#it kills me that my nieces barely remember certain things of my sister now

[pbandjstew]

A tribute tattoo on my right arm. The story behind it (caution sad):

When my sister passed away from cancer she was only 32 and so her two daughters were very young. When it was time for the funeral and they were asked if they wanted to put anything in her coffin for the services (she was going to be cremated, not buried). Her youngest daughter decided that she should have her sock monkey with her, because they each would still have their sock monkeys. This is because they each had a sock monkey of their own just in different colors.

So I have my tribute heart for my father on my left hand and so wanted a tribute piece for my sister but one that was less obvious. So I took my love of comics and fused Tony Millionaire's famous Sock Monkey character and adjusted it a bit with the purple sock monkey that was chosen by my niece to be with her mum in her casket (and later cremated with her). Most just see it as a joyful or mischievous monkey hugging my arm, not know it is a memory of my sister & a touching moment in time with my nieces that is hugging me instead.

Jesse Santoro - Tony Millionaire’s Sock Monkey tattooed in a hugging pose

A grand comic, and a fun tattoo.

[kate-bishops-waifu]

"Keep You Safe."

A/N: I needed to write a little something for her and I was thinking about this last night so, here is a little blurb for boyfriend.

It was their second night in the house. It was quiet, almost too quiet, the way it was on the road. The living room was filled with gentle breathing. The air was so full of life that Ophelia almost couldn’t take it. Her cheek pressed against Tara’s chest, she could hear her gentle heartbeat. Ophelia slept there every night. Every night since they had picked her up, saved her life. There was very nearly a dent in Tara’s shoulder just for her head. Even before everything happened, she new no comfort like this. She felt guilty to admit it, even silently to herself. She didn’t even know she could like women before. Now Tara consumed her every waking moment, they didn’t spend time apart. They couldn't afford it.

That first night, they had slept on the side of the road, Ophelia couldn’t sleep. Every time she drifted out of conscience she startled awake again. Tara noticed the little jolt of wakefulness. She was on watch, sat against an old truck. Slowly she creeped over, shaking Ophelia’s shoulder. Ophelia was a mess, dirty hair, ripped clothes. She’d barely spoken a word, but if Tara haden’t done anything they would have left her behind. She couldn’t let that happen.

“Can’t sleep?” She had asked. Ophelia shook her head, keeping her eyes on the ground. That night they spoke, in hoarse whispers, about nothing. What they liked, what they missed. Tara had stayed up, letting Ophelia rest on her chest, an arm around her. A strange girl she hardly new. Glen haden’t said anything when he took his watch, but they exchanged a look. Tara haden’t moved. They stayed like that till morning.

Ophelia gazed about the room, the high ceiling, the bodies all lumped together.

“Can’t sleep?” Tara whispered, bringing a hand up to stroke the back of Ophelia’s head. Her fingers tangled in her curls. Ophelia shook her head, clutching at Tara’s shirt. “Yeah. It’s too quiet.” Tara sighed. “I don’t like not having my gun.”

“Tar,”

“Yeah?”

“I’m scared.”

Tara took a breath, pressing a kiss to Ophelia’s temple. “I know. It’s weird here, but I have a good feeling, I want this. For us. This could be a good place, a home even.”

“I don’t just mean that.”

“Oh,” Tara frowned.

“I mean, I’m always afraid. I can’t remember a time I wasn’t afraid. Even before. Tara, you were built for this, and- and I wasn’t.” Tara swallowed painfully, her grip tightening around her. “I don’t know how long I’ll last but,” Ophelia sniffled, “I’m scared.”

“I know. I’m going to keep you safe. No matter what, Ophelia. You’re the only thing I care about in this whole shitty world. I promise you. I won’t leave you. I’m not losing anyone else.” Tara grabbed the sleeve of Ophelia’s shirt, “See this? This shirt you took from me? That’s a sign. That means you’re my girl. You’re under my protection. Not even walker’s can step on my territory.”

Ophelia could hear the smile in Tara’s voice, even if it was too dark to see. She giggled, the pressure in her stomach loosening ever so slightly.

“You’re stronger than you think. A pretty tough chick, actually. I’ve seen what you can do with a handgun. You’ll be okay. Even if you have funky brain chemicals.” Tara poked her head. “You’ll be okay.” Even as she said it with as much conviction as she could muster, she couldn’t be entirely certain. She’d lost people before, the ache of her sister, her niece. She’d trusted the wrong person and that had gotten them killed. They were in as safe of hands as they could be now, she knew that, but she could only trust herself to protect who she loves. She hated that; they were behind walls now, they had shelter, warm showers, food, and dozens of people. It had to be okay. She would make it okay, no matter the cost.

[theanoninyourinbox]

Longstar Au Thunderclan Boogaloo

First, i’d like to thank all of you for your support of my au, I was really surprised at the support!  Seriously thank you!!

Second, some details I forgot to mention last time.  Cinderpaw still gets hit by the car, but instead of being forced into being a medicine cat, she genuinely enjoys working with Fireheart and Yellowfang.  Flamewish makes a bunch of jokes about how her brother stole her apprentice, but she’s just glad Cinderpaw survived.  And Longstar still gets kicked in the face by the rabbit, but manages to turn his head at the last second.  He still loses some of his vision, but only about half - as he ages it gets worse, but by the time he goes completely blind, he’s got a grandkit that helps him work through his struggles.

Anyway, onto the next part!

In the space between book canon, Longstar is out looking for a juicy mouse for his hungry wife, who’s caring for their first kits, when he’s caught off guard by the scent of dog.  To his dismay, he finds a ravaged dead dog with a large grey molly breathing her last nearby.  She rasps out for something in the dark, and passes.  Longstar looks around, and finds a terrified kit hiding under a nearby bush, bleeding from a paw.  After a rushed run back to camp, the kit is treated by Fireheart and Cinderpelt, and Flamewish scoops up the traumatized kit to snuggle with Swiftkit and Foxkit.  It’s quickly agreed he’s staying with Flamewish, and Longstar deduces he’s the Dark that the molly was referencing, and Dark-kit is officially adopted by the leader of Thunderclan.  Canon continues until...

 Swiftpaw comes to her father, worried that her problems hunting and anxiety outside of camp will keep her from being a warrior.  Longstar remembers a tale about a warrior who guarded the camp after an injury crippled him, and works with her mentor Mistlenose to get her up to speed on hunting, while working with Fireheart and Cinderpelt with her anxiety.  Foxpaw and Darkpaw join her to be supportive, and Darkpaw discovers a love of healing, leading to him apprenticing under Cinderpelt.  Canon continues until...

Ashfur!  He has zero romantic intentions towards Foxfur - for one, she’s his niece!  Ew!  Also he has a mate - Flyshadow, Frostfoot’s daughter.  They’re holing off on having kits for now, but are absolutely smitten with each other. Flyshadow’s brother Coldlight has a crush on Sandstorm, but with his selective mutism and shyness, he’s never told her.  Canon continues until...

Brambleclaw!  Foxpaw absolutely bothers the snot out of him, but he has a plan - he hates the leaders of Thunderclan, despises Whitestorm for betraying his old friend, and Longstar for usurping his father’s rightful place.  That's right, Brambleclaw is a Tigerstar apologist.  His mother and sister have no idea how much he idolizes his father, or that his ghost has been visiting him in the night.  His plan is to use Foxpaw to get close to Longstar, and eventually usurp the old foxheart Whitestorm, then murder Longstar and return Thunderclan to a pure, kittypet free clan, feared by the other clans.  So he puts up with her, hoping to get closer so he can enact he and his father’s plan.  Canon continues until...

The new Prophecy!  Fireheart has a vision of a flaming cat and a shadowy tiger. and Foxpaw starts having strange dreams.  She meets up with the others, with Brambleclaw following behind, claiming she needs “a real warrior” to back her up.  Tawnypelt is happy to see her brother, but a bit suspicious - he seems like he’s hiding something.  Foxpaw and the older Crowpaw bond over their status as apprentices, and after a while, Crowpaw opens up about his phobia of water.  He tells Foxpaw and a supportive Feathertail about his adoption into Windclan, and how the first thing he can remember is drowning, and then being dragged out of the water by twolegs.  He fled, and was found wandering Windclan by Deadfoot, and adopted.  The three create a strong friendship, which continues canonically until...

The Tribe! Feathertail is still the silver cat of the prophecy, but survives just barely, breaking her back and becoming paralyzed.  Stormfur promises to come back for her, plus he still falls for Brook.  The rest of the gang continues on by canon until...

The trapped cats and Shrewpaw!  Sandstorm is the one who gets driven off instead of Graystripe, and the clans all mourn her as if she died.  Shrewpaw manages to yeet himself farther than canon, getting clipped on the hip and spun across the road.  He drags himself back to Thunderclan, pheasant clenched in his mouth.  His hind leg never fully heals, but he throws himself into cat-physical therapy with Cinderpelt to get back on his feet. Canon continues until...

The return!  The cats are greeted lovingly by their families if not the rest of their clans, and Foxpaw and Crowpaw become Foxflight and Crowfeather.  Shrewpaw, now Shrewleg, and Ashfur help Foxflight mourn for Sandstorm, her mentor.  Brambleclaw sees this, and feels a surge of jealousy - that’s HIS Foxflight, his pawn!  But he holds it together, fake consoling Whitestorm.  Canon continues until...

The elders!  Mudfur is still ill, and Frostfur, Speckletail, Loudbelly, and Shadepelt decide to stay with him.  However, Flamewish insists in giving them a chance, and convinces them to go to her previous Twolegs home, where they’re taken in and cared for like kittypet royalty by the twolegs and their neighbors, as they deserve.  Canon continues until...

Smokepaw falls!  Russetfur spots him clinging desperately to a root, and Mudclaw bravely climbs down, retrieving the terrified apprentice from his certain doom.  Everyone breathes a sigh of relief.  Canon continues until...

The Tribe again!  Graystripe is reunited with Feathertail, who’s flattered by Crowfeather’s requested name.  Darkpaw has the vision of Spottedleaf, and the clans marvel at the Lake Territory. Canon continues until...

Hawkfrost and Mothwing finally meet up with Brambleclaw, but their conversation is interrupted when Mothwing spots Crowfeather, and thinks she’s seeing a ghost - but then Hawkfrost is like, wait, I see him too?  And Crowfeather is startled, but, do I know you?  And it’s officially revealed that Crowfeather is Tadpole!  A joyous, if slightly confused sibling reunion takes place, and Crowfeather gets to introduce his adopted family to his missing siblings!  The only one not delighted is Brambleclaw, furious at being upstaged.  But he feigns delight at the events.  Canon continues until...

The death of a leader.  Tallstar passes, but with Mudclaw at his side.  He begs his Deputy to treat the other clans with kindness, as he treated Smokepaw.  Mudclaw is fervent in his promise to be a better leader than he has been a Deputy. Onewhisker is seen talking angrily to Brambleclaw, but Brambleclaw dismisses suspicions by claiming to be trying to calm his fellow warrior down. Canon continues until...

The moonpool!  Darkpaw follows the spirit of Spottedleaf, and finds the Moonpool.  At the next half-moon, he’s named Darkmoon.  Canon continues until...

The Windclan Revolt! Onewhisker attacks Mudclaw on his way to becoming leader.  Things go mostly the same, with Swiftpool being saved by Crowfeather and the following Feelings Confession, but this time it’s Foxflight and Longstar chasing down Onewhisker.  He’s nearly crushed by the tree, but instead is knocked clear, breaking his hind legs and cracking him on the skull.  Mudclaw calls for the medicine cats, and when Onewhisker wakes later, he has no recollection from the start of the Journey onward, and professes no animosity towards Mudclaw. Now Mudstar chooses to spare him and he is confined to the medicine den until he heals. Canon continues until...

Way different romantic drama!  Foxflight and Shrewleg fell hard for each other on the Journey, and Ashfur and Flyshadow just decided to start trying for kits.  It’s too bad Brambleclaw keeps starting rumors about secret relationships.  They go nowhere fast, and Brambleclaw scrambles to keep a hold of his plans.  Crowfeather and Swiftpool keep meeting up in secret, and consider running.  During this time, Darkmoon finds out about the Tigerstar training program, and warns not Brambleclaw, but Hawkfrost, about the consequences of his actions.  Hawkfrost mulls over when he tried to drop a moth wing by the medicine den, but one was already there.  Canon continues until...

The Badger attack!  Midnight warns the runaways and they return, but not in time to save Cinderpelt.  Flamewish spots Crowfeather, does that math-circling-the-lady meme, and drags Crow, Swift, Fox, and Longstar into the den after the fight, and commands the nervous duo to spill it right now sO HELP ME STARCLAN!  And they spill it, the whole secret romance. There’s a moment of silence, then Foxflight starts the Traditional Thunderclan Threats to a Siblings Datefriend, Lonstar assures Crowfeather and Swiftpool he isn’t angry, while Flamewish demands details of the love confession, was it passionate?!?!  This leads to Longstar and Mudstar hashing out a deal - as long as their clans are at peace, the two can be in a relationship.  This deal eventually spreads to the other clans, allowing more cross-clan relationships. (Deadfoot is simultaneously disappointed and impressed by his son, Mudstar can’t stop laughing) Canon continues until...

The blood on the lake.  Brambleclaw snaps, and lures Longstar to the lake, where he’s foxtrapped.  Hawkfrost is visited in his dreams by Yellowfang, who yells at him to wake up and stop his idiot half-brother gET UP OR SO HELP ME STARCLAN!!! (Yes this is exactly where Flamewish gets it from)  Hawkfrost makes it to the shore as Longstar falls, and knocks Brambleclaw off the Thunderclan Leader.  The two tussle, and Hawkfrost frees Longstar, killing Brambleclaw with the stake. 

Sometime later, Swiftpool tells Crowfeather she’s pregnant.

And that’s it for the moment!  Next up, the Three, the return of Sandstorm, and Sol that smarmy heretic.  Thanks for reading, and I appreciate your support!

[dadsbongos]

Hey, Arvin?

Movie/Game/Show: The Devil All The Time Dynamic: Arvin Russell/Reader Warnings: spoilers for the movie? idk, post-ending time Summary: Self-doubt is often clouded as banter, and Arvin knows that better than anybody - especially after growing close to a certain farm girl. ~~~

Arvin didn't know he would wind up on a farm in the outskirted heart of Terrace Park. He truly did mean to sign himself to war in Cincinnati but it just never happened. A lot of things just didn't seem to work out for Arvin, so he didn't bother himself over it too much - not after everything he'd already done. Besides, his work was good and honest and the people who'd taken him in were good and honest.

Father, uncle, sons, and daughter. They were tight-knit - they had to be with the distant lands they'd been handed as a living space. No neighbors for miles, the children only had each other and the animals to play with until he came along. When the uncle came into a bar within town at sundown and convinced Arvin that being a farmhand was a good life. Now, Arvin was up before the sun with calluses burning at his hands and two young boys clinging to his boots as he went around the farm. But he can't say he hated it.

The two boys, only one year apart from each other and over ten years from him, were like little brothers to Arvin at this point. They were balls of sunshine throughout the home and if they wanted to lend a sinner like him some light, who was he to refuse?

The uncle, the man who'd found him that night, was deceptively sweet. A hulking figure with a soft heart beneath all the muscle. Deceptively smart, too. He'd gone to a life of education before coming to his brother-in-law's side at the farm. He was like a mentor and guiding hand, a kind one, a patient one. One who wanted the best for his loved ones; his nephews and niece, his brother by marriage, and for Arvin himself.

The father was largely unknown to Arvin. Gone away on matters that nobody seemed to know. Personal business. According to the boys, he used to be an involved and loving man until their mother fell ill and eventually died. And Arvin felt sickened upon that news. He felt pity for the children, he knew what it was like to be young and not understand why your mother had to go and your father was bent on going too. He could only pray that their father didn't go down the path his own had.

The daughter, their ages matching, was his favorite to spend time with. She wouldn't do her chores when the others were around, preferring to sit and watch her family as they did theirs. She would trail Arvin around the farm and talk as he worked. Sometimes she asked about what the town was like, other times she would tease him about being so quiet. Playful. Had enough heart to apologize if she ever felt that she crossed a line. He liked that about her. He liked a lot of things about her.

"Hey, Arvin?"

It was a simple phrase, one he'd heard countless times, but it was different from her. A teasing tone and a smile to match - her legs kicking out as she sat atop a stack of hay and watched Arvin brush the horses' manes.

"What is it, darlin'?"

"You ever take Arkle out for a midnight ride?"

She knew he did. She had to have. Why else would she bother with such a question?

"Just askin' since I hadn't found him out here last night. Figured he'd gotten out until I saw you out in the field with him."

Arvin pulled away from May's dirty brown mane to give the girl a quirked brow, "Why bother askin' if you already knew the answer?"

"I like seein' ya get all flustered. Thought you'd figured that out by now."

"Well, what were you doin' out here so late then?" Arvin returned to the horses as he asked.

"Just thinkin' was all."

"That right?" he spared the girl a quick glance, "What was that head a' yours so troubled with?"

She ignored his question and that didn't surprise him. She didn't like exposing her thoughts to anyone. Kept her worries and doubts to herself like they were precious gems, and with as little as this family had, they might as well have been. When you don't have much to call your own, your thoughts and feelings start to feel like little treasures. Arvin knew that first-hand and he wasn't about to steal someone's treasures by digging where he didn't belong.

"You ain't gotta tell me," he only said it to ease the tension of having been brushed over, "Just know I'm here. You follow me around all day, might as well talk to me if you need to."

The last thing he needed - or wanted - was to lose another person in his life. Especially if just talking to them could've prevented it. He knows he should've been keeping a better eye on Lenora and he hopes beyond hope she forgives him for that. He prays that her and her baby are well-cared for in heaven. If anybody deserves to be in the eternal sweetspot of God's domain, it's his dear sister.

"Hey, Arvin?"

Today, he was shucking corn, seated on a barrel, when she called to him from behind. He turned his head and nodded to let her know he was listening.

"You were awful quiet at breakfast this morning. Barely spoke to the boys at all."

"Just thinkin', darlin'. You ain't gotta worry 'bout me."

"I'll always worry 'bout you, Arvin," he feels her hands settle on his shoulders, "You came into Terrace Park alone. You got brought in by Uncle. You're around my baby brothers all the time. My boys, Arvin. My boys. We might share an age but we ain't share a brain. All I can see into your head is all I know about mine. It ain't just for you, Arvin. My daddy hasn't been the same since Mama passed and someone's gotta take care of the family. Uncle loves you to death and I don't blame him, but I'm still worryin'."

He got it. He understood. He was that way with Lenora, and he just wishes he could've done better to protect her. He wishes he could've keep his father around. He wishes his mother wasn't robbed from him so soon. He wishes he had less blood on his hands.

"Can I ease your worries at all?" he returns to his task of shucking corn.

"Where'd you get in from? Why're you here?"

"Knockemstiff. Coal Creek. Nowhere too far," he inhaled sharply as he went to begin his tale of why he left, leaving out certain unsavory details, "I had a sister. She was sweet. Lonely. I left her alone with the wrong sonofabitch," he felt anger begin boiling inside his veins as he relived that day, "she killed herself over him so I… I left. Had nothin' else there for me than makin' sure she was okay and I couldn't even do that."

"Arvin," she leans forward and presses her hands over his, "you didn't hafta tell me if it was so personal. 'M sorry I pried. Sorry about your sister, too, that's awful."

"No," he drops the corn when he realizes how shaky his hands have gotten, "I needed to get that out," he feels his heart burn the longer that her hands rest on his, "I still miss her. I shoulda been there."

Earskell should've kept tighter watch like he'd said.

Those bullies should've known better than to pick on Lenora.

Teagardin should've followed the book he read by.

"Can I hold you, Arvin?" it's barely a whisper.

He doesn't nod. If he wasn't the one to take initiative and press himself back into her chest then she wouldn't have gotten an answer at all. Her arms come around Arvin's shoulders and circle his chest tighter as his eyes water.

"It ain't your fault. It's that bastard, you know that, don't you?" she pressed her lips to his forehead and rested a cheek to the top of his head, fingers running through his hair, "It ain't your fault. Never was. Never will be."

He appreciates the sentiment even though he knows, deep down inside himself, that he'll never truly believe it. It's kind of her to care so much about a boy like him. He hopes she never has to feel the pain he knows so intimately and he hopes he can protect her brothers like he never got to with Lenora. If not to protect the softness in his own heart for them, then for the sake of a farm girl who's holding him so close as he cries in a cornfield.

"Hey, Arvin?"

It's hours past late and he hasn't been able to catch a wink of sleep. The dining table he's seated himself at is swamped in darkness and he's surprised she can even make out his figure.

"Late night, darlin'?"

"Heard you gettin' up. What're you doin' out here? I know it ain't eatin'."

"How can you tell?"

"Eatin' so late with not even a candle is just sad, Arvin. We got more to worry about than sleepin' if that's what you're doin'."

He grins at her answer and shakes his head, "Just can't sleep. You go on to bed; need your beauty rest."

It's that idea that has her feet practically cemented to the ground and her brows furrowing in her self-consciousness. She feels her gut twist at the mention of her needing beauty sleep even though she knows that's not how he meant it.

"Hey Arvin…?"

He nods before remembering she can't see him, "What is it, darlin'?"

"Do…" she presses her lips into a thin line before finally spewing out the question, "d'you think I'm pretty?"

"Well, what kind a' question is that? Wouldn't your daddy kill me for somethin' like that."

"Daddy ain't around long enough."

"I think you're plenty pretty, darlin', but don't worry 'bout what me or what any other boy has to say on your looks, you hear me? Ain't no boy in control of your body, so don't let any of 'em take anythin' from you," Arvin's quiet, voice rasped, "Nobody livin' in that body 'sides you, so you just make sure you like yourself before worryin' on what anyone else has to say."

He thought she was breathtaking, intelligent, fun - he wouldn't ramble on it for as long as he wished only because he wanted her to realize what truly mattered. She was clearly nervous in awaiting his response, if the quivers in her voice were anything to go by, and he wanted to answer this right. He wanted her to know that at the end of the day, all that mattered was her opinion on herself - because she, and she alone, was inside that body until it died. She had to love herself before someone like him had any say. Arvin's learned how to handle such situations since losing the only people he's ever cared for.

"You really think that?"

"Absolutely, darlin'," he nodded before coming to a stand and beginning to walk out of the kitchen, "You should get to bed now."

"Arvin," she reached up and took his shoulders into her hand before pressing a kiss to his cheek once she could make it out from the darkness, "you're a real sweetheart, you know that?"

"I'm just me. Ain't the best man, ain't the worst. But I appreciate the compliment," he swallowed down his nerves and kissed her forehead gently, "Sleep well, now, darlin'."

"Hey, Arvin?" she murmurs as he begins his trek back to his room.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you… for everything. I know you haven't been here the longest, but I can't imagine us without you now."

"I can't imagine me without any a' you either, so don't worry about thankin' me, darlin'."

[imnotwolverine]

The Accidental Family - Chapter 3

Henry Cavill x OFC multi-chapter

< Chap 2 | Chap 3 Is there a handbook to this? | Chap 4 >

Disclaimer: Fluff, some strong language

Word count: 2.080

Author’s note: I had a super fun online dinner with my in-laws yesterday. Me and my boyfriend cooked all the courses and had them sent out to everyone - we had a blast! I hope all of you dear readers are doing okay; I’m sending all my love to you! And..of course another chapter of this little series ❤️

(Link to my Masterlist)

--

‘Have fun tonight. And if it’s too much; take a break.’ The nurse shot Henry a warning glare before she stepped out of the door, Henry’s warm smile showing just how eager he was to send her out so he and Bee could get the house ready for the arrival of the kids.

THE KIDS. HOLY… The thought alone made his stomach jump in excitement and terror.

Clicking the door closed, he was met with the mildly worried gaze of Phoebe, her arms folded over her long sleeve shirt, long blond hair braided away from her face.

‘What?’ Henry gulped, thinking he had done something wrong.

But Phoebe just grinned, her lips curling in a smile. ‘I never thought I’d see a man this excited to learn he was the father of four kids..but here we are.’

‘Well, can’t back up now, can I?’

Phoebe let out a chuckle. ‘You bet your ass you can’t, Mr Cavill!’ But as the words escaped her lips, that all familiar agony moved over her face. ‘I mean. It’s okay, if it’s..not what you want. I mean, you can’t remember and..it’s a lot..and..’

‘Bee.’ Henry sighed. She was right to think this was a lot to take in. And he was looking at a long recovery time. Many patients changed after such a traumatic event. And even though he thought he had always wanted this, a family, it was like being hit by a train at full speed, the way he was thrown in a life he didn’t know how to live. He cleared his throat and stepped in closer, his tongue flicking over his bottom lip. ‘So, what do we do now?’

Phoebe sighed. ‘Well, they’re just here for a visit. But I thought we could make some tea and biscuits and..’

‘I’ll make the tea.’ Henry smiled.

‘Sure?’

‘That I am. Though I’m so sure on how I am to handle four kids.��

Phoebe stepped in and clasped a hand around his shoulder, squeezing it gently. ‘Two hours, that’s it. And if it’s too much, you just head upstairs and we’ll say you needed to sleep early - they’re familiar with that.’

Henry looked down at her hand on his shoulder, her fingers quickly letting go, thinking he disliked it. He took another deep breath and slowly nodded. ‘Any other..things?’

Phoebe shrugged and laughed. ‘Well. I don’t even know where to start.’

--

Henry was glad he was about 4 times the size of these four little monkeys, because by the time their shoes were removed and Kal was decorated with their scarves, Henry was next in line to be welcomed by their grabby hands which clung to him like they were a pack of little Koala bears.

Henry thought he had plenty of experience with his little nephews and nieces. But this sure was different. Tumbles of dark brown curls cascaded over mischievous pairs of blue eyes, the youngest one somehow the fastest of them all as he crawled around the living room as if possessed, little knees thudding on the floorboards.

‘DADDDYYYY.’ They all screamed, tugging at his clothes and starting different stories all at the same time, their eager hands begging for his attention as their eyes lit up with excitement.

There was the eldest, Sam, a shy 4 year old boy. There were the twins. A boy and girl, Max and Piper - a rowdy bunch, now 3 years old. And the youngest, 1 year old Cole, named after his granddaddy, the same granddaddy having opted for settling down in the reading chair in the corner as he waited for the storm to pass.

‘H-hi.’ Henry breathed, looking down at the bouncing heads of his kids, his hands awkwardly brushing over their curls.

‘Daddy! Daddy! Did you see my draw-things?! I made like,’ The little girl widened her arms. ‘THIS many.’

‘OH, did you now? That’s a lot.’

‘Yea, and granny helped! And we baked cookies and..’ - ‘Daddy, I need to go peepee!!!’

And then the youngest started to cry as he failed to get the attention he wanted, his bone wrenching, shrilly cries reverberating through the suddenly much too small living room. Henry looked in panic at Phoebe and his mom, who were looking at the situation in mild shock; maybe it had been a little too rash to introduce him to ALL the kids at once. But here they were. Clinging to him like it was just another Tuesday. Four monkey babies, excited to see their dad after what seemed like a lifetime in their short little lives.  

It took another fifteen minutes to somewhat calm the children, Henry having settled on a dining room chair as he watched the four pairs of blue eyes that stared back at him. The youngest had settled on Phoebe’s lap, his head rested on her slow breathing chest, and the twins had settled on the carpet, twiddling with the long strings of the rug as they nagged yet again that they were bored.

‘But I want my toys mommm.’ Piper nagged.

Next up was the youngest, who started to cry again, making Phoebe sigh in exasperation as she bounced him on her lap, before she decided it best to take a little walk, her slim legs walking out into the hallway, leaving Henry with the other three kids and his parents.

‘Are you my daddy?’ Sam frowned, sitting on the couch next to his grandma, large blue eyes studying the strangely familiar being that was Henry. Henry gulped at the boy’s question, his lack of knowledge of these children making the situation ever the more painful.

‘I eh..’ He frowned as he heard even louder crying coming from the kitchen, Phoebe trying her best to shush the crying babe. ‘I am.’

‘So why don’t you play with us?!’ Max exclaimed, falling down on his little back, hands stretching out to poke at his sister who growled like an annoyed little tiger cub.

‘MAAXXXX. Granny he’s doing it - OUCH - GRANNYYY.’

‘You two! Calm it, or you’ll go in time-out.’

‘But daddy is being weirdddd.’ Max protested, jutting out his lip.

‘But I’m still your daddy.’ Henry said, slowly crawling from his seat to settle down on the rug as well, his eyes searching the gaze of the twins, whose eyes immediately lit up - playtime? PLAYTIME!

‘So you’re going to play with us?’

‘HORSEYYYYY.’ Piper cheered, crawling out to Henry to tug on his sweater to climb up to his back. Henry, however, was quick to stop her, before she’d accidentally tug his hair and agitate his head wound.

‘DADDyyyy.’ She cried, fighting him as he settled her back on her bum. ‘But I wanna..’

‘Piper, hey, hey. Look at me.’ Henry’s voice got ever softer, the louder she cried, until finally her blue eyes opened again and she looked at him with a big, overexaggerated pout. ‘Daddy needs a little time. He, eh, was broken, and now needs to be fixed.’

‘I can fix you!’ Sam climbed off the couch and started to search for the toy box, immediately earning the attention of the twins who quickly rushed over to get a look in the treasure box.

‘YAAAYYYYYY.’

‘We’re gonna fix DADDY!!!!’  

The three of them all picked pieces of toys, their fast little feet managing to escape Colin, Henry’s father, as the old man tried to grab for their little hands. ‘OI, young lady! Do not, I repeat; do not..-’

His pleas fell on deaf ears as the three children all went for the kill, Henry barely managing to sit up on his haunches in time to defend himself from the vicious attack of three hyperactive children.

‘OUCH.’ He gasped, feeling the familiar hurt of a piece of Lego in his skin, his mind having a difficult time to process how again he used to deal with his nephews and nieces in situations like these - then again, he had been sharp and witty then, and now he struggled with remembering the fact he has a wife now.

And kids. Don’t forget about the kids.

‘Ohhhhhkay!’ Marianne chimed with a fierce and loud voice, her hands clapping together with a sternness that made all three kids look up. ‘I think that’s enough fixing for today. How about we go have a drink and some biscuits, hmm?’

‘BISCUITSSSSSS!!!’ Piper cheered again - it was clear that the little girl was a bubbly bee. Bee. Oh damn, Henry thought, crawling up to a standing position before he followed the children that were running out into the hallway to get to the kitchen, his parents hot on his heels.

‘You can take a rest if you want.’ His mother whispered, laying a soothing hand on Henry’s shoulder before he stepped into the kitchen. His blue eyes met with the wisdom that lingered in his mom’s smile.  

‘Sorry about that, mom.’ Henry sighed quietly.

‘No, no. Our fault, remember? Besides, it takes some time before you know how to deal with this hot bunch.’ She chuckled as she looked over Henry’s broad shoulder, the children jumping up and down around the kitchen island as Phoebe made an attempt to cool them down while she also bounced Cole up on her arm.

‘Don’t worry son.’ Colin squeezed Henry’s shoulder as Marianne also slipped into the kitchen. ‘No matter what happens, we’re here for you, mkay?’ The old man winked at Henry, who slowly shook his head.

‘Man, I wish they had a manual for this kinda stuff.’

Colin laughed. ‘If only, if only.’

The two men remained in the doorway as the women managed to calm down the children, the lot of them all being placed around the kitchen table before they were treated to freshly baked biscuits and a lot of mommy love.

It didn’t take long before the two hours were up and the kids were packed up back in Marianne and Colin’s car, Henry and Phoebe waving them goodbye with heavy hearts, but happy smiles. Small clouds of nightly cold drafted from their mouths as they turned back towards the door, a certain melancholy left in the house that was now silent again.

‘Don’t you want to..go with them?’ Henry asked quietly.

Phoebe looked up at him, the two of them now crowding the door mat as she pulled the door closed. ‘I miss a lot of things, but I need to be here with you now.’ A slightly sad smile moved up her lips.

‘You sure?’

‘Yea. For better and worse, remember?’ She laughed, only to feel that her choice words were awful, her breath hiccuping as she quickly evaded his gaze. ‘Sorry. That wasn’t nice of me.’

Henry sighed. ‘Please don’t feel bad. You’re the best mom I know..or..can remember.’ He smirked a little, but Phoebe didn’t seem to be so easily consolable. ‘Bee, hey.’ Henry used his thumb to tilt her head up, their eyes meeting. ‘I don’t know if this is crazy of me to ask, but, eh…’ He cleared his throat, feeling his heart falter at the concerned stare of her penetrating blue eyes. Had he failed her? Fuck. He licked his lips, unsure of whether to proceed.

‘What?’ She finally breathed, her voice a little croaky.

‘Oh, it’s stupid silly I guess.’ Henry moved his hand to his head to scratch, only to be caught by her hand, her eyes giving him a half-amused smile.

‘I told you to stop doing that.’

‘That you did,’ Henry hesitated again, before simply blurting out: ‘would you like to go on a date with me?’

A short silence fell as Phoebe’s eyes widened in something so unreadable that Henry wasn’t sure whether she was about to scold him or break out in laughter. And how glad he was it was the latter, her lips pulling up into a most amused little chuckle. ‘What now?’

‘A..date? Wait, has that word changed in the..?’

‘No, no. Dating is a thing. And..’ She now burst out into a full fit of giggles.

‘What?’

‘Well, we never really dated. We just..’ Her eyes widened.

‘What, Bee? Don’t leave me hanging here.’

‘No, no. I mean YES! I want to go on a date with you, though, eh, no, let’s talk about this later. It’s been a long day and..’ Her words died as she sniffled again, her hand now moving up to brush carefully through his chocolate brown curls. ‘I’d love to go on a date with you.’

--

Chap 4 >

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@ceilingfann @do-youseeme​

[zelzenik]

my latest installment of “family portraits” is here! no prompts this time, but please feel free to keep sending them in if you have any ideas!

to read this on ao3/sub there/drop kudos, please click here :))

The waves crest and fall, and Sokka is restless, nearly frantic, by the time the boat finally reaches the harbor. Not wasting a single moment, he doesn’t even bother to gather his belongings before stumbling off the gangway and onto the dock. “Ty Lee - Is there any news?” he sounds breathless, as though he’s gotten the wind knocked out of him.

Ty Lee, head of the Royal Family’s contingent of Kyoshi warriors, twists her lips into an unusually worried frown. “She’s been struggling, Sokka. We need to get you to the palace as soon as possible.” Without further discussion, she motions for his luggage to be carried behind them, taking off as his escort to the palace.

The air is unsufferably hot and sticky, and Sokka’s already taken off his parka, draping it over his free arm. “How’s Zuko handling it all?”

“He’s worried,” Ty Lee replies shortly, glancing back at the Water Tribe chieftain. Her gray eyes, typically alight with laughter and life, are heavy with unshed tears. “He’s asked about your father and gran-gran. Will they be journeying here as well?”

“No,” Sokka shakes his head quickly. “Gran-Gran’s been feeling weak, and Dad decided it’d be best if he remained with Pakku to take care of her and look after the tribe in my absence. We’ve all been very concerned since receiving Zuko’s last message via Hawky.” He strides quickly up the palace steps where he and Ty Lee will part ways.

Twisting her torso and lifting her arms up in an elastic stretch, Ty Lee replies, “Katara’s very strong, Sokka. She’s already survived two pregnancies, and she won’t go down during her third.” She then extends her arm in a sweeping gesture. “Katara and Zuko should be in their chambers.”

Clunky boots thudding against the clean floors of the palace hallways, Sokka isn’t going to see Katara and Zuko. Not yet, at least. He reaches Ursa’s gardens in a matter of minutes, servants jolting out of his way as he tears down the corridors with the ferocity of a madman.

Under the cover of arching trees, by the calm of the turtleduck pond, his little nieces play. Izumi, recently five, and Kya, a robust two. Another figure sits beside them, but Sokka barely has time to register their presence as Izumi and Kya launch themselves at him. He drops his parka to the grass as his arms shoot out to catch them.

“Uncle Sokka!” Izumi exclaims, throwing her tiny arms around his torso.

Kya, with her gummy grin, beams up at him, repeating after her older sister, “Uncle! Uncle!”

Sokka can’t help it. His heart melts at the sight, and he scoops them both up in his arms as they let out identical squeals of delight. “My Zumi and Kya,” he nuzzles both their cheeks in turn as Kya giggles, tugging at his warrior’s wolftail and pawing away at his stubble. “I’ve missed you both so much.” His attention is drawn back to the figure sitting by the pond, fiddling idly with breadcrumbs. His voice gets caught at the back of his throat. “…Azula?”

“Sokka.”

“Auntie Zula’s feeding the turtleducks with us!” Izumi explains with a bright grin, beginning to squirm in his arms. He sets her down, and she makes her way back to Azula, throwing her arms around her aunt with a look of pure adoration.

“What’re you doing here?” he can’t help the edge that creeps into his voice. He bites back a harsh retort, acutely aware of Kya and Izumi’s presences.

In all honesty, he’d forgotten that Azula still lived at the palace. He’s seen her a few times since the end of the war, back when he visited the palace more often to be with his family and a certain Kyoshi warrior. After breaking things off with Suki, though, he hasn’t been back much since then. Suki was needed back on Kyoshi Island, and he was needed at the South Pole. Shortly after, Suki relinquished her position at the palace to Ty Lee, and Sokka succeeded his father as Chief of the Southern Water Tribe.

He visits on occasion, of course - He was present for Izumi’s birth, calming his anxious brother in law as Zuko wore down the carpet beneath them with his constant pacing. He was there for Kya’s birth too, taking care of Izumi as Katara and Zuko adjusted to life with a second baby in the family. Azula wasn’t present for either of those. What is she doing here now?

Azula, ever sharp and straightforward, replies, “I’m playing with my nieces.” Her pert chin is lifted, and her golden eyes follow him appraisingly. She’s twenty four now, the same age as Katara. It’s been ten years since the end of the war.  A mere decade ago, she was a broken fourteen year old girl, breathing blue fire and lashing out at all who dared to get close to her, screaming in anger, ever haunted by ghosts that didn’t exist to anyone but her.

“I think you mean my nieces,” Sokka cuts in smoothly, tickling Kya who shrieks in laughter.

A slender brow arches. “They’re my nieces, Sokka.” Gaze never dropping Sokka’s, she breaks off little pieces of bread for Izumi to feed to the turtleducks. Her limbs are folded delicately, and her light red robe hangs from her lithe body gently. Unlike the topknot she wore when she was younger, her long dark hair hangs loose, framing her face. Izumi bears a startling resemblance to her, he realizes.

He’s just about to protest again when Kya’s arms fling out from him, her tiny hands reaching for Azula. Instead of handing the wiggling toddler off, Sokka reluctantly sits down beside his former enemy, shifting Kya in his arms. Izumi’s tossing bread into the pond with reckless abandon, accidentally hitting herself on the head with her enthusiasm.

“That’s definitely your side of the family showing,” Azula notes dryly. The corner of her lips turn up ever so slightly, though, and Sokka bears it silently, forgoing retaliation as Kya pats his cheeks happily.

Izumi pops in between them, throwing an arm around their necks and tugging them into a warm embrace. “I’ve never played with you both before!” she exclaims in excitement, and Kya claps her hands in agreement. “I can’t wait to show you my fire, Uncle Sokka! Daddy and Auntie Zula’ve been helping me, and Daddy wants to take me to see dragons one day!” She lights up a small flame in the palm of her hand, and Kya reaches for it with a giggle.

Jerking Kya back quickly, Sokka can’t help the jolt of fear that courses through him at his tiny niece wielding such bright fire.

Thankfully, Izumi doesn’t seem to register his scared reaction, but Azula places a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I know you’re excited, Izumi, but we still have to be careful with your fire. Do you remember what we spoke about the other day?”

Izumi’s small face scrunches in thought before her golden eyes light up. “We protect people by protecting and being the boss of our flame. I remember, Auntie Zula. That’s what you and Daddy always tell me.”

“I’m proud of you for remembering,” Azula says, her voice cracking lightly. “My smart, kind Izumi.” Stiffly, she opens her arms to the little girl who returns her affection freely.

Sokka doesn’t quite know what to make of the situation. Ten years ago, he would’ve laughed if someone told him he’d be sharing such a tender family moment with the firebending prodigy who chased them around the world and constantly tried to kill them. Granted, he probably would’ve done the same if he were told that his little sister would one day be Fire Lady, bearing children of Fire Nation blood.

He opts, instead, for silence, threading his fingers through Kya’s dark curls. Together, they wait by the turtleduck pond for what seems like hours. He desperately wants to find his sister and make sure that she’s okay, but he knows that Katara needs him here more, looking after her children. Ty Lee was right - Katara has Zuko, countless physicians, and herself. She’s a master waterbender, more than capable of taking care of herself and her baby. If he went to visit her now, she’d likely grow tired of his fussing, knock him upside the head, and get Zuko to kick him out of the room. Or worse, she’d do it herself.

Shuddering at the thought, Sokka focuses his attention back toward his nieces. He’s still floored at the way Azula has mellowed over the years, patient and tender toward both Izumi and Kya. She never raises her voice, and she’s attentive and doting with them in a way that even Sokka isn’t.

As the sun slowly begins to creep its way beyond the horizon, they spend the afternoon feeding the turtleducks, reading picturebooks, and eating a meal that’s brought out to them by the servants. By dusk, there’s still no word from Zuko and Katara.

Just as an overly calm Azula’s suggesting to an overly anxious Sokka that they get the girls ready for bed, a servant comes bursting into the gardens. “Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Katara have summoned you all to their chambers!”

Sokka’s so relieved that tears begin to course down his cheeks as he hoists a wide-eyed Kya onto his shoulders. Izumi, who typically tires by the time the sun sets, is bouncing on her heels excitedly. Even Azula appears more at ease as she holds Izumi’s hand, the heavy crease on her brow finally gone. They make quite the little caravan, Sokka decides, as they make their way through the palace to Zuko and Katara’s chambers.

Standing at the entrance, Zuko is haggard, sweat beading at his brow, fingers pressed to his temples. At the sight of his children, though, he breaks into a relieved smile, sweeping them into his arms and kissing the tops of both of their heads. “Sokka,” he greets, extending his arm and meeting Sokka in a strong Water Tribe grip. “Azula, thank you both for watching them.” He folds his little sister in a tight hug before turning his attention back to his children, “Are you ready to meet your baby brother now?” Grinning at their exuberant reactions, he leads them into the room. “I’ll be back out in just a second,” he promises, lightly closing the door behind them.

Sokka’s left standing in the hallway with Azula. “A nephew,” he can’t help but grin. He adores his nieces, and they can easily bend him to their every whim, but he can’t help the thrill he feels at the prospect of having a nephew too.

Hugging herself tightly, Azula repeats in a whisper, “A nephew.”

Finally, after what seems like an eternity later, Zuko returns, poking his head out of the door. “Hey. I believe you both have a nephew to meet.”

Unable to contain his excitement, Sokka quickly strides forward to follow his brother in law, pausing when Azula reluctantly peels herself from where she’s leaned against the wall. There’s such an uncertainty in her eyes that, after a beat, Sokka extends a hand out to her, and she hesitantly slips her soft one into his rough one.

They follow Zuko into his chambers where Katara smiles tiredly, propped up against a mountain of pillows, a tiny bundle in her arms. Izumi and Kya are at either side, curiously peering over her to look at their baby brother. “Sokka. Azula. Come.”

Zuko gathers his little girls into his arms, falling into a plush armchair and pulling them both to sit on his lap. He tousles their curly hair and hugs them both to his chest, watching over his wife proudly from the bedside.

Azula’s feet seem to be rooted to the floor, and Sokka tugs her forward gently, fighting the instinctual urge to rush to his sister’s side. “Katara,” he grins at his little sister, kissing the top of her head lightly. “I’ve missed you.”

Wrinkling her nose, Katara shoots back easily, “I haven’t missed you.” She then gives a small laugh, glancing back down at the little bundle in her arms. “Here,” she offers it up to him. “His name is Iroh.” Her blue eyes are heavy, and there are dark circles beneath them. This pregnancy was very difficult for her, he knows.

“Uncle will be pleased,” Azula says, the words sounding choked and strangled in comparison to her normally elegant speech.

With his girls tucked in his arms, Zuko watches them softly, love shining in his eyes. “He will. He’s to arrive within the next week or so from Ba Sing Se.” At that, both his girls twist up to look at him, wearing mirrored expressions of delight.

“Grandpa’s coming?” the question bursts from Izumi’s lips, and Zuko hushes her gently, nodding his head. She climbs out of his lap, crawling back up to nestle into her mother’s side, and Kya remains in Zuko’s arms.

Peering down at the little face, Sokka cradles the bundle against his chest, noting the shock of black hair atop the baby’s head and the tiny curled fists. He leans down slightly so that Azula can peek too, and his blue eyes drift toward hers before he can stop them.

Tears have been freely trailing down Sokka’s cheeks this entire time; he’d been overwhelmed both with fear for his sister’s life and sheer joy at the thought of her baby son. Now he can see that Azula’s had a similar response, albeit a more subdued one.

Hesitantly, she lifts a finger, catching Katara’s gaze from where she lies on the bed. At Katara’s nod of encouragement, Azula strokes a gentle finger along baby Iroh’s face, from his forehead, down to his nose, and across his soft cheeks. Unconsciously, she grips Sokka’s arm, gazing at the baby with such an unbridled love that he’s almost content to watch her instead of little Iroh. Almost.

“He’s our little nephew,” Sokka finally says, his voice heavy with emotion.

Azula looks up at him, the sharp angles of her face softening. “Our little nephew.”

His lips curve up into a smile. Their little nephew.

[nothingeverlost]

On the Wings of an Owl (1/?)

A single moment in time altered, two lives spared, and four lives changed forever.  What would have happened if Euphemia and Fleamont Potter had lived?

Slow burn Remus/Sirius.  Sirius raising Harry.

Some drinking and language.  Rating T for now, will possibly change later.

This was my Nano for November so there's currently over 50,000 words.  Did I mention slow burn?

II

Prologue

II

In the winter of 1978, five months after the Marauders graduated from Hogwarts and eight months before Lily and James married, the Dhawan family owl died.  The death of an owl is not a very important thing, in the grand scheme.  The family mourns, as they would any pet, but other than an inability to send letters until a new owl is adopted, very little is affected.  Usually.

By the time Janya Dhawan’s husband brought home a new owl she was close to delivering her first child, and the letter she had intended to send to her aunt about attending the birth never got written.  Her aunt never made plans to visit the home of her youngest sister’s youngest daughter.  She and her husband instead stayed in England where a particularly cold winter was paired with a particularly vicious strain of dragon pox.  Euphemia and Fleamont Potter both caught the pox from a friend’s grandson and died within hours of each other less than two weeks later.

But what if the owl had lived even a few weeks longer?  What if a letter had arrived and Euphemia had made plans to visit her niece?  She and her husband would have stayed for a few weeks, visiting family.  When they returned to England the epidemic of dragon pox would have subsided and the winter, though still just as cold, wouldn’t have been as wet.  Lily and James would have hosted a welcome back dinner.  A few months later it would have been the elder Potter’s turn to host an engagement dinner, and eventually a wedding.

The death of an owl can not change a great many things.  The war had been set in motion years ago.  Battles still happened, people still died.  A prophecy was still spoken and on one horrible day in Godric’s Hollow He Who Mush Not Be Named still tried to kill a baby.  Lily and James Potter were still the final two victims in the last battle of the war.

Here is what did change.  The blood oath needed to protect Harry Potter came from his grandparents and not an aunt who had no interest in his welfare.  The family on Privet Drive never woke up to a baby on the front steps.  Dudley Dursley was forever an only child both in name and spirit and never learned to share.   Whether their lives were better or worse for it we can only speculate.   It’s of little consequence to the people that make up our story.

On that terrible night when James and Lily were killed and their son was rescued he was taken to an estate in Weybridge rather than a muggle suburb.  Monty Potter was the one to break down, brought to his knees by the death of his only child.  Euphemia pushed her grief away for long enough to take her grandson in hand and see to the practicalities of a clean diaper and a warm bottle.  This was the first life that is irrevocably changed, a boy who will grow up in a loving home instead of a cupboard under the stairs.  It is the first ripple from a small pebble tossed into the river of time.

The second ripple changed three lives dramatically, two for the better.

Sirius Black was under arrest for suspicion of being a Death Eater and responsible for the deaths of Lily and James Potter.  In another time there was no one to defend him or believe him, no one but a guilty man who had no interest in helping an innocent man he pushed away long ago. In another time he did not have Euphemia Potter in his corner.  He would have sat in a cell until it was decided that there was no point in a trial, not when the Potters were dead and not even Albus Dumbledore would speak up for him.  After a week it would have been a cold boat ride to Azkaban and then a cell from which he was never expected to return.

Sirius Black had spent most of his summers and holidays with the Potter family from the time he was thirteen.  Euphemia and Monty worried about the lad and tried to fuss over him and look out for him as much as they could, knowing something about his home life.  And then came the winter of sixth year when he showed up with a bruised arm, a haunted look in his eye, and a trunk full of everything he owned.   From that moment he was their son every bit as much as James.  Euphemia knew that her son would not betray his brother, just as she knew that James would have given his very life to keep Sirius safe.  Her Sirius was not a Death Eater and she would do whatever necessary to prove it.  

It took two days of pulling the right strings and crossing a few palms with galleons to get in to see Sirius.  Fleamont stayed home with the baby, leaving her to sit alone in a drab grey room in the bowels of the Department of Ministry.  

“You shouldn’t be here.”  Euphemia’s first thought when Sirius spoke was that his voice sounded as if it had broken and only been half put together again.  Her second was that he was too thin; it had been a few months since she’d seen him and he clearly needed some feeding up.  She started a mental list of meals she needs to make for him and the sweets she would need to bake.  He’d always been fond of her butter chicken and her mysore pak.

“Monty is taking care of Harry.  I would have been here yesterday but there was paperwork.”  There was a table between them, but it was not quite wide enough to keep her from reaching out.  He jerked away as if he’d been burned.

“James is dead.”  Someone who didn’t know Sirius might think his emotionless statement of facts meant he didn’t care.   Euphemia knew that he cared too much.  He’d learned at a young age that showing emotion meant more pain, a lesson she daily cursed the Black family for teaching him. “And it’s my fault.”

“Did you kill him?” She could barely say the words and can never believe the answer would be affirmative.  Sirius would never hurt her son and Lily.

“If it weren’t for me they would still be alive.”  There was a circle of sigils on his right wrist, slowly moving.  She remembered when he’d come home with the tattoo months ago before she’d heard of the prophecy and the plan to protect her son’s family.

“Because you were their secret keeper?”  

“Because I wasn’t.”  The whole story came out then, fresh and painful.  She grieved again for one son as she grieved with the other, and when he was done she assured him that going to Azkaban would not bring James and Lily back.  It won’t make anything better.  He had to tell the truth instead of the stone silence he has been giving the Aurors.

“Besides,” she reminded him, “Harry needs his godfather and Monty and I need our son.”

It took almost a week to get him released, but he never had to go to Azkaban.  By the time he was free there were wanted posters for Peter Pettigrew posted.  He was not found, which troubled Sirius in the middle of the night, but during the day he was busy with Harry.  The difference between playing godfather when the whim suited him and raising a child was overwhelming, and for his sanity as well as Harry’s protection he moved back into the bedroom that had become his long before he officially moved into the Potter home at the age of 16.

Three lives, other than Harry’s, dramatically changed because of one owl.   Sirius was home once more, escaping the fate of Azkaban and Dementors.   Peter, hunted by the Aurors, never to know a moment’s rest.  And the third?  At the moment Remus Lupin was in the basement of his old family home in Wales, recovering from the full moon.  In another time he was destined to spend the next 127 full moons alone, certain that two of his best friends were dead, the third was a murderer, and that the safest thing for Harry Potter was to stay as far away as he could.  His fate in this time was less certain than the others and rests in the hands of Sirius Black.

[toutorii]

Honoka Part 2

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Eraserhead and Shifter ran through the Shie Hassaikai Hideout, searching for any sign of the pink haired girl. They scanned every room they could. But saw no sign of Honoka, or Eri. They only hoped the other half of heroes had more luck...

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"You did what?" The young man practically screamed. Failing to reel in his anger.

"Oh shut it Takahashi, it was good money and she was being a brat like usual." Shigiraki said.

Bakugou and the rest if the League of Villains sat there, watching the exchange between the two villains.

"She's my sister, not some livestock you sick bastard! You cant just sell her just because she doesnt agree with you."

"Oops, well I did it anyways," Shigiraki smirked, "what're you going to do? Try and attack me? You cant even see, much less try to kill me."

Daiki's fist shook with rage. A blinding rage that fueled his entire being. He marched out of the hideout, slamming the door on the way.

Bakugou stared at the door, trying to desperately find a way out so he could rescue the girl whom he had learned as love as a sister. But considering hes surrounded by deadly villains, Honoka would have to wait.

"Dammit! The fucking- he can go to hell." Daiki kicked a can. He looked up, and he knew one thing. He was going to make sure his baby sister would get home safely. Even if it meant that he would disobey his master. He'd do it, for her.

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"Noka?" The young girl said.

The bubble gum haired teenager looked at the child in her arms, silently asking her to continue.

"Do you think Deku is coming?"

Honoka sucked in a deep and quick breath. Torn from telling Eri her honest opinion, or telling her the happy answer. She decided a simple "I don't know" would suffice. The young girl nodded her head in disappointment. Honoka's heart broke even more.

"Dammit. Get yourself together Noka. Youre exposed to be a hero, and inspire people, not let them know youre unsure." Noka said to herself.

She then started to let the fear overcome her, "But, I dont know, Im scared, h-he might lash out—"

"Dammit! Noka— you hear yourself? What you need to focus on is Eri, make sure she gets out safe. Dont worry about the germaphobic fucker."

Noka took a shaky breath. And decided right then and there, that she would protect Eri, her well being be dammed. The young girl beside her tightened her grip on Honoka's raggedy shirt dress. They continued to walk on, Honoka trying to come up with a plan to get Eri out of there.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Togata wait!"

"Lemillion!"

"Lemillion wait—"

"No!" Mirio yelled in frustration. "I can permeate through the walls and get to Eri and Noka the quickest!" Then he disappeared into the wall.

Deku didn't like the idea, but it was either that, or letting Overhaul get away. And there was he was letting that monster get away, not after what he heard what had been done to Eri. And certainly not after he saw Honoka. The broken look in her eyes when she looked behind her, Eri in her arms. The scars, making her look like someone who came straight from a horror film. But, b u t, what made his blood bubble the most. Was the absence of her beautiful brown wings. Deku knew how much Honoka took pride in her wings, how often she would just fly around the campus, just to feel the wind in her feathers. She had said once, that her wings were the only thing that she had to remember her oldest Brother. So the loss of them..... no, Deku couldnt think about that right now. He had to figure out how to break through the walls to catch up to Lemillion.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

Shouta ran, keeping his vision set straight ahead. Trying not to think of what was happening to Eri, or if Mirio was holding up, and he tried to push out any thought about Honoka, cause if he thought about his niece at this moment, he would collapse under all the guilt eating at him.

He instead focused on his nephew, who looked like a mess beside him. Anger rippled off him in waves, so Shouta said, "Calm down, you wont do either of them any good if you lash out in anger." Shirou suddenly blinked, like he was suddenly snapped out of a trance, he took a deep breath and continued running. That was, until their group was stopped by a man with pink hair just like Honoka and Shirou's.

"Daiki" Shouta breathed, not knowing if he should be happy or scared at the appearance of his oldest nephew.

Daiki held his hands up, eyes unfocused and staring in the direction of Shouta's voice. "I mean you no harm, I am only here to rescue Honoka. I could care less about these low lives." Is all he said before turning around and running in the direction of Honoka.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Now dear, darling Noka, dont you want to show your friends what you learned these past two months?" Overhaul said in a sickeningly sweet voice.

Honoka tried to fight the fear, but she was too broken, too weak, done with fighting, so she raised her hand, flames starting to tickle her hands when a voice stopped her.

"NOKAAAAAAAA. FIGHT HIM. WE WERE GOING TO BECOME HEROES RIGHT? I KNOW ITS BEEN TOUGH, BUT YOU NEED TO FIGHT HIM, JUST ONCE MORE, AND THIS NIGHTMARE CAN END." Deku screamed, panicking from she sight of his mentor Sir Nighteye, trying to get Togata and Eri out of danger, processing why one of the league of villain members was fighting Chisaki, and scared of what his friend had gone through.

Honoka's hand shook with fear. What should she do? If she disobeys him, then she'll get hurt. Honoka's breathing started to get short and panicky, until she made eye contact with wide red eyes. Thats right, her main goal was to get Eri out of there, and to do that, she has to stop him-

Flames erupted, a tornado of fire erupting, making the room shake, causing the roof to cave in even more. The heat was intense, not even Endeavor would be able to handle the temperature. Chisaki lunged for Honoka, barely missing her, before her flames died, and she fell over, seemingly unconscious.

"Hmm, I guess we'll need a reset once we get out of here," Overhaul said, proceeding to take off his gloves.

Eri then proceeded to run towards Chisaki, begging him to stop, and that she'll go along with him. He laughed, saying "its easier getting hurt instead of seeing others getting hurt for you."

"E..r..i...... dont......go with him......" Honoka breathed out, barely staying on the tower Chisaki made with his quirk. Somehow Eri hear her over the chaos of Overhaul and Deku screaming.

"B-but what about you?"

"Ill be fine..... I got a plan" Honoka said with an unsure smirk.

Eri then took Lemillion's cape, and jumped off, right into Deku's awaiting arms. Honoka smiled, glad the girl was out of Overhaul's clutches. And then another flame tornado, larger and more powerful than before erupted. The smell of burning flesh and fabric filling the air. Chisaki's screams of agony only barely heard over the roaring of fire. He somehow was able to manipulate the tower of rock enough to drop Honoka to the floor. Not having enough strength, she landed on the ground, several bones cracking. Not before she was slammed against the wall by another wall of rock, forcing her to stay there. Daiki started to crawl to his sister.

Deku stared at his friend in horror, seeing the burned flesh and the large amount of blood. But he soon snapped out of his trance when a large surge of pain surged through him. The source of the agony being Eri's quirk. He then knew he would have to leave Honoka to the other pros, defeating Chisaki and protecting Eri were the top priorties for him at this current moment. And with that, he leapt into a long battle with Overhaul.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

"-ISTER"

"....rou"

"....ISTER....MY....."

"..calm dow...."

"NO THATS MY SISTER— LET ME SEE HER! p-please..."

Honoka couldnt open her eyes, all she knew was that her brother Shirou was there, if only she could moved, then she would envelope her brother in such a big hug. Hell she wished she could even blink, but apparently her body was too exhausted from the battle.

But a certain calm washed over her. Cause even though there were so many uncertainties. She knew one thing.

She was safe. And at this moment, thats all that mattered to her.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

I hope you guys enjoyed this!!!! It was really difficult for me to write 😭😭😭

Taglist: @kingdoms--night--star

Just send an ask if you want to be on the taglist!

[teentitanimals]

Carrie Kelley in the Batfam

I freaking love Carrie Kelley, she’s so awesome. I desperately wish to see more content of her (I say, never even having read the comics she’s in- so sue me, I’ll get to it eventually). So, I’m taking it upon myself to write how I think she’d function with the rest of the Batfam! In ‘my’ version/understanding of the Batfam, she becomes Robin when Damian is AWOL. She quickly assumes the identity of Catgirl after Damian returns (angry, of course), and then eventually becomes Batgirl when no one else takes that mantle.

I personally view Carrie as someone who’s really, really eager to have a true family, and if she gets to kick criminals’ asses to have that family, then that’s just a big bonus. In basic, I see her as someone who’s very outwardly bubbly, energetic, eager to please, full of determination, enthusiastic, and somewhat stubborn, but has layers of doubt and anxiety expertly pushed down (as is the Bats’ way). In more depth, I see her as someone who knows what she has to do, and will do it no matter what. When she’s given an order, she will go through with it. When she needs to lead, she will. When she needs to follow, she will. Still though, she is inexperienced and untrained compared to the others, both on the physical side and emotional side. While she can put on that facade of coldness, strictness, when she no longer needs that mask, she can break down. For example, when she unhesitatingly punished that Batboy (Mutant guy) for killing some one, but later cried about it. She does what she believes needs to be done in the moment, but can often doubt or regret afterwards, when it’s safer to do so.

Anyway, here’s how I view her relationships with the Batfam! I might do this with some of the other Batfam as well, like Duke :)

Bruce - Carrie instantly views Batman as a parental figure. Her parental figures barely even remember she exists, so when Batman finally accepted her temporarily as Robin, she immediately started to view him as a positive adult role model in her life. She’s always very eager to impress him and relishes in every moment she’s near him, but she can get super anxious when he’s silent, often interrupting it as him ignoring her, just like her real parents do.

Alfred - Carrie loves Alfred, no surprise there. Who doesn’t, after all? She’s only seen her grandparents a few times, so it’s much like what she did with Bruce, instantly viewing him as a grandfather figure. She loves getting him little gifts and enjoys helping him with the work he does around the manor. She would spend every moment telling him how much she appreciates him, if she could.

Selina - She’s a bit hesitant with Selina, because she doesn’t really know much about the woman past her sort of being Batman’s “lover” and also a criminal dressed in a catsuit sometimes. She wants to view Selina as a mother figure, but she gets nervous and shy around her. The two do bond over a love of cats and dogs, though. (I actually have an idea/AU where Carrie becomes Catgirl but as Catwoman’s ‘sidekick’.)

Commissioner Gordon - She has a good amount of respect towards the Commissioner, along with a certain amount of pity. Sometimes, when she’s able to, she’ll prompt him to tell stories to her, and just sit down and listen. She wants to know him better, maybe become like uncle and niece, but she doesn’t really know how to do that.

Kate - Carrie takes well to Batwoman, admiring and respecting her a great deed. She adapts easily to viewing Kate as an aunt. She isn’t as eager to impress Kate like she is with Bruce, but she does value her opinion a lot. Carrie really enjoys hanging out with Kate outside of their masks too, and finds her to be really fun and cool, especially compared to Bruce- although, she would never tell Bruce that to his face.

Dick - Carrie was really, really anxious for Dick’s approval. No, not for being Robin, but rather for being accepted into the family. He was the eldest sibling. The first sibling. Needless to say, getting his immediate acceptance was so relieving it was almost addicting. And, not to mention, Dick was the first person to really hug her in a long while. A full on, arms wrapped around, tight squeeze, warm, loving kind of hug. She about cried on the spot. An unfortunate side effect is that having Dick hug her and seeing him hug everyone else made her Dick’s rival as the most touchy-feely of the Batfam. At least the fam has better luck escaping Carrie’s hugs than they do Dick’s.

Barbara - Carrie also was really anxious for Babs’s approval as well, this time more focused on being a Batgirl than with being accepted into the family. The two aren’t super close, or super chatty, but Carrie always appreciates Babs’s easy and quiet acceptance of her. Even when Carrie feels ignored and forgotten by the rest of the family, she can always count on having Babs simply just greeting her, or sending her out on a mission, just a casual acknowledgement of her existence. In return, Carrie also enjoys giving her small gifts from time to time like she does with Alfred.

Jason - She was a bit nervous initially meeting the infamous Red Hood, but she covered it well with guts and confidence. After she overcame her wariness of him, she definitely tried a bit harder to impress him, viewing him as the ‘cool older brother’. Jason isn’t all that touchy-feely with her like Dick, but every pat on the head, shoulder or back feels like ‘He Accepts Me as His Little Sister’ heaven to her. The two don’t always mesh well together, but they don’t have any animosity or history between them, so it’s easy for them to get along well.

Cass - Cass both fills Carrie with anxiety and love. On one hand, Cass is often very silent, and that really activates Carrie’s ‘She’s Ignoring Me, She Doesn’t Care About Me’, but on the other hand, Cass is very warm and comforting, even without words. Carrie would compare her to a ‘blanket’- warm, soft, comforting, always there for you, even without saying anything, but sometimes when it gets too hot (too silent), you need to get rid of the blanket until its colder (too loud) again. It’s an odd simile, but Cass finds it amusing. Cass more than makes up with her silence with many friendly pats and hugs to her new little sister (which Carrie was ecstatic to find out Cass viewed her as such almost as immediately as Carrie viewed her as an older sister).

Luke - Carrie doesn’t see Luke or Batwing all that much, but she kind of enjoys that. It’s like having a distant cousin you see on holidays that you get along well with. It really solidifies the whole ‘family’ thing for her. She likes hanging out with his siblings, too.

Harper - Harper, too, is more like a cousin, but one Carrie is just in awe of. She definitely wants to get to know Harper better, but they haven’t found the time too.

Tim - She often finds it hard to get along with Tim. Not that they clash heads or anything, it’s more like an awkward silence (and you know by now how much she hates silence). Carrie is loud and energetic even without coffee, yet Tim sometimes can barely stay awake even with coffee. She also isn’t as good with tech as the other, having less experience and access to even the more simpler digital devices due to her parents neglect of her and her childhood. She admires his intelligence and skill greatly, and often feels inferior to him because of it. It’s weird, because she also knows and acknowledges that the rest of the Batfam is greater than her in most skills simply due to more experience and training, but for some reason Tim’s skills make her feel worthless and unimportant to the family. Still though, the two find ways to get along, even if it is just something as minor as Carrie offering to get him some coffee and watching him work. Tim has offered to teach her more on tech too, which she’s pretty eager about, even if a lot of it flies over her head.

Steph - Once again, Steph is one of those people Carrie highly admires. Steph was, after all, both a Robin and Batgirl like Carrie too. Plus, Carrie just really loves Steph’s personality, humor, and wit. She’s the older sister Carrie wants to impress the most. The two got along immediately, personalities bouncing well off each other, like an echo chamber but better. Steph greatly enjoys having a little sister to teach ‘girl stuff’ too, and is happy to pull Carrie along on any trips to the mail, or to paint nails with her and Cass. Inviting Carrie to watch reality TV and musicals with her and Damian. Their text messages between each other consist solely of memes and random ramblings done at 2am. Bruce often has to separate them on patrols or missions, because Steph brings out Carrie’s ‘lack of brain cells’ side, making her more eager to just jump head-on into danger without a proper plan or instructions to do so.

Duke - She and Duke are both the ‘new kids’, but Duke knows just a little bit more about the Batfamily than her. He enjoys showing her ‘the ropes’ when getting used to the family’s insanity. She’s more rambunctious and eager to join in on the chaos than he was, but they can still bond over giving each other those little glances of ‘Are you seeing this too? I’m not crazy right?’ and ‘They can’t be serious.’ Carrie enjoys the more calmed down energy she can have with him. Everyone else in the family’s high energy brings out hers, but Duke has that perfect balance that she appreciates. Even someone as eager for familial attention can be overwhelmed at times. Sometimes they just enjoy calmly, casually talking about whatever, relaxing as they eat, or read, or watch TV.

Damian - Damian is by far the one Carrie admires the most. She’s the one she craves the most acceptance from, and Damian being Damian, it’s very hard to get it, especially since she was a ‘copycat’, a ‘temporary replacement’, a ‘little girl scout looking at the big leagues’ to him. Despite Damian’s many, many insults and jabs and overall disrespect to her, she took it as best she could in stride, not wanting to upset him further. Much like Jason was Tim’s Robin, Damian was Carrie’s Robin, the one she looked up to. It’s why she so easily gave up being Robin and became Catgirl when Damian came back. It was his role, and Carrie didn’t mean to ‘steal it’ from him, or to ‘replace him’, just to help Batman when he didn’t have anyone else. It takes awhile, a long while, but Damian begins to warm up to her, slowly, slowly, accepting her as his sister. Eventually, he actually becomes pretty protective of her, after all, Robin and Batgirl are just as iconic a pair as Robin and Batman. Despite Damian being younger than Carrie (in my eyes), Carrie views him as a protective older brother. They enjoy taking care of all their pets and animals together, and complaining about school to one another, and crashing on the couch after a long day, watching random shows until they fall asleep and one of their older siblings has to carry them to their respective beds.

[companionjones]

Hating Him

Request: Hey there! 😀 Can I request two sets of headcanons - one about Klaus falling in love with Hayley's older twin, and the other about being Klaus' older twin sister in general?

Pairing: Klaus Mikealson x Hayley’sOlderTwin!Reader

Fandom: The Originals

Summary: An account of your life with your sister, and how a certain baby turned not just her life around, but yours as well.

Warnings: Slight mention of killing, talk of a great amount of pain

Author’s Note: Timeline for this is kinda weird, doesn’t really go along w the show. I tried my best.

*******

    To say that you had a trying life would be an understatement. You and your sister Hayley were adopted at a very young age. Things changed forever when Hayley triggered a werewolf gene that apparently both of you had. Shortly after and for that reason, she was kicked out of your adoptive home. You went with her because you couldn’t bare to be apart from your twin sister. You both were 13 at the time. It was hell to see your little sister go through what she did every month, but somehow, Hayley coped. She said that you were the main reason she got through all that hardship.

    Time skip to about a decade later, and you and Hayley had helped to break a few sire bonds. The two of you ran into an old friend, Tyler Lockwood. Somehow, you and Hayley got wrapped up in Mystic Falls drama, and the next thing you knew, your little sister was pregnant. The father was the original hybrid, Niklaus Mikaelson.

    Because of that event, you and Hayley ended up moving to New Orleans with Klaus and his family.

    For a long time, you and Klause despised each other. He thought you were an unnecessary presence, and all you saw Klaus doing was putting Hayley in excessive danger.

    “I swear if she gets even slightly hurt, you’ll never get a chance to see the baby again!” you yelled one night after one of the frequent attacks on the compound.

    The hybrid only laughed, “You just try to take them away! You’re just a werewolf that hasn’t even triggered their gene yet! You won’t even get as far as the front step!”

    It wasn’t until after Hope was born that something changed drastically. The compound was being attacked again, and you and Hope were the only ones home. You protected your niece, but it came at a cost. You’d taken several lives, and triggered your werewolf curse in the process.

    Hayley was the first of Hope’s parents to approach you afterwards. “You’ve been looking out of me my whole life...and now you’ve triggered your gene to protect my daughter. How did I get so lucky to have a twin like you?”

    That night, you hugged your sister than you ever had before.

    Klaus didn’t come to see you until much later. “I’ve been trying to think of what to say,” he started when he found you looking out at the city from a balcony, “But the truth is, there’s nothing I can say. You saved my daughter and paid one of the highest prices you can pay.”

    “Hope is my niece, Klaus. I would do anything to protect her. If that includes breaking every bone in my body once a month for the rest of my life, so be it.”

    The original came to your side at the railing of the balcony. “You don’t have to. I could turn you into a hybrid...if you want. I’m sure Hayley would agree to--”

    “Allowing me to drink blood from your newborn daughter? No Klaus,” you interrupted him.

    He was quick to argue, “We already had to finish Hayley’s transition. It would only a small amount more--”

    “If Hayley didn’t drink that blood, she would have died. I’ll go on to live just fine.”

    As usual, when Klaus was scared, he got angry. “No you won’t! You’ll be going through the worst pain imaginable every full moon until you die!”

    “It’s okay, Nik. I’ve accepted it.”

    He shook his head. “Well, I haven’t. And you won’t either when the first full moon comes.”

    “Klaus--”

    The hybrid cut you off, “I can’t bare the thought of you going through that much pain.”

    Both of you were quiet for a few moments after that.

    “I thought you hated me,” you admitted.

    “I did.”

    “That was how we operated, Klaus. We hated each other.”

    He half-smiled, “I know.”

    “So, where did this come from?”

    His face betrayed as much emotion and enlightenment as you were feeling. “I couldn’t tell you if I tried.”

    For a moment, you smiled at him. Then, you turned grim again. “I...I can’t stand the thought of doing that to Hope.”

    Niklaus comforted, “I understand. But we have to look at it like this: Hope is an infant. It is assured that she will not suffer for long at all, and that she will not remember this at all. If I have to choose between giving my daughter a moment of unmemorable pain or forcing you through a lifetime of immeasurable agony, I’ll have to take the former.”

    At a loss of anything else to do, you launched forward and nearly crushed the original hybrid in a hug. “Thank you,” you whispered in his ear.

    He smiled, “My only regret is that I will be unable to hate you from now on.”

    “It truly is a loss, Klaus,” you chuckled into his shoulder, “It’s definitely going to be an adjustment.”

*******

Author’s Note: Thank you so much for reading! Fill up that heart and reblog if you liked it. I also would love a comment if you have the time. If you would like to read more, I have more fics about The Originals over on my page. You should go check it out. Also, REQUESTS ARE OPEN. I take requests for one-shots, drabbles, multi-chapters, headcannons and preferences. No smut, please. I write for a variety of fandoms. If you’re wondering if I write for a specific fandom, please ask me. Have a nice day, night, or whatever time it is for you.<3

[thealternateuniverse]

CANDY

WORD COUNT: 3000+

Please let me know if you wanted to be tagged 😊

Summary: Where Colson meets the girl in a strip club and kept thinking of her the whole time. 

"AAAAAAY!! COME HERE BABY!"

Vegas has the best strip clubs. Dang the girls here are hot. Like with this one and Colson has been staring at her while she perform. He couldn't take his eyes off her.

"What's your name baby?"

Aww what a vixen. She stood out among all the strippers here, and she's the star stripper for tonight.

"Candy."  That's her stripper name but he wanted to know her real name. "Well I'm curious how sweet you taste Candy, wanna have fun tonight?" Candy leaned down in front of him, both hands on his lap.

"Oh? But aren't you a community dick?" His friends 'oohed' by Candy's remark. He felt himself blush too because he was never sacked like what this girl did.

"Sorry Mr. Hotshot, got better dicks to pull." The woman blew him a flying kiss and a wink leaving him agape.

"Yo! What the fuck! Kells you alright?" Slim slapped his shoulders then the gang started laughing again.

That was so mean, shouldn't be strippers throwing their selves to the famous? Then what the hell was that?

Shaking his head and shrug off what happened, Kells looked around to see if there's someone who can give him a lap dance or something to forget that Candy girl.

But he couldn't, so he brought a girl in their hotel and fuck her senseless thinking she is Candy.

---------

The gang just got back to L.A when Colson recieved a call saying he's been invited to Paris fashion week. Even though he barely rested he flew to Paris for the said event, heck he still have hangover.

Some of the guests are A-list celebrities and he feels a bit out of place he thank gods when Douglas is also here too.

"Dude, this is overwhelming." Douglas is pacing back and forth in their dressing room while he's pulling up his tight leather pants.

"Yeah, to think you have to wear this expensive clothing."

Kells is still trying to zip up his pants and when he did he groaned because his bulge is too obvious, for sure everyone in the net will be feasting his package later when their photos will come out.

"Can we fast forward and go to the after party already?"

Kells grinned. "Hell yeah." Kells loves party and he will party hard later and weed of course, he haven't smoked a blunt since he got here.

Douglas and him went to the event running late, they were mob by paparazzis before peacefully entering the venue.

"Now showtime."

They were seated not too far from T-stage and can clearly see the models. Kells started get bored so he scrolled in instagram looking from time to time to the show.

He almost drop his phone when he saw a familiar looking woman walking down the runway.

He even blink his eyes to check of he is not hallucinating.

"Holy Shit. I didn't take any drugs or weed am I?" His mouth in agape while his sight followed a certain someone walking in the damn catwalk. It's Candy.

The stripper from Vegas, the only difference is this one is a brunette Candy was blonde.

Impossible. He shook his head, maybe he was just hallucinating or hangover. Damn that woman, can't get off his mind, he needs a fuck later.

Suddenly he is interested in the show. He waited until the final walk and all models are on stage.

His gaze landed on Candy, and never look anywhere.

"I see you are already interested at someone." Douglas nudged him but his sight never left Candy.

"That's Nicole Mckagan." He look at Douglas this time, brows furrowing.

"She's related to Duff Mckagan?"

She is related to Duff Mckagan, indeed she is.

"Yep. She's the third daughter, she's his wife's niece but the couple adopted her."  No wonder this one has the Susan Holmes edge.

But he could be wrong, this couldn't be her. She is known in the industry and why would she be a stripper?

----

The show was a blast and everyone hugged together backstage after the show. Nicole was overwhelmed by the success and also being part of it.

This was one of her dream, to walk in Paris fashion show though runways aren't new to her anymore. She only wish Mae was with her but her sister is also somewhere doing a show, they are kicking ass in fashion and their parents couldn't be more proud.

"What are we waiting for? Let's get the party started!"

Everyone changed to their after party outfits, Nicole changed into her body con dress pairing it with a high thigh boots and a faux fur.

It was all flashing of lights and shouts from paparazzis when they one by one left the venue. Famous models were mobbed by pops and some A-list celebs.

"Biiiiitchh!"

She turned when she heard that familiar voice. It's none other than her sister/cousin Grace. The eldest among them.

"Grace." Grace Mckagan ran to her and embraced her in a bear hug. Because of her heels Grace looked even smaller. They are all gracefully tall but Grace is the shortest of the three. "Can't believe you flew to Paris." She kisses her sister's cheek.

"Well mom and dad went to NYC for Mae so I came to Paris for you."

Their parents are supportive and never misses when it comes to their big shows so someone must come to watch.

"I love you, now why don't you come to the after party with me?"

They went to Nicole's car waiting. "Yes please. You're killing that faux fur though."

They both giggled. The two catch up while in the car. Grace had been busy with her gigs, she's the only one who pursued music in the family. Mae is good with music too but it is not just her path of career.

Even though they aren't her real parents she is thankful for them for bringing her into their life. She couldn't remember her real parents, because they died in a car crash when she was just a baby and the Mckagans adopted her. Her mom now (Susan) was her aunt biologically but since they adopted her she considers her as her real mom same with Duff.

They arrived at the party and everyone turned their direction to them. They are quiet known but not that famous so its no surprise when there are head turning sometimes.

"Oh my gosh Graceyy!" Taylor, Nicole's friend ran to Grace to hug her.

"Tay!" Taylor is a Victoria Secret Angel and a humble person who really worked their way to the top.

"What's up Tay, nice show by the way." Grace kissed Taylor,  Taylor rolled her eyes. "Well yeah but RIP to my feet. These heels are killing me. C'mon girls let's enjoy the part."

The place is crowded but not in a suffocating way.

"You go girls I'll just go to the washroom."

Taylor and Grace went to their fun while she went to the long line of bathroom.

She is rummaging through her purse when she bump into someone really tall.

"I'm sorry I wasn't look---"

"It's alright Candy."

She stopped in her tracks and look up to see the person she bumped with.

Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

"Fancy seeing you here eh?"

He knew her. He recognized her. The person she avoided to see ever again.

"Come on forgot me already?"

A smirk formed in his lips. She dreaded this day that they will meet each other again after that stupid dare in sin city.

They were having fun that time in Vegas, she lost in a game and stripping was one of the consequences it was just unfortunate that she encountered Machine Gun Kelly and they meet again today and for sure he already found out who she is. She will be in doom.

"I'm----I--I----fuck damn it."  

Nicole pulled him out of that place and they went somewhere less crowded. She lets go of his hand and face him.

"O-okay first, forget that it happened and I wasn't the person you  met that time. It was------ god just forget it."

Kells smiled. He don't know but he find the situation amusing.

He just wanted to know her and fuck her but Nicole Mckagan is something else. Why was she in that strip club by the way?

"Well Candy---"

"And don't call me that." Nicole cut him off. He grins.

"Okay but Candy, you know I'm not the type of person who forgets easily. Especially when they blackballed me."

Candy--Nicole's jaw dropped again for the second time.

"Please just forget it and---and don't tell anyone."

He isn't like that but he could use it as an advantage in the situation.

"Okay."

Nicole's eyes lit up. "But one date."

She look at him unbelievably.

"I'm sorry what?"

Kells is grinning at her again.

"One date. Tomorrow before I leave Paris."

Even if this fashion week will be over, she doesn't know whe he will be over, at some point they will meet or bump each other again in L.A.

So for the sake of her dignity.....

"Fine, one date. Tomorrow."

Kells gave her a triumphant smile.

"I'll pick you up at 10. Enjoy your night Candy."

He leaned to give her a peck almost kissing her on the lips.

What did herself got into?

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

Nicole woke up at 9:30 with a slight hangover. She didn't drink much last night because her thoughts were running about MGK and their date. Which is today. God why did she agreed when she saw how he was with the girls last night.

"Jesus its 9 go back to sleep Nics."

Grace said in groggy voice. She was the one who had really fun last night.

"God. I hate you, now I have to deal with him because of that stupid dare."

She got off from their bed and went to the bathroom. She took a bath and brush her teeth and Grace went inside while she is doing her make up.

"Oh my god. Nicky! It's destiny!" Grace gush while leaning on the door frame.

"It's a nightmare. It was embarrassing...." It was really embarrassing. They met in an odd circumstances if things were different...what? He won't even noticed me Nicole thought, but she shrugs it off.

"It's okay to date Nics after that dick ex of yours."

That's one of the reasons why they were in Vegas. To have fun after her break up.

She changed into one of her turtle necks, a pair of high waist jean and a pair of high heeled boots.

Nicole is doing her hair when there's a knock on their hotel door.

It must be him. She suddenly felt nervous. Relax it's just a fucking date. She convinced herself. Grace open the door for her her sister hasn't even fix herself.

"Oh, I do really believe in destiny." Meanwhile Kells was furrowing her brows when someone opened the door for him instead of Cand--- Nicole.

"Go back to bed Gracey. I'll be back later bye."

She kissed the other girl's cheek before closing the hotel room's door that makes the two of them in the hallway.

"Uh sorry about my sister. She's just hangover."

He checked her out first before responsing. The girl is simple yet elegant and Colson can't help but smile. "No it's okay. Come on."

He made sure not to drink too much last night so he that he isn't hangover for their date. He also have his polaroid camera with him, just to take photos and remember this day in Paris with her.

They had their brunch in a French restaurant near the hotel and to be honest she had no idea where he is taking her.

The two talked about what they did last night, all about the fashion week while listening intently to each other.

"I really thought you were a stripper. Turns out your a model, imagine my shock when I saw you walked on that runway.But if you are a stripper I don't mind its much better." Nicole giggled at Colson. He is a funny guy and a dork. And she didn't label her as Duff Mckagan's daughter, back in high school she was just befriended because she is the daughter of Guns n Roses bassist.

"Well Mr. MGK I believe women should be mysterious."

Colson cringed when she called him MGK. "Dude, call me Colson or kells. And yeah I like mysterious ones especially when they left you blackballed." Nicole blushed, she never thought that he finds her sexy.

"Why are you so after me."

She asked. She's just curious why someone like him (who have girls throwing themselves at him) is interested to an average model like her? Well he's famous, he is good looking and sexy. He is funny too.

"Why not? I like you." He answered in a casual way. Another blush crept to Nicole's cheeks.

"Well...whatever Colson."

She can't help but grin. After their brunch he brought her to Seine taking a boat cruise and having a view of Eiffel tower.

After the cruise they went biking around the Eiffel. They laugh the whole time because they are too tall for the bike especially Colson.

"Yeah, run along chicken legs." She stuck her tongue out at him. Colson is behind her trying to fit himself in the goddamn bike.

"Hey Candy look!" She stop to look back at him. He's holding a polaroid and looks like he's taking a photo of her.

"Hey! I wasn't prepared!" She protested, probably he took the shot where she looked like she is lost in Paris.

"Nice try Candy! Hahahaha." And she was right. Her mouth was open and her brows are furrowed, looking like a lost tourist.

"God I hate you."

Colson keep taking candid shots when she isn't looking. Nicole cursed out, why didn't she brought her camera?

She could take a lot of pictures here, the view is just aesthetic.

"Why don't we do something crazy and stupid?" Colson suggested. That's the last thing she wanted to do. The last time she did it in Vegas it led up to her meeting him.

"Like what?"

And seems like the heaven is listening to him when the rain pours.

"Oh my god!" She held his arm and they both started to run.

"Wait!" Colson halted causing her to stop running to.

"We're wet already why don't we just have fun?"

Nicole look at him like he is crazy but fuck it. They are wet already might as well enjoy the rain.

The two of them soaked in the cold rain of Paris, dancing and playing like children. Nicole never felt this childlike again. Passersby are looking at them like they gone crazy, but this is fun especially when you have someone fun too.

Nicole won't forget this very moment, under the rain with a guy in a leather trench coat, leather pants and a boots.

----------

It was dusk already and they are already dry. The two of them watching the sunset.

"You're fun for a rapper you know."

"And you're fun to be a stripper." Nicole threw her the nerds they are eating.

"Well today was epic. Thank you though." Colson's gaze landed on hers and smiled.

"Nah, I should thank you. Not gonna regret saying yes to the date."

It was her turn to smile at him.

"Why were you at that strip club though?" Her smile twitched and she looks back to the sun setting.

"It was just a stupid dare of my friends. I lost a bet and then I became a stripper with a name of Candy." The dare was just to dance. She was just being reckless to entertain him during that time.

"Oh, well you nailed it." She is flattered by his compliment.

"You're really nice Nicole Mckagan and I'm looking forward to knowing you more."

Her heart raced, she stare into his blue orbs and captivated by its color. She never thought he could be this beautiful and captivating. His eyes never left hers when he lean forward, forehead to forehead and nose touching.

Nicole licked her lips and Colson's eyes landed on itss lusciousness.

She closed her eyes when he moved closer and closer but interrupted when his phone rings.

Colson muttered a curse before leaning away amd answered the phone.

"Sorry about that, its my manager. It's our flight."

Nicole nodded. Of course, he is going back to L.A. She don't know but she is saddened by the thought.

"Well I should bring you back to your hotel though." She nodded again. They made their way back to her hotel but her mind is still stuck of what happened. Were they going to kiss?

If they weren't interrupted maybe? God what was she thinking. You couldn't like a person you just met right? Plus she doesn't even know if he is serious. He said he likes her, he didn't specify if as a friend or what. Maybe she was just his distraction while he's here or he is just bored and took advantage of the situation.

"So I guess this is you." She was deep in her thoughts she didn't realize they are already in her hotel room.

"Thank you, for today."

Colson smiled and went to hug her.

"And for keeping our little secret." He giggled while she blush. "I believe in the saying, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

And today, what happens in Paris stays in Paris.

"Nice to meet you Nicole. See you when I see you."

Nicole smiled. She's a bit sad but she know that they will meet again someday.

"Thank you Colson. Bye have a safe flight." She was hesitant to do this but anyway she tiptoed and gave him a peck on the cheek.

She didn't wait for his reaction and went inside her room leaning on the door while her heart race. She stood there for a minute before realizing she forgot something. She didn't have his number.

She opened her door again hoping he's still there but no. He already left.

With a heavy heart she laid down on her bed thinking about how this trip to Paris went.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, a piece of paper fell from the pocket of her jeans when she fished out her phone.

Just in case you forgot Candy

+1-***-****

Nicole can't help but smile. He's cute, what a sneaky bastard.

She opened her phone and her notifications are blowing up.

She opened the one from TMZ and her eyes widened when she saw their photo from last night. When he and Colson are talking and the one where he kissed her.

Oh god. Duff Mckagan will lit her ass.

@mgkobsessed

[mattzerella-sticks]

Lucky You, Huh? (Clover Ebi/Qrow Branwen, set at the end of s7)

After all that happened, it's time for the dust to settle. Choices were made. Now, the consequences for certain actions need to be carried out.

Even though he fought alongside her to save Mantle, Robyn Hill couldn't help save Clover from the whims of the Council. Without a job or home, Clover needs to find a way to carry on.

If anyone understands what that feels like, it's Qrow. Never being one who can communicate his feelings well, would he be the best to comfort the other man. When he's the only one who can, what does that mean for Clover?

            Qrow watches him from afar. Leaning against the wall of Atlas Academy, a small bag sat between his legs while he stared into his scroll.

            He looked different, out of uniform. Dark jacket with sleeves hiding golden skin, a green shirt with a white four-leaf logo underneath. Kingfisher nestled cozy on the studded belt. And his face… lined in ways Qrow never saw before. Sadness as bold an accessory like the horseshoe pinned to his lapel.

            “Where do you think he’ll go?”

            Startled, Qrow barely showed it. He glances to his left where Ruby and Yang stand together. Yang bundled tight with her arms crossed over chest while his younger niece rocks on her heels.

            Ruby blinks up at him, asking again, “Uncle Qrow, where do you think Clover will go?”

            Qrow sighs, scratching his chin. “…I don’t know.”

            “Where can he go?” Yang says, “Ace-Ops seemed to be his life.”

            “It’s not fair!” Ruby stomps, “After everything he did to help us… and this is the thanks he gets? It’s… it’s – it’s ugh!”

            An understatement. He nods, turning to observe the other man again. Somehow unaware of the little party gathered yards away. Or, he was. Given the tightness in his jaw and how deep his eyebrows furrowed since last he saw. Like if he lost focus from the scroll Clover wouldn’t know what to do.

            Which, he doesn’t.

            “You’re right,” he says, “But what he did made Clover a traitor… and there’s no place for people like that in Atlas.”

            People who disobey direct orders to, instead, fight for the rights of the those who would’ve died if Ironwood’s plan went unchecked. Who helped him and Robyn sneak in under the cover of a ruse so they could surprise his former teammates and rescue the others. Who took the harsh lashing from Ironwood’s crazed rants without flinching. Who, even after being praised by the Council for his courage and conviction, was forced from his position because of his liability status.

            “I’m really sorry about this,” Robyn said, catching him after the Council finished their meeting. “I tried my hardest but… with how Ironwood went rogue, and everything that happened because of Salem, they… we thought our military needed a rebranding. So the people can trust us again. Because Ace-Ops were so closely tied to the General…”

            “I… I understand, really,” Clover nodded, “And I’m not mad at you, Robyn. But… there’s nothing I can do? They won’t let me teach, either?”

            She sighed, squeezing his shoulder. Whatever Robyn told him Qrow couldn’t hear from his position. Hidden behind a turn, waiting for when the meeting ended. To see Clover. Except when most of the members left with strident purpose, his reason for being there walked through the doors with a slump to his spine. Distressed, Qrow’s heart beat in double time. He readied to call his name when Robyn beat him to it.

            When they hugged, Qrow sped away. Unwilling to be third party to an intimate moment. There were more important things he needed to focus on, that he put off because of his worry for Clover.

            Now that Qrow had nothing left to do in Atlas, his feelings resurfaced.

            “He wasn’t the traitor,” Yang huffs, “General Ironwood was. He nearly killed all of Mantle out of fear.”

            “That doesn’t make James a traitor, Yang,” he says, defending his old friend. Hard to do given how far he fell from grace, but it’s second nature. The image of a younger James always came to mind whenever he thought of the man. Before responsibility and war weighed on their shoulders. They walked unburdened while the world placed stone after stone on their backs. Qrow struggled from time to time, but he never faltered. Sometimes relying on an extra hand to help steady himself. James moved with tireless grace until, suddenly, he buckled and broke, lying flat on the floor. Unwilling to accept the offered hand.

            “What is he, then?”

            “…Stupid. Incredibly, unbelievably… stupid.”

            She scoffs. “You have to be stupid to think that plan of his was going to work. Like a little distance would matter to Salem…”

            Warmth leaks through his arm through a gentle touch. Ruby, at his side, says, “You should go talk to him.”

            Qrow won’t face her. “He’s clearly busy.”

            “He’s clearly hurting,” she says, “And you’re his friend. Clover did all of this… for us.”

            “She’s right Uncle Qrow,” Yang adds, “it’s… the least you can do.”

            It’s hard to decide which he’s angrier at, his nieces ganging up on him or that they’re right. Qrow chooses neither and both. “Fine,” he growls, “I’ll do it…” He stalks away, adopting a casual gait the closer he moves towards Clover. Stumbling only when seafoam eyes break from the screen and lock onto his.

            He stops, cheeks burning and fingers twisting the lining of his pockets. “So,” Qrow starts, tongue awkward behind his teeth, “how’re you holding up?”

            Clover attempts a smile but can’t show more than a broad stroke of a line. Completely level. “I’m… barely. Barely.”

            Qrow nods, mirroring his stance. Shoulders brushing up against each other slightly. “It’s rough, isn’t it?”

            “No,” Clover says, pocketing his scroll in a way that makes more of their bodies touch. “Actually, I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Cleaning up my quarters took… less than an hour. Everything I own is in this… this bag.” He kicks it, knocking it over. “And besides Winter and Robin… there wasn’t anyone I needed to say goodbye to. I tried thinking of people, but…” His eyes flit to him for a brief second. “But that was all.”

            “Really?” Qrow asks, “No one else?”

            “Ace-Ops wasn’t about making friends,” Clover shrugs, “Any free time meant optimizing our skills, abilities, and strategies to better protect the city of Atlas and of – of Mantle. Maybe I could have checked on my teammates but I… don’t think they’d want to see me.”

            Qrow agrees, silently. Remembers how each member of Ace-Ops reacted in shock when Kingfisher’s hook caught Elm’s Timber on an upswing. Pulled it from her hands so she couldn’t slam it on a newly freed Weiss.

            “Stand down,” he said, “As your leader, I’m ordering you to –“

            “You’re siding with them Clover?” Harriet asked, fury crackling to life in her gaze. “Is that it? Them over Ironwood? Over us?” He didn’t answer her. “Well,” she continued, “I guess that doesn’t make you our leader anymore. Just another criminal.”

            That hurt. No matter how many times they gave their speech, Qrow never bought it. Working alongside people changes you. An exposure effect. Might not be friends but definitely more than strangers. He knows from first-hand experience. So, when Harriet said what she did, Clover’s heartbroken expression made sense.

            “If it’s all so easy,” Qrow says, drawing them both from their thoughts, “why are you still here?”

            Clover chuckled, wiping at his cheek. No fights or danger to force him to hide the broken edges of his spirit. “Because this is the hard part.”

            Qrow understands. Even though it wasn’t much of one, Atlas was Clover’s home. And being forced out – after everything he did for it – was the worst form of gratitude. Reminds him of a younger self staring across from his sister, her blade between them. “Branwen might be your last name,” she said, “but we’re no longer your family. Leave.” Under the scrutiny of his entire village, Qrow fled. Drowned his abandonment with ten bottles of the cheapest liquor he could afford.

            A thought of Clover, drunk, passed out at the bar crosses his imagination and curdles his stomach.

            “I’m sorry,” Qrow says, rushed, “I’m sorry this happened to you. You should… they shouldn’t have taken your job from you.”

            “They had to. For peace to remain in the kingdom, Ace-Ops couldn’t exist anymore. The people’s trust in us was broken.”

            “But to toss you aside like that…” Qrow scowls, borrowing his niece’s words. “It wasn’t fair.”

            Clover shifts so their elbows knock together. “All choices have consequences.”

            “You didn’t have much of a choice though,” he argues, “Do the wrong thing but obey orders, wind up in prison. Do the right thing but think for yourself, end up without a job. It… it makes no sense!”

            “I know. Still… I made it. You were there.”

            Tyrian watched with glee as they stood in the cramped quarters of the transport. Giddy, unable to speak from the excitement over such strange twists. Robyn waited with tensed muscles, hands twitching in case her crossbow were needed. Qrow didn’t think of his weapon. Hoped they could avoid drawing them forth.

            He took one step forward. “Clover,” Qrow said, “Clover… what are you going to do?”

            Conflict played obviously on the other man’s face. Wrapping his head around Ruby’s message, trying to make a decision. He glanced at where his weapon rested, binding their prisoner, then to Robyn and finally Qrow. “I’m going to do what’s right.”

            “I’ve heard that before,” Robyn huffed, reflexively unfurling her crossbow’s wings, “it’s never been any good. So, Clover, what is right?”

            Right has no set definition. Ask anyone to do so and the answer is subjective. Always changing like the hands of a ticking clock.

            Qrow believes he knows what right is, especially in that situation. Trusted Clover felt the same too, even though the shadowed voices in his head whispered doubt. More hurtful than ever because they’ve been left unchecked. Booze no longer impeding their mission to drive him crazy.

            Clover said, “Ironwood’s going too far. He needs to be stopped.”

            His chest tightened in a frightful mess. Relieved to hear him agree but also doubtful he actually said what Qrow wanted.

            Robyn felt similarly. “Funny how this is the line you’re not willing to cross.”

            “You don’t believe me?”

            “Call it suspicious caution,” she said, holding her hand to him, “C’mon… you know what to do.”

            Qrow raised a brow at the gesture, unsure of what to do. Clover studied the hand intensely, frozen like a statue. Seconds ticked by deliriously, until he firmly grasped her in a stiff handshake. Suddenly a white glow shone over their joined hands, shifting like clear waves of a lake.

            “Everything I’ve done is because, at the end of the day, I thought it was best for my kingdom,” Clover told them, facing Robin with steely determination. “We make the difficult choices so that people can live safer lives. Sometimes the lines blur, because things that can help in the long run don’t look like it immediately. But we do it. What Ironwood plans though… abandoning innocent civilians – members of the kingdom he swore to protect – goes against everything I stand for. There’s no way the ends can justify his means.”

            Clover moved from Robyn, looking at Qrow. “I’m loyal to the people who need protection, those above and below. I want to fight alongside you.”

            Overwhelmed, Qrow turned around. Listened while Robyn cast off any doubt clinging to Clover. Nodding when appropriate as they went over their plans in the brief window of opportunity until the transport landed at Atlas. Only speaking to wish Clover luck while he tied the bolos around his wrists.

            He smirked, squeezing Qrow’s hands between his own. “You know me, I always have it.”

            The same thundering emotions shake through him now, tremors echoing across his body. Causes him to chuckle, strange given the current atmosphere. So thick and nauseating, Qrow tries to dispel it with a quick joke. “Funny,’ he says, “how with your semblance everything usually… usually ends up okay for you. And yet, here you are… that doesn’t seem a lot like good luck. It’s bad luck. And I know what that sounds like because of my… my semblance…” Qrow trails off, sneaking a peek at Clover when it feels like his emotions are better under control.

            Seeing how his expression darkened further only sent his heart into a tailspin. “But it’s you,” Qrow continues, “maybe this is a blessing in disguise and-and your semblance will find you something even better. There’s… no reason to regret what you did –“

            “Qrow,” Clover stops him, “I don’t regret it. I’d never do that.”

            “Huh?”

            “Even knowing what happens to me, it doesn’t change things. If the Gods of Light & Darkness appeared and told me that by choosing Ironwood’s side meant I could continue serving like I did before, be the leader of the Ace Operatives I… I would choose you. I’d choose you any day.”

            Once, when fighting off a Horse Grimm, it bucked Qrow into a stack of barrels that shattered on impact. Tai and Raven kept fighting, ultimately defeating the monster and stopping its rampage. Summer rushed over to him. Shook him until he woke in a daze. Qrow couldn’t hear her over the annoying ringing clogging his ears.

            It’s almost like that now. Except Qrow can hear Clover over the tolls.

            “The title never mattered to me, much,” he continues “promotions only came because I was so good at what I do… because it’s all I want to do. Helping. I… I want to help. And how the world is, the best way I can help is by fighting. Except I can’t do that here… and I can’t do it alone. I don’t want to be alone. I’m… tired of being alone. Of shutting off my emotions for the job. I shouldn’t have to. Because when we do, we end up being no better than the monsters we’re facing! And I…” Clover’s chin hits his chest. “I spent so long shoving my feelings down that I’ve run out of space. So I’m here, unable to move, because I’m absolutely terrified of what’s going to happen next. Unsure if I can make it in the real world anymore.”

            Then, Clover’s lip trembles. His teeth bite down hard, but Qrow catches the action. Blames it for what he does next. “Come with us.”

            Startled, he whips around to face Qrow. Gaze wet and shiny, eyes wide. “What?”

            “You should… come with us,” Qrow says, cheeks burning hotter with each word. “We need to keep moving, find the last maiden. Save the last relic. Along the way we get into some… dangerous adventures. Save people from terrifying Grimm. Our team would probably benefit from having a seasoned professional with us… with your semblance, and… I – uh, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have another adult around. One man can only deal with teenagers for so long…”

            “Qrow,” Clover sighs, fiddling with Kingfisher, “I… appreciate the offer. But if this pity – “

            “It’s not!” he says. “It’s not… I…” A trove of secrets sits buried in his mind, and he breaks his promise of never touching them. Digs and dusts off the chest they’re placed in, choosing his words carefully. To not give too much away. “I always thought I had to fight alone, because of who I am. What my semblance was. Bad luck didn’t just trip up my enemies, it also hurt my allies. In battle… and off it. My team fell apart and I knew it was my fault. Raven left because I couldn’t convince her to stay. Summer died because I couldn’t protect her. If it was only me, then the bad luck wouldn’t spread and hurt anyone else. Anyone who didn’t deserve it – “

            “Qrow – “

            “But then I met you and-and you changed me!” he huffs, “Day after day, partnered with you, I… I looked forward to missions again. I was having fun. I started taking pride in my victories and recognizing my accomplishments. With you my powers didn’t feel like a burden. Like they were bad, how I always thought they were. How I thought I was. They’re a part of me and that’s okay. Having bad luck doesn’t mean I’m a bad person. I believe that now… thanks to you.”

            His senses slowly return to him. Qrow hears his ragged panting and feels the sweat trailing from his temple. Tastes the salt from where they snuck in from the corner of his lips. Sees Clover completely flipped around, grinning madly. Like somehow Qrow strung together enough rope to catch the plummeting hunter before he slammed into the ground.

            “Well?” he asks, unease crawling underneath his skin, “are you in?”

            Clover rubs his neck, chuckling. “With a sell like that… how could I not?”

            “Good… Good.”

            “Y’know,” he slides closer to Qrow. Bodies practically plastered to each other. “You were right. I guess my semblance led me to exactly where I needed to be.”

            “Yeah?” Qrow says, staring straight ahead. Determined not to melt under the intoxicating pressure. “Lucky you, then.” Mustering all the strength he has, Qrow pushes off the wall. He stomps forward, “We’ll be leaving in the hour, so don’t be late or we’ll get on without you.”

            “I doubt you’d let them!”

            Qrow doesn’t answer, because than Clover would know he’s right. Instead he avoids his nieces, standing where he last left them, and hurries to where he can find the closest substitute for alcohol and forget the insane amount of vulnerability he displayed moments ago.

            “His good luck,” he scoffs under breath, “Or was it more of my bad luck…”

            Ruby looks to Yang, smile wider than Crescent Rose. “Do we have another Uncle?”

            Yang shakes her head, gently mussing up the brunette locks of her sister. “Not quite… but I’m sure we will one day. Soon by the looks of it.”

[namjoonchronicles]

projectile | namjoon

pairing: namjoon x reader genre: fluff, domestic namjoon, slight smut(?), suggestive shit word count: 4k author’s note: i just wanted to write a delicious fic of namjoon 

The house is filled with children's laughter and that’s how your aunt liked it. You have more nephews than nieces so it was inevitable that the living room was scattered with toy guns and cars. “Ow.” Your cousin, Sagi, winced as she made her way through the Lego field, barefooted, “I came through the battlefield to tell you that your husband called.” No, not again. You pressed the phone between your shoulder and ear, “Yes, darling, it should be there. I didn’t move any of your Japanese books. Did you leave it behind, in another country, perhaps? Or did you forget to buy it?” Pause, “You can’t log in? Use my account then. Careful not to buy two of the same books like before… Remember the hassle we had to go through just to return it? Alright, take care baby,” End call.

“How long did you leave him on his own?” Sagi asked. “Two,” you sighed, slicing the sausages to make lunch for the kids. “Two weeks? Days?” Sagi’s sister-in-law joined the conversation. “Two hours.”

Two hours ago.

Feet drag against the floor, and you know for certain that the sunshine of your life is finally awake. His silvery blonde hair bobbed up and down, while you turn your back to him, leaning your front against the sink, washing the dishes from last night, with a faint smile on your face. “Do you really have to go?” He groggily asked, leaning his shoulder on the wall that separates the kitchen from the doorway, in that apartment Namjoon bought when he was single. Glancing up to the side at him, you passed him a wider smile than the one you wore when you heard him going up the hallway.                                    Nod.                                                                     His lips parted, his cotton baby blue Ryan PJs and the way he leant his head on the wall. How could someone look so cute, it’s not even noon yet. You walked over to him, sighing, “How many times are we going to have this conversation?” Grinning mischievously at your husband, stepping on his feet, tiptoeing, you planted a kiss on his chin and the side of his jaw before moving away and he followed. He stared at your shoulders and back view as you fixed the curtains in the living room, tying it up to the side to let some light through. After the movie last night, you didn’t rearrange the throw pillows back to its position and thought that you would have more time doing that in the morning. You came back to your own promise and fulfilled it. Namjoon pulled out a tall stool and climbed on it, watching you dust up the living room. Knowing how tidy his wife could be, he didn’t find it odd. What he did find odd was the fact that he wasn’t given as much as attention as he is required. He had just returned from work outside the country, came back to reunite with his wife, after a whooping 3 months of parting…and she’s leaving to her home country. From his body language alone, you knew he was brooding. His usually full lips were thin, pressed together, and he kept biting on them, placing his hand over them, as if he was stopping himself from saying something he thinks you didn’t want to hear. Namjoon is upset. Like you knew he was calling for attention, you strode towards him, and got close enough to place your hand to cover his knees and he still didn’t look at you. Your palm ran up and down his capable thighs as you tried to coax him into returning the gaze, puffing your cheeks smiling but it only worked, briefly, before he turned to cast his eyes downwards then to the side, rocking his upper body back and forth slightly, like a child. Then he spoke in pouts and mumbled, “I just got home and here you are, leaving…” he sighed with his entire body. I’m not done compensating the times we’ve lost. You thumbed his chin, leaning your body further, in between his legs, pulling his face towards yours. His antics, although very endearing, challenges you. As you stare into his beautiful brown irises, you felt your heart clutched with the affection it was known to project, the softness of his skin against the pad of your thumb, and he stared intently in return; waiting, anticipating, hungry for more that you would care to bless him with. There will be times like this. Something so trivial, moments like these where you have to choose between family and love, are the times you dreaded to go through. Certainly, Namjoon had just returned from a lengthy trip and you hadn’t spent enough time with him to part again, so you could understand why he became so needy. “Last night wasn’t enough?” You threaded your fingers through his beautiful locks, speaking in a sing-song voice, in a slight higher tone and whispers. He fluttered his eyes shut, hooked his fingers around your waist band, nuzzled his face into your nape, brushing his lips as he spoke in hushes, “You know very well it wasn’t…” He bracketed his hand around your waist and lifted you so you could straddle his lap and deepened the kiss. You buried your fingers in the strands of his hair, while he leaves your lips to trail kisses down your jawline, and the soft skin of your throat, as his strong arms around your waist, holding you in place while you squeezed him between your thighs. He smelled of bedsheets in the morning, with an adequate amount of warmth, like a blanket. Parting away for a little, you looked down at him with glazed vision, and breathily said, “You hadn’t made the bed, did you?” “We can always remake it,” He hungrily kissed you, and lifted himself up from the tall stool and carried you,running down the hallway to the bedroom, where he threw you on the bed and slammed the door shut. Your laughter was well heard through the door as Namjoon’s pyjamas flew and landed to the ground next to your bed. Fun, intimate and breathless; is how you’d describe what being with Namjoon felt like. He liked making jokes while he made love to you, and he is such a giver. His words were naughty as they were light-hearted, and he knew the effects his sultry deep voice had on you, a love-making session with him was never dull and never short of explosive passion. Namjoon knew where to touch, where to put his lips and where his hands should be, to get the most from you. It is always so sensual, as it is harrowing to even be away from him for long. He had his goals on to making you addicted to his touch, and he’s succeeded every time. It was not one sided, he made sure you knew. By the way he threw his head back into the pillow, how his back arched away from the bed, gripping the bed sheet tight, his heaving chest and heavy breathes, the shudders in his body that he had, failed to hide the consequences of your love on him. Thunderous deep moans, the need to have more despite given everything, the greed he didn’t quite understand. Loving you was sucking him dry but was also nourishing him. Does it make sense if he wanted to be inside you all the time? Does it makes sense if he wanted you to be inside him? This was no longer lust, or love. It was something in between, an insatiable hunger. His lips tingles at the sight of yours, and they longed to be forever intertwined with your skin. From the first time you spent a night with him, his desire for you never waned, and it was mind baffling. He found himself biting his smile at the very pleasure you were giving him, and he memorises the swirl of your tongue to help him cope his many lonely days when you weren’t around. Being close to you, isn’t close enough. Sometimes, even those memories isn’t enough. The craving is so great, it could kill him. “We will never get anything done, and I have to leave before noon,” he hugged your waist in a loose grip as you were moving away. Walking out of the duvet, stark naked, you fetch for the baggage underneath the bed. Then you snatched his pyjamas from the floor and put them on, and nothing else. He watches, sitting in the middle of the messy bed, hair in all directions, rubbing his face and bare arms and shoulders, duvet pooled around his waist. The empty baggage is now placed on the bed next to his large bony feet, poking out the duvet. 

Unzipping them, you turned away to fetch some folded clothes from the wardrobe.

“We can always call…” you consoled him, as you shove your clothes into the bag, “Or text. Or video call. And you have my parent’s house phone number…” He wet his lips with a sullen expression and biting them. There goes the sulking.

“I have to show support to my aunt’s family. She’s done five cycles of chemotherapy now, and I’ve done nothing more but ask her through texts when I know she misses me,” you explained. Namjoon scooted closer to the bag, and took out the clothes you were putting in. “She’s been asking when I could come and visit her,” you continued to take some blouses from the hangers and folding them while standing up, still unaware that Namjoon is taking out the things you’ve packed. “I’ve cooked a lot in the fridge, and if you’re hungry you can heat it up. If you want something else, you can go get something from the convenient store, yes?” you turned your back to him, and caught his reflection from the mirror. Adorable. Cheeky but adorable. You caught him taking the things out of your bag. And pretending he didn’t do anything when you turned around. You had to drag your bag away from the bed and from him, to the floor so you could do a proper packing. “The faster I go, the faster I come back, I promise,” you reassured him. Namjoon fell on the bed, on his side, plopped, watching you. His eyes peeping through the wrinkled duvet. “That’s what you said the last time…” he pouted. You pressed your lips together and silently scolded him. It wasn’t what you planned either, and he could have been a little more considerate. Maybe you should tell him that. “These people are with me, when you weren’t. Because of your work,” you huffed, knowing that you’ve said something that would hurt him. He reaches for his stuffed animal behind him and hugged it tightly within his naked chest, decorated with your nail marks.  He buries half of his face into the stuffed dinosaur and stayed quiet. You clicked your tongue and reassured him, “Baby, you’ll be okay…” Two hours later. He was not okay. He had used up approximately $2000 to buy clothes online, almost logged into dark web, and almost purchased a car. He had eaten twice in the span of two hours, and watched seven movies, skipping from one channel to another. He had stared at his phone while the movie is playing and laying on his stomach, switching his head to the side at the screen. “I’m bored,” he groans.   Namjoon almost cut his own bangs just because it was poking his eyes. He lost two earphones in a day and about to finish the third series of a manga he recently started. He felt the need to call you whenever he started a new series, or watched something funny on Netflix or when he felt like he needs to use the kitchen without your supervision. He tried calling Yoongi and Jimin, but it all went unanswered. He played online games, instead of writing new songs just to stop himself from calling you. He purchased two of the same books from different retailer. He used your Amazon ID to search for weird things like, 100 live ladybugs or decals that make your fridge looks like a Game Boy. He may or may not have purchased another child-size KAWS figurine that have scared you in the past. In fact, he had moved most of his collections to the office because you got frightened of it. He placed them in random places because he thinks its funny. You pinched him by the forearm and made him remove them, at once. Raindrops trickling down the glass window, and Namjoon followed the trails with his index finger. He stood in front of it. He blew hot air on the window and wrote your name before taking a picture of it and sending it to you. With a little heart emoticon. Crippling boredom forced him to reach over the top of the wardrobe to take out your wedding album. He smiled at the side of it, and sat on the floor, next to the made bed. His languid fingers ran over the pages like he was reading a sacred scripture, eyes wide with awe. The sound of the rain hitting the roof and wooden shack outside was the only thing that accompanied him. He felt even more lonely despite looking at your picture. He didn’t know what you were thinking of when you look at him that way. In that wedding picture, he was talking to his friends but he kept holding your hand, not wanting to let go. You were looking up at the view of his back, with such big smile. And it was so intimate, the fact that it was a smile that you put on despite him not looking at you. It made him feel very much loved. This is not the first time he had looked through this album, but every single time he did, it felt like it was the first. Namjoon unknowingly smiled back, as if to return to that time and give you back as much as you gave him. All he remembered from that moment was to hold your hand and never let go. He has a habit of drawing circles inside your palm when you were holding hands, loosely; and it was the kind of habit he wouldn’t let go of, anytime soon. He does it mindlessly, when he sat next to you in the movies, or when you were sitting in a parked car by the sea, or when he lays in bed next to you in pitch darkness. Namjoon just wanted to hold hands. Your hands. Even though he had his back turned towards you slightly, although the grip is loose, he still wants to hold hands. And the photographer cum best friend, Kim Taehyung had caught the moment on camera. His overpriced work was really worth it. Namjoon was glad that he delivered. It was very difficult to find a good wedding photographer nowadays. Not that he ever doubted Taehyung’s skills. God forbid Taehyung got to know that or Namjoon would be damned with endless sulking from his loyal but sensitive friend. His work is amazing, and Namjoon would remind him that. Just look at this fine shot. Namjoon in this picture, was leaning away from you, while you were greeting a close friend, your smile was so vibrant, it spoke volumes and how important that friend was, to you. Namjoon cowers, with a fond smile, face full of pure adoration to his wife. He rested his elbow on the table, looking at you, while you were holding your friend’s hand far too tightly. You couldn’t hide your excitement and he couldn’t hide his love to you. “…She’s so pretty,” Namjoon thumbed your face, leaning his back to the bed leg, putting the album on his lap, extending his lower limb towards the bathroom door. And he wonders, “Have you ever regretted, being married to me?” Time was the biggest challenge. His shortcomings, his dreams, his ambition, his thirst for knowledge. Your desire, your ability, your drive, your demands for security. To others, both of you had every reason to not be together. There’s too much differences. But also similarities. Whatever he was lacking, you fulfilled. His dreams and your ability to make them come true. His ambition and your drive, complimented each other. Both of you had every reason to be together. Namjoon will never neglect you, not even for a second. Because he knew how much he had to go through to even find you. He had a side of him that he would like to keep a secret, a space for himself. And whenever he required time to be alone, he’d assure you that he would come back. That he will always come back. It doesn’t take long, knowing how much he needed you. When moments like these take place, when he and you couldn’t be together, he finds himself searching for something. Something that only you could fill. Like how he is looking through wedding albums for your face, or how he’s hugging your clothes for the scent that you leave behind. Namjoon can be this affectionate. And he wouldn’t have known this side of him, if it weren’t for you. He hasn’t called this hour. Had he gone to sleep? You searched for your phone while your nephews lay tired in your lap, making a human pillow out of you that reminded you of another big baby that would do the same if he was here. A whooping 72 messages from Namjoon. He sent pictures of the food he ate, of the foggy window with your name, crying emoticons, and random “I Miss You” texts, the view he is looking at and finally, your wedding album. Just then, a new message is received. Husband is typing… “I leave your side empty. I’m going to go sleep now. Love you.” You replied with a picture of you laying on the floor with your nephews drooling on your t-shirt, with the caption: I’m not exactly having fun here. Sleep tight, goodnight dimple bear. Your cousin helped you carry one by one of the nephews into their bed and tucked them in. Sagi wriggled her eyebrow and pointed her chin to the kitchen table where burgers were stacked one on top of another with the amount of fries enough to feed a village. Your eyes shrunk while you covered your mouth to giggle quietly and followed her to the kitchen after shutting the door. “The three musketeers are finally asleep, and we are finally free,” Sagi sighed into her chair and turned the television on, pouring a glass of orange juice for you and her. “I can’t believe we were going to make it out alive, today,” you shook your head. There’s trails of unused toilet tissue expanding from the second floor to the first floor of the house. The eldest of the triplets through his top over the ceiling fan and convinced his brothers to do the same. Your only niece was screaming at the top of her lung and peeing over the heap of unfolded clean clothes. You kept stepping on Lego pieces and Sagi kept on changing diapers. Not only that, the diapers ran out and you had to drive over to the closest convenience store, but before you could get into the car, you had to fight the triplets off. Then one of the kids took the car key and hid them. So you had to use your uncle’s car but he had to leave for work at 5pm and it’s 3pm so you couldn’t buy the diapers right away. Sagi had her hair pulled into a hairdryer and the triplets stuck gum underneath the kitchen table. Your niece licked the floor when her chocolate milk was spilled and you were trying not to lose your mind from cleaning everything up. It’s like having many Namjoons at once. “I am…never having kids,” Sagi muttered, her eyes bore into the television, nipping fries between her lips. “Namjoon would never agree to me saying that,” you commented. “Namjoon is different…” Sagi quipped, switching to her side to face you, “How on earth did you even find a guy like him?” “Like him? Like what?” You grabbed a burger with its wrap. Capable. Doesn’t smoke. Doesn’t drink that much. Super smart. “He just…walked in the room,” you shrugged with a smile, “And if I didn’t know better, we would have stayed as friends because he was so freaking shy and he doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, so the first few months I knew him, I thought he was a stuck up arrogant dude who doesn’t like the conversation we were having.” The pace you both were going at were slow. Acquaintance for two years, friends for another four, and it was only on the fifth year of your friendship that you finally give in to the lust you had over him, and it was embarrassing because when you confessed bleakly, Namjoon looked like he found out the universe’s biggest secret. You both were so comfortable with each other than it didn’t come across that you both loved each other. The lines between friendship and love are ever so thin and hazy, as time passes. The first kiss you had was in your car, and it quickly escalated to more than just hand touching, lips and straddling. The car windows got so fogged up, and he left his hand mark against the window. You were pretty sure who ever was walking past your car would have heard obscene sounds and the unnatural shaking of your car from the speed he was going for. Mid love-making, he said how much he loved you, and adored you and wanted you. And he didn’t have to say it because his hands and eyes were loud enough. You fell asleep on his naked chest, his hand rubbing against the small of your back, as he spoke in murmurs, staring up the roof of your car. “I have always wanted to have sex in a car,” he spoke seriously. And you hide your face in his nape, chuckling. “Me too,” you replied. Lifting yourself up from him, you wanted to see the outside but gushed, “Oh my goodness, it’s all fogged up!” He looked dazed, and managed to say, “You look beautiful.” Nipping your bare shoulder between his lips, his eyes searching for your validation. “Your eyes were filled with lust, you haven’t come down from your high?” you bit your smile and he shook his head. “I want this. I want us. I don’t think I’ll ever want enough of you,” he gave you a back hug, and held you tight. We’ve been friends long enough, haven’t we? Sagi froze. A stupid smile stuck on her lips, and “That’s so cute…” 3:17 AM Lurching sound filled the bathroom, bouncing from one tile to another. Namjoon had his head on the toilet bowl. He had been vomiting so hard that he grew tired from it.He leant his chin on the toilet seat, sitting on the floor as his knees gave way. Headaches, and the smell of anything triggered his nauseousness. He didn’t eat something bad, did he? He carefully rinsed his mouth and wiped his face. Taking his phone in his hand, he weakly dialled your number. He hates to wake you up but this was an emergency. “Babe,” he grumbled, “I can’t stop vomiting. Where can I get anti-nausea pills? I feel like dying...” Rubbing your eyes, you sat on your bed while Sagi stirs in her deep sleep. “Try checking the medication box, I wrote anti-nausea pills. You know where those are. What did you eat?” Namjoon dragged his feet down the hallway back to the kitchen, and opened the top cabinet where medication kits are, phone in between his ear and shoulder. His lips has washed away colours and turned pale. “Just instant noodles, and it tasted just fine,” he added. He unfastened the clips, and threaded his forefinger past the medicine envelopes until he gets to the anti-nausea label. “Take painkillers as well...and if it doesn’t go away in the morning, go see a doctor okay?” You advised him and he nodded, as if you could see him. The triplets mother walked in the room you shared with Sagi. She’s eight months pregnant with her fourth baby. And you remembered how her husband had couvade syndrome that hadn’t left until now. It’s a syndrome known for expectant fathers to experience symptoms that only pregnant women go through. You remember how he wouldn’t stop having weird cravings, sleep troubles and vomiting--in place of his wife. He looks like he was about to die. And then, you paused momentarily. Hold on. “Do you have a pregnancy stick test?”

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #222

“hold your breath, my dear, we’re going under.”

Have you ever kicked a vending machine? No. Have you ever stayed online for a long time waiting for someone? Ha ha, yeah... I did that for Mini a lot when I was younger. Would you survive in prison? I can almost guarantee I'd find a way to kill myself, no. What is your favorite condiment to go with french fries? Probably ketchup. What do you have a habit of doing when engaging in a conversation with someone? Obsess over if I'm making eye contact correctly. Like the WHOLE time I will be thinking about it. Have you ever lost a pet in a tragic way? How did you cope? I had a lot of childhood cats run over, and that was always hard to see. As for coping, I just... did. What else do you do. Do you have a favorite classical composer? No. Mini skirts, slutty or stylish? Um, what you wear doesn't determine whether or not you're "slutty." They don't bother me. Do you like a partner who is clean cut or rugged? A mix. Pale or tan, which would you rather be? I like pale skin, I just don't like the texture of mine. The negative of pale skin is the fact you can see flaws more clearly. Is walking cats strange? (like walking dogs) No. What about kids on leashes? What do you think about that? That shit is wild. Teach your children better, or keep them in your sights at all times if they have some kind of condition that makes it challenging to teach them properly. How many piercings have you had, BESIDES ears, no one cares. Two. New tats in your near future? Whenever I myself have the money, my next tattoo appointment will be to enhance my Mark tribute one to better the galaxy texture. I love the guy who's done my tats so far, but there are better out there, and I don't feel he achieved my vision. This tattoo is WILD important to me; it has to be perfect. After that, a "new" tattoo probably won't happen until I have a job or I'm gifted money. How about piercings or re-piercings? "In the near future" is the criteria I'm guessing is still relevant? It depends on how quickly I lose enough weight for my collarbones to be clearly prominent to get dermals. I've been fucking stagnated for a year, though, so I don't know when the hell that's happening... Who would you like to hang out with? There's a lot of old friends and acquaintances that fit this. Next new thing you are wanting to try! Idk. Some sort of job I can actually accomplish. Would you ever visit a psychic medium? Definitely not; I don't believe they're legit. Are some days a waste of makeup? Um so idk if you know, author, but people wear makeup for their own satisfaction. If it makes you feel beautiful, then hell no it's not a waste. Do you watch any beauty gurus on YouTube? Okay I fucking adore Jeffree Star y'all. He's a goddamn Mood and inspirational as ALL hell in terms of his determination, work ethic, and open-mindedness. I watch everything he uploads ever, even though I'm not really interested in makeup. It's cool to watch though; it's an art to me. Do you have a PillowPet? No, but omfg. One of my favorite Christmas memories ever is the night my niece, when she was around two or so, was given one (or something like it?) the night before, we turned the lights out, and lit it up so the colorful stars were all over the room. She was absolutely marveling over it. That was the same night my sister revealed she was pregnant with my nephew, actually. That was a great night. Actually felt like a family. Do you have sleep paralysis? Thank FUCK no. Have you ever wanted an ex back, but found out they were dating someone? I've talked about Jason and Ashley before. God that was a bad. Bad. Fuck-ing. Time. Do you like Placebo? I don't listen to them. Has anyone ever carried you to bed? I mean as a kid, yeah. Idr as a teenager or adult. Would you rather have a wiener dog or an Italian greyhound? The greyhound. Dachshunds are precious, but as of semi-recently, I'm personally against breeding pets with damaging/unhealthy traits, and dachshunds are very susceptible to spine issues. Idk if greyhounds have any issues like that. Do your parents buy you most anything you want? Bitch we poor, no. What is the next craft you are going to make? Probably something for Sara for some special event. I don't think that's much of a spoiler, so I don't mind sharing it. Do you learn choreography easily? I was decent when I was a dance student, but no, I can promise you no. My memory is laughable. If you had to choose, would you rather be taller or shorter? Taller, I guess? Idk. Do you believe that Jesus will come back in your lifetime? No, I don't believe he ever will. What color is your winter coat? ... Shit dude, idr. Idk if I even have one, actually. What’s your favorite candy to receive on Halloween? Gimme all ur Reese's cups. Have you ever spent your birthday alone? No. Have you ever had a themed b-day party? I'm sure I did as a kid. Were you afraid of heights as a child? No. I am now tho. Which dollar store is your favorite? Here, Dollar Generals are everywhere and generally the preferred one, I believe. What food gives you diarrhea? Totally serious, most exceptionally "fancy" foods; by that, I assume things with lots of intricate spices and other ingredients. At least severe gas pains are almost guaranteed when I eat out somewhere. Have you ever had a lead role in a play? No. Ha ha man, I remember as an elementary school student though, we had a play where I SO wanted to be Snow White. What is the most fascinating part of nature? Evolution. I don't know how I once didn't believe in it. Would you ever go vegetarian? I am serious about returning to vegetarianism when/if I get to a weight I'm satisfied with (losing weight w/o meat is more difficult than with, particularly for an extremely picky eater). I wish I could be a total vegan, but I know I'm not capable of that. Once you actually learn about slaughterhouses and farm life... no. What berry is your favorite? STRAW!!!!!!!BERRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is your dream house? Something in the woods with a nice yard/outdoor decor, flowers, wildlife... What was the reason in you crying last? PTSD. Are there any movies in the theater that you’d like to see? The new IT and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. What do you think of Coca Cola? It's my third-fave soda. What about polar bears? Gorgeous animals. I will R I O T if they go extinct. My best friend(s) are/is... Sara. When do you want to have your first kid? Never. I am faaar from cut out to be a mother. Which stovetop burner do you use the most? I don't cook, so. The times I've made eggs, uh... I think I use the bottom right? Do you use a dishwasher or wash dishes by hand? Ugh, we don't have one. What year did you graduate high school? 2014. Do you carry pepper spray? No, but I should with how paranoid I am. What is your favorite gas station? Sheetz is the way to go down here. What have been some of your best garage sale finds? *shrugs* Idr the last time I went to one. Ever worked two jobs or more at once? Hell no. I wouldn't survive. How often do you check your email? Every day, mainly for school. What would you do if your ex came to you crying? It would depend on who. "The" ex, I don't give a fuck how I feel about him, he's getting a tight-ass hug because seeing him cry is awful, and I will always care about him to a certain degree. Well actually, I'd ask him before hugging; I don't know if he'd be fine with me touching him. Girt would get a big 'ole hug for sure. Juan, Tyler, and Aaron I'd ask if they wanted a hug. I'd definitely ask any of them if they wanted to talk/vent to me about whatever is wrong; I can't stand seeing people cry. What school do you go to, what grade? I'm a super late freshman in college. How do you feel about school? It's been a drastic change in my daily life and thus has caused stress, but nevertheless I'm ecstatic to be back because I'm actually making progress towards going somewhere. Are you still a virgin? So I know it sounds like it makes NO sense w/o details, but seriously, I don't know. We had "cheaty" ways to just barely skirt around it because at the time I was abstinent, but pretty sure at some point it became sex. Do you eat chips or crackers more? Man, I haven't had chips in a loooong time... though I love them, man. We have crackers at the house usually, and I snack on them occasionally. Is your bed next to a wall? Who doesn't have their bed against at least one?? Is your bed next to a window? There's one beside me against the wall. Do you have neat handwriting? I think so. The only thing I don't like is I write SOOOOOOOOOO slow. Would you rather be a singer or a dancer? Dancer. Would you rather be a musician or a painter? Painter. What did your hair look like in high school? Long and normally brown, but sometimes I dyed it black with colored highlights. Favorite flavor of hot chocolate? Normal?? What is your top priority in life? My happiness, probably. Have you ever made a gingerbread house? Yeah. Sucky ones, but they were gingerbread houses, lol. Do you prefer candy corn or conversation hearts? EW both are gross. Skeletons or scarecrows? I'll see you in the Skeleton War, fuckers. Who was the last non-relative woman you spoke to in person? My Writing teacher. What’s a topic you’ve drastically changed your opinion on? I did a TOTAL 180 on LGBT rights, and my former, intense pro-life stance has altered quite a lot to mostly pro-choice. What’s an achievement you hope to see humanity accomplish in your lifetime? Man, a lot... A total ban from plastic and finding an alternative for it would be great, as well as the cure of cancer and H.I.V. Make gay marriage legal worldwide. Make great progress on cleaning the oceans. I could go on and on. Do you know anyone who has a PhD? As far as personally, possibly. Like, obviously my doctors do. How do you feel when you’re the center of attention? *buys that red button that says "no" in various fashions solely for this occasion* Are you and your S/O Facebook official? She doesn't have a FB, but mine does say "in a relationship." Do you know anyone who works as a lawyer? Not that I know well anymore; a former best friend is in the process of becoming one, though. So proud of her. Which would bother you more: being told you’re not likable or being told you’re not sensible? Being told I'm not likable would really hurt. How many bedrooms does your house have? Two. Have you ever had a dream in which you died? Yeah. Does the thought of having wrinkles when you’re older upset you? Not really. Everyone gets them. Do you use Snapchat? No. Do you know anyone who’s struggling with addiction? Yes. What was your first job? And how long did you work there? I was a sales associate at GameStop. I was employed for like two months, but I worked very few days before I crumbled. Where is the last place you were other then where you are right now? School. How do you feel about the last person you kissed? I adore her. Lol, Lawl, Rotfl, Lmao, or Lmfao? (Which you use most) Lmao or lol. Have you/Do you know anyone that grows weed? Not knowingly to me. Do you really care about name brands? Not just for the sake of being a certain name; I do, however, care about the quality of brands, of course, such as taste for foods or being comfortable in clothes. Describe your favorite pair of jeans to me please. I don't have any. When I was actually slim though, I had a pair of maroon skinny jeans with a black dappling texture, and there were holes in them where the fabric was just black, and I loooooved them. Those and my leather boots was A Look. To wash in the shower, do you use a loofa? That's not the technical name for what I use according to Mom when I've called them that, but rather a body sponge or something like that, but it's like the same thing. Have you ever ridden on a horse? Yes, though not at a gallop or anything "real." Just at things like school fairs. Are you polite? I think I'm very polite, honestly. Do you prefer bright or muted colors? Bright, usually. Can you roll your tongue? I used to be able to after practicing all day once with a friend ha ha, but I haven't been able to for a long time. Definitely can't now with snake eyes. Are you a light weight when it comes to alcohol? No, apparently. Which accents can you emulate pretty well? British and country. How loud do you listen to music? Too loud, I know. Are you more awkward talking to people in real life or online? JESUS FUCKING CHRIST, real life. I don't think I'm half bad online. Do you bruise easily? So easily that I was tested for anemia or whatever it's called where you bleed easily (the test was negative, thankfully). Despite feeling bruised, though, I usually don't have an actual mark. Have you ever bought pre-ripped jeans? All my jeans were. I hate plain, boring jeans. What are you most likely to spend money on? Tattoos, lol... I genuinely think I'm good with money, I feel because of the financial position I've grown up and lived in, although I have never had a stable source of income, so it's hard to really determine that yet. I'm quite sure I'll be fine, but I really do hope I handle my money well when I do and don't invest all my spendable (as in, not money that I'm saving for emergencies) money into just tats. Have you ever been a complete fangirl/fanboy over anything? Welcome to my life, lol. I'm at an age where it's starting to get embarrassing, but. Idk how to change it. What’s the weirdest way you’ve ever heard somebody die of? *shrug* When was the last time you (dis)liked someone without really knowing them? I dunno. I try to not do that. When was the last time you wore a mask? What did it look like? Hell if I remember. I don't even remember wearing any on Halloween as a child. What comes up on your recommended list on YouTube? Mainly let's plays or music. Have you ever had a controlling boyfriend/girlfriend? Hell no, that wouldn't last long. How many true heart breaks have you had in your lifetime? One. Do you have any gay family members? My mom has a gay cousin. Who was the last person to sleep over at your house? Sara. Would you ever get a boob job? No; I don't care enough about them too. I wish they were smaller. I liked mine when I was a healthy weight, so, let's get back to that size, please. What would you think if you found out your ex was gay? Aaron, I think he actually is. Juan, trust me, he's not. Jason couldn't convince me he was gay even if he tried. I very highly doubt he'd be bi/pan, either. Girt, I would be surprised, but not like, immensely. I don't have a clue about Tyler and if he has any gay tendencies/history. Would you ever take someone back if you found out they cheated on you? NO SIR-REE. Do people ever compliment your eyes? Yeah. Would you be upset if you caught your boyfriend looking at porn? I don't know. I used to feel REALLY strongly about porn just being a big 'ole fucking nope, but whatever man, we're sexual animals. Better you take care of urges yourself rather than, you know, raping someone or something. If I personally caught my s/o doing it, idk how I'd feel, but knowing me and my self-esteem, I'd feel I'd probably jump to the whole (if we were serious) "um hi I'm your fckng gf what am I not enough" thought path. I don't think I'd be livid, though. Ask the old Britt, and we would've broken up there, probably. Who’s the last person that hung up on you? *shrug* Do you have a common first name? Yeah. Have you ever been engaged? No. Do you have any tattoos on your arms? Four, currently. They're gonna be covered one day. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else’s property? No. Have you ever been punched? No. What do you usually order from Olive Garden? I will, without fail, get the spicy shrimp fritas and be the happiest human being on Earth. How do you feel about bats? I absolutely adore them. Do you get excited when you learn you have to dress up? Quite the opposite, actually. What brand of hair spray do you use? I don't use it. Do you like it when guys wear hats? I have zero opinion on this. Burger King, McDonald's, or Wendy's? I prefer Wendy's. If you type for awhile, do your fingers start to hurt? No. Are you the type of person who would study for a test for hours? No, I'm not. I generally don't even have to like, intensely study; I tend to learn upon reading things, or in like math, performing the actions just a couple times. "Studying" doesn't tend to work for me; if it gets to that point, it probably won't stick, regardless of how many times I try. Are you a lazy person? I hate admitting just how lazy I am. But I mean again, it also depends on what is at stakes. Does your house have a doorbell? Yes, though I actually don't know if the doorbell works... Favorite album? Ozzy Osbourne's Black Rain. Favorite farm animal? PIGS! Has your Facebook ever been hacked? No. Do you spell gray with an A or an E? I use the American spelling ("gray"). Would you rather get money or gift cards for your birthday? I would be perfectly and entirely happy with purely money for my birthday, because that equals tattoos, lmao. Have you ever spoken to a detective before? No. Have you ever played laser tag? Once on a double-date with Jason and our old roommates/friends. Do you ever share things on Facebook? Almost all I do are share things I support, find funny, find as inspirational or cute, stuff like that. I can confidently say the majority of people I even have as "friends" on there do not care that much about my personal life. Is anyone you’re close to in the hospital right now? I mean, define "close." My grandmother's going through chemo, but we're not like... my definition of particularly "close," though she's close-ish family, so idk. Is your Wifi protected? Of course. What did you have for lunch today? I didn't eat lunch. How often do people write on your Facebook wall? On my birthday, lmao. Does your phone have a cover on it? No. I'd say I want one, but way more than that, I want a new phone. Mine is godawful. What color was your swim suit this year? I mean my most recently-worn is black, but I think it'd probably be too big for me now. I haven't swam in a long time. Do ladders scare you? Yes. Do you have any pictures of you and your friends in your bedroom? No. How do you eat Oreos? I'm one of those people that breaks the cookie to eat the cream first. Who or what sleeps with you? My cat Roman. Do you know anyone with the same name as you? Yes, but spelled differently. Are you pro-life or pro-choice? Honestly, it's become almost embarrassing to say I was ever pro-life. I'm vehemently pro-choice now. What color LED is the display in your car? Okay so Mom's has a rainbow of options, but I think it's currently stuck on... purple? I think? How am I unsure???? I'm in it every day?????????? Who was your first kiss with? Jason, my first "real" boyfriend. What kind of milk do you drink? I'll drink anywhere between skim to whole milk, but I'm not really a fan of skim despite having grown up with it. What aren’t you afraid to stand up for? I'd stand up for gay rights if it killed me. Do you know anybody in the military? Loosely. What was the last hotel you stayed at? I don't have the slightest clue. Do you have any STDs? No. What’s your preferred salad dressing? YO the Olive Garden dressing is b o m b. Do you have a favorite NASCAR driver? No. Who’s your celebrity crush? I'm almost 24 years old ha ha ha hahaha I'm too old for a celebrity crush aha hahaa haa aahha ah hahaaaaaaaaaaaaa- What color is your fridge? Black. Do you know the metric system well enough to live in Canada? No, admittedly. What was the biggest bruise you’ve ever had? Tell me the place (on your body) and the story of it! Idr. If you have Etsy account - show the very last item you added to the favorites. If not - either skip or just visit Etsy and find one thing you like: I think I have one, but I don't use it. I don't feel like looking. What would you do if you knew that you will be single to your very death (even if you’re in a relationship now)? Nothing would change...? My relationship status doesn't alter my goals and such. Are there any exchange students at your school? We have a LOT of foreign students at my school, so I'd assume so. Have you got any half or step siblings? I have three (actually four, but I don't know one tho) half-siblings and technically a step-brother, but I don't see him as a "brother," really. What cars do your siblings drive, if they do drive? My older sister has a red car, and my younger has a... black Kia, I think? It's dark is all I know for sure, and I only know the brand because it's new. I don't live with either or see their cars frequently elsewhere, so idk. What about your parents? Idk what kind my dad drives, but BOY do I know my mom's car, lmao. It's an older white Kia (I think?) with the bumper fuckin zip-tied onto the car bc it was given to us after a dance friend hit a poor deer, lmao. Look, we don't complain, shit was free. Do you like kid’s movies? Yo I do NOT trust you if you claim you like NO "kids' movie." Describe your handbag. I'm actually gonna look it up. (https://sourpussclothingwholesale.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/night-owl-bag.jpg?w=584&h=364) When was the last time you had to take someone home? ME, never. I don't have my license because I'm terrified of driving. Who was it, and where did you take them home from? N/A Have you ever known someone online and then met them in person? Sara Jaaaaaane!!! :'> There are other friends I'd like to meet, too. If so, which website did you meet on? Sara and I met via YouTube when it was actually community-oriented. Have you ever been to the beach? Yeah, multiple times. Have you ever been kicked out of somewhere? Yeah, I guess. She didn't actually like, force me outside, but I had to call my mother to pick me up. Have you ever intentionally trolled? No. Did you get swine flu? No. What is your favorite type of cat? Aesthetically, I find Persians to be way too cute, though I don't support their continued breeding. It's literally abuse to breed animals that deformed. Do you support the LGBTQ community? I'm bisexual, so like- Have you ever eaten a veggie burger? Yeah, the Morningstar brand from Burger King (not the Impossible Burger one). It's genuinely not bad. If you could meet any major political figure, who would it be? I'm not educated enough on like, any, to properly answer this question. If you drink Monster, what is your favorite flavor? N/A Do you own any Webkinz stuffed animals? I was that Bad Bitch(tm) with like,,,, almost all of them back in the day. If so, do you have a Webkinz online account? It exists, but idr the password sobs. If you had/have a Club Penguin account, how old were you when you got it? I would have a character for like two days, not go back on for years, repeat a couple times... but idk how old I was. Do you own any Nintendo video game consoles/handhelds? GameBoys and a DS Lite, yes. What religion were you raised in? Roman Catholicism. Are you still that religion, if you had one? Far from it. What religion/spiritual path intrigues you the most, if any? Buddhism and Wicca. What ancient culture intrigues you the most, if any? Idk. Were/are you a teacher’s pet? Not like, the kind that sucked up to the teacher for their personal benefit, but if you mean just as in the teacher's favorite, yeah. Do you like pink lemonade? Hell yeah man. What’s your favorite U2 song, if you have one? I don't listen to them. Were your parents born in the United States? Yeah. Do women breastfeeding in public make you feel uncomfortable? I want it to be perfectly and violently clear that I fucking despise you if a child being fed fucking offends you. Why or why not? Because women's bodies aren't sexual fucking objects designed for your viewing pleasure. Write an unpopular/offensive opinion of yours here. I’m interested. Buckle up, lads. Seatbelts fastened? Ass properly in the seat? Airbags in place? There are two genders.

[minister-for-femslash]

The Assassination of Alice Quinn

Summary; Phyllis and some of the other Librarians aren’t satisfied with the changes Alice has made to the Library, and the McCallisters plan to exploit that fact. 

Words count; 3,903

Authors Note; My submission for @thewelterschallenge, theme 1 The Library

When Alice Quinn becomes Head of the Library, the reforms are quick and forceful; the Poison Room is dismantled, the books are cleansed and made accessible to anybody who wishes to read them. Any Librarians that still hold loyalty to Everett are demoted and moved out of the main branch to more remote locations – Gavin isn't demoted, instead he's fired – and wealthy families, like the McCallisters, who have spent centuries cultivating allies, gaining advantages and stockpiling privileges have those privileges revoked, and it’s the Librarians who are left to bare the brunt of the frustration, the anger and in one or two cases the temper tantrums. Contracts are brought to an end, millions, sometimes billions of years before the end date, starting with William Adiyodi.

Phyllis isn't demoted – she never really had any loyalty to Everett or anybody, for that matter – instead she becomes head of a brand new department, the Department for Magical Cooperation. Her main job is offering assistance to the any hedgewitch that asks for it. It isn't a demotion but it certainly feels like one, despite the slight pay increase that Phyllis is certain Zelda secured for her. She mainly deals with Miss Orloff Diaz, who as an ex-Brakebills students, Phyllis can muster up a little respect for, even if she does insist on ignoring most of their protocols, even the ones Alice herself has put in place. It's the others, the stream of hedgewitches who lack the appreciation, the deference for the knowledge the Library holds. Phyllis feels her stomach churn every time she has to watch one of them thumb carelessly through the pages of the most valuable tomes the Library possesses and feels bile in the back of her throat every time she allows them access to one of their rare and powerful artefacts.

Phyllis doesn't remember who suggested it first. No, that's not true. She remembers, she remember exactly who's idea it was, because it was her's.

“This experiment of Zelda's has clearly failed. These changes are unsustainable, unsuitable and completely at odds with everything the Library stands for.”

She said it during after work drinks with a couple of the other Librarians, her words the result of dissatisfaction, egged on by just one cocktail too many, and yet when Gavin shows up on her doorstep two days later with a briefcase, she isn't surprised. Horrified but not surprised.

“I'm been doing some work for the McCallisters,” he tells her, as he takes a seat on her brand new sofa, his shoes leaving a trail of mud on the carpet she's just had cleaned. “Private acquisitions.”

“Sounds fascinating.”

“In fact, I was talking to Irene McCallister about you just the other day. Tea?”

“What?”

“How about some tea?”

“Right, yes. Of course.” Phyllis heads into the kitchen and begins to make up a pot of tea while Gavin continues to talk.

“The McCallisters were very interested in some of the things you had to say and they are in agreement with you. While they understand Zelda's desire for change after that unfortunate business with Everett, it's clear now, that putting Alice Quinn in charge of the Library with all of it's resources was a mistake. You know that, I know that and the McCallisters know that.”

Phyllis brings in the tray of tea and places it on the coffee table. She pours Gavin a cup and then adds milk and sugar, before pouring her own.

“Thank you.” Gavin takes a sip. “Miss Quinn and her friends, they've become drunk on their own power. They're not trying to fix the few, small problems that the Library has, they're trying to dismantle it and we have to stop them.”

“We?”

“Yes. Well, I can't do anything myself, I've been fired. But you, Phyllis, you still have access. You could do it.”

“Do what?”

“Kill Alice Quinn.”

Phyllis drops her cup. It lands on the carpet, so it doesn't break, but it does tip over, the tea spilling out across the carpet. Her heart jumps into her throat.

“What?”

“Kill Alice Quinn,” Gavin repeats. He says the words so casually that Phyllis feels a little sick as she watches him take another sip of his tea.

“No! No, I can't.”

“Of course you can. The McCallisters have taken a great interest in you, Phyllis. They have always recognised your potential and your talent. They are of the opinion that the Library would function much better with you at the helm.”

Phyllis is speechless. Her heart is pounding in her chest, her blood feels like it has turned to ice.

“I don't... What?”

“Zelda made a mistake in not choosing you as Everett's successor, they will not make that same mistake. The McCallisters are offering you an opportunity, you just have to be willing to take it.”

“I can't. I can't kill somebody.”

“It'll be easy.” Gavin picks up his briefcase and places it onto the coffee table. He pushes it towards her. “All you have to do is give her this.” He unlocks the briefcase and slowly opens the lid.

Inside is a small, circular stone, no bigger than a button. It's a cloudy, white colour with a streak of black running through the centre of it. It hovers in the middle of the briefcase, floating in the air. Phyllis reaches for it but Gavin quickly shuts the briefcase with a harsh snap.

“It's a Bieauid Hollys. It's ancient and powerful, and anybody who touches it will be consumed, their life force drained until there's nothing left but dust. The whole process takes at least three days. Nobody will suspect your involvement.”

“How did you get this?” Phyllis asks.

“A hedgewitch. He calls himself Lovelady,” Gavin says, the disdain obvious in his tone. “We took actions against him while Everett was still in charge. Reed's Mark. He was so desperate to have it removed that he happily gave us this in exchange. I don't think he really knew what he had.”

“Did you remove the mark?”

“Of course. The McCallisters keep their promises.” Gavin stands up and starts to walk around the room, trailing more mud across Phyllis' carpet. “And they take care of their friends.”

“I'm sorry, Gavin. I'm sorry that you lost your job, that was unnecessary, but what you're talking about, it's murder.”

“We do what we must, for the greater good,” Gavin says. He comes to a stop in front of her fireplace and looks at the photos that are there.

“No. No, absolutely not.” Phyllis pushes the briefcase away.

“Is this your sister?” Gavin takes one of the photographs from the fireplace. It's of Phyllis' sister, Annette and her niece, Louise. “And your niece? How old is she now? Two? The world has become such a dangerous place since the Library stopped controlling the flow of magic. Anything could happen to them.” Gavin very deliberately taps his finger against the glass and then places the photograph back onto the shelf. “Do we understand each other?”

“Yes.”

“Say it.”

“What?”

“Say it. Say, I give Alice Quinn the Bieauid Hollys and everything will be fine. Say it,” Gavin tells her.

“I give Alice Quinn the Bieauid Hollys and everything will be fine.”

“Exactly.”

-----

It all happens so quickly, too quickly. Phyllis understands, at least logically she understands, Gavin and the McCallisters don't want to give her a chance to change her mind but there's something alarming and rather unpleasant about the fact that she finds herself walking into the main branch of the Library less than twenty four hours after Gavin's visit.

Her hands shake, the briefcase with the Bieauid Hollys inside tapping incessantly against her hip as she steps through the door.

The lobby is flooded with people. Phyllis’ grip on the handle tightens as she heads towards the elevator and joins the group of people already crowded around, waiting for the doors to open.

“Morning, Phyllis.”

“Dean Fogg,” Phyllis says as the elevator doors open and they step inside. “How are you this morning?”

“Very well thank you. And yourself?”

“I'm...” Phyllis hesitates. She doesn't really know how to the answer that question.

The elevator is already full and the doors are already closing when Phyllis sees Miss Orloff Diaz darting through the crowd, rushing towards the elevator. She throws her arm into the closing doors, forcing them back open and despite the side eyes and the grumbles from the other people in the elevator she manages to squeeze inside.

“Phyllis, I'm glad I caught you,” Kady says. “I have some forms I need you to sign for me.”

“This isn't the most convenient time,” Phyllis tells her but Kady is already thrusting the folders towards her. “Why don't you come to my office in an hour and I wil...”

“Sorry, but I'm in kind of a rush today. It's just the stuff we talked about last week.” Kady pushes the folders into Phyllis' free hand and then lets go of them. Phyllis has to grab them quickly before they spill out onto the floor. 

“Here, I have a pen.” Kady holds it out for her, a black biro with barely any ink left, the end of which has been chewed away.

“Like I said, if you come to my office in an hour...”

“I don't have an hour. Please, I really need you to sign these.”

“Alright.” Phyllis lets out a shaky breath as she quickly looks around. The only person that is standing close to her is Dean Fogg. He's directly behind her and it almost feels like he's blocking her from the other people in the elevator. It makes her feels a little safer and she slowly lowers the briefcase onto the floor, grabs the pens and signs the forms as quickly as possible before she picks the briefcase back up and hands the forms back to Kady.

“Thank you.”

The elevator doors open and Kady steps off. So does Dean Fogg. Phyllis stays on for another six floors and is the last person in the elevator when she finally steps off.

He whole body seems to shake as she walks down the long corridor to Alice Quinn's office. Her heart pounds, her knees feel weak and she almost turns back three times. The third time she walks right into Sheila.

The briefcase is almost knocked from her hand.

“Oh, I'm sorry,” Sheila says. “I'm so sorry. Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes, I'm fine.” Phyllis brings the briefcase up to her chest and wraps her arms around it, holding it tight.

“Are you sure?” Sheila asks. “You look a little pale.”

Phyllis' mouth has become unnaturally dry since she stepped off the elevator and she has to clear her throat before she speaks. “I think I might be coming down with a cold,” she manages to say and when that doesn't seem to satisfy Sheila, she continues. “It might be the flu.” She forces a smile and that does the trick.

“Well, I'll make sure to bring you some chicken soup tomorrow. It was my mother's recipe. It should fix you right up.”

“Thank you. That's very nice of you.” Phyllis decides right then that she needs to make sure that Sheila stays at the main branch when all of this nasty business is complete and she's Head of the Library.

“Are you going to see Alice?” Sheila asks.

“I erm... I...”

“Me too. Come on.” Sheila places her hand on Phyllis' lower back and the two of them walk towards Alice's office.

Sheila knocks on the door and a moment later the door opens. Alice smiles and welcomes Sheila with a hug. Phyllis doesn't get the same treatment, instead there's a curt smile and a nod of her head as she steps into the office.

Alice closes the door and as it clicks shut Phyllis feels the small chance she had of getting out of this slip away.

“Is that the artefact?” Alice asks, as she points to the briefcase.

“Yes. Yes, it is.” Phyllis walks over to Alice's desk and places the briefcase down gently and then steps back. She waits for Alice to open it or to at least question where she found the artefact – Gavin has already told her what to say – but Alice does neither, instead she just takes a seat at her desk.

“Would you like to do the honours, Sheila?”

“What? No!” Phyllis says, and she can hear the panic in her own voice. Sheila and Alice turn to look at her, both of them with their eyebrows raised. “I erm.. I...” Her heart pounds even faster and she can feel a bead of sweat creep down her neck as her eyes move from Alice to Sheila and then back again. “Surely, as Head of the Library, you should be the first person to view the artefact.”

“It's fine. Sheila.” Alice points to the briefcase again.

Sheila smiles and walks to the desk. Phyllis watches, a large lump in her throat as Sheila reaches for the latches. Every part of her, every molecule in her body is willing her to scream out, to snatch the briefcase from the desk and run. But she doesn't. She just stands there and watches as Sheila slowly opens the briefcase. Phyllis holds her breath.

Sheila frowns. “It's empty.”

“What?”

Sheila spins the briefcase around. Phyllis grabs at it and runs her hands along the lining, searching for the Bieauid Hollys but Sheila is right, the briefcase is completely empty. She feels a surge of bile rush up the back of her throat and her hand comes up to her mouth just to stop herself from being sick.

“Oh no.” Phyllis spins around, her eyes darting across the floor.

“Where is it?” Alice asks.

“I don't... There's clearly been a mistake of some kind,” Phyllis says, as she looks at the empty briefcase one more time, as if the stone is going to just magically reappear. But of course, it hasn't. “I've clearly misplaced the artefact. I'll just... I'll just go and find it.”

She rushes for the door.

-----

Phyllis meets Gavin in a small pub just a few blocks away from the main branch. It's closed and she has to knock on the door four times before it finally opens and she is able to slip inside.

“Were you followed?” Gavin asks, as he steps behind the bar, grabs a bottle of whiskey and he pours himself a double. He puts the bottle down and then changes his mind and pours even more into the glass. He doesn't offer to pour her one.

“I don't... I don't think so,” Phyllis says, but she's unsure. She didn't even consider the possibility.

“That's good. So, tell me what happened.”

“I don't know. Miss Quinn -” Phyllis chooses not to tell him about Sheila - “opened the briefcase and the stone was gone.”

“And where's the briefcase now?”

“I left it in Miss Quinn's office. Was that... Was that bad?”

“No. Losing the stone was bad, it means we have to start again.”

There's a knock at the door and when Gavin opens it, a tall man with sandy, blonde hair steps inside. The sleeves on his shirt are rolled up to the elbow and when he sees Phyllis he gives her a sly smile and his eyes move across her in a way that makes goosebumps rise on the back of her neck.

“Who is this?” Phyllis asks.

“Lovelady,” the man replies, with a certain amount of pride and an air of arrogance. “I'm sure you've heard of me.”

Phyllis doesn't respond.

“Yeah, you've heard of me.”

“The stone didn't work. We need something else,” Gavin says.

“I don't have anything else.” Lovelady takes a seat at the bar. He grabs Gavin's whiskey and takes a large swig. He either doesn't notice or doesn't care about the snarl that appears on Gavin's face.

Phyllis does.

“It was hard enough getting the Bieauid Hollys. I'm going to need that back, by the way, it's only a matter of time before Kady notices it's gone and that girl packs one hell of a punch.”

Phyllis looks over at Gavin and catches his eye, but he doesn't seem too concerned.

“Alice Quinn is still alive,” Gavin says.

“Yeah, well, it takes a couple of days. I told you that.”

“And in a couple of days she'll still be alive because the stone didn't work. So, you are going to have to find us something else.” There's a harshness in Gavin's tone, but again Lovelady doesn't seem to notice.

“And I told you, there is nothing else.” He finishes Gavin's whiskey.

“I don't think you're understanding the situation, Lovelady.” Her voice rings out. It echoes through the room with the same disdain that Gavin showed. There's footsteps, high heels on slate and Irene McCallister steps out of the back room. “We took care of your little problem.”

Suddenly Gavin grabs the back of Lovelady's neck and slams his head against the bar. Phyllis stumbles back. Her foot catches on a nearby stool and it topples over with a thud. Lovelady struggles but Gavin grips his arm, pins it against the bar and rips the back of his shirt.

“We kept our end of the deal,” Irene says, as she walks towards Gavin and Lovelady. “If you fail to keep up your’s then we'll be forced to put Reed's Mark back. Right here.” She taps the now exposed skin on Pete's shoulder. “Do we understand each other?”

“Yeah, yeah, of course. I'll find you something. I'm a known back scratcher.”

“Really?” Gavin says. He doesn't sound convinced.

“Yeah, I'm loyal.” And there's something in Lovelady's tone, a confidence despite his predicament that makes Gavin loosen his grip just slightly.

Phyllis sees them first. She doesn't try to say anything as Kady and Penny appear directly behind Gavin.

“Hello,” Kady says.

Gavin begins to turn around, but Kady beats him to the punch, literally. Her fist slams into his jaw and Gavin hits the floor. The side of his head slams off the edge of the stool Phyllis knocked over and he sprawls out, unconscious.

Irene is already casting. Penny grabs Kady's arm and the two of them duck down behind the bar as Irene throws a blast of energy in their direction. It misses them. Tables and chairs go flying, crashing into the wall as the room shakes.

Phyllis screams.

The front door is thrown open. The wood shatters, shards and splinters flying out. Phyllis scurries backwards. Her hands come up to protect her face from the debris.

Julia and Alice step into the pub together. They're casting, their fingers moving in perfect sync as they stare at Irene. Their cast is quick and clean, and powerful. Irene's hands are suddenly yanked together. She tries to turn but her ankles are pulled together, as well. There's a flash of blue light, almost like rope wrapped around her wrists and ankles. It winds itself around the rest of her body and she topples forward. She lands on the floor next to Gavin.

Phyllis holds her breath and waits, because she knows that it's her turn next. Alice glances in her direction but she says nothing. Phyllis doesn't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, so she stays on the floor, keeps herself small and quiet.

She watches as Penny and Kady step out from behind the bar and check on Lovelady.

“You alright, Pete?” Kady asks.

“Yeah, I'm fine.” He stands up and tries to adjust his now ripped shirt as best he can. He looks at Julia and smiles.” Hey, Julia.”

“Hey,” Julia replies and Phyllis can almost see the eye-roll.

“Thank you for telling us about the attempt on my life,” Alice says, and again she glances in Phyllis' direction. “It's appreciated.”

“I told you, the one thing I am, is loyal.” He looks at Kady. “Besides, I like that the Library now owes me a favour. Plus, no more Reed's Mark. Other than a ripped shirt, today's been a good day.” He steps away from the bar and walks towards the door, only to stop and lean towards Julia. “Listen, if you're not doing anything ton...”

“I'm busy,” Julia says, as she steps away from him and towards Alice.

“Another time then.” Lovelady walks out of the bar before Julia can respond.

“Look at you. All so pleased with yourselves,” Irene says, her cheek resting against the floor as she looks up at Alice and Julia. “But you can't do anything to me. I'm a McCallister and thanks to your own reforms you no longer have any little cells to keep me in.”

“You're right,” Alice tells her. “The Library is no longer in the business of imprisoning people. Unfortunately for you, we know a place that is.”

“You murdered the Fairy Queen, in front of witnesses. She was a citizen of Fillory. Did you really think they would just forget?” Julia adds.

Phyllis sees Irene's face drop, all of her confidence just falling away.

“I think High King Margo will have a few things to say to you,” Alice says. “Penny.”

“I'll make sure they get there.” Penny steps forward and places his hands on Irene and Gavin's backs, and the three of them suddenly disappear.

“What about me?” Phyllis asks, her voice nothing more than a shaky whisper. “What are you going to do with me?”

Alice contemplates for a moment and then she sighs. “You tried to kill me. If Pete hadn't come to us the moment Gavin approached him, you would've killed me. But Irene is right, we don't lock people up. Not anymore.”

“They threatened my sister and my niece. She's only two and I know that...” Phyllis stops and shakes her head, because it's only a half truth. “You should fire me.”

“You're right, I should.” Alice turns away from her. “I know we said we'd have dinner tonight but the paper work involved in an incident like this, it’s going to take hours to fill out.”

“Well, why don't we just bring dinner to you?” Kady suggests.

“I know a nice Italian place that does take out,” Julia says.

“Sounds good.” The three of them head towards the door. “Have you talked to Q lately?” Alice asks.

“Yeah. He actually sent me a bunny the other day, apparently he and Eliot are having a little boat trip around the outer islands,” Julia says. “Are you okay with that?”

Alice looks first at Julia and then at Kady.

“Yeah, I think I am.”

The three of them step out of the pub.

Phyllis doesn't know what to do. She stays on the floor, her eyebrows furrowing as she stares at the door, waiting for them to return. Her hands press against the cold, hard slate. There's a lump in her throat and tears in her eyes as the second tick slowly by, but when Alice and the others don't return she slowly climbs to her feet.

Phyllis steps out of the bar and the first thing she sees, standing on the other side of the street, is Dean Fogg. He stares at her, gives a slight nod of his head and then slowly lifts up the briefcase that he's holding. Her briefcase.

And the realisation hits her like a ton of bricks.

[eydenwyndham]

Safe and Sound

Chapter Four 

“I am Lady Eyden Loxton, The Countess of Thornbrook, sir. I have come to seek the protection of the Wyndhams, as my parents are now dead, slaughtered by the Horde.” Eyden tried her best to sound like an adult, even though her little heart hammered within her chest. be brave...be brave!  She told herself as she sat taller in her saddle.

The gentleman reached out pushing Eydens hood from her head, ignoring the dogs deep growl. He nodded. “I knew your mother Katherine well, and you favor her,” he said.

“And who sir, are you?” Eyden demanded in a slightly imperious tone that caused the gentleman to smile, obviously amused by her bravery.

I am your uncle Richard Donahue, Earl of Friarsgate, my lady, Countess of Thornbrook,” the gentleman said. “I think it is most fortunate I have come upon you instead of someone else. Is your servant without speech, Eyden Loxton?”

“Nay, I think you have frighten her, my lord. She has been very brave these past weeks, and I owe her my life. Eyden answered him truthfully. “Her name is Claire, but I call her Nanna, and my hound is Baron.”

“Richard nodded, turning to this woman. “You need not fear me, Mistress Claire. I am the childs  uncle and I shall take you to a place of safety. You can not reach Menethil today. I will send you with two of my own men to guide and protect you.”

“ Thank you, my lord. “ Claire managed to find her voice again. “The child looks ill,” The Earl said to Claire.

“I fear the conditions in which we have been forced to travel have caused it, my lord,” Claire said wearily. “We have had little to eat, and have sheltered mostly outdoors. It has not been easy for my little mistress. Only the dogs warmth kept her from worse harm.”

“No, it would not have been easy,” He agreed. Then, reaching out from his saddle, he lifted the startled child from hers, setting her before him. “You will ride with me, Eyden Loxton,” he said, and drew his fur-lined cloak around her little body. Then he looked at the great dog, who was now baring his teeth. “Come Baron!” he commanded the animal, and, recognizing the voice of authority, Baron obeyed. Eyden instinctively snuggled against the dukes chest. Her eyes grew heavy as they moved off, the even gate of the horse rocking her into slumber as they rode.

Richard looked down on the child for a long moment. He thought fondly of his sister, she had been a great beauty, although she was genuinely unconscious of it. Her blonde hair, violet eyes, and serene face had attracted her husband as far as he could recall, he was only a boy when she had left home. Now Richard was looking down at his niece, and she was the miniature of her mother, all but her ebony locks and cinnamon eyes. Those features she must have been gifted from her father. He was now interested in Eydens story. Why and how had her father and stepmother met their untimely end at the hand of the Horde.

They reached Theramore in two hours time, it was just dusk and they would make preparations for the night. “Mistress Claire, take Eyden to the inn, tell them I will be along briefly. Have the maid draw Eyden a bath and I shall have food sent to the both of you.” Claire gave a nod taking their things from the packs. Richard then made his way to the docs to make arrangements for the voyage to Menethil the following morning. After sufficient arrangements were made he returned to the inn where her had ordered food to be sent to his niece and servant.

Sitting down at the high board he would have his own meal before returning to their quarters. The servers brought out plates bore, duck, and beef. They had fresh bread still warm from the bakery, then they were offered several cheesed, and finally apples baked with cinnamon and honey. When the meal had concluded, the Earl arose, thanked the innkeeper, and departed for their room. There he found Clair and Eyden all settled in for the evening.

“Have you eaten?” he asked her. “Was there enough?”

“Yes, my lord. They brought us good hot stew, bread and cheese, and wine,” she answered him. “I never tasted anything so good.”

“You probably have.” The Earl chuckled. “But after several weeks on the road I know that hot food does taste especially good. I have been on campaigns enough to understand that.” Looking toward Eyden he smiled. “And you my poppet, has your hunger been assuaged now?” Eyden simply gave a nod looking at him curiously. She wondered if he could tell her stories of the mother she never knew. Richard picked Eyden up, sitting in a single chair while Claire went about the business of tidying up, he cradled the child in his lap. “Are you warm enough, Eyden?” he asked her.

“Aye, my lord,” she whispered. She felt so safe, and she had not felt safe since the night her father and mother had pushed her into the escape tunnel at Thornbrook Hall.” Aye, Uncle Richard,” He corrected her gently. “All my nieces call me Uncle Richard, now tell me what happened at Thornbrook that you were forced to flee.”

“The Horde came,” Eyden began. “In the morning just before sunrise they came, and they burned the village. Then they burned the fields and barns. They drove off or slaughtered the livestock. Many of our folk were killed, others fled. My da and mama put me in the tunnel with Claire and Baron, they told us we had to leave. They told me to remember that I am Loxton, and should be proud.” The Earl nodded, then turned to Claire. “You are certain both the earl and his wife are deceased?”

“Aye, my lord,” Claire replied. “I went up to the hall myself the day after, before we departed for Theramore. I saw both the bodies laying slaughtered in the courtyard of the hall. I had to leave them there, and it has troubled my conscience ever since, my lord. But I had no means of burying them, and no one to aid me in such an endeavor. The earl had ordered me to get my little lady to safety, and that was my first obligation.” Claire wiped the tears that had begun to flow from her eyes.

“You did your duty well,” the Earl praised her. “I shall take my men north and bury the dead, put your mind at ease, you have naught regret, mistress. Why though, I wonder was Thornbrook attacked?”

Claire shook her head. “Light only knows, but the Horde does whatever it pleases, they care not for what they destroy.” Richard nodded and then, looking down at Eyden, smiling softly. The child had fallen asleep in his lap. “Poor little mite,” he said stroking her dark hair. Then looked at Claire. “I know the Wyndhams of Aitherton Isles, the Lady is kind, but the Lord is harsh and not to be trusted. He is cold and venal and will do anything to preserve his wealth and station. He will use Eyden to further his standings among other nobility. The staff fear him, for he is cruel and unforgiving. Stay with the Lady Wyndham, and keep Eyden clear from him as much as possible. Did your master give you any coin for the child?”

Claire nodded. “I wear a pouch beneath my skirts, my lord,” she told him. “And there are gold coins sewn into the hem of one of my lady's gowns.”

“Keep a few for your mistress, but tomorrow you will give me the bulk of your funds. I will place them with the bank in Stormwind.” The Earl said. “Stormwind is a city of great mercantile importance, and the bankers there are most prominent in all of Azeroth. The banker is our families most trusted adviser, his name is Avery Mountbatten. I will put Eydens little fortune to him, and the receipt will be with my own household treasurer. I will also add to her funds often so that she will have wealth in her own right. You are not to speak of this to anyone but for Eyden and myself. You are free to draw the monies for the childs care when it is needed, and know that it can not be stolen from her by any in the Wyndham household. If you are ever in need of aid of Richard, Earl of Friarsgate, mistress, you have but to ask. I was fond of my sister, Katherine. She was kind and gentle of heart, she was also strong minded and ambitious, but she was also fair and devout. I see much of her in our little mistress.” Richard smiled as he stood, Eyden still sleeping in his arms.

“Show me the childs cot, and I will put here there. I will come see her before you depart on the morrow. Mid-morning will be soon enough for you to reach Menethil the same day. I shall have two of my men escort you. “He followed Claire into another room, Baron by his side, and laying Eyden down where Claire indicated, drew the coverlet over her as he placed a kiss on her brow. “Sleep well, my lady, Countess of Thornbrook,” he said. And with a brief nod of his head to Claire he left the room.

When he had gone Claire sat down upon the pallet cot next to Eydens. Reaching out, she patted the wolfhounds head while reveling in the warmth coming from the wood brazier. The Gods were obviously watching over them, if today was any indication. To have been rescued from their long miserable travels by Katherine's own brother was more than simple good fortune. And to have a great lord recall his own sister with such kindness, Claire was more than grateful.

Looking down at Eyden, her little lady was warm, dry and well fed for the first time since they had fled Thornbrook. Claire whispered prayers for the souls of the earl and his wife. Then she lay down to sleep, certain they were finally safe. As long as Eyden was safe, nothing else mattered.

to be continued 

@aramisaitherton @houseaitherton