury, and the sharp tip of the exposed knife points upwards, glimmering. It’s a rainbow colored one, because one, it’s pretty, and two, you weren’t hardcore enough for the jet-black or straight up military ones the other emo kids had. Cute and dangerous, just like you.

So you just sit there, holding it up, looking somewhat sly as the roaches capture this momentous moment with screen-caps. Someone definitely clipped you trudging past the obstacle course to obtain a weapon of mass destruction. You must be already trending on Twitter, though you can’t exactly log on and confirm your suspicions. You just feel like you might be, like you should be, because your audience wouldn’t let this slide. Thankfully, your friends don’t have time to check social media, or you’d be outed in an instant.

“Y/n?” Your roommates voice booms from your headphones, and you perk up with a stupid realization that you completely forgot about Among Us. Stuck at the start, at the lobby where Dream had left you, you see her astronaut waddling to you, “What are you doing here? Wait--Have you not moved from the beginning?” She can barely finish the sentence without giggling.

You grin, “I was looking for something.”

Your voice is soft, too calm for your usual frantic spill. You gently set the knife down, hand coming to rest on your mouse, fingers idly, slowly, bouncing on the buttons.

“...What were you looking for?” She’s none the wiser, the numerous drinks consumed tonight numbing her sharp mind. She would have noticed. Your eerie composure would’ve given it away in a heartbeat, or at least hinted at something being objectively wrong. But she sounds curious. Poor girl, hasn’t she heard? Curiosity killed the cat.

“A knife.”

“A knife?!” There’s something about her tone that implies a mental clicking, the puzzle pieces falling together, “You have a knife?!”

“Yes.”

“No!”

You think it would only be appropriate that the random sequence of killing animations renders the backstabbing one. You grin, biting your lower lip with a quiet snicker.

i love women

if evil bad...why seggy?

You take your time leaving her there -- in true serial-killer-to-be fashion, you stick around for a bit longer, admiring your handiwork, or more like the chat singing your praises. You joined today with the intent of making an interesting stream. You have no doubt in your mind that now it will be legendary.

You move down the hallway, and you let your imagination wander: you can almost feel the stuffy air of your helmet, can almost hear your loud footsteps echoing in all this hush, can almost see your reflection in the spotless tile floor. It’s not long before your second victim makes an appearance, running circles in Cafeteria. You hear his voice first before you see him, recognizing Alex by his unhinged screech of “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s goooo!”

“And what’s got you so excited?” How cool and collected you are, gosh, you barely contain the quiver of excitement that threatens to slip out.

“Y/n!” He exclaims, rushing to your side like a lost puppy--he’s really making this easy for you, he’s not even trying, “You just missed--Oh my fucking God, you just missed James, he-he called me tall, he called me fucking tall! Let’s go, let’s gooooo!”

“Well, you are tall, aren’t you?” You chime sweetly, almost as sweet as the drink that lingers on the tip of your tongue, “Real 6′3 energy, no?”

“Yes, yes, exactly! You get it, you fucking get it--” Once again, his mic goes mute, and you glance at the chat for help.

hard to transcribe what hes saying but hes taking shots and yelling that he loves you good job mom

hey, queen! girl, you have done it again, constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly

mom plz dont kill alex hes too cute hes all uwu rn

Oh, how you’re about to break his poor little heart. If you had any good left in you, you’d spare him. You don’t, and you’re not taking requests at the moment, so all you do is smile at your chat and they know. They just do. Hive-mind shit, you’re all two-faced little fuckers.

You giggle, and it sounds a tad fake, “You’re so weird, Alex,” You start, and he’s back in the call, a sound of confusion echoing in your ears, “but I get it, you know. You’re weird. You’re a weirdo. You don’t fit it, and you don’t want to fit in. I mean, really, has anyone even seen you without your stupid hat?”

“...Do--” He sputters, bellowing a laugh, “Do you have that whole fucking monologue memorized?!”

“Is it because you’re bald?”

“I’m not fucking bald!” His giddiness is quickly replaced by anger.

You hum, pretend to think, lastly barking a “Liar.” before you kill him. His scream is cut off, leaving only deafening silence at it’s wake. Unlike with Rae, you don’t stick around. You didn’t appreciate how little he enjoyed your recital.

You run into James near Navigation, most likely on his way to Cafeteria. He ends his song mid-note, and you breathe a sigh of relief, “Finally! Someone! I’ve been looking all over, where the hell is everyone?” You question, blocking his way, lest he accidentally stumbles onto the crime scene and easily pins it on you. You’re not done yet.

“Honestly? No clue. I’m searching for them myself, like, everyone’s scattered. I hope no one died.”

You smile. You tried not to, but you can’t contain it, “Me, too.” You echo the sentiment, urging him to join you, and he does. Too trusting. Everyone in this game is too fucking trusting. You lead him back to Nav, feigning that you have a task here. As you pretend to move the spaceship, you can’t help but ask, “Hey, James?”

“Yeah?”

“What’s your favorite scary movie?”

A beat of silence passes, “Oh no, fuck that, I don’t like this at all.” He states, about to spin on his heel and bolt like he should do, but you’re quicker-- killer instincts and all-- and he’s dead before he makes it out the doorway.

“See, after your No More Lies video, I figured you’d only tell the truth.” Yes, this is the part of the anime where the villain monologues, only the hero in this case is an astronaut cut in half, and not exactly alive to listen to you. You hope James’ ghost sticks around, “Case in point, why the fuck did you tell Quackity he’s tall?” You eye the chat, which’s mostly spamming W and comparing you to Ryo from Devilman Crybaby. “Such a shame...” You murmur, pressing the REPORT button.

“What?! How are so many people dead?!” Ash gasps, her kind voice tinted with fear and confusion. Your three kills, like military stars on an uniform of a distinguished officer, are displayed on the board. Dream appears to be slacking, having yet to take a life.

“Someone’s been real fucking busy.” Charlie observes. It’s true, you have been.

“I found James in Nav, but holy shit--” You begin, exasperated, “--what the fuck, guys, how did we miss this shit? Where is everyone?”

“I’m at Electrical.” Corpse voices.

“And I’m with Corpse.” One sentence is all it takes to figure out your next target: Bretman. Revenge for being killed first in the first goddamn round, and for spending so much time with your boyfriend.

Eep!!! Boyfriend boyfriend boyfriend!!! The word even makes you forget your thirst for blood, that’s how whipped you are. Sadly, it’s time to return to reality, to this grave situation.

“And what have the two of you been conspiring?” You keep your tone level, but that alone is enough to set everyone off. The unease you had planted within them before the game started is starting to bloom. However, if they suspect you, they don’t speak up, not yet.

“Fishnets, mostly.” Corpse says.

only partly a lie he was mostly talking abt u queen <3

corpse simping for y/n is the sweetest thing ever

the times corpse used y/ns name when talking abt y/n: 1. the times he used baby or my baby: infinite

“I’m wearing them right nyoooow.” Bretman drawls.

You hum, “What a coincidence. I am, too.”

“Wait--For real?” That seems to catch Corpse’s attention, because of course it does, you picked them with him in mind, after all.

“No peeping.” You tsk, obviously referring to his tendency to hop onto your stream unprompted. Whether he actually listens to your demands is beyond you, “Peeping means cheating.”

“For the love of fuck all, can we get back to the three dead bodies, please? Because I’m about to have a second coming of Christ moment and taste my consumed, digested beer for the second time.” Charlie interjects.

“I mean, anyone have any ideas who’d do this?” Dream takes hold of the conversation. Quiet, disappointed nos greet him. They have nothing to go on, no clues, not even a subliminal message. With everyone scattered, there is no way of locating the actual bodies and drawing a long red trail leading back to you.

You’re too good at lying, and Dream is too good of a publicist. People tend to trust his judgement, which is his main asset (besides his calm demeanor of course). When the Among Us gods chose you as Impostor, they made sure you had every advantage.

“Who-Who do you think it is, Dream?” Ash questions, “I trust you. I do. Just know that.”

“No fucking clue.”

“Y/n?” She tries again.

“Same. I’m a bit worried, though.”

“Let’s, uhhh, let’s skip?” Sykkuno offers. The consensus is to start voting at six. Your new mission is to make sure you dwindle the numbers down drastically before that can happen. You have no qualms about sacrificing Dream in order to meet your goals, either. Absolutely cold blooded.

Back at Cafeteria, there are words exchanged about Quackity’s body just laying there, forgotten. Blame is shifted: how come we didn’t notice sooner? Where’s Rae? And you mindlessly go along with their mourning, not really paying attention. Dream leaves with Charlie and Sykkuno, Corpse requests you stay with him and you sprout fake apologies. Not his time yet. Us girls need to stick together!, you sing, following after Ashley and getting further and further away from him, going deeper and deeper into the labyrinth of the spaceship.

You find yourself in Security with her, her cute astronaut pressed to the cameras, watching the live feed, “Let’s lurk here, okay? Maybe we’ll see something.” If only she saw who was standing behind her.

“Who do you think is the Impostor?” You ask, standing in the doorway, “Or, more like, who are the Impostors?”

“Honestly?” She ends her word with a little sigh, “I think it might be Corpse and Bretman. I haven’t seen them at all this game.”

You smile, raising your brows, tilting your heard, and you sound so kind, like a dear old friend about to deliver a tender message, “...Have you seen me?”

“SHIT!”

Too late. In one smooth motion she joins the afterlife. You cut the lights, venting mindlessly till you spot Corpse and Bretman panicking in Weapons. Your existence is still a mystery to them.

“Fuck fuck fuck fuck--” Corpse mumbles, “Bretman, don’t you dare fucking kill me right now.”

“I’m not Impostor!”

“Okay, I’ll drink to that.”

They rush out of Weapons, most likely on their way to Electrical, and you trail after them like the Grim Reaper itself, biding your time till you can deliver the killing blow.

“Corpse?!” You call out, mild panic ringing in your voice, “Is that you?”

“Shit, Y/n? Where are you?” He questions. Crew vision is so sad, so small, how can he not see you standing almost right next to him? “Where’s Ash?”

“I dunno,” You say, “when the lights went out I ran. Please don’t kill me.”

“I’d never do that, baby.”

Too easy. They’re all too fucking easy. You bite your lower lip, trying to stop the laugh bubbling in your chest, to stop the lightheaded dizziness that overcomes you with a rush of excitement.

“Thanks, pretty boy.” You mutter, and it sounds a bit lower than you intended, a bit darker, something sinister lurking underneath cotton candy words. It instantly clicks in Bretman and he makes a noise, something like a whine, and you see him backing away, “I know I can always trust you.”

Whether Corpse notices the odd shift in tone, he doesn’t show it, “I like it when you call me that.” Is all he says, and you hear the smile in his voice, the appreciation. The trek to Electrical is all but forgotten. You slowly make your way to Bretman, “Where are you? Come here.”

“Just a minute,” You say cheerily, “I just need to kill Bret first.”

“Holy shit.”

“N-” Your victim’s sentence is cut off in a second, and you can’t contain your manic cackle this time, because the screen bleeds red, the words VICTORY splattered on it, depicting yours and Dream’s sneaky astronauts. You’re still laughing as the voices of your fallen friends ring in your ears.

“Y/n, what the fuck, you’re an actual monster.” Dream says, but there’s no actual weight behind his words, each syllable punctured with a laugh.

“I knew the second she asked me about my favorite scary movie that I’d get the chop.” James states.

“Wait, Y/n, did you kill everyone?” Corpse questions.

“She fucking did!” Dream answers for you, “I got Charlie and Sykkuno, and barely at that. What the fuck.”

“I’ve been waiting so fucking long for this.” You admit, giggling, raising you glass, “I toast to you, Dream. My perfect partner in crime.”

“I didn’t really do shit, but cheers.”

Quackity heaves a heavy sigh, “Y/n, Y/n, you don’t actually think I’m weird, right? Right?”

“No, she does.” James chimes.

“WHAT THE FUCK DID I EVER DO TO YOU, DUDE?!”

More commotion, more noise, and you just sit there, buzzed, snickering, reading the chat as the rest agree to play another round. You thank the people who donated that you had accidentally missed among the, you know, murder, reply to a few questions, bow dramatically to the many praises and invisible flowers you receive for such beautiful assassin work. When you look back at the screen, you throw your head back with a maniacal laugh.

Impostor again, only this time it’s with Charlie. Family bonds are often restored when united under a common goal. You’re so happy. So happy. You weren’t done terrorizing your friends yet.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

tags (in italics is those i couldn’t tag! make sure all’s ok w your settings!) : @littlebabysandboxburritos - @fairywriter-oracle - @tsukishimawh0re - @ofstarsanddreams - @bbecc-a - @annshit - @leahh19 - @letsloveimagines - @bellomi-clarke - @wineandionysus - @guiltydols - @onephootinfrontoftheother - @liamakorn - @thirstyfangirl - @lilysdaydreams - @pan-ini - @mxqicshxp - @tanchosanke - @yoshinorecommends - @flightsandfantasy - @liljennyx3 - @bingusmode - @unknown-and-invisible - @sinister-sleep - @fivedicksinatrenchcoat - @mercury–moon - @peterparkerspjsuit - @unstableye - @simonsbluee - @shinyshimaagain - @ppopty - @siriuslystupid - @crapimahuman - @ofthedewthesunlight - @mythicalamphitrite - @artsyally - @corpsesimpp - @corpsewhitetee - @corpse-husbandsimp - @hyp-oh-critical - @roses-and-grasses - @rhyrhy462 - @sparklylandflaplawyer - @charbkgo - @airwaveee - @creativedogs - @kaitlyn2907 - @loxbbg - @afuckingunicornn - @fleurmoon - @yeolliedokai

more tags are in the comments bcs tumblr only allows me to tag 50 people max 💙

#corpse husband #corpse #corpse husband x reader #corpse x reader #corpse social media au #corpse husband x y/n #corpse husband fic #corpse husband social media au #social media au #myso #make you say oh #quackity #dream smp #corpse x y/n #imagine #imagines #reader #xreader

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captain039 · 3 years ago

Text

The lioness PT 2

Logan x reader (wolverine)

Warnings: Gore, sweating, placed in Logan, character deaths, intimacy, angst, age gap, anxiety, anxiety attacks, mentions of needles

18+

Prev ious chapter

You sighed rolling out the bed and heading to the shower. You forgot you were with people and jumped when goo saw a rather naked Logan in front of you.

“I'm so sorry!” you yelped and closed the door. You went to the table and sat down wishing the world would swallow you up. Charles was laughing on the bed and you glared before hiding your face in your towel.

You were on the road again pretty quickly, you didn't say anything nor did you dare look Logan in the eye.

“We need to find new clothes or something,” you said eyeing your bloodied pants and shirt. Despite a hand scrub they still looked horrible.

“Fine” Logan grumbled and you huffed at his attitude.

You went with Luara to the kid's area she was rather forceful. You had to keep her from tearing the clothes apart. You eventually got her a few clothing items before heading to the adult clothes area. You grabbed some shirts, a jumper and a new pair of jeans before going to the checkout.

“Hey you want ice cream?” you asked Laura as she held your hand. She looked at you and you realised she may have not had ice cream.

“I'll get you some ice cream,” you said heading to the shop. You talked her through the flavours, she ended up with chocolate while you had your favourite. You saw Logan waiting outside with Charles a stern look on his face as always.

“Come on” you held Laura's hand and headed to them.

“Ice cream?” Logan questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“She's a kid!” you snapped glaring at him. He flinched a little and Charles smirked at you.

You headed back to the highway again. Stupid auto trucks beeping and causing too much stress. They caused Logan to lose control along with another car. You gripped the door and the dash your claws digging in. After the car stopped you took a breath and looked to the other car.

“Crap” you got out quickly and avoided any trucks as you helped them with their horses. They all went back on their own though and you frowned glancing to Charles. Logan drove over and helped you.

“Thank you both so much” the woman said.

“That’s ok” you smiled.

“Damned trucks” Logan sighed and she chuckled.

“Yeah” she agreed.

“Would you let us repay you by offering you a warm meal?” She asked.

“Ah no-“ Logan began but Charles cut him off.

“We’d be delighted” he said and you saw Logan’s pissed face.

“Awesome” the woman said.

You sat a little uncomfortably at the house, it was strange to be in this setting again. You stared at your food before trying to control your urge to devour it all.

“Is this your daughter?” Kathryn asked you.

“What? Oh- no Laura’s his” you said.

“Oh- are you together?” She asked and you froze and Logan cleared his throat.

“Yes they are” Charles said and you blinked.

“We are?” You said more of a question.

“Sorry you’re very young is all” Kathryn said.

“I’m yeah” you flushed a bit heart pounding as your leg also jogged.

“He’s unwell, he um, isn’t as old as he looks” you said trying to keep in the act. A hand fell on your bounding leg though, forcing you to stop. You stared at Logan who was keeping a silent rage in.

“Please stop” he said very hushed.

“Im sorry to make you uncomfortable” she chuckled nervously and you shook your head.

“I’ll help with the dishes” you said and stood his hand falling off. You started to fill the sink till the whole house grumbled about it.

“Damn it!” Bill said. He began muttering to his wife who tried to calm him.

“Damn bastards” he sighed grabbing his torch.

“You mind helping Logan?” He asked and Logan just followed silently.

“After new owners came in on the near property they’ve been messing with our water” Kathryn sighed.

“I’m sorry” you said and she sighed.

“The last owners were real nice now Mr Hones and his sons are messing with our supply” she huffed.

“Y/n dear would you mind taking me to bed?” Charles asked and you nodded. You lifted the man up, he was frail in your arms, though with your strength most did. You laid him down like glass and watched Laura go into Nates room.

You went back downstairs to Kathryn and the water turned on.

“Nice job hun” she whispered and you couldn’t help but smile softly. You did the dishes but something kept you on guard. A bad feeling in your gut, you hoped it was wrong, but the sound of vehicles approaching made it to real.

“You need to get your son and hide” you said and she frowned.

“What’s going on?” She said rushed as you urged her upstairs.

“Stay in here, lock yourself in don’t come out until you hear me ok?” You said entering the room and closing the curtains.

“Y/n-!” She called but you pulled the door closed and broke the handle.

“Laura” you nudged her and she turned to you.

“Stay here with Charles, scream of anything goes wrong” she went on edge and stood up immediately.

“No- no stay” you said as she went to follow you. You closed the door and listened in. Only one set of footsteps. You frowned going downstairs and seeing a large figure. You froze at the face of Wolverine, but it wasn’t him.

You switched to your night vision, listened in deeper trying to figure out far the cars were. The fake Wolverine wasn’t stopping, you went outside and readied your claws. His claws came out too and you frowned as he charged. You were quick to dodge but broke a case in the process. You kept dodging his attacks before striking your own. More men came in and shots were fired into you. You winced before healing and focused on the big guy. You heard screams inside and froze your worried gaze going to the house. You sprinted to the house, jumped up to the second floor and broke through the window. You killed the men but it was took late. Kathryn had bullets in her and Nate was dead. You went to Kathryn who sobbed.

“I’m so sorry” you whispered as she her eyes closed. You heard Laura cry and you kicked the door down. The fake Wolverine had gotten in quickly, she was fighting him.

“Hey!” You snarled jumping on him and pulling him down with you. You grunted are the pain of being squashed as he thrashed. You were knocked pretty easily as he stood. You got up to glancing to the bed and freezing. Charles was gasping for breath, blood on his white singlet. You cried tears in your eyes as you swiped and fought. The house was trashed as you were thrown about and finally thrown outside. You groaned feeling weak and limp.

“Y/n!” You heard Logan this time, the real one and groaned in response. He helped you up before he was punched away and you were punched back down. A car came in and ran the fake one down and into spikes of the house.

“Bill-“ you muttered as he shot the thing in the face multiple times before falling down himself. You groaned again hearing an explosion going off before you heard Laura struggle. You looked over, saw her lying on the head cuffed.

“Laura” you mumbled getting up on weak legs.

“Come on” Logan helped you along the way as he picked up Laura and went into the car. Charles was already in the back in the tray as you sped off. You slowly healed and helped Laura out of her cage.

“He’ll be fine” you said to her as she looked at Charles worried. He wasn’t fine at all, struggling for breath.

“Logan-“ you said.

“Yeah-yeah let me think!” He snarled and you gulped.

Charles didn’t make it. He died with the last thoughts of a boat on the ocean. You buried him by some water, like that would fix anything. You didn’t know the man very long but he understood you, went in your head a few times too many but you were thankful he did. It was hard on Logan he was trembling slightly as he looked over Charles grave. Laura tried to hold his hand but he stormed off.

“Come here” you said and beckoned her over. She wrapped her arms around your stomach and you sighed patting her back.

“He’s a man and doesn’t deal very well with his emotions ok?” You said and she nodded slightly. You heard crashing and yelling as Logan broke things on the truck with the shovel.

“Just- wait here” you said going to him. You stopped his swing, grabbing it mid air as he stared you down. You stared back his strength much stronger than yours apparently as your arms struggled. He gave up though and you laid the shovel back in the tray as he leant against the car.

“I’m sorry for what happened-“ you began and he glared.

“Ok” you whispered stopping. He hadn’t healed properly, hadn’t slept properly, just lost his friend and now has to deal with the kid and you. He stumbled and you frowned as he fell to the ground.

“Woah hey!” You yelled but he was passed out.

“Damn it” you muttered.

“Laura!” You called but saw no figure.

“Goddamnit!” You yelled as a car slowly approached.

“Oh” you said seeing her in the drivers seat.

“You can’t just take peoples cars-“ you sighed lifting Logan up and dragging him to the old Ford. You drove to the hospital though he wouldn’t like it that much.

“Will he wake up?” You asked the doctor quietly.

“Yes, are you also a mutant?” He said hushed.

“I guess” you sighed.

“Your blood could heal him” you frowned at the doctors words.

“I’d need a sample but it may work” he said and you stared at the old man.

“He’s killing himself slowly” you said and the doctor nodded sadly.

“Charles told me not to let him, probably also told Laura-“ you stopped at his confused face.

“I’m terrified of needles I’m sorry if I- attack?” You said and he gulped.

“Ok” he agreed.

He strapped your arms down just in case and you looked away. You took deep breaths, heart pounding and head spinning as he took some blood.

“All done” he said and you sighed in relief as you healed quickly.

“Ah geez” you felt like puking and passing out.

“Lie on the floor” he said and you did just that. You closed your eyes and sighed shakily. Laura came in and you looked to her.

“I’m scared of needles” you chuckled as she sat by your head and handed you an ear piece.

“Thanks” you whispered putting it in and listening to the music.

“It’s working” you frowned as the doctor rushed in. You slowly stood trying to ignore the feeling in your stomach. You watched his wounds heal quickly and watched his face change.

“Very well apparently” the doctor said. He looked less withered down, more like a matured man with grey hair.

“What the hell” you whispered.

Next Chapter

#x reader #fanfic #logan x reader #old man logan #Wolverine #Wolverine x reader #xmen #marvel #xmen x reader

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sockpansy · 4 years ago

Text

Accidents happen

Rudony ( tony x rudolph)

@rudolph-sackville-bagg. I finally posted it

Nights with tony were lively.

Rudolph loved the feel of the warmth his hand had when they flew over the tops of trees and over ponds. He loved seeing him cheer in excitement as he did a loop. He enjoyed the way his voice would change on the calm nights they sat under the moonlight on the rooftop, Tony reading a few books from the castle library. Rudolph loved how being with Tony, in any way, always felt alive.

Nights with Rudolph were adventurous.

Tony would jump in delight when Rudolph offered his hand for a flight from his window at sunset. He loved the way he would tease him reminding him to close his mouth before he caught a bug. He loved holded his hand as they walked beside the river, jumping in and splashing each other until they were soaked. No matter how small it may be, there was always an adventure with Rudolph.

It was no wonder the boys had fallen in love with each other. If only they both knew it.

Tony walked up a small hill on the way back to the castle, Rudolph flying after him.

" I never knew turtles could bite so hard." Tony laughed as he turned to face Rudolph, walking backwards,

" I told you it was called a snapping turtle. You're lucky it only got the stick you poked it with and not your finger." Rudolph only laughed at the recent memory.

" I'm a vampire, I'm sure a small bite wouldn't have caused that much damage."

" Well i still think vampires need their fingers,"

Tony smiled and shook his head, he started to turn back around to continue the walk up the hill. Rudolph flew over him and appeared in front of him upside down. He went to say something when Tony had turned his head forward to face him.

Tony had been stepping up and forward, not knowing how close he was to the boy until his warm lips met his cold ones.

In all his 300 and 13 years, Rudolph had never felt a moment so long and so short all at once. He faintly thought "warm and soft" before he flew backwards at realizing what happened.

Tony on the other hand, had jumped back almost a second later blushing. He touched his lips with one hand, and even though it was brisk, he could still feel how cold and chapped Rudolph's lips felt against his.

Both boys stared at the other, neither being able to come up with an excuse or reason or even a word.

Tony managed to find one first.

" i didn't know you were so close...that um..wasn't...on purpose." But he really wished it had been. He wanted to kiss him again already.

Rudolph had turned right side up and had the back of his hand to his lips, trying to hold the feeling of the kiss there. He nodded as he observed Tony, looking for any sign he might have been ok with it, but quickly dismissing all the obvious signs as just nervousness or surprise or tony being...Tony.

" Ah yes. I'll be a bit more careful next time." He completely planned to not do that.

The boys stayed there another minute quietly. Rudolph cleared his throat first.

" The sun will be coming up soon. Uh...how about I fly us home?"

_________

The flight there was silent, even as they both had the same thing screaming inside their heads.

Rudolph dropped Tony at the front door. Said a quick good day and flew to his window. Tony waved as he left and headed inside to have breakfast with his family.

As Tony zoned out eating cereal, Rudolph was having trouble sleeping. He kept touching his lips and imagining what it would feel like to feel them again. If he even could feel them again.

After agonizing over it for far to long into the day, he gave into the only thing he knew to do.

He went to Anna and Gregory for advice.

______________

" it is 11 am in the morning. The sun is glaring down outside those curtains...and you wake me up. Drag me all the way out of my room..for this. " Gregory crossed his arms as he stared at his little brother. He brushed lips for half a second and now he can't even face a mere mortal?

Anna, on the other hand? She was also upset at being woken up but she was not happy about what happened either.

" It's not fair that you got to kiss Tony first!"

" that is not the problem here! I don't even know what to do and it wasn't a kiss on purpose!"

Anna huffed crossing her arms " well if it had been me i wouldn't have let it end so quickly."

Rudolph held his head in his hands " why did i think going to you two would be any good advice."

Gregory yawned " let's hurry up so I can get back to sleep. I had been having a nice little daydream before you rudely interrupted."

Rudolph let himself float as he tried to think " I mean..it..it wasn't even on purpose..we just gotta little close is all...but i don't even know how to face him!"

Anna chimed in" upside down apparently," Gregory nudged her and she let out a puff of air, then floated up to Rudolph.

" this is really bothering you that much?" Rudolph nods

" yes anna...i don't quite know what to do...and i don't want to avoid him...and i want to kiss him again but i'm not even sure he would be ok with that. Let alone like to be romantic."

Anna tapped her foot in the air, making no sound, but she sighed defeated.

" if he says no, then i get him. No take backs!"

Rudolph turned to face her better, " what do you mean?"

" I mean tonight when he wakes up, ask him to go flying, and talk about the kiss. Ask to do it again. But if he says no or if you don't do it. He is mine." Rudolph didn't quite know what to say to that,or where to start either. Luckily- or unluckily- she went past him and into the hall, heading to her room.

Gregory yawned " she has a point rudolph. You won't know until you ask him. I'm sure it will all turn out fine." And he followed Anna out so he coule grt bsck to sleep. This wasn't his problem. This left Rudolph to deal with the advice he did not want and a deal he didn't agree to or ask for.

_______

Waiting for Tony to wake up was misery. To keep Tony from sleeping all day. His parents set his bedtime from 4pm to 11 pm and he could stay up the rest of the night and day. Sadly this also meant a few hours of the night were spent without Tony, and tonight those hours ticked by like years.

Finally. At 11pm on the dot. Rudolph flew into Tony's room from the open window.

Tony hadn't been able to get much sleep himself, and had gotten the same advice from his parents as Rudolph had from his siblings. But in a much less challenging way, although that didn't make it any easier.

He sat up when Rudolph came in and yawned.

" goodnight Rudy." He waved a bit nervously. Rudolph took a quick breath and did his best to act as normal as vampirely possible as he held out his hand.

" ready for your wakeup call?"

Tony couldn't help the grin that spread over his face as he took Rudolph's hand and they flew into the night.

______

It wasn't long before the two were sat on top of the tower rudolph had left Tony on once before, neither filling the open with words quite yet.

" hey about yesterday-"

" about the kiss-"

They said at the same time. Then Quickly went quiet, waiting for the other to finish. Stars. They are so awkward.

Rudolph remembered anna' s decree over Tony, even if tony wasn't a prize to be won ( unless rudolph won, that doesn't count), he didn't like the idea of her stealing him away.

" Tony, i apologize if this comes out...rash." He started. He kept talking, hoping that if he didn't stop he wouldn't back out," but yesterday, I admit I didn't plan to be so close for that to happen. That is to say i didn't plan it but i- i may have - perhaps it was-" he stumbled over his words.

Tony took over quickly,``I haven't kissed someone before!"

Rudolph fell quiet " huh?"

The mortal continued, rubbing the back of his head as he did to get some nerves out,``I um..mean that..since i havent kissed anyone before that would have been my first kiss. But um..i was..wanting a proper kiss. "

Rudolph felt his heart sink, he didn't mean to accidentally take his first kiss!

" I apologize Tony, I didn't mean to take that from you."

Tony was wearing the same red his hoodie had on his face by this point, " i'm not saying that it was..bad..i..am saying." He took a small breath and took one of rudolph's hands.

" kiss me again?"

Rudolph stared at Tony for a bit. Unsure what to say or even do. Did this mean that Tony liked him? Or did he just want a proper kiss and it happened to be Rudolph who kissed him on accident, so he was asking him to do it proper this time?

Tony bit his lip and looked away quickly

" im sorry, that was...a selfish request...i was um..just hoping maybe you...wanted to kiss me too."

Rudolph had to say something. Anything. Something at all!

"Your lips are very warm."

Not that!

" -and i'd like to kiss you again!"

That's better!

Tony blushed as he faced him and nodded, holding one hand and putting the other gently behind his neck. Tony pulled Rudolph into a soft kiss.

Rudolph had been right. Tony's kiss was very soft and warm. He could stay like this for hours if he would let him.

Rudolph put his free hand on Tony' s cheek. Pulling him closer, and he swears he could taste strawberries on him.

It only lasted a few seconds, before both boys pulled back from the kiss, still holding onto each other. Tony laughed a little bit.

" so um..does this mean you like me?"

Rudolph looked offended, " you mean i can kiss you and you think I would only just like you? Tony, I love you."

Ok, Rudolph did not plan to say that tonight.

Tony did not expect to hear that tonight either.

But Tony just kissed him again quickly, and mumbled against his lips the same words he just heard.

________

When Anna heard the news in the morning, she was sure to remind Rudolph she would grab Tony if he let him go, and Gregory just gave him a pat on the back as a congratulations, but no one was surprised they had gotten together. Just glad they finally did.

#the little vampire #the little vampire 2017 #rudony

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abloomntime · 3 years ago

Text

A Bloom In Time Ch26 Nightmares And Shadows

(Warning: Death scene, Mentioning of past death, nightmares, and a light panic attack.)

Cold. Darkness. All of it came rushed over so suddenly. Just like the two heavily armored guards carrying her kicking and screaming self towards the dreaded summer house that housed the royals deep in the snowed up world. That winter suddenly came that year unexpectedly with the freezing winds suddenly whipping around her when she just closed up her stand for the day, pocketing the expensive bracelet she was given as payment and what coins she received as payment, ready to go home. She didn't make much from her flower stand she always wanted, but that was always fine and dandy. She loved the smiles on the children's faces when they'd buy single flowers for their parents, or if she'd sell them flowers in exchange for small things like food. It was one way to get to eat around here. But the chills filling the air that after noon followed by the loud thumping sounds coming towards her were new. Especially when all of a sudden two giant armored men stood over her and seized her without warning. So naturally she resisted and fought against her captors as they took her away.

"LET THE PECK GO OF ME!! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG!! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!!"

The farther down the path they went the more horrified she became. There was ...snow. IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER!! Harsh white and cold wind glared all around her as she gawked around wildly....and then shrieked at the sight of a frozen person as they passed. Their feared expression forever frozen on their face. The poor girl went silent from the numb cold as those blue eyes widened in horror at all the suurounding frozen people as they walked past, never easing up on her grip, or giving any emotion to anything around them as the horrified woman went limp in their arms from shock as they approached the black gates and beyond that was the manor. Her blue eyes flicked up to it. It looked more menacing than it usually did as the entire house loomed over them the closer they got and a sudden feeling of dread filled her up to the very core of her soul as they were swallowed by the shadows and even more coldness bearing down on her. The guards didn't stop until they were going up the stairs and into the home. It was as dark and cold as the outside. Even more so if that was possible. She was still frozen and scared in the grip of the guards when the doors opened and they forced her inside. The inside of the manor was colder than the outside is that was even possible, and if she wasn't already in shock, she would've shrieked at what was awaiting them just a few feet away from the door.

In the darkness of cold and shadows, a hunched over monster made it's way over to them but dared not come further than five feet giving a hiss. Like she was a skunk and this red eyed thing was afraid of her. How strange, but that didn't stop her stop pointing a hand at her, and in possibly the most scariest, raspy voice Poppy had ever heard. Said:

"Take her to the room and lock her away. ...I can't look at her as my prince had done. Perhaps locking her away forever will teach her a lesson about gazing into another man's eyes who belong TO ME!!"

"...WAIT!! WHAT?!" She attempted to struggle again but their strength was too much.

Sadly be the fate of the innocent florist wasn't a pleasant one. As she was marched up the stairs to the very third floor of the manor, the coldness and shadows started to become too much to the point of her screaming and struggling body starting to be overcome by them all. the long hallway they were taking her down ended in a single pair of double doors, the doors surrounded by locks that haven't been locked yet.

The guards marched the poor woman now panicking in their grip flailing about, trying to get out of their grip like a fly in a cold spiderweb to no avail. The two giant guards marched noisily towards somewhere unknown as the third floor rooms and hallways passed them as they marched with seemingly no regard for the woman yelling and pulling between them. Eventually marching down one hallways in particular with a double door room at the end of it, heavy and thick with chains and locks fit for a dungeon instead of a bed room. The two guards went right up to it and before Poppy could even yell out peck again- She was tossed in rather hard. She landed with a giant thud sound and yelped out as her body landed with the freezing cold floor. As her weakly numbing body was pushed into the empty room, she looked up just in time to see the two heavily armored guards slam the doors behind her. She struggled to stand with the cold seeping through all her body but wobbled to the door, vision blurring with nothing but darkness. And it only began to get colder and COLDER!! Poppy groaned from the pain but those blue eyes snapped open at the sudden noise of doors slamming behind her. Panic and adrenaline pumping through her veins and she stumbled to her feet as fast as she could. The rattling of chains and clicking of heavy locks made her fear spike worse and she went to it as fast as she could grabbing the door knob and pushing. Even as all the clicks and locks of the locks were put into place and the floor jostling with the heavy footsteps of the guards stopping away, she fell to her knees against the door and banged her fist against it. Screaming to be let out as the coldness and blackness seeped more into the room and still overtook her form.

"HEY!! WHAT THE PECK!? LET ME OUT!!" The heavy doors creaked from her pushing and pulling and desperately turning the knob. The floor shaking lightly with the heavy footsteps of the guards walking away. The realization of them walking away made her more desperate to get out, and she now went to banging on the door. "H-HEY!! DO YOU LUGNUTS HEAR ME?! I SAID I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING OK?! I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID BUT IM SORRY OK!! PLEASE!! LET ME GO!! I SWEAR TO YOU I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING THAT CRAZY SHADOW LADY SAID!!"

Screeching that sounded like bloody murder echoed out through the closed attic and blue eyes opened in a sudden blurry black vision. Someone sat up and more screams were hollered out at two glowing yellow orbs that scattered away from the source of the sounds as whoever was cutting his ears with piercing screams moved back away from him. Blanket uncovering their body and a pillow tossed in the direction of the shadow monster of nightmares coming back for her. .....Well it most certainly WAS a shadow. But NOT the one she just had a nightmare about. This shadow yelped when his face was suddenly wacked by a pillow and as it fell to the floor he shook his head and watched as the panicked woman scattered back from him.

"I'M SORRY!! I'M SORRY!! DON'T PUT ME BACK IN THERE!! I HATE THE COLD!!", she desperately cried out pleading for her life.

"WHAT THE PECK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!," A male voice demanded staring down at her with a scowl. "As if I would lock you up!"

"Your majesty?"

Snatcher floated there silently at the sudden title thrown at him from no where. Poppy could feel a rush of adrenaline pumping through her veins and she briefly wondered how fast she could make it to the ever moving platform- A jolt shook her body at the sudden snap noise and a second later blue flames appeared in the hand of the shadow creature who loomed over her, his scowling face softened up to pure confusion as he stared down at her and she stared up blinking at the giant creature. Anyone else would've screamed and ran away but-

"It's ME!," Snatcher said in a slightly grumpy tone but he stopped completely staring at the sudden state of the woman in front of him.

Shaking goosebumped flesh drenched in cold sweat. Raw fear circulating through her body, he could feel it. He could always feel the fear and auras radiating off one's soul and he took delight in someone's fear. It made him strong, powerful. HUNGRY AND EXCITED EVEN!! Yet now. Feeling the soul within her beat and radiate that same fear felt....wrong. Sick. Made him want to spit out ectoplasm. This fear was bad, made him get cold from just being near it so much. Made him want to dive through the floors below to escape the ooze of it until it completely went away when she calmed down. Yet...A force made him remain where he was, looming over her staring and not going anywhere. Fear was something he knew was a powerful motivator for someone like him but the fact remains that....She shouldn't be left alone in a state like this. Confused, lost, eyes small as her heart raced and fear pumped through her, afraid..Alone.

He didn't want to be alone-

".....Snatcher?" The soft voice snapped him out of his stupor and he stared right into those blue eyes registering this shadow as not an enemy.

The yellow eyes loomed closer and she still could barely see even with the light provided. But certainly felt the peach fuzzed like claws gently place themselves on her shoulders like she was a tiny child compared to this creature who needed comfort. "Yeah. Yeah it's me." He said as calmly and softly as possible and was rewarded with a shudder and sigh from Poppy in front of him. Also rewarding him was a choke coming from her throat and fresh tears coming from her eyes in the form of her crying. Making the ghost freeze and stare as a pang of panic shot through his shadowy form. Poppy was- Why was she-....Crying?! Real actual crying like a few times he'd seen her do before but this time it seemed more powerful than the time that stupid statue was chasing her or when the dumb noose 'flirted' with her. He still wanted nothing more than to burn it to ashes and crumble that stone menace to pebbles, but anger right now wasn't going to do him or her any good. And there was no way in peck he was about to leave her like this either. His other hand with the flames snapped letting the fire float in the air so both his hands could be free to help out and hovered above Poppy's shoulder stopping. "Are you.....Is it alright if I touched you?" She sniffed and made a couple more choke sounds from her state but managed to force something out that sounded like 'ok', and slowly a soft arm wrapped around her shoulders and she felt the presense sit down on the floor next to her. Not full on caging her in a hug, but offering her comfort with a arm around her anyways giving her enough space and closeness. Continuing to cry her eyes out, the woman reached her hands up to swipe at those stinging tears from her slightly pink face now. He cringed at the sight but kept his mouth shut, pulling a hankerchief out of no where and holding it out to her silently. It took Poppy a few moments to actually notice it was there but once she did it was yanked from him and held to her tear stained face. Blowing her nose loudly and wiping her tears away from her face. A small blunt 'thanks' was squeaked out from the lady and he still remained silent for a long while. Nothing but her crying and hiccupping and the silence of the attic. ".......Are you feeling better?"

.......She sniffed and nodded without looking at him. "Yeah..I t-t-think so...Thanks."

He hummed and continued to sit there and look at her trying to sniff and clear her face up now. By now he had a pretty good idea of what might've caused such a reaction out of her, but he didn't want to jump the gun and make the situation any more uncomfortable. "What happened?" is what he ended up asking after a few silent moments of thinking.

"Jus' a.....a bad dream." Still not meeting his gaze he saw. Hm.

"What about?" He gently pressed. His ghostly brow rising as he saw her completely still under his hold. Maybe that was too soon to ask. "Do...you want to talk about it? It's perfectly fine if you don't want to."

......She groaned and leaned back into his arm which was pretty sturdy enough for her to lean against and not fall through. Strange. You'd think she'd just pass through it since he can pass through walls but nope, with her head pointed up towards the ceiling eyes closed. "....I don't know anymore. It's just....." Her eyes opened to stare up at the dark ceiling above them. Faint shadows danced in what dim light the one blue flame provided and gold eyes blinked at her from her right. Snatcher's eyes. They looked so much like Jack-o-lanturn eyes. It was kinda funny on a peach feeling purple ghost king. Her heart beats have gone down back to normal by now and now her eyes were just a bit sore from all the crying and rubbing to make the tears go away. "I-....I think I just remembered how I died."

Snatcher couldn't snapped his head down to her faster than when he did eyes widening. "You what?"

Her death. That means-...Did she remember him?! Did she put the pieces together?! Did she know it was all his-...Vanessa's fault she was frozen for over a thousand years and blame HIM?! DID SHE BLAME HIM?! DID SHE EVEN THINK ABOUT HIM?! If he was still alive with a heart beat and lungs, his panic might've been given away by rapid heart beats and irregular breathing that comes with it. But all he managed was a panicked face and quick question. He still remained that way when she turned her head leaning against his arm towards him.

"I said I remembered how I got in that room. What Queen-....What she said. The cold that made me pass out. I remember all of it..including what she said."

What...DID Vanessa say to Poppy before her death- "What did she say?," came his raspy voice in a whisper, but not that Poppy noticed.

Guilt. That was the first feeling to twist in his misshapen form and give him that empty gut feeling despite not having a body for quite sometime now. Of course it didn't make any sense to Poppy, she didn't have the full story. Barely even a quarter of it. Only her own short encounter about the events that tragically took place over a thousand years ago that all suddenly smacked her back in her face now. And so soon, it was honestly worrying for himself and her. Oh peck. OHPECKOHPECKOHPECK- He was NOT ready for this. Not NOW. Not so soon. Especially not like this. All of a sudden there was Hazelle's annoying voice replaying back into his mind.

"Maybe you two WERE just friends. But thing's aren't the same as they were a thousand years ago, Snatchy. She doesn't know you are...well YOU. And she probably doesn't see you as a friend anymore because she doesn't know YOU you. She probably sees you as a 'boss' when you obviously see her as an old friend and like her more than that. You gotta get all this sorted out soon. Right now it sounds like a giant mess and you need to take a broom to it and sweep all the problematic dust away."

Thanks, Hazelle. She just had to put that thought in his head now. This would stick in his head and act on that guilt for a while-

"Philip."

Snatcher. FROZE. Any thoughts in his head haulting and fizzling into thin air as that one word left her mouth. Anything he was about to say dying on his tongue as those yellow glowing eyes continued to stare dead at the woman staring back at him with that same confused, indifferent expression. It was over. Done. He was absolutely finished. The end of the line for him after only a week. This was how he was going down in flames.

"That was his name. Prince Philip from the south, and he was.....engaged to Queen Vanessa." Her eyes widened as she leaned up and away from Snatcher's arm. Eyes widening with some new revolution flung into her brain and unconciously her hand went to clutch the gold bracelet strapped around her own wrist like it was a life saving device. "Prince Philip was engaged to Queen Vanessa!!" Her eyes snapped back to Snatcher bright with some kind of find as the ghost was still panicking eternally staring at her, not willing himself to move, but scooted back a foot or two and blinked when she quickly pointed at him. "THAT MUST'VE BEEN THE THING SHE WAS GOING ON ABOUT WITH THIS WHOLE TREASON THING!! It all makes a bit o' sense now." Her gaze went back to the bracelet wrapped around her wrist as it breifly reflected the blue fire. She had almost forgotten about it during this hectic weak now, but now...it felt like a HUGE piece of a missing puzzle had been placed down and she felt that empty hollow feeling being almost fully complete as it somewhat made sense now. "That's what she must've been referrin' too. But gazin' into his eyes? I don't get it. I never did such a thing and I definately never committed any kind of treason towards her or Prince Philip."

Well at least she was finally starting to get somewhere and get something. But there was still so so many questions needing answers. Why had the Queen been so insistant that Poppy committed some sort of action against her or the prince? It just made no sense. All she ever did was make small talk with him and sell flowers in the town square. She made sure to follow all the rules, and pay all her taxes. And she was never rude to anyone that didn't deserve a good talking back. If Queen Vanessa and that....thing with the red eyes were one in the same then how did she get that way? Why did she think of all people POPPY was responsible for some crazy bad thing that happened to her? She never even met or spoken to her before that day, not when out of talking to her fiance. And it's not like they were romatically involved or anything. Just spoke two or three times a week when he bought flowers for HER mind you. Was there something she was missing? Was there something that caused all of this she didn't know about? Thinking carefully about what Vanessa told her, she mentioned someone gazing into her man's eyes.......Did that mean that-....THE PRINCE WAS HAVING AN AFFAIR BEHIND HER MAJESTY'S BACK?! Unlikely. He seemed so genuinely kind and always went out of his way to help others, and even spent so much money on flowers just for her. There was NO way he could've fallen for anyone else. But-.....It seemed like the only thing she had to go on at the moment.

"He gave me this." She held up her wrist to him and his eyes slowly shifted to the bracelet he gifted her on that fateful day. "In exchange for just a small bouquet of flowers can you believe it?" She gave a small smile at it. "Heh. He was always a strange one. Always studyin' laws an' making sure he paid every pon owed. But he was also really kind and caring to everyone. I can't imagine him actually having any affairs behind her majesty's back-"

"HE DIDN'T!!," he blurted out in a spike of anger startling her and he once again froze.

"How do you know that?," she asked genuinely confused.

OH PECK!! OH PECK!! OH PECK!! What does he do?! What does he do!? He had stupidly blurted that out without thinking!! Well it WAS true. He never had an affair while he was with Vanessa, even if he did fall in love with someone else at the time too, and he made it clear to anyone he wasn't the bad one in that relationship while it lasted. But it seemed that blunt anger towards her got the best of him, and he wanted to smack himself so, SO bad at this moment. He was panicking. Staring at her silently as she was clearly confused and waiting for an answer. THINK YOU FOOL!!!! THINK!!

"UH....I- Um-....I-I-I was there when he was killed." It was the only thing he could think of in the short time he was panicking without arowsing suspicion.

Instead he might've made things a bit worse when she just stared at him suddenly blanking. Making him want to slink back into the shadows where he came. OH P E C K- Her eyes went wide with the suddenly thought bombarding her brain. Snatcher was-....There? Snatcher was there with Prince Philip when he was...SNATCHER WAS THERE!! Snatcher flinched when Poppy suddenly grabbed the front of his body by his chest fluff desperately and he let out a startled yep when she yanked him down eye level with her.

"YOU WERE THERE?! WHAT HAPPENED?! PLEASE!! YOU HAVE TO TELL ME!! WAS HE ALRIGHT!?"

"CALM DOWN!!" He pulled himself away and shook his head staring down at her. "Calm down. You-...... *sigh*" He looked sideways away. "You wouldn't like what you hear- UH!?"

He paused when soft hands suddenly clasped onto his and he paused. Yellow eyes staring deep into those blue ones he loved to look at so much when he was alive with heart beat. A pleading look in them as begging fell from her lips, "Please. I-It's...It's important. I have to know what happened. I spent so much time confused over nothing and I HAVE to know......Snatcher, please. Help me."

A silence fell over the two as they just sat there staring at each other in mostly darkness and staring into each others' eyes. Poppy blinked at the feeling of something soft wrapping around her hands and when she looked he was gently holding her hands. Snatcher made a hissing noise, not like a cat hiss but like what it sounded like when someone sucked a breath through her teeth, before releasing it in a long drawn out groan sounding like 'HHHHHHhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa'.

"Are you sure you're ready and willing to hear such things?'' He gave her a narrowed look as if to say 'this is your last chance to back out'. "You won't like what you hear, Red. Might be better if you didn't know."

"I'm positive.," she answered back without any hesitation. She HAD to know what happened. This was connected to her and she was involved whether she liked it or not.

He still eyed her for a moment before looking to the floor unable to look her in the eyes anymore. ".......Vanessa killed him. Just like she did to everyone else....a-a-and y-y-you...."

Poppy couldn't stop her free hand from coming to cover her mouth as he looked down in...shame? Guilt? Regret? Fear?! Not that she noticed, more focused on his words. Well she shouldn't be so surprised as she was expecting an answer like this, but still didn't stop the shock that took over her body. It was like she was light and the floor was sinking. "....H-How...?"

"Just like you. She locked him away until everything froze over. Vane-.....That MONSTER!'', he spat hand slightly tightening as he scowled at the floor, "She was pecking crazy. Thought he was....cheating on her behind her back when he was nothing but patient with her. She didn't deserve anything."

"I-I....I don't understand.." Her breathing hyped a pitch and she could feel her blue eyes glancing back to the bracelet on her wrist. The gold gleaming back. The tremble of her lip came with her own pathetic question. "....why..?"

"Because she was nuts! Always have been and always WILL be! She would've snapped sooner or later with the way she was back then, always so paranoid and thinking I-.....I THINK he belonged to her."

".....She was there..."

He finally looked at her. "What?"

.....Another sniff came outta her. "She was t-t-there when I gave him the flowers. The day she gave me the bracelet." It all came rushing back in a sea of emotions and all she felt was cold gripping her heart as it all came rushing back. The day she was frozen. Before she closed up the stand and gave him the flowers, he said he saw her...Vanessa. Running away from them. Vanessa saw her giving him the flowers he bought. If....If she thought that Prince Philip was cheating on her and saw Poppy giving him flowers then-.....Oh gosh! Her hand pressed firmer against her mouth as the sudden reality hit her hard like a punch to the gut. She felt sick. Like a heavy iceberg was placed in her stomach and wanted out. Her blue eyes shown with rain drop tears flowing as she spaced out. ".....It's all my fault."

........?!

His other hand was quick to shoot out and grab her shoulders accidentally making her jolt at the sudden grab but it was enough to get her to look at him. "Now you listen to me and you listen good." A claw poked her chest as he pointed it at her crying face with a deep frown of his own. "I have dealt with too many years of pecking guilt over whether or not it was my fault or if I could've stopped it! And I'm sick of it all! You. Are. Not. At fault!! Do you hear me?! Vanessa was always going to snap and it was HER fault for being so batpecking crazy, she couldn't tell the difference between fantasy and reality! There was no reason in her! We should've expected nothing less of her for anything! But I'll be just as bad if I didn't it now, and I'm saying it's not your fault. Least of all people you. All you did was sell flowers. Big deal. It would've been the same if she saw m-....him buying a necklace from a jeweler or a ham from the butcher. BANG!!" She flinched at the loud yell he made at 'BANG'. Tears running down her face as he spoke. "Ice. Death. Lots of ghosts. You get the picture. The point is, it's ABSOLUTELY! NOBODY'S PECKING FAULT!! BUT VANESSA'S!! .......You and me didn't do anything wrong." .......She made some kind of whine noise before crying. Leaning her head over until it met the softness of his floof and she cried. Cut off guard for a moment, Snatcher paused glancing down at her before sighing and wrapping her arms around her. Comfortingly patting her back. "Hey, Red. It's gonna be ok. Just go ahead and let it out alright?"

He wasn't sure whether or not Poppy actually heard what he said, but the iron grip that suddenly latched onto him was enough for him to let her cry her eyes out into him without another word. Because...He was gone. Her only friend was just....GONE! Gone in the most worst way she could think of. What did he do to deserve that?! What did any of them do to deserve that?! He had his whole life ahead of him and it was taken from him in one day because of insanity, jealous, greedy woman disguised as a loving Queen. Had...Had she always been like this? According to Snatcher she was. And slowly things started to make sense to it all. Ridiculously banning bacon from the entire kingdom. That one time Philip showed up with half his hair chopped off and died a poor yellow. All the time he acted nervously about anything he had concerning her and waving them off like he was alright with every single thing he did. Deep down she KNEW something was wrong, if not wrong then strangely off. Definately gave her an off feeling, but she never pushed because 1. she never saw it as any of her business and 2. she didn't see the danger behind it until now. But..what if she had seen it? What if- Snatcher's hand came to lay on her head gently and she looked up from the fluffy chest of the ghost to look at him, Snatcher staring simpathetically at her tears before another hankerchief randomly appeared out of thin air and rubbed at her cheeks and eyes.

...She sniffed and leaned into the cloth wiping her face. "T-Thanks. I-.....I needed this more t-than ya know."

"Yeah. I bet." There was another pause as she slowly let go of him and reached up sniffing and grabbed the second cloth offered to her during the duration of the time she woke. He couldn't help but feel awkward and kinda guilty in this situation. This was kinda what he feared but the opposite. Instead of Poppy blaming him, she felt like it was hurt fault somehow when in reality it was none of their faults. ....Maybe it was better he shouldn't have come tonight. He made a move to leave but froze when her hand suddenly latched onto him again.

Her eyes desperate and pleading all of a sudden. "W-WAIT!! P-P-Please..D-Don't leave yet...I d-don't want to be alone."

He stared at her but sighed. "Alright. I'll stay put but only because I promised to help you, Red."

She sighed hald relieved. "T-Thank you."

He hummed and watched as she let go to sniff and fix her face. ".....How are you holding up there? Looks like I should've kept all of that til later."

Poppy shook her head. "N-No. I'm glad you t-told me. I-I needed to know what happened. I couldn't have gone on without knowin' anything. ...T-Thank you."

Sure you could've rang through his head but he decided not to say that part out loud. "So-...I take it this..'prince' friend of yours was a nice person? Not that I knew him, but it seems you two were close. Not that it's any of my business." He had an anxious feeling saying all of this as a stranger but he couldn't help but feel the need to get all this anxiety off himself by asking. "It just sounds like you cared about him a whole lot."

"Y-Yeah. I did actually." She gave a slightly trembling smile at him. "H-He was one of the only friend's I had. Honestly he was a really nice guy, super honest and polite too. He was always able to put a smile of everyone's face and didn't mind talking about anythin' really. It was like he wasn't a prince at all and just a normal, everyday regular person stoppin' by to get flowers. ...He was also the reason my stand had so much success as it did."

Snatcher looked to her in slight surprise. "He was?"

She nodded. "You see. When I first got to town I had a real hard time settlin' in. Not only did he save mah behind from falling on the ground like a babe learnin' how to walk, but he also started buying my precious flowers for ...You know who. Now a prince buyin' mah flowers all the time was sure to catch someone's attention and by golly did it! It was thanks ta him I had a decent business going for myself. ....But I kinda feel guilty over it now. I didn't mean ta piggyback ride off o' him or nothin'."

"I'm sure you didn't." She looked at him and for once Snatcher was genuinely smiling at her without the 'evil' or smug aura to it. "If you sold flowers good enough to catch his attention then you deserved to get what attention you got. You didn't hitch a ride from him, you were just getting what you always wanted with a little assistance."

"Hm...I reckon when you put it that way I guess you got a point."

"Yeah.....Hey. This might sound out of no where but do you blame him, your friend, for what happened between him and Vanessa?" There is was all out and awaiting an answer.

Poppy stared at him frozen for a second processing what he said but as soon as it sank in- "WHAT?! PECK NO!!" She scowled at him crossing her arms. "Why the PECK of all people would I blame Philip?! Maybe he didn't see the crazy but neither did I and I still didn't see it when she was starin' me straight in the face! You were there when it happened right?!"

"I- Uh-...Y-Yes."

"And even you said it wasn't his fault right?!"

"OF COURSE I DID!! I WAS JUST ASKING YOUR OPINION!!"

"WELL MAH PECKIN' OPINION IS THAT HE WAS INNOCENT!!"

"GOOD! IM GLAD!!"

"FINE!!"

Both pouted a bit with frowns but on the inside Snatcher felt an overwhelming state of relief and happiness fall over him. So Poppy didn't blame him, good. Not that it was ever his fault in the first place, but now a lot of dead weight was lifted from his shoulders. One less thing to worry over now it seemed. But Poppy paused in her movements to blank out and stare at him. Wait. Snatcher was there when Philip was-.....Then did that mean he saw what happened? Well obviously yes. He said so himself. Her curious side kicked in and she couldn't help but find her interests peeking through and a whole knew slew of questions arise, she couldn't help it. After all she knew nothing about this ghost tho he seemed good enough.

"How did you die?," she found herself blurting out before she could stop but she instantly regretted it.

"WHAT?!" Snatcher whipped his face to her wide eyed.

"S-Sorry." She held up her hands worriedly. "Is it rude to ask a dead person that? I d-didn't know honest. It's just that.....You're doin' an aweful lot for me and I don't know a lot about ya, since you already know alot 'bout me from my rambling. I figured ya would return the favor."

"Sorry. NO can do, Red. That's private information."

She scowled again. "OH come on! Purple onion. Your contract paper thingy said I could ask for anything I wanted in return for helping ya!"

"Within REASON!," Snatcher stressed, "Asking a ghost about their past is like asking a poor person how much money they spent on their shoes!"

"UUUUHHH!!! I swear sometimes you can be more childish than those girls!"

"So can you!"

"UGH!! Alright! Why don't we compramise?," she offered and that got Snatcher's attention. "I don't think it's fair you're still essentially a stranger to me. So how about you answer just a few questions 'bout ghosts an stuff, but you don't have to answer any ya don't like. Deal?"

".....Hmm....Deal." he crossed his arms and looked at her with a raised brow, "What do you want to know, Red?''

"Well my first question asked would be nice. You don't have to go into detail," She added seeing Snatcher's eyes narrow.

"Mmm." He REALLY didn't want to say anything. It was still too early for this even if he was more at ease now but since he didn't really have to go into detail- "Same as you. I died during the Great Subcon Freeze."

"Oh. Well you said you saw what happened when Philip....p-p-passed away, right? Does that mean you were employed by the Queen?"

OH PECK- HOW WAS HE GONNA ANSWER THAT!? He chose to shrug and as calmly as he could said. "Sorta. I just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time." Which wasn't really a lie. He couldn't have ever been in a more wrong place or time. "Another innocent bystander to a crazy curse."

"Oh. Well how are you a ghost?"

Another shrug. "Beats me. A lot of other people are ghosts, you've seen them. Most of them can't even remember who they were in life. Don't know how or why so don't ask. Just the way it is."

"Does that mean you remember who you were?"

"Obviously I do. Otherwise I couldn't tell you anything."

"Oh right. Dumb question. Then who wer-"

"Next question!," he answered fast which caught her off guard but she shrugged it off. Obviously he wasn't comfortable with that.

"Alright. Don't get your long tail in a knot." Looking over him she wonder how a soul such as thing could be so big...Souls? "That's another thing. Why did you want mah soul when I first met ya?" This time he actually paused. This question was one he hadn't been expecting and one he hadn't really thought of a cover for. "How WAS he supposed to explain that ghastly part of his afterlife to her without sounding like a heartless monster- "Do you really eat them?"......Wot? She made a grimace like she had bitten into a lemon. "That sounds so terrible and gross! Do all ghosts eat other ghosts?"

..........He blinked. Did she really think that he ate- "WHAT?! No! I don't really eat them! I can't eat anything! Im pecking dead for crying out loud! I just use that to intimidate intruding fools! I take souls as servants for tresspassing into people's burial grounds! At first you were no different, just another person intruding into my domain without permission-"

"Then why did you all of a sudden decide to help me?" She asked crossing her arms. "You could've just taken me as a servant then and there." ...Snatcher rose a brow. "Ok! Well ya technically did, but I mean what made ya decide to help me? I just don't get it."

Snatcher went oddly silent at her question. She didn't get it. Of course she didn't get it and she never would if he could help it. So he decided to play it safe for now and give her an honest answer. "Because I recognized you from the village." It's true, he did. But his answer took her by surprise as he carefully cherry picked his next words carefully with a sigh. "I-...Sometimes saw you selling flowers in the square, and-.....I guess I was simpathetic to someone else in a similar situation as I was." Which weren't lies either and safe enough to say without having his identity compramised.

He saw her in the village? Did that mean he was one of the villagers? Maybe someone who worked in the summer house and lived in the village. She met a couple of people who would brag about being employed at the Queen's summer home when she wasn't in her palace. If so, then it would all make sense about why he knew her and how he was able to see the prince's demise. Actually that would explain everything and how he knew her if she sold him flowers before. A little assurance and calm was delivered to her with that revolation and she smiled at him like she solved the entire puzzle and it was complete. And to her it was complete. Except for one tiny little thing.

"So....does that mean Philip is a g-ghost too?"

He figured she'd ask that by the way things were going. So he sounded like he took a giant breath even if he didn't have lungs and sighed. How was he suppose to answer? By telling the truth of course! Just not in the way one may think. "A ghost? Well that's not exactly easy to answer." Which was true it was hard for him to answer that when the answer was obviously yes and staring at her right here. In front of her, but also because he was. NOT. PECKING. READY. To tell her. "Any ghost I know if they even became ghosts would be in the forest .....or another plain of existance." Which again wasn't a lie. All the ghost he DID know lived in his territory except for Moonjumper who was bound to the horizon.....Huh. Speaking of which he hadn't seen him in a while now. Oh well. Less problem for him to worry about. "A-And like I said BARELY any of my minions remember who they were before they died." Which also wasn't a lie. So technically he NEVER lied to her and didn't compramise his identity. PERFECT!!

"Oh. I..see."

Poppy looked down to her hands laid in her lap and the gold shining from her wrist. So it would be almost impossible for her to see him again then huh? Considering if Prince Philip became a ghost at all there was still the part where even if she did find him neither would be able to tell according to Snatcher. And even if by SOME miracle he WAS a ghost and he COULD remember her, then he might even be on a different plain of being which was highly unlikely she'd be able to get to. So it'd be useless to persue that idea even if all of those factors were even possible. ....She looked back up when metal rattled against the floor and Snatcher stared at the very end of his tail. She guessed Snatcher could see perfectly in the dark compared to a human because he bluntly pointed at something she couldn't see on the floor and asked.

"Are those garden tools in a golf club bag?"

Garden to- OH!! She completely forgot about those she was so tired! Poppy rubbed her neck sheepishly. "Uh.....Y-Yeah. W-We went out earlier today an' I guess I forgot ta put them away before I fell asleep. Sorry bout that."

Snatcher turned to her with light surprise. "Wait a minute. You LEFT the ship and went somewhere by yourself without telling ME?!"

She frowned. "Hey! I was gettin' antsy just seeing nothin' but space all day! And if ya haven't noticed it's kinda cramped up here. I need space to walk around freely so I don't have to crawl, and last time I checked I was an adult who didn't need no supervision. 'Sides! I wasn't alone. Cookie 'n those girls of yours were with me the whole time."

Snatcher brought a hand up to rub his temples groaning. "And the LAST time you went somewhere 'not alone' with those two I had to save your sorry butt. I swear you'll only get in trouble if you run around in places you shouldn't."

.....She nervously laughed and looked away. "W-W-Well..about that..Uh-''

"What did you do?," he asked without room for arguement. Removing his hand to bare his eyes into her nervous smile.

"Nothing. Just some shoppin' with the girls. Got some new dresses......And maybe I destroyed some fancy whatcha-mah-call-it machine and in order to play for it I agreed to be in a Moon Penguin's play."

"..............YOU BROKE WHAT AND REPAYING IT HOW?!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't have enough pons, and Mr. Grooves was so nice. He even said I didn't have to pay a single pon if I worked for free! I panicked! I didn't want debt on mah name!!"

"OH! FOR THE LOVE OF- HOW DID YOU EVEN BREAK IT?!," he asked annoyed.

"I ......leaned my tools against it? hehe."

A loud smack filled the room making her jump and it took her a moment to realize Snatcher had facepalmed himself HARD groaning. "I leave for ONE WHOLE DAY and you end up being in trouble. Is there anything ELSE I should know about?"

"I yelled at a crazy yellow owl."

"What?," he looked up from his hand at her and she nodded.

"Yeah. At least I think it was an owl. He did have feathers. Biggest loud mouth I'd ever met! HUH!" She frowned recrossing her arms. "He said I had to work for 'em just because I accidentally knocked over the thingy. I told him where he could stick it if he ever wanted my help! HMPH!!"

There was a pause of silence as Poppy frowned at nothing in particular and Snatcher continued to stare at her with a blank expression-.......SNRK!! She glanced up from what sounded like a covered snort and too her surprise the spook was....Smiling?? No. Not just smiling. He was trembling lightly as he smiled down at her biting into his bottom lip...Before the flood gates opened and he full on laughed. His loud raspy voice echoing throughout the dark room leaving Poppy bamboozled. Why was he laughing? She didn't think she said anything funny. Was he laughing because she was in trouble again?

"AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!" A clawed hand grabbed her shoulder as he leaned over with the other hand holding his middle as he continued to laugh like no tomorrow. "W-WAIT! *wheeze* *COUGH COUGH COUGH*" She blinked surprised to hear a ghost somehow have the need to wheeze or cough to regain breath without lungs or a body...But she'd seen a lot of weird things now so who was she to be surprised? He still went back to laughing one eye open to look at her his voice happy sounding and trembling. "Y-Y-You mean a-...Ahahahaha!! D-Did he call every one a p-p-p-peckneck?! Haha!!"

....She blinked and frowned again. "Yes! A very RUDE man! Threw a tantrum like a little kid and I told him to find me once he learnt some respect and acted like an' adult!"

"PPPPFFFFFTTTT!!" He fell back into another laughing fit much to her confusion. " AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! YOU SHOULD'VE D-D-DEFINATELY TOLD ME YOU WERE LEAVING! *wheeze* I-...I- OH P-P-P-PECK!! I WOULD'VE PAID TO SEE THAT OLD BIRDBRAIN'S FACE W-W-WHEN YOU TOLD THE FOOL OFF!!"

Now she smiled. "I take it you know him?" She had to wait for his laughing fit to die down and him to 'catch his breath' before he could look at her with a straight face and answer clearly. He nodded yes to answer her question at least.

"A few times. More of a peckneck than me!" He wiped at his face. "I wish I was there to see THAT! Worth more than gold!"

"Oh. What are you doing here anyways? It's the middle of the night."

He seemed to remember something as he sat up and reached behind him. "Right. I finished fixing your dress. Guess I lost track of time and didn't know you were resting. My apologies for that." He pulled out a blue dress from no where and besides the stains(which she couldn't see in the dark anyways) it looked brand new as he handed it over without a second thought. "Here. But don't expect me to become your personal tailor, Red. This was just a one time deal for you."

Poppy stared stunned at the dress as she took it and ran a hand over the mended parts. "It feels like it was never ripped!" She smiled wider at him. "Thank ya! I guess you do know what you're doin' after all."

His smile couldn't have been more smug as he examined his claws. "Well I never lie about my skills."

She smiled again before looking over the dress the best she could in the dark. "It was mighty kind of you. I kinda feel bad 'bout you going through the trouble of it now since I got me some more. That lil sweetheart of yours did too."

"Oh?"

She smiled chuckling. "Poor thing got all drenched but I think that was my fault too. A couple of them silly ol' birds mistook me as her mo-....." Poppy suddenly paused...staring at her dress for a moment but the sudden cut of conversation didn't get past the spook who stopped smiling and stared at her more.

"Is something bothering you?"

"Well now that I think about it...How did those two come to be under your wing anyhow?" She looked at him with a raised brow. "An alien being raised by a ghost? It's the most strangest thing I've heard about. Where's their mothers? Where's their family?"

....Snatcher gave a frown not directed at her and stated, "I am their family. We have each other and that's all we need."

"Well, yes. I know family goes beyond blood...Or in your case flesh and blood I suppose. But I don't just get how they came in your care if you don't let anyone in that forest." Snatcher remained silent staring at the floor and for a moment Poppy thought she stepped over a line. DUMMY!! Who was she to ask someone who adopted two lil girls!? It was none of her business! "I-I'm sorry. That was rude of me ta ask. It won't happen a-"

"They're orphans."

She blinked and stared at him. "Uh.....What?"

"I said they're orphans. They have no one else." Yellow eyes looked to her again. "You want to know where they came from?" .....When she didn't answer he continued. "I don't know anything about Bow's past and neither does she. As far as I know she was raised in a crummy orphanage her whole life before she decided to run away and get tangled up in the mess Hattie made when she first arrived."

"Oh. Im so sorry...How did you come to adopt an alien if ya still don't mind me askin'?"

He huffed a chuckle and smiled bittersweet. "That little lady caused problems the moment she arrived on the planet with her time pieces. I won't go into detail, but let's just saw she almost caused the world to be destroyed and saved it too. She's a special something that I've never seen."

"If she arrived on this planet, doesn't that mean she has family back on her own planet?"

"You would think that at first." He shook his head grimly scowled. "But no. It's what I thought at first too when she originally left, but then she came back and refused to leave even after she got every single one of those cursed time pieces. Turns out she never had anything there to begin with."

Poppy's eyes widened. "W-W-What happened?"

"Long story short war."

"A war? Over what?"

"Over those...things. They're too dangerous for even her to use beyond a few simple things. Her family ..or what was left of it. Made those things to control people. As you would expect a lot of people with greedy intentions would want to get their hands on something like that, so in order to protect herself...She left."....He looked up out the attic windows for a moment with...pity on his face staring at the black void of stars. "I don't know how long she was out there and I don't know why she wanted to go back to where she came from or what happened to make her flee again. Never asked. But I also never questioned it when she came back and decided not to leave again. She's a smart kid. Here there's people who care about her and want her to be safe...Forever." He mumbled that last part to himself but she didn't hear. "I-......I couldn't just leave them vulnerable sitting there like dead ducks. They needed me...and..I-I-I guess in a w-way I r-really needed someone like them too."

He jumped when he felt someone grab his hand snapped back down to stare at sorrowful blue eyes gazing up at him. Poppy was gently squeezing his hand. ".....I-....I'm sorry for everything that's happened to you. And them. I really am. You seem like a really nice person even if you can come across as a stubborn purple onion. For what you did...There's really no other noble thing than a good father is there?"

He still stared at her.....then to where she was holding his hand, and a bright yellow hue flushed his cheeks as he coughed and looked away. "I-....Suppose you're right. Anyways, all this talking is distracting me from my work! You have your dress and feel better obviously-"

"Could you please stay? At least until I fall back asleep...I-...I'd appreciate it a lot if ya did."

He stared at her a moment before waving a hand still blushing yellow. "Fine. But don't expect me to do this again. Because guess what? Im not legally obligated too."

She smiled. "Sure, Snatcher."

She giggled and got up to presumably get back in her floor bed and he watched her go. .....She thought she was a good father huh? And she was mistaken as Bow's mother? His hand slowly closed itself as he watched her. Well. Every child deserves a mother didn't they? And who better deserved a mother than his little devils? She just needed some time to realize it.

#flowercrown #The Florist #a hat in time florist #A hat in time the florist #A hat in time the florist x snatcher #a hat in time snatcher #A hat in time snatcher x florist #a hat in time snatcher x the florist #A hat in time florist x snatcher #Snatcher x the florist #the florist x snatcher #florist x snatcher #snatcher x florist #Florist #ABloomInTime

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fangirlofbooksandpasta · 4 years ago

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One Morning (Part 1/2)

Part 2

Pairing: (Post Azkaban) Sirius Black x reader (I tried to write it without a gender or skin colour or size in mind, but sorry if I have moments where it slipped)

Warnings: a small amount of angst? 2261 words? None really I think.

Summary: On a calm morning you wake up to a shoking newspaper, and when memories flood your mind, you decide to take action.

Note: This is for @im-a-writer-right‘s 2k followers writing challenge! Congratulations! None of the prompts I chose are in this but they’re going to be in part 2 when i write that one. If anyone has any feedback, please write a comment or send me a message, I appriciate it all! Sorry for any spelling or grammar mistakes, English isn’t my first language and the time is currently 2345

PS. I have used a part from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, chapter 3. I do not own the rights to this, I merely use it for the purpose of this fanfiction. All the credit for this passage goes to J.K. Rowling. Please dont sue me.

The dust was sparkeling like little stars in the morning light as you lied in the soft bed. You slowly awakened with your cat, Freya, coming closer to you before she cuddled against your duvet cover. With eyes closed you petted her soft fur with a tired hand as she purred in content. The moment passed and you got up from the covers, much to Freya’s displeasure. With slow steps you made your way to the small kicthen to pour yourself a glass of water, which you drank while you looked at the little street from your flat. The café opposite your building was opening up, already with a few customers at the tables outside. The weather was wonderful, not to hot with a light breeze. The people at the café were wearing overcoats and scarfs but nevertheless looked incredibly comfortable and cozy in the august weather. Freya jumped up on the counter and sat almost next to you, looking at the street too as if she understood it all. Maybe she did.

You became starteled when your small transformer owl, Hermod, jumped inside from the window you were just looking out of. Freya jumped down from the counter and found a sunny and warm spot in the living room where she lied down for a morning nap. She had been playing and exploring the flat the night before, so she was probably tired. You smiled to yourself before you turned your attention to Hermod, who carried a copy of The Daily Prophet and a letter.

‘Thank you, Hermod,’ you said as you took the post from him and gave him a little snack as pay for his work. He was a very small owl, as transformer owls are, but he did a great job for his size. He was hard to catch, small, and fast – and insanely cute. Hermod hopped away while you looked at the front page of The Daily Prophet. It was the first time you had read it in a couple of weeks because your work for The Order had taken up your time. You absolutely knew how essential it was that you followed the news and how the ministry dealt with everything. But nothing could’ve prepared you for the headline you were faced with:

BLACK STILL AT LARGE Sirius Black, possibly the most infamous prisoner to ever be held in Azkaban fortress, is still eluding capture, the Ministry of Magic confirmed today. ‘We are doing all we can to recapture Black,’ said the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, this morning, ‘and we beg the magical community to remain calm.’ Fudge has been critisied by some members of the International Federation of Warlocks for informing the Muggle Prime Minister of the crisis. ‘Well, really, I had to, don’t you know,’ said an irritated Fudge. ‘Black is mad. He’s a danger to anyone who crosses him, magic or Muggle. I have the Prime Minister’s assurance that he will not breathe a word of Black’s true identity to anyone. And let’s face it – who’d believe him if he did?’ While Muggles have been told that Black is carrying a gun (a kind of metal wand which Muggles use to kill each other), the magical community lives in fear of a massacre like that of twelve years ago, when Black murdered thirteen people with a single curse.

Your breath came to a stop when you had processed every last word. You stared into the air, not really seeing what was happening in front of you. Freya had noticed the silence and made her way back to the counter. She was purring loudly as she stroked your arm with her body. But you hardly noticed. A blizzard of thoughts ran through your mind. Memories, feelings. Everything that you had long ago hidden in the corners of your mind rushed up as if a tornado raged in your head.

Your trance was awaked by the sound of the parchment letter hitting the hard kitchen floor. Freya looked innocently at the letter and back at you as if she tried to convince you that she wasn’t to blame, although you knew differently. Still unsetteled, you stroked her fur as you unfolded the letter with shaky hands. You recognised the handwriting as your good friend Remus’s.

Hello Y/N, I’m sure that you’ve read the news – can we meet soon to talk about it? I’m sure we could both use it. All the best, Remus Lupin.

You put the letter down in front of you, on top of the newspaper. Freya looked concerned at you and you could hear Hermod from the other room, also sounding concerned abour the sudden silence that fell over the flat.

‘Don’t worry, Honey,’ you whispered as you petted Freya. She closed her eyes and the concerned look on her furry face changed into one of love and enjoyment as she purred in delight. Hermod stopped his complaining and went on to enjoy the snack you had rewarded him. While you were standing in the kitchen with a million different thoughts racing through your mind, one certain memory took the front seat.

The sun was setting in the distance, way behind the mountains and forests. Sirius’s arm was resting around your shoulder as you rested your head against his own shoulder. Tired from the exams and the circus that was school the two of you had gone outside to relax in the calming presence of each other. It was the last year and everyone knew that Voldemort was rising and that it, sooner or later, would lead to some kind of a war. Everyone knew that there would be losses, great ones. Painful ones. But for that moment there was bliss. A breeze russteled Sirius’s hair and you nuzzeled closer to him. He sighed a tired sigh and closed his eyes in an effort to enjoy nothing but your body against his own. Something he enjoyed greatly, but knew there wouldn’t be much time for when you finished your time at Hogwarts and were forced to face the brutality of the real world.

‘Are you ok?’ he asked in a quiet whisper, as if it pained him to speak the words. You turned to face him and were met by a concerned but yet caring face. You smiled sadly at the question and turned to look back upon the landscape. The quiet water. The still mountains. Absolutely unbothered by the ongoing conflicts in the world and only slightly disturbed by the breezes.

‘I honestly don’t know. I’m anxious and I feel like I’m waiting for something. But I don’t know what it is that I’m waiting for,’ you said quietly. Sirius leaned closer to you and kissed the top of your head, gaining a small smile from you.

‘Whatever happens Y/N,’ he started and paused. Once again you turned to face him. He looked at you with worry in his eyes before he finished his sentence; ‘I will always love you.’

You finally decided on what to do; first things first you went to the bedroom and found a piece of parchment and a quill.

Hello Remus, I’m going to his house. You know where. Y/N.

Hermod was had long ago finished the piece of meat when you entered the living room of the flat with the small letter in your hand. He knew what he had to do and without protesting let you. You instructed him to fly to the Burrow when he had done his duty, and when the letter was fastened securely, Hermod flew out of the open window. Quietly you followed him with your eyes before he was nothing but a black spot far away.

You yourself got dressed in a loose, white dress shirt and some black trousers. The august weather was still colder than what was preferable, so you put on a scarf that Molly had knitted for you years ago, along with a dark brown coat. You packed a bag of necessities before you went sat down in the couch next to where Freya was resting peacefully. She raised her head when the couch was weighed down by you. The cat carrier bag was placed next to you and Freya knew what she had to do.

‘I’m sorry, I know you don’t like it, but I don’t want to leave you alone,’ you quietly said as Freya made herself comfortable in the carrier. She sounded a little meow as an answer to your remark. You stood up, bags in hand and over your shoulder. A small checklist was crossed in your head as you made sure that you had everything you needed. A loud noise sounded and soon you appeared on Grimmauld Place. The slight breezes were still present. You looked around and before you was 11 and 13. In the cracks of the pavement small flower weeds grew in yellow and purple colours. You picked a couple, gathering a small bouquet. With a quick movement of your wand, number 12 appeared between 11 and 13 – an apparent mistake the muggles merely laughed at.

The house stoof before you. Suddenly you were filled with dread although you knew that Walburga and her husband were long gone. You had only visited Grimmauld Place 12 once or twice, but the house’s energy was comepletely off. Everyone could feel it radiating evil, and not having been there in ages you felt as if it was stronger than ever. Whether it was the impacts of the words from The Daily Prophet, or your own imagination and feelings tricking you, you didn’t quite know.

‘Here we go,’ you whispered to yourself as you took the steps towards the door you opened slowly.

The scent that immidiately hit your face as you closed the door was both recogniseble and not. The few memories you had of the place filled the screen in your head. As you looked around, you noticed how the dust was flying in the room in which you had entered. Paintings had been covered up. Bookshelves looked as if they were going to break the moment somebody touched them. You sat down the bag and Freya when you noticed a piece of parchment on a credenza. It was yellowed – old.

Calla,

A big smile formed on your face and a warmth spread in your heart when you read the first word. The nickname he had given you when you were still at Hogwarts.

You walked into the Gryfindor common room with a glass of water and flowers in it. Careful not to spill it, you made your way around the furniture. The room was empty for people, everyone being at Hogsmeade and the first and second years yet at brunch. You had snuck outside for a moment of peace before the castle would vibrate with curious 11 and 12 year olds, who still had loads to explore.

‘Calla,’ you heard a familiar voice say when you reached the entrance to the girl dormitory. You turned your head around and saw Sirius Black standing at a window.

‘What?’ you asked confused. You knew him – not well, but enough to know the very basics. His group of friends, James, Peter, Remus, and he himself, was well known. Especially in the Gryfindor house. Your best friend Lily always talked about how irritating James and his friends were. But even though you were only thirteen, you could hear that even though Lily found James incredibly annoying, she also at times enjoyed his company.

‘The name of the flowers,’ Sirius answered. You looked at the flowers. They were like small glasses or cups, mixes of pink and white with strong, dark green stems. Beautiful and robust, you thought to yourself.

‘I find them quite beautiful, thought I’d put them on my desk and enjoy them until they wither,’ you said and again turned to look at Sirius. He walked closer to you. You weren’t shy around him, although you did find him very handsome.

‘Do you know what the Greek meaning of “calla” is?’ he asked. You shook your head.

‘No, I don’t,’ you answered. Sirius smiled and walked close enough to smell the flowers.

‘Then I’ll let you figure it out on your own,’ he said and walked out of the common room.

Confused and wondering you made your way up the stairs to your dorm. The flowers looked refreshing on the wooden desk and although they didn’t survive too long, you enjoyed them while they lasted. A week later you asked Professor McGonagall if she knew the Greek meaning of “Calla”.

‘Most beautiful, if I remember correctly.’ She answered.

And you didn’t sleep for a week.

I figured you’d be the first one to come here. Nobody knows about this place – only the Order, as you probably remember. Is the order still active? I hope it is – at least, it should be. I’m in Hogsmead. I won’t be more precise than that in case anyone else reads this. You will recognise me when you see me. Love, Sirius Orion Black.

You turned to look at Freya, who was lying in the carrier with her eyes open as if she analysed your every movement. You walked back to her and petted her calmly.

‘Sorry girl, I have to do it again. I know you don’t like it, but I promise it’ll be the last time for a while.’ You said as you picked her carrier and your packed bag up again. The small bouquet of flowers was in your hand and before you could count to three, you were in Hogsmeade.

@beksib

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kpoptart216 · 5 years ago

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Betting on You (pt 13)

Masterlist

You made a good choice leaving the window slightly open last night before going to bed because this morning you were awoken to the delightful smell of pastries from the cafe right next to the hotel. You knew you had to close the window soon though because if it were to be open any longer, you’d jump right out to go grab something delicious and incredibly unhealthy first thing.

As you stretched in bed, you looked out the window and realized that mother nature had blessed you with a beautiful first day in Paris. You had the day off, and you were already planning on what to see the first day. Should you do as much as you can and tire yourself out on the first day or take it slow?

Take it slow.

Thankfully, the city was littered with bike rentals and you had also brought your favorite walking shoes. You were determined to have a great first day.

After you showered, you heard your phone buzz and half expected a text from Yumi. To your surprise though, it was a new message to a group chat you had just been added to, and the message was from none other than Taehyung.

“Good morning team! I know it your “day off” but I hope you didn’t think I’d let you go that easily. Please meet me in the lobby in an another hour or I’ll be sure to hunt you down :)” the message read.

You sighed, what was this man planning now.

Since it seemed like your plans were spoiled, you decided to spoil yourself a little and went to the cafe anyways. It was the most amazing pastries you ever had and if you had the option to pack it all back to America, you would have.

Finally, you met the rest of the team, and unfortunately Taehyung, at the lobby and this time, you didn’t miss the way his eyes lit up when they landed on you and the small smile he tried to hide when he turned back to the team.

“Good morning guys! I know you’re probably wondering why I summoned you here, but I have something for you all! I have booked us for a private tour around some of the highlights around the city! Now of course, you don’t have to join me by any means, but there is space for all of us and I’d love for us to do some bonding. Plus... we don’t have to wait in line for anything and well... it’s all paid for too...” Taehyung said.

As if anyone would deny the opportunity in the first place.

Some of the girls squealed and some of the guys just gasped, but you knew they would all join as each of them started to say “Im in”. Finally, all heads turned to you a they awaited your answer with Taehyung being the most excited

You weighed your options. You wanted to take it slow today, you didn’t want to tire yourself out. But you also didn’t want to stand in those ridiculously long tourist lines at some of these places. Plus... it’s paid for. And knowing Taehyung, the tour would be nothing short of extraordinary.

“Im in..” you said slowly and the rest of the team cheered while Taehyung let one of those infamous box smiles loose.

“That’s settled then! I was banking on you all saying yes- the bus is outside all ready for us!” Taehyung said, picking up the small backpack next to his feet. “You all have some time to go get anything you might need but I’m sure the bus and tour guide has everything you’d probably need. We’ll be leaving in 15 mins, see you all soon!” He said as he started to walk to the front entrance.

Taehyung knew that you’d be off to venture the city by yourself and that he’d have absolutely no way of seeing you if you did. He knew you wouldn’t pass up the opportunity of seeing the city if everyone else was going and he was so glad when you agreed to go.

As soon as he got into the luxury bus, the tour guide welcomed him with a warm smile and discussed the itinerary with him. Taehyung had hand-picked the places the team would see today knowing what all you love.

Soon, people started to board the bus and the team whispered by how nice the bus was already. Just wait till we actually start the tour Taehyung thought to himself.

You were the last one to board and much to Taehyungs delight, the only open seat was next to him. It’s fate he thought.

You sighed when you realized the only seat was next to Taehyung. He planned this you thought.

The tour started in the city, circling around some of the most touristy places. You smiled when you realized just how crowded these streets were and were thankful that you weren’t trying to make your way through that crowd. It was still uncomfortable knowing Taehyung was there and you could feel his eyes on you frequently. If your eyes did meet, you made sure to avert them quickly, and Taehyung hated how your eyes no longer lit up when your eyes met.

However, he also didn’t see the way you also watched him when he wasn’t looking. You couldn’t help it, you still missed him dearly. But your mind knew better than to give into your emotions and him. You noticed the way he was so kind to everyone on the team, asking about their personal lives. He even became quick friends with the tour guides, not to anyone’s surprise. It was obvious he was close with his employees and you felt bad for accusing him of nothing thinking of them or his company.

Watching him made you simultaneously want to leave Paris as quick as possible and stay here forever. Your stupid, stupid heart.

Pretty soon the tour was coming to an end, and Taehyung hadn’t even had the courage to talk to you properly the entire time. He knew that you’d probably turn him down, and it seemed like you were having a good time along with everyone else and he didn’t want to ruin it for you.

Dinner was supposed to be at a quaint little family run restaurant on the out-skirts of town. The tour guide raved about the place, saying it was a hidden treasure and your mouth watered at the way he described food.

True to his words, the van pulled up to a rustic looking restaurant and it seemed that not too many people were there. Hearing sounds, an old woman popped her head out, looking excited at the crowd.

“Welcome everyone!” she says excitedly, ushering everyone in. “I have to apologize for the space inside, but please find an empty seat and I’ll be there to take your order shortly” she said. As she said, the restaurant was small, with old tables littered around the space. It was...homey. And you loved it.

Everyone soon found tables and sat and as you looked for a table, you realized there was only one spot open at a table for two. And of course, it was none other than Kim Taehyung sitting there, awaiting for you.

You sat down and thankfully, the old woman came by with soon after, erasing the silent tension between you and Taehyung. “Welcome to my home. Here is the menu. Please have a look. My husband will be here shortly with some wine selections” she says with a smile.

“thank you ma’am” says Taehyung, flashing her his famous smile.

“you’re quite welcome young man” she says, patting him on his shoulder before walking to another table.

“So uh.. did you enjoy today?” Taehyung asks slowly.

“I did.. actually” you say, slowly.

Wow, a whole two more words than I was expecting! Taehyung thought excitedly to himself.

“I’m really glad” he says, before an elderly man came to the table.

The rest of dinner progressed rather nicely- you and Taehyung had made (incredibly small) small talk, mostly talking about the food and the tour. This alone was enough for Taehyung and he’d do it a million times over if it meant youd open up to him more.

By the end of dinner, both the woman and her husband came by the table to hand you and Taehyung a small slice of what you assumed was tiramisu. “Oh we didn’t order this” you say kindly, though you eyed the cake deliciously.

“It as as they say... ‘on the house’” says the old man, laughing.

“Yes, for such a beautiful couple, it is the least we can do. I hope you two lovebirds enjoyed your meal” says the woman, smiling fondly at you two.

“Oh, we’re n-”you start

“Thank you so much, we really appreciate that” Taehyung interjects. “We’re loving the country so far and your restaurant is absolutely stunning”.

Taehyung and the elderly couple make some small talk as you begin to eat the cake and you’re not sure what else they talk about as you divulge all your senses into that amazing slice of cake.

“You going to save me some?” Taehyung asks, finally bringing your attention back.

“Why’d you let them believe we were a couple?” You say, passing the plate over to him.

“Free cake was on the line” Taehyung says before biting into the cake. “And it was totally worth it!” he says, moaning at the taste.

You giggle, despite yourself and smile at the man in front of you enjoying the cake like a little boy.

You excuse yourself to the bathroom, and on your way out, you run into the elderly woman once again.

“That man of yours is truly special. The way he looks at you reminds me of my husband. I hope you both truly cherish your love” she says.

It left you speechless, and you didn’t have it in you to correct the lady.

“Thank you..” you simply say.

Not long after, you all make your way back to the hotel, though it’s over an hour away from the restaurant. Everyone praised the food back in the van and when everyone was back on the quiet road back home, everyone slowly started to fall asleep to the lull of the road.

You weren’t even sure when you fell asleep, but before you know it your eyes are opening when the van is at a halt in what seems like the front entrance of the hotel. Only, your head is on the side, on Taehyung’s shoulder. Hoping he hasn’t realized, you slowly sit up, finally peeking at him, only to realize he’s been smiling back at you this whole time.

“You still drool in your sleep, you know” he says, quietly, as other people in your team are getting off the van.

You smack him playfully, wiping at your mouth, forgetting everything for a second.

“I miss you so much, beautiful” he says, smiling sadly at you, and getting up before you could say anything else.

You sat there for a second, trying to slow down your speeding heart, and reminding yourself that you couldn’t be doing this again. You couldn’t fall for his words again. You couldn’t fall for Kim Taehyung again.

A/N: Please give me feedback! Want pt 14??

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oh-theatre · 5 years ago

Text

You Can't Force A Fairytale (Chapter 2)

Chapter title: A Short-Lived Separation

A/n: EEEE IM LOVE LOGICALITY?? Also, my uhh mantra is just HMM WHAT IF THEY WERE ALL FRIENDS?? God, I love them,,, oops. Anyway!! I hope you enjoy! I know how bad this is and probably super like rushed but uh enjoy and make sure to leave me comments!

also if this is confusing i understand, so please tell me and ill try and clear it out!

words: 2133

summary: Roman has buisness to attend to as the gang continue their journey.

pairings: Eventual logicality, eventual prinxiety, eventual demus, eventual remile (These might change but for now im love them)

warnings: bow and arrow, violence, injuries, magic, swearing, bruises, scars

Ao3 Link

“Roman, let’s go” His father calls, Roman nods at his fencing partner, stepping away from his place. He thanks him with a nod before following his father out of the arena with a sweat towel, through the bejeweled halls. “Stop dragging your feet” He reprimands, Roman does exactly that.

“Apologies” Roman clears his throat, knowing he shouldn't mumble. Less he receives a punishing yell. “Where are we going?”

“Father, where are we going father” He corrects, Roman nods taking a mental note. “We are going to meet with some neighboring powers, it seems prince Patton has set course again” His father explains, Roman resists the urge to smile at the first news of Patton he had heard in days. “They wish to discuss with us about lending resources in exchange for something of value, I hope you learn something” They turn the corner, photos, perfectly set line the walls.

“Thank you for the opportunity father” Although he does wish he could spend his afternoon fencing and practice alongside his brother, no one had seen Remus for weeks and no one seemed to care. Except for Patton, who promised he would find him, and now here Roman was about to destroy that. He stuffs his sword into his holster as they arrive in the grand room. Roman will always marvel as the ceilings disappear from view, too high to squint out.

“Sit” His father commands, Roman does, his back sinking comfortably into regal chairs. He fights every instinct to fidget as more people gather, talking in hushed voices to one another, simply nodding towards Roman. A hint of acknowledgment. He listens, however, the voices molded into snippets of conversation until finally, someone talks a little too close to the prince.

“I heard they caught him finally, threw the boy into the back of the carriage they did” Roman perks up, swirling his drink carefully as the snivelly voice continues. “He was with that other prince too, Prince Logan, his father was less than pleased” Logan! Roman fights an eager grin, taking a quick sip. “God only knows what they're going to do to that boy now” Roman's heart sinks below his knees, the sweat upon his forehead growing stronger. “I'm sure the King has his punishment ready”

Bingo

Roman's mind runs wild, only his assumptions in mind. Patton and Logan? Caught? What trials were they going to face now, at the dawn of the world they were on the brink. What was going to be their fight, consequence for trying to do what's right? Was it all Romans fault, no...no, no...it'll be fine. Everything will be fine.

~~~

“This is not fine!” Patton cries, shaking violently in the guards hold. “You can't just lock me away!” He argues, angry tears fall from his cheeks, staining the floor.

“I can do as I please Patton, I'm the King” The deep voice could silence a chamber of councils with his bellows. “Throw him in” He directs, the men do so allowing Patton to scuff his knees, tangling himself in his cloak.

“Please! You cant do this” He shouts, shaking at the bars that lock him into the freezing room. The King snickers before bowing out, the lights dimming as it falls silent. Patton groans, small sparks fly from his hand bouncing off the walls. He catches them playing around with the light. After a brief moment, he sprinkles them around, a calming sense falls over him.

He moves to the window, the glaring sun shining in providing the only hope of escape through the bars. Knowing this tower was made to prevent or weaken magic, Patton wasn't too hopeful. He yearns from the opening, watching the kingdom go on without him, the magic of life swirl about. He looks just across the borders, watching a sliver of another castle behind the clouds, praying maybe a little, that Logan is safe.

Once his dream ends he retreats to the slab they dare call a bed, removing his boots massaging the sores of his adventures. He undoes his cloak, hanging it on a single hook, laying down as his eyes examine the plain ceiling. Maybe something manifest, what does he have to lose?

Yeah, that last about five minutes. Patton, much to antsy, jumps towards the window once more. His fingers tracing every inch of the metal, using what small iota is left of his powers to bend them just slightly. He’s small, he can squeeze through...surely.

~~~

“Surely you've lost your mind, Logan!” His father yells, Logan scratches his ear, clearing out the sound of annoyance.

“Surely I haven't father, now may I be excused?” he requests politely, following his father graciously with his arms behind him.

“No!” His father barks “Because instead of being here doing your duties, you were off gallivanting with that...scoundrel” He seethes, Logan clutches to his wrist taking a deep breath.

“Prince Patton” he corrects, His father turns to him stopping them in their tracks. It was rather amusing the difference between the two. Logan was slim, he maintained himself. He was a lousy man, plump as he waddled grumpily through the castle halls. Logan found it hard not to laugh as he had to look down addressing the man who was supposedly in charge of him.

“You will not speak to me like such” he warns, Logan swallows his thoughts nodding. “Now we have a conference to prepare for, so shoo, go...do something of use” He excuses his son, meeting with his advisors. Logan smirks, bouncing on his heels as he races calmly upstairs. Shutting himself in his room, moving to the fountain that sprays beautifully in the corner.

“I know you're in there” He mutters searching his pockets, finally his fingers surround a circular item. He pulls it out, smiling as a shine comes from the gold coin. “Please work” He begs silently, flicking it into the water, watching as light dances around, his eyes dazed as the color pours out. Soon an image clears, and Logan's blush returns. “Patton!” He whispers, the figure turns, a giant grin as he approaches the screen.

“Lo!” Patton greets in return, his curled locks bouncing along with him. He adjusts his glasses, checking the room. “You used the coin” Patton identifies, sitting at the end of the bed.

“It worked” Logan mumbles in disbelief, his fingers itching for more. He shakes his head, focus, your time is limited. “Are you alright?” He questions

“Little bruised but mostly just bored!” Patton exclaims “They locked me atop ‘Fiona's Tower’” He informs, Logan nods listening, his eyes scan what he can see. “How are you, he didn't...hurt you did he? You got home safe?” Patton inquires, Logan eyes alight with soft affection. Patton watches from his end, wanting nothing more than to be there with him.

“Id barely call this a home” Logan scoffs, Patton bites his lower lip “But yes, the king's men got me home all in one piece” He gestures to himself, Patton smiles weakly. “Pat? Is everything truly alright?”

“Hmm?” Patton hums, he shakes off his doubts, a flashy smile returning “Yes of c-” He pauses, listening “Logan I must go! I'm so sorry, stay safe, promise?”

“Always and forever” Logan recites, his hands cross the water and as it dissolves so does Patton.

~~~

“Everything hurts” Virgil moans, his feet dragging the grass behind him “And I'm tired” He continues, Dolos nods sympathetically.

“‘Everything hurts and I'm tired’ title of your sex tape” Remus blurts, laughing before his eyes grow in confusion. “Whats a sex tape?”

“You don't...nevermind” Virgil groans shaking his head. He realizes quickly his posture over Dolos and straightens himself out, yawning as Emile simply floats ahead of them. Humming delighted as more comes to view. “Hey uhhhh Fairy godfather or whatever?” He calls out, they stop as Emile turns.

“Yes, dear Virgil?” He wonders, ascending as he plants his feathered feet into the newly green grass.

“Where exactly are we going?” Virgil asks, Dolos helping him making sure he stays upright. “Cause like, we've been walking for hours, and Dolos is tired” he nods sadly, Emile cocks his head, his flashy grin remains.

“To the people who I hope can help you…” he looks to the narrator “And Remus” He states first, looking to the figure. Remus stands, kicking the dirt below as he scratches his head. “He needs to return to his brother” Emile informs

“Roman” Remus breathes, a sappy sorrow over him.

“Who?’ Virgil questions

“Virgil's future love!” Remus narrates, quickly his eyes grow as he turns to Virgil “You touch my brother” he shakes his head, Virgil quickly hides behind Dolos

“I didn't do anything” He argues “I don't even know who Roman is!” he shouts, Emile hushes him as he listens to the crackle of leaves.

“You dare speak the prince's name in such a manner!” A voice comes from the shadows, the group closes in each facing a new way. “You will- Prince Remus?” The man stops, gesturing for the rest of his men to stop as well.

“Lucio!” The prince cries, racing forward

“What is going on here?” Lucio forces Remus behind him “Men, take them! They kidnapped the prince!”

Fucking come on! Virgil groans

~~~

“A suitor?! This is ridiculous” Patton scoffs, a furrowed pout upon his face. The King sits across from him, a scowled smirk. “Please! You mustn't do this!” He begs, standing now from his seat. The King does the same but looks to one of his advisors.

“We must prepare for the conference, take Patton to get ready” he commands. The man nods and soon Patton feels himself whisked away, dragged through the halls of the palace he once adored, stuffed into a room.

“Patton!” A woman cries he turns, his face lights up, a sweet grin.

“Val!” Patton breathes a sigh of relief, embracing the red-cloaked woman in a hug. “Oh! I missed you” He smiles pulling away, examining her every feature. “You look good, are you. No harm has come to you right?” He checks

“No! No of course not Pat” Valerie assures nodding “Im perfect as a peach” She grins, he embraces her once more before removing his cloak. He then allows Valerie to work around him, placing the ever so familiar royal garments on him.

“Oh” Patton sighs, spinning delighted in his new suit. His pants comfortable around him, a new slick cloak falls behind him dancing in a celestial blue. He feels royal, he feels himself. “I do miss this” He breathes, smoothing out the bedazzling outfit.

“Oh, I'm glad you like it!” Valerie appreciates, holding a hand over her heart. “You look perfect for the conference” A bell rings throughout “Oh, go show em whos the rightful heir to the throne” She nudges, Patton giggles nodding as he leaves. He braces himself joining them back in the throne room, Patton stands at the King's side grumbling only slightly. As the kingdoms file in, each with a toothy smile to the family Patton ducks out. He makes his way to the stables, finally arriving.

“Nork?” he whispers sweetly, a neigh in response as he bites his lower lip. “There you are” He wastes no time petting his beloved animal, the horse excited to see him. “Oh, I’m so sorry for what happened” He laments, brushing the dark hair. He stops listening as the hay below him rustles, he turns quickly his bow appearing in his hands and arrow ready in a spark of blue light. “Show yourself!”

“Patton” Logan emerges, his hands in surrender. One quick flick and away goes his weapon. He rushes forward wasting no time jumping into his arms. Logan lifts him, spinning his friend around before pulling away keeping their hands interlaced. “Are you alright?” He checks, his hands moving Patton's head.

“Better, now that you're here” Patton admits a quick spread blush. Logan averts his eyes. “Wait...why are you here?”

“The conference? I wasn't sure what it was for but almost every kingdom and the royal family is present '' Logan informs “I fear it means something detrimental for the land” Logan voices his concerns, fiddling with Patton's fingers as he's done since forever. “Is there an evil force at play?” he questions, Patton clicks his tongue cupping his hand on Logans cheek

“Come back to me Lo” he grounds the prince, a quick blink as his friend returns. “Surely if it was dark magic...we would sense it would we not?” Logan shrugs only hoping so. “Come, we should return before our punishments only further”

“Your majesties! You must return at once!” A knight presiding directs, tossing his way into the stables.

“What's the matter?” Logan pushes

“Prince Remus has returned” The knight utters one simple phrase and yet Logan and Patton crash.

#fairytale au #logicality #prinxiety #remile #demus #deceit sanders #remus sanders #patton sanders #logan sanders #roman sanders #virgil sanders #sanders sides #youtube #thomas sanders #writing #my writing #ao3 #archive of our own #fantasy

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derireo · 5 years ago

Text

sylvain - three choices

@riryou_ on twt (+ follow them on tumblr! @/riryou)

"what if u went on a date with sylvain but he said some shit like "im gonna glomp you" like would you punch him in the gut or step on his foot with your stiletto heels"

sylvain x f!byleth

sylvain is on his knes for byleth 24/7 but most importantly, they r married

1. i’d kiss him so soft and sweet

byleth was working on some papers in her father's old office, and the moonlight was dim as it shined through the coloured glass of the room's window.

she was still dressed in her archbishop uniform, and so the weak lighting from behind made her look almost like an ethereal ghost.

sylvain isn't afraid to say that he's in love.

when her husband realised she wasn't going to be joining him in bed anytime soon, sylvain decided to keep her company as she worked well into the night, every now and then brushing stray hairs away from her face when they got in her way.

there was still a lot of work to do in garreg mach, so it wasn't a surprise to sylvain that she had to stay in the monastery while he had to do his own work in fhirdiad.

except he asked dimitri to let him do his work alongside byleth in the monastery, and the royal highness didn't have the heart to say no to his lifelong friend.

"won't you come to bed now, sweetheart?" sylvain pouted from across the desk with his chin digging into his palm, his hair floppy and disheveled from rolling around in bed due to loneliness an hour or two prior. he's been watching byleth sign papers and file documents ever since he entered the office, and he was starting to get even more tired.

byleth didn't let out a sound but only gave him a quick glance from her papers to let him know that she wasn't ready to go yet.

"d'aw, come on, by. it's already so late." he coaxed sweetly and reached out a warm hand to cup the side of her face in his palm to make her loom at him, his thumb lovingly brushing the spot beneath her eye.

he sighed like a fool in love when her gaze focused on him, her eyelashes fluttering slightly as she leaned into the coziness of his hand.

"if you refuse, i'm just gonna have to up and glomp ya." he threatened, though his voice was hushed and the grin he was wearing nearly split his face in half.

byleth's eyebrows raised at the new term, but her usually doe eyes were half-lidded, slowly getting tired as sylvain continued to caress the side of her face with his thumb.

her husband could only send her an expectant look when she didn't give him a verbal response, but instead sighed in resignation, the corners of her mouth twitching into a private smile that made sylvain's breath catch.

she stood up once she put her pen and inkwell away while she slipped the rest of her papers into her desk. her gown flowed behind her so prettily as she walked towards where he was sitting that sylvain had to remind himself to breathe.

"i might just glomp you up anyways." he spoke breathlessly as he fell back into his chair to get a better look at his wife who was staring down at him in amusement, but still did not give him a verbal response.

instead, she leaned down to capture his lips in a kiss, with a hand pressed square to his chest as the other had found itself lightly curling around his neck. the sudden motion made sylvain's throat twitch in surprise causing byleth to smile against his mouth, her fingers catching onto the small buttons of his nightshirt.

sylvain took the chance to nip at the swell of her lower lip when his wife began leaning into him, only for her to pull back with a soft laugh escaping her lips while ignoring his pout. but to make him happy, she continued to press gentle kisses to his mouth, each one full of more love and adoration than the last.

each kiss making his fingertips tingle and him lightheaded.

finally, when she pulled away once more, sylvain felt warm and sleepy, the blush to his cheeks making him look so adorable and sweet to byleth's eyes.

"let's go to bed now, sweetheart." she sang softly, holding out her hand for sylvain to take as he stood from his chair.

she lead them both out of the office and they both made their way up the stairs towards her bedchambers.

she looked back at sylvain once they had entered her room, and she laughed as her husband regained the energy to help her change out of her clothes and into her pajamas.

"glomp?" he said, hopeful.

"if you say that word one more time, sylvain, i'll kill you right where you're standing." she murmured, threat empty as she pulled her husband down by the neck of his nightshirt to kiss the swollen lips on his stupid face.

he sighed, defeated. "fair enough."

2. i can multitask and do both

"well ain't that a look?" sylvain whistled lowly as he watched his date come down the last step of stairs and into the hallway where he was patiently waiting for her with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. his grin was amused when byleth gave him a little twirl in her sundress, and quickly caught her when she stumbled in the black heels she wore.

"oopsie daisy." he laughed when she fell into his arms with a soundless gasp, and brought her back to her feet when he was sure she was ready to stand on her own.

the sundress byleth wore was white with pale yellow flowers and had frilly short sleeves – a refreshing change from her dark grey and black attire that she normally wore around the monastery. sylvain wasn't sure what to expect when he heard hilda was going to lend byleth her her fashion expertise, but the floppy sunhat that rest atop her silky mint green hair was a great choice.

thank you, hilda.

the only thing left on her that was so endearingly byleth was the black heels she wore, with the ribbons wrapping around her pretty ankles.

"you can't already be falling for me, by." sylvain exaggerated with a surprised expression crossing over his features, his free hand coming up to clutch at his chest, "our date hasn't even started yet!"

byleth smoothed down her dress with her hands and sent a pointed look towards the redhead while gratefully accepting the flowers he held out for her.

"we are married, sylvain." she deadpanned, and as they walked, immediately handed off the bouquet of flowers to one of the gardeners running around with a bag of seeds and cultivators. "and i know you stole those flowers from the greenhouse."

"byleth! how could you say such a thing?" sylvain gasped while byleth looped her arm with his so that they'd be able to walk in tandem, the gentle click clack of her heels against cobblestone and pavement music to his ears.

"i planted those."

"i bought them!" he argued.

byleth sighed, a smile on her face. "you can't buy flowers at the market, my love."

sylvain pursed his lips then, and turned his head to the side so he wasn't looking at byleth anymore, his eyes narrowing at nothing as he sulked. he hated when she used nicknames on him. it made him feel tingly.

"love the dress, by the way." he spoke honestly and looked back at his wife to admire the way her dress flowed around her. the way the fabric danced and swayed had sylvain mesmerised, and the small glimpses of her bare thighs whenever the dress lifted up a little too high had the man licking his lips.

"very glompable indeed." he said to himself as he lead his wife towards the gate at the marketplace, nodding at the guard who stood by it once they exited.

a heavy gust of wind flew by them then, and byleth had to hold her hat to her head to prevent it from flying away, her body curling into the side of her husband while he took it like a champ, his eyes squinted. using at least half of his brain, sylvain quickly reached out to hold the hem of his wife's dress down to prevent it from exposing anything dangerous.

everyone at the monastery already knows byleth is a thick woman, but seeing and experiencing it is a whole different story. sylvain is too greedy and possessive to share.

with this thought flying through his head, he sulked against his wife who was still clinging onto him and sighed.

"it is very hard having a three course meal as a wife." he confessed sadly and rest his head atop byleth's hat, his hands on her waist. "i'm gonna hav'ta glomp you up by tonight before someone else does–"

byleth proceeded to gently (?) stomp her heel into sylvain's foot before he could even get the chance to finish his sentence while she reeled back to punch the air out of her husband's lungs with a single fist to his stomach. sylvain couldn't even stumble back from the impact considering his foot was being crushed, and he could only laugh breathlessly with tears in his eyes as the pain spread through his body.

not to be weird or anything, but sylvain thinks he's in love.

"i really hate the shit that comes out of your mouth sometimes." byleth murmured gently as she stepped off of sylvain's foot, the smallest hint of a smile ghosting her lips. she lifted her hands up then to cup her husband's face and used her thumbs to wipe away at the unshed tears in his eyes; an apologetic look on her face.

"i'm sorry." she cooed and gave sylvain a little kiss on his chin as he wrapped his arms around her waist while she clung onto his neck, "i was too harsh."

sylvain pouted and nodded in agreement, "that was a big ouch on my end." but he quickly forgave her anyways, she was just so sweet to him. he gave her a kiss to the nose and sighed in contentment when he felt her fingertips tickle the back of his neck as the wind picked up again.

both byleth and sylvain used a hand to hold her dress down, but the sunhat quickly flew away into the sky, leaving no room for the married couple to react and catch if before it went too far.

it escaped their sights though, and the hat was gone.

"oh, well. the hat was stuffy." byleth shrugged nonchalantly and blinked in surprise when her husband let out a gentle laugh and pressed his forehead to hers, his eyes sparkling in delight.

"hopefully hilda doesn't find it."

3. bend him over a table

sylvain liked to push byleth's buttons whenever he got the chance. it was something like a hobby to him, and his wife never really seemed to give him the reactions that people like felix or ingrid would give him.

byleth was tame with sylvain when she was alone with him, and put up with all the whims he'd put her through. she was a softie at heart for her husband, but in public she had to make sure she put her foot down so that others wouldn't think she could be easily pushed around.

"why, don't you look yummy tonight?" sylvain wolf-whistled as he watched byleth saunter into their shared bedroom, her hands immediately going up to remove the headpiece that sat in her hair.

byleth grimaced in slight disgust when she turned her head to look at her husband laying in their bed with his arms crossed beneath his head. putting down her headpiece, she toed off the heels she had been wearing for an unspeakable amount of hours as she gave him a reply.

"i wear this every single day, sylvain." she sighed, exasperated. she shook her hair once she put the ornament down on her desk in the corner of the room, and grabbed a high tie that was sitting in one of the drawers, tying her hair up to keep it from her face.

"hey, i was just saying that you are looking quite scrumptious this evening." he sat up on the bed with his hands up in defense, the smile on his face playful as he watched his wife struggle to not rip apart the gown she was wearing.

byleth threw a lazy smirk over her shoulder, but her eyes were glaring at him.

"thank you." she shrugged her shoulders as if bashful but went on to tug the gown's cinched waist down her hips in frustration, quietly hoping she didn't snap any threads.

(she did.)

sylvain pouted at the aggravated mood his wife was in and scooted himself to the foot of the bed with a sigh, holding his arms out patiently while he waited for byleth to hang her gown and change into shorts and a tee shirt.

"it's glomp time." sylvain sing songed once byleth trudged into his arms with a sigh, him happily curling his arms around his wife who sat across his lap.

the former mercenary stayed silent for a few minutes as her head tried to wrap around the dumb ass words her husband had uttered, slowly noticing that he was also wearing his outside clothes in their bed.

a few of the first buttons to his blouse were left undone to expose his chest, but she had noticed that the ends of his pants were dirtied with dry mud.

"sylvain." byleth murmured darkly as she scratched the tips of her nails down the centre of his exposed chest, her grin unreadable as she stood up and placed herself between his legs, fingers gripping onto the fabric of his shirt.

her husband could only gulp in fear. (or was it excitement?)

tilted his head up to look at her, sylvain managed to give his wife a sickeningly sweet smile.

"yes, dear?"

quietly, she pulled sylvain up by his shirt and flashed him a crooked grin before using the grip she had on him to throw sylvain around and bend him over the edge of the bed. to keep him in place, she knelt over him, a knee pressed into his back while she dug a hand in his hair to press his cheek into the mattress.

"i am going to beat you to a pulp." she said, curt, and let sylvain groan for a bit. it wasn't too hard of a position to get out of considering byleth chose not to take his arms hostage as well, but sylvain couldn't help but sigh dreamily as his wife tugged his head back to get a response out of him.

sylvain sighed.

"ugh. you are so sexy." he smiled. "has anyone ever told you that?"

byleth looked down at him with mock scorn in her eyes causing sylvain to grin even wider than he was now.

she moved her knee up so that she was putting all of her weight into the spot between his shoulders, and he let out a breathless chuckle and a quiet ouch.

"yes. claude, actually." byleth hummed, monotone. "he said 'noo, don't stab me, ur so sexy, aha..'"

sylvain buried his face into the mattress to muffle his laughter.

byleth clicked her tongue with a slight upward tilt to her lips, but turned sylvain's head so that his cheek was pressed into the mattress again.

"hope you've got enough gold for your funeral."

#sylvain x byleth #sylvain fire emblem #sylvain jose gautier #fire emblem byleth #byleth eisner #female byleth #fire emblem imagines #fire emblem three houses #fe3h #fe3h imagines

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rorykillmore · 5 years ago

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so today is @firelxdykatara‘s birthday!!!! she asked for a fic with natasha in it, and i thought, well, villanelle went home a few days ago on denny but we never got to rp her’s and nat’s reunion. so i did a little fic of it!!! i hope you enjoy, kitty (and i hope i wrote nat okay, im love her) because i do adore this dynamic and i am just so happy we’ve gotten the chance to build it together as much as we have

also, have a wonderful wonderful birthday!!! i know this is not exactly the easiest time of year to be celebrating, but keep your chin up and know that you have friends who love you and certainly love getting to spend a little bit of extra time with you. you have lifted my mood more times than you know by just being around and making me laugh, so i hope i can return the favor <3

Natasha is telling her little parts are enough, and oddly and inexplicably, Vilanelle thinks just then that maybe this is the safest she’s ever felt with another person.

The house is quiet the night Villanelle finally goes home. For a moment, she stands there out on the front porch and just breathes in the familiarity, the smell of the ocean and fire pits from down at the beach on the breeze, the sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance. It soothes her, even if imagining what might be waiting for her inside does not.

With her and Draco gone, maybe Natasha and Fox have already cleared out. Personally, Villanelle doesn’t see grief or mourning as very good reasons not to live in a gorgeous and expensive mansion, but people and their emotions can be so unpredictable sometimes.

Maybe they are just out doing something. Maybe they are planning her funeral. Villanelle had considered further delaying her return for the sole reason that it would be incredibly fun and dramatic to crash her own funeral.

But barring that, she should probably stop standing here wondering about it and actually go inside, she figures. So she steps up to the door, and --

Damn it.

It’s only when she tries the handle that she remembers she does not exactly have a key on her. To her own goddamn house. Wonderful.

Villanelle steps off the porch in favor of prowling the perimeter of the house instead, making for the pool deck in the back. Neither she nor her roommates are exactly the “hide a spare key under the doormat” type (they are all much too paranoid for that), but fuck, what is she, an amateur? If she cannot even break into her own home?

She’s just trying to figure out a way to do it without having to pay a window repair man -- and that’s when she rounds the corner of the mansion and sees that she was wrong. The house is not completely dark.

There is a light on in (what she estimates with a fair amount of confidence, considering how long she’s been here) Natasha’s window.

And suddenly, Villanelle gets the perfect idea.

Experimentally, she grips some of the ivy casing crawling along the wall and, once she’s sure it’s not going to give, she starts to climb. Natasha’s bedroom is only on the second floor, thankfully, so it’s not like she has to make it the whole way. When she gets up to the window, she pauses briefly to readjust herself before giving it a quick tap. She doesn’t even detect any movement in response, but she knows that’s most likely because Natasha is smart enough not to put herself in plain view of a potential intruder.

Sure enough, the curtain gets pulled back a second later, though, and Villanelle finds herself face to face with her friend with only a panel of glass to separate them.

Natasha stares.

Villanelle grins, and uses her free hand to give her a little wave.

She holds her position as Natasha finally seems to remember herself, unlocking the window and pulling it open, and by way of greeting -- “You... realize you could have knocked.”

“I did,” Villanelle responds innocently. “Technically.”

“At the door.”

“I thought you would respect me making an entrance.”

Natasha’s lips twitch, like she wants to smirk, but she doesn’t. Maybe she’s still a little too rattled. Villanelle will have to try harder. But that will have to wait until she actually climbs inside, which she does carefully when Natasha moves back in clear invitation.

“Surprised to see me?” she asks once she’s steadily back on her feet, offering Natasha a crooked grin.

Natasha doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, she first takes a moment to study Villanelle, who studies her right back, taking a quiet sort of delight in how good she’s gotten at reading Natasha’s usually inscrutable expressions.

She takes less delight in the troubled shadow of sadness she sees in Natasha’s eyes, but... well, what can she do? She can’t take back the fact that she was forced into the Games. Or the fact that she died there.

“There were rumors some of the tributes were coming back,” Natasha finally responds. “But the RID hasn’t gotten anywhere close to verifying all of them. So... yes.” She gives Villanelle a tired sort of smile.

Unexpectedly, Villanelle wants to reach out to her. That’s a relatively new impulse -- so far, she’s shied away from too much physical contact with most of her reunions, or at the very least being the one to initiate it. Maybe the difference here is that Nat has always been so unexpectedly grounding for Villanelle -- not that she would ever be sappy enough to put that into words. But --

-- In some ways, it’s only now that she’s here with Natasha that it finally registers that she’s home.

She curbs her impulse and sits down on the edge of Natasha’s bed instead, shrugging. “It was a surprise to me too,” she admits simply. Understatement of the century, but that part probably doesn’t need to be said.

Carefully, quietly, Natasha sits down beside her. “...I’m not going to ask if you’re okay, because at this point that’s a stupid question.”

Villanelle hums in agreement.

“But depending on your level of... not okay, I’m... you know. I’m here.”

And Villanelle supposes that she wouldn’t have gone to all the trouble of scaling the wall to climb in through Natasha’s bedroom window if she had not, on some level, wanted her to be. She considers for another stretch of silence before she attempts a response. “...You know what it’s like.” Perhaps not the Hunger Games specifically, but extreme conditions of survival, endless cycles of violence, trauma? Villanelle is sure Natasha’s on the same page. “Sometimes it is best to just compartmentalize and move on.”

Natasha exhales slowly, but there’s nothing remotely judgmental in her expression. “It’s certainly easiest,” she agrees, without pushing. Villanelle instinctively relaxes a fraction. “Especially since you haven’t exactly had a lot of privacy over the last few weeks. It’s just... sometimes it’s also good to have people you don’t have to hide everything from.”

It’s the way Natasha says it that makes Villanelle pause before just shoving the idea away completely. Most other people, Villanelle knows, would have said “you can talk to me” or “you don’t have to hide from me” or some bullshit like that, expecting her to open up like a book waiting to be read.

But Natasha knows that for people like them - people who have worn and shed the skins of many, many different personas, who may not even know who they really are if they dig deep enough underneath all that - it’s not such an easy thing to do. An impossibility, even, to give someone the whole of yourself, or even just the whole of a singular feeling, when you are so used to only chipping off and offering little parts.

Natasha is telling her little parts are enough, and oddly and inexplicably, Vilanelle thinks just then that maybe this is the safest she’s ever felt with another person. She sighs, and then laughs, the sound rusty with disuse. “It feels weird. Giving your life for someone else. Not good. Not special.”

Silence answers her briefly as Natasha turns to stare at the wall opposite, her mouth twisting wryly, sadly. “...Yeah. I know what you mean.”

And she does, Villanelle realizes belatedly. Everything before the Games feels so much further away now, but she still remembers that ridiculous future marriage they’ve both avoided talking about. And she still remembers what Natasha told her, even if she has been trying to do Natasha the courtesy of pretending that she didn’t.

“I know what you did in there must go against all of your instincts. And everything you’ve been taught,” Natasha starts, her voice hitched with just enough emotion for Villanelle to know she’s speaking from experience. “...But you made your own choice. And you did it for someone you love. And whatever else you want to think about it, Villanelle, that still proves that you are so much more than just anything anyone could train you to be. Than every fucked up thing you’ve been through.”

Villanelle swallows without saying anything and stares down at her hands. It makes her think of what Natasha said before, when she had described the sacrifice she’d made for Clint. That she was broken. Villanelle has never thought of herself as “broken”, at least not in any kind of self-deprecating way, but she feels a little bit like she is now.

Mostly, though, she thinks about how Natasha came here after dying. How Natasha has probably not had anyone to tell her these things. And Villanelle, surely, would not be very good at it if she tried, but...

...She finally reaches out the way she wants to, and squeezes one of Nat’s hands with her own. “So are you,” she asserts firmly, determinedly, staring back at Natasha with all the adoration she can still muster (surprisingly, a lot, even given how exhausted she is) as if she can single-handedly, telepathically convince Natasha of how amazing she is.

And when Natasha squeezes her hand back tightly, Villanelle thinks, maybe she can’t fix everything for Nat just like Nat can’t fix everything for her.

But maybe they can do it in little parts, just like everything else.

#fic #[disaster russian assassins who have never known normalcy in their lives grasping hands]

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thfrustration · 6 years ago

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Stjarnavetr - Part II - Chapter 40

TITLE OF STORY: Stjarnavetr

CHAPTER NUMBER: Part II – Chapter 40

AUTHOR: renlem

WHICH TOM/CHARACTER: Loki

STORY GENRE: Angst, Erotica, Drama

STORY SUMMARY, PART II: Things have gone well for Loki and Stjarnavetr these past five centuries, but it cannot remain so. When Loki unexpectedly betrays those closest to him, Stjarnavetr’s world falls apart. Painful secrets and dark pasts will come to light, love will be tried to the breaking point, and Stjarnavetr must come to terms with the fact that the man she loves is not the man she thought she knew. Through it all, both Loki and Stjarnavetr will come to realize just how far they will go for one another and the sacrifices they will make, no matter the cost.

STORY RATING: Explicit (for strong language, strong sexual content, and graphic violence)

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

CHAPTER WARNINGS/TRIGGERS:

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS (PART I & ONE SHOTS)

Part II: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39

CHAPTER 40

Loki

Helheim

“Nice try, Mannadr!” I smirked, slicing the stale air with Laevateinn, the sword Angrboda had commissioned for me.

Four palace guards stood opposite of me, weapons drawn and poised. Before them lay their comrade whom they had likely known for centuries, whom I had just decapitated and whose black blood was pouring thickly out onto the dusty ground, and whose unfortunate fate simultaneously did not faze them at all.

I was training again—for what, I knew not, only to pass the time, I suppose—and I greatly enjoyed it. It took my mind off other matters, anyway.

I always instructed the guards I happened to train with that day to attack me as if they truly wished to kill me, queen’s father or no. Of course they mechanically obeyed and a few times I had ended up with some rather nasty wounds. Luckily, unlike them, I could heal myself even here and did not have to spend the rest of eternity with half my guts exposed or fallen out.

Many of the guards I had killed this way. Hel once told me that even though we were all dead here, it was possible to die a second time, and there was no coming back from it. By that logic, I suspected it was once again possible to return to life, but Hel had always remained rather tight-lipped on the subject, only fueling my suspicion.

But as of late I had not spoken much to Hel if I could help it.

It was an interesting sight when one of them died. The guard would collapse onto the ground and a few seconds later their bodies would slowly disintegrate into an ashen mound, which would eventually disperse in the dry wind. I would have felt odd killing palace guards simply for my own amusement, but Hel had assured me long ago that the guards were not as the other dead in Helheim; they were mindless and followed orders blindly. There was nothing left over of them from their previous life, save their physical appearance, and there was certainly no shortage of them.

“Try me again!” I shouted at the next biggest one, a gnarly brute called Mannadr who had survived my spars for quite some time. He currently was my ultimate goal.

He came at me, sword raised, feet pounding loudly on the hard-packed earth. He swung, aiming for my head, but I dodged the blow and dropped hard to one knee, bringing my sword around in an arc towards his right leg.

The blade did not meet flesh, however, for he swiftly dodged my blow. I gritted my teeth, leaping to my feet as he turned and attempted once again to decapitate me, likely in some blind revenge for his fallen comrade.

Ultimately, he did not succeed, and like his unfortunate friends before him, lay dying his second death upon the ground. I grinned triumphantly to myself, staring into his eyes as the dullness there became duller and his jaw went slack and his mouth fell open to reveal the blackened stumps of his teeth and whatever shriveled flesh remained of his tongue. I withdrew my sword from his chest just as his skin began to crack and turn greyer.

As soon as I finished wiping his blood on the bottom of my boot, a shout drew my attention.

“My lord!”

It was Ganglati, Hel’s slow-moving manservant and occasional fuck toy.

“What?” I barked.

“Her Majesty requests your presence.”

“Tell her I’m busy,” I replied flatly, turning away and wiping my brow. I would avoid her if I could, and it wasn’t as if Ganglati could do anything.

“It is urgent,” he insisted, though his voice was bland as always. “The queen demands it.”

I rolled my eyes, but did not further acknowledge him. I went to begin another spar, but before I could shout at one of the remaining guards, suddenly I felt Ganglati’s hand around my arm and I turned, shocked to see him standing right next to me.

“The queen demands it,” he repeated, insipid gaze focused on me.

“Alright, alright,” I snapped unnervingly, not wanting to ask how he had gotten across the training yard so quickly.

I handed my sword to the guard by the weapon rack and headed towards the palace. I was annoyed at being summoned. The next meeting was not for another four days and I knew not why Hel would need to speak with me like this so suddenly.

After everything had come to light months ago—or whatever I assumed to be months with the changing of the light in the sky, it could have been much longer or shorter—I had grown an aversion to Hel, likely much to the delight of her mother and my lover, Angrboda. It was not that I hated Hel, but it was that I almost felt sorry for her and did not wish to further complicate things between us by being around her often.

“Where is Hel?” I demanded as Ganglati trailed far behind me, despite his show of sudden dexterity minutes before.

“Her chambers, my lord,” he called out.

I was there in minutes. I went past her guards, threw the doors open, and found Hel standing by her large window. She turned and smiled, which she had not done to me in so long.

“Father.”

“What is it?” I asked, somewhat shortly.

“I have a gift for you,” she answered, suspiciously cheerful.

Her words caught me off guard. Immediately I was wary.

“I was just in the training yard—”

Hel breezed up to me, took my hand, and turned to lead me towards her bedchamber.

“Did you kill any guards?”

My skin crawled at her touch. After learning of Hel’s rather iniquitous feelings for me, I felt uneasy at her proximity.

“Yes, two.”

“Wonderful,” she said brightly, in her normal gritty rasp.

Now she stopped at the closed doors and turned to face me, withdrawing her hand and abruptly appearing remorseful.

“Before we proceed, I would like to say that I am sorry if I have offended you in any way,” she admitted. “I did not mean for things to change so between us. I do not like how we have been lately and hope we may overcome this.”

“Er…”

“I hope sincerely that this will make it up to you,” she continued with a blossoming smile, pushing the doors open and leading me inside.

“Hel—”

“Look what I have for you, Father.”

My eyes were drawn immediately across the room towards the fireplace, and I was surprised to see a woman standing there in a faded white dress with her back to us. At the sound of Hel’s voice, however, the woman turned, and something like a jolt went through me.

She was very beautiful, with pale grey eyes and full lips. Her hair was a lovely light gold and fell in pretty waves over her shoulders and down to her waist, which was cinched with a thin, plain brown belt. She tilted her head ever so slightly, lips twitching upwards in a small smile of what appeared to strangely be apperception.

I stared at her for a long, bewildering moment, searching her eyes, oblivious now to Hel’s idiotic grin. There was something in the back of my mind suddenly, clawing its way to the forefront, screaming to be recognized, and when it hit me the useless breath left my lungs and the darkness in my mind receded and I knew her.

I was across the room in seconds, a warmth like I had not felt in so long blooming inside me, filling my stomach and chest and limbs as I enfolded her into my arms, heard my name fall from her now trembling lips followed by a sob of what I recognized as happiness.

I tangled my fingers in her hair, pulling so I could see her face, her lovely, wonderful, beautiful face, the most beautiful face I had ever seen, and I was kissing her lips, her nose, her forehead and eyelids and chin, anywhere I could reach.

She smiled and pulled me close as I buried my face into her neck, breathing her in. She did not smell like she always had, but then again could I even remember? She only smelled cold, if cold had a smell—even her hair did not smell like anything.

“Stjarna,” I said, grinning widely, feeling my own eyes sting with tears. I could not think to stammer anything but her name, her name which to my eternal regret I had almost forgotten. “Stjarna, Stjarna…”

I pulled back to look at her again and saw tears streaming down her face, and it was only then when I finally registered the deadly pallor of her skin. My brows furrowed in concern as I gently ran my thumb over her cool, wet cheek.

“Stjarna?”

I turned to Hel, anger rising suddenly in me like a wave.

“Why is she here?” I demanded furiously. It was a leap, but with how shrewdly Hel had been smirking, presenting Stjarna to me as a “gift,” led me to believe she’d had something to do with this.

Hel quirked an eyebrow. “She died, obviously.”

I stared at her.

“No, Loki,” Stjarna said, and her voice sent a rivulet of pleasure through me, momentarily quelling the anger inside me. She took my face in her hands and I couldn’t tear my eyes from hers, shiny with tears. “I was in Vanaheim—”

“Vanaheim? Why were you in Vanaheim?”

“I…” she faltered, appearing almost pained. “After you killed Freyja, Valdrlund demanded recompense. Thor had no choice…”

“I don’t understand…”

Her lips trembled. “I was… I was the recompense, Loki…”

“Thor gave you to him?” I growled, gritting my teeth.

“He had to,” she said sadly. “I did not want to go, but there was nothing to be done. Valdrlund threatened war.”

Suddenly, something awful took form in my mind, banishing this warmth inside and filling me instead with this cold dread.

“Did he… what did he…” I placed my hands on hers on my cheeks, staring at her in worry.

“I did it, Loki,” Stjarna said, managing a quivering smile. “I killed him.”

My lips parted in surprise.

“We were… we were…” she glanced down now, reluctant to speak. “He insulted you and I grew so angry, Loki, for all he had done and I… I…”

“Oh, Stjarna,” I breathed, closing my eyes and pressing my forehead to hers, worry churning sickeningly inside me. “Did they hurt you?”

“No. They were going to execute me, but…” Stjarna’s large grey eyes flickered over to Hel, who tilted her head and shrewdly curtsied when acknowledged.

“Hel?”

“I paid her a little visit in prison,” Hel explained nonchalantly. “It was no trouble.”

So that was where Hel had been this morning.

I turned back to Stjarna, knowing not whether to feel rage for her having died by the hands of my daughter, or joy for her standing here with me.

“You may go,” Hel said, not bothering to mask her arrogant smile, as I took Stjarna’s hand and led her out. “I’m sure you two have a lot to catch up on.”

Her harsh laughter rang out as the doors closed resoundingly behind us.

I could not stop looking at her, even as I led her slowly and aimlessly around Eljudnir.

I was remembering every aspect of her features, both saddened and upset with myself that I could have dared to forget any part of her. Her laugh, her smile, the way her hand felt against me or lips upon mine.

It was as if something had opened up inside me, something I could not explain, and every waking moment from then on I needed to be with her, to remind me of the light and love I had lost and so desperately wanted back, everything I had forgotten and wanted to remember.

I had Stjarna recount to me everything that had happened since my death, which I learned had been less than two years ago. Stjarna possessed a much heartier memory than I had when I had come here, but I suspected it had something to do with the way she had died and Hel being the one to have personally brought her here to Helheim.

As she spoke I studied her face, the way her lips formed every syllable, her hand movements, and I was conjuring memories I believed to have been permanently buried or even gone. The tiniest details began to emerge from my subconscious with every word and I wanted to be angry for all that had transpired after my death to my beloved Vana, and that we should be reunited in such a dreadful place, but I could hardly evoke the emotion with her standing so real in front of me, all smiles and void of any negativity.

She was here now, and we were together again.

“Tell me of this place,” Stjarna said as we walked around the edge of the palace, lacing her fingers with mine. “Hel did not say much.”

And so I told her of Helheim, a bleak and lonely realm divided into nine regions where the dead resided, domed by a sky that wasn’t a sky, but still by some magic gave the appearance of night and day. I spoke of our life here, and much in the same way Hel had explained everything to me when I had come here.

How these forms we possessed were not our actual bodies, but what was left of our souls manifested physically here. We still behaved like the living—eating, drinking, carousing, and even breathing, despite the fact we did not need to.

I laughed when Stjarna tried it and was startled upon realizing she did not have to actually breathe, but preferred to like the rest of us to retain some semblance of our life.

Inevitably, she inquired about Hel and Angrboda.

At that point we were headed back to my chambers, having inadvertently explored most of the grounds.

“Hel is queen here.”

“And she is your daughter.”

“Yes.”

“By Angrboda?”

“Yes.”

Stjarna was quiet for a long moment.

“Hel told me Angrboda was here, as well.”

I nodded, not really wanting to speak of Angrboda for the shame coursing through me now. Could I bear to tell her I had taken up with my giantess again? But of course I could not stay with Angrboda.

I did not speak on it.

“These are my chambers,” I announced when we finally reached them. I opened the door, praying Angrboda was elsewhere.

Stjarna entered and I shut the door behind me and quietly locked it, in case Angrboda decided to drop in any time soon. I’d have to find her later, tell her we were done. I almost found it surprising, how entirely I had devoted myself to her, and seemingly felt nothing now that Stjarna was here. Angrboda would not be pleased with my fleeting emotions.

Stjarna walked around, quietly studying my rooms.

“It is similar to your chambers on Asgard,” she remarked softly.

My eyes followed her as she continued her slow, investigatory procession around the room, touching various things. I was surprised somewhat at her comment, that here she should remember so trivial a fact, though it was strangely comforting to hear those words.

“Some things are different, though it is much the same,” she observed, wandering out to the balcony. “I will get used to it, though.”

“You will, as did I,” I answered, coming up behind her to wrap my arms around her waist.

“Are you happy here, Loki?”

“I am now,” I replied, kissing her cheek from behind.

“It almost does not seem real,” she mused somberly, leaning into me. “I did not think I would ever see you again.”

I only kissed her, hopefully offering some comfort, and unwilling to admit I had nearly forgotten her. I wondered if I had ever been this ashamed in my previous life. I doubted it.

“I am glad Hel brought me here, though,” Stjarna continued, turning in my arms to face me. She cupped my face and lifted up on her toes to gently kiss my lips. “It matters not where I am, as long as I am with you.”

I grinned, soaking up her words, and did not think I could wait any longer.

Stjarna giggled knowingly as I pulled her backwards into my chambers, drawing her tight against me so I could rain kisses eagerly across her face. She just as fervently returned my affections, and we lay together for the first time in seemingly forever, and in the end it was as if nothing had changed between us, save for the ceasing of our hearts.

My Stjarna was so different from Angrboda. There was something in her kisses not present in Angrboda’s, warmth in her eyes instead of cold pitilessness, the way she gasped my name so filled with reverence, clutching at me as if I was the source of her existence, and how afterwards when we lay breathless, still entwined, she enfolded herself into me and told me how much she loved me.

Since neither of us wished to be anywhere but here with the other, Stjarna and I remained in my chambers the rest of the afternoon and all through the evening and night—talking, joking, reminiscing and making love. It was the happiest I had been since I could remember, and in those moments could not imagine what possibly might come next. But for now, I hardly cared.

Some days passed, all of them in a haze.

I came to peace quite quickly with Stjarna’s arrival. Of course I was delighted to have her with me again, but initially had hardly known who to be furious with. Valdrlund for daring to claim her and abuse her, or Thor for sending her off to Vanaheim in the first place; Hel for bringing Stjarna here, or Stjarna for being more than happy to die to be with me again.

Stjarna assured me repeatedly that all was well and she was happy, when I began to think of it and would grow angry all over again. Eventually, I tried to not think of it like that, and only considered the fact that Stjarna was here with me again.

Hel thought it all quite amusing, commenting laughingly that she would never have expected me to behave in such a manner. I cared not, though—Stjarna was here and was all I could think of. We spent every waking moment together.

One day I was strolling around the grounds with Stjarna. A dry breeze was blowing, occasionally whipping up the dusty ground.

“Loki?”

“Hmm?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, anything.”

Stjarna appeared reluctant and we stopped.

“Is Valdrlund here?”

I was silent for a moment.

“Hel explained it to me like this. All are equal here, no matter what we were in our past life. He is here, but he likely does not remember any of his past life. If he does, he will soon forget it.”

“Why do I not?” she asked curiously. “I have heard this, but I remember everything.”

I looked up, thinking.

“Perhaps it was the way you died. I will admit, Stjarna, I was forgetting much of my life until you came here. Oddly enough you being with me now reminds me of much of it.”

She smiled. “That is a good thing?”

I grinned at her and took her hand in mine, continuing to walk. “That is a very good thing.”

“My parents are here, aren’t they?”

“Yes, as are mine.”

I had thought of them, Frigga and Odin. Sometimes it pained me to think they were here, that though we might be so close, I might never see them, and they might not even remember me. It seemed amazing how drastically things had changed, and how much initially I had forgotten even of them. I knew in my life I had loved and revered Odin, and at one time reviled him, but nothing seemed so important anymore. I knew if I could, I might embrace him again if I saw him, and my mother…

“I wonder if they found one another here,” Stjarna wondered. “I wonder if they are happy.”

I knew not how to reply to that, and Stjarna appeared saddened.

By now we had reached the training grounds. There was not a soul in sight, but then again there never was unless I was training.

“Is there war here?” Stjarna asked, gazing inquisitively at a weapon rack.

“No. The most conflict in this place is between individuals.”

“So why did you build this?”

“I was bored.”

Stjarna laughed. “Well, I am glad there is a library. I never thought there would be a library in the realm of the dead.”

I smiled, but Stjarna wasn’t looking at me anymore. I followed her suddenly somber gaze across the training yard and my guts immediately tightened.

Standing serenely by herself on the path on the other side of the yard, and staring at us, was Angrboda.

I highly doubted she had been strolling around Eljudnir by herself and just so happened to end up at the training ground the same time as us.

“Is that Angrboda?” Stjarna asked softly.

I looked at her, almost not wishing to admit it.

“Yes.”

Stjarna gave a small nod and did not resist as I hooked her arm with mine and turned us to continue our walk in the direction we had just come from.

Having them speak was the last thing I wanted, if only to spare Stjarna the sordid details I knew Angrboda would only be too happy to divulge.

A few days later, there was a meeting of representatives.

I slipped out of bed, readied, and kissed Stjarna before leaving. She stretched, smiling at me as I told her I would be gone for a few hours, but I would be back soon.

The meeting was boring, as usual. Nothing of interest, though Hel did snap at Gaumr when he interrupted her and spoke a little too sharply to another representative.

Afterwards, I headed back to my chambers, eager to slip back into bed with Stjarna.

I rounded a corner and was only momentarily surprised to see Angrboda leaning against a column, obviously waiting for me.

“Good morning,” she purred, eyes locked on me. By her expression it did not appear to truly be a good morning.

“Angrboda,” I coolly acknowledged.

“This might be a bit of a leap, Loki, but… I do think you’ve been avoiding me.”

“You’re just now noticing that?” I dismissed, going to brush past her.

“Busy with that new plaything of yours?”

I stopped, unable to help the smile that spread involuntarily across my face.

“Are you jealous, darling?” I smirked, turning with somewhat of an arrogant flourish.

The corner of her lips twitched, but then she returned my smile and sauntered deliberately up to me.

“Why would I be jealous, Loki? I know she cannot possibly satisfy you as I did.”

I laughed, amused at the notion, when Angrboda stepped closer and placed her hand on my chest.

“You don’t look at her like you do me, I see it.”

“Then you are blind as well as ignorant,” I retorted. “There is no one I look at as I do you, but it is not with what you want, Angrboda.”

“So what were all of those heated declarations, Loki? When you told me you loved me and I was all there was?”

“Chalk it up to my being drunk on death, darling,” I replied tautly.

Angrboda was not amused.

“Would she see it as such?” she asked, running her fingers down my arm.

I pulled away, vaguely annoyed.

“You do not love her as you do me.”

“You’re right,” I replied, attempting somewhat to mask my true emotion. It almost pained me to admit it, but some part of me loved Angrboda. I had admitted it to myself long ago, and to her multiple times, in the dark of the night and clouded in lust and headiness, but it was not the type of love I held for Stjarna. It was a love I was more than willing to leave to die.

“Why do you partake in this foolishness?” she demanded, suddenly heated, when I went to turn, realizing she was losing whatever was left of this useless conversation. “Why do you waste your time on that Vana wench?”

“I am not wasting my time,” I retorted. “But you are. You and I, we’re through.”

Angrboda’s brows slightly lifted, but other than that there was nothing else to betray her emotion.

“You spurn me for her?”

“It was always her, Angrboda,” I replied, somewhat exasperated. “I—”

“You think Hel did you a favor, Loki?” Angrboda snarled, baring her sharpened teeth. “You think she did this out of love?”

“Absolutely not,” I responded immediately, unwilling to fall into Angrboda’s baiting. “Whatever manifests itself in Hel is not love.”

I had not spoken much to Hel since Stjarna’s arrival here in Helheim, but then again had been pretty much taken up with Stjarna and been able to think of little else. I did not dismiss Angrboda’s accusation, though. I had no doubt Hel had done this simply to spite her mother, whom she hated.

“Of course she killed your lover only to torment me.”

“What, can you not to stand to lose me, Angrboda?” I laughed. “It is almost comical. You finally have me after so long, and now I’m snatched away again.”

That must’ve been the wrong thing to say to an angry giantess; I did not flinch or recoil as she came quickly forward and roughly took a fistful of my tunic in her hands, pulling me close.

“Are you spited, love?” I taunted.

She pressed her lips together, black eyes narrowed dangerously.

“You think me jealous of that her, Loki? She is naught more than a distraction.”

“From what?” I goaded.

“Your true purpose.”

I chuckled, realizing. Angrboda believed Hel had given Stjarna to me to prevent Angrboda’s grand scheme for me, one of the reasons she had gifted me the sword Laevantinn. Occupied these past days with Stjarna, I had practically forgotten Angrboda’s lust for me to go to war for her against the world, to lead an army of the dead against those who had wronged her.

“You laugh, but you cannot see,” she spat.

“And what is it that I do not see?” I asked tightly, reaching to disentangle her fingers from my tunic.

“Your destiny,” Angrboda growled. “Fucking her will not stop it.”

“The only destiny you hope for me will never come to be,” I said firmly. “And whatever there is left of it, you are no longer a part of it.”

I turned to leave, but before I could make it even a step, abruptly I felt Angrboda’s iron grip on my shoulder and she jerked me backwards and spun me around to confront her fury.

“You will not spurn me for that Vana whore!”

“Do not touch me, Angrboda,” I bit out, any semblance of restraint vanished with her hostility towards Stjarna.

“Do not think that I won’t—”

But before Angrboda could spit another word out, my hand was around her throat and her back to the wall. I dug my fingers into her neck, pressing the length of my forearm firmly against her front to keep her still.

“You will stay away from her,” I growled, staring fixedly into the angry, inky blackness of her eyes. “If you dare to touch her, I will kill you, and not even our daughter will be able to save you.”

Her gaze was cold, wrathful.

“Only for you, lover.”

I remained motionless, debating on whether to describe to her in lurid detail the endless agony I might inflict on her if she were to carry out any harm against Stjarna, but then I had no doubt Angrboda already had some idea what might befall her if she were to proceed with any part of her vengeful deliberations.

I roughly released her, turned on my heel, and returned to my chambers, where I found Stjarna still sleeping peacefully.

A few days later, Stjarna and I were relaxing in my chambers.

We had spent nearly the entire morning in bed before requesting for food to be brought. The remains of our little midday meal lay on my table. I lounged in bed, finishing a glass of dark red wine. For the realm of the dead, Helheim’s vineyard produced remarkably delicious wines.

Stjarna was standing at the open window, a fairly sheer robe wrapped around her, hands poised lightly on the sill. Soon after Stjarna’s arrival, I had requested of Hel a wardrobe made for Stjarna. I would not have my lover dressed here forever in her death shroud. She was staring outside, watching the rain fall and turning the already barren landscape even greyer.

“It rains here,” Stjarna murmured.

“Yes, I believe there is some enchantment over this place,” I replied from the bed. “It certainly does help with the monotony.”

“I’m glad it rains,” she said. In her voice I detected a hint of sadness, so I set the glass of wine on the bedside table and got up to stand behind her. I wrapped my arms around Stjarna and she melted into my embrace.

“Why do you like that it rains?” I inquired.

She shrugged.

“It is just something else like up there.”

“Ah,” I said, somewhat uncertainly. Then, tentatively, masking the tinge of worry, “Are you unhappy here?”

“No,” she replied, turning in my arms. She cupped my face in her hands and offered me a small, reassuring smile. “I am simply thinking about my family.”

“Konavefr and Dreyma and the boys?” I offered. I suspected Stjarna’s step-mother and sister-in-law and nephews still resided in Asgard.

She nodded. “I wonder if they… if they know…”

I kissed her forehead. “There’s no way to tell, but I’d suspect not.”

She gave a little nod and let her hands fall slowly to my chest. “It is almost comforting to know that.”

“I am sorry,” I murmured.

“It cannot be helped,” she replied with a small smile. “I am only grateful we are together again.”

I placed a gentle kiss on her lips, then her nose, and swallowed.

“Stjarna?”

“Hmm?” She murmured, leaning into me and moving her hands around my sides to my back.

I hesitated.

Shortly after Stjarna had arrived here in Helheim, and we had begun reminiscing over all that happened, I had recalled that shortly before my death, I had asked Stjarna to marry me. I had not spoken of it, but constantly it was nagging at the back of my mind.

But I could remember now Stjarna’s reaction in Asgard, and did not hesitate now.

“Will you marry me?”

There was a brief silence, then she pulled back to stare at me. Her lips were parted in surprise and I grinned amusedly, moving to grab her hands and lace her fingers with mine.

“We were not able to get quite that far, if you remember…”

“I remember,” she whispered, lips curling into a smile. “You still want to marry me?”

At that, I burst into laughter.

“What kind of question is that? Of course I still want to marry you, Stjarna. I always wanted to, I was just too stupid to realize it for most of the time.”

Stjarna echoed my laughter and it was music to my ears.

“Yes, Loki, I will marry you.”

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fanfiction #loki #loki fanfiction #thfrustration #stjarnavetr #stjarnavetr part 2 #renlem #angst #established relationship #multis #mature #submission #TRIGGER WARNING #language #graphic violence #lemon

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agirlwithpointlessideas · 6 years ago

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Simple Love (Derek Hale x Female Reader)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IZZY!!!!!! i hope you have a wonderful day and i hope you enjoy my shitty writing!!! i love you even tho you are old now lol!!! love ya girlie

warning: FLUFF!!! just fluff

Golden rays of sunshine cascaded into the baby’s room as his mother rocked him. She cradled him to her chest as she tried to sooth him. Once she had calmed him down, she headed to the kitchen to put the kettle on. Putting the toddler in his high chair, Y/N started to prepare for the small family’s breakfast.

Looking out the window, Y/N found serenity in the rising sun and the sounds of the morning birds. She had always been a morning person, the peace and quiet easing her.

“You know I’ve never been much of a morning person,” her husband started, “but this right here, my son and my wife being peaceful and happy, is the greatest thing in the world to me.” With a smile she turned to greet her husband as he leaned against the door frame of the kitchen.

“Good morning love.”

Derek pushed off the door frame and walked towards his wife. Once he got close, he wrapped his arms around her. “Indeed it is. Because I have you,” he pressed a kiss to her forehead, “and I have my mini me as well.” He then grabbed the child from his high chair and started pressing little kisses all over his face. The little boy was delighted by the ticklish feel of his father’s beard and began to giggle.

The sight of her two boys brought a smile to Y/N’s face. She could of lived in this moment forever. Sadly, Derek would soon have to leave for his next shift at the station. But she could relive this moment at sunset when her and her son would tell Derek of the adventures they went on during the day at dinner.

It was the simple moments like these that made Y/N’s life complete.

note: sorry it is so short, im still a bad writer!

@helplesslyinlovewithcharacters love you bunches

#derek hale #derek hale imagine #dad!derek #teen wolf imagine #teen wolf #tyler hoechlin #tyler hoechilin imagine #happy birthday izzy #shes my best friend

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foruneyti · 7 years ago

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Fǫruneyti

Link to the entire work Loki x reader Set in Asgard

Warnings: Graphic depictions of violence, blood, some gore at some point Characters: Reader, Loki, Thor, Original Characters, Odin, Frigga Tags: AU, Alternate Universe, Asgard, warning for blood, there is sexual tension in almost every fucking chapter im not even kidding, Royalty, Thor is a good guy, he's a bro, loki is also a good guy, but he acts like an arse sometimes, reader is female, Angst, Fluff, warning for violence, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Slow Burn, Like really slow, Adventure & Romance, Friendship, Eventual Smut, Plot, Character Development, Teasing/flirtingHurt/Comfort, Some still dont seem to realise it but, This is the slowest of slow burns, prepare yourself, there's gonna be gore at some point Summary: A story in which a herbalist makes a decision that will change her life forever, and in which a prince begins to realise that there might still be hope for him yet. A tale of danger, adventure, friendship, and, ultimately, love. CHAPTER ONE

The wind made the trees bend and bow, the lightning illuminating their path through the early night. Though their scout did not want to admit it they had most definitely taken the wrong path at the last crossing. The horses were uneasy, whinnying and neighing with every clap of thunder that seemed to shake the earth, and the soldiers were not much better off – something was wrong. Their eyes restlessly scanned the pitch black forest around them with their hands clasped around the reins or resting on the swords hanging from their hips, their instincts telling them to turn back; yet there was only one who noticed the movement in the shadows.

“Thor.”

The golden-haired man followed his brother's glance and peered between the trees, until he spotted movement as well. It was their task to guide their men to safety, yet the odds were not in their favour. There was no option but to fight.

“We're under attack!”

An arrow shot past and hit one of the guards in the shoulder, the toxins immediately finding their way into his systems. The howling wind stifled the cries of men who met a similar fate as their friends slashed at the invisible enemy and tried not to get thrown off their stallions; but it was of no use – they were losing.

Suddenly a bright light washed over them, the source not lightning but magic; which was enough to blind the attackers and to return the advantage to the soldiers - who made good use of it. Swords slashed through enemy flesh and dyed the road a deep crimson red, lifeless bodies falling to the ground only to be trampled underneath rearing horses, and the soldiers regained their hope.

Until it went dark again.

“Loki, are you all right?” Thor's loud voice boomed through the darkness, but no answer came. “Loki!”

The light returned - weaker this time - and his eyes quickly found his brother still atop his horse, yet gravely injured. Still his face showed no signs of pain and his voice did not quiver once as he roared the words over the sound of the pouring rain.

“We cannot win this fight!” He lifted his hand, slender fingers aimed at the white-flashing sky. “Head east!”

A wall of green fire erupted from the ground which startled the attackers, and which gave the soldiers the chance to make their escape.

It had been quiet today, partly due to the storm; and you used the spare time to clean the place up a bit. Books on herbs and weeds were put back on the correct shelves, the two oaken tables were scrubbed until they were devoid of any dust or dirt, the dark wooden floorboards were swept spotless, and empty bottles were cleaned and put away in the right places so that they were ready to use the next time you needed them. You took a moment to rest, leaning down on the counter and appreciating the shop. You had been running it for a couple of years now and, to your delight, the popularity had grown exponentially since the owners had allowed you to take over – many even recognised you on the streets, whether they visited regularly or not. You took their compliments and stories of complication-less healing to heart, and you were always glad to hear how they liked the new look of the building.

After the renovations it was now possible for customers to take a seat on one of the benches placed against the wall, accompanied by the two knee-high tables that were adorned with one potted plant each, and you had been able to increase the space for storage by building cabinets and drawers into the counter. In addition there were the bookcases that lined the wall behind you, where you had neatly arranged the books according to their contents and filled other shelves with jars that contained plants, berries, herbs or spices – all with different properties that you knew by heart. Underneath the shelves were drawers of different sizes that could be locked, and which contained medicinal pills, salves, potions, or powders that were ready to use. You grew some herbs in the sills of the arched windows and on every other unoccupied surface, the flowers and healthy greens bringing colour and liveliness to the room and filling the air with a gentle aroma. The stairs in the back twisted to the second floor, where three bedrooms were situated, and in the wall underneath it was a door that led to the dormitory; which was filled with beds for those who needed to be tended to for a longer period of time and stools for those who came to visit them. The entrance to the kitchen had been moved, simply by turning the old one into a wall and creating a new door in between two of the bookcases behind the counter, as there had been incidents where visitors had tried to cook something for their bed-bound family members and had nearly set the place on fire.

Sadly, not all villagers of Blacktree had been blessed with intelligence.

You liked living here, though. The surrounding mountains offered safety from ongoing wars or conquering parties, and the bears and wolves in the area scared off any groups of bandits or raiders. The woods were rich in ingredients for your medicinal practices and cooking experiments, the lake nearby supplied the village with fish, and there were enough herds of deer to feed an entire country if one were to hunt them all. The people here, though not the smartest, were kind at heart, always ready to help each other out and to support each other when the winter had been harsh again or when the crops had withered.

While the rain kept streaming down the windows you checked up on what you had in stock and made a list. The aroma of ink, old books, plants, and parchment scented the room and soothed your being as you filled a nearly empty jar with some fresh mirrinos leaves, until a loud clap of thunder surprised you and made your fingers falter for a moment, allowing the bottle to slip from your grasp and to smash into pieces. This weather wasn't unusual during this time of year. The water poured down mercilessly from the heavens and the flashes of light illuminated the sky for only a fraction of a second, before letting the world fall into darkness again and leaving only a moment of sound to acknowledge it had ever happened. It had its own charm, in a way, and you knew it couldn't do harm, yet the loudest bangs still made you jump sometimes.

After cleaning up the shards you were ready to throw yourself onto your next task of preparing some powders and potions that were sold nearly every day, when suddenly the door swung open and a flurry of men stormed in.

“We were attacked-”

But you paid no attention to the man clad in red and gold. Your eyes immediately found the man in green and black instead, who was being supported on both sides, and judging from his wounds you knew you had to act fast.

“Lay him on the table. You,” you made eye contact with one of the men clothed like a soldier, “get me that bottle of alcohol on the shelf in the back, second from the top. You, help him out of his armour, I need his wounds to be fully exposed.” You grabbed a clean rag from one of the nearest cabinets, in the meanwhile addressing the redgolden man. “You're in charge, right? Post two of your least injured men outside this door and two more on the opposite side of the street, a few houses apart from each other and hidden but not out of sight. Fasten the horses to the poles outside and close the door afterwards, but do not barricade it.”

He nodded firmly and turned to his men. “Do as she says!”

You turned back to the man laying on your table and for only a fraction of a second regretted putting him there, as the blood running down his sides would inevitably stain the beautiful wood. However the thought left as quickly as it had come when you took the bottle of alcohol from one of the men and knelt down to get to work. After wiping away the blood with the rag you lay your hand on the flesh next to the deepest wound, noticing how unusually cold it was, and poured the liquid into the cut to disinfect it – all while you kept yelling commandos.

“Someone get me the third jar on the top left shelf behind the counter, now. You, hold down his shoulders. I'm trying not to hurt him but I cannot control everything, and I do not want to have him making it worse by moving.”

You quickly traded the rag and alcohol for the jar, commanding the soldier to keep it close, and popped open the lid. You gave it a whiff just to make sure it was the right stuff; then, while holding the edges of the wound apart with the thumb and fingers of one hand, gently put it in with the other. The ointment would protect from infections, fasten the healing process, and block the blood flow as well – therefore greatly decreasing the risk of bleeding to death if the wound opened up again. It did not keep the wound completely closed however, and without stitches it was likely to leave a massive scar.

“Get me the black pouch from the shallowest drawer underneath the counter.”

Within seconds the small pouch was offered to you and you traded it for the salve, once again demanding it to be within reach, before quickly pulling the chords loose and taking out the set of needles and threads. You carefully but swiftly sewed the sides together, finishing with a tiny knot and a snip of the small scissors, and quickly repeated the whole process with the other two wounds as well. Once that was done you took out a large roll of linen bandaging and, with some help from the two closest men, wrapped it around blackgreen's midsection.

Finally, the situation was under control.

The last step was to stand up and glance at your work, but to do so you needed to take your hand off of his abdomen – and the moment you did he let out a loud hiss in pain. You hoped it wouldn't give you away but luckily the others seemed to think nothing of it, and you let out the breath you didn't know you had been holding.

“I take it he will be all right?” Redgold met your gaze, the worry apparent in his eyes, but it quickly diminished when you sent him a warm and reassuring smile.

“He will be fine, granted he rests properly.” You glanced around, noticing how most men had scrapes and bruises, before returning your gaze to his again. “Were you not hurt?”

“Only a couple of superficial cuts.”

“Those can get infected as well. Show me, please.”

He rolled up his sleeves, and without ado you disinfected and bandaged his injuries. “I will take care of the others. Please take a seat and rest, you and your men are welcome to stay the night. We have plenty of beds and enough food for you to be comfortable here.”

He nodded and sat himself down on the bench beside the table Blackgreen was laying on. While tending to the soldiers you cast a glance his way every now and then, but his empty stare didn't change. His eyes were focused beyond this realm.

All injuries had been treated and you were just putting everything back where it belonged when the two owners of the shop came halfway down the stairs, their faces contorted in confusion and shock.

“What in the name of Yggdrasil is going on?”

Medhea let her eyes move over the man-filled room. She was a sturdy woman, visibly growing older, but her eyes stood bright and lively still and her voice could carry for miles if she wanted it to. She always tried to keep her reputation of being austere high, now being no exception with her trademark glare that, if looks could kill, would have taken many lives; but those who knew her well enough knew she was one of the most motherly and warm women Blacktree had to offer. Not that she wasn't strong – quite the opposite. She could stop a brawl with one of those deadly glares, or beat a man to pulp with her bare hands if she needed to. She had taught you how to defend yourself and how to fight back, and she was not to be messed with.

Next to her stood her husband, Illasias, who was of the softer kind. He knew the landscape like the back of his hand and had taught you everything there was to know; about the soils and the rocks, the trees and the plants, the animals – everything. He was very respected amongst the people, mainly for his knowledge but also for his wisdom, and he wore time well; his curly hair retaining the chestnut brown it had always had and his skin staying the healthy tan the sun had granted him, and he had not weakened in body nor mind. Where Medhea was like a mother to you, he was like a father, and you loved them both dearly.

Sometimes, however, Illasias seemed to forget about the very wisdom he was so often praised for.

“Where were you attacked? It must have been quite the ride away; the dragon wouldn't have let enemy soldiers on these premises.”

Your eyes widened a bit. “Illasias, we don't know who these men are.”

But it was too late, as everyone was now looking at him with questions swirling in their eyes. It was Redgold who spoke first.

“A dragon?”

“It's an expression, a nickname. A group of men devoted themselves to protecting the town a few years ago, and their name is supposed to frighten off any ill-willing strangers from coming here.” You gave Illasias a warning glance, but were careful not to show Redgold or any of his soldiers. To them you smiled apologetically, and adeptly changed the subject. “Though now the matter has risen, I do need to ask you where you are from, and what you did to become a target.”

“Ah yes, you must forgive me for not introducing myself. I am Thor, son of Odin, and the man on your table is my brother, Loki.” He smiled at you, seemingly waiting for some kind of predicted response, but when you just introduced yourself, Medhea, Illasias, and said nothing more, confusion crept into his eyes. “You do not know of us?”

“I'm afraid not, my apologies. Our village does not have much contact with other towns or cities, apart from the occasional trade.”

A groan coming from Blackgreen – whose name apparently was Loki – diverted everyone's attention to him. You noticed how he was trying to push himself into a sitting position, so you quickly made your way over to him and gently, but firmly, pushed him down again. “That table must not be comfortable, yet I must ask of you not to move.” You made eye contact with two men and nodded them over. “Could you please assist me in moving him to the dormitory?”

After carefully lifting the man and carrying him to the nearest bed in the adjoining chamber you thanked the two who helped you and walked back to the doorway, from which you addressed the whole room. “There are plenty of beds, so feel free to rest if you wish.” And as you stepped aside to let the men through, you addressed Medhea and Illasias. “I will handle everything here, don't worry.” The look in your eyes told them that you were going to win information and let them know what you had found out later, the only thing you asked of them was to be patient and to trust you. And, without a second doubt, they nodded, and disappeared up the stairs again.

Next, you walked up to Thor. “I need to know whether the ones who ambushed you would follow you here, and if they might attempt another attack.”

He thought for a moment. “I do not believe they would dare to enter the village, but they could lay in wait deeper into the woods.”

You hummed in acknowledgment, and spoke as you were thinking. “It might be best if two of your men kept watch, maybe let the least injured take shifts. I still need to take a look at the four who you've positioned outside... I would advise against continuing on your way tomorrow, seeing as your brother needs more time to heal.” You smiled and gave curt nod – more aimed towards yourself than him. “Now rest, I will prepare something to eat.”

He answered your smile with a large one of his own. “Thank you for your kindness and hospitality; your quick thinking has saved Loki's life, and you will be compensated greatly for it. I cannot thank you enough.”

A compensation? You pushed it away. Though the shop could certainly use the money, it wasn't needed to keep on living as you did - if anything, the more money there was around here the more attractive it would become to raiders. Thor seemed rather wealthy, if his and his brother's apparel was anything to go by; which probably meant he had quite some power as well – and an alliance with someone powerful might be more useful than currency in the long run.

“A compensation is not necessary. The only payment I need is a favour, should I ever need your help.”

He looked surprised, then chuckled. “Quite all right.” And, after calling his men inside and sending out two others, he too disappeared into the dormitory.

#foruneyti #chapter one #feel free to reblog!#actually i would love it hehe #Fǫruneyti #loki #lokixreader #loki/reader #loki fanfiction #marvel #marvel fanfiction #reblogs and kudos are appreciated!#fanfiction #my writing #AU #asgard #ao3 #archive of our own

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notconsolation · 7 years ago

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The Russians

Or Part 2 As Requested By Avia @slampoety

'The Russians' is what I call them when I talk about them, but their real names (? actually now that I think about it those could easily be aliases they adopted when they fled the country) are Oless and Katya.

Again, getting ahead of myself because when I walk in, he is the only one there. He ushers me in and I think we're both a bit confused. I'm not really sure what this place was and he doesn't know how I found them. He says so and I say I'd followed the sign and that I'd been caught in a storm up the mountain. 'Ah yes' he says, like it's the beginning of a sentence, but doesn't continue. I take off my shoes and he shows me into a small room with a bed and a cupboard squeezed into it. I ask him how much it is for the night and he does that thing where you roll your lips into your mouth and hold up a finger as if something has just occurred to you, and grabs a leaflet that's lying on the table. 'She usually takes care of... this stuffs. Ah yes, here,' and he shows me the part where it says: €16 per night.

'Oh, right,' I nod and do my being as nice and polite as possible because you're a stranger and you have the power here smile. I mean €16 is also better than I'd hoped for, so I am actually happy, but exhausted and aware that this setup is vaguely sketchy. Still dripping.

'So,' he says, gesturing around a bit, and I drop my stuff and we leave the room. 'Toilet is here' as he leads me next door, 'shower is here' as he leads me one further down, 'and kitchen is here' as we turn in the narrow hall to enter the kitchen, which also contains a large round table covered in a laminated plastic tablecloth patterned with fruits in a red-through-green colour palette.

'Sit down, sit down! Are you hungry?'

'Oh,' I smile, still dripping. I've sat down now but I know there'll be a wet mark when i stand up. 'Thank you but I'm good.' I realise as I say this that it's a really weird thing to say? To a non-native english speaker it must seem odd: 'I'm good' yeah okay cool I'm glad but what does that mean in terms of whether you would like some food or not.

But he gets that I'm saying no and does the something just occurred to me finger thing 'I know, I know,' he mutters as he turns and reaches for the fridge door. 'Ah yes' the Russian accent is strong and I'm really trying not to smile at it. He pulls out a bottle of dark liquid. Alas, my Slovenian is, uh.. how u say? terrible? non-existent?? but even so I can tell that whatever is on the label is not in the bottle. Cool. This is fine. Cool.

'This I have ancient Slovenian herbal, ah... medicinal,' he gets two shot-glasses out, 'very good, very healthy. It is very old and traditional mountain drink.' I'm smiling and making interested noises like the fucking white girl I am. 'Very healthy.'

He also gets out a bottle of vodka. A Big Bottle, mostly empty. Russians. 'We have to make a toast' he tells me. 'It is forbidden to drink without making a toast to something'

He pours me a large shot of the Very Healthy Unlabelled Dark Slovenian Mountain Liquid. Cool. This is fine.

'Okay. what should we toast?'

He looks out the window. 'Let us toast the weather and hope it gets better soon'

He puts the bottle down and pours himself a shot of vodka.

A snapshot of my brain at this moment in time: WHAT THE FUCK YOU FUCKING WHITE GIRL, GOOD LUCK NOT GETTING DRUGGED AND SOLD HUMAN TRAFFICKING HAPPENS I SAW IT IN TAKEN, OR MAYBE TURNS OUT THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF SPLIT 2 YAY MOTHERFUCKER IT'S YOUR OWN FAULT HAVE FUN IM OUT.

Hyperbole, maybe, but I'm tired, okay. And you have to admit that was a sketchy move on his part, not drinking the same mystery thing he gave me. So like a fucking champ/idiot white character in a movie, i take the shot. It tastes like anise, basically like a good version of jägermeister.

'Is like jägermeister, yes? but good'

'yeah,' I reply. 'It is. So, um.. Where are you from?'

'Ah, yes!' He tells me. I'm inclined to agree. He's pouring another shot and I'm not dead yet so why not. He sighs a bit. 'Long story, I'll tell you. What do we toast? Ah! We toast to your health'

We do, and drink.

'Okay,' he says. 'Okay,' he says, and starts telling me about how he got here. He's from Russia, as is Katya, who isn't there right now. I'm still not clear now on their relationship. They aren't married but I don't know how they ended up living together. It didn't feel right to ask. They came from Russia when Putin came to power, more or less. They don't agree with his opinions and they don't like the way he does things, and they knew that wasn't a point of view to be lived with comfortably in Russia, so they moved. I suspect he simplifies the story a little for me. We don't know each other and I don't have a right to any secrets he might want to keep. I ask him a little about whether Slovenian is similar to Russian, and how long they've been in this house, doing this Airbnb business. This is a stab in the dark, I have no idea whether it's an Airbnb or just a friendly guest house. I'm right, though, and he says they'd been there 3 years, that Slovenian was very difficult, and that the people are quite traditional and closed off. He tells me stories about getting to know his neighbours and being invited to birthday parties and plying people with alcohol. He seems nice. I say I asked about the language because I'll be learning Russian at uni next year. He is delighted and pours us another shot. The conversation turns to me and why I'm there.

He clearly thinks I'm mad for going up in the storm and from here on out he refers to me as a hero. Of course, this means we have to drink again, toasting heroes. We talk about the difference between travellers and tourists and about democratic socialism. We drink again to cats when they cat wanders in. I ask whether it's a boy or a girl and he shrugs and makes an 'eh' sound. 'It was a he and then it was a she and now... Nobody is sure.' I like that and I say so, so we drink to non binary cats.

At one point I sneeze and say I should probably go take a shower and get into dry clothes. He agrees and so I do. It feels heavenly. I fall onto my bed and think about the day for a bit. Then I hear voices in the kitchen, so I tiptoe back out. Katya is in there, now. She sees me and goes: 'ah!' and starts cutting up some watermelon to offer me. Oless, as I find out he is called, is making tea in an elaborately patterned tea set. It's tessellated in white and shades of blue and orange, with red and green accents. The cups don't have handles, and are basically just tiny bowls. Those are my favourite kind.

He turns. 'Would you like?'

I'm still hovering near the door, but Katya pulls me in and gives me watermelon. 'Yes please,' I say as I sit down. There's something on the stove, too. We drink tea and he tells me more stories. We was in the soviet army, at one point, and he got the tea set from an old friend in Uzbekistan. He tells me about the difficulty of buying bread during the occupation, first because people would not take their money, would just heap free food on them, then, later, because doors would shut and even friends would smile sadly and say they couldn't sell them anything.

The cat is aggressive. He likes me at first, but seems very prone to turning and biting for no reason. The only explanation Oless offers me is that it's a Russian cat. I still think about that cat a lot. It has seen shit, I'm sure of it.

Two other girls arrive in the kitchen. They're both American, travelling together. We exchange niceties etc etc etc tbh there's not much to say. We got along really well and a lot of alcohol was involved

He's still calling me a hero and now (thanks vodka) I feel like one. We've mowed through the vodka and have moved on to limoncello by the time the Australians come home around 23:30. Apparently they had some car trouble. Honestly I don't remember exactly how the night ended, only that we had some kind of Russian galette stuffed with mushrooms and sour cream, and that he brought out a box of fish pickled in brine with juniper berries and we all spent a good deal of time pulling out their intestines so we could eat them whole. It was a good night.

#this is basically fluff??#like??#Hannah's hiking stories

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bastardtravel · 7 years ago

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November 14, 2017. Athens, Greece.

por que no los tres?

I wheeled through the Syntagma side of town and found my way into a local-recommended madhouse called Estrella. It was humming with humans. The waitresses were sweating through their blouses. They stuck me in a corner and gave me a menu and, for some reason, a Raphael place mat.

Let’s unpack this a little bit. We have Raphael, there, apropos of nothing, right in the middle. He’s in some kind of old-timey town, I don’t know where. Says Athens on the top, kind of. Doesn’t look like Athens. There’s a coach, but no cars that I can see. Maybe this is from Turtles in Time, and he’s somewhere between 1800 and 1920. What’s that thing the homeless guy is leaning against? A bus stop? A phone booth?

And then, at the bottom: “You got the spirit don’t lose the feeling”, which sounds a line from the dubbed English theme song of some anime about ranching slimes.

I picked my way through the menu, most of which consisted of “64 degree Celsius eggs”, which is 141 in real degrees, or almost hot enough to kill foodborne bacteria. I opted to try a breakfast pizza with a Greek name.

Listen, man. You can’t just call something a pizza because there’s round bread at the bottom. A pizza has a layered, homogeneous distribution of toppings, and those are never seeds. What you committed here… was a breakfast pile. Eggs, gruyere cheese, avocado sludge, and sri racha. Too rich for me, but I definitely needed the calories. I dipped and wandered, in search of a mandolin.

I don’t play mandolin, and I don’t actually want one, but I am curious as to how much they are in Greece. If they’re like 20 Euros, I’ll find a way to bring it with me on the planes. It doesn’t look good. I’ll report back when I find one.

I stumbled on a rage room, which sounds like something I’d be into at first. Sadly, I can’t get behind it. The pricing is outrageous! 10 Euros to break 20 bottles? Where I’m from there’s a place we can break bottles for free, and it’s called “behind the Wawa.” And they wrap you in all this ridiculous safety gear, looking like a hockey goalie moonlighting as a welder.

RDY 2 RAGE in safety

If you’re not ready to maybe lose an eye in venting your anger, what you’re experiencing is not “rage”.

When I was a filthy teenage hood rat, we had our own version of the rage room. It was called “the junkyard”. You gotta stick the sledgehammer through a belt loop so you can jump the fence, but then you’re golden. You drink Old Crow out of the Spencer’s rhinestone PIMP flask and then you cycle through your weapons; a good crowd would have the option of hammer, railroad spike, and baseball bat. You find a likely looking car — be it a model you used to own, or a fancier model that reminds you of class war, or really anything that still has windows, and you Steve Harrington that sonofabitch.

pic incredibly related

Although, the rage room was probably a little easier to factor on time. Ours was generally over when you heard dogs.

Making my way back to the hostel, I was delighted to run across this little bit of home:

I haven’t seen that written in a bathroom for like three weeks! I was worried people had decided that perhaps not Fuck Trump.

j̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶g̶r̶a̶n̶d̶m̶a̶ ̶u̶s̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶m̶a̶k̶e̶ nevermind, that was way grosser than i intended

NEVER! im an american dammit

In the U.S., we have a very limited understanding of how Europe things of us. They don’t hate hate us. France might, I don’t know, I haven’t been there. Most people I’ve met have seemed to admire us for our bullshit omnipresent pop culture and begrudgingly acknowledge us as sort of de facto boss of the Western world (Europeans make reference to the president as “Leader of the Free World” way more often than any of us do, especially in light of recent events).

And while some will ask me, “So how did Trump… happen?” or “Are there really nazis there?”or “Do you really not use the metros?”, there is one thing they’re guaranteed to ask about as soon as they find out I’m American.

“So why don’t you eat real food?”

Listen. We’re not consulted on it, all right? This is just what they give us. Ya’ll have McDonaldses too, we just have them everywhere, and while you have healthful traditional foods to fall back on, we have, what, hamburgers? Apple pie? Fried chicken? We were damned from the get-go and it’s a miracle I’m not 300 lbs.

“Are you all like, really fat in America?”

“What’re you tryna say?”

“No, not like, you! But like, other Americans?”

“Yes. In America, literally every single person looks like this. I did too, before I lost 10 kilos in Spain, living off tapas.”

And they’ll nod in pity and turn around and eat a foot-long sandwich with fries on top of a chicken breast that’d been sitting in grease all day. Go figure.

Love,

The Bastard

Athens: What Did He Mean By This? November 14, 2017. Athens, Greece. I wheeled through the Syntagma side of town and found my way into a local-recommended madhouse called Estrella.

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abloomntime · 4 years ago

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A Bloom In Time Ch26

(Warning: Death scene, Mentioning of past death, nightmares, and a light panic attack.) Cold. Darkness. All of it came rushed over so suddenly. Just like the two heavily armored guards carrying her kicking and screaming self towards the dreaded summer house that housed the royals deep in the snowed up world. That winter suddenly came that year unexpectedly with the freezing winds suddenly whipping around her when she just closed up her stand for the day, pocketing the expensive bracelet she was given as payment and what coins she received as payment, ready to go home. She didn't make much from her flower stand she always wanted, but that was always fine and dandy. She loved the smiles on the children's faces when they'd buy single flowers for their parents, or if she'd sell them flowers in exchange for small things like food. It was one way to get to eat around here. But the chills filling the air that after noon followed by the loud thumping sounds coming towards her were new. Especially when all of a sudden two giant armored men stood over her and seized her without warning. So naturally she resisted and fought against her captors as they took her away.

"LET THE PECK GO OF ME!! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG!! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!!"

"...WAIT!! WHAT?!" She attempted to struggle again but their strength was too much.

She got no reply and could hear them getting and farther away, panicking she tore herself away from the door. Heart hammering in her ears and eyes scrambling around the dark room for any signs of escape to no avail. No windows. No other doors. Nothing. The coldness was starting to creep in now and the shadows of the room got closer....and closer...... Her panting became faster and in a moment of desperation, she backed all the way to the other side of the empty room and looked at the door. Bracing herself, she ran as fast as she could across the room and rammed her shoulder as hard as she could into the heavy duty door. A thud rang out but there wasn't even a dent in the thick would. Leaving her only falling to the ground and reaching up to rub her sore shoulder from the ramming. The cold slowly creeped closer and closer and the shadows swallowed her whole until her world fell into a black slumber for a thousand years. Screeching that sounded like bloody murder echoed out through the closed attic and blue eyes opened in a sudden blurry black vision. Someone sat up and more screams were hollered out at two glowing yellow orbs that scattered away from the source of the sounds as whoever was cutting his ears with piercing screams moved back away from him. Blanket uncovering their body and a pillow tossed in the direction of the shadow monster of nightmares coming back for her. .....Well it most certainly WAS a shadow. But NOT the one she just had a nightmare about. This shadow yelped when his face was suddenly wacked by a pillow and as it fell to the floor he shook his head and watched as the panicked woman scattered back from him. "I'M SORRY!! I'M SORRY!! DON'T PUT ME BACK IN THERE!! I HATE THE COLD!!", she desperately cried out pleading for her life. "WHAT THE PECK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!," A male voice demanded staring down at her with a scowl. "As if I would lock you up!" "Your majesty?" Snatcher floated there silently at the sudden title thrown at him from no where. Poppy could feel a rush of adrenaline pumping through her veins and she briefly wondered how fast she could make it to the ever moving platform- A jolt shook her body at the sudden snap noise and a second later blue flames appeared in the hand of the shadow creature who loomed over her, his scowling face softened up to pure confusion as he stared down at her and she stared up blinking at the giant creature. Anyone else would've screamed and ran away but- "It's ME!," Snatcher said in a slightly grumpy tone but he stopped completely staring at the sudden state of the woman in front of him. Shaking goosebumped flesh drenched in cold sweat. Raw fear circulating through her body, he could feel it. He could always feel the fear and auras radiating off one's soul and he took delight in someone's fear. It made him strong, powerful. HUNGRY AND EXCITED EVEN!! Yet now. Feeling the soul within her beat and radiate that same fear felt....wrong. Sick. Made him want to spit out ectoplasm. This fear was bad, made him get cold from just being near it so much. Made him want to dive through the floors below to escape the ooze of it until it completely went away when she calmed down. Yet...A force made him remain where he was, looming over her staring and not going anywhere. Fear was something he knew was a powerful motivator for someone like him but the fact remains that....She shouldn't be left alone in a state like this. Confused, lost, eyes small as her heart raced and fear pumped through her, afraid..Alone. He didn't want to be alone- ".....Snatcher?" The soft voice snapped him out of his stupor and he stared right into those blue eyes registering this shadow as not an enemy. The yellow eyes loomed closer and she still could barely see even with the light provided. But certainly felt the peach fuzzed like claws gently place themselves on her shoulders like she was a tiny child compared to this creature who needed comfort. "Yeah. Yeah it's me." He said as calmly and softly as possible and was rewarded with a shudder and sigh from Poppy in front of him. Also rewarding him was a choke coming from her throat and fresh tears coming from her eyes in the form of her crying. Making the ghost freeze and stare as a pang of panic shot through his shadowy form. Poppy was- Why was she-....Crying?! Real actual crying like a few times he'd seen her do before but this time it seemed more powerful than the time that stupid statue was chasing her or when the dumb noose 'flirted' with her. He still wanted nothing more than to burn it to ashes and crumble that stone menace to pebbles, but anger right now wasn't going to do him or her any good. And there was no way in peck he was about to leave her like this either. His other hand with the flames snapped letting the fire float in the air so both his hands could be free to help out and hovered above Poppy's shoulder stopping. "Are you.....Is it alright if I touched you?" She sniffed and made a couple more choke sounds from her state but managed to force something out that sounded like 'ok', and slowly a soft arm wrapped around her shoulders and she felt the presense sit down on the floor next to her. Not full on caging her in a hug, but offering her comfort with a arm around her anyways giving her enough space and closeness. Continuing to cry her eyes out, the woman reached her hands up to swipe at those stinging tears from her slightly pink face now. He cringed at the sight but kept his mouth shut, pulling a hankerchief out of no where and holding it out to her silently. It took Poppy a few moments to actually notice it was there but once she did it was yanked from him and held to her tear stained face. Blowing her nose loudly and wiping her tears away from her face. A small blunt 'thanks' was squeaked out from the lady and he still remained silent for a long while. Nothing but her crying and hiccupping and the silence of the attic. ".......Are you feeling better?" .......She sniffed and nodded without looking at him. "Yeah..I t-t-think so...Thanks." He hummed and continued to sit there and look at her trying to sniff and clear her face up now. By now he had a pretty good idea of what might've caused such a reaction out of her, but he didn't want to jump the gun and make the situation any more uncomfortable. "What happened?" is what he ended up asking after a few silent moments of thinking. "Jus' a.....a bad dream." Still not meeting his gaze he saw. Hm. "What about?" He gently pressed. His ghostly brow rising as he saw her completely still under his hold. Maybe that was too soon to ask. "Do...you want to talk about it? It's perfectly fine if you don't want to." ......She groaned and leaned back into his arm which was pretty sturdy enough for her to lean against and not fall through. Strange. You'd think she'd just pass through it since he can pass through walls but nope, with her head pointed up towards the ceiling eyes closed. "....I don't know anymore. It's just....." Her eyes opened to stare up at the dark ceiling above them. Faint shadows danced in what dim light the one blue flame provided and gold eyes blinked at her from her right. Snatcher's eyes. They looked so much like Jack-o-lanturn eyes. It was kinda funny on a peach feeling purple ghost king. Her heart beats have gone down back to normal by now and now her eyes were just a bit sore from all the crying and rubbing to make the tears go away. "I-....I think I just remembered how I died." Snatcher couldn't snapped his head down to her faster than when he did eyes widening. "You what?" Her death. That means-...Did she remember him?! Did she put the pieces together?! Did she know it was all his-...Vanessa's fault she was frozen for over a thousand years and blame HIM?! DID SHE BLAME HIM?! DID SHE EVEN THINK ABOUT HIM?! If he was still alive with a heart beat and lungs, his panic might've been given away by rapid heart beats and irregular breathing that comes with it. But all he managed was a panicked face and quick question. He still remained that way when she turned her head leaning against his arm towards him. "I said I remembered how I got in that room. What Queen-....What she said. The cold that made me pass out. I remember all of it..including what she said." What...DID Vanessa say to Poppy before her death- "What did she say?," came his raspy voice in a whisper, but not that Poppy noticed.

"She..W-Well." She sniffed again and wiped at her face. "She definately said to lock me in that room. But she also said something else. Something about gazing into another man's eyes and something else about a prince." Snatcher could feel himself becoming more uncomfortable by the minute as she looked him directly into his eyes with confusion and completely no understanding. "I don't understand any of this. I only knew one prince in my entire life and he was nothing but a friend. Why was I being accused of gazing into someone's eyes? ......it doesn't make any sense to me." Guilt. That was the first feeling to twist in his misshapen form and give him that empty gut feeling despite not having a body for quite sometime now. Of course it didn't make any sense to Poppy, she didn't have the full story. Barely even a quarter of it. Only her own short encounter about the events that tragically took place over a thousand years ago that all suddenly smacked her back in her face now. And so soon, it was honestly worrying for himself and her. Oh peck. OHPECKOHPECKOHPECK- He was NOT ready for this. Not NOW. Not so soon. Especially not like this. All of a sudden there was Hazelle's annoying voice replaying back into his mind.

Thanks, Hazelle. She just had to put that thought in his head now. This would stick in his head and act on that guilt for a while- "Philip." Snatcher. FROZE. Any thoughts in his head haulting and fizzling into thin air as that one word left her mouth. Anything he was about to say dying on his tongue as those yellow glowing eyes continued to stare dead at the woman staring back at him with that same confused, indifferent expression. It was over. Done. He was absolutely finished. The end of the line for him after only a week. This was how he was going down in flames. "That was his name. Prince Philip from the south, and he was.....engaged to Queen Vanessa." Her eyes widened as she leaned up and away from Snatcher's arm. Eyes widening with some new revolution flung into her brain and unconciously her hand went to clutch the gold bracelet strapped around her own wrist like it was a life saving device. "Prince Philip was engaged to Queen Vanessa!!" Her eyes snapped back to Snatcher bright with some kind of find as the ghost was still panicking eternally staring at her, not willing himself to move, but scooted back a foot or two and blinked when she quickly pointed at him. "THAT MUST'VE BEEN THE THING SHE WAS GOING ON ABOUT WITH THIS WHOLE TREASON THING!! It all makes a bit o' sense now." Her gaze went back to the bracelet wrapped around her wrist as it breifly reflected the blue fire. She had almost forgotten about it during this hectic weak now, but now...it felt like a HUGE piece of a missing puzzle had been placed down and she felt that empty hollow feeling being almost fully complete as it somewhat made sense now. "That's what she must've been referrin' too. But gazin' into his eyes? I don't get it. I never did such a thing and I definately never committed any kind of treason towards her or Prince Philip." Well at least she was finally starting to get somewhere and get something. But there was still so so many questions needing answers. Why had the Queen been so insistant that Poppy committed some sort of action against her or the prince? It just made no sense. All she ever did was make small talk with him and sell flowers in the town square. She made sure to follow all the rules, and pay all her taxes. And she was never rude to anyone that didn't deserve a good talking back. If Queen Vanessa and that....thing with the red eyes were one in the same then how did she get that way? Why did she think of all people POPPY was responsible for some crazy bad thing that happened to her? She never even met or spoken to her before that day, not when out of talking to her fiance. And it's not like they were romatically involved or anything. Just spoke two or three times a week when he bought flowers for HER mind you. Was there something she was missing? Was there something that caused all of this she didn't know about? Thinking carefully about what Vanessa told her, she mentioned someone gazing into her man's eyes.......Did that mean that-....THE PRINCE WAS HAVING AN AFFAIR BEHIND HER MAJESTY'S BACK?! Unlikely. He seemed so genuinely kind and always went out of his way to help others, and even spent so much money on flowers just for her. There was NO way he could've fallen for anyone else. But-.....It seemed like the only thing she had to go on at the moment. "He gave me this." She held up her wrist to him and his eyes slowly shifted to the bracelet he gifted her on that fateful day. "In exchange for just a small bouquet of flowers can you believe it?" She gave a small smile at it. "Heh. He was always a strange one. Always studyin' laws an' making sure he paid every pon owed. But he was also really kind and caring to everyone. I can't imagine him actually having any affairs behind her majesty's back-" "HE DIDN'T!!," he blurted out in a spike of anger startling her and he once again froze. "How do you know that?," she asked genuinely confused. OH PECK!! OH PECK!! OH PECK!! What does he do?! What does he do!? He had stupidly blurted that out without thinking!! Well it WAS true. He never had an affair while he was with Vanessa, even if he did fall in love with someone else at the time too, and he made it clear to anyone he wasn't the bad one in that relationship while it lasted. But it seemed that blunt anger towards her got the best of him, and he wanted to smack himself so, SO bad at this moment. He was panicking. Staring at her silently as she was clearly confused and waiting for an answer. THINK YOU FOOL!!!! THINK!! "UH....I- Um-....I-I-I was there when he was killed." It was the only thing he could think of in the short time he was panicking without arowsing suspicion. Instead he might've made things a bit worse when she just stared at him suddenly blanking. Making him want to slink back into the shadows where he came. OH P E C K- Her eyes went wide with the suddenly thought bombarding her brain. Snatcher was-....There? Snatcher was there with Prince Philip when he was...SNATCHER WAS THERE!! Snatcher flinched when Poppy suddenly grabbed the front of his body by his chest fluff desperately and he let out a startled yep when she yanked him down eye level with her. "YOU WERE THERE?! WHAT HAPPENED?! PLEASE!! YOU HAVE TO TELL ME!! WAS HE ALRIGHT!?" "CALM DOWN!!" He pulled himself away and shook his head staring down at her. "Calm down. You-...... *sigh*" He looked sideways away. "You wouldn't like what you hear- UH!?" He paused when soft hands suddenly clasped onto his and he paused. Yellow eyes staring deep into those blue ones he loved to look at so much when he was alive with heart beat. A pleading look in them as begging fell from her lips, "Please. I-It's...It's important. I have to know what happened. I spent so much time confused over nothing and I HAVE to know......Snatcher, please. Help me." A silence fell over the two as they just sat there staring at each other in mostly darkness and staring into each others' eyes. Poppy blinked at the feeling of something soft wrapping around her hands and when she looked he was gently holding her hands. Snatcher made a hissing noise, not like a cat hiss but like what it sounded like when someone sucked a breath through her teeth, before releasing it in a long drawn out groan sounding like 'HHHHHHhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa'. "Are you sure you're ready and willing to hear such things?'' He gave her a narrowed look as if to say 'this is your last chance to back out'. "You won't like what you hear, Red. Might be better if you didn't know." "I'm positive.," she answered back without any hesitation. She HAD to know what happened. This was connected to her and she was involved whether she liked it or not. He still eyed her for a moment before looking to the floor unable to look her in the eyes anymore. ".......Vanessa killed him. Just like she did to everyone else....a-a-and y-y-you...." Poppy couldn't stop her free hand from coming to cover her mouth as he looked down in...shame? Guilt? Regret? Fear?! Not that she noticed, more focused on his words. Well she shouldn't be so surprised as she was expecting an answer like this, but still didn't stop the shock that took over her body. It was like she was light and the floor was sinking. "....H-How...?" "Just like you. She locked him away until everything froze over. Vane-.....That MONSTER!'', he spat hand slightly tightening as he scowled at the floor, "She was pecking crazy. Thought he was....cheating on her behind her back when he was nothing but patient with her. She didn't deserve anything." "I-I....I don't understand.." Her breathing hyped a pitch and she could feel her blue eyes glancing back to the bracelet on her wrist. The gold gleaming back. The tremble of her lip came with her own pathetic question. "....why..?" "Because she was nuts! Always have been and always WILL be! She would've snapped sooner or later with the way she was back then, always so paranoid and thinking I-.....I THINK he belonged to her." ".....She was there..." He finally looked at her. "What?" .....Another sniff came outta her. "She was t-t-there when I gave him the flowers. The day she gave me the bracelet." It all came rushing back in a sea of emotions and all she felt was cold gripping her heart as it all came rushing back. The day she was frozen. Before she closed up the stand and gave him the flowers, he said he saw her...Vanessa. Running away from them. Vanessa saw her giving him the flowers he bought. If....If she thought that Prince Philip was cheating on her and saw Poppy giving him flowers then-.....Oh gosh! Her hand pressed firmer against her mouth as the sudden reality hit her hard like a punch to the gut. She felt sick. Like a heavy iceberg was placed in her stomach and wanted out. Her blue eyes shown with rain drop tears flowing as she spaced out. ".....It's all my fault." ........?! His other hand was quick to shoot out and grab her shoulders accidentally making her jolt at the sudden grab but it was enough to get her to look at him. "Now you listen to me and you listen good." A claw poked her chest as he pointed it at her crying face with a deep frown of his own. "I have dealt with too many years of pecking guilt over whether or not it was my fault or if I could've stopped it! And I'm sick of it all! You. Are. Not. At fault!! Do you hear me?! Vanessa was always going to snap and it was HER fault for being so batpecking crazy, she couldn't tell the difference between fantasy and reality! There was no reason in her! We should've expected nothing less of her for anything! But I'll be just as bad if I didn't it now, and I'm saying it's not your fault. Least of all people you. All you did was sell flowers. Big deal. It would've been the same if she saw m-....him buying a necklace from a jeweler or a ham from the butcher. BANG!!" She flinched at the loud yell he made at 'BANG'. Tears running down her face as he spoke. "Ice. Death. Lots of ghosts. You get the picture. The point is, it's ABSOLUTELY! NOBODY'S PECKING FAULT!! BUT VANESSA'S!! .......You and me didn't do anything wrong." .......She made some kind of whine noise before crying. Leaning her head over until it met the softness of his floof and she cried. Cut off guard for a moment, Snatcher paused glancing down at her before sighing and wrapping her arms around her. Comfortingly patting her back. "Hey, Red. It's gonna be ok. Just go ahead and let it out alright?" He wasn't sure whether or not Poppy actually heard what he said, but the iron grip that suddenly latched onto him was enough for him to let her cry her eyes out into him without another word. Because...He was gone. Her only friend was just....GONE! Gone in the most worst way she could think of. What did he do to deserve that?! What did any of them do to deserve that?! He had his whole life ahead of him and it was taken from him in one day because of insanity, jealous, greedy woman disguised as a loving Queen. Had...Had she always been like this? According to Snatcher she was. And slowly things started to make sense to it all. Ridiculously banning bacon from the entire kingdom. That one time Philip showed up with half his hair chopped off and died a poor yellow. All the time he acted nervously about anything he had concerning her and waving them off like he was alright with every single thing he did. Deep down she KNEW something was wrong, if not wrong then strangely off. Definately gave her an off feeling, but she never pushed because 1. she never saw it as any of her business and 2. she didn't see the danger behind it until now. But..what if she had seen it? What if- Snatcher's hand came to lay on her head gently and she looked up from the fluffy chest of the ghost to look at him, Snatcher staring simpathetically at her tears before another hankerchief randomly appeared out of thin air and rubbed at her cheeks and eyes. ...She sniffed and leaned into the cloth wiping her face. "T-Thanks. I-.....I needed this more t-than ya know." "Yeah. I bet." There was another pause as she slowly let go of him and reached up sniffing and grabbed the second cloth offered to her during the duration of the time she woke. He couldn't help but feel awkward and kinda guilty in this situation. This was kinda what he feared but the opposite. Instead of Poppy blaming him, she felt like it was hurt fault somehow when in reality it was none of their faults. ....Maybe it was better he shouldn't have come tonight. He made a move to leave but froze when her hand suddenly latched onto him again. Her eyes desperate and pleading all of a sudden. "W-WAIT!! P-P-Please..D-Don't leave yet...I d-don't want to be alone." He stared at her but sighed. "Alright. I'll stay put but only because I promised to help you, Red." She sighed hald relieved. "T-Thank you." He hummed and watched as she let go to sniff and fix her face. ".....How are you holding up there? Looks like I should've kept all of that til later." Poppy shook her head. "N-No. I'm glad you t-told me. I-I needed to know what happened. I couldn't have gone on without knowin' anything. ...T-Thank you." Sure you could've rang through his head but he decided not to say that part out loud. "So-...I take it this..'prince' friend of yours was a nice person? Not that I knew him, but it seems you two were close. Not that it's any of my business." He had an anxious feeling saying all of this as a stranger but he couldn't help but feel the need to get all this anxiety off himself by asking. "It just sounds like you cared about him a whole lot." "Y-Yeah. I did actually." She gave a slightly trembling smile at him. "H-He was one of the only friend's I had. Honestly he was a really nice guy, super honest and polite too. He was always able to put a smile of everyone's face and didn't mind talking about anythin' really. It was like he wasn't a prince at all and just a normal, everyday regular person stoppin' by to get flowers. ...He was also the reason my stand had so much success as it did." Snatcher looked to her in slight surprise. "He was?" She nodded. "You see. When I first got to town I had a real hard time settlin' in. Not only did he save mah behind from falling on the ground like a babe learnin' how to walk, but he also started buying my precious flowers for ...You know who. Now a prince buyin' mah flowers all the time was sure to catch someone's attention and by golly did it! It was thanks ta him I had a decent business going for myself. ....But I kinda feel guilty over it now. I didn't mean ta piggyback ride off o' him or nothin'." "I'm sure you didn't." She looked at him and for once Snatcher was genuinely smiling at her without the 'evil' or smug aura to it. "If you sold flowers good enough to catch his attention then you deserved to get what attention you got. You didn't hitch a ride from him, you were just getting what you always wanted with a little assistance." "Hm...I reckon when you put it that way I guess you got a point." "Yeah.....Hey. This might sound out of no where but do you blame him, your friend, for what happened between him and Vanessa?" There is was all out and awaiting an answer. Poppy stared at him frozen for a second processing what he said but as soon as it sank in- "WHAT?! PECK NO!!" She scowled at him crossing her arms. "Why the PECK of all people would I blame Philip?! Maybe he didn't see the crazy but neither did I and I still didn't see it when she was starin' me straight in the face! You were there when it happened right?!" "I- Uh-...Y-Yes." "And even you said it wasn't his fault right?!" "OF COURSE I DID!! I WAS JUST ASKING YOUR OPINION!!" "WELL MAH PECKIN' OPINION IS THAT HE WAS INNOCENT!!" "GOOD! IM GLAD!!" "FINE!!" "FINE!!" Both pouted a bit with frowns but on the inside Snatcher felt an overwhelming state of relief and happiness fall over him. So Poppy didn't blame him, good. Not that it was ever his fault in the first place, but now a lot of dead weight was lifted from his shoulders. One less thing to worry over now it seemed. But Poppy paused in her movements to blank out and stare at him. Wait. Snatcher was there when Philip was-.....Then did that mean he saw what happened? Well obviously yes. He said so himself. Her curious side kicked in and she couldn't help but find her interests peeking through and a whole knew slew of questions arise, she couldn't help it. After all she knew nothing about this ghost tho he seemed good enough. "How did you die?," she found herself blurting out before she could stop but she instantly regretted it. "WHAT?!" Snatcher whipped his face to her wide eyed. "S-Sorry." She held up her hands worriedly. "Is it rude to ask a dead person that? I d-didn't know honest. It's just that.....You're doin' an aweful lot for me and I don't know a lot about ya, since you already know alot 'bout me from my rambling. I figured ya would return the favor." "Sorry. NO can do, Red. That's private information." She scowled again. "OH come on! Purple onion. Your contract paper thingy said I could ask for anything I wanted in return for helping ya!" "Within REASON!," Snatcher stressed, "Asking a ghost about their past is like asking a poor person how much money they spent on their shoes!" "UUUUHHH!!! I swear sometimes you can be more childish than those girls!" "So can you!" "UGH!! Alright! Why don't we compramise?," she offered and that got Snatcher's attention. "I don't think it's fair you're still essentially a stranger to me. So how about you answer just a few questions 'bout ghosts an stuff, but you don't have to answer any ya don't like. Deal?" ".....Hmm....Deal." he crossed his arms and looked at her with a raised brow, "What do you want to know, Red?'' "Well my first question asked would be nice. You don't have to go into detail," She added seeing Snatcher's eyes narrow. "Mmm." He REALLY didn't want to say anything. It was still too early for this even if he was more at ease now but since he didn't really have to go into detail- "Same as you. I died during the Great Subcon Freeze." "Oh. Well you said you saw what happened when Philip....p-p-passed away, right? Does that mean you were employed by the Queen?" OH PECK- HOW WAS HE GONNA ANSWER THAT!? He chose to shrug and as calmly as he could said. "Sorta. I just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time." Which wasn't really a lie. He couldn't have ever been in a more wrong place or time. "Another innocent bystander to a crazy curse." "Oh. Well how are you a ghost?" Another shrug. "Beats me. A lot of other people are ghosts, you've seen them. Most of them can't even remember who they were in life. Don't know how or why so don't ask. Just the way it is." "Does that mean you remember who you were?" "Obviously I do. Otherwise I couldn't tell you anything." "Oh right. Dumb question. Then who wer-" "Next question!," he answered fast which caught her off guard but she shrugged it off. Obviously he wasn't comfortable with that. "Alright. Don't get your long tail in a knot." Looking over him she wonder how a soul such as thing could be so big...Souls? "That's another thing. Why did you want mah soul when I first met ya?" This time he actually paused. This question was one he hadn't been expecting and one he hadn't really thought of a cover for. "How WAS he supposed to explain that ghastly part of his afterlife to her without sounding like a heartless monster- "Do you really eat them?"......Wot? She made a grimace like she had bitten into a lemon. "That sounds so terrible and gross! Do all ghosts eat other ghosts?" ..........He blinked. Did she really think that he ate- "WHAT?! No! I don't really eat them! I can't eat anything! Im pecking dead for crying out loud! I just use that to intimidate intruding fools! I take souls as servants for tresspassing into people's burial grounds! At first you were no different, just another person intruding into my domain without permission-" "Then why did you all of a sudden decide to help me?" She asked crossing her arms. "You could've just taken me as a servant then and there." ...Snatcher rose a brow. "Ok! Well ya technically did, but I mean what made ya decide to help me? I just don't get it." Snatcher went oddly silent at her question. She didn't get it. Of course she didn't get it and she never would if he could help it. So he decided to play it safe for now and give her an honest answer. "Because I recognized you from the village." It's true, he did. But his answer took her by surprise as he carefully cherry picked his next words carefully with a sigh. "I-...Sometimes saw you selling flowers in the square, and-.....I guess I was simpathetic to someone else in a similar situation as I was." Which weren't lies either and safe enough to say without having his identity compramised. He saw her in the village? Did that mean he was one of the villagers? Maybe someone who worked in the summer house and lived in the village. She met a couple of people who would brag about being employed at the Queen's summer home when she wasn't in her palace. If so, then it would all make sense about why he knew her and how he was able to see the prince's demise. Actually that would explain everything and how he knew her if she sold him flowers before. A little assurance and calm was delivered to her with that revolation and she smiled at him like she solved the entire puzzle and it was complete. And to her it was complete. Except for one tiny little thing. "So....does that mean Philip is a g-ghost too?" He figured she'd ask that by the way things were going. So he sounded like he took a giant breath even if he didn't have lungs and sighed. How was he suppose to answer? By telling the truth of course! Just not in the way one may think. "A ghost? Well that's not exactly easy to answer." Which was true it was hard for him to answer that when the answer was obviously yes and staring at her right here. In front of her, but also because he was. NOT. PECKING. READY. To tell her. "Any ghost I know if they even became ghosts would be in the forest .....or another plain of existance." Which again wasn't a lie. All the ghost he DID know lived in his territory except for Moonjumper who was bound to the horizon.....Huh. Speaking of which he hadn't seen him in a while now. Oh well. Less problem for him to worry about. "A-And like I said BARELY any of my minions remember who they were before they died." Which also wasn't a lie. So technically he NEVER lied to her and didn't compramise his identity. PERFECT!! "Oh. I..see." Poppy looked down to her hands laid in her lap and the gold shining from her wrist. So it would be almost impossible for her to see him again then huh? Considering if Prince Philip became a ghost at all there was still the part where even if she did find him neither would be able to tell according to Snatcher. And even if by SOME miracle he WAS a ghost and he COULD remember her, then he might even be on a different plain of being which was highly unlikely she'd be able to get to. So it'd be useless to persue that idea even if all of those factors were even possible. ....She looked back up when metal rattled against the floor and Snatcher stared at the very end of his tail. She guessed Snatcher could see perfectly in the dark compared to a human because he bluntly pointed at something she couldn't see on the floor and asked. "Are those garden tools in a golf club bag?" Garden to- OH!! She completely forgot about those she was so tired! Poppy rubbed her neck sheepishly. "Uh.....Y-Yeah. W-We went out earlier today an' I guess I forgot ta put them away before I fell asleep. Sorry bout that." Snatcher turned to her with light surprise. "Wait a minute. You LEFT the ship and went somewhere by yourself without telling ME?!" She frowned. "Hey! I was gettin' antsy just seeing nothin' but space all day! And if ya haven't noticed it's kinda cramped up here. I need space to walk around freely so I don't have to crawl, and last time I checked I was an adult who didn't need no supervision. 'Sides! I wasn't alone. Cookie 'n those girls of yours were with me the whole time." Snatcher brought a hand up to rub his temples groaning. "And the LAST time you went somewhere 'not alone' with those two I had to save your sorry butt. I swear you'll only get in trouble if you run around in places you shouldn't." .....She nervously laughed and looked away. "W-W-Well..about that..Uh-'' "What did you do?," he asked without room for arguement. Removing his hand to bare his eyes into her nervous smile. "Nothing. Just some shoppin' with the girls. Got some new dresses......And maybe I destroyed some fancy whatcha-mah-call-it machine and in order to play for it I agreed to be in a Moon Penguin's play." "..............YOU BROKE WHAT AND REPAYING IT HOW?!" "I'm sorry! I didn't have enough pons, and Mr. Grooves was so nice. He even said I didn't have to pay a single pon if I worked for free! I panicked! I didn't want debt on mah name!!" "OH! FOR THE LOVE OF- HOW DID YOU EVEN BREAK IT?!," he asked annoyed. "I ......leaned my tools against it? hehe." A loud smack filled the room making her jump and it took her a moment to realize Snatcher had facepalmed himself HARD groaning. "I leave for ONE WHOLE DAY and you end up being in trouble. Is there anything ELSE I should know about?" "I yelled at a crazy yellow owl." "What?," he looked up from his hand at her and she nodded. "Yeah. At least I think it was an owl. He did have feathers. Biggest loud mouth I'd ever met! HUH!" She frowned recrossing her arms. "He said I had to work for 'em just because I accidentally knocked over the thingy. I told him where he could stick it if he ever wanted my help! HMPH!!" There was a pause of silence as Poppy frowned at nothing in particular and Snatcher continued to stare at her with a blank expression-.......SNRK!! She glanced up from what sounded like a covered snort and too her surprise the spook was....Smiling?? No. Not just smiling. He was trembling lightly as he smiled down at her biting into his bottom lip...Before the flood gates opened and he full on laughed. His loud raspy voice echoing throughout the dark room leaving Poppy bamboozled. Why was he laughing? She didn't think she said anything funny. Was he laughing because she was in trouble again? "AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!" A clawed hand grabbed her shoulder as he leaned over with the other hand holding his middle as he continued to laugh like no tomorrow. "W-WAIT! *wheeze* *COUGH COUGH COUGH*" She blinked surprised to hear a ghost somehow have the need to wheeze or cough to regain breath without lungs or a body...But she'd seen a lot of weird things now so who was she to be surprised? He still went back to laughing one eye open to look at her his voice happy sounding and trembling. "Y-Y-You mean a-...Ahahahaha!! D-Did he call every one a p-p-p-peckneck?! Haha!!" ....She blinked and frowned again. "Yes! A very RUDE man! Threw a tantrum like a little kid and I told him to find me once he learnt some respect and acted like an' adult!" "PPPPFFFFFTTTT!!" He fell back into another laughing fit much to her confusion. " AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! YOU SHOULD'VE D-D-DEFINATELY TOLD ME YOU WERE LEAVING! *wheeze* I-...I- OH P-P-P-PECK!! I WOULD'VE PAID TO SEE THAT OLD BIRDBRAIN'S FACE W-W-WHEN YOU TOLD THE FOOL OFF!!" Now she smiled. "I take it you know him?" She had to wait for his laughing fit to die down and him to 'catch his breath' before he could look at her with a straight face and answer clearly. He nodded yes to answer her question at least. "A few times. More of a peckneck than me!" He wiped at his face. "I wish I was there to see THAT! Worth more than gold!" "Oh. What are you doing here anyways? It's the middle of the night." He seemed to remember something as he sat up and reached behind him. "Right. I finished fixing your dress. Guess I lost track of time and didn't know you were resting. My apologies for that." He pulled out a blue dress from no where and besides the stains(which she couldn't see in the dark anyways) it looked brand new as he handed it over without a second thought. "Here. But don't expect me to become your personal tailor, Red. This was just a one time deal for you." Poppy stared stunned at the dress as she took it and ran a hand over the mended parts. "It feels like it was never ripped!" She smiled wider at him. "Thank ya! I guess you do know what you're doin' after all." His smile couldn't have been more smug as he examined his claws. "Well I never lie about my skills." She smiled again before looking over the dress the best she could in the dark. "It was mighty kind of you. I kinda feel bad 'bout you going through the trouble of it now since I got me some more. That lil sweetheart of yours did too." "Oh?" She smiled chuckling. "Poor thing got all drenched but I think that was my fault too. A couple of them silly ol' birds mistook me as her mo-....." Poppy suddenly paused...staring at her dress for a moment but the sudden cut of conversation didn't get past the spook who stopped smiling and stared at her more. "Is something bothering you?" "Well now that I think about it...How did those two come to be under your wing anyhow?" She looked at him with a raised brow. "An alien being raised by a ghost? It's the most strangest thing I've heard about. Where's their mothers? Where's their family?" ....Snatcher gave a frown not directed at her and stated, "I am their family. We have each other and that's all we need." "Well, yes. I know family goes beyond blood...Or in your case flesh and blood I suppose. But I don't just get how they came in your care if you don't let anyone in that forest." Snatcher remained silent staring at the floor and for a moment Poppy thought she stepped over a line. DUMMY!! Who was she to ask someone who adopted two lil girls!? It was none of her business! "I-I'm sorry. That was rude of me ta ask. It won't happen a-" "They're orphans." She blinked and stared at him. "Uh.....What?" "I said they're orphans. They have no one else." Yellow eyes looked to her again. "You want to know where they came from?" .....When she didn't answer he continued. "I don't know anything about Bow's past and neither does she. As far as I know she was raised in a crummy orphanage her whole life before she decided to run away and get tangled up in the mess Hattie made when she first arrived." "Oh. Im so sorry...How did you come to adopt an alien if ya still don't mind me askin'?" He huffed a chuckle and smiled bittersweet. "That little lady caused problems the moment she arrived on the planet with her time pieces. I won't go into detail, but let's just saw she almost caused the world to be destroyed and saved it too. She's a special something that I've never seen." "If she arrived on this planet, doesn't that mean she has family back on her own planet?" "You would think that at first." He shook his head grimly scowled. "But no. It's what I thought at first too when she originally left, but then she came back and refused to leave even after she got every single one of those cursed time pieces. Turns out she never had anything there to begin with." Poppy's eyes widened. "W-W-What happened?" "Long story short war." "A war? Over what?" "Over those...things. They're too dangerous for even her to use beyond a few simple things. Her family ..or what was left of it. Made those things to control people. As you would expect a lot of people with greedy intentions would want to get their hands on something like that, so in order to protect herself...She left."....He looked up out the attic windows for a moment with...pity on his face staring at the black void of stars. "I don't know how long she was out there and I don't know why she wanted to go back to where she came from or what happened to make her flee again. Never asked. But I also never questioned it when she came back and decided not to leave again. She's a smart kid. Here there's people who care about her and want her to be safe...Forever." He mumbled that last part to himself but she didn't hear. "I-......I couldn't just leave them vulnerable sitting there like dead ducks. They needed me...and..I-I-I guess in a w-way I r-really needed someone like them too." He jumped when he felt someone grab his hand snapped back down to stare at sorrowful blue eyes gazing up at him. Poppy was gently squeezing his hand. ".....I-....I'm sorry for everything that's happened to you. And them. I really am. You seem like a really nice person even if you can come across as a stubborn purple onion. For what you did...There's really no other noble thing than a good father is there?" He still stared at her.....then to where she was holding his hand, and a bright yellow hue flushed his cheeks as he coughed and looked away. "I-....Suppose you're right. Anyways, all this talking is distracting me from my work! You have your dress and feel better obviously-" "Could you please stay? At least until I fall back asleep...I-...I'd appreciate it a lot if ya did." He stared at her a moment before waving a hand still blushing yellow. "Fine. But don't expect me to do this again. Because guess what? Im not legally obligated too." She smiled. "Sure, Snatcher." She giggled and got up to presumably get back in her floor bed and he watched her go. .....She thought she was a good father huh? And she was mistaken as Bow's mother? His hand slowly closed itself as he watched her. Well. Every child deserves a mother didn't they? And who better deserved a mother than his little devils? She just needed some time to realize it.

#Snatcher

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