#it would’ve cost her nothing to just..be quiet

[charmingradiobelle]

Oh shut up Vivienne nobody here actually likes you anyway

[sith-qween]

Sign On The Line

Fandom: Hazbin Hotel

Pairings: Reader x Lucifer, Reader x Alastor

Words: 1.8K

Rating: M

Warnings: Teaser, Blow Job, Masturbation, Real warnings to come if this is finished

The days were definitely not the same as they used to be. Since the last extermination, Hell had been in overdrive. Everyone had been scrambling to try and make the most of what little pathetic after life they had - be that begging for their lives, to kill and maim as many creatures as physically possible, and others just trying to party and fuck as much as they could. 

Maybe you would’ve gotten in on that action but unfortunately for you, you had a lovely little bargain that had you on the ropes. You would’ve been so lucky to get away with murder and just enjoy what was left of your pitiful existence. However, like anything else, there was a sick plan for you. 

You had hoped that one of those disgusting angels would’ve made a pit stop and taken you out of your misery but, that was too easy. Everyone was on edge waiting to see what Lucifer’s little duckling would do, and to everyone's surprise - the bloodbath had been a holy one. Then the news went around and suddenly the first man was gone. The one who had led the charge was now nothing more than ash. It was a frost day in hell that was for sure. No one knew what to do once the panic ceased, some returned to normal while others started asking questions, what did this mean now? Did they stand a chance against Heaven?

Bah. You couldn’t care less. Mind you, you never intended to get much closer to the victoring side. Mind you - one moment you were in the safety of your friend’s bar, and suddenly you were face to face with a very familiar grey face. Ever since that red haired antler fuck came around and sealed the deal he had you waiting in the corner. Sure you were a lot stronger now that you’d made that deal - but at what cost? It wasn’t like you could go out and enjoy that power and take whatever you wanted, you had to behave.

And just like that, your peace and quiet was over. Ever since the Hotel won their little war, there was an increase in crowds around the place. Some begging for redemption - and some burning with the desire to get closer to some obvious powerhouses, minus the Overlords. 

Alastor had deemed you a credible source to play greeter and take care of any guests that arrive personally. Those also came with the job of making any swift removals if someone wasn’t playing by the rules. Basically you were there to give Vaggie a break and let her focus on other things. 

There was one thing that had caught your eye though. Every now and again you would catch the slightest glimpse of the King of Hell. You had been there for about a month now but it was rare to see the man sauntering around with the lessers. You don’t think you’d say he was repulsed by the likes of demons, but more disappointed. The few times you had seen him he was a very pleasant man - he definitely carried himself with a very regal air, and it was something of a dream. Maybe it was just the part of you longing to have done a few things differently in your own life. Maybe then you could’ve been up there living a fantasy instead of being stuck slaving away down here. 

A few interactions had taken place between the two of you, but you wouldn’t exactly chalk them up to being overly positive? You were never out right rude to the short King - but you also didn’t kneel and kiss the very earth he walked. You were a lot of things - but a kiss ass was not one of them. While your attitude made some of the others a tad nervous, he never seemed to mind. In fact he got a small kick out of it once in a while. 

After running laps around the hotel to try and manage the requests of some newer guests you felt a deep growl rumble in your chest. You had no ties with these people and they were driving you up the wall. You couldn’t be bothered to care about this redemption nonsense, but if these idiots were serious they would have to work on a lot of things. All they were doing was getting on your nerves and you had to admire the patience that they others had. You could never. 

Making your way down the halls you noticed a shadow in the corner of your eyes and it quickly caught your attention. Not on your watch.

You weren’t about to let anything come in here and get you in trouble with your deal. Satan knows that Alastor would have you begging for death if you didn’t hold up your end of the deal. The very thought caused a shiver to run along your spine. That could wait - narrowing your eyes the growl continued as you turned down an unfamiliar hallway to track the shadow. Maybe it was someone playing a prank on you, but you’d rather be made a fool then let a danger slip in here. 

The shadow was quick and always just out of sight. Picking up speed you were sure you could get a pass on using some of your power if it was for the Hotel. Slowly two dark horns with careful curls started growing from the top of your head, eyes glowing red you darted with extreme speeds down the halls to catch up. Finally it turned into a door that was ajar, and you slipped in after it.

However, what you found was far from the last thing you expected to see. The adrenaline that had been building and starting to flare as you chased down the threat seemed to vanish in seconds. 

The room in question was on a newer wing of the Hotel, one that was not meant for guests. In fact if you had to put a label to it - it was much more on the administration side of things. The walls were not the normal royal red - these walls were tall and a nearly blinding white with golden accents. You could feel your blood run cold. 

It was one thing to add a little sass in a conversation with the King of Hell - but it was another thing to burst into his own personal room. Let alone like this.

It wasn’t just his room, no he was there. Not in any old way either. In a way that would cause Heaven to weep. Your lips moved to speak but nothing would come out, you couldn’t help the disrespectful stare as your eyes landed on the man in the large regal bed. It was a lavish bed, much larger than any single person could ever need, and the canopy on it draped perfectly to enclose the whole thing - except the front of it. It was the perfect little window to see the man lounged, his legs spread wide as your eyes locked. 

He was completely unphased at seeing you appear in the room, in fact his face grew into a wide grin. This only made the blood run colder in your body, completely flabbergasted and lost for what to do or say.

“Well,” he started as he looked you up and down, “that worked a lot better than I thought it would.” he chuckled, crooking his head as he studied your expression. You hated the fact that you could feel the blood rushing to your cheeks, you weren’t no prude - but this was something else. 

“Wait,” you managed to mumble out, trying to keep your eyes on his face and not straying to the careful motions happening in his lap under the sheets “that was you..?”

“I was curious how devoted you are to this Hotel. I don’t want anyone here that might let harm come to my little girl and her dreams,” he started, making it seem like some nonchalant and totally normal reason to have dragged you down to this side of the building. 

“I might not care - but I have a deal to uphold. So long as Alastor is invested you can count on me to do what is needed.” you scoffed. Noticing the momentary anger that reached the other's face. It amused you how much the two men hated each other, and yet both craved the same desire to push and support Charlie.

“Is that so..?” he hummed, eyes slowly shutting for a moment. AS they slowly rolled back open he was once again locked onto you, his smile turning lazy before he spoke again, “well since you’re here, perhaps you would like to keep me company. After all it seems as though you’ve have a rough day today”

HIs voice was deep and enticing. No wonder Eve was so easily pulled into his promises of free will. What soul wouldn’t find themselves entranced in him. 

“Come here”

Your mouth was dry as you found yourself moving towards the bed. Everything about him was so inviting, so pure and yet so down right sinful. Reaching out his free arm in a welcoming manor you knew then and there that there wasn’t going to be any turning around and second guessing this. Letting your tongue run along your bottom lip, you weren’t going to give up this chance. How many can say they laid with Lucifer himself?

Reaching the end of the bed his hand flicked, shutting the large doors and locking them. 

“Remove your clothing and then crawl to me, darling” he purred, the words silky as they rolled from his tongue. You weren’t about to be told twice as the shirt came over your head in a flash, and your pants were quick to follow. Dropping them in a contained mess on the floor your hands met the sheets followed by your knees. Keeping some modesty in front of the Holy King, you could feel your heart race as the excitement surged through your body. Carefully crawling towards the man, you watched him, taking in as much as you could. 

Your motions slowed as you neared the small man, your knees on either side of his leg. He looked so blissful and perfect in every way. Pulling the sheets away you could see his hand doing exactly what you thought it would be doing. Wrapped around his sizeable dick you could feel your mouth water at all of the sinful thoughts that raced through your mind. Seeing what you were doing his hand stilled and you wasted no time taking over the stimulation he had been doing. He was heavy in your hand and you couldn’t help yourself from rubbing your thighs together for some kind of friction before leaning forward to take him into your mouth.

“What do you think about adding a third party?” a staticy voice chimed from behind you.

AN: This is a teaser fic - I might finish this if anyone else is interested. Until then pay me no mind. I'm gunna go thirst after these two and Adam, cause I have no standards.

[ov105]

Noise

After dealing with some well-expected writer’s block, here’s the follow up to Hush! It may or may not be a disappointing follow-up for some. I just think it’s aight, though. Nothing too fantastical, but nothing disappointing. I hope you enjoy it as much as I pictured it. 

4,673 words of Park Sieun

Enjoy!

"Yah, that wasn't your first time, wasn't it?"

Sieun asked a little louder after her earlier whisper as we continued down. I just scoffed.

"Eh, no, I mean, not yours either."

"Well," Sieun went shy. Like a flower closing at sunset, shrugging, "When I said it's been a while, eh."

"What?" I quizzed. She went quiet, queasy even, juggling in her head whether to spit out what was on her tongue. I just brushed it off. I couldn't exactly be mad either and badger her about it unless I wanted to end what we'd agreed up there. We also needed to get out of campus.

It was a bit of awkward silence as we entered into the somewhat cold air. By this time, Sieun would've taken her grip off my elbow, but she hadn't. She sighed as we made the street to the gate.

"So, by a while, I've only had sex once."

Sieun waited this long just to tell me that?

"So, what's the deal?"

"Oh, nothing. I just thought you wouldn't take it well, somehow," Sieun warily replied, and why would I feel indifferent? It's not exactly a surprise. There are worse.  

"So where'd you pick that up, then?" I asked her, referring to the obvious.

"Manhwa, porn, and some reading," she replied, "and you know, smut."

"Ah, everybody has read at least one," I replied cheekily. Though now, I was the one being questioned by Sieun. Asking me about my own experiences, though mine, in comparison, was not superior, leaving out the bad experiences that made the rest seem like a fairytale to some. She said she felt a bit anxious, though I wasn't lying that it's been a while since I was even nervous. I was not planning on being too much to handle, though I've been told if I just pushed, I might. I was just vanilla.  

Getting on the bus was a little more populated than the library. Luckily, I didn't recognize anybody, nor Sieun, though we sat there as if we weren't planning to fuck almost the whole night. She just had me put my left hand on her thigh, sandwiched between her thighs as she crossed her legs, but it came at the cost of her bag sitting atop it too. Believe me, however, when I say I've seen hands in between legs at earlier hours, some doing further, and others thinking I couldn't hear dirty talk through my headphones just before the songs changed.

It was a quiet ride. Both of us glued to our cell phones, typing away one-handed with my right, my left hand being the restless fingers that made Sieun close her legs further—trying to deter me from teasing her too much in such a risky setting, only going so far as a lip bite and a message from her to "stop playing around."

Maybe she just didn't want me preempting.

Getting off, we made our way through the back of her building. She typically didn't bring her dates in. Not that, at least the ones I've heard of, made it past the bus station. It was just her living alone, save for the weekend visits of her siblings, though we wouldn't be making our way up if that was the case. Opening the door, she seemed to have second thoughts while she looked around quickly from the doorway, then back at me, as she beckoned me inside. Locking the door, it was her show now.

"S-so, yeah, here it is," Sieun said shyly with a smile, her arms in a gesture to present her apartment. It wasn't a chaebol heiress' stable, not by a stretch, but it was enough for an adulting student.

"Just settle in here," she said, opening her bedroom. Then again, nothing unglamorous. I followed her as she placed her bag on the table. I had just put mine down beside a corner of the bed. I bent down to fiddle with something when the lights switched to the nightstand lamp alone, casting a warm orange glow over the dimmed room as Sieun closed the door.

"Stand up."

Sieun put her hands on my shoulders and said, while we stood before the mattress.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to try this."

Try what?

A single push, followed by her trapping me with her whole body as she climbed on the moment I landed. Oh, that's what she wanted to do—crawling until she was right on top of me. Now, in her bedroom, a place where we weren't to be bothered or paralyzed by shame, her hands moved like lightning, planting her lips and hips firmly on me as our hands snaked around without a care in the world—groping, grabbing, kissing—making out like it was the end of it.

Slowly sitting up, we didn't even break away from each other. Save for the moments when our clothes started to come off. As each one began to pile up on the floor until we only had our underwear, our fingers began making their way down. However, she had the headstart as I was busy trying to figure out her bra, luckily, getting it off without her noticing. Timing it, I pulled her leg closer to me. She was a bit surprised.

What I did next made her freeze, moving my lips down and into her neck—sucking hard enough that I felt a shudder, making her grab me. Uttering gibberish that I was unable to understand, so I just continued. Switching left and right as I felt her eyes dart upward and close, resigning herself to a fate that she, in her own words, had dreamed about. I hoped I was up to the task. Making a mess of her neck as her moans started to rise, but still kept a soft tone, as if she was singing.

She was slowly grinding herself on me, with every touch from my fingertips seemingly sending a shock in her system. Her nipples, which I'd lightly pinched as I groped her tits, made her breath shake, so what more if I sucked on them. Knowing how awkward it would be, I told her to turn over.

As Sieun lay down, I continued where I had stopped. Not even matching her gaze as I knew she watched me slowly inch my way downward. Taking my chances, I flicked her nipple with my tongue, a soft moan, then my lips wrapped and tugged at her tit. Sucking even harder made her louder, just as I had thought. Her flesh became softer. She was melting. She was just half-naked, though. Now I could make out what she said.

"Fuck, yes, just keep going."

Then I got my first look at her face—tiny, cute, dainty—scrunched up into a grimacing mess. It made my boxers feel tighter. The excitement got to my head as I licked down her flat stomach. Her trousers came off far easier than her bra, pulling them off along with her panties—another one for the pile.

So there Sieun laid. Naked, with her legs closed, expecting. I just had to keep control of myself. Suddenly, the bed seemed a lot smaller, though there seemed to be enough space for us not to become uncomfortable.

"Well?" Sieun asked, an eyebrow up.

If she thought I was unimpressed. I wasn't.

Opening her legs, I started to kiss her left thigh, only grazing past her pussy as I moved to the right. Sieun shifted as I pretended to leave hickeys on her thighs. Sticking my tongue out as I traced her labia with it, barely missing her clit as I went down the other way. Empty moans left her mouth as I did so, taking swipes tracing up and down her pussy, making her shudder before rounding up and sucking at her clit, making her burst into a moan that was loud enough to fill the room.

Having struck gold, I reached further. Licking Sieun's clit, again and again, the earlier nervous shifting quickly became a growing shuddering that signaled she was just about to lose her grip. There was something in the way she moaned that made me want to just hear her cum, so I kept on. Retracing what I already did to keep scrambling her head, merely reciprocating what she had done to me while at the library. Luckily, she had the luxury of moaning, and with how loud she was getting, I completely understood why.

Rolling my tongue around her clit, Sieun bit her lip, squealing and moaning as I felt her nails digging and grabbing onto the bed. I wasn't counting, but it didn't take long before her legs began to shudder too. From there, I drew circles and sucked on her clit, sometimes softly, sometimes hard, only pulling my tongue away when she seemed to come close to an orgasm.

Grabbing onto her legs, I kept my tongue in constant motion as I listened to her, which switched in pitch faster than hopping frequencies, from low growls, whimpering, mewling, squealing, moaning, and even yelling. Fighting to keep her own body in control as her back was already arching, and with everything else, it looked messy—an exorcism rite of modesty—and could only go further from there. But after one thunderous yell, which she'd shut up by swinging her mouth over, she said.

"Fuck, you eat me out so good," before continuing, "even I can't do this alone."

"You close?" I asked.

Sieun bit her lip as she met my eyes. A naughty smile curled on her lips before she spoke.

"Make me."

"Alright."

Going back down, I pulled a new trick to make it as intense as possible. I readied my middle finger by releasing my left hand from Sieun's leg. Slowly inserting it into her while I was going all in with my tongue, and let out another cry as the appendage split into her wet walls, no doubt aiding in the ease with which it slipped in. Hooking my finger upward, she threw her head back as I gently massaged her with it, stopping momentarily to find the spot that made it work, rubbing it along with my tongue at her clit.

Dramatic as it looked, Sieun was now quieter, her labored, heavy breaths replacing what had been moans. Though her body shook and rattled, her legs closed around my head, only to part, probably realizing it wasn't her wrist between her legs. Meanwhile, I was just enjoying the final lull, listening to her scrambled breaths and occasional moans, the futile scuffling of hands on the bed, and the jerking of her hip, surprising me as my finger and tongue got the best of her.

"F-fuck," she stammered out. The next thing I heard was a squeal. Then, Sieun yelled.

Holding on to her leg, she jerked as her pussy suddenly tightened around my finger. My lips almost lost her clit—an unnecessary gesture by now—as she exploded right before me, her back freezing for a second in an arch before plopping down. So I perked my head up to see the mess I made of her. She was barely holding on—a petite woman's body writhing from her orgasm. Eyes shut, chest rising and falling, mouth gasping for air. The orgasmic high, in all, lasted a minute. It took her another before she breathed herself back into consciousness. An atmosphere of silence replaced the thundering of moments ago.

Sieun's eyes snapped open as she sat up, looking straight down before meeting my gaze. I sat across from her, looking like I hadn't driven her to orgasm just now.

"You're good."

I just shrugged.

She then put her hand on my legs, rubbing it on my thighs before she called me, putting her lips on me and bringing me down slowly. Almost effortlessly, even.

"Alright, my turn."

Repeating the same way I kissed my way down earlier, the difference being my boxers came off faster. Sieun didn't need to do much work beyond that. With a tight grip, a few strokes, and a swift series of licks were all it took to be ready. I was much less nervous this time, though the sensation when her breath brushed my tip still made me shudder a bit. However, as her mouth was about to take my cock, Sieun let go of it. Instead, creeping upward until I was between her legs. She just left it there.

"Sit up."

So I did, with one hand on my neck and the other stroking my cock. I kept my face close to hers while Sieun tried to tease and make out with me.

"Don’t you think we're making out too much?" I quipped.

"Hey, come on now, let's not rush," she replied.

She put her lips back on mine, though this time, she darted her tongue out.

"This isn't a one-night stand, no?" I asked.

I sighed. She knew I knew the answer already.

"Nope."

"So? Why the rush?" she responded.

Sieun just chuckled before closing the gap between us again. Keeping up with me in two places at once, tongues matching and her hand corkscrewing my shaft. Seeing me shift under her sure stoked her ego, but like me, even when she said otherwise, I knew she had done her homework. As she began to slow down, I knew what would come next.

Asking me if I had any rubber, I just told her where it was. Shy enough to still hand me my wallet and hand it to her myself. Switching positions where, in any case, our heads would be on a pillow. As she returned to the bed, she got it from me, tore it open, and unrolled it down my cock. Straddling me, I was under her with my legs open. She gave me one more kiss before pushing me down.

"Here I go," Sieun whispered as she poked my cock up to her pussy. Seeing her throat contract as she swallowed, she looked at me as she stopped holding herself up and sunk downward. She was tight, fitting for her petite frame, straightening herself and giving me a better look at her face, eyes shut, some tinge of pain. Still, the deeper she went, the revival of pleasure. Our faces, mouths slightly ajar, suspended as I felt her warmth go lower on my cock. I could feel my moan building up as she took me all in. She let out a shaky breath while I shifted and pulled my legs back. I was inside her.

Giving herself a second to catch up, Sieun stared at me before slowly lifting up and back down. She did it again a few times, rushing with no regard. Though her expression and body seemed mismatched, the former tried to absorb it all in, almost telling the latter to stop. However, it only wanted to ride deeper. She was forcing herself to take in every last inch she could. Then she stopped, eyebrows furrowing as she met my gaze, and a rush of breaths came from her.

"You okay?"

Sieun nodded.

"You feel good."

She uttered before continuing on short hops, rendering me frozen for a second as the weight of her crashing down on me struck the match. I only remembered being in the middle of things when I felt her hands bearing down on my chest while she leaned forward a bit; amateur move. She was enjoying herself quite a bit.

Sieun was on top now, but I had no promises for later. Not that there were any.  

Grabbing her hands out of my chest, I put them away and placed mine on her thighs. She quickly grabbed on and wrapped her palms around my wrist. Pulling my legs back a bit more must've hit the spot or given her some confidence. Her song began to rise from the low hum they had been to an alternating mix of sighs and full moans, all while giving me a fantastic view of her riding me. I would be lying if I didn't think it was a beautiful sight, even in the dimmed shade.

Picking up her pace, she took her hands behind her, rising higher now while bringing herself down deeper on my cock. Biting our lips as I felt her tight walls squeezing me while I stretched her out nicely, it seemed. No pain. Just pure pleasure emanated from Sieun, catching her eyes looking ahead before they rolled back and shut her eyes. Relaxing but electrified at the same time as my cock kept striking a spot that had her grip weaken then tighten.

By that point, my hand had slid upwards. I held Sieun just below her hip while she switched off whatever safeties she had left in her head. I thought she was about to cum then and there. Not unusual, though far too early for me. Rummaging her hair a bit, she sighed, grit her teeth, then said.

"Fuck, you feel so good!"

Smiling down at me, mirroring her for a second before she went moaning back into the sexed-up mess she was becoming. She didn't even slow down.

I was huffing as I threw my head back. Beginning to zone out while the repeated knocking on my hip matched those of the headboard. Just a few sounds that, at least, signaled to her she wasn't killing me. But behind the consciousness that I wore, behind my face, I was almost out of it. A loss of cohesion just tells how good it felt.  

I only snapped back when she began grinding on me, a muted groan leaving me as Sieun approached my face—kissing me, so much as a peck, cutting it short and leaving me hanging. I sat up.

"Should I keep going?" she asked.

"Oh, shut up," I replied, putting my lips on hers. Chasing what was taken from me. Sieun waited the entire time until, "Yes, keep going."

I sensed a smirk from her, then continued as she held herself with an arm around my shoulder. It was a slow burn. Any faster would make her drain stamina, having nearly run herself dry, grinding her hips in a rough, rolling motion, which contrasted nicely with her earlier bunny antics.

"You sure manhwa taught you this?" I whispered into her ear.

"I rode my pillows," Sieun answered bluntly, "just like this."

I knew she had to pick it up somewhere.

"So what was that earlier?"

"Oh," she chuckled, "I don't know," shyly responding, "maybe you just make me that horny."

"Sure I do," I replied, with some sarcasm.

"You still don't believe me?" she whined.

I just huffed.

"I do. Your confession was just," I paused, "new."

"It’s the thought that counts," she replied, eliciting a laugh.

But it wasn't as if I had her hooked earlier. I just needed to catch her off guard. After a bit, I told her to switch and lie down on the bed. Just as she grabbed the pillow, aping where I had been when she rode me a bit too hard. The difference was that I could hold her. Taking her to the edge of the bed where I was, she still had her hands on the pillow. She put her legs around my waist as I positioned ahead of her, but before she could talk, I cut her off and thrust in. A loud moan left her as she pulled me down.

I didn't know if she squeezed her walls or just the way I was inside her. Sieun felt much tighter. As I thrust deep, a long, mumbling string of words left both of us. Feeling her hips rise along as I repeated, settling into a slow, erotic pace.

Now I understood what made her go too fast earlier. I shudder when it's too cold. I didn't know that being too tight elicited the same. Gritting my teeth as she grabbed my hands. Now it was her trying to keep me from running away. Pulling me in close, then a peck before saying.

"You feel so much deeper like this."

"I know."

Sieun didn't tell me to speed up. She could probably tell I was just as taken aback by it all. Taking a deep breath before I relaxed—and not cum—enough to keep moving. Only going slow, as it might've ended things prematurely. She looked like she did not mind at all, and while she made out with me half of that time just settled things. Couple that with her switching gazes downward before giving me that damned look. She liked it all right. It wouldn't last forever, though.

Sitting up, I grabbed her legs, and with her looking a bit bewildered, I thrust as deep as I could. It was perfect, with my crotch rubbing against hers. Sieun could only moan so loudly as I repeated it, covering her mouth with a palm as she tried to get it under control. I had no intention of letting her do so. Starting to slowly thrust with her legs held high above, each stroke hitting deep, leaving her with a scrunch on her face while taking it in.

Frankly, it could've gone for longer and looked much better when it wasn't me imitating it.

So I let go and kept thrusting the way I did before, just deeper. Sieun seemed to like it more when there weren't too many surprises, her body adjusting to the pleasure and settling down on her own as I took my hands off, placing them above her hips as her legs closed me in again.

I was thinking of switching. I knew it wouldn't mean too much if I might as well cum now. Any faster, and I could lose it. My own pace collapsed into a dogged attempt at fucking Sieun. Both of us are just ordinary people, even if we tried. She looked like she was on the same verge too.

"You want me to pull out?" I asked her.

"No. Let's switch."

I just sighed, stopping, then pulling out, "Okay."

I thought she was going on all fours, but nope. Teasing me for a bit, I was able to slap and get a grip on her ass, where her thighs rounded up to a dainty package. I was just about to put it in. She got cold feet and pulled away.

"Save that for later," Sieun said, "I want to ride you."

So I lay down. I was switching places with Sieun, now further away from the headboard, only pulling forward with my toes dangling off the mattress. I seemed to have given her an inkling that I loved how she rode so carelessly.

Getting on top of me, she didn't waste much time before we were in the same position we took a few minutes ago. My cock sat just ready to enter her, the difference being she was squatting this time. Odd, but whatever. However, that was not before she threw a wrench into things.

"Oh, one more thing, let's keep this lowkey, okay?"

I nodded and was about to say something when I felt my tip disappear and slid upwards into her. A breath left my lips as the words slipped back into my throat. Sieun, on the other hand, was just indulging herself by now. Typically, I would've just driven it home with her on her back, but this was Sieun. She wasn't a campus crush nor a random girl that charmed me on the train ride home. Besides, I wasn't the one to say we should save some things for later.

However, just as quickly as she started. I noticed her knees. They were shaking, but she was trying to fight through it with her arms in front of her, like a frog. I thought it was silly. Though with how tight her pussy was taking me out, I put the complaint at the back of my head. It felt like she was choking me as the clock ticked downward, both for her and me. She sang the same descending refrain that would destroy me by its chorus.

It never helps that she attempted to gyrate once or twice, almost taking me out.

Putting her legs down for the more usual flair, she began to bounce in a familiar manner. The same way that made her almost cum earlier. This time she looked to finish what she started, riding in long, deep strokes that let me feel every part of her own as she took in mine. Her face began to warp as she took a more dialed-in pace this time, the grip on my wrists telling me not to let her go. Though all the same looking—and feeling—like the perfectly messy cowgirl that only dreams could conjure. The words that left her mouth by this time were the same, though there was an added command, a calm tone barely audible amidst her moaning and squeaking.

I have heard it before. Coming from Sieun, however, it read like a letter of last resort.

"Fucking cum in me."

Just then, telling by her fingers, she let out a loud squeal. Fighting through herself, she suddenly squeezed hard on my cock as she pulled upward. As she sank, it was my turn. Gripping tightly onto one another. Throwing my head back, I joined her. Shutting my eyes and letting out a groan as I felt my orgasm. Another jolt from mine to her. The volume of it as if she hadn't blown me already, and if there wasn't anything, we might as well have been done for. Her mouth hung loose as her moans trailed off, only to rise again as her hips rose shallower and shallower. Her body was both stiff and soft, as with mine, as I filled up the condom. I couldn't tell her, but I knew my toes were curled the whole time. I knew it didn't last long, both the sex and our orgasms, but it seemed like forever.  

Sieun was practically forcing air into herself. Eyes blank. Unmoving. It looked like she had passed out for a few seconds.

"Fuck," she said, "I'm fine, but damn."

"Yeah, me too," I replied, dropping my head on the pillow.

Feeling myself softening up, she removed herself. She remained atop me, then slipped her right hand to face her as she dropped down, kissing me before she rolled beside me into a cuddle. Meanwhile, I got rid of the condom and just laid it aside.

"That was one great fuck."

"Yeah," I sighed, "That's one way to spend Friday night."

She just laughed.  

"It's even better than the manhwas," Sieun responded. I didn't know that it was a compliment or a lame insult. Whatever it was, I was now in her pages, playing, at the moment, a more significant role.

"Yah, Park Sieun, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" I asked.

"Well," she replied as she sat up, holding her reply until she jumped off the bed, "It just means you fucked me well."

"Oh, so I'm your fuckbuddy now?" I asked as I picked up and threw the condom in the can. Luckily it went on the first try.

"Not really. I mean, didn't I already tell you?" She seemed genuinely puzzled that I was still asking. I asked her again, sighing before turning to me as she closed her cabinet, then threw a towel at me, "we're dating now."

"Dating, huh? Alright," It was a strange first date.

That's the closest to a signature I could give.

"So, you want to grab tteokbokki after this?" she asked.

"Alright, after you wash up?" I told her.

"No," Sieun replied as she opened the lights, now a shadow.

"After we wash up, maybe you got another condom there?"

If only I knew our first date was all about sex. I would've brought more. I just said I did and picked another one from my bag. Giving Sieun another round in the shower, one that had her trying to find a grip on the tiles.

Yes, we shared a big bowl of tteokbokki after.

[absurdthirst]

Ration Cards {Joel Miller x F!Reader}

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: Post apocalyptic setting, drugs mention, drug usage, prostitution, sex for ration cards, protected sex, slightly rough handling, derogatory language (whore)

Comments: You know Joel Miller has ration cards and you need to save up. To get out of the city so you can find your sister. Willing to get them at any price, you offer Joel something he could possibly want in exchange for a few.

A/N: So how about that first episode???? The THOTs are rampant and Joel is hot AF.

**Not technically a spoiler, but whatever. Beware.

Co-written with @storiesofthefandomlovers

**Follow @absurdthirst-writes and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all new fics.

|| MasterList ||

gif by @magnusedom

Click Keep Reading only if you have read the Rating and Warnings and understand the warnings may not be complete to avoid listing spoilers. As AO3 says 'creator chooses not to use warnings'. You also agree that you're the right age to be consuming anything here.

He couldn’t say how it started. Maybe it was the pills, or the pills and the booze. Something to quiet the sounds of her panicked, gasping breathing that led to this. Not that he cares. Not that you care either. Both of you are getting something out of this, that’s all that matters now. What he can do for you, what you can do for him. He doesn’t care what that makes him, what people think. Even if the thin walls are barely containing the sound of your moans. Joel hisses, slapping his hand over your mouth when you get too loud, his hips punching against your ass. “Shut the fuck up, kitten.” He growls, that rasp pitched down, trying to keep quiet as his cock spears up into your hot cunt.

You cry into his palm, tears stinging in your eyes from how good he’s making you feel. No one else fucks you like this. Only Joel. The condom wrapper glistens on the side table from the sun coming into the room and you close your eyes, so close to your orgasm when he pushes deep inside of you. You’re not sure how you got to this point with Joel. You only know that you need what he can give you, no matter what it costs. 

**** 

“Please. I just - I need some more ration sheets.” You beg Joel, leaning against the metal fence while he crosses his arms, glancing around the area for any signs of danger. 

“I haven’t got any.” He huffs and you shake your head, “I know that’s not true. You have plenty. I need a few. I - I need them so I can store up. I want to get the fuck out of here. Find my sister. Please, I need the extras. I can - I can give you whatever you want.” You plead and he shakes his head, uncrossing his arms and you admire his profile for a brief moment. Wondering what he looked like before the stress of this entire situation took its toll on the population. He’s handsome now, you can only imagine how handsome he would’ve been without the weight of the world on his shoulders. 

“I said no. Okay? Fuck off.” He hisses and stomps off, making you huff and lean against the fence a little more. You roll your eyes and stomp off to your room, deciding to figure out a way to get Joel to give you what you want. 

**** 

After a lot of deliberation, you decided to offer what most men in the QZ, fuck, the world, wants: sex. You clear your throat, making your way to his building, avoiding eye contact as you keep the coat wrapped around your body. Nothing underneath it and you’re suffering the effects of the cold wind but it will be worth it. You knock on his door, holding your breath for him to be in

Knocks on a door are always met with suspicion, but Joel yanks the door open without a weapon in his hand. Guns inside the QZ are forbidden but a handgun isn’t necessary when you can beat a man to death. The scowl on his face slightly only slightly and he hands his head outside the door, looking left and right to see if there’s anyone else with you before he looks back at you. 

“What are you doing here?” He demands roughly. “I told you, I ain’t got ration sheets for you so unless you need something, go the fuck away.” Done with you and ready to pass out after taking the six pills he had just downed with a shot of bathtub liquor, he moves to close the door. 

You stop him, using your strength to keep the door open. “Wait.” You huff and he reluctantly pulls the door open. “I know you have those sheets, Joel. I- I have something I can offer you in exchange for them.” You brace yourself and fumble with the belt of your coat, opening it to display your naked body to those dark brown eyes that seem to burn into your very soul as if he’s trying to figure out your secrets.

His brow scrunches and he stands there for a moment, contemplating what to do. There’s been a lot he’s done since Outbreak, parts of his soul gone and he in no way resembles the man he had been before. He shakes his head and reaches out, grabbing your arm and dragging you closer. “Why are you doin’ this?” He demands. 

“I told you!” You gasp. “My sister is- I need to find her. She’s out there.” 

It’s a plight he understands, his own desperation to find Tommy since he’s gone silent has led to some dealings he wouldn’t normally do. Another couple of seconds pass, staring into your eyes before he lets go of your arm and straights slightly, his own hand moving to his belt buckle. “Turn around.” 

You inhale sharply that he has agreed to this. You are taking a risk, he might not even have the sheets and he’s telling the truth, but you can’t take the chance of not getting them. You are so close to having everything you need. You reach into the pocket before you shrug off the coat, letting it fall to the floor to leave you naked bar your boots. “Use this.” You hold up the silver packet, not even looking over your shoulder at him.

A condom. Joel takes the rubber and stares at it for a minute, trying to remember the last time he saw a condom. He huffs, putting it between his teeth before he starts to unzip, pulling his half hard cock out of his pants and starts pumping himself. You are looking over your shoulder at him and he ignores your slight gasp, concentrating on getting himself hard enough to put the condom on since you want him to wear it. Much better than pulling out so he doesn’t mind it. 

You stare at Joel while he gets himself hard, your stomach twisting from how thick he is. It’s gonna hurt. You’re no way wet enough to take him but you can deal with that. Those ration sheets are worth anything you have to do. Not that you don’t want to have sex with Joel. You’ve always wondered what he would be like in bed. You bite your lip, wiggling your ass as you grow impatient. “Struggling to get it up, old man?” You tease him.

“Fuck off.” He grunts, speaking with the condom still clenched between his teeth. “It's not like you’re sucking my cock.” He finally lets go of himself and reaches up to tear the packet open. “Rub some spit on your cunt.” He orders while he pinches the tip and rolls the rubber down his length. Listening to you spit in your hand while he spits on his own. “So it doesn’t hurt.” 

You roll your eyes, guiding your hand between you, and you rub your clit, trying to work yourself up. You whimper softly at the sensation and don’t notice Joel coming up behind you. He presses on your back and you lean forward, resting both hands on the arm of the tatty sofa. His hands caress your back for a moment until he is gripping his cock, positioning himself at your entrance and you hold your breath while he pushes into you.

He always loves the second that he pushes inside a cunt. The way the lips spread, stretch around him and the fucking heat. He groans quietly, leaning over your back as he keeps pushing until his hips are against your ass. “Fuck.” He rasps out, twitching inside you for the briefest second before he is moving. 

His hot breath hits your back and you shiver, elbows digging into the worn arm of the sofa. “Shit. You’re big.” It’s not a compliment, more of a statement. This is a transaction. You do like the way he curses though, his cock stretching you out as he sets a slow pace and you close your eyes, trying to relax and enjoy this moment of intimacy, even if it’s not even remotely romantic.

It’s not like he has places to be. The sounds inside his head are limited to your soft moans and the steadily slicker slaps of his hips against your ass. The buzz from the pills starting to take hold and his head feels fuzzy, he feels….good. “Fuck.” He grips your hips a little harder, pushing his cock deeper into you when he feels your cunt opening up for him. “You’re- fuck, you’re tight.” 

You like hearing him say that, getting wetter with each rock of his hips until you can easily take his cock inside of you. When he pushes deep against your wall, you let out a moan. Finally, you’re starting to feel pleasure. Joel notices and chuckles, deep and dark, sending a shiver down your spine. “So how often do you whore yourself out for ration sheets?” He asks, tone mocking enough to make you growl. You kick at his calf, pushing him back so his cock falls out of you and you turn to slap him.

“You fucking bastard-” You raise your hand but he grabs your wrist, a mocking smirk on his face, his eyes glassy enough to make you furious.

“Kitten has claws, huh?” He chuckles and you rip your wrist out of his grasp.

“Fuck you, Miller.” You hiss, “I just wanted what you have and I - I had nothing else to offer you. I have no weapons to spare, no drugs or booze. This is all I have left.” You poke his chest, still naked while he stands there with his rubber covered cock out, uncaring of your anger.

He gets it better than he would like to. Understands more than he should. There’s been plenty of people who have nothing to offer, who starve. It’s a life that almost isn’t worth living but you go on for family. Grabbing your arm again, he pushes you towards the bed. “Get on your knees,” he huffs, rolling his eyes at himself. For worrying about someone he shouldn’t. When you don’t move, he grabs you again, hauling you closer to him. “Get of the fucking bed, kitten, or get dressed and get the fuck out.” 

You can’t leave without those ration sheets and honestly? You want him to fuck you. Even if you don’t cum, you’ll get a few moments where your mind is blank to all the bullshit and you can just be. You kneel on the bed, on your hands and knees, the condom wrapper on the side table he tossed it onto and you glance over your shoulder at him. “You gonna fuck me or what?” You want to rile him up, you want him to fuck you hard.

Reaching out, he slaps your ass harshly before he pulls your hips back. “Shut up.” He huffs, pushing back into you with a groan before he starts spearing into you again. His hands are harder this time, squeezing your flesh before he snakes a hand around to pinch your clit hard enough to make you cry out. “Want you to cum for me, kitten.” He groans as he starts rubbing circles on the swollen nub. You’re doing what you have to and you should get something other than a few fucking ration cards for it. 

You moan when he starts to rub your clit, trying a few different motions until you are clenching around his cock. He focuses on that action, working you towards an orgasm, and you pant out his name, unable to stop yourself when you haven’t had pleasure like this in so long. “Oh fuck. Yes. Keep going. Just like that. You feel so good baby.” The nickname slips out, lost in your pleasured haze and for the moment, everything that’s happened to you since outbreak day fades away and you focus on the pleasure, on Joel.

“You like that, kitten?” He groans, working himself into you harder, his cock now throbbing and his entire body starting to feel. “You like my fingers on your clit and my cock in your cunt?” He knows you don’t want him, but it feels good, the wetness of your cunt starting to quelch and he can forget the sounds inside his head for a while. He might even sleep after this. 

“Yes. Oh shit. I love it.” You cry out, head dropping between your shoulders while he pounds into you, the slapping sound filling your ears and fading out the sounds of people outside. “So - so good Joel. Your cock feels so good.” It’s true, you haven’t had sex this good since before the shit hit the fan. Your husband…God rest his soul…was the only other man who made you feel like this. “Fuck. Keep going. Make me cum. You’re gonna make me cum, Joel. Keep going.” You demand loudly, a squeal escaping your lips when his next thrust hits deep.

Joel hisses, slapping his hand over your mouth when you get too loud, his hips punching against your ass. “Shut the fuck up, kitten.” He growls, that rasp pitched down, trying to keep quiet as his cock spears up into your hot cunt. You don’t need to be so loud, his body plastered over your back, one hand over your mouth and the other still working your clit while he fucks you, grunting into your ear. 

You cry into his palm, tears stinging in your eyes from how good he’s making you feel. No one else fucks you like this. Only Joel. The condom wrapper glistens on the side table from the sun coming into the room and you close your eyes, so close to your orgasm when he pushes deep inside of you. Another half dozen thrusts and he sends you over the edge. You shove his fingers into your mouth, moaning his name around them while you clamp down on his cock. You are shaking from the pleasure and you hate that he’s going to take satisfaction in reminding you of that.

Your cunt is tight, making him grit his teeth as he works himself in and out of you. Fingers moving from your clit to your hip, hand around your mouth tightening and he pulls you upright, needing a better hold on you. Now the sounds of his hips slapping against your ass are loud, almost too loud but he doesn’t give a fuck. Chasing his release with every swing of his hips. Thrusting up into you another half dozen times before he breaks. “Kittennnnnn.” He grunts out your new nickname as he pours himself into the condom, hard jarring thrusts as he rides out his high. 

You let him ride his high, short, jagged thrusts as he fills the condom, and you pant, leaning against him. You have a sheen of sweat from the activities and you love it, love the mindless feeling of an orgasm and the following haze. “Joel.” You murmur, turning your head to press your lips to his but he jerks away from you. “I- I’m sorry.” You whisper but he’s already pulling out of you, tying off the condom to toss into the trash by his window. You shuffle off of the bed, legs shaky as you apologize again but he doesn’t hear you. 

Tucking himself away in his pants first, he opens the secret book he keeps on the shelf, uncaring of you seeing where he keeps one part of his stash, and he hands you about twenty ration sheets. “Here you go, kitten, go find your sister.” He rasps out, avoiding your gaze. 

You frown, feeling dirty now that he’s done with you, and you bend down to pick up your coat, tying it around your waist and shoving the sheets into the inside pocket. “So I guess this is it.” You tell him, clearing your throat. You have enough now to get out of the QZ and you know he’s searching for Tommy. 

“Yeah. I guess so.” He still doesn’t look at you. 

“Be safe Joel.” You whisper, making your way to the door, your boots now the only sound in the room. 

“Be safe, kitten.” Joel murmurs just before you close his door. 

You smile against the wood, leaning there for a moment until you get your footing. “This kitten definitely has claws.” You smile to yourself, pleased that you got what you wanted. Now, it’s time to get ready to leave the QZ. What you don’t know is that you’ll be seeing Joel again sooner rather than later.

[darkenedreaper]

Pairing: Ellen Ripley x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Fluff

Summary: You suffer from the events of the Alien harder than others, no matter the state of your relationship, Ripley is there for you.

There She Is

After the multiple events of the Alien, you and Ripley having been through them all it hit you both a little harder

The remaining marines and crew that left for LV-426 are still recovering but they’re on a positive path

Newt is having trouble coming to terms with what the alien was and why it wanted to harm them, but she knew she was safe with Ripley

Ripley had her moments, sometimes late of an evening she’d go quiet and daydream or drift off into an uncomfortable sleep just because she had to

You didn’t speak about your emotions or your feelings towards it all, you felt you couldn’t and that it was a sign of weakness

Ripley and Newt were strong enough alone to take care of themselves but you needed to be there

Your relationship with Ellen became a little more complicated when Hicks came on the scene

Perhaps due to the aftermath of the Xenomorph… but you and Ripley spend more time apart

You rarely sit next to one another during ‘team quality time’, or game nights with the team or dinner

Newt picked up on it but she choose to say nothing as she knows she’s surrounded by love regardless

Ripley realises you took the brunt of the Xenomorph hard. You had a lot of responsibility on your shoulders at the time, and she wonders if you blame yourself for the deaths of marines, colonies, or for the destruction the creature had caused

At one time Ripley would’ve been able to read you like the back of her hand. But your walls have gone up and now you’re a closed book

If you sit quiet on a table, she’ll make an effort to sit close to you. And each time she’ll get closer until she’s next to you

If you’re annoyed or come across a little tense after a team briefing she’ll stay a little longer and wait around until everyone has cleared out

Ellen never pressured you, she lets you open up to her in your own time

But if something doesn’t sit right, she’ll poke and prod until she’s satisfied

It hurts her that you grew so far apart in such a short space of time, but it would hurt her more if there was no chance of ever being together again

She knows you try, but she knows you’re still recovering

Sometimes it’s habit for you and Ripley to sleep in the same room, sometimes in the same bed, sometimes rooms apart. But you’re trying

Ellen knows you’ve changed, she can see flashes of fear in your eyes each time there’s a loud noise, each time a marine is too loud, each time newt squeals, even if it is just from excitement

She sees and feels the close watch you keep on her. One minute you’ll be by the door and the next you’ll be right behind her, protecting her at all costs

Ripley does her best to comfort you and when you grow closer she finds it easier to be closer with you

If you’ve awoken from a terror in the night she might hold you, combing your hair while she waits for the terror to pass

Sometimes she’ll walk you to the bathroom and cool your forehead down with a damp cloth, something she learnt from you

She’ll stay up all hours with you until you’re settled, even though you insist she goes to bed. She treasures you

She’ll smooth her hand over your back or shoulders whilst you sit down for dinner, films or briefings

She encourages you to finish up your plate of food, offering you seconds or a drink to wash it down with. But don’t worry, if you don’t feel like eating Ellen will never force you to

Ripley would be lying if she said it didn’t bother her when you don’t sleep, she knows your awake when you’re a little more fidgety in bed, or when your breathing isn’t so steady

In moments where you feel a sense of uncertainty, she likes to keep you close to her. Whether that be her pulling you to rest on her chest, or laying your head down on her thighs

Sometimes you could be sitting in the briefing room, head in your hands and tears close to falling

You’ll stand up in a panic only to see Ellen leaning against the door frame, ready for you when you are ready

You only need to walk over to her and her arms will open for you. She’ll take you in her grasp and caress your shoulders and sides whilst you weep

She’s always there, no matter how high or low

Ellen likes it when you sit close to her. She sees how you have your arm wrapped round her and Newt, thighs or arms always touching

She’s grateful that you’ve opened up to her, and as a result you’ve become closer

She knows she can go to you, and you the same

[16bruises]

Remembrance

word count: 903

Part 2 to Descent

important information for writers who use google docs

Miguel drowns in a man-made ocean of hurt

“There is no grief like the grief that does not speak”

-Henry Longfellow

For the longest time, I felt like a voyeur. I watched a man who I shared my face with live the life I’d always wanted. I watched every beautiful moment, every sad moment, every quiet moment, every moment I could.

I had been so sure that every Miguel O’Hara in the multiverse was destined to suffer. But this one, this lucky cabrón. He had everything. He had a perfect life. A beautiful wife, a beautiful baby, everything was so god damned beautiful. I couldn’t help the resentment, the jealousy I felt towards this man.

Then that fateful moment…

I could’ve blinked and missed it…

It happened so fast and that man I shared a face with was gone.

But I remained. I couldn’t just watch anymore, I had to do something. The man I had once shared a face with wouldn’t be there to protect his wife or baby girl. But I could. Like nothing even happened. Who would want the mother of their baby to suffer and mourn their loss when a near-exact clone could be there? I loved them so much already.

My precious Gabriella and (y/n) never noticed I had stepped in for the man I shared a face with.

Every day with them was so perfect. I loved my beautiful wife and daughter. They were everything and more. I would’ve done anything for them.

I wish I could say I did everything I could to save my family. But I know I didn’t do enough. (Y/n) made it, I still could’ve done more for her but still- she made it. Gabriella… oh Gabriella. My baby girl. I didn’t save my baby girl. She was in my arms one moment and then she was gone.

Her own mother doesn’t even know she’s gone. I didn’t do enough, I don’t deserve to feel bad for myself. Yet I can’t help the gut-wrenching grief that consumes me every day.

I wish I did more for my baby girl, I wish I did more for my (y/n), I wish I did more for their world.

I often find myself wishing that their Miguel hadn’t died. Wishing my Gabriella’s father wasn’t taken from her without her ever knowing. Wishing (y/n)’s Miguel hadn’t made a simple mistake that cost him his life with her.

I love her more than he did though, I know I do. I fell for her before she was mine and I fell for her again every day once I got her. Her Miguel made a small but fatal mistake. He died and left her. I won’t let myself die, I won’t leave her.

The day (y/n) and Gabriella’s world was destroyed was the worst day of my life but I know someday soon it’ll have some competition for that title.

(y/n)‘s glitching gets worse every day, it’s only a matter of time until her body can’t handle the glitches anymore. That day might be worse.. but I’ll enjoy the moments I have with her until then. I’ll figure out which moment was worse once she’s gone.

-

If (y/n) knew what I did to that boy- Miles. I think she’d be more mad at me than she was before her world ended.

God, she screamed at me while I forced that dimensional travel watch onto her wrist. She couldn’t even look at me. I told her everything, she knew I wasn’t her Miguel, I wasn’t her baby’s father, and I was an alien in her home. She knew I watched her husband die and then took his place. She knew I had watched them live their beautiful life. She knew I fell in love with her through a screen in another universe. Yet, she still trusted me to protect her and Gabriella.

It’s horrible but it’s probably for the best that (y/n) doesn’t know that Gabriella is gone. I don’t think she’d be able to function if she remembered what happened. I wish there was someone else who remembers the moments I had with her and our Gabriella. But I’d rather have my (y/n) still love me, hold me, and talk about our baby girl like she’s just at school or soccer than have her know that her world ended and Gabriella is gone.

This situation… it’s too much. She wouldn’t understand. She couldn’t. It’s starting to seem like nobody completely understands the importance of maintaining canon.

(y/n) definitely wouldn’t. I don’t know how I could even explain myself to her. I admit, I went too far.

But Miles- He’s the reason Earth 42 doesn’t have a Spiderman! He’s the reason his Earth’s Peter Parker is dead! He’s responsible for anomalies across the multiverse!

He doesn’t- I should’ve explained better. I should’ve spoken to him one on one.

But that boy was never going to understand! The moment he found out what NEEDED to be done to protect his universe from total destruction he was never going to agree! There was nothing I could have done. Miles was never going to listen to reason.

He’s already caused too many problems-

Who knows everything he’s caused?! He could’ve sped up (y/n)‘s glitches!

She could be gone faster because of him!

I’ve accepted that she’ll be gone one day, but I will NOT LOSE HER SOONER THAN I HAVE TO.

ESPECIALLY NOT BECAUSE SOME ANOMALY WANTS TO BE SELFISH

[wetratman]

@artiificiial

EPIC THE MUSICAL SECRET SANTA! I had so much fun writing this, I hope you enjoy :) happy holidays

We would not be sleeping tonight.

Branches grew verdant as peace offerings denied and the blessings of a goddess. Penelope had latched the shutters tight to block out the scent and sound of the sea, the ebbs and flows and thudding of ships at the docks. You’ll have enough of sailing tomorrow, she’d said, and, now, we have only this night together.

And what of the night after? The endless progression of days, on the ship and at Troy, without her, without her strong weaver’s hands in mind and the way laurels smelled like victory perfumed across her skin and the easy familiarity with which we shared breaths and brushed shoulders, a thousand little gestures in a syntax nobody else quite understood. I rested my temple against her head as I had a thousand times, and it felt like the final recitation of an oft-rehearsed motion, the crescendo before the fall, voice breaking. My wife’s finite heartbeats roared frantic in my ear, even as she stared stone-faced forward. Our son lay in my arms, sleeping; I imagined that Telemachus would resemble his mother in a few years. Already, he sported wisps of her black hair, though his eyes had darkened since his birth months before.

When - if - I returned, would she be here, waiting for me? Why should she? We both knew the prophecy I’d received from the oracle: my return would be delayed, if I ever did make it home. Secretly, I feared it might’ve been better if she could move on swiftly, as painlessly as possible. Not that I’d ever manage such a feat.

Penelope’s breath clicked as she opened her mouth. No words came out.

“Love?” I asked, shifting the infant sleeping in my arms. “What’s on your mind?”

She gave a soft, dry laugh that echoed from her skull to mine. “You know what’s on my mind.”

As I cupped my hand to cradle Telemachus’ head more securely, I ran the other through her unbound hair. “Indulge me, then? I want to hear it from you.” I’d listen to anything she said, whatever let me hang onto her clear, high, sweetly articulate voice a moment longer. I would’ve savored a reproach if it came from her mouth. There was no need to desperately memorize the sound, though, as if I hadn’t long before. How would it change by the time I’d return in, what, five, ten years? (If I returned)

My wife hesitated, lips just parted, granting me an opportunity to crane my neck and kiss her, quick and light. “Tell me,” I urged. “It’s clearly troubling you, Love.”

A bit more gently, hand on her cheek: “You know there’s nothing to fear.”

“I just wanted to apologize,” Penelope whispered. “For all of this.”

Her knit brow cut deep shadows over her eyes in the lamplight. I pulled our faces apart just enough to fully see my wife, my beautiful, thoughtful, dearest one. “What is there to be sorry for? You haven’t done a thing wrong, I promise you.”

As quiet as she was, Penelope never wasted words when she had something to say: “You’re only going to Troy because of the oath you swore to win my hand. If not for our marriage, you’d be free to stay home and safe.”

I sighed. That was what there was about? Years before, I’d traveled to Sparta to ask for Helen’s hand in marriage - apparently, the most beautiful woman in the world, though I, of course, was confident that Penelope was the real owner of the title. It wasn’t long before I became smitten with Helen’s cousin, the daughter of a Spartan prince and water nymph. I’d stopped at nothing to win Penelope’s hand in marriage.

Shifting Telemachus onto the bed, (he cooed but didn’t wake) I cupped her face. “Please, Love, don’t think that. If not for our marriage, this would be no home of mine.”

“Well, then, I have a question for you.”

“What is it?”

Penelope did not hesitate to cut to the heart of the matter. “Had you known what our marriage would cost you, would you have still asked for my hand?”

I couldn’t help a peal of laughter. Was that even a question? Nobody doubted our devotion to one another. “I think you know the answer to that.”

Penelope smiled back, the anxious crease in her forehead relaxing. “Indulge me, then? I want to hear it from you,” she echoed.

“Well, we both know I have no problem with that,” I said ruefully, turning to fully face my wife. Our hands met, fingers entwining automatically, comfortably; her calloused fingertips brushed against my knuckles. “I would fall in love with you again.”

[sapphicslaylist]

[STP] Of Fleet Foot & Slinking Shadow

TWs: Animal Death, Hunting, Cannon-Typical Consumption, Cannon-Typical Violence. Mixed angst w/ fluff and a happy ending

Was immensely disappointed by the absolute lack of Beast fics which got into the nitty gritty of her character.

On AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57773797

Story here down below the cut

Quiet panted as he made it up the steps; outrunning Beast was exhausting, and had nearly cost him his leg in the process of scampering up those twisted, broken steps. But now on the floor of the cabin, he knew that he was out of her reach. Furious eyes and a swishing tail were all the indication he needed to know she was there, accompanied by the rattling of her chain. But it seemed even as she pulled on it, it was too large and heavy to break apart.

For a moment, they watched each other in silence. Beast’s growl carried up the stairs, fierce and challenging. But there was nothing she could do from there, so after a moment’s stare-off, she withdrew in sulking defeat.

Shirking his duties probably wasn’t in anyone’s best interest. But if Quiet wanted to do anything about the situation, then it would have to be done by approaching it from a different angle.

Sighing, Quiet pushed the door open, its musty odor permeating the air around them. So it seemed that this time, unlike the last, the door hadn’t been cruelly shut in on him. This was a chance for escape.

Not escape, Hunted warned. That chain will not hold her. We have nowhere to hide out here; she will catch us instantly.

We need a plan first, Hero echoed back. Look, I’m all here for doing our damnedest, but not if it just gets us cornered down there. There has to be some other way.

Quiet huffed as he stepped out onto the path, trying to ignore the angry yowls from the basement below. The hill was just the same as he had remembered, except this time, he was able to take in how sparse it was. The trees were all downhill from here, with the cabin perched at the top like a lone soldier; barely any wildlife seemed to shift and move over the barren landscape, which seemed to lack beginning or end. Just a cold, empty void in the vast expanse of nothingness.

Are we really the only ones out here?

Quiet’s plumicorns drooped upon the realization. Being able to see where they were for the first time in a moment, well, it seemed to be an absence of everything. Was there really a world to save in the end? Was there actually more to it than this barren half-wilderness?

Ground is ground, Hunted reminded. It doesn’t matter what it looks like, or what’s here along with us; we’ll adapt. 

Quiet shifted as the voices in his head bickered, seeming lost for a moment; with nowhere obvious to go, it left him with very little options.

Then the strong, acrid stench of iron from a gust of wind.

Blood.

Hunted took control before Hero could even think of objecting; to him, it seemed like that was the kind of scent you usually ran away from, but the plucky scavenger seemed to have something up his sleeve. Running on all fours, Quiet scampered a short distance from the scene, tilting his head curiously; it seemed that running from the Princess and making it out in one piece had brought something to the Construct which shouldn’t have been there; a crack in an otherwise “perfect” reality.

Where the rigid stench had come from, the body of an intact elk lay freshly slaughtered by the edge of the woods. By the look of it, the neck had been slit by someone or something, but no trail nor trace of the assailant remained.

Whatever left it here is long gone; there’s no other scent. We should claim it before something else does.

That could help, actually, Hero reasoned, cautiously. If we give her an offering, then she may be less quick to smite us.

Had Hunted the body to do so, there were some looks he would’ve given the other voice. Please explain to me why you could possibly think that’s a good idea.

Well, Hero replied, nonchalantly, she wants to eat us, right? It’s a little harder for her to do that if we spoil her appetite. Besides, it might even get us into better standing with her-

You cannot reason with what she is. She sees us as prey. There is no use in trying.

Quiet crouched by the body, debating the better course of action. Both seemed to make fair points, and yet it was challenging to deduce the greater risk compared to gain.

Hero sighed. Do you have any better ideas? I’d be just as happy not to face her head-on.

Hunted paused. If we have to bring it, be smart. Throw it to her, don’t go down. And keep our guard up; in and out.

I think we can work with that.

And so it was decided.

The full weight of the elk’s body was challenging to carry alone on Quiet’s back; weighing more than him, and much larger, however, it did seem like the gamble was worth the strain. All four wings shuffled and pricked to accommodate the weight, grunting with the effort. But at last it seemed that the cabin came into view sooner than anyone would’ve liked, dropping the gigantic prey to the ground long enough to open the door. It swung open reluctantly, as though aware of the uneasy task awaiting them down below.

The cabin was just as desolate as they’d left it, now adorned with spatters of crimson as they carried forward. The windows filtered in minimal light, the table in the corner the only furniture of note. No mirror this time; that seemed not to have followed them for this go around.

Well, better not to keep her waiting. Hero tried to mask the unease as Quiet shuffled forward, although knew that the stench of carrion would have her circling near immediately.

“Back again so soon?”

The growl in her voice betrayed an almost teasing note, her hulking form shifting in the shadows beside the stairs. Behind the mane of matted black hair, two bright gleaming eyes watched from the dark; impatiently, hungrily.

The amusement grew in her voice. “And you’re not alone.”

Quiet shuffled uneasily from the corner of the room, remembering the instructions from both guiding voices. Carefully, he lifted the elk by the head; almost immediately, Beast lunged. But fortunately, her chain didn’t even let her make it to the stairs.

A crude smile formed on her lips; all teeth and fangs. “Bring it here. Then I’ll see what I should do with you.”

The hesitation was nonexistent. From the top of the stairs, Quiet flung the body down the steps; it never even hit the ground before landing into her ravenous jaws with a roar. Bones cracked, antlers snapped off, blood spattered the hallway. It was unsettling to watch, but like a train wreck, impossible to look away. What remained after the first devastating blow she turned and dragged behind her, finishing off in the dark. This, in turn, only took a few seconds to finish off.

She scarcely left bone behind. The only remains besides a few cracked bones were two solid antlers, licking her chops with a satisfied huff.

“Smart choice,” she crooned, raising a brow. “You get to live. For now.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

It means we have her favor. But we need to be careful, because her posture indicates she’s going to pounce.

“So, are you going to just stand there? Or are you planning to join me?”

Neither voice had prepared for that outcome.

Is she serious? That’s obviously a trap!

Maybe, Hunted theorized. But she’s fully fed. Meat spoils fast; I don’t think she would waste the limited food she has right now. 

Right. So either we come down there and keep our guard up, or she’s going to pounce.

Hunted shifted restlessly within Quiet’s mind; all muscles seized up, a cornered prey.

Stop that. I don’t want to go down any more than you do. But if the option is with or without her teeth digging into us -

Hunted hesitated, weighing out the options. You’d better know what you’re doing, he sighed, reluctantly releasing his hold of the body. If we die again -

You can blame me. I know. But I still think if there’s a chance for diplomacy, we should take it.

Quiet approached the rickety handrail hesitantly; yet again, return would have to be careful.

Alright, guess we’re doing this, then. There’s no turning back now.

The steps themselves only took a few minutes to traverse; calmly as possible, watching for holes and splinters in the wood. The pounding in his heart was impossible to mask, especially with the addition of two frightened little voices silently worrying from within. This could well mean death, or it could mean a possible step in a better direction. After all, the flaw from before had been betrayal in place of a formed bond.

Maybe it isn’t too late for that.

It is, Hunted pleaded. We are merely here to avoid the alternative. Don’t forget what we agreed.

Trust me, my guard is well up, Hero assured. This would’ve been a lot more convincing if moments after the words were spoken, near-silent paws hadn’t padded up to them, buffeting them over with a blow seemingly too gentle to be full might. But nevertheless, it did its job. 

Quiet skid backwards, scrambling for the Blade; unfortunately, Beast was quicker. A paw inspected it almost mockingly, huge bright eyes watching from behind a mane of tangled hair as she stepped just barely into view. She merely swept it aside, before sitting down before them -

Wait, sitting?

Quiet didn’t dare move from the spot; if this was a test, then a chase would end in death. Beast merely observed for a moment, before pulling back, kicking the Blade over to Quiet with a stray talon.

“I said you get to live. And yet, you come down armed with that pathetic splinter.” Her laugh was sickly; taunting. “Fine, then - keep it. It would hardly save you from me.”

She’s right. We are small and she is massive… Anything we could do to her she can respond tenfold. This is why I didn’t want to come down here. She’s in her element, and we are cornered.

Quiet quickly picked up the blade before she could change her mind. Better to have something than nothing, after all.

“You clearly want something from me,” Beast began, “and it doesn’t seem to be just begging for your life. So, prey, tell me what that is.”

“I want to make it up to you.” Quiet responded before his mental team could even have another word about it. “I’m certain that bolting in the middle ruined your chase. At least this time you get something out of it.”

“Perhaps I was wrong to give you council here,” Beast growled. “Is ‘repentance’ the best you can do? Because you’ll have to do much better than that after what you’ve done. We both know that.”

As Beast raised a paw to aim a devastating blow, Quiet did the one thing it seemed would work: throw up his hands and beg for a moment more. Fortunately for him, the offering had saved him just enough. Her emaciated frame shone clearer in the growing starlight, from a barred skylight somewhere not too far above. But now fully fed, it seemed that curiosity had, just this once, won her over from violence. The paw stayed raised, but her gaze narrowed as though daring him to speak.

“You need to eat,” Quiet began. “You clearly haven’t been.”

“Your wretched talons could’ve fixed that much, much sooner.”

Was it better to be bold and risk it, or else try to be understanding? It seemed to be out of anyone’s hands as a sudden bolt of anger seized up in his chest.

“You’re deflecting,” Quiet challenged, “and you were back there as well. What have you been eating this whole time?”

A shuffle, and a pause. Beast moved herself past him, circling the chains. The air was quiet between hero and monster for a moment, broken only by the tense scraping of the basement below. Her head tilted upward towards the skylight, and his gaze followed.

“Sometimes birds manage to lose their way,” Beast growled. “And sometimes they find themselves dragged back down here, with me. But they would have to be fairly foolish to do so.”

“… Oh.” Quiet shuddered, folding his wings behind his back. “I see.”

Her harsh gaze fell upon him. “Very foolish.”

A growl rose in her throat, and the earth shook with each footfall. Quiet staggered back, feathers prickling uncomfortably at his sides. Talons wrapped firmly around the Pristine Blade, aiming it at her, scarcely a threat - but of course, as always, the Princess was faster; stronger. It only took a blow for her to knock him over, blade still in hand.

You can still do this. Strike now.

His eyes swam as his head met the ground, trying to get into focus; her breaths lacerated his body with the stench of decay. Two large eyes loomed over, examining his moves; the Blade twitched, but didn’t stir.

Having a stare off with an adversary this large was hardly intelligent, but it was the only thing that he had left in his mind. Wounding her would send her in a blind rage. And deep down, something told him that if she had wanted to devour him then and now, she would’ve done it already.

It’s a gamble, but you might be right. So what, then? Do we just stay still?

For a few moments their movements remained intact. Heavy paw on restless body, watching one another, daring the other to make the first move. Then just as soon as it had begun, it was over; the paw disconnected, leaving Quiet to pick himself off the ground, gasping.

“You are braver than I thought,” Beast chuckled, amusement and a tinge of confusion tinting her voice. “But whatever game you’re playing, you can’t keep this up forever. Feeding me the flesh of another will not change my wishes, Fledgeling; you are lucky that for the time being you are of more use to me out here than in there.”

Interesting , so she can be reasoned with. 

I wouldn’t count on it. She stated her intentions fairly well; a nourished predator will be much harder to defeat than a starved one. Be careful with how you proceed.

Quiet gave the inner voices a nod, returning himself to the looming Princess. What she was doing was clear enough; she had the upper hand, but she was biding her time. Even if it did come to devouring him, it didn’t mean that there weren’t things that could be done in the meantime to take her off the edge.

“Yet I still don’t understand why.”

“Why-?”

Beast took one of the antlers from her recent prey, cracking it to splinters in her jaw. Quiet gulped as she pushed the pieces towards him; rage, frustration, confusion clouding her vision.

Don’t show fear. Fear gets them excited. You’ve played a dangerous game getting this close to begin with-

-We’ve got it handled.

“Oh, that.”

Beast looked over at him, urging her adversary to indulge her with a respectable answer.

“Well, you said it yourself; prey is scarce in these woods, and even more so in the basement of the cabin. It isn’t as if many things find their way down here.”

Are you trying to get her to pounce? She’s restless. Don’t let your guard down.

We’re not.

Beast tilted her head, shifting where she stood. His intentions were hard to read, but the truth was clear enough; he had an opening to slice her, and had left no mark. Instead, it seemed that despite the odds they were almost… Benevolent. But regardless of the intentions, the outcome was still falling in her favor. So perhaps it was best to not look a gift elk in the mouth.

“And yet, you returned.” The words came out a callous hiss, rank with cruel amusement.

“Yes,” Quiet remarked. “I do.”

“Within the grasp of a known predator.”

“Correct.”

Beast’s ears twitched. Was it deliberate misleading, or pure stupidity? What game was this traitor playing, exactly? And was it worth even taking him up on it?

Remember the plan. Sooner or later, he will slip up, and then he’ll be mine.

“And so it’s come to this.” Beast sat down, pushing the other antler to her side. “You can’t run, can you?”

So she had pinpointed it after all. No use in lying; it was clear she could see through that.

“No. I can leave the cabin, but there’s only so far into the woods I can go before there’s just… Nothing. It seems clear that there’s only one way forward here-“

“You kill me, or I kill you.”

“Or both.”

Both creatures chanced their backs to one another, drinking in the uneasy tension. Feathers pricked and fur bristled, the vitality of the natural order now so begrudging, so improper. And for just a moment, pressed up against the behemoth’s back, Quiet could feel the fury and anguish in the pulse running through her veins; a creature wary of betrayal, and afraid of defeat. One would sacrifice every drop of lifeblood to keep from experiencing that horrific sensation ever again, and force the world to bend to her whims if it meant her own safety. 

Hunted was the first to notice.

She’s… Scared? But she has us cornered. A cat doesn’t fear a mouse as it goes in for the kill -

In case you haven’t noticed, she hasn’t ‘gone in for the kill.’ She’s still thinking. And right now, it seems like she’s waiting on us to react in kind than make the first move. Maybe it’ll pay to be merciful here.

She is a wild animal who could swallow us whole any moment. I don’t think that ‘acting with grace’ is the proper ploy -

But it seemed that Hunted had been overruled. 

“What if we call a stalemate?”

That’s your great idea?!

  Beast snorted. “Or, you could release me. Make this painless for everyone. Well… Mostly painless.”

“Just… Hear me out,” Quiet murmured, shaking his head. “You can’t leave, or else the world supposedly ends.”

“And you actually believe that?”

“I… Don’t know what I do or don’t believe, only what I’ve been told. There has to be a compromise here somewhere, right? If I could bring you parts of the outside world-“

“This is a prison. There is no compromise.”

Beast lashed her tail, vestigial wings fluttering impatiently on her back. “And if you won’t agree to it by choice, then I will make you.”

Leaning down to his level, Beast gave a wide yawn. The rank breath of wide, salivating jaws lined with razor sharp teeth hit Quiet sharply, shuddering as she withdrew.

“That’s… Lethal.”

“Oh, I didn’t say I would kill you.” Beast smirked, making a point of running her grooved tongue over one forepaw as she rubbed the back of her neck. “But that’s for you to decide how easily you want to cooperate.”

“Mm…hm.” Quiet brushed the feathers along his own neck, easing them down from a bristle. “So I’m taking it that’s a-“

“Three days.” Beast muttered absently, examining her claws. “That’s how long you have until I lose my patience, but make it count. I want you to prove that you have more than your own interests in mind - that you actually want to help. Anything less and I will make sure you only have enough of a pulse left to release me from my chains. And perhaps in the time you spend, you’ll see why this place is so desolate.”

“So it’s decided, then?”

“That depends on what you have to add.”

Hero noted the dangerous look in her eyes incredulously. What is she looking for? A blood pact?!

“I’m sure I will know when I come across it. But for now, only my word.”

You’re really taking charge of this, aren’t you? Hunted noted the exchange, bemused; frankly, he’d half expected Hero’s confidence a farce. But watching through Quiet’s eyes as taloned hand shook clawed paw in confirmation, it seemed that the bolder voice was indeed onto something.

“You are free to come and go so long as you return with a satisfactory haul each time,” Beast rumbled, her silken purr laden with ice. “Do not disappoint me.”

Taking a single look back, she risked turning her back on her opponent, knowing that he wouldn’t risk a move against her with the waters calm. Hunched over in the corner, her fangs found their purchase in the other antler of her gifted prey, the sound of cracking bone filling the empty space with uneasy splinters.

Neither voice has to tell Quiet that was his cue to leave - not to run, but to turn tail slowly and quietly. And when the Princess didn’t lunge or even startle amidst his passing, that was surely a good sign to be had.

Going back up the cabin steps was still quite the trek. It was still just as difficult to navigate back up as it was down, with the sodden frame and tattered wood reeking of decay. But at the very least, no encroaching monster in hot pursuit - so this, comparatively, was a godsend. But from which god, well, it was frankly unclear.

Once the cabin shifted into view, it seemed that the voices arose to their natural quarrel; with Hero seemingly confident, and Hunted less than so. Quiet’s mind shifted and settled uneasily as elation and fear encapsulated his every movement going forward towards the door, chancing one look back; from the corner of the wall, the Princess sat somewhere in the foliage. The only indication of her presence was those gleaming eyes, and a nod; he was her servant now, bound by the threat of guillotine jaws if proven disloyal.

I hope you know what you’ve gotten us into, Hunted lamented. 

What do you mean? I bought us time.

Time alone won’t save us from something that big, Hunted urged. We have to figure out what she wants, and fast.

I mean, isn’t it obvious? As long as we keep her fed and entertained -

As far as she’s concerned, we would serve as just as proper a plaything as any we could bring. We need to do far better than the bare minimum.

Right; she is a Princess, after all. So whatever we do, best to keep that in mind.

As Quiet reached the edges of the cabin, he found himself met with the tall grasses along the cabin’s outskirts. The second time out was simultaneously freeing and shackling; it would determine if there even was a third time. Thankfully, this time he had some ability to look around opposed to grabbing the nearest corpse; there was the hill, of course, and by the edges of the forest a small pond. The air had no scent of heavy blood like last time; that likely meant this time would be much harder to locate the pickings.

We don’t need it to be found for us, Hunted reminded. We have the Steel Claw. We can catch game on our own.

The sound of nearby waterfowl seemed to catch Quiet’s attention. At this point, the gravity was seamless; following Hunted’s instructions and following downwind, it would just take a quick blow to the neck and -

There was barely a sound from each creature as each blow struck; quick and painless.

By the end of the hunt, several adequate-sized ducks and geese had added themselves to the pile by the riverside. Using the river to wash off the Pristine Blade, and wading in the shallows to remove the remnants of his kill (lest the Construct decide now was the time to add in another disadvantage), Quiet took his pickings and returned back to the cabin post haste.

Already, he could tell from below that Beast was restless. Guaranteed she could sense the smell of fresh meat, and no matter what he’d done to shake it from himself, that Quiet had taken it into his own to catch it this time.

“You didn’t come back empty-handed,” she quipped, sniffing the air. “Good.”

“That’s not the end of it,” Quiet replied, brushing the back of his neck. “Just a few more things, if you’ll let me.”

Beast dipped her head, although her patience was running dry. A part of her wanted to demand this second offering, and yet the second told her that whatever he had in store was likely better.

Either that, or he was lying and she’d have no qualms in eating him.

Several minutes passed until the cabin door opened again - with Beast left waiting at the bottom of the stairs like a puppy waiting for its owner to arrive. Frankly, it was beyond a little humiliating, so whatever he was up to better be worth it.

“Bring it here,” she challenged, no venom in her voice. A pause and step backward, as if hesitant to turn her back on him; cautious, but still sure to show she was the one in power.

It seemed that Quiet obeyed almost immediately; a plucky, frugal servant setting up the spread of items he’d prepared for her, not uttering much but a request for her patience as he set things up. This she adhered to more out of interest than respect for the little bird; what he was doing was certainly entertaining, to say the least. And if she got a dinner and a show out of it, then perhaps for now he didn’t have to be the main course.

But admittedly, the amount of care and attention which he provided did indeed surprise her. Beast watched as Quiet knelt beside her, daring to get close to her paws. As he brushed several sticks together, Beast feigned disinterest, turning away - but as they erupted into a cascade of flames, it was hard to look away.

Light. Real, genuine light - and not just the kind that filtered in from above. Fire, of course, wasn’t uncommon for civilized beings - but without opposable thumbs, actually lighting one was impossible. And it was better not even getting into the semantics over lumber. As Quiet placed it amidst several other logs on the ground, Beast looked over him, cold and formidable as always; but there was a power within her which seemed to acknowledge this act with humility.

She didn’t need to say it for Quiet to know the first stage had worked.

How did you know that would get her attention?

Humanity craves light, Hunted stated plainly. She may be a monster now, but there will always be a part of her that was once human. If we’re going through with this from your angle, then it makes sense to approach it from the facts: to bring comfort where it’s lacking. And right now, we might’ve actually gained some ground. 

Then, after a pause:

Your crazy plan just might work. Keep going.

Hero didn’t need to be told twice. The second stage, of course, would be the most unsettling - bringing down the game and preparing it.

Birds. It has to be birds, didn’t it? The reminder of proximity wasn’t exactly comforting from anyone’s point of view. But nevertheless, Quiet brought them down with a handful of red berries crushed into an impromptu sauce, laying them down by the fire. It seemed a curious shift twisted Beast’s expression as she looked down, eyeing Quiet with a twitch of her tail.

“Interesting choice.”

“I’m not quite finished yet.”

Quiet took the Blade from his side, and began to prepare each of the poultry for the fire. Beast’s incredulity turned to genuine interest; perhaps almost appreciation.

“You’re taking this a lot more seriously than I thought,” she remarked, struggling to keep the apathetic facade. “I expected you to run off the first chance you got.”

“That wouldn’t do either of us any good,” Quiet retorted, keeping his head low as he worked precisely with the knife. “After all, we both know I can’t escape you in any way that matters.”

“It doesn’t seem like there’s ‘just nothing’ out there like you described,” Beast offered challengingly. “This is quite a bit more than just barren woods can offer.”

“Something’s changed,” Quiet murmured, placing one filet over the fire. “And it keeps changing. It seems like each time I go back out, there’s something more there. I don’t know what to think of it, or where it ends. But it doesn’t feel wrong.”

Beast didn’t respond immediately. Flecks of firelight illuminated tints of sepia and moss on her pelt, and greasy curtains of raven hair, motionless as a gargoyle. Then, slowly, she dipped her head.

“Perhaps you are finally understanding the world around us, and the ground we stand on with one another. The death of one thing is not out of cold blood; sometimes, it is an act of mercy. Otherwise, a means of survival. It is something that you cannot understand until you have been on both sides of the coin; the assailant and the victim.”

Quiet looked over at the butchered meat in taloned hands. Regardless of whether the intent was feeding it to his would-be predator, she had a point. 

“I suppose it is one in the same, is it not?”

“It is. You hunt because you have to survive. Our relationships to one another are formed by the designs of nature; it is not an act of cruelty but necessity.” Her tone shifted, from understanding to callous. Venom seeped into every syllable as she prowled, restless in her chains.

 “But when this all began, you lacked that perspective. You lashed out because you were told to, not because you had to; you had your chance to make an ally and chose betrayal instead. And I know better than to trust a coward who only cries mercy when his own skin is on the line.”

Quiet knew better than to respond to the words, letting them sink in. Being thrown into the hustle and bustle of the old murdering business wasn’t exactly his first pick to begin with, but there were things he’d done that were beyond the pale. Their little game of predator and prey truly left neither party innocent in the end, even now - but the fact she had stated as such left hope. The fact this didn’t end in blood and gore where conversation could be had instead; where listless chatter was replaced with cold, hard negotiation.

“But this,” Beast continued, “is much more than I’d expect from a coward begging for his life.”

Quiet barely got all of the meat cooked and garnished before Beast tore into them, leaving no remains. Nervously, he nibbled on one of the few pieces left; an act of acceptance, despite circumstance.

You’ll get used to it, Hunted reassured. It’s just how things are. It’s how we have to be.

Bird and Beast lingered under the stars and flames, caught in the lapse of true, negotiated silence. Her bold form caught shadows of the skylight above, the cage bars all the more intimidating from their vantage point. But still, she did not waver in the face of that familiar hostility. As the fire finally ended itself in a brilliant blur, Beast circled its ashes, curling around the spot like a Phoenix in waiting.

“You’ve done fairly well for today,” Beast chirped, turning her head over to look behind one wing. “Let’s see if you have the strength to continue.” And without another word, she dropped off to sleep. 

Her features softened, whiskers twitching. The reek of death seemed far less intimidating on her now that the time had passed in peace. For a moment, Quiet almost debated laying next to her.

But thankfully, his wits (and the incomprehensible screeching of two horrified voices from within) snapped him out of it, and retired to the upper landing of the basement stairs.

So perhaps this time, he’d learned his first lesson. Beast was cruel and callous, but not unreasonable; and if things continued in his favor, maybe he didn’t have to do any slaying.

—-

You hunt because you have to survive. You lacked that perspective before. Necessity begets cruelty.

The voice that dwelled in the lingering edges of Quiet’s sleep came from neither voice, but rather his own. Even in rest they circled like a mantra, folding two pairs of clipped wings over himself like a blanket and laying back, praying for a quiet night. The snores of the princess ripped through the otherwise peaceful night air, making it hard at first; but as the time ticked on, resisting rest was unbearable. Quiet finally submitted to his own biology, shrouded with only the perceived comforts of a possible truce.

When morning came and not a scratch was left upon him, it seemed that the gamble had played out for now. But due diligence was the name of the game; he wouldn’t win anything over by slacking. Without even bothering to check for the Princess (she didn’t call, so chances were she remained asleep), the cabin door swung open to reveal what a night’s worth of peace had overruled from former desolation.

Roots, shrubs, and burrows were immediately visible this time around as Quiet stepped out, noting the swish of unfamiliar tails and brand new sounds from local fauna. Indeed, things were as they’d predicted; the world around them was changing, but into much more an ecosystem opposed to just a barren landscape of sparse, meek prey. The same lot of geese still swam circles around the water, sure - but the further Quiet looked and wandered, the more he noticed he was less and less alone.

More opportunities to make his way along the landscape offered themselves immediately. More ideas on how to pay his respects. More ways to get injured, Hunted chimed in, worriedly. She’s not the only predator out here anymore. We should keep our senses sharp, and not take any further risks.

That certainly sounds like a good idea to me, Hero agreed. As great as it was to have some rest, I presume I speak for everyone when I’d rather than keep up and avoid stab wounds from pretty much anything out here. So, same plan?

There seemed to be no immediate objections, and so Quiet headed forward towards the river bend. After Hunted investigated the area and confirmed no immediate threats, it was back to the same circumstances as before.

Quick, sharp, precise. No pain, no suffering; the point was strictly survival, and speed would be the element here in making sure they weren’t outcompeted. Upon striking another duck through the throat, his arm shot out to reach it; a quick, sharp bite to the back of his hand had Quiet recoiling. An opportune weasel had shot through the grass and stolen his catch out from under him, dragging the creature along by the neck back to its den. As Quiet drew nearer, the cause for the attack was more obvious, as three small, rounded forms bristled from beneath twigs and carrion.

Oh, Hero sighed, as Quiet shook his head. I guess she needs it more than us, then.

One kill usually assists the survival of another, Hunted agreed, watching as the weasel pups bit small pieces from their prey. A life for a life. Determining who lives and who dies isn’t really up to us; just making our own way through and surviving the best we can.

With that plan scrapped, Quiet wandered further down the path; deciduous brackets of spruce and fir blocked his path in many directions, but he trekked on. Perhaps if he could gather a few herbs, then they could come up with the rest.

That night, Quiet brought back a medley of foraged fruits and a hand-woven basket of water. Of course, anything that he could carry was far too small for someone of Beast’s stature; it took several refills for her to have finally taken in her fill. Yet again, this was met with approval, although a sense of wandering curiosity.

“No meat this time,” she noted, flicking aside a stem. “Did your luck finally run out?”

“Well… Yes and no,” Quiet began, and explained what he’d seen that day. About the weasels, and a deer he’d freed from a strangling overgrowth of vines.

“So that’s why you smell of blood,” she chuckled. Her amusement seemed to be kept, though, so he continued.

“The lake has expanded into a full ecosystem by now as well; it’s not just ducks anymore. And oh, I was going to give you this later, but -“

Quiet barely had enough time to whip it out from behind his back before Beast had smelled fish and capitalized on it, nearly taking his hands in the process. But opposed to crushing them between her teeth, she simply allowed them to slide back out from her massive maw with a soft purr.

Is it me, or is she almost getting soft on us?

Hunted didn’t respond. But the soft lingering fascination where the little voice would’ve spoken initiated the feeling wasn’t completely unshared.

Wiping his hands off on the basement’s leaves with a disgruntled murmur, Quiet looked up at Beast expectantly. “Well, it’s been two days now. Out of all the things I’ve brought you so far, what is the one you liked the most?”

“Your stories,” Beast replied, with a dip of her head. “At first I thought it impossible, but perhaps we aren’t so different after all.”

And so as time went on, that was precisely what Quiet brought. Instead of gifts with the occasional tale alongside them, the Long Quiet would regale the creature with the ways in which the Construct shifted and changed with each and every gift and moment of progress between them. How the bones brought back from meals he brought were growing fresh colonies of mushrooms; how wild grass brought hares and foxes, and a variety of different flora and fauna. And each and every time, he would bring back a blade of grass or hoof or feather, letting her take it in at her own pace.

The next night, the Princess tested him again, wrinkling her nose in amusement. “I’d like to actually see it sometime.”

“Then perhaps there is still a way I can show you, even from here.”

At first, Beast believed this another bluff; but as always, she was a patient predator, and his words intrigued her.

The space had become much less a prison and more a home of stasis and change. For when life fell for death, the earth itself unwound to their whims. And with each passing day beyond the first and the next, it seemed that the Princess wasn’t a threat to this world, but one who brought life into the open plains beyond. One who had either forgotten to kill him after their deal, or had else decided against it.

The feeling was mutual. For as much Quiet feared her, the thoughts of her never left his mind.

Are we… Actually in love?

It would seem that way, Hunted remarked. For the first time since the bet had begun, the underlying tremor had resolved, his voice growing louder and less afraid. I don’t know how or why, but nature can be surprising sometimes.

This trek down the cabin path led them to the briars where they’d freed the doe from her thorny prison. Time itself lost, it seemed that days or weeks could’ve past since then; thick tangles of roots and vines made for a barrier, but the reward this time was sweet, as large bloodied blossoms sprawled across the field.

Appealing to humanity again? It might work, Hunted offered. Just make sure that we don’t forget about dinner.

Quiet places the blade to the side of the bush where one shone brightly; cutting swiftly for one, then another. A stout creature scuffled next to them, growling softly: a badger, likely out on the prowl for food. It looked to Quiet almost pleadingly before burying its nose into the bushes.

Wait, what is it -?

A whimper struck them as they recoiled, face bloodied by small scratches from the branches. In its mouth, several ruby petals fell pathetically to the ground, and the saddened creature lunged for another strike.

Quiet reached down to pick the badger up by the nape of its neck. Immediately, to his surprise, they loosened their grip and allowed him.

A wary silence passed as they looked up at him, the pleading almost human. Then their eyes drifted to the bush again, and back to Quiet. A single snip of the blade was all it took to cut off another flower, setting the creature down and handing it to them.

Odd behavior, Hero quipped. But better to humor it than let it keep doing that, right?

The badger froze for a moment, seeing if it was a trap - then snatched the flower without hesitation and scampered away with a thankful bark.

I wonder where he’s going with it -

As Quiet brushed into the clearing, it seemed to be more obvious. Partially healed over scars from the injured doe glistened in the moonlight, flicking an ear to him warily from where she lay. The badger flung past, rose held firmly in its mouth. Quiet let them pass without question, and crouched with the weapon buried in the earth to prove he was not a threat.

The doe relaxed slightly and turned her attention to the badger bounding forth. By her feet it lay it forth, licking her wounded flesh tenderly. The small playful growls and clicks rising in their throat were enough for the odd reasoning to be clear.

Mutualistic relationship, Hunted observed. But that doesn’t usually happen between two like these. This is different; I suppose the forest brought its own surprises.

For a moment, Quiet didn’t want to move from the pair and their affectionate embrace; a sweet sight in the midst of all the doom and gloom was nice, showing there was some lasting good from his actions. Perhaps the same could be true for the one he’d hurt the most, but only time could tell.

We’re still thinking about her, hmm? Hero chuckled the words, drawing Quiet’s fingers to tap rhythmically on the wood of a nearby tree. Come on, then; let’s get something special for tonight. I think we’ve done our fair share of the usual fare by this point.

Do you remember what we told her - about showing her the world? Hunted’s voice had a small speck of wonder to it. I think I may have a few ideas.

———

The night was one to be remembered if nothing else. It was all a wonderful, beautiful blur.

Firelight flickered against the walls under the bones of a hard-earned meal. The blood spatters from when things had all begun had all but faded out into the earth, the stone - becoming part of this place. 

Life, death, rebirth.

A paw against the worm-down floors.

A tattered shackle brazened against the glow of a burning stick.

“Here,” Quiet murmured. “If you’ll allow me.”

A gently raised paw; not in anger or violence but clear, patient poise. Embers licked against the metal around the cuff, melting away layers of steel in its grasp. A soft gasp. A look away. The flames were working in service of an overdue burden.

Thin metal strips shed like outgrown skin off a lizard; bringing a place from the old for the new. The flames died down, and the now-half cuff more clanked to the ground than slipped off her foreleg. She stepped away, tentatively at first; almost not trusting it. The skin beneath had lost a great deal of fur; bruised and blistered from repeated scuffs against the heavy metal.

Quiet scarcely said a word as he went over, plucking a nearby leaf from the jungle floor. They were large and broad - just enough to provide enough covering for the injury.

Finding any sort of ointment would be the tricky part, but better to at least start by avoiding further exposure; carefully he knelt beside her, offering it with a curious tilt of his head.

“May I?”

Beast hesitated, then acquiesced. It was funny, really; seeing this odd little bird scamper around and scuffle about her every whim - even ones she didn’t quite know about yet. But more so, the blind shock of what had happened was overwhelming her above all else.

Did that mean he’d changed his mind? It was certainly a step in the right direction, but the deliberate acknowledgement hadn’t been given.

For the first time since she’s known him, the Princess opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Just a shocked, dazed expression indicating nothing but confusion.

“How’s that?”

Beast nodded, unsure what to say.

“There’s more,” Quiet added. And from the look on his face, it seemed like it was something particularly nice. And with that in mind, could it mean-?

Something in her finally felt that jolt of hope. Perhaps they finally understood each other, after all.

The Princess brushed forward, eagerly making her way through the branches and leaves. Getting a bit ahead of herself, perhaps, she frolicked momentarily in the forest forray - finally unchained and loose. It was like watching a kitten with a toy mouse - except genuinely endearing. Nothing like the alternative of being said plaything.

I suppose we did some good, after all, Hunted mused. It was odd, in a sense; the monster that had once terrified him wasn’t that much different after all; she just wanted to survive and thrive like the rest of them.

And that was when his heart sank. But it was too late; Hero had already assumed control. 

I don’t think we should be doing this, Hunted countered. She’s happy now. We did something good. If we do this, it’ll make things worse.

Why? Hero asked, genuinely confused. Watching Beast play from afar, Quiet began to scale the wall and slither up towards the skylight. This should make things more comfortable for her.

This isn’t where she belongs, Hunted insisted.

Quiet nearly dropped the blade in his hands as he sawed through the bars.

Okay, Hero chuckled nervously, I get it; we want to help her. But, with the stakes as they are, this still seems like a fair compromise. No world ending, and everybody’s safe.

You just hyped her up for freedom for nothing! True, palpable rage sunk into Hunted’s voice; a kind of empathy even he was surprised in being able to muster.

As the voices fought in his head, Quiet tried to continue his work of sawing off the bars from the skylight - something which, at best, only Beast’s paws could reach. One by one they fell back into her enclosure with a loud clink, but it only took the first for her to notice the shift, standing bolt upright in the foliage.

“What are you doing?”

“Uh… Nothing, Princess. Just trying to give you a little more light in here to make things more comfortable-“

Quiet never got further than that. Taking the sawed beams from the basement floor and plunging them deep into the walls, she scaled each “rung” just enough to grab quiet by the back of the neck and drag him down with her.

Just like another preything  - or perhaps a naughty kitten. Given the rage and distrust in Beast’s eyes, that look of a secondary betrayal laid deep within her, it didn’t seem like the distinction mattered to much.

But beyond frightening, the Princess looked grief-stricken. Tears threatened to pool from her glowing eyes, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. The lump in her throat was clearly forming. This wasn’t a creature longing to shred her assailant, no; this was someone begging to know why she’d been hurt yet again.

A huff, a groan, a whimper. Beast was trying and failing to keep her composure.

“Is this really the best you can do?! Was this your grand surprise?”

Ripping one of the beams out of the wall, she flung it across the room. Sighing, panting, almost roaring, she looked over her target with an angered gaze.

“You still haven’t started your intentions, at the end of all of this.”

Sitting in the dark of the room, both creatures looked up over the skylight; its looming presence a grim reminder of the severity of the situation. A nicer cage, she had said, but still a prison.

Quiet didn’t reply for a moment, although didn’t shift away from her gaze; the looming eyes of the burly predator were challenging and powerful. For what could’ve been days or weeks, things had remained the same; not timeless, no, but also not fully within the bounds of natural passage.

But now, he was faced with what had started it all.

“My… Intentions?”

“We both know that this ends one way or another,” Beast growled, giving a snort. “Just as always.”

“Oh.” Quiet shifted slightly, lowering his head. The gleam in his bright white eyes stung with painful recollection. “That’s right.”

“You were sent here to kill me, and I you. Try as you might to make things up, don’t think I’ve forgotten how this all began.”

With a knife in her back. That was the truth of it all, wasn’t it? A forged tale of rescue, a fallacy of friendship; a bond of trust broken so far and surely that few things could ever hope to repair it. But as he gazed back up at Beast, that visage of hatred and bloodlust wasn’t what Quiet saw anymore. Not by a long shot.

“Perhaps… It doesn’t have to end that way,” Quiet offered, extending a taloned hand. 

Beast looked over at it, sniffing begrudgingly; it was raised the way he’d learned to over his time around her, with the tips of his fingers away from her. A sign of repentance,  and perhaps regret. But nevertheless, she turned her head from him; still sullen, but knowing him better than to attempt to strike. His act, while painful, was not out of malice.

“There is only one thing I want,” she insisted, claws absently rending the earth. “And you know what that is.”

“So that hasn’t changed, has it?”

No inclination of fear tinged his voice; it seemed that in the countless hours left alone with the sulking behemoth and the voices in his head, there was a false sense of security which had cloaked these strange encounters. But even when threatened, it didn’t lift. Why, he wasn’t sure.

We knew this was a possibility from the beginning, Hunted lamented. We were only stalling the inevitable.

But she’s right; there is no exit out here; it seems we truly are stuck here until we kill her.

Or she kills us. Which is more likely.

“May I ask why?”

Beast straightened up, turning her head towards the unruly creature. “Your love is tender, but it is hollow without the promise of freedom,” she began, circling him like clockwork. “You come and go from the Cabin as you please, while I am left down here to languish alone in your absence.” As if a marionette of nature, she recoiled, tail whipping vegetation down to the stem. In the first time in what felt forever, Quiet submitted to instinct and withdrew. She had been right about one thing after all; she was so much more than him.

“A tethered love cannot survive, and stay or leave I will still be the same. I am what I am, Fledgeling. And your wits span far beyond lacking those of a foolish prey who wandered too close to somewhere you do not belong.”

“So that’s it, then? It all comes down to… Instinct?”

It always has been, Hunted reminded. That’s why you need me. That’s why you should’ve listened -

Quiet tuned out the pleasing voice, turning his attention towards the Princess - even if it was against all better judgment.

“You knew what you were getting yourself into,” Beast commented nonchalantly, nestling down where she sat. “How or why this is a surprise to you, I do not understand.”

“I just thought you’d feel differently by now. After… Everything.”

Beast scoffed, ears flattening against her skull.

“A few hollow favors mean nothing. You won’t let me go, and you won’t leave, so that leaves very few options forward.”

“And yet, you haven’t made any moves yourself.”

Don’t remind her of that! That is a very bad thing to do.

But it seemed to be enough to throw the Princess off guard. Beast paused for a moment, tail ceased in movement as much as her enormous frame. She didn’t respond for a moment, merely hunkering down in resignation. As much as she didn’t like how easily it had been pointed out, her opponent was right; perhaps, then, she was softening despite it all. Well, that simply wouldn’t do.

“This won’t last forever. If you think you’ll remain safe by my side, you’re wrong.”

“I know.”

Quiet’s answer surprised her; ears perked up, staring into those blank, hollow sockets of his in search of meaning. What she found wasn’t resignation, nor a quitter’s repose; it was an aching, solemn acknowledgement of what was to come; an acceptance of her terms of service. So perhaps it wasn’t stupidity which kept him glued to the spot. Or perhaps it was just a different kind of stupidity.

Beast looked him over, tilting her head in frustrated confusion. Quiet sighed, wearily picking up the Pristine Blade.

“Do I have to demonstrate for it to sink in?”

Brandishing the weapon in one hand, the avian held it up to the Princess’s eye level. Then, with a quick toss, threw it across the cave with a satisfying clink.

“I don’t want to fight you anymore.”

“You’ve made a foolish choice.” 

Beast growled, tail lashing. Her jaws parted, ready to lunge, to swallow him whole -

But it seemed that something had stopped her. That sickly sweet sense of partnership that had worked its way in; and knowing that he would not survive through the end if she got her way for once made Beast rather hesitant. He had called her bluff quite accurately. She hated it.

“You have until the morning,” Beast spat. “If you are not gone by then, I will devour you.”

Huh. She’s giving us a choice?

Quiet watched as Beast circled the den angrily, now free of her bindings. In the starlit room, her shifting to curl up was fully exposed by the fractured rays of the moon; immense, furious, beautiful. Two eyes watched challengingly as she looked over her opponent, full of spite and hate -

-And also, by the look of it, almost begging him to leave.

But only for a moment. Exhaustion kicked in moments later, sapping what was left of her stamina. Her feline features fell cold and restless, turning into an uneasy sleep.

For a long moment, Quiet sat with himself in the dark. His form lingered on the stairwell, hesitating as he traced the ancient wooden banister.

We can go up, and this will all be behind us, Hero offered. I mean, we did our best. There’s no changing her.

Quiet looked back over his head, looking at the sleeping creature they were leaving behind. Something in his heart ached - something much more painful to him than the thought of those ragged teeth.

I don’t know if it will, argued Hunted. We can’t go very far past the cabin; there are trees, yes, but it will just be another game of survival. There’s no telling if one or both of us will wilt away before then and destroy it all.

Is “Mr. Instinct” really saying we should throw ourselves to her?

  Quiet grimaced. Despite the warning signs, the thought was rather tempting.

We worked to gain her trust, and now we have it. Was that not the plan; to find a way where no one has to die? I really don’t think she wants to kill us. And, Hunted added morosely, if we fail, what’s to keep her from coming back as something worse?

Quiet removed his hand from the steps, turning towards her. A solemn, lonely creature seemed to take the form of the monster he once knew; bristle-backed, hungry, but wanting more. It would be treason to turn his back on her now; that much was true. Perhaps there was something more worthwhile here than merely saving his own hide.

I’m begging you; don’t do this.

Quiet ignored the pleading. His avian form practically glided across the floor, scampering back over. Beads of drool hung loosely from Beast’s mouth as they veered closer, turning restless in her sleep. Sheathed paws stirred and twitched for something. Upon his approach, they stopped.

Beast was not a creature who could be easily seen, nor felt if not by tooth and claw. Against his better judgment, he reached out just to get a taste of what he’d been missing.

Beast didn’t stir, so carefully, he proceeded.

Her freshly-washed flank was coarse and rough, but the undercoat had an unusual softness to it. Loose strands of her mane felt almost silky as they fell from her shoulders to his, bathing in the pearlescent moonlight. The tattered fabric of what had once been her dress felt softer than expected; pilled and loose from wear and tear, but still strong and flexible against rigid muscles. Every bit of her felt relaxed; strong, yet pliable. This was a monster’s body, alright. But the heart within beat with something much more.

Beast murmured something incomprehensible in her sleep. Strong paws enfolded around him, making both voices freeze. Quiet took it, closing his eyes as she wrapped herself around him until he nestled against her underside.

Quiet blinked, feeling the bickering from within grow to a boil. The throbbing of a heart, the rush of air in and out of her lungs, and the hollow rumbles of an empty, waiting stomach became all around him but darkness.

We are absolutely going to die.

No, echoed Hunted, moving one hand towards the beating of her heart. For once, I don’t think we are.

After a restless couple of moments, and the uneasy settling of the frightened voice within, Quiet shifted to accommodate himself on the nest her paw provided and finally drifted off to sleep.

This had been the first time he had been able to rest near her. And if it was to be the last, then it was better to make the best out of it.

—-

Morning came hours later, cut clear by the rays of light seeping through the sawed-off grate above. Beast, predictably, was the first to arise. Rolling over from one side, she prepared herself for her morning stretch when she felt the shifting weight along her paw. Relief and grief blended together when she noticed the source, and the conditions.

It’s fine, she growled to herself, just get it over with.

A sleeping passenger would be much easier than one giving chase; it hardly seemed fair, but then again he had more than ample warnings to avoid this fate. There was nothing left to be said; merely acted. Beast had succumbed to far less motion than she would’ve liked.

What happened was obvious by the way they’d slept together, two entities lingering for one another’s company. But the way in which it carried on was even more perplexing.

He knows where he belongs, she reasoned. That’s why he stayed. But a lie was a lie, and there was no denying that. And if she didn’t act soon, she’d lose the war brewing within herself.

No matter how much it stung for the moment, there was only one course of action.

Beast picked him up off the ground with one paw and unhinged her jaws. In mere moments, he was devoured.

Now free of the temptations of emotion over survival, Beast licked her chops and arose. This would require finite time, and things were better this way - with the bird somehow miraculously asleep through the whole ordeal. Had exhaustion hit him that hard?

The glint of metal caught her eye; the Blade resting on the artificial forest floor. So he’d decided on it, after all. Unarmed and defenseless -

Beast couldn’t understand what possessed her to make the move, but that, too, joined him. A foolish move of hubris, or else an act of spite between instinct and compassion - it didn’t matter. 

Their cycle would continue on, one way or another. Predator and prey. Life and death. Nature was rigid and cruel, and there was no denying any part of that.

As Beast carried forward to begin her climb towards the stairs, however, there was a twinge in the pit of her stomach; something which hadn’t been there before. Where once a chamber rested beneath her ribs flooded with acid and bile, a more benevolent ensemble of fluids had seeped and wormed their way into the pores beneath bone and gristle. After all, the princess was a creature of perception; it seemed that over time her prey had formed a bond even deeper than words and gifts alone. But the question still remained: would that bond last?

That was up for Quiet to decide. After all, she had swallowed the blade. If he wanted to use it, then there was no stopping him, but perhaps in this eerie quiet, their minds were just as linked, drinking in the silence that passed.

For now, she would relish the moment. She had eaten him; she’d won. And yet, the bird within remained safe as could be in his sinewed prison. Knowing that it would only be a matter of time before he finally awoke, Beast hunkered down and drew her head inwards, tucked against the throbbing palpitations of her massive heart and the stirring creature she held hostage. Perhaps Quiet was right; the respite from all the fighting wasn’t bad after all. But it would be up to him to decide if the pulse keeping her alive - keeping both of them alive - was worth saving, or if slaughtering them both was how this would play out in the end.

And surprisingly, it seemed for once the bloodthirsty monster prayed he would choose to end the cycle of violence, once and for all.

Some hours passed in the calm embrace, with the princess wrapped around her catch, only turning her neck or twitching in her sleep. It seemed that Quiet, too, remained undisturbed for some time in his own conditions, exhaustion and remorse keeping him near comatose as he curled up in the organic confines. It was only as the fluid levels rose and the dripping from above fell rhythmic on his near-sodden form that he finally began to stir; slowly at first, then bolt upright in panic.

Smooth, sodden walls offered no purchase as he scrabbled desperately, heart beating wildly in his chest. The finite air seemed to replenish steadily, much to his surprise; something which Hero was too startled to take in, but the curious, fixated attention of Hunted caught immediately.

Well… That’s it, then. It was a gamble, and it’s bloody over now. I should’ve listened to you before; now it’s too late for that.

Actually, no. It’s not.

Hero balked. I’m…. Sorry?

Whatever you did seems to have worked, actually. We’re fine. We’re safe.

Safe. The word reverberated around Quiet’s mindscape like a trance, pulling him into a sense of delirium which was rudely awakened by the other voice.

Safe. Safe? Have you gone mad?! She ate us!

Swallowed, Hunted corrected calmly. If she’d have eaten us, we’d already been dead.

Maybe it’s just slow, maybe it’s -

No. There’s no pain, no numbness. No digestion at all. And we can breathe. She’s keeping us alive. This is intentional.

Hero scoffed. Isn’t it your job to be doing the panicking, not mine?

My job is to keep us alive and assess the survivability of the situation. Let me handle the instincts, thank you.

The sudden bitterness from the other voice was enough to snap Hero from his fearful trance. That much was true; Hunted was here for a reason, and if the voice of instinct wasn’t crying out this very moment to rip and tear at every scrap of flesh and blood available, then surely that was a good sign. Right?

Reluctant and exhausted by the internal fight within himself, Quiet resigned himself to sit down within his organic prison. Something metallic brushed his hand. Hero seized control before any objections could be offered otherwise.

It’s… The Blade. She swallowed the Blade! We can actually get out of here-

Don’t.

A note of panic clouded the firmness in the other voice’s tone; it was enough to make Hero hesitated, albeit suspiciously.

O…kay. And why not?

We threw the Steel Claw; that means she put it back in here with us. If we strike first, she will respond in kind. A wounded animal will always strike back against their assailant if given the chance, and then we’ll all die. She’s testing us. Drop it.

So what are you suggesting? Just stew in here until she decides to let us out?

Talk to her. She’s waiting for us to cue her that we know what she’s doing.

And you can tell that by-? Eugh!

Hero didn’t need any further introduction; a single look down was enough to release his own hold on the blade in disgust. It seemed that Hunted had taken the lead on their host this time, kneeling down and plunging the other hand into the surrounding fluids till it connected with the stomach lining.

What…. What Are you doing?!

Pulse. Hunted’s voice remained a calm, nonchalant murmur, as if what he was doing was the most natural thing anyone could possibly do in this situation. She’s calm now, see? But she’s getting impatient. We shouldn’t keep her waiting.

As if on cue, the rhythmic throbbing along Beast’s skin elevated. Her patience was waning.

Now. Talk to her now.

“So, you’re awake.”

Beast’s voice reverberated around Quiet, a hollow growl devoid of any aggression. It shook the surrounding area all the same, carving fear into the avian’s trembling form - but he didn’t crack, didn’t waver. Instead, he decided to play it on the safe side, speaking up quietly:

“What is it you want with me?”

“I want to leave ,” Beast replied sullenly. Even though he couldn’t see her, Quiet could practically feel her ears pinned against her skull. “You had your chance, and now it’s mine. It’s just as I said: if you won’t let me, then I will find my own way, even if it isn’t suitable to you.”

“And how does this help, exactly?”

“You hold powers beyond my own to enter and exit of your own volition. You won’t share them with me. I would just carry your restless form between my teeth, like the unruly kitten you’ve proven to be. But my teeth are sharp and you are disobedient. If you chose to act out against me, you would not survive - and the drapings of rot and decay do not fool the Cabin.”

“But… Here?”

You already know why. Stop asking foolish questions to an impatient creature.

I want to hear it from her.

“I warned you this was your fate if you didn’t cooperate,” Beast reminded, licking her paw. “Perhaps you didn’t believe me. Perhaps you wanted to test my prowess. But regardless, the desires in your insolence don’t matter as much as the outcome. I needed you somewhere you would not run off the moment you were given the opportunity. You should be grateful that I need you alive.”

Her pulse is elevated. Something tells me that isn’t the only reason she’s sparing us.

Does it really matter?

Yes.

“The Blade,” Quiet chanced, feathers bristing. “Was that intentional?”

Beast’s lips formed into a grin. Somehow, intrinsically, Quiet could feel it as she chuckled.

“You noticed. I thought I felt you reach for it, and yet you did not act. So, I guess you meant it after all; you didn’t intend to slay me.”

See? I told you it was a test.

“No. I did not.”

The calming exhale rippled through Beast’s lithe form. Despite the disconcerting way it presented, Hunted was right; Beast was immensely readable at this vantage point. And right now, all signs she was giving off pointed to docility.

Perhaps it was worth inquiring further.

“But it seems the feeling is mutual.”

Beast’s body stiffened. The muscles around Quiet contracted, making the space around him almost painful.

“Don’t read too far into this,” Beast rumbled. “I am merely repaying a debt. Whether you see it as such or not is up to you. I owe you nothing once this is over.”

As the princess relaxed, it seemed the surroundings did with it. Quiet winced, rubbing a spare hand over his sore wrists. Well, it seems you were right about one thing.

You proved me wrong about your own gamble. Now it’s my turn.

Fine, but we’re not staying hunched over like this. Caustic or not, I’d prefer not being constricted at her every whim.

At Hero’s disgruntled request, Quiet repositioned himself to rest against the further wall, back of the hand pressed against the princess’s nerves to check for her pulse. We can still gauge her just fine from here.

“So, then, what’s the plan? I presume given that neither of us plans to kill the other, the only way is up, right? Or did you have more you wanted to say first?”

“You’re too okay with this.” Beast’s words were challenging, but only in tone; there was no visceral reaction this time, no shift in environment. No active change in pulse, Hunted noted. Can’t tell if she’s holding it in, or bluffing.

“Pardon?”

“For someone who spent days trying to convince me to spend eternity down here, you’re suddenly willing to leave? It doesn’t track. You’re planning something.”

And there was the elevation in pulse. It wasn’t anger; it was coarse, rigid fear. So it seemed that they’d dropped the pretenses. The predator cornered by her own prey.

What now?

Hunted paused a moment, formulating a proper response. You know why you decided to string us along for the ride, don’t you? Use it. And don’t let on we can read her.

Hero took the hand this time; leading by intrinsic feeling, not any specific motion. Even in the dark, cramped space, there was enough light to soak in the subtle detail; roots of veins and arteries entwined in a web like jagged forest vines; subliminal detail carved within every offshoot of rugae. But even within this delicate dance beneath his fingertips, Quiet could feel something more; an aching pulse, a fragile wound beneath the surface. Pure, real lamentation embedded so deep within that ferocious heart. Guided by the sickly trance, he permitted his head to dip towards it in respect; resigned, but not defeated as he explained:

“My commitment wasn’t ignorance. I knew that staying may well mean the end for me, and that it risked releasing you out into the world. And yet, you are not the only one who’s trapped here. I still have no proof that you are a threat, and any inquiries on the matter are met with deflection or silence. On the contrary, really; I’ve seen the world out there blossom more than I could ever imagine from your presence. Perhaps you really are meant to see it for yourself.”

A soft, shaky laugh left him, placing the other hand beside it. He could tell by the slight jolts beneath each cautious fingertip that he was close to nerves.

“There’s only one way to know if you’ll bring about creation or destruction in your wake; I can’t get out of here without you, and it’s clear if left with slaying you or letting you leave where this ends. I can only hope this is the right decision.”

Beast listened to the bird’s speech in silence, at first unimpressed; but as the conviction in his voice grew, it seemed his words were genuine. Nevertheless, she kept her posture neutral, head held low; nothing that he said could be fully believed until it was followed through, after all, and it was better to make it quick if she wanted to keep it plausible without a fight.

Her footsteps fell heavy on the jungle floor, sweeping away plants and dead matter as she trod. Her lingering eyes caught sight of the loose chain - that was right, he had unchained her - sniffing it in disgust before punting it to the wall with a satisfied huff.

“Saying your farewells to the place?”

It was interesting hearing Quiet’s voice from within; he almost sounded… Amused.

“Good riddance, more like,” Beast spat, although it seemed that a bit of intrigue had crept into her own.

Circling the concrete slab that connected the chain to the wall, her eyes drifted momentarily up to the skylight; where there had once been bars, the strange little bird had clambered up and sawed them off to make the space more breathable. Still a cage, but less of a prison in nature. Perhaps he really was trying his best in the end.

But no time for dawdling. If there was a time to move, it was now. Using her hulking form to brush past the jungle’s forestry, Beast made her way to the stairs with cargo safely stored away.

This was the mark of a new beginning - for both of them.

As Beast continued up the stairs, her heart rate thudded against Quiet’s ears. Breaths grew heavier, more begrudgingly determined; the subtle shift and sway made it harder to stay upright as she ascended.

I suppose we did it, then, Hero sighed, unsure if it was uneasiness or relief flooding him. But we don’t know exactly what yet, do we?

We survived. Whatever comes next can wait. 

Comparatively, it seemed that the other voice was beyond at ease despite the current conditions; no sense of panic or duress, more so sheltered by the body of the creature seemingly protecting them. How or why, though, Hero couldn’t possibly begin to understand.

Alright, if you say so.

After a few moments, it seemed that the ground had evened out; Beast had finally made her way to the door. But the reaction to being so close, indeed, was not like either of them had expected. 

Here she was, in front of everything she’d ever wanted: after all this time, she’d finally found a friend and freedom. And yet, even as she shuffled and pawed at the door, it did not budge. Hesitantly, she tried again, this time nudging against it with her horn; was it stuck, or was this a trap? Anger seemed to flood her momentarily, claws digging into the floorboards -

“Is something wrong?”

“The door won’t open,” she snarled, feeling every muscle of her body seize with rage.

Does she need our permission to leave?

I think so.

Quiet winced at the compression, but fought through the pain this time. Hands placed down on sore muscles and nerves, heaving a sigh as he tried to get through to her.

“It’s alright. You’re free to go.”

There was a click, and a shift in movement. The sensation of churning as his form was shifted upwards and out, landing beside Beast in a wet heap. As she faced him, forepaws behind her back, it seemed the look of surprise and astonishment was mutual.

Soft grass and gentle breeze whisked over their aching forms. So that could only mean one thing.

No words needed to be spoken for a moment as they both took it in, the Princess breathless. Her back talons curled inward, imitating Quiet’s gesture of peace. Her eyes narrowed once again, but it wasn’t in caution. “I suppose it worked out to listen to you.”

“For the both of us,” Quiet agreed. “I suppose, then, it’s over?”

Quiet’s drifting thoughts were cut off as massive jaws loomed over head -

Bloody hell, not again -

-Only to scoop him up by the scruff of his neck, her head swinging towards the river. It begged no question who was in control of the body when Quiet went completely limp from the gesture; the suspicion only more so confirmed by the radiating sense of comfort where once trembling instinct had served its place. So Beast had marked herself and ally that day; there wasn’t much more they could ask for.

But those thoughts, too, seemed short-lived by the sudden intake of freezing cold water. Quiet gasped and spluttered, looking up at Beast in shock and horror. The Princess, contrarily, dipped her head and sat back, catlike, although it was obvious from her demeanor she was holding back a grin.

“You’re filthy,” she commented, using a paw to brush him back into the water.

“Well, yeah. And whose fault is that?”

“Yours.” 

She left no room for questioning, dunking his head back under. As Quiet’s form faded momentarily away, she did chance a small chuckle at the sodden bird - perhaps it would serve to have this quaint little creature by her side, after all.

“Well, fair enough,” Quiet huffed. “I can’t exactly argue with a Princess.” 

Feathers strewn about in awkward places and plastered to his body, he did indeed look much more like a fledgling than a full grown bird. He reluctantly raised a taloned hand to request assistance; this she did with a brisk sweep of a paw. Quiet wretched as she swatted him from the watery depths.

“Just couldn’t help yourself, could you?”

“I am what I am. Get used to it.”

It seemed that now the two of them had made it this far, things were much different than they had been; expanded, full of life where there only provided death. In the morning glow, it seemed that there was a small village to the left of the cabin, and a broader woodland path which spanned beyond.

Dear old Narrator’s going to hate this, Hero chuckled. Almost seems like we managed to create our own separate world.

Yes, Hunted replied, it does.

“Well, I think it’s safe to assume that the whole ‘world ender’ scenario was a shitshow take,” Quiet remarked, eyes closed in a gesture of warmth.

You really had to say it, didn’t you? Hunted chirped.

Come on, Hero chuckled, Someone did, and I knew it wasn’t going to be you.

“I think we’ve established that,” Beast murmured sullenly. “Now, do you want to waste time talking, or actually go somewhere?”

Quiet blinked. “You want me to come with you?”

“I could use a more interesting preything nearby,” Beast suggested, although her time indicated that wasn’t the whole of the dynamic. “Most of the creatures I come across are foolish and short-lived; you may be worth having around.”

“Is that your long-winded way of saying you’d like some company?”

“Don’t test me.”

But by all indications of her tone, the answer was likely yes.

“Alright, then. Where to?”

[maccreadysbaby]

Project: Killcode

batfamily + oc insert

tw: nada

wanna read more? here’s the table of contents!

want to read the first fic in the hundred days series so you understand what’s going on here? here it is!

asten is really diving into this whole teenager thing headfirst y’all

part ten

❝ TEENAGE ANGST ❞

SATURDAY — JULY 21 — 8:15PM

LAYLA’S HOUSE WAS THE PENTHOUSE OF ONE OF THE TALLEST BUILDINGS BENTLEY HAD SEEN ALL DAY. He didn’t take in many details, with his foggy brain. He knew when they arrived because Layla made a deal out of it, and he was pretty sure he remembered going in the elevator because the ride took a while and made him nauseous. He’d been anxious about meeting her parents in a state like that, because maybe they’d ask what happened and maybe they’d call Bruce and get them in trouble for sneaking out, but they’d been in the penthouse for a while already and no adults had showed. Not that he was paying all that much attention to his surroundings, though.

Layla had ushered him out onto a balcony as soon as they arrived, for fresh air and brought him a glass of water quickly thereafter. Now, it was only him outside.

Curled up in one of two white  patio chairs, chin resting on his knees, Bentley sat in silence. Of course, the very first time he went and did something with his friends, he had to have an anxiety attack. It was like life was laughing in his face, derailing his plans, like it always did. Sure he’d come up with crazy plans before, like superheroing, or sacrificing himself, but it seemed the world didn’t even want his plan of being a teenager that had at least a few friends to succeed.

A few years ago, he probably would’ve cried about it. No, scratch that — he definitely would’ve cried about it. But now, all he could seem to be was terribly pissed.

Which frustrated him in itself, really. Bentley wasn’t an angry child. He knew that, and he’d heard his brothers talking about terrible teenage years full of angst and rage and Bentley had been in denial about it — saying that just because it happened to most people didn’t mean it would happen to him. He’d been trying to avoid it at all costs, because that wasn’t who he was.

That fact that it was happening, now, only made him more pissed.

He took to staring off into space. The view from Layla’s balcony was stunning. He could see hundreds of buildings, all sprouting up out of the ground and shining in silver like nothing Bentley had ever seen in his life. The sky was bright blue with fluffy clouds peppered around, the sun shining happily down on New York City.

Bentley might as well have had a personal raincloud over his head.

He only peeled his eyes away from the view when the quiet hiss of the patio door came and went. He assumed Asten had been briefing the others on what happened, or maybe talking to Georgia, he wasn’t sure. He heard his voice when the door was opened but couldn’t much focus on what he was saying.

Koa stepped out on the balcony, closing the door quietly behind him. 

Bentley watched in silence as he stepped out to the edge of the balcony, not sparing him a glance, resting his wrists on the railing and staring at the view instead.

A few beats of silence passed between them, and Bentley looked back out at the view.

“How are you?” Koa asked cautiously, glancing over at Bentley for a short second. His seafoam colored eyes bounced around on the redhead’s face, though there wasn’t anything negative in them — no worry, concern, not even pity. Just something like… he didn’t know. He couldn’t place it right then.

Bentley looked away. “Foggy,” He admitted, staring off at the buildings in the distance. “Annoyed.”

Koa moved, taking a seat in the second patio chair, a white one that matched the one Bentley was sitting in. It was a few feet to his right. 

More silence ensued.

“I, uh…” Koa started, glancing down at his hands before looking back up at the view. “My guardian… he’s twenty-two, but he started taking care of me and another boy when he was nineteen. His name is Artimi. And we live in California, so… y’know. Money and stuff is hard there.”

Bentley glanced over at him, only really processing probably half of his words.

“What I’m trying to get to is that he has them, too. A lot. So I know what to do. We sort of have a mutual taking care of each other thing going on,” He continued, glancing down again. “Anyways; If you ever find yourself having one without Asten, I’d… be glad to help. Artimi says I’m pretty good at it.”

Bentley breathed in, and then out, staring off the balcony at nothing in particular. A few moments of silence passed.

Well, at least that was (probably?) one person that (maybe?) didn’t think he was a total freak.

“Thanks, Koa,” He said quietly, glancing down at the tile beneath his chair. 

“No problem,” He replied, leaning back against the white backrest. “Do you need anything?”

Bentley shook his head. “No. I’m probably just going to call my brother.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Koa stated, smiling slightly and rising from the chair. “If you need anything, you can let me know.”

Bentley plastered a little smile on his face as Koa retreated back into the penthouse, closing the glass door and leaving him alone once more. His expression fell as soon as the door was closed.

With a heavy sigh, he dug his phone out of his pocket and searched his contacts until he found the right one. Hopefully he’d answer — Bentley didn’t quite feel like calling Dick or Bruce, because they’d get all worried and ask to come get him and stuff, which wasn’t what he wanted. 

He fiddled with the hem of his shirt as the phone rang a few times. It would be just his luck that he was busy. He always was.

“Hello?”

Bentley exhaled when Tim’s voice came through the phone.

“Hey…” He replied softly, glancing down at the tile beneath his chair. He didn’t say anything else, and an awkward moment of silence ensued.

“Everything okay?”

Bentley breathed in and out. “I… had an anxiety attack in front of a bunch of my roommates,” He started, shaking his head at himself. “You always tell me to tell you if it happens, so… here I am.”

He heard Tim sigh faintly, though it didn’t sound like frustration or annoyance. He couldn’t quite place what, though. “What happened?”

Bentley shrugged even though Tim couldn’t see him. “Too many people. I heard all the water and blood… and it was too much, I guess…”

“Where are you right now?”

Bentley glanced around. “Right outside our building,” The lie slid almost naturally through his foggy state, and in the moment, he didn’t even have the willpower to feel bad for it.

“Is Asten with you?”

“He’s right inside,” Bentley replied. “I just came out to call you.”

There was a moment where neither of them spoke, and Bentley breathed in and out.

“How long was it?” Tim continued.

Bentley shrugged again. “Asten said only ten minutes.”

“Should I-“

“No, don’t tell Bruce. Don’t tell Dick, either. I’m okay — I have Asten, and… a few more of my friends were very helpful. I’m fine now — I guess I just wanted you to know so I wasn’t… keeping secrets,”

Ironic.

“Alright,” Tim spoke up, and a few sounds Bentley couldn’t decipher came through the phone. “Do you need anything else from me? I have a few reports I’m working on, but I can stay on the phone with you, if you want. I’d ask if you wanted me to drive down there, but I’m guessing, since you don’t want Dick and B to know, that that’s the kind of thing you’re trying to avoid.”

Bentley furrowed his brow. “You would drive down here in the middle of work?”

“Technically, New York is up from New Jersey. But yes, you doofus, if you needed me, I would,”

Bentley breathed out. “It’s okay, I’m good.”

A beat passed.

“Are you sure? Because that was an ominous pause there,”

Bentley brought a hand up to rub at his forehead. “Yeah, it just… makes me mad, is all. That I can’t be normal like everyone else. I just want to have friends and be a teenager, but it feels like everything is trying to stop me.”

Tim huffed out a vague laugh. “That’s pretty much how it feels the whole time you’re a teenager,” He sighed, a sound like paper rustling coming through the phone. “Want me to let you in on a little secret?”

“What?” Bentley asked, glancing off the balcony. Okay, maybe now he felt a little bad for lying.

“You feeling like an outcast is completely normal,” Tim started, and Bentley kept fiddling with his shirt. “Being a teenager is a time in everyone’s life where they’re trying to figure out who they are, who they want to be. It might lead to stupid decisions and mistakes, but everyone around you is doing the same thing you are. Wishing they were normal, and trying their very best to be, when in reality, there isn’t even a standard. You’re just all doing the same thing in different ways.”

Bentley breathed out, fiddling with his shirt. “I guess…”

“The attacks are pretty individual, and I absolutely hate that you have to go through them, too. But I promise, more people understand than you realize,” Tim explained quietly, another paper rustle coming through the phone. “I just had a pop-up meeting appear on my schedule, courtesy of some himbo who dresses like a furry at night. I love you.”

Bentley exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I love you, too.”

“If you need me again, call me. I’m not beyond crashing a meeting,”

Bentley snickered. “I’d have to see a recording of that.”

Tim snickered, too. “Talk to you soon, buddy. Text me.”

“Bye,”

He hung up the phone and sighed heavily, staring out at the city. Tim had given him more than a life’s worth of solid advice as of late, and still, no matter what he said, Bentley couldn’t help but feel like an absolute idiot. Like he was failing at life. Tim always insisted that he had been the same way at his age, but Tim had also been Robin at his age. Which kind of overshadowed all the anxiety stuff that Bentley couldn’t seem to push past.

He huffed, leaning his head against the backrest of the chair.

He hated being a teenager.

—

Whatever they went to Layla’s house to do, they didn’t do it, thanks to Bentley. He pretty much just sat on the balcony alone for an unidentifiable amount of time until Asten came out, to ask if he was alright and if he thought he could walk back to the school.

The walk had been mostly quiet. Asten stayed close to him, as did Varian, who pretty much never took his eyes off of Bentley. (Which didn’t at all make him feel singled out, or anything.)

Since then, he’d been milking the whole attack thing as an excuse to lay in his dorm and wallow in self pity. Which was exactly what he was still doing as the final rays of the day’s sun streamed through the window, the darkness of night soon to follow. 

Tim had texted him a few more times, asking how he was, if he needed anything. He was also vaguely aware that Asten kept texting someone — he wouldn’t doubt if it was also Tim. Asten had been in the room with him the whole time, sitting on the top bunk, silent while Bentley laid on the bottom. Varian kept popping in and out over and over to ask if he was okay, and had even brought them food once, but had recently stopped appearing. Bentley was pretty sure he’d heard Koa tell him he was being annoying.

Every now and then, the springs in Asten’s mattress moved under his shifting weight. “Hey, B? You awake?”

Bentley sighed lightly, rubbing a hand over his face. He thought about saying no, but opted for silence instead, hoping that Asten might actually believe he was sleeping.

A moment of quiet passed. “No one thinks you’re weird. I promise. They were all really supportive when I talked to them about it.”

Bentley said nothing, but turned over on his side, slowly and subtly, so he didn’t make much noise.

(Maybe this school wasn’t a good idea in the first place.)

Three knocks on their door drew him back into reality, and Asten said: “Yeah?”

The door creaked open, and Bentley’s gaze was met by a pair of platinum wings.

He snapped his eyes shut.

“Little guy sleeping?” Valor questioned softly, his accent still strange and unfamiliar to Bentley’s ears. 

He heard Asten thump down from the top bunk. “Yeah. He always crashes afterwards. He’ll be good to go in the morning.”

Bentley might’ve heard Valor sigh. “That’s rough. I’ve had a few moments in my time, but nothing serious like that.”

Bentley couldn’t see Asten, but he assumed he shrugged or something of the sort. “Yeah…”

Bentley considered that Asten might say me either, but considering that a few short years ago he’d murdered half of Gotham, he was pretty sure that counted as something more serious than a panic attack.

“I was coming to tell you that Rockie, Koa, and I are leaving for a party my friend Mason is throwing at his house in a few; it’s just off campus. You’re old enough to come, if you wanted to,” Valor said softly, and Bentley practically felt the Brit’s eyes linger on him for a minute. “But if you want to stay with him, that’s fine, too. No pressure.”

He felt Asten look at him, too. “I’ll see what he thinks.”

“Alright. But… maybe don’t mention the party part? Mason runs kind of a tight ship trying to keep it under wraps. There will only be about fifty people there,”

“Okay,” Asten said, and after a moment, there was a click of their door closing.

Someone touched his shoulder. “Hey, B?”

Bentley peeled his eyes open, pretending to wake up as best he could. “Asten?”

The Brazilian’s green eyes were pretty close to his own, and he rubbed Bentley’s shoulder lightly. “Will you be okay if I leave for a little while? Varian is here, but it’s totally fine if you want me to stay.”

Bentley sat up and rubbed a hand across his face. “Where are you going? It’s dark.”

Asten blinked. “Library,” He lied straight through his teeth. “Valor’s meeting up with some of his friends there. Wants to introduce me.”

There was a part of Bentley that wanted to be mad, but most of him just wanted Asten to have fun and not have to carry him around like a burden. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Go ahead.”

Asten exhaled. “You sure?”

“Yeah,” Bentley replied, turning the opposite way in the bed, so he was facing the wall. “I’m tired anyway — you’ll just be watching me sleep if you stay here.”

“Alright,” Asten breathed, and Bentley felt him pat his back. “Call me if you need me.”

“I will,”

No he wouldn’t, but Asten didn’t need to know that.

A few moment of rustling and moving around later, their bedroom door opened and closed, and Bentley was alone.

He wasn’t sure what teenage parties really entailed, but he didn’t guess it would be anything good.

Maybe Asten would get out unscathed.

—

dedicated to @sassenashsworld ❤️

—

tag list! (If you want me to remove or add you, ask in comments!)

@fleur-alise @sarcopterygiian @flyrobinflyy @skylathescholar @gayboss-too-close-to-the-sun @xiaonothere @beatyoutothatusernameloser

[ash5monster01]

Perfect To Love Part 4

Pairing: Steve Harrington x FemReader!PlusSize

Warnings: fluff, mentions of bullying, body image issues, fat shaming, angst, trust issues.

Summary: Beth Walker was used to living in the shadows. She had only one friend and anyone else who paid her mind usually bullied her for her size. So she learned to keep her mouth shut, her head down, and her heart closed because she had to accept the fact that she would be nothing more than the fat girl to people. That is until Robin decides Beth needs more in life and that might just include a boy who she never would’ve thought could see her for who she truly was.

word count: 2,427

Part 3 ←→ Part 5

Masterlist

That night Steve drove with no destination in mind, it wasn't until he found an empty spot next to Lovers Lake did he pull the car to a stop. When Beth questioned his choice he quicky assured her it was just by chance with pink ears from embarassment which Beth thought was cute. So they laid by the shore, eyes cast over the sky of stars, and talked about anything and everything. It surprised them both how easy conversation was between the them. It was as if they had been friends for years, not an awkward beat of conversation anywhere. Despite the hiccup at the party Beth found herself having a great night, Steve's presence being more comforting than expected.

They had talked so well together Beth didn’t end up getting home until late, all the lights off in her home, Steve cutting the engine and rolling to a stop in front of her house to not alert anyone. She teased him for a moment, how it must be a trick from years of sneaking out girls. He just shook his head, big dough eyes staring her down as he told her a quiet goodnight and she slipped out the car. Nancy was long gone now, but Robin was piled in a heap, snoring away on the side of her bed to which Beth just chuckled and got ready to join her in slumber.

“God, you better not of screwed me Rob” Beth muttered, dipping underneath the covers beside her. Robin continued to breathe peacefully but she was awake. She heard her and she hoped that it wasn’t the case either. Beth and Steve deserved this kind of love.

Despite Beth's original plan to find things about Steve she didn't like she couldn’t seem to find anything worthy of being a reason. There was only one thing she had, one reason, huge enough, to avoid him at all costs. Yet when she tried to remind herself of the reason the image of his big dough eyes, floppy brown hair, and lopsided smile made her start the process over completely. So that’s how she went through the entire week, trying to remind herself to not get to caught up in the world of Steve Harrington because she had watched hundreds of girls do it before and get hurt all the same even if she wasn't in the same league as any of them.

Steve Harrington doesn’t have a good past.

It was reason enough. It’s not right to judge someone by the mistakes they have made, but Steve’s was hard to ignore. Years of using women, bullying other students, popularity so ego inflating it was blinding. Yes he very clearly showed he didn’t act that way anymore, but forgiving someone for things that they’ve done can be hard no matter how much they’ve changed or how regretful they are. It didn’t help Steve seemed to not remember her entirely and that was the only point to prove that maybe Steve wasn’t regretful at all. He may have changed but he hadn’t bothered once to clean up his past, and that past included her.

By the time the weekend rolled around Beth was thankful to be out of school, so it could provide her opportunity to do things to keep her distracted. Daydreaming in class made it easy to slip into questions surrounding the Harrington boy, but a sunny Saturday in her driveway working on her car kept the haunting thoughts away. He couldn’t reach her here, or at least that’s what she thought.

“You weren’t lying, you really can fix a car” Beth jumped, leaning up out of the hood to see Steve standing beside it. A reason Beth had liked this car so much was the hood opened from the back instead of the front, a shield from others, but apparently a shield for them as well. Considering she didn’t have time to notice the boy was approaching her.

“Somewhat, yeah” Beth nodded, wiping her hands of grease, suddenly self conscious about the fact she was dressed only in some comfy shorts and tank top. Not enough coverage to hide her fat she thought.

“You break down?” he asked, curiously looking into the car to see what she was doing. It didn’t matter anyway, he didn’t understand the inside at all.

“Not exactly, she started clicking this morning so I borrowed my Moms car to go get a new battery. I’m hoping it solves the problem and isn’t the alternator” Steves eyes widened as the foreign language left the girls mouth, shock painting his features.

“I uh, what’s an alternator?” Beth giggled lightly, unable to stop herself and Steve realized how damn cute she was. Like a cuddly teddy bear that made him feel safe, he wished he could keep her forever. A safe haven from the nightmares in Hawkins.

“An alternator is this” then Beth was pointing to a part under the hood, finger tapping it lightly. “when it’s running it’s helps charge your battery and the other electrical components of your vehicle. If that doesn’t work, your car doesn’t work”

“Seems simple enough” Beth laughed again, shaking her head lightly and pushing some hair back with her arm so she didn’t get grease on her.

“Simple but expensive to replace. She’s only two though, and this is her original battery. Doesn’t help the car sits all winter to avoid salt on the roads. It’s more than likely reached the end of its life, and this will solve our problem” Beth told him, now pointing to the new battery on the pavement beside her.

“Could you teach me?” Beth’s heart stuttered as the boy looked down to her, so innocent and curious on how to change the battery in the car. She couldn’t say no even if she wanted too.

“Yeah Steve, of course” Beth placed a hand on his back, nudging him to take her place, and his stomach erupted with butterflies that he wished he could ignore. This was never the plan, falling for a girl to pure for the world.

“What do I do first?” he asked curiously and Beth smiled as she grabbed a socket wrench and handed it to him.

“Well first we have to remove the bar holding the battery in place. So use this to remove these two bolts. A battery can’t work sliding around” Steve nodded, that made sense. So he listened to what she said and began to loosen the bolts until they slipped right off.

“Look at that, you’re a master at it already” Beth praised and he blushed fire truck red, hiding his face by looking down at the battery. Beth removed the plate and smiled softly at the boy.

“What’s next?” Steve asked, a bit nervous about doing work on a nice brand new corvette.

“Now you remove the cables, negative first, positive second, and once they’re removed make sure they don’t hit. I don’t need you electrocuted” Steve’s pulse went faster at the notion but nodded nonetheless as she handed him the wrench to loosen the bolts on the cables. Once they were removed she placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Alright, go ahead and lift it out” Steve nodded, hands gripping the side and freeing the battery from its confinement.

“That wasn’t too bad” Steve said once he set it down, his hands a bit smudged with grease but a wide smile on his face.

“Yeah, it’s easy. Now do exactly what you did in reverse. This time positive first and negative last” Steve nodded, lifting the new battery and placing it inside. Slowly and carefully he accepted tools from Beth, connecting the positive, negative, and then bolting the bar back in place so the battery wouldn’t move.

When Steve turned to Beth for confirmation that he did good he was met with a large smile, her big bright eyes crinkled from how huge the grin was, and he wished he was allowed to kiss her right then and there. It was the first time in his life he realized someone was proud of him and that alone made him want to love the girl forever. The feeling was enough to overwhelm him, chest tightening.

“Go ahead and try it out” she told him, nudging him towards the corvette. Steve ducked down, almost knocking his head on the roof before settling in the seat and reaching for the key. As he turned the key the engine revved for a moment and then it sparked to life, a loud rumble and proof he had done it right.

“You did perfect Steve” she praised as he turned it off and got out. Much to his surprise she wrapped him in a hug. Steve stood for a moment, unsure how to respond before slowly wrapping his arms back around her, his chin resting perfectly a top her head.

“Thank you” he told her softly and Beth smiled and pulled back before handing him a cloth to wipe the grease from his hands a bit more.

“Now that we’ve been thoroughly distracted, what’re you doing here Steve?” Beth asked, her hands propped on her hips. A nervous hand flew to the back of Steve’s neck, now at a loss for words because he forgot he had to explain himself.

“I uh, um. I just haven’t seen you all week. Robin and me usually hang out but she took an extra shift. I wanted to stop and see you, I had fun the other night so I just figured you wouldn’t mind” Steve rambled softly, Beth’s eyebrows raising the more he talked and heart racing faster due to each word. She hated that he made her nervous. Now that was another reason.

He makes me nervous.

“You wanted to hangout?” Beth asked, surprise that he had actually wanted to see her again.

“Yeah, if you wanted. The kids wanted to go see some new movie and I was gonna drive them, I figured we could do something while they did that” Beth’s eyes widened just slightly, mouth gaping for just a moment before nodding.

“Yeah, okay. I mean we can watch the movie with them too if you want. I just need to get changed” Beth pointed a thumb over her shoulder and back to her house. Slight panic set in over the fact Nancy wasn’t there to help her pick an outfit.

“Okay, yeah” Steve nodded, realizing he was acting like he did in middle school when he talked to a crush.

“Come on in, you can wash that grease of your hands” Beth was telling him as she closed the hood to the corvette and grabbed the battery off the pavement. Steve followed her into the garage where she set it down and then led them into the house. He was shocked to see she could lift the battery with ease considering how heavy it was.

“Bathroom is down the hall to the left, I’m gonna run upstairs” Steve nodded and Beth rushed off as he looked for the bathroom to wash his hands.

Once she reached her room she quickly searched her closet for a decent pair of jeans, removing the shorts and slipping them on all while trying not to topple over. The real issue was her top. She didn’t own very many nice shirts and without Nancy’s opinion she didn’t feel comfortable grabbing one. Then she realized she shouldn’t be something different for Steve, so she grabbed one of her T-shirts, a Goonies on to be exact, and slipped it on. After some new deodorant, perfume, and fixing her hair she was rushing back down the stairs.

“Ready?” Steve asked sweetly and she nodded, grabbing her wallet and following him out the door. It was surreal being in the front of the BMW again but comforting nonetheless. They shared easy small talk the whole way to their destination, Steve asking more about cars that he was curious about.

Then they were pulling up in front of a house Beth had never seen before, and Steve was honking the horn leisurely like it was something he did everyday. Then Mike, Lucas, and Dustin were clambering out the garage, yelling ‘you’re late’ while clearly bickering about who got shot gun until they spotted Beth already inside. “Beth’s here?”

“Hey Beth” Lucas smiled widely, in hopes to cover up Dustin’s confusion about her presence.

“Hey boys, you excited for your movie?” she asked sweetly, looking back at them all pushed together in the back seat.

“Were you two hanging out or something?” Mike asked curiously, ignoring her question completely.

“Beth showed me how to change a battery in a car” as Steve said this the boys immediately erupted into giggles in the backseat.

“He can barely rewind the tapes at family video and you let him put a new battery in your corvette?” Dustin asked between laughs and Beth smiled widely.

“I did, and he did really good” all the boys watched as Beth’s arm lifted, her hand landing on Steve’s arm that held the steering wheel and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Dustin did not miss the way his ears turned pink. That’s when he realized he liked her.

“Whatever you say Beth” Lucas chuckled as Steve pulled back out on the road, heading for town to a theater he had once vandalized.

“You guys going on a date or something?” Mike asked curiously since he knew Steve wouldn’t sit through the movie with him.

“What? No, we’re just hanging out. I’m allowed to spend time with people while I wait around for you shit heads” Steve shot back and Beth’s stomach dropped. Of course Steve couldn’t see her romantically, she was too fat. Beth’s head dropped, gazing at her legs and wishing they weren’t so big, small thighs just like Nancy’s. Dustin noticed and made a mental note to yell at Steve about it later.

“You could always watch the movie with us” Lucas muttered and before Steve could respond Beth was lifting her head.

“That actually sounds like fun, let’s join them Steve” she said and he looked to her with confused eyes, wishing she wanted to go get something to eat or coffee instead. He liked talking to her. Yet he knew not to put up a fight.

“Yeah, okay. Let’s do it” he nodded while agreeing and Beth gave him a pressed smile before turning back to the road. Steve now sad because he had to sit next to her for the next two hours without saying a word.

Tag list: @kindablackenedsuperhero @rinarecommends @starryeyedpoet17 @crustless-toast @loverofmarsss @alexa-33 @bethanysnow @middle-of-the-earth @princessadriana4-blog @mochminnie @legendaryhumandiplomatgoop

Comment if you want to be added to the tag list :))

a/n: I actually own a blue two toned 1984 corvette and I work as a parts girl in a mechanic shop so I write most of this stuff from my knowledge. if you guys would like pictures of the corvette described in this series I would love to provide them so you guys can get a better idea on the car that is a key part in this series <3

[prophecyofwinter]

Nemophilist

;One who is fond of forests or forest scenery

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Stark!Reader

Summary: You are the childhood best friend of Aemond Targaryen. As children, the two of you made a promise that you two would Wed, no matter the cost. But would a war, a dance perhaps, cause issue with that promise?

Warnings: 18+, Smut, Death, Trauma, Toxic Sibling Dynamics, Cannon typical violence.

Notes: College has gotten in the way of my release of this chapter! I plan to be back on Schedule now! Apologies! I’ll have the next chapter out by Wednesday I hope.

Last Chapter - Next Chapter

Chapter 8: A Dream of Dawn

“No no no! Please! Don’t do this!”

You were dragged by the pits of your arms while your bare feet dragged on the harsh stone floor of Winterfell. The guards grip was bruisingly tight, you wined, kicked and cried out.

Wooden doors scraped against the floor as they opened, revealing your brother, as proud as ever.

“Traitor of the North! Y/N Stark!”

You were forced onto your knees as Cregan descended the steps of his seat to stand proudly in front of your shaking form, staring up at him from under your eyelashes.

“I could kill you now if I pleased, I should. you betrayed the North, your family, for some Targaryen coc-k”

“and I fucking Loved it.”

You had a smirk on your face that Cregan promptly wiped off, a smack so hard and fast you were almost knocked to the floor. You would’ve hit the floor if Cregan didn’t grab your throat and force you to face him.

“I’ll decapitate your little dragon boy, and I’ll bring you his head. And because I’m nice, I’ll let you cuddle it at night.”

You stared at him delirious from the smack, crimson running from your nose, with the biggest and sickest fucking grin ever.

For you knew.

A cool washcloth is pressed to your forehead as you wake from your dark dream taking shallow breaths, eyes half open going in and out of sleep. The maids made small quiet chatter around you, you only had half a mind to pick up a few things here and there.

“I heard- gouged out by a bird-“

“Poor Helaena- her boys-“

You attempted to move to stretch your aching body only to let out a whine that alerted the maids. They rushed to your sides, telling you not to move, that Aemond will be by shortly, they’ll get you something to eat.

Against their wishes you slowly scoot up the bed to sit up, bearing through the pain for some comfort. You felt unreal, your head was light and airy. How long have you been asleep? The sun was kissing the horizon already, you must’ve been asleep for a while now…

“I want to go for a walk.”

“My lady now wouldn’t really be the best time for-“

“Dress me, please”

They all share a collective glance of worry at each other before the youngest moves to collect some kind of dress, while the others move to sit you down to brush and braid your hair.

You snacked on various fruits and berries, most you’d never tasted before. It would be hard to get fruits of this variety to Winterfell. The sweetness of the fruit tickled your tastebuds and the Wine was like no other.

“What is this? I would eat these every day if I could”

“Those are pomegranates from Essos my lady, you can eat them everyday. And this is Blackberry wine also from Essos. I’ll send for more to be sent to your chambers in the mornings.”

“Gods, maybe I should’ve been born in Essos. Who knew such things existed.”

The little things have made you feel so much more alive, it made you forget, just for a little bit. Where you were, and how you got here.

You were dressed in an airy breathable dress, and hair braided, nothing too big or fancy, just for a walk. You just needed to be outside, amongst nature and trees and other things. Nature was the only solace you had in Winterfell, you would have to acquaint yourself with the ones in KingsLanding as well.

You dismissed the maids despite their pleas to come with you, as it wouldn’t be safe for a lady like you to wander the castle alone like this. Nonetheless you walked alone.

It was quiet, no whispers, no shuffling fabric or armor, only your footsteps echoing through the halls. You imagined that all would be crowded around Helaenas chambers, you couldn’t face her right now. Not until you had answers. What had you become? Are you crazed? Are you a witch?

You carried yourself soullessly through the gardens, great and vast, but not crowded with trees so high they would block out the sky like the place you once knew. It felt too open, anyone could see you, nowhere to hide anymore.

Caw

Mind drawn to the animal, a family of them gathered among the branches of the weirwood tree. Ravens? Crows? Gods how can you tell the difference? You could swear they were all staring at you. Judging? Observing? Mocking? Communicating?

“I am crazy aren’t I?”

“I knew I’d find you out here.”

You jumped to face the person behind you, of course being Aemond. You hoped he hadn't heard you talking to yourself like a crazy person. Aemond looked exhausted, you assume he hasn’t slept since last night.

“Aemond! How’s-“

“Helaena has gone to madness, rightfully so, Maelor and Jaehaerys they’re- it’s all my fault.”

“Gods!- Aemond that can’t be, you weren’t aware-“

“A Son for a Son, Y/N, I have no children so they’ve punished Helaena for my sins. As they have tried to take you from me as well.”

So that’s why, you should’ve been quicker, you should’ve noticed faster, then maybe…

Helaena paid a cost for Aemonds deeds. Poor girl would never recover. You were so taken aback, you weren’t even entirely sure what you had seen, what you had done, was real. Before you could worry about yourself you reached for Aemond, you needed his warmth in this moment. Anything to tether yourself back to reality; You held him close and dear.

Aemond felt warm, he felt safe.

“You have to rest my love. I can’t watch you fall apart right when we’ve gotten back to each other.”

Aemond held you back, resting his heavy head in the crook of your neck, his silver hair tickling your neck. You could feel his exhaustion radiating off of him. He could fall asleep at any moment.

“I can only rest with you at my side. You mustn’t leave my side ever again, I can’t bear it.”

“Of course Aemy, let us go back to your- our chambers.”

————

Aemond slept like a rock, his arms locked around your waist allowing you little room of movement. You weren’t tired so you sat up in the bed and softly stroked your love's silver locks hoping to grant him some form of ease.

However, your mind wandered elsewhere.

In your childhood you minorly read about old North folk stories, of those who had otherworldly connections with animals. To know their minds. You’d processed those as nothing more than stories, tales fathers would tell their sons as they hunted.

The name was on the tip of your tongue, but it was lost on you. Wards? Borgs? Gods… this will be the thing that drives you mad.

Surely the library, in all its vastness, must have something on Northern and Stark history.

[alovesongtheywrote]

I'll Ruin You | Eddie Munson x Reader

♥ Summary:  Vecna has been put down, at least for now, but the cost was a little too much for Eddie to take. Then, in the middle of the night, he sees you again- or at the very least, he sees something that has your face. [Eddie Munson x Gender Neutral!Reader] 

♥ Warnings:  Blood, heavily implied torture, horror, the reader is degraded but not by Eddie, two uses of (Y/N)

♥ Word count:  2,279

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

♥♥♥

Robin wasn’t going crazy. Neither was Eddie, for that matter. Everyone had seen you that night, and everyone was disturbed by it. It was hard not to be. You had just walked through the house and into the street, wandering quietly as if you had never died at all.

It was particularly upsetting.  

And then, it happened again. And again. You appeared three more times before anyone could figure out what to do about your apparent ghost. Eventually, as the party was wont to do, they came up with a plan.

They were going to trap you.

It wasn’t the best of plans, but it was all they could do with what they had- knowledge of your patterns, and a telekinetic teenage girl. Since your ghost always appeared around Eddie, they would use him as bait. Then, when you appeared, El would try her best to hold you still. After that, they would try to interrogate you, or perhaps they would try to find a way to put your lingering soul to rest. A good plan it was not, but it was truly made with the best intentions.  

And of course, it was doomed from the start.

-

Steve’s living room was once again bathed in cool blue light. Steve himself, along with the rest of the party sat scattered across the floor, all waiting in silence for a sign of you. Despite the rather large group, the house was silent. No one spoke. Somewhere in the house, a clock ticked away the minutes. Nothing happened.

Eddie was, once again, staring into space, thinking of you, and craving a cigarette. You’d always been on him about that- smoking. He’d pull out his lighter and you’d sigh, hitting him with the biggest saddest eyes you could manage. Your voice, though annoyed, though you were telling him not to smoke, was still his favourite sound. At the time he’d just rolled his eyes at you, but looking back, he wished that he’d stopped. He wished that he’d thrown the cigarettes away for the smile it would’ve brought to your face. He wished that he’d kissed you instead of teasing you for caring about him.  

He’d throw all of his cigarettes into the Upside Down if it meant he could hold you one last time.

But he couldn’t. Not because of cigarettes, anyway. So, he stood, stretched, and made his way toward the back door.

“Where’re you going man? Did you see something?” Steve asked, sitting up straighter, preparing to move if he had to.

Eddie said nothing in response. He just held up his box of cigarettes. 

“Are you sure that smoking right now is a good idea?” Robin’s voice was low, quiet and cautious as if she was afraid to hurt Eddie by speaking.

“I’ll be fine,” his voice was rough, “The door’s made of glass. I’ll see you. You’ll see me.”

That seemed to be enough for Robin and Steve. The duo nodded, and the rest of the group watched on with wary eyes as Eddie walked out the backdoor and into the night.

You were there waiting for him.

He jumped a little when he saw you. Even though he’d been waiting for this exact scenario, he still found himself feeling completely unprepared for it. There were a thousand things he had to say to you but he couldn’t seem to find the words. You simply stared at each other in silence as everything he wanted to say died on his tongue.

With nothing left to say, he turned back towards the window- he planned on sending a sign to the others- but he felt something stop him before he could complete the action. In an instant, you crossed the space between the two of you. Now, you stood in front of him.

Slowly, with gentle and deliberate movements, you placed your fingertips along his jaw and turned his face until all he could see was you. Despite the pit of worry building in his stomach, Eddie let himself melt into your touch. He shut his eyes, trying to prevent tears from rising up as he relished the feeling of your skin on his. He never thought he’d get to experience this again. You were ice cold.

“Eddie.”

His eyes flew open. In all this time, Eddie had never heard you speak. No one had. You hadn’t so much as opened your mouth until now. Your voice was distant, it sounded like it was coming from miles away, but there you were in front of him, lips moving as you spoke with a weak and trembling voice.

“I’ve missed you so much, honey” you smiled at him, “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Oh god-” Eddie’s voice shook with emotion, with the effort of keeping his tears at bay. He could barely look at you, “I’ve missed you too, sweetheart. I’ve missed you too.”

“How long have I been gone?”

Eddie bit back a sob, “A year, baby. You’ve been gone for a year.”

“Oh,” you paused, “A year.”

For a moment, the look on your face became unfocused. Your eyes grew distant as you lost yourself in thoughts that he couldn’t hear. The moment was over as soon as it came. Your eyes met his again, and he couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt when he realized that there was something greyed about them- something dead. Eddie just shut his eyes and leaned further into you.

The world seemed to slow for a moment, and Eddie couldn’t stop a tear from running down his face. Your fingertips were freezing to the touch, uncomfortably cold against his face, but he didn’t dare pull away. He wasn’t sure he could, even if he wanted to.

His eyes opened again when you let out a small hum. Your head was tilted downwards, eyes cast on Eddie’s hands. You raised an eyebrow at the pack of cigarettes you saw there. Slowly, you pulled your hand away from his face. He watched as you reached down and traced the corners of the little box, gently running your fingers over the label.

When you spoke again, your voice seemed to echo around him, “You’re smoking, huh?”

“I- uh, I-” Eddie couldn’t seem to find a suitable answer. You didn’t need one.  

You just held out your hand, and with wide eyes and a wide smile, you asked, “Can I have a cigarette?”

On instinct, he went to complete your request, but something stopped him. You didn’t smoke. He looked at your face. Your nose was bleeding.

Eddie said your name, though it sounded more like a question. When he didn’t get an answer, he raised a hand and gingerly wiped a drop of blood from your bottom lip, “You're bleeding, baby.”

Your smile remained unchanged.

“Am I? Oh…”

You brought a hand up to swipe against your cupid’s bow. Your fingers came back covered in blood so dark that in the dim light, it almost looked black. Eddie couldn’t help but notice something odd about your hands. Your fingers, now covered in blood, were just a touch too long and a touch too thin. His ring still shone on your left hand.

“Eddie?” you asked, “Are you alright?”

Eddie blinked a few times, shaking his head slightly before his eyes returned to yours. Your eyes were still so dull- and there was something off about your gaze.

“Eddie?” you asked again, voice more insistent and far less gentle.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m fine. Sorry, sweetheart.”

“Don’t worry about it,” you hummed, “Now, about that cigarette-”

“Cigarette?” Eddie paused, finally processing your earlier request.

“Yeah, silly. A cigarette,” you held out your hand, “Please?”

Eddie looked down at the small cardboard box in his hands. He looked back at you. Your outstretched arm was just a touch too long. A drop of blood ran from your nose. The grin on your face was unmoved.  Something was wrong.

Slowly, he tucked the cigarettes away. His eyes never left yours. He whispered your name again- another question, though this time he already knew the answer. You didn’t respond. You just stood, hand outstretched, and smile wide.

“I’m not talking to (Y/N), am I?”

The world around you seemed to freeze. The trees stilled. The wind stopped. Even the water that had lapped at the edges of the pool was completely unmoving. You, too, were still as stone.  

The smile on your face dropped.

“Well, well. You’re smarter than you look, super senior.  Or is it super, super senior?”

Eddie took a step back, eyes wide with concern and hurt. You paid this no mind. In fact, you took a step towards him, moving to circle him, a predator stalking its prey. With a hum, you reached into one of his pockets and grabbed the cigarettes for yourself.

“I guess it doesn’t matter,” you mused as you took one from the box, “I’m just wondering.”

Eddie had no time for the mindless pondering of the entity before him- the entity that was wearing your face. Gathering his resolve, he asked a new question, “Who are you?  What are you?”

“Don’t be silly, Eddie,” you threw the box, cigarettes and all, into the pool. As you spoke, your voice solidified further, becoming less ghostly and terrifyingly more human, “I’m yours. That’s who I am, right? That’s all I am?”

You spun around to face him and gently placed the cigarette between your lips, “All yours. Do you have a light?”

“No, no this isn’t- you aren’t them.”

“So that’s a ‘no,’ to the light, huh? Oh well.”

“Who are you?” Eddie asked again, angrier now, “What- why are you doing this?”

You made no effort to respond. Instead, you hummed again, letting your eyes rake up and down his figure, taking him in. He was pretty. He’d always been pretty. The thing occupying your body took notice of it.

“I can see why they like you. Your (Y/N).” it pulled the cigarette away from your mouth, mimicking the act of smoking, “You’re cute. Pretty. If nothing else, that sweet little angel of yours has good taste.”

“No, don’t you dare talk about them-”

“Oh? Is it a sore subject? Have I touched a nerve, Eds?”

“Don’t- You don’t get to say shit, not while- not while you’re wearing their face.”

“Aww, so cute, you really miss them, don’t you? You miss that cute little face of theirs? But what else do you miss, I wonder? It can’t be their voice, that gets so grating after a while- especially if they’ve been screaming.”

“I- what?”

“Perhaps it’s their body that you missed? They are such a fun little toy, beautiful, really- though I assure you they’re mostly ruined now.”

“Stop- stop!”

“Oh, what’s wrong Eddie, darling? Don’t you want to hear about your pet?”

“They aren’t my-” Eddie cut himself off. For a moment, his gaze softened, eyes growing confused as he processed the words that had left your mouth.

The thing inside you, whatever it was, had been using the present tense.  It could’ve been a cruel trick, a little joke played by the monster that wore your face.

But he could hope.

The thing under your skin seemed to notice. Another smile crept across your face as you spoke, “Are you starting to figure it out? Come on now, pretty boy, piece it together.”

Eddie let his eyes run over the false you. From where he stood, he could see its reflection in the pool, just as bloody and grotesque as the first time he’d seen you in the glass door to the Harrington’s backyard.

“What do you want?” he asked, voice tired and deeply pained.

“All I want,” you threw your unsmoked cigarette into the pool and stepped towards Eddie, away from the water's edge, “Is to tell you a secret.”

He allowed the false you to lean in closer.

“Your little pet is still alive- and they are suffering.”

-

The silence in Steve’s living room was cut off by a shout. The sound had very clearly come from Eddie, but when the party looked outside, they saw their friend standing still and smoking, leaning against the glass. Just as Dustin and Steve stood to check things out, there was a deafening crash, followed by a horrific scream that could not possibly have come from a person. Dustin sprinted forward and threw open the glass door.

Eddie was no longer leaning against the glass. In fact, he was nowhere near the glass.

Instead, you had him pinned to the concrete with your hands tight around his throat.

“Oh, shit-” Steve hissed as he pushed Dustin behind him and ran outside. Just as he managed to reach the two of you, Eddie managed to shove you off of him and into the pool. Another wretched scream tore from your lips as you thrashed in the chlorine-filled water. Your still bleeding nose tinted the water black.

“Are you okay, man? What the hell was that!?” Steve exclaimed.

Eddie rose to his knees and took a second to catch his breath. When he was ready, he turned to look at Steve.

“I don’t know what that thing is, but it isn’t them.”

“I-” Steve watched as the thing that wore your face continued to struggle and screech. His mind flashed back to all the summers he’d spent life-guarding at the local pool. He knew damn well that you could swim, unlike the thing clawing at the water before him, “How did you know?”

“Well, for one thing,” Eddie dipped his fingers into the warmth of the pool, pulling out the now damp and useless cigarette, “My partner doesn’t smoke.”

♥ Tags: @eddie-swhore @bratckerman @1paire2vans @dang-shawty-okay @munson-enthusiast @taintedcigs

[up-in-space-reading]

Average Weekly Screentime - Chap 5: Happy Holidays

pairing: Jake Peralta x Amy Santiago

word count: 1323

warnings/tags: college au, texting, drunk texting, text fic (mostly, there's prose a few chaps in), bets, bisexual!jake peralta, jake peralta has adhd, parties, drinking and alcohol, sexual references, implied sexual content (nothing explicit, just suggested its going to happen/has happened), friends to lovers, swearing, mentions of cannibalism, lighthearted threats of violence (typical rosa stuff yk), fluff

read on ao3

Average Weekly Screentime masterlist

Story Summary: texting fic college AU with the squad! It's the beginning of the school year and while everyone else thinks it'll be the same as the previous year, Gina has a feeling things are going to be different and wagers a bet with Rosa and Charles. Told through all the various group chats everyone is in.

Chap 1 | Chap 2 | Chap 3 | Chap 4 | Chap 5 | Chap 6 | Chap 7 | Chap 8 | Chap 9 | Chap 10

authors note: This is a bit of a shorter one but I wanted to get something out before the previously talked about NYE party!

[07:12pm, Saturday]

Cameron: 1 image attached Cameron: It’s delicious in case you were wondering

Ferris: SO mean to send me pics of soup rn

Cameron: Haha sorry, not sorry Cameron: If it’s any consolation the soup comes at the cost of my sanity

Ferris: do elaborate

Cameron: My nieces and nephews are ensuring there is not a moment of peace and/or quiet in this house

Ferris: one day we can trade spots Ferris: u can sit with my mom and d a d (gross) all by urself

Cameron: Your dad is there??

Ferris: worst christmas present ever tbh

Cameron: That sucks, I’m sorry.. Cameron: And sorry for complaining

Ferris: nah that’s okay Ferris: im handling it by giving him dirty looks whenever he turns away from me

Cameron: If it gets you through the day then I support that Cameron: I used to do that to my brothers sometimes (and maybe still do)

Ferris: am i surprised that you do that? no lol

Cameron: Hey! I’m not that predictable

Ferris: not entirely but a little bit lol

Cameron: Sorry, gotta go. My mom asked me who I’m texting and when I said ‘my friend Jake’ it opened a whole can of worms

Ferris: hahaha have fun with that one

Cameron: Thanks lol

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[08:35am, Monday]

Four Eyes: Happy Christmas guys

Pineapples: merry chrimmas

Mr Grapes: thanks Amy! Merry Christmas everyone :)

Queen G: yeah same

RoRo: cool

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[07:45pm, Thursday]

Ferris: when r u coming back?

Cameron: Tomorrow, why?

Ferris: just wondering

Cameron: The time will fly by, I promise

Ferris: if u say so

-

The time wouldn’t fly by. He was convinced time was moving slower without her. It was pathetic, he was fully in it now, even his mother said he talked about her a lot and he didn’t even notice he was doing it.

Having his dad home was hard, and his mom seemed to be fine with it but Jake didn’t come around as easily anymore. You can only be fooled so many times he’d say to himself. He wanted to talk to Amy, he wanted to forget his dad was back and just be with his mom. Jake from a year ago would’ve kicked himself for thinking this, but he missed studying in the library with her.

Jake just wanted to be back in the environment he’d gotten so comfortable in so quickly, with his friends and his dorm and his Amy. He was going back on the same day as Amy, he asked when she’d be back because he missed her, and in a moment of weakness after too much spiked eggnog he actually messaged her.

It took a lot of will power to resist calling her, eventually putting his phone under his pillow and going to sleep just to stop himself. When he woke up the next morning he realised how hard New Years is going to be; his walls come down when he drinks, and right now the walls were the only thing stopping him from just pouring his heart out to Amy.

He missed her so much.

-

She missed him too much.

Amy didn’t want to admit it to herself at first but it didn’t take long, when she found herself messaging Jake about soup of all things. She just wanted to talk to him about something- anything! She kept thinking about how her brothers would love Jake, he’d fit right in despite the crazy atmosphere being so different to his own family holidays.

A few glasses of wine too many finally let her think about her feelings for him, and that’s how she ended up shedding a few tears on the floor of her childhood bedroom deciding that she really did like Jake – a lot. But after some hours of being frustrated Amy let go, she decided to give in and let herself miss Jake.

She let herself laugh at his messages, she let herself smile at the thought of him and look forward to the study dates after the holidays. She even let herself be excited for the day she went back to campus and the New Years Eve party, and in the middle of the night when she couldn’t sleep and everything was quiet, she considered being with him.

Only one more day until she saw him again.

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[02:07pm, Friday]

Cameron: Finally on my way back to campus!

Ferris: i just got here like 10 mins ago Ferris: have u had lunch or do u wanna get something?

Cameron: My mom made me eat before I left, but if you’re going out I’ll tag along

Ferris: cool cool cool

Cameron: When does everyone else get back?

Ferris: tomorrow

Cameron: Cool cool

-

[02:40pm, Friday]

Cameron: Back now, sorry I was so long. If you’ve already eaten and don’t want to go out that’s fine

Ferris: thats fine Ferris: im good to go!

Cameron: Meet you in the courtyard then!

Ferris: see ya

-

[04:27pm, Friday]

Ferris: 1 image attachment Ferris: when u see this when u get home: sorry lol

-

[06:48pm, Friday]

Cameron: You’re so evil for that! Cameron: I was in the middle of sneezing

Ferris: hahaha im sorry ames it was just perfect timing

Cameron: …it IS a bit funny..

Ferris: you have full permission for payback

Cameron: Didn’t need permission, already started plotting

Ferris: oh no…

Cameron: :)

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[01:23pm, Saturday]

Queen G: guess whos back on campus and still hot af

Pineapples: ginaaaaaaaaa girl I missed u

Queen G: i know Queen G: everyone misses me when im gone because im wonderful to be around

RoRo: good god what did the holidays do to you

Pineapples: i dont notice a difference??

Four Eyes: Welcome back everyone!

Mr Grapes: Back in town and ready for new years tomorrow!

Pineapples: cant believe the year is over already Pineapples: anyone got new years resolutions?

Mr Grapes: I wanna raise my average grade

Queen G: im literally perfect so no

Four Eyes: I haven’t thought about it to be honest

Pineapples: mine is to actually finish my work as i get it

RoRo: fix up my bike

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[01:28pm, Saturday]

Cameron: draft message: My new years resolution is to ask you out

Ferris: draft message: kiss me tomorrow at midnight??

Cameron: Excited for the party tomorrow?

Ferris: of course! Ferris: you?

Cameron: Surprisingly yes Cameron: draft message: because you’ll be there

-

Girls, Girls, Girls

[10:30am, Sunday]

Amy: Quick question, what are you guys wearing tonight?

Rosa: black Rosa: something warm, its fucking freezing

Gina: i was thinking a fur coat but idk Gina: i dont want a drink spilling on it and ruining it

Amy: Right okay Amy: Could I get away with jeans?

Gina: depends what jeans and what top Gina: if ur gonna go jeans then go black

Amy: I can do black

Gina: what r ur top options??

-

Queens, Legends, Icons

[10:35am, Sunday]

Rosie: what are you doing gina?

Ginaa: what?? Ginaa: im helping amy

Rosie: you’ve never offered Amy fashion advice before Rosie: why now?

Ginaa: because theres a party tonight rosa

Rosie: oh my god

Ginaa: idk what ur accusing me of????

Rosie: you want them to kiss at midnight

Ginaa: i said no such thing!

Rosie: what about your bet? Rosie: they get together tonight and you lose

Ginaa: i dont even care that much about losing anymore im so invested

Rosie: no meddling gina

Ginaa: this technically isnt meddling ;) Ginaa: im just being a good friend

-

Girls, Girls, Girls

[10:43am, Sunday]

Amy: 1 image attachment Amy: 1 image attachment Amy: These are some of my options at the moment, thoughts?

Gina: im coming over

Amy: What??

Gina: im coming over Gina: im bringing more options and we r gonna workshop this

Amy: Uh okay then Amy: Thanks Gina

Gina: np

-

Queens, Legends, Icons

[10:47am, Sunday]

Rosie: fucking hell

Ginaa: love my life

Chap 1 | Chap 2 | Chap 3 | Chap 4 | Chap 5 | Chap 6 | Chap 7 | Chap 8 | Chap 9 | Chap 10

authors note: Thanks for reading and for commenting and leaving kudos, everytime i get a kudos notif it motivates me to write more so I appreciate all the love <3

[spypidgeon]

At a Cost Chapter 5

First Chapter

Kasumi turned away from Sumire upon seeing her, wincing in the process as it sent a shock of pain to her stomach, but she didn’t care. She didn’t want to see Sumire right now.

“Kasumi…” She heard Sumire say in disapproval.

“Go away.” Kasumi replied in as close to a neutral tone as she could get.

“No.” Sumire immediately refused, surprising Kasumi. “I’m not leaving until you talk to me.”

Kasumi remained silent, slight frustration brewing in her mind as the surprise wore off. She couldn’t act on it though, that’d just hurt Sumire, the last thing she wanted to do right now.

“Kasumi, please…” Sumire softly said in clear desperation.

Kasumi bit her tongue, doing her best to continue staying quiet.

“Kasumi, talk to me, please…”

Kasumi shook her head, her expression tensing. Sumire didn’t speak anymore, but Kasumi could still feel her stare. Despite the lack of words, Kasumi only tensed up more.

After a few minutes she couldn’t take it anymore.

“Sumire, go away.” Kasumi ordered her.

“I’m staying right here until you talk to me.” Sumire refused once more.

Kasumi let out a deep breath before turning back to Sumire.

“Leave.” Kasumi ordered once more.

“No.” Sumire responded just as simply.

Kasumi began shaking in pure frustration. She didn’t want to hurt Sumire, but her sister wasn’t exactly making it easy.

“I’m not leaving.” Sumire told her.

Kasumi snapped.

“You want an answer?” Kasumi spoke, barely above a whisper.

Sumire sat up straighter in her wheelchair.

“The answer is that I’m a miserable excuse for your sister!” Kasumi shouted. “All I do is bring you pain and suffering! Why the hell would you want to live with that!?”

Shock overtook Sumire, but only for a moment before she regained her composure and snapped right back at her.

“Because you’re my sister!” Sumire cried out in response.

“So what!?” Kasumi retorted. “Ever since we lost gymnastics I’ve been nothing! I’m not the sister I once was! I’m not the person I should be!” Tears began welling in her eyes as her voice cracked. “I-It would be better if I died… I-If I wasn’t saved…”

Kasumi finally broke down into sobs. She shouldn’t be alive, it would’ve been better if she were dead.

It would be better if I was dead.

Kasumi suddenly felt a warm embrace around her. She opened her eyes to see that Sumire was hugging her. Despite herself, despite all the bitter feelings swirling around her head, Kasumi returned the hug.

“No, it wouldn’t.” Sumire told her simply, which was somehow the most comforting thing to Kasumi. “I don’t want to lose you, Kasumi, just like I don’t want to lose Ren. So please, don’t say that I’d be better off if you were dead…”

Kasumi pulled away and gave Sumire a look. “B-But all I’ve done since we got injured was hurt you…”

Sumire shook her head. “That’s not true, Kasumi.” She refuted. “Back when we were first injured, when I was so down about the whole thing… You tried to comfort me. You tried to be a good sister for me.”

“But that was so long ago…” Kasumi retorted weakly. “Besides, Amamiya-senpai did a much better job…”

“Even so,” Sumire assured her. “Thank you for trying.”

Kasumi shook her head. “You really shouldn’t be thanking me…”

“Well, you’ll just have to live with it.” Sumire gave her a smirk.

Kasumi rolled her eyes. “You spend too much time with Amamiya-senpai.”

Sumire giggled, a light blush appearing on her cheeks. “Maybe…” She shook her head. “But seriously, Kasumi. We need to talk…”

Kasumi sighed. “Yeah…” She admitted. “I just… I don’t know what to do anymore, and it just makes me so angry… A-And I don’t want to blame it on you again…”

Sumire put a finger to her chin as she thought. “Well… You’re plenty good at things besides gymnastics, why not pursue one of those?”

“Like what?” Kasumi asked, not knowing what Sumire meant.

“Well… you’ve always gotten top of the class in exams.” Sumire told her. “...And you’re always studying in your room. Why not something related to that?”

Kasumi rested back onto her pillow. She hadn’t thought about it before, so obsessed with no longer being able to do gymnastics.

“Maybe…” Kasumi replied uncertainly. “Maybe…”

Silence overtook the room once more, but it was much more comfortable this time. Eventually, Kasumi spoke up once more, something else finally entering her mind.

“Where are Mom and Dad, by the way?”

“Dad’s at work,” Sumire answered. “And Mom’s running some errands, she was going to take me home after she finished.”

Kasumi nodded. “I see…” She kind of wanted to see her parents right now.

“Uhm… I’m glad we got to talk.” Sumire told her, brushing her bangs with her pinky.

Kasumi nodded her head. “Me too.”

It was genuine, Kasumi really felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of her. She still needed to apologize to her parents though…

“Uhm, Sumire?” Kasumi spoke up, causing Sumire to look at her again. “How long am I going to be here?”

“Oh!” Sumire sat up straight in her seat once more. “I completely forgot to say! They need to run some more tests, but it sounds like you’ll mostly just need to take it easy for a while.”

Kasumi nodded her head. “Uhm… Can you ask Mom and Dad to visit me? I feel I should apologize to them too.”

Sumire gave Kasumi a gentle smile. “Of course.”

“Thank you, Sumire.” Kasumi returned the smile.

It almost felt strange for Kasumi to smile, it’s been so long…

Yet for the first time since she was injured, she feels some kind of hope about her future. Maybe Sumire’s right, maybe she could really pursue something else?

Maybe everything would be alright.

Maybe I will be alright.

***

Sumire held onto Ren’s hand as she sat next to him on his couch. He hadn’t fully recovered yet, so despite knowing their next target, Ren had to spend as much time resting and recovering his strength as he could. During this time, Sumire decided to keep him company.

“I still can’t believe what they did to you…” Sumire spoke up bitterly as she leaned against Ren.

Ren rubbed her back and squeezed her hand. “It’s okay, Sumi. I’m safe…”

“...Until you go after Shido.” Sumire muttered in disapproval.

“You know I have to, Sumi.” Ren replied in a regretful voice.

Sumire sighed. “I know… but until then you’re going to continue resting!”

Ren chuckled. “Yes, Mom…” He teased.

Sumire gave his arm a light smack as she blushed. “Senpai!”

Ren laughed more before pecking her on the cheek. “Don’t worry, I’ll rest.”

“Good!” Sumire pouted, still blushing. “You better!”

Ren gave Sumire a smile and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. He then began to lean over, but he went farther than Sumire expected him to.

“Senpai? What are you doing?” Sumire asked, confused.

“Resting.” Ren answered simply.

At that point he and Sumire were lying on the cushion of the couch, Ren’s head reaching a pillow he’d set on the side. After that, he pulled Sumire’s legs up off the ground and moved his own until they were both lying down on the couch, Sumire facing away from Ren and lying on his arm.

“Comfortable?” Ren asked with a smirk.

Sumire rolled her eyes at her boyfriend’s silliness but nodded her head. “Yes…”

The two lay there for a while in a comfortable silence, Sumire loving the feeling of Ren’s body against hers as they rested together. They snuggled for a long while, hearing nothing but the sound of their own breathing. At one point Morgana jumped in the room, saw them, gave them whatever the cat equivalent of a smirk was, then jumped out the window into the back alleys again.

Morgana’s sudden appearance did remind Sumire of something though…

“Are you still getting nightmares?” Sumire asked.

The first night watching him after that day was just…

“...Yeah” Ren answered after a while, his voice sounding shaky. “It was just… awful… Th-Thank you for being here, Sumi…”

Sumire reached down and tapped Ren’s arm around her waist with her hand, a signal her boyfriend understood. Sumire began twisting her upper body, Ren helping with her legs so she could turn around properly, until she was facing Ren.

Once in position, and Ren’s arm back around Sumire’s waist, she reached out to touch Ren’s cheek. The closeness of their faces caused her cheeks to redden a bit, but she had something much more important to do.

“I love you, Senpai…” Sumire told him. “You’ve helped me so much; it’s only fair I return the favor.”

Sumire removed his glasses. Understanding what she intended to do, Ren removed hers as well. Once those were out of the way, Sumire wrapped an arm around Ren’s neck and pulled him in for a kiss, which Ren happily accepted.

Ren pulled Sumire closer with the arm wrapped around her, deepening the kiss. They held it for as long as they could, but eventually they had to separate in order to breathe, the two gasping for air as they finally separated.

After catching her breath, Sumire brought her nose to Ren’s and spoke up once more. “I love you so much, Ren.”

Ren gave a few chuckles as he smiled brightly. “I love you too, Sumi. Seriously, thank you for being here for me.”

Sumire returned his smile. “Anytime, Senpai!”

The two shared another kiss. Although the future seemed uncertain, both with Ren as well as her own sister, Sumire felt some peace here as she and Ren held each other, kissed each other.

A part of her, no matter how small, had the feeling that perhaps everything would be alright. She could make up with Kasumi, Ren would win against Shido, and they’d all be safe.

She dearly hoped that part of her was right.

***

Kasumi stared down at her stitched up stab wound as she sat in the living room on her wheelchair. It was still so weird to see it there, to have seen the knife embedded in her flesh the night she’d attempted…

Out of sudden curiosity, Kasumi poked the wound. A shock of pain instantly shot through her, causing her to wince, before quickly settling down to a light sore feeling once again. She rolled her shirt back down, covering the wound again, before leaning back in her chair and sighing.

“You okay, Kasumi?” Sumire asked from where she was sitting, doing her homework.

“I’m fine,” Kasumi breathed out. “The stitches are just irritating me a bit…”

Sumire frowned. “Just leave it alone, you need to heal.”

Kasumi rolled her eyes. Ever since Amamiya faked his death, Sumire had become much more assertive, even motherly. Admittedly, it could be a little annoying, but it was better than when they didn’t talk at all. Besides, it’s not like it wasn’t warranted after Kasumi had attempted suicide herself.

“I know, I know.” Kasumi assured Sumire. “As I said, it's just a little irritating. You should get back to your homework.”

Sumire sighed. “Yeah yeah.” She answered before delving back into her homework.

In order to keep herself distracted from her wound, Kasumi passed a glance at the page Sumire was working on; it was math. Trigonometry to be specific.

She watched Sumire slowly make her way through the paper, taking a long time to deliberate over each question. She should really get some more practice, exams won’t go over well if she’s this slow…

Eventually Sumire got to a question that seemed to stump her, at least for a bit. She tapped her pen against her forehead as though attempting to remember something.

Kasumi took a look at the paper to see what question it was before speaking up:

“The sine is the ratio of the opposite divided by the hypotenuse.” Kasumi informed Sumire.

Sumire looked up at Kasumi before what she said dawned on her and Sumire quickly dove back into the paper, completing the equation.

“Thanks, Kasumi.” Sumire gave her a smile.

Kasumi returned the smile, genuinely happy to have helped.

Sumire went back to her homework and Kasumi continued giving her tips every now and then to keep her on the right track. It felt nice, like the two sisters were finally beginning to approach something closer to normal since they were injured. Or, at least, Kasumi was.

With any luck, Kasumi could reforge the bond she’d lost with her sister.

***

Pen in hand, Kasumi began studying once again in the library of the school. Although before she studied out of the inability to do anything else, now, thanks to Sumire, she had a somewhat clearer goal: Learn as much as possible.

If she did that, maybe she could discover something she was particularly talented in like she was with gymnastics. Something she enjoyed doing and could see herself dedicating most of her life to.

What exactly that was, Kasumi wasn’t certain of, but she had to find out. She never wanted to feel like she did that night again…

Kasumi flipped a page of the textbook as she continued noting down anything that was new to her. Even if she never ended up looking at these specific notes again, writing them down helped her remember them.

The current textbook she was using was all history, which was something she had some interest in, though she preferred math. She found solving equations fun and rewarding.

As she continued studying, however, she began to slow. Although she may have been extremely motivated to study, continuing to do so was becoming increasingly difficult.

The sound of other students talking, chairs moving, even pages flipping, consistently distracted her from her study. Eventually, Kasumi couldn’t take it anymore, so she leaned back in her wheelchair, and placed the pen on her notebook.

She rubbed her head as a slight ache buzzed in her mind. Perhaps she should take a break.

Kasumi let out a sigh as she stretched her arms and back a bit.

“Ugh…” A nearby student groaned.

Kasumi passed a glance in the direction of the sound to see one of her peers grasping a clump of his own hair while staring at a paper in pure confusion. He seemed somewhat panicked about it, something Kasumi well understood.

Kasumi quickly put away her own study materials before going over to the student.

“Need some help?” She offered.

The student seemed surprised by the offer for a moment. “Uhm… Yeah…”

Kasumi gave him a smile in an attempt to make him slightly more comfortable with her help. “Let’s see…” She looked over the paper. “What are you stuck on?”

“Uhhh… This.” The student pointed to a particular question, still seeming uncomfortable, or perhaps just surprised.

Kasumi took a look at the part the student had pointed to. It was Science, Astronomy to be precise. Not exactly Kasumi’s specialty, but she was still rather good at it.

The question was about nuclear fusion: ‘What element does the Sun use for nuclear fusion and what does it turn into?’

“So you’re forgetting what element the Sun uses and creates?” Kasumi asked, now facing the still awkward student.

“Y-Yeah… I suck at remembering this stuff…” The student lamented.

“Well let me help you with that!” Kasumi offered with a smile. “Open up your notebook and grab a pen, preferably a colored one.”

The student blinked a few times before doing as Kasumi said. He grabbed the notebook on the table and flipped to a blank page, then grabbed a dark blue pen from his bag and put it to the page.

“Okay… Now what?” The student asked.

“Now write ‘The Sun sustains itself by fusing hydrogen into helium.’” Kasumi instructed him.

The student did as he was told, writing down the whole sentence as instructed.

“Okay…” The student seemed even more bewildered. “Why did I have to write it down here? Why couldn’t you have just told me?”

“Memorization!” Kasumi cheerily replied. “I find taking notes with a colored pen helps me remember them, even if I forget to review them later.”

“Oh. Uhm… Thanks?”

“No problem!” Kasumi replied. “Now, do you need help with anything else?”

“Yes…” The student shyly admitted. “Do you think you could help me out a little more?”

Kasumi nodded her head enthusiastically. “Of course!”

With that, Kasumi continued helping the student through his whole assignment.

***

“Thanks for coming with me, Amamiya-senpai.” Kasumi gratefully told her senior. “I know you’re taking a huge risk helping me out with this…”

“No worries.” Amamiya shook his head dismissively. “I’d love to help. Besides, Shido and Akechi still think I’m dead, so nobody’s on the lookout for me right now.”

“If you say so…” Kasumi had some doubts.

The two soon arrived at the gym. Despite not being a gymnast for some time, Kasumi still had membership there until the end of the year. She hadn’t really used it often, but some of the equipment there only requires arms, so she could at least remain fit. Thankfully, Amamiya had one as well, as this became his go to gym after Sumire told him about it.

Sumire was invited, but she wasn’t really very interested in working out at the gym anymore either. It was fair, before now Kasumi didn’t have much interest in returning to the gym either.

Kasumi and Amamiya entered the gym, checked in, and went over to the equipment. Kasumi immediately headed over to the bench press, it was one of the very few pieces of equipment she could use.

She hadn’t lifted weights much when she was a gymnast, so she wanted to use this opportunity to try.

“Amamiya-senpai!” Kasumi waved Amamiya over. “Can you help set me up with this?”

Amamiya nodded his head and quickly walked over to Kasumi. She spread her arms out so he could lift her up, but he held up a hand.

“Before we start,” Amamiya spoke, taking a protein shake out of his bag and handing it to her. “We should drink some protein, it’ll help build muscle.”

“Oh!” Kasumi put a hand to her head. “I completely forgot… But… Are you sure I can take this? Won’t you need it for your routine?”

Amamiya waved his hand dismissively. “It’s fine, I have plenty.”

“‘Plenty’?” That felt like an odd way to phrase it. “How much?” Kasumi couldn’t help but ask.

Amamiya twirled a strand of hair between his fingers and avoided Kasumi’s eyes. Kasumi just stared at him. What could be so embarrassing about protein shakes?

“...108,000 Yen’s worth.” Amamiya muttered just barely loud enough for Kasumi to hear.

“One hundred and-” Kasumi’s eyes widened as she gasped. “Y-You’re joking, right???”

To her utter disbelief, Amamiya shook his head.

“W-Wait!” Kasumi suddenly remembered something. “Sumire said something about you taking up a bunch of part time jobs! Was that because of this???”

Amamiya rubbed the back of his neck. “Uhhh… Please don’t tell Sumi…” He requested, sounding genuinely embarrassed.

Kasumi was speechless. She had absolutely no idea what to say.

“Okay???” She eventually replied.

Amamiya gave a sigh of relief. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome???”

Amamiya sighed. “Can we just workout now?”

Kasumi, not knowing what else to do, nodded her head and drank the protein shake. Once that was done, Amamiya helped her onto the bench.

“So… What weight do you want?” Amamiya asked.

“I haven’t done this particular exercise often,” Kasumi told him. “Let’s do just the bar at first and work from there.”

Amamiya nodded his head, standing behind Kasumi as she put her hands to the bar and lifted it up. She lifted it with no issue, as expected. It wasn’t exactly light, but it wasn’t particularly challenging to lift.

Kasumi lowered the bar back onto the rack. “It needs to be heavier.” She informed Amamiya, who understood immediately.

Amamiya grabbed some weighted plates and set them on each side of the bar before Kasumi tried to lift it again.

They went through this process a couple of times before finding a weight that properly challenged Kasumi without being too much for her to bear. Honestly, she was surprised to find that she was still this strong, even if this was less than she probably would have been able to lift before.

After completing a few sets, Kasumi had to set the bar back on the rack and wipe some sweat from her forehead. Getting back into exercising like this could be a lot of fun, even if it didn’t have the same thrill as gymnastics did.

Kasumi reached out a hand and Amamiya grabbed it, helping her into a sitting position before helping her back into her chair.

“Thank you, Amamiya-senpai.” Kasumi bowed her head in gratitude. “Seriously, thank you so much for accompanying me.”

“My pleasure,” Amamiya replied. “Why did you invite me anyway? Don’t you have other friends?” He asked curiously.

Kasumi’s positive mood was immediately dampened upon hearing that question.

“Well… You see…” Kasumi tried to find the right words. “I used to have some friends when I was still doing gymnastics but uhm…” She fidgeted with her gym clothes a bit. “I… pushed them away…”

It was a massive mistake, but she’d basically ghosted them ever since the accident. She didn’t answer their calls or texts for a great while, always locked in her room studying.

“Maybe you could reach out to them?” Amamiya offered. “They’re still your friends, right?”

“Maybe…” Kasumi considered. “What if they’re bitter about me pushing them away for so long though?”

Amamiya chuckled. “Even if they are, do you think they’ll stay that way?”

“W-Well- No…”

“So why not just go for it?” Amamiya suggested.

Kasumi shook her head. “I don’t know…” She sighed before changing the subject. “Do you want to do some exercise yourself before we head back?”

Amamiya smiled. “Sure.”

***

Kasumi stared at her phone as she sat at her desk. Amamiya was right. She should just get it over with.

…But how could she?

Kasumi’s hands were shaking, as she brought them up to her phone, but her nervousness made them far too weak to press the button to turn it on.

What if her friends hated her? What if they didn’t want anything to do with her? These were the sort of thoughts that passed through Kasumi’s mind. Despite knowing Amamiya was right, it was hard to take that step.

Seconds turned into minutes as she continued staring at her phone. Soon a whole half hour had passed while she continued deliberating over what to do in her mind.

She wondered if this was how Sumire used to feel…

Come to think of it, Kasumi would’ve preferred if Sumire had told her how she felt sooner. Even if she should have picked up the signs, it would’ve been nice. Sumire’s a lot better now though, and they’re at least on speaking terms again. Should Kasumi really continue the cycle? No.

With another deep breath, Kasumi called up one of her friends.

Not one ring passed before the other side picked up.

“Kasumi!? It’s been forever!” Her friend excitedly greeted. “How’ve you been?”

“Oh!” Kasumi replied, surprised. “I’ve been better recently, I was just thinking I should call…”

“Well I’m glad you did! Everyone’s been missing you!”

Kasumi felt a smile cross her face at that.

“Really?” Kasumi was pleasantly surprised. “We should hang out again soon then!”

“Of course!” The girl replied. “I’ll let everyone else know! We can go to a movie or something!”

“That’d be great!” Kasumi enthusiastically replied. “Thanks.”

The girl giggled. “You’re welcome!”

“So… See you then?”

“Oh no you don’t!” The girl immediately exclaimed. “You’re going to tell me everything that happened! I have to know after you went dark for so long!”

Kasumi sighed. She did owe it to her friend.

“Fine… But it’s a long story.” Kasumi informed her.

“I don’t have anything else to do right now.” The girl giggled.

Kasumi sighed once more. Here goes another long talk…

***

As Kasumi was heading home from the movie on the train, thankful that there was enough space for her wheelchair, she had a smile on her face. Though she may not yet have a particularly good idea of where she’s headed in life, reconciling with her friends and Sumire has just been so relieving.

Hanging out with her friends again was really nice, and they’d made plans to do things Kasumi could participate in more often. She’d almost forgotten how fun it was to be with them, even if they weren’t training or doing anything physical.

Kasumi leaned back in her seat, satisfied with her evening. Little did she know, it was about to get even better.

As she was sitting in her wheelchair, absentmindedly listening to the news airing on the train, suddenly there was static. Curiously, she looked up at the screen to see… The logo of the Phantom Thieves.

Kasumi grinned.

***

Sumire smiled brightly at the television screen as she sat in the living room with her parents.

Today is the day…

It was finally time for Ren to confront Shido. To finally get justice for what the man had done to him.

Sumire intensely focused on the video streaming all over Japan as she grew more and more excited. Ren hadn’t spoken yet, but she was sure he would, and she anticipated it eagerly.

Finally, Sumire’s prayers were answered and Ren spoke. Sumire immediately blushed upon hearing his leader voice.

“Yes, before that happens, we will take this country!”

It was a far cry from the gentle tone he always took with her, but it was incredible to hear nonetheless.

At that moment, Sumire decided:

She had the world’s coolest boyfriend.

***

“Senpai, you were so cool!” Sumire exclaimed as she was on the phone with Amamiya.

Kasumi giggled a bit as she heard Sumire excitedly talk to her boyfriend about his calling card to Shido. It was much like the days when Sumire consistently gushed about him during dinner. Only this time… Kasumi shared her joy.

Even she had to admit: Amamiya was really cool. Sumire was very lucky to have him, and Kasumi couldn’t be happier that she did.

“Huh? You have to go now?” Sumire asked before pausing a moment. “Love you too, Senpai! Goodbye!”

Sumire ended the call and turned to Kasumi.

“All there is to do now is wait for Shido to confess.” Sumire beamed. “I can’t wait!”

Kasumi giggled once more. “You’re pretty invested in this.”

“Can you blame me!?” Sumire retorted. “Ren-senpai was so cool! Plus, after all Shido’s done to him…” She clenched her fist before shaking her head. “He has to go down.���

Sumire’s more serious tone actually sent a shiver down Kasumi’s spine. It wasn’t particularly threatening, but to hear it come from someone like Sumire…

Sumire shook her head once more. “So… how’ve you been doing, Kasumi? Figured out what you want to do yet?”

That was a very good question. Kasumi had looked into so many things with her books, even looking at what paralympic sports were available but… Nothing stuck out to her. She couldn’t really see herself enjoying anything as a living that didn’t involve the use of her legs. The only thing she had a slight thrill doing was math.

Kasumi shook her head. “I don’t know… I feel like I’ve tried everything…”

Sumire put a finger to her chin in thought.

“Well… You’re always helping me with my studies!” Sumire offered. “Maybe you could be a tutor?”

Teaching… Kasumi remembered something that had happened recently, when she’d helped that student out in Shujin’s library. Hmmm…

“Maybe a teacher…?” Kasumi softly spoke aloud.

“Oh! Even better!” Sumire clapped her hands enthusiastically. “You seem to really enjoy it when you help me! Imagine a whole classroom full of students!”

“Hmmm…” Kasumi considered the possibility.

She had to admit, teaching a class, playing a role in the education of students, sounded really nice. Sumire was always receptive to her help as well, as was that student she’d helped before. Perhaps with proper education in teaching, Kasumi could really pull it off.

Eventually, she made her decision.

“Okay!” Kasumi said with determination. “I’ll do it! I’ll become a teacher!”

***

On the day that the ballots were counted, Shido confessed. The Phantom Thieves all met up to celebrate and Sumire was invited too. Seeing people like Futaba, Haru, and Sojiro express their joy in the downfall of Shido was so heartwarming.

Shido had affected so many people’s lives, even those beyond just the members of the Phantom Thieves.

But he was no longer a threat, and Sumire no longer had to worry about Ren.

After the party, Sumire lingered for a while, snuggled up next to Ren as they sat on the soft bench, hand in hand. Eventually even Sojiro and Futaba left, leaving Ren and Sumire completely alone. Unfortunately, Sumire couldn’t spend the night with him, so she wanted to get as much out of her time with him as she could.

Sumire pecked Ren on the cheek. “It’s all over now…” She finally said, happy to see the lack of any real tension in Ren’s form.

“It finally is…” Ren responded, kissing her cheek right back.

Sumire felt blood rush to her cheeks and she rested her head against Ren’s chest.

“Does this mean we can go back to eating lunch together at school?” Sumire asked.

She’d missed being able to see him during lunch, after all.

“Of course.” Ren assured her, squeezing her hand. “With Shido out of the way, nothing is preventing me from going back to school.”

Sumire’s heart fluttered and she smiled, full of joy and love. Everything was back to normal. She’d mended her relationship with Kasumi, Ren was no longer in danger, everything was perfect.

That night Sumire went home with a smile, satisfied with the life she had.

***

Not long later, on Christmas Eve, Sumire received a call from Ren as she was lying on one of the living room couches with her family. Kasumi was studying how to be a good tutor while Sumire watched Christmas movies with their parents.

“Good afternoon, Senpai!” Sumire greeted excitedly. “Ready for our date later?”

“Uhm…” Ren seemed a bit nervous. “So… We have another mission.”

Another mission…

“Senpai?” Sumire suddenly became worried. “Are you okay?”

Ren gave a sigh. “I’m fine, Sumi. I’m so sorry though… I might miss our date.”

Whatever it was, it must be super important…

“It’s fine, Senpai.” Sumire told him. “Good luck on your mission.”

“Thanks, Sumi.” Ren said, sounding like a heavy weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. “See you later, I love you.”

“Goodbye, Senpai. I love you too…”

The call ended and Sumire ran a hand over her scalp, worried about what Ren was getting himself into. She trusted he would win though, he always did. She just wished it didn’t have to be now.

“Does Amamiya-san have a new target, Sumire?” Shinichi asked.

“I think so?” Sumire replied, unsure. “Uhm… He said he might miss our date though…”

Shinichi grumbled a bit.

After the shock of what happened to Ren wore off, Shinichi’s feelings about the matter became a lot more complicated. He was still fine with Sumire dating Ren, thankfully, but he wasn’t a big fan of what Ren was doing.

At least Shinichi still believed Ren was a good person…

Shaking her head, Sumire returned to watching the movie. Ren would be alright, they could just go on their date tomorrow.

Right?

***

A few hours later, the world began shaking.

Sumire sat herself up from where she was lying on the couch looking around frantically.

“Wh-What’s going on?” Sumire panicked. “Do you guys feel that?”

The television remained on, but through the window Sumire could see gigantic bones shooting through the ground and piercing the sky. Beneath her a strange red liquid began to pool on the ground from the outside.

Sumire’s heart thumped faster and faster as she continued panicking. She saw the rest of her family freaking out too, which didn’t help to keep her calm.

She needed Ren. Sumire quickly whipped out her phone to text him. Surely he’d be out of the Metaverse by now? It was nearly evening, he was always done with his missions by then!

…But Ren’s name wasn’t listed on her contacts.

None of the Phantom Thieves were anymore.

“Wh-Wha?” Sumire began to tear up. “R-Ren…”

Was he gone? She felt a strange emptiness inside, it was different than when she thought he died. For some strange reason, it felt like he just didn’t exist anymore?

Sumire pulled her legs to her chest with her arms as her tears began to fall. She kept muttering Ren’s name over and over as true despair filled her.

***

“We’ll definitely. Definitely… Take the world!”

With that voice, Sumire felt something. She felt Ren. He was alive!

Sumire quickly looked up at the television, which was now displaying the logo of the Phantom Thieves. Ren was fighting as hard as he could, she could feel it. With nothing but love and faith in her beloved boyfriend, Sumire cried out in support of him.

“You can do this, Senpai!” She cried out.

After she cried that out, she noticed her other family were intently staring at the screen too. Kasumi soon joined her in support.

“We’re counting on you, Amamiya-senpai!”

Kasumi then turned to Sumire and gave her a comforting smile, which Sumire returned. They turned their attention back to the screen, continuing to cheer Ren on. Soon their parents joined them, and the whole family cheered for Ren’s victory.

***

Sumire suddenly awoke on the couch, still lying down. Looking around the room, everything was back to normal. The bones she’d seen before were no longer there, and there wasn’t any strange liquid on the ground. Everything was normal.

…Normal.

Sumire suddenly remembered what had happened and quickly grabbed her phone, going through her contacts once more. She nearly cried in relief when she saw Ren’s contact there. She quickly called him.

One ring and he picked up.

“Ren!” Sumire cried out. “I-I was so worried!”

“It’s okay, Sumi.” Ren replied calmly and gently as ever. “We won.” There was a sense of finality to those two words.

We won…

“Thank goodness!” Sumire said in pure relief. “It was so scary, Senpai…”

“I’m sorry, Sumi…” Ren told her. “I’ll make it up to you when you come over tonight.”

“I’m just glad you’re alright, Senpai!” Sumire told him. “But you better tell me everything! Remember our promise?”

“Of course,” Ren soothingly replied. “I promise. I have to go now, but I’ll be at Leblanc soon.”

“Okay, Senpai.” Sumire acknowledged. “See you soon! I love you!”

“I love you too, see you later!” Ren replied.

Sumire ended the call and lied back down on the couch, relieved. Forget talking to Ren about how many part time jobs he takes, she needs to talk to him about how many heart attacks he nearly gives her!

That could come later though, for now, she just wanted to see his face. To finally be certain that everything would be alright. That nothing would get between them, at least until his probation period was over.

Sumire wanted Ren to tell her everything was finally over.

***

Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

Sumire could immediately tell something was off as soon as she saw Ren when she got to Leblanc. She could see through the window that Ren looked nervous, very nervous. By this point, Sumire could be certain it wasn’t about the date.

Sumire said goodbye to her father and then entered the quaint establishment. Thankfully, the door pushed from this side rather than pulled, meaning she didn’t really need any help.

Upon entry, Ren saw her and immediately got up from his seat. He seemed to try his best to hide his nervousness, but parts of it still peeked through as he greeted her.

“G-Good evening, Sumi!” Ren cleared his throat after he stuttered, likely trying to swallow the last bits of nervousness. “You ready for our date?”

Despite her worry, Sumire beamed. “Of course!”

Giving her the best smile he could muster, Ren guided her to one of the tables at the café, then helped her take a seat. Once she was seated, he moved her wheelchair to the corner of the room before taking a seat himself.

Sojiro moved out from behind the counter with two large servings of his signature curry and placed them in front of Sumire and Ren. After that he took off his apron, put on his coat and fedora, and tipped his hat to them.

“Enjoy.”

Without another word, Sojiro left, leaving Ren and Sumire to their date.

Sumire wanted to ask about what was making Ren so nervous, however, knowing he probably wanted the date to go off without a hitch, she said nothing. Instead, Sumire dug into her meal, allowing the absolute delight of the taste to show on her face for Ren to see.

Sumire could see the tension start to release from Ren as she did so. His shoulders slightly loosened up, and his smile felt more real. Mission accomplished.

Soon, Ren began digging into his food as well, making no effort to hide his delight either.

The hungry couple finished their meals in record time.

“Delicious as always!” Sumire cheered after she finished.

Ren nodded his head in response. “Of course.” Then he smirked. “Not as good as your cooking though.”

Sumire giggled a bit. “Don’t let Boss hear you say that!”

Ren laughed too before leaning back in his seat.

“So, I have some Christmas movies lined up upstairs.” Ren explained, pointing a thumb at the stairway behind him. “You got permission to stay the night, right? Wanna head up?”

Sumire nodded her head. “Of course!”

Thankfully it was Christmas Eve, otherwise her parents wouldn’t have even considered letting her stay over.

Ren got up from his seat and went over to Sumire, and reached out to her. Understanding what he wanted, Sumire scooted herself to the edge of the seat and wrapped her arms around Ren. After getting a secure grip on Sumire, Ren hoisted her into the air.

This didn’t scare Sumire anymore, as she had gotten used to it. She did, however, nestle her head into Ren’s neck as he carried her. It was still such a nice feeling…

Eventually, they made it to the top of the stairs and Sumire looked away from Ren’s neck to view his room. He’d moved the table with the TV on it so it was positioned near his bed instead, which was probably a good idea since snuggling on his couch for prolonged periods of time can be pretty uncomfortable…

Ren set her down on the bed, turned on the television, turned off the light, and began playing one of the movies he’d picked out before getting on the bed behind Sumire and holding her close to his chest. Sumire blushed lightly, but turned her attention to the television as the movie started to play.

***

Hours later, after they watched a few of the movies Ren had prepared, the couple was just about ready to get some rest. Ren turned off the television, set it on the window sill, then put both arms around Sumire, dragging her closer to him.

Sumire heavily blushed as she realized what was to happen next: They’d be sleeping in the same bed. They had never done that before.

Sumire shivered slightly at the realization, but tried to relax as she felt Ren’s chest rise and fall. It was time to sleep, after all.

…Or so she thought.

Eventually Ren sighed, turning Sumire onto her back before sitting up on the bed and raising her up with him. At that point Sumire remembered what she saw before: Ren was nervous about something.

“Senpai?” Sumire asked curiously, hoping it wasn’t anything big.

Ren looked away from her, then let out a deep breath as he began speaking. “Sumi… Remember how you made me promise to tell you if anything was going on?”

Sumire nodded her head slowly, not liking where this was going.

“...I’m turning myself in.” Ren finally admitted.

“What? Why!?” Sumire immediately replied.

What reason could there be to turn himself in?

“Sae Niijima talked to me earlier; after you called.” Ren explained. “She said that in order to take down Shido’s conspiracy, I’d have to give testimony. That means turning myself in.”

“But you didn’t do anything wrong!” Sumire desperately exclaimed.

Ren grabbed Sumire’s hands and squeezed them. “I know, Sumi. I know… But the world isn’t always fair. I learned that when I first came here.”

Sumire buried her head in Ren’s chest as the all too familiar tears began pouring once again. “H-How long will you be gone?”

Ren released her hands to stroke her back before replying. “I don’t know, Sumi… Could be months, could be years, could even be… decades…”

No!

“D-Do you have to?” Sumire asked, despite knowing the answer.

“...Yes.”

That one word made Sumire let out a sob.

“Shhh… It’s okay, Sumi…” Ren said.

“It’s not!” Sumire immediately retorted, pulling herself away from Ren’s chest to look him in the eyes. “This was supposed to be done! You won! You beat Shido! So why are you still suffering!? Why can’t things just go back to normal!” Her voice cracked as she continued.

She shoved her head right back into Ren’s chest, breaking down into complete sobs.

“I-I just want you to be here with me…” Sumire cried.

Ren continued rubbing her back as she cried.

“I know… I’m so sorry, Sumi…” Ren gently apologized.

After a while of consoling Sumire, Ren lay back down on the bed. Sumire’s sobs didn’t stop, she just wanted everything to be over.

She just wanted Ren.

***

Sumire rubbed her eyes as she slowly began to wake up. As she opened her eyes she found herself… on her wheelchair? Sumire looked around confused, she was on the main floor of Leblanc. A look at the door told her the store was still closed, which made sense since she wasn’t seeing Sojiro anywhere… but where was Ren?

“Senpai!” Sumire called out.

She heard something begin coming down the stairs after she said that, but it didn’t sound like Ren.

A familiar black and white cat got to the bottom level and looked up at her.

“Yoshizawa-san! Where’s Ren?” Morgana quickly asked.

Sumire opened her mouth to say she didn’t know, until she remembered. Then she cried all over again.

“Yoshizawa-san! What’s wrong!?” Morgana cried out.

Sumire tried to swallow her sorrow just long enough to explain. “S-Senpai… H-He turned himself in…”

“WHAT!?” Morgana cried out. “Why!?”

“H-He…” Sumire was on the verge of breaking down once more.

Suddenly the door to the café opened, revealing Makoto.

“I can explain that…”

***

Sumire sat in depressed silence in her living room. The rest of the Phantom Thieves wanted to celebrate the victory against Yaldabaoth with Ren, but he wasn’t there. Makoto explained the situation and…

The looks on their faces were just…

Sumire let out a sigh. Why did all of this have to happen to Ren? From his probation to being singled out by Kamoshida, to the constant threat of arrest during his time as a Phantom Thief, to the assassination attempt, finally to him going to jail. Ren was such a good person, Sumire would even go as far as to say he was her hero.

…And yet he still suffered.

“Sumire? Are you alright?”

Sumire turned around to see Kasumi making her way over to her with her wheelchair. Sumire debated lying. Saying she was fine and not to worry about it… but Kasumi would find out anyway.

Sumire shook her head, wiping away the tears that had formed in her eyes once again.

“...Is it about Amamiya-senpai?” Kasumi asked.

Sumire nodded.

Kasumi’s expression tensed. “Did he hurt you?”

Sumire frantically shook her head.

“...So what happened?” Kasumi pressed.

She might as well explain…

Swallowing her sorrows once again, Sumire explained everything to her sister. She nearly broke down again several times, but eventually she explained the whole story.

Kasumi, upon hearing everything, quickly leaned over and wrapped Sumire in a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry, Sumire…” She said. “I can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now…”

“...Ren’s worse.” Sumire weakly retorted.

“I know, I know…” Kasumi replied. “But you guys have plans to get him out, right?”

“Yeah…” Sumire nodded her head. “I just wish we didn’t have to… I just wish that Ren could be here right now…”

“I understand.” Kasumi assured her. “Can I help?”

Sumire’s eyes widened as she looked at Kasumi. “Are you sure?”

“Of course!” Kasumi told her. “This is important to you, isn’t it?”

“W-Well, yes…”

“Then why wouldn’t I want to help?” Kasumi asked.

Sumire gave Kasumi a small smile. “I suppose… Should we try to get Dad to run a segment? Maybe we could contact Coach Hiraguchi too?”

“Sounds like a good idea!” Kasumi replied. “But uhhh… Hiraguchi isn’t our coach anymore.”

“R-Right, force of habit.” Sumire blushed slightly in embarrassment.

“We shouldn’t waste any time though!” Kasumi enthusiastically told her. “Let’s get started!”

“R-Right!”

***

Sumire was going on her daily trek to Leblanc like she had every other day since Ren turned himself in. They’d done it to discuss anything new that may have come up in regards to proving Ren’s innocence. If anything big happened, they’d pass on the information to Sae Niijima, who was working with them to free Ren.

It had been a couple of months since Ren’s arrest and they were getting ever closer to getting him out of jail.

With that thought in mind, Sumire finished her trek to Leblanc and entered to see… Only Sojiro.

That was strange… Usually at least Futaba would be here by now.

“Boss? Where is everyone?” Sumire asked as she went up to the counter.

“I don’t know,” Sojiro shrugged. “Futaba went out with the rest of the group last night and hasn’t come back yet, I figured you would’ve been included?”

Sumire shook her head. “No, this is the first I’ve heard of it.”

Sojiro stroked his beard. “Weird… I’m gonna call Futaba just in case.”

Sumire nodded her head and moved her chair away from the counter as she deliberated what could have happened in her mind. The Metaverse was gone, so any official Phantom Thieves business was out of the question. Perhaps they simply wanted to go do something physical? That’d make sense, she felt they were really connecting over the course of helping Ren, so she doubted they’d just ditch her for no good reason.

Soon, Sojiro called out to her. Sumire looked up at him and he began to explain.

“Turns out they were in Odaiba? They said they’ll be coming right away.” Sojiro explained.

Sumire nodded her head in acknowledgement. She could wait, but she definitely had questions for them once they arrived…

***

Not long later, the Phantom Thieves arrived at the café, each of them with confused and worried expressions on their faces.

“Where’ve you guys been?” Sumire asked. “We were supposed to meet half an hour ago…”

“We were…?” Ryuji asked.

“What?” Sumire had to ask. They couldn’t be serious, right? “We’ve been meeting every day for the past two months!”

“Let me handle this,” Makoto put an arm on Ryuji’s shoulder. “Sorry, uhm… I think our memories of the past two months are quite different from yours…”

“Different?”

“Yes.” Makoto confirmed. “Now, do you think you could tell us where Ren is?”

Ren?

“You seriously don’t remember?” Sumire questioned. “He’s been in jail for the past two months! That’s what these meetings were for!”

Makoto sighed. “We have a lot to talk about…”

***

“So, the school counselor manipulated reality in an attempt to make everyone… happy?” Sumire asked.

Makoto nodded her head.

“I see…”

She hadn’t really talked to Dr. Maruki very much during her time at school. Sumire wasn’t one of the people required to take a session with him so she simply never did. Perhaps things would have been solved more quickly if she and Kasumi had… but she’s mostly happy with where she is now. She just needed Ren back, that’s all.

“Well, in my case, Ren turned himself in on Christmas morning.” Sumire somberly recalled. “Everything that’s happened since then has been an effort to get him back. We’re so close though! I can feel it!” She exclaimed.

Makoto smiled. “Then we should all get right back on track getting him out.” She turned to the others. “Right, team?”

“Right!” Everyone exclaimed.

Sumire and Sojiro spent the rest of the meeting catching the thieves up on what happened.

***

Only a week later, Sumire was informed that they won, that Ren would be released from jail, and that they’d be able to reunite that day. As soon as she got the news, she told her family she’d be going to Leblanc and left the house, hurrying there to see Ren as soon as possible.

The time it took to get to Shibuya, transfer, and get to Yongen-Jaya was incredibly nerve-racking. Sumire wanted to get to Leblanc and see Ren, see that he was fine. She wanted to hug him, kiss him, cuddle with him, be carried by him, tell him how much she missed him, everything.

Sumire soon made it to Leblanc and immediately opened the door, making her way inside. Once she got there she saw him.

Ren, standing in the middle of the café while the other Phantom Thieves were scattered about.

Sumire slowly approached him in her wheelchair, savoring the sight of him, before wrapping her arms around him and pulling him towards her. She gave him the tightest most loving hug she could. He was finally here!

All too soon, they separated, and Sumire looked up at Ren.

“Please tell me you’re finally done…” Sumire begged him. “I don’t know how much more my heart can take!”

Ren laughed before kissing her cheek. “I hope so. I missed you, Sumi…”

Sumire smiled at him. “I missed you even more! It’s been over two months for me!”

Ren chuckled once more. “So the others told you?”

Sumire nodded her head. “Mhm! They told me everything!” She then smirked. “I think you need to apologize to everyone here for the scare!”

Ren laughed. “Of course,” He then turned to everyone else. “I’m sorry, guys.”

“No worries!” Ann quickly responded. “Just keep being adorable with your girlfriend!”

Ren and Sumire laughed at that before turning their attention back to each other. Not wanting to wait a moment longer, Sumire reached up to Ren’s neck and pulled him in for a kiss. She didn’t care there was an audience at this point, she wanted to feel his lips on hers again, a feeling she so desperately missed.

Ren’s arms soon found their way around her as the two tried to give each other as much love as they possibly could. This was how things should be.

Everything was finally right with the world.

***

After some absolutely amazing valentine’s and white day dates with Ren, it was unfortunately time for him to go back to his hometown. Sumire was saddened by this, but at least it wasn’t prison. They could still call and talk, and Sumire could still visit him when she had enough freetime to justify it. So it wasn’t all bad.

Plus, she, Kasumi, and their other friends had set up a surprise for Ren to make their departure easier: They were going to drive Ren all the way back to his hometown. Thankfully, Makoto had a license, so they actually could do so. With the help of her older sister, Makoto was also able to get a van that could fit all of them.

The arrangements would be: Ren, Sumire, and Kasumi in the back, Yusuke, Futaba, Ryuji, and Ann squeezed in the middle, then Haru and Makoto in the front. Sumire and Kasumi’s wheelchairs would be put in the trunk.

They knew where Ren needed to go to get to the station and intended to pick him up from there. So they sat parked until Ren got there. Unfortunately they began to have engine issues, a result of the thing being used, which they put Morgana on the case of solving.

Soon their waiting was rewarded with the sight of Ren in the distance. Sumire gave him the biggest smile she could through the window as he approached them.

“Senpai!” She called out as she waved.

Ren soon approached the van and gave Sumire a smile.

“You guys are driving me home?” He asked, sounding genuinely touched.

“Of course!” Sumire told him. “We’re all on break, after all!”

Ren gave her a smile before handing his bag to Ryuji and getting in, then he got in the  backseat with Sumire and Kasumi.

“Long time no see, Amamiya-senpai.” Kasumi greeted as she looked up from a book she was reading through.

“It’s been a while, Yoshizawa-san.” Ren nodded at her.

Kasumi smiled. “You better not scare Sumire again!”

Ren chuckled. “I’ll do my best!” He gave Kasumi two thumbs up, causing her to giggle.

Ren then scooted over to Sumire and wrapped an arm around her, causing her to rest her head on his shoulder.

“Alright, I fixed the engine!” Morgana called out as he hopped in. “We can go now!”

“Good job, Morgana!” Sumire cheered while her sister gave her a weird look before just rolling her eyes.

Sumire had tried to explain everything with Morgana to Kasumi but… Eventually Kasumi just gave up on understanding and just accepted that Morgana could talk. Mostly, anyway.

Makoto nodded her head and started the engine, which finally worked. Curiously, Sumire turned her head to look through the back window at the car that had been tailing them, but… Now it was stalled? Sumire felt she had a good idea of how Morgana fixed the van…

Soon she felt Ren’s grip on her tighten as they began moving. With a bright smile on her face, Sumire snuggled up to him. She felt a smirk from Kasumi, but she didn’t care.

Although Ren was going home, she once again had the thought:

Everything was finally perfect.

Previous Chapter

[chidoroki]

182 Days of TPN - Day 11

Chapter 11: “Traitor, Part 1”

I got mixed feelings about this stairs scene. The anime gave us that first person p.o.v. as they walked up with no conversation at all, which was okay as it added to the eerie mood of the house when it’s quiet, but I feel like the silence just lasted a bit too long? But then I understand that most of what the trio discusses about whether or not Don & Gilda will believe them has been mentioned briefly before (and after library scene), so there’s no real reason to listen to it again. I wish they could’ve combined elements of both versions somehow, if only for one moment that I’ll mention at the end.

...Y’all think she had similar thoughts after what happened in the Seven Walls and during ch178 or what? Because now I do. And I dunno whether to be proud or cry.

Could be just my personal preference that I like how the anime had Ray sit up on the second floor of the library instead of stand with everyone else down below, not only because I think it suits him (somehow), but also for the reason that he knows so much more about this house and its secrets than the rest of them, so it makes some kinda sense to show that distance between them and the advantage he has over them as well.

After the meeting in the library, we get this moment between Norman & Ray. The last panel of Ray wondering how & when Norman will reveal the truth to Don & Gilda, along with if he’s even capable of doing so in the first place, reminds me of Ray’s big dilemma in his special chapter. He was so concerned with how he should break the news to everyone, but struggled with the idea and contemplated doing so since knowing they’re all raised to be food for demons is such a heavy burden. He ends up keeping it all to himself so the others could at least live a normal life free of worries. It was a roundabout way of Ray protecting them (or at least their innocence) and while telling Don & Gilda the secret would’ve seriously crushed their reality, giving them false hope and placing targets on their back with a twisted truth isn’t much better. Sure they might agree to assist with the escape plans more easily, but keeping them in the dark about the serious danger they could be in if any part of the plan fails is too risky, hence why Ray gets so mad at Don in upcoming chapters for swiping Isabella’s key to the hidden room. If he and Gilda really did get caught, that move could’ve very well cost them their lives, instead of “sell them off to bad people” as Norman & Emma made them believe. Had the duo known the real story at the time, I doubt they would’ve acted so recklessly. So while Ray knows fully well that telling the true secret is a double-edged sword, I’m sure he would’ve much rather told them nothing than a white lie, especially since he’s very aware neither Don or Gilda are actual spies.

Norman mentions before (during the stair scene) that if they don’t know the full truth, perhaps they wouldn’t get shipped out if their plans fail, which is a valid idea, but I don’t think someone like Isabella would be that lenient. Granted, mom isn’t interfering with them directly during this time, but that’s because her sheepdog is doing his job at keeping everything under control, so she doesn’t necessarily have to make any drastic moves. Then you got Krone to worry about too as she’s off trying her own crazy schemes.

Favorite panel/moment:

The real reason I wanted the stairs conversation animated..

[infinitehyperfixations]

Ribbons and Steel

When Metal Meets String - Piotr's POV

This is the first part of my Colossus x OC slow burn, enemies to lovers fic. I hope all of you enjoy!

Summary: Piotr, Ellie, and Professor X are invited to a fundraising gala for a mutant charity. The event is held in a museum in New York City which holds the world's largest red diamond - The Devil's Treasure. Piotr's hopes of having a peaceful night crumble before him when a thief crashes the gala.

(I apologize if the summary sucks!)

Rated T for language and violence

Word Count: 8.1K

Comments and Reblogs are love!

No one is what they seem.  

Piotr wished he would’ve listened to that phrase when he met her. Everyone hides details about themselves upon the first meeting - even he knew that. A strong reputation means nothing if someone is forced to use it like a mask. They may be too afraid to show who they really are because they believe that everyone will see them as they see themself.  

A Coward. 

A Monster. 

A Failure. 

It will require patience and trust to discover one’s real identity. Only when you look behind the closed curtain can you see their true self. Trying to coax out the smallest detail may take weeks even months but it will be worth it in the end. 

It took Piotr too long to discover what hid behind her mask and it almost cost her everything. 

-----

Three months after the events of Deadpool 2…

Much to Piotr’s surprise, it had been a quiet couple of months. Well, quiet as it could get for any superhero. There were always the rescue missions, the bank heists that needed to be foiled, and Wade’s endless chaos that needed to be tended to. On top of that, he was leading the newly formed X-Force team which only consisted of Cable, Wade, Domino and himself. (NTW and Yukio were considered junior members since they were not of age yet.) Of course, being the Art and Russian teacher at the Professor’s Institute brought in even more tasks for himself. He had assignments to grade, lesson plans to review, and school events that needed chaperoning.  

For three months, Piotr did not have to stop a world-ending crisis nor face a new threat to mutant kind. It was more than he could ask for after helping Wade save Russel a few months ago. It seemed the universe was finally giving him a break but he soon realized that it was just the calm before the storm. 

“Remind me why I’m here again?” Ellie groaned, looking longingly at the museum’s exit. 

Piotr and Ellie stood in the middle of a fundraising gala for the Drake Foundation that was being held in a museum in New York City. The foundation was a charity that supplied homeless mutants food, housing, and free education opportunities across the world. The Professor was invited to speak at the event and was allowed to bring two guests. Unfortunately, the X-Men were on a mission so Piotr and Ellie had to come to represent the institute with the Professor.  

The large, circular entrance of the museum was converted into an exquisite banquet hall for the gala. The hall was illuminated by bright lights with enormous stone pillars lining the walls. In the center of the room was a sea of tables that were covered in white table cloths and decorated with colorful bouquets. Directly above the center of the floor was a wide circular sky light that revealed the bright lights of the neighboring buildings. 

One of the first things that Piotr noticed when he entered the building were the huge banners showing the various exhibits inside the museum. The most featured one was the world’s largest red diamond - deemed The Devil’s Treasure according to one of the banners. He figured that the exhibit was under high surveillance and was closed off like the rest of the museum. 

“Because it was either this, or Wade duty,” Piotr reminded her as he gazed over the large crowd of rich people. He caught a few of them stealing glances at his metal form but thought nothing of it. He was used to people staring at him.

“Is it too late to trade places with Cable?” Ellie questioned as she tried to loosen the collar of her black suit. “I think I would rather deal with Wade than these people.” 

“Yes it is,” Piotr sighed, looking down at his trainee. “It is good we are here to represent institute.” 

“I mean, yes it’s good we’re here for that,” Ellie groaned, “but do we really have to wear suits?” 

Piotr couldn’t help but silently agree with her. He was worried that he was going to rip his suit (which was very expensive and annoying to get) in his metal form. Since the Professor wanted a representative from the X-Men, he requested for Piotr to be in his armored form at the gala because no one would recognize him in his normal form. He only agreed because if something were to happen, he wouldn’t accidentally ruin his suit as he changed into his metal form. 

“And you told me to not use my phone,” Ellie pointed out. 

“Socializing would be good for you,” Piotr joked, earning an eye-roll from the teenager.  

“Oh yes, because I am obviously the best choice when it comes to talking to snobby rich people,” Ellie whisper-yelled harshly. “Yukio picked a bad time to go visit her family.” 

Piotr simply rolled his eyes at Ellie, “You can just hide behind me and I will do most of talking.”

“Was already planning on it, big guy.” 

While the last minute arrivals gathered at their tables, Piotr and Ellie decided to stand near the Professor as he conversed with the other guests. The Professor answered most of their questions about the school while Piotr told them about working with the students. Ellie, much to her discomfort, was asked about her experience there and gave short and simple answers. When Piotr noticed how anxious she was, he made an attempt to escort Ellie to their table but stopped when he heard someone say his name. 

When Piotr turned around a man in a deep red and black suit (which was definitely more expensive than his own) greeted him with a friendly smile. He reminded Piotr of the male models on the book covers of horrible billionaire romance novels that some of his students read. He was young (Piotr guessed around his age) with deep tan skin, dark brown eyes, and jet black hair which was loosely combed back. He was nearly as tall as Piotr but he still had to crane his neck a bit. 

“Colossus!” The mystery man greeted in a British accent. His voice was deep but very welcoming. “Sorry to stop you and your colleague but I wanted to introduce myself.”

When the man held out his hand, Piotr noticed faint scars on his knuckles. They were similar to the ones Piotr would get when he trained too hard. He didn’t think too much about them since they seemed to be very old…but it was still odd. 

“My name is James Levine,” He said as they shook hands. His grip was strong enough to impress Piotr. “On behalf of my family and the Drake Foundation, I would like to thank you and the X-Men for helping mutants around the world.” 

“Thank you, it is our duty to make world better for everyone,” Piotr replied as the Professor turned to them. “Do you run this charity?” 

“My family and Drake Industries do,” Levine answered. “Our board of directors and myself are working on building a location in the U.S. to help mutants here. We have many scattered around Europe but we wish to expand.” 

“Mr. Levine,” The Professor greeted, moving next to Piotr, “it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person.” 

“Professor Xavier! Believe me the feeling is mutual,” Levine said as he peered down at the Professor. “Thank you for coming and bringing your X-Men tonight.”

“Thank you for inviting us.” 

Piotr took a moment to glance back at Ellie, who was using him as a human shield to hide from the crowd. He expected her to be on her phone (which he would have been fine with) but she was staring at Mr. Levine inquisitively. As long as Levine didn’t divert his attention on her then she should be fine. 

“Drake Industries would like to make a donation to your school,” Levine stated, as a woman - who Piotr didn’t notice before - stepped into view behind the billionaire. He assumed it must be his assistant. 

The thin woman wore a deep purple suit which complemented her dark brown skin and figure. Her lavender colored hair was wrapped neatly into small bantu knots. Despite the fact that she was barely tall enough to meet his shoulders, she was an intimidating woman. Her stern, dark eyes and her sharp eyeliner would have made any normal person nervous. Her lips were painted with black lipstick with a light purple center. A gold nose ring hung above her lips and matched the small golden hoops in her ears. 

“Mr. Levine,” The woman said in a dry tone. Her voice had a cold sound to it and Piotr couldn’t quite place her accent. “It is time to prepare for your welcoming speech.” 

Mr. Levine nodded and turned back to Piotr and the Professor. “My apologies, I must go with Miss Ba. I hope you enjoy your night.”

Levine turned away from them and followed Miss Ba through the large crowd. When he was far enough away, Ellie came out of her hiding spot behind Piotr.

“He seemed…nice I guess,” Ellie mumbled, “but his assistant is terrifying.” 

Since Piotr was tall enough, he was able to watch Mr. Levine weave through the crowd to get to the stage that was assembled in front of the tables. He trailed behind Miss Ba who went behind the stage. 

“It was nice of him to make donation,” Piotr said, looking down at the Professor. 

“Yes, it was,” The Professor agreed as Ms. Ba walked on the stage towards the podium. 

“Everyone,” Miss Ba announced with a fake smile, “please head to your seats so the evening may begin.” 

While everyone began to make their way to their tables, Piotr looked around the large room and noticed a few of the museum security guards that roamed along the walls. They had walkie-talkies attached to their vests and were armed with tasers and a baton stick. Most of them were calmly looking around the room and quietly speaking into their two-way radios. He assumed that there were other guards stationed at the exhibits - especially the one that held the Devil’s Treasure.

Piotr and Ellie followed the Professor to their assigned table which was close to the stage. There were three other seats at the table that were for some guests that Piotr did not know. He assumed they were gifted to the highest paying donors. A grimace fell on his face when he saw his seat.

“I cannot sit here,” Piotr said, trying to hide his mild annoyance. 

Ellie snapped her head up at the large metal man, “What do you mean?” 

“This chair,” Piotr said as he simply pulled out his seat to show its cheap metal legs, “I will crush it if I sit on it.” 

Piotr was used to a lack of accommodations for his heavy metal form and massive size; however, he expected an event held and paid for by a billionaire to have a reinforced seat for him. Of course, he could metal down but his suit would not fit his slightly smaller form as well. He assumed that the workers that set up the event must have forgotten about a reinforced chair for him. If he remembered correctly, the Professor requested one for him and the people that were in charge of the event reassured him that there would be one. 

“Ohhhh, I see what you mean,” Ellie said, tapping one of the chair legs with her foot. “Maybe one of the workers can get you the chair that the Professor requested.” 

“I hope so,” Piotr nodded as he began to walk away from the table. “I will be right back.” 

Piotr scanned the room for an available server while he did his best to carefully weave through the crowd of attendees that were trying to get to their own tables. Once he freed himself from the sea of tables and guests, James Levine walked up to the microphone with a welcoming smile. He tapped on it to grab everyone’s attention as they were sitting down. 

“Hello and welcome everyone to the Drake Foundation Fundraising Gala,” The billionaire greeted, resting his hands on the podium. Piotr stopped his search to pay attention to Levine’s speech.

“I want to thank each and everyone of you for donating and helping us provide basic necessities and education for all mutants around the world,” Levine began as he looked down at the table where the Professor and NTW were sitting. “I especially want to thank Professor Xavier and his X-Men for making the world a better and safer place for everyone.” 

The guests and workers began to clap while a few of them shouted their gratitude. Piotr winced when he saw Ellie shrink in her chair from receiving the guests’ attention while the Professor smiled at the attendees. He wished he didn’t leave the table so he could relieve Ellie’s anxiety. After earning an encouraging look from the Professor, Ellie attempted to put on a happy face but it looked more like a pained smile. Once the applause died down, Levine cleared his throat and began again. 

“Before Professor Xavier comes up here, I would like to-”

Before he could finish the room went pitch black. The only source of light came through the skylight from the lit up buildings that surrounded the museum. Piotr could barely make out the silhouettes of the people sitting in front of him without squinting. The guests murmured anxiously among themselves as the guards began to quickly radio each other.  

“Everyone calm down! I’m sure the emergency generator will kick in!” Levine yelled reassuringly. 

Just as promised the generator kicked in seconds later, illuminating the large room enough for Piotr to distinguish the faces of the crowd. Some of the guests were calming down while others looked around the room nervously. Before Piotr could make his way back to Ellie and the Professor, he heard one of the security guards frantically speak into his radio behind him. 

“Bill, what's your status?” There was a short pause before the guard used his walkie-talkie again. “Bill, do you copy?” 

Piotr was holding on to the hope that it was a simple power outage but after hearing the distressed security guard Piotr started to think otherwise. He quickly turned around and saw the security guard hiding from the guests behind a pillar. The middle-aged man was pacing as he squeezed the radio in his hand. It was hard to see due to his thick gray mustache but he was frowning as he stared expectantly at his walkie-talkie. 

“Is everything alright?” Piotr asked quietly to not alarm the guests. 

The guard jumped before turning  to face Piotr. Like most people, the guard had to crane his neck to look Piotr in the eye. With the guard facing him, Piotr noticed a small name tag on his vest that read, George. 

George shook his head, “No, my guy in the security office isn’t responding. I was about to go check on him myself but I need to help my men in here to keep the guests calm.” 

“The Professor and NTW can help them with that,” Piotr assured. “Take me to security office.”

George nodded and motioned Piotr to follow him. They walked to the otherside of the hall at a steady pace to not alert the guests of any possible danger while Levine tried to put them at ease. Before Piotr entered a closed off hallway with George, he noticed Ellie looking at him curiously. 

“Professor,” Piotr said loud enough in his mind for the Professor to hear his thoughts clearly through the anxious ones from the guests.

“Piotr, is everything okay?” The Professor responded quickly in Piotr’s mind. 

 “Not sure. I am checking out the security office with guard,” Piotr informed. “Tell NTW to be ready in case civilians are in danger.”

“Understood.” 

Once they were out of sight of the gala attendees, George and Piotr ran through the dimly lit halls. On their way to the security office, George explained that most of the emergency generator’s power was directed to keeping the museum’s security system online. However, someone could temporarily shut off the security system in any exhibit if they broke into the security office. 

After running past a few blocked off exhibits filled with priceless artifacts, Piotr and George reached a door labeled, “Security Personnel Only,” at the end of a hallway. Piotr didn’t see any damage around the door that would alert him to a break in. George quickly pulled out a key card and pressed it against the scanner that was next to the door frame. 

“Doesn’t look like someone broke in,” George said as the door unlocked with a click, “but someone could have swiped a key card from any of my guys.” 

Piotr let out a heavy sigh as he stepped through the door, “Let us hope not.” 

The door led into a short wide hallway that was barely lit due to what Piotr hoped to be a power malfunction. Attached to the ceiling were multiple cameras pointing at the entrance to the hallway and the security room. When his gaze fell on the office door, he quickly realized that whatever caused the power to go out was not a simple malfunction. 

Someone broke in. 

The metal door was slightly ajar and its handle was bent as if someone had kicked it open. When Piotr got closer to the door, he noticed that the door’s metal frame around the lock was damaged. Whoever kicked down the door was strong - very strong. 

Piotr kept his guard up as he approached the door, not knowing if the intruder was still inside. Piotr slowly pushed it open while George stood behind him with his taser ready to fire. When the entire office was in view, the only person in the room was a man slouched over in a chair in the center of the floor. 

“Oh my god, Bill!” George gasped as he ran to the unconscious guard. 

The older guard knelt in front of Bill and lightly tapped his face to wake him up. The unconscious man was definitely younger and thinner than George. He sported a thick head of straw-like hair and light stubble on his face. Piotr noticed his skin swelling up around his eye, indicating that the intruder must have punched him to knock him out. After a few moments, a few painful grunts escaped Bill’s mouth before he slowly opened his eyes. 

“Ow…” Bill groaned as he looked around the room in a dazed state. 

“Bill, are you alright?” George asked worriedly. “Did you see who did this to you?”

Bill blinked a couple of times when his gaze landed on Piotr’s giant form. His face slowly contorted into a bewildered frown - obviously not used to seeing a giant man with metal skin - before he looked down at George. 

“No…” Bill drawled as he gently rubbed his eye and winced, “the door was kicked open and everything went black.”

While George looked over Bill’s injuries, Piotr looked around the small office to see if he could figure out any information about the intruder. He was immediately drawn to the large electrical equipment that was setup across the room from the giant wall of security monitors. Against the wall was a large CPU (which was almost as big as Piotr) and another rectangular device that had various switches and a large keypad attached to it. Assuming it was the security system’s mainframe, Piotr scanned it for any foreign device that could have caused the power outage. 

His metal fingers skimmed the sides of the mainframe when he couldn’t see anything out of ordinary on the front of the device. When his fingers bumped into a strange object, he grabbed it and pulled on it gently so he could identify it. The second he yanked the device off the panel, sparks flew as the power came back on. 

“Finally! We can see!” George cheered, gazing at the powered lights. 

Bill fortunately came out of his dazed state and started to reboot the camera system. While the guards worked on that, Piotr took a moment to study the device in his hand. It was obvious that the intruder used the device to hack into the security system and shut off the power. The circular device was about the size of a baseball and reminded him of a hockey puck. The top part was protected by a sleek dark metal that received finger-shaped dents from Piotr when he pulled it off. The bottom part of the device had four small drills that were used to attach itself to the mainframe and allow it to dismantle the security system. The device’s design was exceptional and that would be the only compliment he gave to the intruder. 

“I found what caused power outage,” Piotr informed as he placed the device on the desk. “Any luck with security cameras?” 

Judging by the fact that all of the monitors were still blank, it wasn’t looking good. Bill was underneath the desk trying to solve the problem with the power cables while George scanned the monitors to figure out how to turn them on. With an irritated huff, Bill slid out from under the desk and shook his head. 

“We can’t turn them back on,” Bill sighed as he stood up. “Whatever that device did to our system seriously messed up the cameras.” 

Bill’s brow furrowed inquisitively when he looked down at the desk. His gaze landed on a red lunch box (which Piotr assumed belonged to him) and picked it up. He pushed around its contents in search of something and dropped to look around his desk. 

“Wait a minute,” Bill said quietly as he frantically searched the top of his desk for something. “My sandwich is gone!” 

“And I think I know who took it,” George announced as he picked up a sticky note that was stuck to a computer screen and handed it to Piotr. 

Sorry for eating your dinner!

It was delicious 

- M ♡

Piotr stared at the note in disbelief as he read it aloud. He had seen odd notes before (mostly from Wade) but this one bugged him a little bit. Judging by the silent entrance, the clean knock out, and the power outage, the intruder - “M” - must have been a professional or at least an overconfident rookie. The note indicated that “M” had enough time on their hands to stay in the office and run off before Piotr arrived. 

It was rather annoying. 

“And we have no idea where they went,” George sneered. “They could be anywhere in this damn place!” 

“I think I know,” Bill spoke up, peering at the sticky note in Piotr’s hands. “I think they wrote something on the back of that.” 

Piotr quickly flipped over the slip of paper and immediately crushed it in his hand after he read it.

I’ll be waiting in the Devil’s Treasure exhibit.

Hit me with your best shot, Tin Can. 

- M 

“Tell your guards to evacuate museum,” Piotr tried to say calmly but the guards behind him could hear the hints of anger in his voice. 

Piotr marched out of the room with purpose while carefully removing his tie and suit jacket. Piotr prided himself on being a calm and collected man but there was something about that note that irked him the wrong way. If M’s goal was to irritate him, it was working very well. Too good, in fact. 

And Piotr hated it. 

Piotr folded the jacket over his arm when he approached the door at the end of the hallway. He looked over his shoulder at the two guards, giving them a clear view of the scowl he was trying to hide. 

“This may get messy.” 

-----

When he sprinted into the museum's corridor, Piotr could barely hear George directing his men through his radio. Guards ran out of every room that he passed to head to the banquet hall to protect the guests. When he got closer to the gala, he could hear the echoes of the anxious voices of the guests. While he followed the signs to the diamond’s exhibit, he took out his phone to call Ellie and tell her to meet him there. 

“Do not engage the intruder until I arrive,” Piotr instructed with a strict tone. 

“Don’t worry, I promise I won’t,” Ellie assured before hanging up. 

By the time he arrived at the exhibit, all of the guests and staff were escorted outside by the security guards. There was a large crowd forming outside of the museum’s entrance which would only grow bigger once the police and reporters arrived.

Piotr was surprised he didn’t notice the entrance to the Devil’s Treasure exhibit when he first arrived at the gala. The exhibit was located on the top floor with its grand entrance in view of the banquet hall below him. Two large banners advertising the diamond hung next to the large doorway. In his defense, the gala’s stage directly below the exhibit’s entrance did take most of his attention. 

Piotr was only a few paces away from entering the room when Ellie caught up with him. She also discarded her suit jacket and tie just like Piotr. (Although, he was sure that she threw them on the ground somewhere while he folded his jacket up and placed it on a nearby bench. He refused to go through the annoying process of getting fit for a suit again.) 

“The guests have been evacuated,” Ellie informed in a quiet tone as she eyed the entrance to the exhibit. “Are you sure the intruder is in there?” 

“I’m sure,” Piotr said as he handed her the crumbled up sticky note. She smoothed it out to read it as Piotr scanned the entrance for any signs of M. “Where is Professor?” 

“Hiding in the entrance hall somewhere,” Ellie answered as she read the backside of the note. “He’s trying to find the thief telepathically but he’s not having any luck. He told me that they are blocking him somehow but he’s hoping to get a lock on them when we get them out in the open.” 

Piotr tried to seem unfazed by the fact that M could block the Professor from their mind. Very few could do it successfully and even fewer could do it without the aid of an object. Piotr hoped that there was an object or device that the intruder had to block telepaths. If there wasn’t, he feared that Ellie and him were about to face off against a powerful telepath. 

“Well, they seem cocky,” Ellie said after she read the back of the note. 

“We will use that to our advantage,” Piotr declared as he stepped toward the exhibit’s entrance. “Come, let us meet this M.”

When Ellie and Piotr entered the room, he carefully looked over the cases of the untouched priceless jewels that lined the walls. He frowned when there was no sign of the thief but continued to keep his guard up. In the center of the room, a small case that rested on a marble pedestal was illuminated by tiny spotlights attached to the ceiling. Velvet rope and a wall of lasers protected the case from being opened but when Piotr inched closer he realized that security measures were not enough. 

The Devil’s Treasure was gone. 

“Damn it,” Ellie growled, earning a disapproving look from Piotr for her use of language. “The diamond is gone and that thief was too scared to put up a fight.” 

“Oh, I promise you kid,” A voice called out behind them, “I will never run away from a good fight.” 

Piotr and Ellie almost gave themselves whiplash when they quickly turned around to face the woman that stood at the exhibit’s entrance. Upon his first look of her, Piotr knew he was dealing with a professional judging by her expensive and intricate look. The pale woman was dressed in an all black skin-tight suit and trench coat that was buckled around her waist. The coat was zipped above her belt and had a high collar to cover her neck. A silk, scarlet scarf was wrapped loosely around her neck with both ends of it resting next to her knees behind her back.  

If Piotr’s head wasn’t occupied with thoughts of her being a criminal, he would have been bewitched by thoughts of her beauty. Though the top half of her face was hidden by a black mask, soft strands of hair helped to accentuate her soft features. Her smooth and silky black hair was weaved into an elegant braid that ended just below her shoulder blades. A smooth metal that was decorated with small dark jewels wrapped around her ears. Her wide, confident grin that rested on her deep red lips and the mischievous glint in her dark brown eyes put Piotr on edge. He had seen the same look on Wade many times before but this was different…and somehow worse. 

“Who are you?” Piotr demanded, stepping in front of Ellie defensively. 

“Oh! How rude of me,” The woman chuckled as she did an unenthusiastic bow. Her British accent helped to carry the smoothness of her voice. 

“I am Maya Durand,” She smiled cheekily as she straightened her posture. “Most know me as Europe’s most infamous thief.”

“Never heard of ya,” Ellie jeered, shooting a glare at the thief.  

The grin on Maya’s face did not waver at Ellie’s remark. Instead, the woman simply rolled her eyes as she moved her gloved hand behind her back. 

“Oh, you will now.” 

Maya pulled her hand from behind her to reveal the deep red diamond that rested in her palm. With her arms in clear view, Piotr was able to see the silk ribbons wrapped tightly around her forearms. 

“Give us the diamond or this will get messy,” Piotr warned. 

Maya chuckled as she pulled out a small velvet case from the utility belt hidden beneath her coat. She carefully placed the diamond in the case and snapped it shut before placing it in her pocket. 

At this point, Piotr did not have a clue what her powers were so he kept his guard up. His fears of her being a telepath melted away as he watched the bottom half of her coat wrap around her legs. The coat’s fabric disappeared as it seemed to fuse with the material covering her legs. Without the bulky coat, her thin yet muscular body was put on display. 

“Oh, believe me, Colossus,” Maya spoke with a determined look, “I want this to get messy.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, the ribbons wrapped around her sleeves unraveled and fell on the floor. Piotr and Ellie stared at the woman in disbelief. Was she seriously going to fight them - a man with metal skin and a teenager that can produce atomic blasts - with string? 

“You’re seriously going to fight us with ribbons?” Ellie laughed, before nudging Piotr’s side with her elbow. “This is going to be easy.” 

Piotr was about to say the same thing before he heard Maya snickering as she grabbed a short poll that was strapped against her thigh. The poll was wrapped with a braided black leather and was about as long as her forearm. 

Before Piotr could calculate her next move, the ribbons on the ground began to spin around each other as they weaved into a thick rope. The smooth silk shifted into a rough and prickly material as the end of the rope connected to the tip of the poll which Piotr realized was a handle. Neither did Piotr or Ellie have time to react before Maya lashed out her whip at the teenager with a loud crack! Piotr barely had time to blink before the whip wrapped around Ellie’s leg. With an effortless tug, the teenager was thrown into the air and crashed into the hard marble wall. 

“Negasonic!” Piotr shouted before hearing a faint groan from his trainee. 

“What did you say about this being easy?” Maya quipped, looking over at the teenager. The tails of her scarf coiled around her body defensively when she brought her attention back to Piotr. 

“Colossus, try to bring her into the banquet hall so I can freeze her,” The Professor instructed telepathically. “I may be able to break past her defenses when I’m close to her.” 

“Understood.” 

Without a second thought, Piotr charged at the thief to force her to jump to the lower level. Instead of running to the balcony like he hoped she would, Maya stood still as she stared him down tauntingly. The tails of her scarf swiftly wrapped around her chest defensively almost as if they were her form of armor. He reached his arms out to grab her but she immediately jumped over him when he got too close. 

Piotr stumbled forward into the hallway and tried to regain his balance when he reached the balcony. Before he could, Maya flicked her whip around his ankles and pulled harshly. The giant man fell to the ground with a loud bang from his metal form. Piotr clenched his fists and snarled when he heard Maya’s mocking laughter. 

“When my employer warned me that an X-Man was going to be here, I thought I was going to have a challenge,” Maya taunted before looking down at Piotr with a displeased look on her face. Piotr slowly got on his knees and waited for her to get close enough to him.

“Needless to say, I’m disappointed.”

“That is enough!” Piotr roared as he grabbed her arm and threw her over the balcony’s ledge.  

Maya screamed, not having enough time to react to Piotr’s sudden move and crashed into the stage below him. Ellie came running out of the exhibit - presumably unharmed by Maya’s attack - as Piotr stood up. Deciding that taking the stairs would take too long, he jumped over the ledge and landed in front of the stage. 

(Piotr knew if Wade was present he would have made a comment about his superhero landing. Probably would have rated it too.) 

“Still disappointed?” Piotr called out humorlessly as he watched Maya slowly climbed out of the hole she made in the stage.  

Maya brushed the wooden debris from the stage off of her shoulder - sending Piotr a glare in the process. With a flick of her hand, her whip came rushing to her from the exhibit above them (she must have dropped it when Piotr threw her). Instead of lashing out with it, Maya used her powers to wrap the rope around her waist and slid the handle back into the holster on her thigh. 

“A little less now,” Maya admitted, spreading out her arms as the long strand of silk around her chest unraveled. 

The material responded to every move she made with her hands. Piotr watched curiously as the cloth seemed to grow longer as her fingers ran against it. She made fluid motions with her hands as the fabric spun around her body defensively. Her movements reminded him of the water benders from Avatar: The Last Airbender (he watched the show when he was learning English). 

With a snapping motion of her hand, the silk quickly wrapped itself around Piotr’s arm and pulled him to the ground. He let out a surprised yelp as he slammed into the marble floor. In a fatal attempt to remove the material, Piotr used his free hand to grab it and rip it off. Before he could, Maya spun in the air and flicked her wrist outwards. Following the motions of her hands, the silk threw Piotr across the room into the sea of tables. 

“You’re heavier than you look!” Maya teased trying to hide the fact that she was out of breath. 

Piotr groaned as he stood up from the table that he broke in half and took a moment to take in how far she threw him. He landed at the very edge of the cluster of tables which was at least thirty feet from the stage. It wasn’t an easy feat either since he was incredibly heavy in his armored form. 

“Bozhe moi, how strong is her fabric? How strong is she?” 

Maya didn’t waste any time for her next move when Piotr was back on his feet. As she slowly made her way to him, she used her long strand of fabric to grab anything and threw it at him. The first item was a glass vase from a nearby table which held a bouquet of flowers. Piotr was unphased when it collided with his head. In his metal form, it felt as if he was hit by a beach ball. 

When Maya realized he was unharmed, she decided to throw a chair at him instead - which Piotr simply blocked with his arm. The chair crumbled as it slammed into Piotr. Before he could make a witty remark, Maya sprinted to him with her line of silk surrounding her body.

With swift whipping movements of her arms, the silk repeatedly battered against Piotr. Piotr was pushed back with every lash against his raised arms. He was surprised that his metal skin burned after every hit. Growing bold, Maya released an aggravated roar as she leapt into the air with her trail of silk ready to lash out. Upon instinct, Piotr swung his arm and backhanded her, landing a direct hit on her ribcage. 

The excessive force of his swing threw Maya into one of the pillars. He was horrified with himself as he watched her body slam into the ground. He shouldn’t have hit her that hard. What was he thinking? He didn’t know the extent of her powers and he could have seriously hurt her. He could have killed-

Laughing. 

Maya Durand was laughing. 

She slowly got to her knees, revealing the silk wrapped protectively around her vibrating chest. Piotr was amazed by her fast reflexes. She must have wrapped the silk around her before he struck her side. If Hank was with him Piotr knew he would have been asking Maya about the properties and strength of her fabric. Piotr was curious about it too but he could wait to question her when she was behind bars. 

“You almost had me there, Tin Can,” Maya chuckled as she began to stand up. Her hand massaged the spot where he hit her, indicating that her fabric did not completely protect her. 

Before she could stand up completely, Professor X came out from behind the pillar with his hand reaching out to grab her. Piotr thought the Professor would have succeeded until he saw the grin on Maya’s face fall. With lightning fast reflexes, Maya spun around with her whip unraveling from around her waist. She shot out her hands, directing the rope wrap around the Professor’s outstretched arm and then his neck. With a sneer, Maya gripped the whip’s handle and yanked it down, hard. 

“Word of warning, Professor,” Maya growled with venom as the older man started to choke. “I do not like telepaths.” 

Before Maya could harm the Professor further, Ellie ran out from the hallway behind them and tackled the thief to the ground. With a vicious yell, Maya kicked the teen off of her and jumped to her feet. She spun to the Professor, shooting out her hand and rotated her wrist. In a flash the rope unraveled around the Professor’s neck allowing him to breathe once more before the material grew. It quickly tied the Professor’s arms down to his wheelchair and kept his hands in place so he couldn’t move. 

“Trust me, Professor,” Maya seethed, glaring at him, “you do not want to be inside of my head.” 

Maya turned away from the Professor to face Piotr and Ellie. In a matter of seconds, her frown melted away as if nothing had happened. She released an exasperated sigh before reaching into her pockets. 

“Now, this has been fun but I’m afraid I must go -” She froze when her hand reached the bottom of her pocket. Her eyes widened as she frantically patted herself down. “Where did I put that bloody diamond?” 

“Looking for this?” Ellie called out, holding the velvet case in clear view. 

Maya's scowl only lasted for a moment before her signature grin formed on her lips again. She almost seemed impressed by the teenager’s skill. 

“Good grab, kid, but that diamond is mine,” Maya snarled as she stepped closer to the teenager. “Give. It. Back.” 

Ellie stood ready to defend herself once she slid the case into her pocket. Before Maya could make a move for the case, Piotr stood in front of his trainee protectively.

“Negasonic, run,” Piotr ordered, glancing back at her. When she didn’t budge, he looked back at her again sternly. “Now.” 

Once she heard his serious tone, she ran off to the entrance of the museum. Before Maya could go after her, Piotr swiftly grabbed her arm and threw her to the opposite end of the room. 

Instead of crashing into the stage like he expected, Maya flipped her body around in mid-air and landed gracefully on her feet. When she stood up, the mischievous glint in her eyes was gone and was replaced by a fierce look of determination. He expected her to unravel the silk around her chest or at least form her whip again. Instead, she jumped off the stage with her hands outstretched as she sprinted to Piotr. 

Her fingertips grazed each table cloth in her reach as she charged at Piotr. Fearing that she was making an attempt to pass him, he darted his hand out to grab her but she quickly dodged his grasp by jumping to the side. She landed on the table beside him and crouched down to touch the cloth beneath her with her finger tips. He slammed his fist against the edge of the table to catapult her off of it but she swiftly jumped over him. 

Piotr spun around after crushing the table to make another attempt to grab her. He expected her to take a swing at him with her fabric but she was waiting for his move. It bothered Piotr for a second knowing that she was fast enough to strike him but didn’t take the chance. 

With olympic acrobatic skill, she consecutively dodged his attacks by jumping between the tables. After one of his futile attempts to capture her, Piotr got lucky and managed to grab her arm and throw her across the room. 

Maya landed on the cold marble floor with a loud thud. The thief groaned as she tried to pull herself up but her shaky arms wouldn’t let her. She hissed in pain when she managed to get on one knee as Piotr got closer to her. 

“Yield,” Piotr commanded, staring down at her, “you have been beaten.” 

Piotr stopped in his tracks when he heard a chuckle escape her lips. 

“Is that what you think?” 

Maya dropped her act and quickly stood up with her hands outstretched. Her grin once again formed on her face as Piotr watched her in disbelief. 

“You’re the one that has been beaten, Tin Can.” 

Maya threw her hands in front of her and raised them up. Piotr looked behind him and watched as the bouquet vases and dinner plates shattered on the ground as every single table cloth took to the air. He snapped his head back at Maya in shock.

“Did you forget that I can control any fabric that I touch?” Maya asked cheekily. 

Piotr’s stomach dropped when he realized he fell for her trap. She was deliberately dodging him so she could touch every table cloth. He shouldn’t have underestimated her abilities and now he was paying the price. 

Without another word, Maya pulled the fabric to her with a snapping motion. The cloths flew past Piotr at high speeds, disorienting him in the process as they spun around Maya like a tornado. Piotr watched as the tablecloths melted together to create one long train of fabric. With a flick of her wrist, the rough fabric turned into a scarlet silk that was similar to material wrapped around her chest. The finished product coiled around Maya as if it was a living serpent. 

Piotr didn’t have a chance to defend himself when a piece of the cloth lunged at him. Within seconds the smooth fabric wrapped around his hand and yanked his arm up as Maya directed the end of it to fasten around a pillar. With a simple thrust of her hand, another piece of silk tied around Piotr’s free arm and bound him to another pillar. A startled yelp escaped him when strands of silk wrapped around his legs and yanked him down on his knees. The numerous silk ribbons dug beneath the marble tile and chained him to the piping beneath the floor. For the finishing touch, Maya flicked her wrist and used her power to wrap around the bottom of his head to cover his mouth. 

Piotr’s growls were muffled by the fabric as he tugged at the silk to break free. Maya snickered at his vain attempts to free himself which only angered him more. If it was normal fabric he would have been able to tear it but the silk tied to him was strong as steel! 

“I would stop trying to break free if I were you,” Maya advised as motioned to the pillars he was bound to. “You may accidentally take the place down and I know the needles destruction of property isn’t a good look for superheroes.” 

Piotr seethed as he glared at her through knitted brows. He stopped pulling on his restraints with an aggravated huff knowing that she was right. If the building collapsed he knew the press would have a field day criticizing the X-Men and all mutants.

Piotr was thankful that Wade wasn’t there to witness his situation. He would never hear the end of it from the mercenary. He reminded himself that she did lose to him in the end - she didn’t have the diamond! 

“Oh, by the way,” Maya said with a smirk as she flicked her wrist to reveal the red jewel in her palm, “I had the diamond the entire time.” 

Piotr’s blood boiled with outrage as the thief gazed longingly at the diamond. As if she was a trained magician, she flicked her wrist again to make the jewel disappear.

“I’m a great actress don’t you think?” 

When she looked back at Piotr’s enraged state, she laughed as she swung her arm around his neck and pulled out her phone. 

“Stay put, I need to save the look on your face,” Maya joked as she pulled up the camera app to take a selfie. “Get it? Because you can’t move at all.” 

Piotr simply glared at her in response. 

“Oh, you’re no fun, Tin Man!” Maya said humorlessly before pressing her cheek against Piotr’s and raising her phone. “Smile!” 

Once she took the photo, she detached herself from Piotr and examined the picture. When she slid her phone back into its pocket with a satisfied smile, she spun herself around while waving her hand in the air. Once she steadied herself, her trench coat was once again covering her with her silk scarf wrapped loosely around her neck. 

“This has been fun but I must deliver the diamond to my employer so I can get paid,” Maya said, bending down to grasp Piotr’s chin. 

She tapped his metal skin with her thumb before letting him go with a satisfied hum. She swayed her hips as she stepped directly underneath the skylight. She extended her hand to the ceiling, shooting out a strand of ribbon that attached itself to the edge of the window. The ribbon quickly pulled herself up to the glass which allowed her to push the window open. Once she was through, she glanced back at Piotr and waved. 

“See you next time, Tin Can!” 

Piotr grumbled as he watched Maya run off with the diamond. Moments later, Ellie came running into the room cussing about the stolen jewel. Piotr ignored her vulgar words and drowned out the noise of the police cars and reporters that gathered outside the museum’s entrance with his thoughts. 

He allowed his overconfidence to get the better of him and his trainee and was publicly humiliated. Even worse, Maya Durand harmed the Professor under his watch. And he was defeated by a woman who controlled fabric. Fabric!  He was never going to hear the end of it when he returned to the institute. 

Piotr looked up at the skylight where Maya escaped, eyeing the strand of ribbon that she left behind. She wasn’t going to best him again or anyone else for that matter. 

Because he was going to take her down. 

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