#it’s a long path to recovery for her and everyone else who went through a traumatic event mainly it’s inspired by stories of sodor and Broa

[ladychandraofthemoone]

Did Rebecca have PTSD after her accident at Lewisham? Did it change her life?

Hello, yes she did and the incident did affect her, she still was genuinely positive and upbeat and lookin at the bright side but it was a long journey, with the positive overwhelming support by the others, especially those who escaped forced final firing/scrap (Oliver was also there around the 60s) plus one one one therapy or group therapy with Mickey, Geoff and Victor helped her learn a healthier mindset (that’s she allowed to be unhappy, believing that’s Crovan’s Gate would sent her to the end of line, asking for help and trying to unlearn a bunch of unhealthy habits and behaviors the guilt of being alive, thinking she got off lucky and that she deserved to be abandoned or sent to Railgate)

She’s eternally grateful of the help for her anxieties and justified fears, especially towards Bear and Stepney who rescued her and James and Sheffield who both know what’s it’s like to accidentally and completely unintentionally kill.

Since the following years of being in the scrapyard (it’s illegal to sent a sentient machine who’s still “alive” and not given the final firing ‘Blair water under their own terms, there’s serve consequences but the 60s is considered to be a dark moment in history cause that was known as the “great sentient scrapping”, it was actually why Oliver escaped in order to avoid illegal scrap merchants, (there were also other deadly methods such as being given the forced final firing while forcing others to witness, the whip, Blair water gets abused a lot cause it determines how quickly a sentient machines “dies” too little they die very slowly over the course of 24 hours so it’s highly recommended to use an entire barrel)

Plus under the influence of green water which lead her to be in and out of consciousness plus her being in a toxic environment where she was teased, bullied and being neglected, being underneath the green water for so long leads to consequences such as hallucinations difficulties distinguishing reality so poor Rebecca either had sleepless dreamless nights or nightmares about the crash, her passengers screams and the injuries she substantiated having a scar over her nose that didn’t heal properly, she wasn’t even fixed when they decided to send her to the scrap siding, the last thing she remembered was them promising to repair her and that it wasn’t her fault before they placed her under the green water influence, which led to her being secretly very fearful of any workshop but she slowly began to heal and recover.

[adriancatrin]

Best Zukka fic recs and/or Azula centric fics (bonus points for both!) I'm desperate for more content.

(digging thru my bookmarks) hoo boy ok let's see

i'm gonna put a cut because this might be long!! idk what all of the zukka 'classics' you've read so i just included 'em if they're my faves. list is in no particular order, pls heed warnings/tags on AO3 as some include potentially triggering content ~

like the sun inside of you by ofherlionheart: Zuko is sixteen years old when he’s handed a crown, a throne, and a hundred-year ancestral legacy of colonial imperialism. He’s not scared of the work; he’s scared of being consumed by the responsibilities and burdens he’s claimed. What Zuko doesn’t quite realize, yet, is that he’s not alone in this. Still in progress, one chapter left to go. Very slow-burn Zukka, and some great Azula stuff

To Cleave These Roots We've Made by Erisenyo: Sokka and Zuko have been roommates and best friends through college and graduation, through first jobs and new jobs and promotions, through friends getting married and sisters being pregnant and everything in between. But that all ends in four days. Four days to pack up an apartment. Four days before Zuko goes to law school and Sokka stays behind. Four days to untangle two lives that Sokka and Zuko have spent ten years weaving together. Can you call it a divorce, if you were never actually together in the first place? I don't remember Azula's involvement in this, but gosh darn it's a good one

i won't stumble as i follow down this path (cause words that are spoken are just other things to have) by jublis: It takes Zuko one year to visit his sister again. Featuring birthday weeks, struggling with your own goodness, and a future. Pretty sure this is a Zukki, ft. Azula very heavily

Destiny in the details by salytierra: Sokka heard that story before. Of course he did, the turning point of Zuko's destiny, the single bravest and most noble (or stupid) thing he's ever done. He retold the thoughts that went through his head back then, the repercussions... but he left out a single detail. And it's that detail that changes everything.  I need to see his soulmark. Sokka thinks, heart hammering in his chest. Fantastic post-canon soulmate AU. Azula's not in it, though

Divine Intervention by AggressiveStress: Sokka has had a lot of dates but they never stick around and he doesn’t know why. Literally everyone else knows why. Honestly I don't remember much about this one I just know I really liked it hahaha

Maybe I Don't Want Heaven by inkfingers_mcgee: Zuko does not realize that he wants to break up with Mai until she says, “We need to talk about us,” with an unmistakable finality, and the candles around his meditation mat don’t even flicker. // Five years after ascending the throne, Zuko reaches yet another crossroads of self. Sokka helps him through it. Mai incites national legislative reform. Azula is listed as a character in this one but I don't remember her role. The fic is great though. slow burn in case u haven't caught onto the trend of my fave fics yet haha

Of Tea and Turtle Ducks (and the Turtle Duck Guy) by Erisenyo: Sokka is nothing if not enthusiastic about his interests--Learning. Campus traditions. The campus turtle ducks. The guy who's watching the ducks so intently this year.  Zuko is nothing if not intense about duck watching. (It's not really about the ducks.) (Is it ever?) No Azula again but gosh darn it this fic is so cute. (expect more erisenyo on this list whoops)

this ultraviolet morning light by GallifreyanFairytale: sokka and zuko break up, make up, go undercover, thwart a rebellion, watch the sunrise, and change the course of fire nation history. not necessarily in that order. I don't remember the level of Azula's involvement in this fic, but I do remember she's in recovery and Zuko thinks about her a fair amount.

Empty Bodies, Empty Smiles by attackfish: Zuko sorts through the wreckage of his childhood and comes across a doll given to his sister. Not a shipping fic, just a character study of sorts of Azula as a child. It's... very sad, but incredibly nuanced in its understanding of her as a very unhappy and unfortunately disturbed child

Will We Last the Night by CSHfic/VSfic: Chief Arnook never assigns Sokka to protect Princess Yue, so he goes to fight the Fire Nation with the other men. When the moon dies, and the ocean spirit takes its revenge, Sokka is caught standing on the deck of a Fire Nation ship. Sokka should have drowned… and he would have drowned, if not for a certain Fire Nation raft fleeing the North Pole. An enemies-to-lovers season 2 rewrite, where Sokka is separated from the gaang during the Siege of the North, and travels the Earth Kingdom with Zuko instead Azula is just S2 Azula w/o redemption I believe, but my goodness the Zukka is just so. SO sweet

Burning Bright by Erisenyo: On a particularly hopeless night, Zuko sends out a messenger hawk to nowhere. He didn’t realize that his messenger hawk is deeply committed to completing the job. And that Sokka happens to be traveling straight through nowhere, at the time. I'm currently rereading this series for the umpteenth time, it's amazing, highly recommend, Azula is hyper intriguing in it too w/ a very complicated relationship with Zuko

All's Fair by Lovely_Elbow_Leech: Book one ends with two major diffrences: 1. Sokka went on the mission with Hahn (it did not go well) 2. Zhao survives the North Pole and that proves unfortunate for everybody (except Zhao, obviously)  Imprisoned on Zhao’s war ship, Sokka and Zuko have to work together to survive. They are not very enthusiastic about this prospect.  And they argue. A lot. Another of my top faves. Book 2 is in progress

Real Slow by surveycorpsjean: “I see.” Zuko closes the scroll. “Is the Water Tribe sending a replacement?" “Uh yeah,” Sokka gestures to himself dramatically. “You’re looking at him.” No Azula I believe but heckin' slow burn

this is a gift (it comes with a price) by WitchofEndor: There is a ghost on the Wani. But the crew have grown used to - even fond of - Prince Zuko. And no matter how many times General Iroh tries to gently explain the boy’s predicament, tries to suggest that he might attempt to move on, Prince Zuko can always be found watching the sea. There is a prisoner in the palace. Not Zukka, but the relationships in it are fantastic, including Azula and Zuko.

 While Mighty Oaks Do Fall by WitchofEndor: The newly-crowned Fire Lord Ozai offers his firstborn son to service in the temple. This turns out to be a catastrophic mistake. Wacky crazy fic. There's something funky fresh happening with Azula, but it's an in-progress fic so. who knows where it'll go

I probably don't need to include The Art of Burning but it's in my fave bookmarks so. Same for Blue

Also in retrospect I have a lot of issues with this fic, but here's my post-canon Zukka w/ Azula redemption fic: New Heights

[sunskate]

CPom podcast- This Week in Skating

Anthony had surgery on the talus joint in his right ankle - 6 weeks no weight on the ankle. spent post-surgery in Colorado Springs. It was 10-12 weeks to walk without crutches or a boot. Started with skating 20 min only on two feet for the first week. difficult knowing he could do more but knew itnot benefit him in the long run. They made sure the return to the ice was correct. only finished choreography and were able to do run throughs mid August 2022

Scott and the medical staff kept him in it, motivated him. when things got tough- seeing competitors full on in their prep and season was difficult, but his team helped him, said you're on your own plan, that they had a heavy 2nd half of the season planned, and now is for recovery and getting better. Anthony- Christina was so patient with me. She skated by herself for months. Having everyone around me like that helped me in the long run.

C: trusting the process. went in July to MTL to get choreo-- they were getting starting choreo while everyone else was getting ready for camps. MF said you need to take your time, don't need to skate full out when you're just learning steps. that calmness helped

Set some goals at Champs Camp- it was a distant goal, a distant dream to go to Worlds, almost just like a dream- they were skipping elements at Champs Camp because they weren't ready. and here they are now in Montreal doing run throughs with some of the best in the world now- it's an honor. they took it one competition at a time.

When did you find out you were going to Worlds? After 4CC all the coaches talked and told them to be ready just in case. learned the week HB announced their withdrawal that they were going

They've made a lot of changes in the RD, small ones in the FD. loved not having the pattern - a blessing that they didn't have the compulsary dance because training the pattern usually takes an hour a day, hour and a half-- so with this injury not having to do the drilling, give the effort and time for the season they've had- loved not having the compulsory. usually they really focus on key points- with the choreo step- adds life to the program.

Changed coaches and moved to London-- 13 min

Time for a new environment and new coaches. Made the decision to leave after Nationals in 2021. Spoke a lot with Scott and Patch who told them the transition would be difficult because the approach was very different. It was really hard- last year you saw some growing pains. This year we feel more comfortable, coming into our own, skating better.

Being with a coach so long, it's hard to change everyting- everything we learned was with Igor. New environment, new style was difficult. How well we're doing now is the payment for that- we had to learn, to grow, get comfortable, also the addition of Madi and Adrian was great- put a bow on the new training camp, helped in a big way.

How have they helped you this season- C: Helped so much- I'm so happy to have Madi work with me every day- she's truly the best female skater. Everything from how she handles the partner to the way she skates and presents herself- having her teach me every day is so important and so so helpful. And i don't think we would have had the season we had without her or Adrian

A: they're extremely hard workers- let's say Scott gives them Monday off, and they're in Toronto, they'll come home early and work from home and fill documents and this and that. they're truly embracing this new path of life, they're fully committed, and the energy they bring is just fantastic. I don't think we'd have the results and the programs we have now if it weren't for them

[ajwrites52]

BATOBER 2023-DAY 1: REVEAL

‘What is a detective? It’s a question I’ve asked everyone who joins the mission.’

Batman stands tall in an all-too-familiar setting, the scene of a violent crime. He stood at the edge of the yellow caution tape in the corner of the living room, allowing him to peer over every inch of the crime scene. It was a homicide, and there were no signs of a broken window or any traces of a murder weapon that the officers could find. All that they found was the body of a dead man in the center of the room and a Teddy Bear stained with the victim's blood.

‘Each of them had a different answer to the question. I think it was an early way to determine how they would pan out as they grew and how they saw the mission.’

Batman knelt and removed the tarp from the victim’s body; a frown found its way onto his face as he recognized the gentleman. Thomas Matthew, they’d crossed paths once or twice when he served as a henchman for Falcone to pay off gambling debts. Bruce Wayne had helped fund his recovery and even given him a job as a staff accountant for Wayne Enterprises. Now, he was just another victim, left for dead in his home from what appeared to be a stabbing to his major organs. He then turned and looked at the Teddy Bear; it was pink with the addition of red from Thomas’ blood and sat close to his right hand.

‘With Jason, his answer was blunt yet clouded by his experiences on the street. A detective is someone smarter than everyone else in a room. Which is, sadly, something that’s all too true in certain circles.’

As he reached for the bear, he stopped and noticed something that grabbed his immediate attention. Thomas’ fingernails had two things underneath them: human skin tissue and cloth fibers.

‘Dick’s answer was simple yet hopeful, which reminds me of our mutual friend. A detective solves the mystery and brings them to justice. Which isn't wrong given certain individuals.’

He left the apartment crime scene and went downtown via the Batmobile, his mind still pondering over the teddy bear left behind at the crime scene. He pulled up the supercar in front of the destination, Wagner Toys, a small toy store in the Lower East Side of Gotham, and the location that gave Thomas a receipt for the bear the day of his death—closing hours had long since passed, not that it mattered given the lock pick he'd always carried on his utility belt.

‘Stephanie was close to the actual answer, probably the closest of everyone. Someone who takes the pieces of a puzzle and makes a solid image. I can admit that it almost got a chuckle out of me.’

Batman entered the store slowly; the appearance of shattered glass and broken furniture had ransacked it. He went to the register without signs of tampering or a forced cash withdrawal. That's when he turned his head upwards and saw a security camera staring back at the caped crusader with a red light blinking.

‘All of them had different answers. Each varied in its complexity and depth. Barbara said that, The law recognizes a detective as someone who can solve a mystery. I hope Jim is proud of her for that answer; she thought of him as she said it.’

The bedroom window was open, and Batman, ever an opportunist, sneaked through the window as he entered the apartment. The apartment didn't have much: a queen-sized bed, a flat-screen TV, and a fully furnished bathroom with a shower. But he could tell the difference between a home and a prison. As he walked towards the nearest door, he paused and ducked to avoid a baseball aimed at his head.

‘Harper was literal with it, but it carried a similar sense of anger as Jason did in his youth—a police officer who investigates and solves crimes. But in Gotham, it's just a cop who can get away with the real scum stuff. I should call her and see how she and Cullen are doing in Metropolis.’

Batman avoided another swing from the assailant before landing a solid punch to the attacker's stomach and uppercutting him into unconsciousness. Batman stood over his defeated opponent, Chris Mariano, a former driver for Falcone who was “fired” after it came out that he was planning on stealing one of Maroni’s shipments to sell Falcone. Batman had saved his life in exchange for information and told him to leave Gotham immediately. Batman looked disappointed in him before realizing he wasn't the person living there; he was just the guard to ensure the prisoner stayed in.

‘Cassandra only had one response to the question. Batman.’

Batman entered the next room and found a young woman handcuffed to the bed frame; black tear marks from her mascara stained her tanned cheeks. She was terrified, but even through tears, he could recognize her as Fabiola Maroni-Sal Maroni’s granddaughter.

‘Cassandra’s made me chuckle, but that wasn’t the right answer. Damian’s answer was, close-A detective hunts down criminals and brings them to justice.’

Cristiano groaned as he slammed the fridge shut after retrieving his fifth beer of the night, cursing up a storm as he slumped into his chair. As he continued his enjoyment of the Gotham Knights Football Game against the Fawcett City Tigers, he didn’t notice the pair of cold white eyes that sat behind his chair with only the blue light of the TV illuminating his black cowl.

“Cristiano Vinceti,” said Batman in his trademark low register. Cristiano screamed and fell out of his chair in panic as he threw his drink at the Dark Knight, who moved his head to the side and followed him slowly as he reached for the doorknob. A Batarang slammed into the door's wood frame, stopping him in his tracks; he turned to run the other way, only to slam into the cloaked frame of his stalker. Batman stood in silence before looking down at his bandaged right arm, the pieces were coming together. “We need to talk.”

‘Of those I’ve taken into my home and the ones I’ve raised. Only two have ever come close to the answer Henri Ducard taught me during his schooling. Tim and Duke.’

Jim Gordon sighed as he walked out to the rooftop, he’d been alerted by one of the rookies that saw something on the roof of the GCPD. Jim couldn’t help but chuckle as he walked outside to find a bruised and beaten Cristiano tied up to the Bat Signal with a bandanna around his mouth and a Manila folder taped to the seasoned criminal's chest. The folder said one thing, Truth.

‘A detective has one function that makes them different from any law man. A detective must reveal the truth and bring the culprit to the light.’

Jim pulled it off and smiled, reading the evidence found inside before looking around to find his caped friend waiting for him beside the Batsignal.

“Been awhile since you pulled this trick, what? Feeling nostalgic?” Jim chuckled at his own joke as Batman just walked out of the shadows.

“The murder of Thomas Matthew. I looked into it tonight, Cristiano Vinceti is the culprit.”

“Wait. Really? You think this goon would involve himself with a single random murder? I know this idiot, he started running with Black Mask’ gang as just a driver. Do you really think he’d kill a man he doesn’t know?

“He knew Thomas, maybe not intimately, but he definitely knew him.”

Jim opened the folder to find pictures of Thomas and Fabiola on several romantic dates, and some of just Fabiola in her apartment alone with her dogs and even sleeping. Jim growled in disgust as he found some that were of her just on the subway or with her friends.

“Even going back, I found psychological records from Cristiano’s time in college. He’d been expelled from Blüdhaven University after stalking several Freshman Girls back to their dorms. It was until one of them fought back and exposed him to the dean, that girl just so happened to be Fabiola. During his meeting with the board, he attested to doing nothing more than following his heart and being in love.”

“So then he murdered Thomas for nothing more than dating his target.” Gordon spat on the floor in the direction of Cristiano before closing the folder. “Thanks again Batman. We’ll make sure he gets his just desserts, but what about…”

“Fabiola? Turns out after killing Thomas, Cristiano hired help to kidnap her. I found her in an Burnside apartment, he might’ve had plans to go back but she’s already free and back with her family. You may be receiving a call from The Salvatore asking about Cristiano’s whereabouts.”

“Yeah well, I don’t blame him. That bastard messed with a man’s family, that amount of rage would drive normal men mad.”

“Yes. Yes it would Jim.” Batman said as Jim turned to head towards the door.

“So, you're gonna help us cut him down from there or…” Jim turned back and saw that the caped Crusader had already vanished like tradition. Gordon couldn’t help but smile as he looked forward and saw his friend looking back at him from several rooftops away. The two men exchanged a glance before the Dark Knight vanished into the night, there was still more work to do, and many more truths to reveal.

A part of my yearly attempt to write short stories based on Batober prompts created by Chris Samnee! Follow him on other platforms and let me know what you think!

[violetkatgrove]

BumbleClan: 18 months in

thats right another update already babey(because i cannot stop playing this game)

Previously: Squirrelface and Buzzardpaw both had sprains, and Golddawn saw a ghost, but didn't really get a chance to react before it disappeared.

Lets see what these 6 moons have in store!

CW: Cat and Kitten death

Moon 13:

"Nothing interesting happened this moon". not even a recovery? cringe

Stoatskip thinks he can tell Sunstar something important. "I'm in love with your girlfriend" probably 🙄

Sunstart AGAIN saying Squirrelface doesn't do anything helpful!!! for one she has a SPRAIN RIGHT NOW BE NICE thats it. Quarter. you know what to do bbgrl

Hazelbloom thinks Buzzardpaw is nice :)

GOLDDAWN COMPLAINING THAT BUZZARDPAW IS UNHELPFUL. MEAN

Mudfur scolded Kokichi. I'm his lawyer now and i say he did nothing wrong

Stoatstalk and Gracklegorse have a nice conversation abt Clan happenings :)

Thoughts and In-Camp actions:

Sunstart head empty again. nods my head

Gracklegorse wants to get to know Sunstar better ohhhh the romantic meter is starting to go up to twooooo

Quarter again wondering why we cant all just get along. me too girl everyone is so mean :(

Stoatstalk wants to talk to Quarter abt something. sniff sniff what is it boy

Mudfur is greatful she has lived so long. im happy for you but im so fucking scared right now ur like 11 years old please dont leave

From StarClan, Fawnroot is proud of Mudfur's long life. Moonthistle looks forward to the day.

Quarter holds a meditating meeting with Sunstar and Squirrelface to work out Sunstar's recent comments towards the younger she-cat. it goes a little better than expected...???? i now know to turn off allow romantic sometimes

Patrols:

Stoatskip leads border patrol with Havenpaw and Hazelbloom. While walking along the border, they notice a HushClan patrol renewing their scent marks up ahead. Once the patrols cross paths, Havenpaw is quick to break the awkward atmosphere with a friendly greeting. The patrols pause to converse for a little while, Havenpaw bringing up a story that, while embarrassing for her, is entertaining and lighthearted. The patrols part in good spirits. another Havenpaw W 😎

Golddawn takes Kokichi with her to gather herbs. As she pads through the Clan's territory, she feels another presence join them. The connection wavers and fades, just as it did the previous moon :(

Sunstar, Gracklegorse, and Stoatstalk head off to the final patrol for this moon. While hunting, they catch the scent of a fox- and find one feasting on a deer fawn carcass. It's unlikely it killed a fawn of this size. The cats are only just smaller and outnumber the fox, if only by a little, and it's a prize they're willing to fight for. With a prayer to StarClan they throw themselves into battle, and the fox, already half full of venison and unwilling to lose blood over it, is driven off from the kill.

thats TWO deer carcasses BumbleClan has managed to get. if foodcount was a thing i would be winning

Moon 14:

Squirrelface and Buzzardpaw have both recovered from their sprains!

Quarter traveled to HushClan to resolve some recent border disputes. However, it seemed Quarter only made HushClan more upset. (thats probably bc u still have ur kitypet name bbgrl u shouldve let someone else go with you...)

Squirrelface and Sunstar went for a nice long walk together :3

Stoatskip wants to spend more time with Stoatstalk! stoatx2 friendship is real in BumbleClan

The tick bites Mudfur was suffering from have healed.

Sunstar asked to swap prey with Mudfur, who happily agreed :)

Hazelbloom had a disagreement with Quarter about smth. Probably with her going off on her own to HushClan with her kittypet name + collar still intact.

Havenpaw took a sunbath with the medicine cats :3 bonding

Stoatstalk thinks Buzzardpaw is being annoying. have you considered hes just a little boy like you once were.

Kokichi listen's to Mudfur talk about her younger days :)

Buzzardpaw, Sunstar, and Squirrelface had a nice chat over food :)

Quarter works on the strained relationship between Sunstar and Golddawn. Helping the leader and medicine cat re-earn each other's respect.

Thoughts and In-Camp actions:

From StarClan, Fawnroot has been following the growth of Hazelbloom. Moonthistle is feeling happy!

Sunstar is worried about clan relations. me too girl if Quarter accidentally starts a war I'll be so fucking sad.

Gracklegorse assesses the apprentices, whilst Golddawn checks on the warriors.

Squirrelface is proud of her ability to take care of her Clanmates... im so proud of her

Quarter is meditating a long time friendship between two Clanmates :)

Kokichi is worried others are judging him. whos being mean to my special little boy

Buzzardpaw is grooming his chest in embarrassment after being praised by his mentor awwwwwwwwwhhhh

Patrols:

Sunstar and Buzzardpaw accompany Golddawn in herb gathering. With the newleaf sun hidden behind cloudy drizzle, it's a damp day to find thyme, and the patrol would rather have this over with quickly. With the drizzle hiding scents, Golddawn almost walks straight past the thyme plant- but Sunstar calls her over. Thanks to its calming, well-loed scent, medicine cats aren't the only Clan cats who can identify this plant, a fact that Golddawn is greatful for right about now.

Gracklegorse leads border patrol with Stoatskip and Havenpaw. While on patrol, Stoatskip notices som e suspecious pawprints in the mud beneath the canopy. Turns out they were his own pawprints. Stoatskip can't meet the eyes of the rest of the patrol. (lmao)

Hazelbloom, Kokichi, and Stoatstalk patrol together. Stoatstalk and Kokichi get into a dispute, which they look for Hazelbloom to settle. He has no time for this spant and pulls the patrol to a halt to remind them that they have a star-damned job to do and quarreling like kittens will not be tolerated. The patrol returns to collecting nesting material with newfound vigor.

Thoughts before the next Moon:

Sunstar begins pondering recent dreams she's been having... perhaps from StarClan?

From StarClan, Moonthistle is judging Stoatskip while Fawnroot walks through his dreams.

Also SquirrelStoat and GrackleSun canon now because im IMPATIENT

Moon 15: Greenleaf

Stoatskip got stuck in a Twoleg trap! He eventually escaped, but his leg is heavily injured

Kokichi's kits have now graduated, Sunstar calls a meeting and proclaims them both warriors, Buzzardpaw is named Buzzardpoppy, honoring his commitment, while his sister is named Haventail to celebrate her nurturing precense.

Quarter was bitten by a snake! but she's alive as of right now.

Hazelbloom appreciates Buzzardpoppy for pointing out something amiss with his appearence, and admires Haventail's bravery.

Stoatstalk was seen arguing and borderline fighting with a loner boy WHAT are you doing

Gracklegorse lets Quarter vent her worries to him.

Stoatstalk thinks about how lucky he is to have someone like Sunstar was a friend...found family strikes again

Haventail bumped into her mother and did NOT say sorry AGAIN girl WHAT are you DOING

Kokichi, Quarter, and Hazelbloom have small talk and a sunbath together :) Hazel and his outsider best friends

Quarter complains about something Squirrelface did, but Haveltail lets the medicine cat share he troubles with her, hoping she'll feel better afterwards

Thoughts and In-Camp actions:

Squirrelface and Golddawn had gathered cobwebs and tansy, and were quick to put the cobwebs to use on Stoatskip's mangled leg. With Quarter recovering from her snake bit, there would be no meditating this moon.

From StarClan, Moonthistle is looking to visit Sunstar in a dream soon. ruh roh?

Sunstar is feeling underappreciated...i appreciate u bbgrl

Squirrelface thinking abt an apprentice again. i promise we'll get some new cats soon honey mark my worms

Stoatskip ponders his warrior ancestors, and the protections they grant the Clan.

Haventail eavesdrops on Buzzardpoppy, who's looking to get to know Quarter better.

Patrols:

Gracklegorse takes Buzzardpoppy and Haventail on their first border patrol as warriors. As the patrol checks the border markings, an OatClan patrol appears and begins jeering at the Bumbleclan cats. Buzzardpoppy is quick to strike up conversation with the other patrol, trying to get to the root of their rudeness. Eventually the problem is smoothed over, nothing but a misunderstanding and unfounded assumptions. thank GOD thank you Buzzard i was nervous abt those guys

Stoatstalk and Squirrelface go herb gathering together... its a repeat of their previous time gathering herbs together Stoatstalk that is your MATE BE NICE TO HER........WE'RE LOSING SQUIRRELSTOAT NATION

Hazelbloom and Kokichi practice hunting techniques together. Both cats have a nice session, swapping their best tips and tricks with each other :)

Golddawn gathers herbs alone, while searching for some specific herbs, she's startled by weird sounds and whispers in the wind. she finds another queen and her kits, gone too soon. she cancels the patrol and returns to camp to help hold a vigil for them.

SquirrelStoat's romance has been pretty rocky, but they both feel secure with each other. Stoatstalk also has 6 platonic love bars for Sunstar 🥺💜

Thoughts before the next Moon:

Sunstar insists that she should have TEN lives instead of nine. she has not lost a single one but i agree with her.

Gracklegorse is having a good day :) also has dislike/jealousy ticks on HazelStoat. you literally have a wife that u love so much clamn down bestie

While recovering from her snake bite, Quarter is trying to meditate a small disagreement with two Clanmates. I mean she is currently in the medicine cat's care. trying to get the girls to get along whilst being their patient Quarter you are so strong

Hazelbloom & Kokichi try to set a good example for the younger cats. best of friends i love youuuu

Buzzardpoppy is in awe of Sunstar's leadership🥺🥺

From StarClan, Moonthistle is comforting his fellow StarClan cats. wails and screams and explodes.

Moon 16:

Sunstar announces that she is expecting kits!!! she wont be moving to the nursery just yet but by StarClan we are WINNING GrackleSun nation

The medicine cats replace their rosemary deposit, noticing some of their stock going bad.

Squirrelface scolded Mudfur who is now ignoring her. Squirrelface why do you have beef with her shes like almost 12 years old. be nice to her

A rogue waits on the border for a patrol, asking to join BumbleClan. The cat decides to take on a more Clan-like name, and is now called Plumshine :) hello plumshine my new friend plumshiiiine

HazelStoat winning: they are sharing prey together. Gay Rights

Sunstar and Haventail hatch a plan to sneak out GIRL? DID YOU NOT SAY YOU WERE PREGNANT?

Buzzardpoppy and Haventail welcome in Plumshine and Quarter is telling them a story 🥺 so niiiice

Stoatstalk and Hazelbloom have a nice talk with Plumshine over some food :) everyone is so nice

Kokichi, Quarter, and Stoatskip take a sunbath together :3

Thoughts and In-Camp actions:

Stoatskip and Quarter are given cobwebs and tansy for their respective injuries, lowering risk of them getting worse.

Squirrelface gathered juniper and horsetail, and Golddawn gathered poppy and ragwort, as well as more horsetail.Stoatskip wonders how Sunstar is doing, while Squirrelface checks on him and the other warriors.

Plumshine looks around camp with wonder.

Hazelbloom and Kokichi spar in the clearing.

Haventail is wondering if she would be a good swimmer. maybe but also dont do anything scary young lady

From StarClan, Moonthistle is sad to see how the Clan has changed :(

Patrols:

Buzzardpoppy takes his sister and new warrior Plumshine to go hunting together. Haventail spots a fat rabbit on the other side of the OrioleClan border. A tempting opportunity, but it may be best to hunt in her own clan's territory. Before she can make a decision, Plumshine pounces on the rabbit with no hesitation! They easily kill the rabbit before glancing up and coming face to face with an OrioleClan cat. Plumshine is promptly chased back over the border and the other cat glares, hissing and spitting, until the patrol leaves the area.

Squirrelface leads the herb gathering patrol, with her mate and former mentor by her side. Surprisingly, Stoatstalk actually starts up a conversation about the herbs they're looking for this time. Squirrelface launchers into the usual spiel, but even more astonishingly, Stoatstalk is actually interested, and it makes her heart feel lighter getting to share her knowledge and skills with someone who respects her. They were able to find marigold and rosemary before returning to camp (sorry you had to third wheel Golddawn but SQUIRRELSTOAT NATION IS WINNING)

Gracklegorse patrols the border with Hazelbloom and Kokichi. The cats begin to discuss rumors they've been hearing of a badger denning in a certain part of BumbleClan territory. Kokichi decides there has to be a easy way of figuring out if a badger has moved in without coming face to face with the predator. He leads the patrol on a search of the clearning around the sett until they come upon some fresh badger scat- stinky, horrible, and perfect proof of the new occupant of the sett.

Thoughts before the next Moon:

From StarClan, Moonthistle is proud of Stoatskip🥺😭thats hims brother...

Squirrelface and Hazelbloom await to hear Mudfur's next story

Moon 17:

Sunstar moves into the nursery to prepare for her upcoming litter.

Quarter's snake bite has healed so well you can't even tell it happened in the first place! yahoo!

Stoatskip preys that he isn't on patrol with Plumshine tomorrow. Did Haventail tell you about The Incident(TM).

Squirrelface and Mudfur got into a spat over food :( what is it with Squirrelface and not getting along well with her elders.

Hazelbloom thinks Squirrelface has a weird sense of humor. what did she Say...

On the topic of Squirrelface happenings, she also has fleas. sad

Golddawn might be reading a little too far into Mudfur's kindness...? I'm super autism what does this mean.

Stoatstalk feels like he can tell Stoatskip something important... the stoats are friendshippinggggg

BUZZARDPOPPY TOLD GRACKLEGORSE A SECRET ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL SOMEONE ELSE... WAS IT SUNSTAR. UR WIFE AND HIS FORMER MENTOR STILL COUNTS AS TELLING SOMEONE GRACKLEEE

Quarter wants to spend more time with Kokichi YESSS outsider name friendship real...

Plumshine apologizes to Stoatstalk over something. poor buddys having a rough time adjusting to clan life it seems :(

Haventail wants to spend more time with Hazelbloom! yippi!!

Thoughts and In-Camp actions:

Stoatskip is given a treatment of marigold, and should heal sooner with it.

This moon the medicine cats both gathered oak leaves, Squirrelface gathered an additional moss and ragwort, while Golddawn acquired some lungwort and rosemary this moon.

From her spot in the nursery, Sunstar is eavesdropping on Quarter, who is looking to get to know Stoatstalk better.

Gracklegorse assigns cats to the dawn patrol, Golddawn is excited for another half moon meeting, while her former apprentice, Squirrelface, is tending to growing herbs

Mudfur is feeling under appreciated :( i appreciate u bestie...

Haventail wants to surprise some1 w a gift!

Quarter notices some tension between Plumshine and Stoatskip, and decides to hold a meditating session between the two cats. They don't get along instantly, but the two cats are a little more comfortable around each other now.

Patrols:

Kokichi takes Plumshine and her kids on border patrol. As they begin checking border lines, they notice that HushClan scent has strayed into their territory. They follow the scent to a HushClan cat taking refuge up a tree. The cat yowls a warning and the patrol scatters when they hear the cry. Just in time, too, as a large dog jumps at the patrol, catching Plumshine but thankfully only injuring them before Plumshine tears themself free and sprints away (torn coat injury acquired. also HushClan relationship worsened i guess???? fucked up)

Gracklegorse goes training with Hazelbloom and Stoatstalk. Hazelbloom takes charge and coordinates exercises for the patrol. Soon the cats are practicing trips, tricks, and tumbles.

Squirrelface and Golddawn stroll through the territory, chatting while on their way to an herb patch they haven't visited in a while. Golddawn asks the younger she-cat what she thinks the nature of StarClan is. Squirrelface swishes her tail, admitting she never really thought about it, past the fact that they're ancestral spirits. It certainaly makes for interesting conversation, and it's all too soon that they pick the herbs and have their mouths too full of marigold and lungwort to continue.

Thoughts before next Moon:

From StarClan, Moonthistle is disappointed in Plumshine. everyone so mean over that rabbit incident huh

Gracklegorse does his best to honor their Clan and their leader. Sunstar makes a solemn vow to protect their Clanmates.

Quarter feels a sense of pride after meditating the two previous cats. Squirrelface wishes to speak to her about something.

Fawnroot is hoping he'll be remembered. so what if i exploded

Stoatskip tries to reassure some Clanmates that StarClan will guide them... his mentor and bruder up there they're in good hands he knows this.

Kokichi is chastising Clanmates for... something. the other cats aren't quite sure what for.

Buzzardpopy and Haventail offer to assist the medicine cats :)

Moon 18:

In the nursery, Sunstar lies suckling newborn Howlkit, Yewkit, and Runnelkit. Gracklegorse watches over them proudly, purring so hard their body vibrates.

Stoatskip has fully recovered from his previously mangled leg! You can't even tell something had happened to it. Plumshine's coat has also recovered from the dog attack.

Kokichi, unfortunately, has gotten Squirrelface's fleas. a bit of a problem that the medicine cat has fleas huh.

Plumshine finds a young kittypet named Broken, who decides to join the clan. She decides to keep her old name, but takes on the more Clan-fitting version of Brokenpaw. Stoatskip decides to mentor her. Sunstar's kits mewl welcomes to the new apprentice.

Haventail makes sure Buzzardpoppy knows he is loved 🥺💜💜💜

The medicine cats replace their old supply of thyme. Squirrelface gathered more cobwebs after using some to help with recent kit's birth. Golddawn was unable to find any new herbs this moon.

Quarter travels to OrioleClan to resolve some recent herb-gathering disputes.

Stoatskip, Kokichi, and Hazelbloom talk together over their fresh kill.

Thoughts and In-Camp actions:

From StarClan, Fawnroot is watching over Hazelbloom.

Hazelbloom watches Brokenpaw and Quarter, thinking about how awful kittypet food must taste.

Gracklegorse wonders how his kits are doing.

Stoatskip thanks StarClan for his catch out on hunting patrol today.

Buzzardpoppy finds a much needed herb for the medicine cats while on hunting patrol. so nice to the medicine cats i love u Buzzardpoppyyyy

Mudfur's aching bones predict soon to come rainy weather.

Stoatstalk is a little exhausted from how many cats come to him for things :( it's tough being the Clan favorite.

Quarter decides to hold a meditating session with Stoatskip and his new apprentice, in order for Brokenpaw's training to go as smoothly as possible.

Patrols:

Hazelbloom takes his mate and his new apprentice on a hunting patrol. As the patrol heads out into the forest to hunt Stoatskip seems to be absolutely unconcerned with his duties, instead ambling along as though the prey is going to waltz into his paws. Stoatskip makes it look easy, and when the patrol is done mousing everyone else ends up carrying catches mostly brought down by him. He leads the way back to camp, sauntering with a distinctly smug sway of his hips.

Squirrelface sniffs the clean fresh morning air, wondering if she can smell juniper berries on the breeze. She assembles a patrol with Haventail and Buzzardpoppy to investigate. The warriors and full of complaints about the sharp juniper needles spiking their poor widdle noses, and eventually a mildly disgusted Squirrelface calls off the herb gathering patrol -_-

Gracklegorse leads the border patrol, taking the remaining available warriors with them. The patrol comes across a small dog, right on the border of BumbleClan territory. Kokichi tries to drive it off, but it only gets further excited, and the cats are forced to wait exasperatedly in a safe spot until the beast calms down. (edited)

Final Thoughts:

STOATSTALK IS THIS MOON'S HEARTTHROB??? DAMN

Brokenpaw is in the medicine cat den after a small injury :(

Runnelkit & Howlkit attempt to figure out all the smells around them.

From StarClan, Fawnroot is missing a loved one :(

I'll confess I had to savescum and redo all the patrols bc the final patrol gracklegorse AND plumshine both died and i was NOT having that shit. but guys its ok now :) and now i know to save after every patrol

I switched apprentice graduating to be experience-based now also since otherwise Brokenpaw would graduate Instantly. i might also switch her mentor bc SOMEBODY oughta let the OTHER WARRIORS take on an apprentice once in a while. But that will all be seen next time!

[shina913]

Scale, Part 5 | KSJ

Scale, Part 5

Definition: A beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends; Something graduated especially when used as a measure or rule: such as (a) an indication of the relationship between the distances on a map and the corresponding actual distances; (b) a series of marks or points at known intervals used to measure distances; A graduated series or scheme of rank; A means of ascent.

✮ ✮ ✮ Scale Masterlist ✮ ✮ ✮

Pairing: KSJ x fem!reader; appearances by OT7

Rating: Mature content (21+), no minors please!

Genre: Rich boy!AU; CEO!AU; strangers to lovers; fluff; angst; smut

Count: 5.4K+ words

Warnings: socioeconomic imbalance; hints of arranged marriages; alcohol consumption; character health scare (somebody is found unconscious); mentions of medical procedure

Summary: Kim Seokjin lives in a world where money is no object as he is the heir to his family's lucrative company; OC is a scrappy go-getter who has to work hard at multiple jobs to meet her financial obligations. When their paths cross, they'll have to figure out whether they can find a balance point between themselves and their lives.

A/N: I did some light research on the medical procedure mentioned on this chapter. I apologize for the inaccuracies (in case you may be in the medical field).

Also some additional expositions on Miya's family...👀

❤️, comment, reblog, or send me an ask 📩. Would love to know what everyone thinks!

You were back at the hospital early the following morning before 7AM. Jin insisted on waiting with you even though you told him that you’d be perfectly fine waiting by yourself until his procedure was done.

He had called out of the office and appointed Jungkook as CEO for the day in his absence. He had mentioned him to you a few times in past conversations and he seemed to be a gold-star employee and a good friend at the same time.

Shortly after your arrival, Jin’s cardiologist-uncle briefed you about the procedure right before you signed the necessary paperwork. He said that the procedures like this was fairly routine and although it sounded scary, it was not invasive at all.

He walked you through the process and gave you a rough idea of what’s to be done. It would take anywhere from an hour to two, depending on what they find during the live x-ray that will aid them in monitoring your dad’s arteries in real-time.

He’d need to be kept overnight after the procedure for close monitoring to make sure that there are no adverse effects and that his body would respond well to this new course of treatment.

You were the same blood type as your dad so you had to be on standby in the event that he needed a transfusion–just one of the many risks of this procedure.

Jin’s uncle repeatedly reassured you that although the procedure was deemed risky, that he’s had a high success rate and given your family history, he predicted a quick recovery as long as your dad stuck to the recommended lifestyle change and went on regular check-ups.

“Thanks, uncle,” Jin says as he followed his uncle out of the room and left you to have a quiet moment with your dad.

“Of course, Jin. Why else did I take the Hippocratic Oath?”

“I really appreciate it. And uhm–I know that this is a bit uncharacteristic but I’d appreciate it if you didn’t let dad know about this.”

“Seokjin–by law, I’m bound by doctor-patient confidentiality so, I couldn’t and wouldn’t do it even if he threatened me,” he chuckled.

Jin nodded. “Thanks, uncle.”

“But if I may ask—as your uncle, why do you want to keep this from your father?”

Jin sighed. “She’s somebody that I really care about and…I just want to pace everything. I know dad’s a bit stressed so I’m just waiting for the right time. The situation is still a bit–sticky, you know?”

He nodded. “Say no more. I understand what you mean, son.” Jin’s uncle called him that every now and then since they had a close relationship. He taught Jin how to fish and sail when his own father was busy running the business. He didn’t have any sons of his own but he had four daughters–all of whom he loved very much.

“Thanks, uncle. Please take care of YN’s dad.”

“I will do everything that I can,” he says as he gives his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before he starts walking towards the operating room to start prepping for the procedure. He stopped in his tracks after a few steps and turned back to his nephew.

“By the way, sorry it took me a while to get back to you but I’ll have my assistant stop by to give you our contacts for private home care, as you requested.”

He breathed a small sigh of relief. “Thank you so much. That’s going to be a huge help!”

His uncle smiled before turning to walk off.

After about an hour, you gave your dad a kiss and told him that you loved him right before he was wheeled out of his room and into the OR.

You were extremely restless but Jin kept you company, trying to help keep your mind off things. You first grabbed some breakfast at the cafeteria then walked around the hospital’s zen garden.

The next thing you knew, two and a half hours had passed and the recovery nurse was calling your phone letting you know that there were no complications and your dad did great. He just needed some extra time to wake up from the anesthesia before you could see him.

With a deep sigh, you released the pent up tension that you had hung on to for the last few hours. You hugged Jin tightly while you whimpered into his chest.

“Hey…it’s okay,” he said softly while he nuzzled his nose into your hair. “Your dad did good, YN. He pulled through,” He rubbed your back, trying to comfort you.

“I know,” you sobbed. “I just…ugh. I’m just relieved.”

He cups your face and gingerly pulls it away from his chest. “Like I said, I’m here for you every step of the way. Whatever you need, hm?”

You nodded while he gently wiped your tears away and planted a soft kiss on the tip of your nose and then to your lips.

You received another call from the nurse letting you know that your dad has been transferred out of the ICU and into his own room. You came to see him straight away, finding him awake but still groggy from the pain medicine.

You kept him company for another hour and somewhere in between, one of Jin’s uncle’s staff comes by to drop off a list of private home care nurses.

Jin knew that you wanted to get back to work soon but also didn’t want you to stress about your dad’s condition while you were away from him.

Your dad, while heavily medicated, managed to utter his gratitude towards Jin, which he brushed off by saying that it was the right thing to do and since he had the connection, all he had to do was ask and hope for the best.

The moment was interrupted when Jin received a phone call. He excused himself to take it.

The nurse came in to check on your dad some more and reiterated that it was normal for him to be groggy and a bit out of it. He could fall asleep at any point and if he did, to just let him—the point was to keep him comfortable so he could continue to heal.

When Jin returned, he called you off to the side of the room.

“Hey, sorry about that.”

“It’s fine. You’re a busy guy.” This man has moved his entire schedule around for you and he’s apologizing?

“Listen, I’d hate to do this because I really don’t want to leave your side but—I have to take care of some things at the office,” he said regretfully.

“Oh my gosh, Jin—you’ve done plenty. Besides, I was about to tell you to go home anyway to get some rest or check into work or something. I just wanted to spend some time and be here for dad even though he’s just asleep,” you said.

“Okay…uhm—I can pick you up later tonight or bring some food���“

You shook your head at him trying to overcompensate. “Hey…go do what you need to do. I’ll be fine, I swear. Just call me later, okay?”

You glanced over to your dad who just nodded off to sleep once more, then looked back at Jin.

“Thank you…I love you,” you smiled then tilted your chin up to kiss him.

“I love you, too. I’ll call you.”

And with that, he was off.

******

The call that Jin took was from his father. He called to remind him about the special dinner that they were hosting for the Hwangs in their home at 5:30 today.

Although he didn’t want to leave your side by choice, he had to show his face since it’s been over two weeks since he last saw Miya. Thank goodness she went on a pre-scheduled trip to Paris–one that she kept trying to convince Jin to go to but declined.

But now that she was back, he could already feel his dad breathing down his neck again so he decided to pull away from you and put on some theatrics for a couple of hours then get right back to you.

After leaving the hospital around noon, he drove home then checked in with Jungkook at the office. There were no issues and everything was running as smoothly as expected. He sent you a quick text to check in after his call, which reassured him that you were doing just fine.

Shortly after, he got an idea so he placed another call–this time, to his assistant’s extension.

“This is Jae,” she answered in a very professional manner.

“Hey. I need a favor.”

“I’m listening, boss,” her tone changed to a more casual and personal one.

“Can you call my realtor? I need a place in the city.”

She sounded surprised. He seemed so adamant in living away from the city a few years ago. Jin has lived close to or within the financial district most of his life and remained there, getting his own place after college even after his parents had moved to the suburbs almost a decade ago.

However, after burning out, he decided to move closer to the coast so he could go fishing more often and disconnect after long days at the office. Since moving, he’s felt a bit more relaxed. He didn’t even mind the long drives in and out of the office. It was the fact that it was far enough where he wouldn’t be compelled to come in for every small thing that would come up. He always had the option to delegate.

“Changed your mind about suburbia after all?” she asked curiously.

“N-not quite. I’m still keeping the house at The Hills. I just need…something a bit closer. You know, in case I’m out late for whatever reason,” he said, not trying to give anything away.

“Say no more, Jin. Anything in particular you’re looking for? Should we look into your old neighborhood or maybe you want to look into Haejin’s building—“

“No,” his answer came instantaneously. “I need something a bit more… discreet.”

Not that he didn’t want Haejin to know…but because a certain someone lived in the same vicinity as his sister did.

“Ah—oh! Okay…” she trailed off.

“Can I rely on your discretion?” he asked her pointedly.

“Always,” she assured him.

“Good. I’d like it to be somewhere along the northwest neighborhood, if possible…perhaps close to the waterfront, if they can swing it.”

He could have emailed that bit of information to her but she made a mental note of it instead. She’d worked for him for many years and once he invoked her discretion, she didn’t have to be told twice.

He wanted something not too extravagant–a two-bedroom, accessible ramps, private parking, and ready for move-in, immediately.

“Got it, boss. Anything else?” she queried.

“No, that should do it.”

She hummed to confirm that she fully understood his requests. “I’ll make some calls today.”

“Thanks, Jae. How’s the family?”

“Doing well. My son is starting college next month,” she shared enthusiastically.

“Wow! Already?”

“Mm-hmm…time goes by so fast, I tell ya. You blink and you miss it.”

“I hear that.”

“Yeah…appreciate what’s in front of you. Gotta live in the moment, you know?”

“Don’t I know it,” he said wistfully.

“In any case, thank you for that letter of recommendation that you wrote. I know that he had the grades to make it but your letter just gave him that extra boost, you know?”

Jae’s son just got into the same business school that Jin graduated from. The admission process was incredibly competitive and Jin was all too happy to contribute in any way since Jae has been there for Jin since the beginning of his professional career.

“Oh, it was nothing. I would have done it even if you didn’t ask me to. If he needs tips on which social clubs to join, the best off-campus eats or anything like that, tell him to give me a call.”

She chuckled. “Thanks, I’ll let him know that. Alright well, I’ll get right on this. Would you like me to set up in-person tours?”

“I’d rather not do tours, if we can help it. My time is a bit staggered these days. And you know what I like–you’re practically like my mom so if and when you find a good one, I can approve remotely. Just let me know when papers are ready to sign,” he instructs.

“Very well. I’ll send you some options by tomorrow.”

Jin utters his thanks before hanging up. The next few days would be tough on you and he wanted to be as close to you as possible and be there at a moment’s notice. However, he also didn’t want to risk getting spotted by Miya or anybody else associated with the Hwangs, hence the secrecy.

He contemplated telling you about the whole deal with her and felt guilty about keeping one final secret from you. But with your current family situation proving delicate, he had hoped to put it off a bit longer until your dad was in a bit more stable condition.

Even though Miya would technically be a non-factor very soon, he still hated keeping things from you especially after you had uncovered his last one.

He decided to give Haejin a call. If anything, he figured that she would know what to do in this situation since she seemed to skate successfully under the radar for a while with her relationship with Jungkook.

“Hey,” she said cheerfully as she picked up on the other end.

“Are you busy?”

“Nope. Just sent off a couple of emails and I was gonna dip early and make dinner for Jungkook tonight. What’s up?”

“Do you want to meet for lunch on Sunday?”

“Sure! What’s the occasion,” she asks while she logged off her computer.

“Nothing big…I, uhm–wanted to bring someone along, if that’s okay with you?”

She sighed as she stuffed her laptop in her carrying case. “Not that sparkly Christmas tree, is it?”

He laughed in amusement. “No, no. Just somebody that I really want you to meet,” he says shyly all of sudden.

She was intrigued. “Ooh…” her voice rose an octave to convey her sudden enthusiasm. “You need to tell me everything right this second and do not skip over any details!”

He scoffed. “I can’t tell you everything over the phone or else what’s the point of us meeting?”

“Ugh. Fine. Tell me most of it then so I’m not going in blind,” giggled excitedly.

He gave Haejin a quick rundown of who you were and how you met. He also briefly glossed over the fact that he was seeing you behind his parents’ backs but that he has plans set in motion to rectify the whole Miya situation.

“Woah…” was all Haejin could say after all that exposition.

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

“I mean…” she sighed. “Okay, sorry. First of all, I am extremely happy for you, Jin. I already love her even though I’ve yet to meet her—“

“But?”

She groaned. “You just got yourself in a really sticky situation.”

“I didn’t plan on it!”

“I know you didn’t! Let me finish, please. I’m just saying…you need to tell her what’s going on to make sure that she’s strong enough to handle the situation. Otherwise, you’ll both have to deal with blowback—and she could get the worst of it.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose and furrowed his brows. He knew that she would point this out. He didn’t plan on falling for you—but he was already in it and his dongsaeng was absolutely right.

“I know,” he said with a deep sigh. “I’m just…waiting a couple days to make sure that her dad’s stable and she doesn’t have too many things in her mind before I spring this on her.”

“Does she love you?”

His answer was instantaneous. “Yes.”

“Aaand do you love her?”

He threw his head back and closed his eyes. “God…yes,” he said emphatically.

Haejin smiled into the phone even though her brother couldn't see it. “Then you have to do everything you can to protect that. And you know me—I’ll go to war with you. Just tell me when and where and I’ll suit up.”

“Thanks for that. And uhm—I assume things went well with mom and dad the other day?” He missed the family dinner two nights ago when she and Jungkook finally told their parents about their relationship because he was at the hospital with you.

“Oh, pfft—as expected, dad threw a tiny hissy fit because he had already been talking to Spencer Chung but I said that I didn’t really care much for him. And I’d be damned if I were to be forced into a marriage—Shit, sorry! No offense oppa,” she caught herself.

“None taken,” he said, chuckling.

“Anyway…mom was elated and managed to talk dad off the ledge and he eventually got some sense knocked into him. I mean—one of the top COOs in the state? It’s not like I’m trading down,” she said with a huff.

“Besides, I’d sooner elope with Jungkookie if dad kept this up—“

“Yah—let’s not be too hasty!”

Her laugh rang through his ears. “You think I’m kidding? Well, I’m not. Obviously, I wouldn’t want to go about it that way but…we love each other and…he’s it for me,” she said in earnest.

He admired her tenacity. He wished he had half of it…and a bit of freedom couldn’t hurt either.

“Well, I’m happy for you two, believe me. I guess if you need a witness…”

She laughed once more. “Anyway…I’d love to meet her. Maybe we can double-date? Diffuse the tension a bit?”

“Yeah, why not. But give Jungkook a heads up. I don’t want any mention of the Hwangs or anything relating to them for that matter, please?” Jin didn’t ask Haejin for many favors but this matter required a bit of a balancing act until he found the right time to explain the whole situation to you.

“You don’t have to worry about a thing, oppa. I’ve got your back!”

******

Miya Hwang did not have the easiest upbringing. She grew up in a small town about two hours’ drive from the city and was mostly known for its apple orchards.

Her family worked to live on one of those lands. Although the landowner was generous and kind to them, she hated every moment and couldn’t wait for a chance to get out of there…and that chance took a long time to come.

Her father was very ambitious and he instilled that within his daughter at an early age. ‘Only the best for Miya,’ was his mantra. Every milestone, every achievement she made–he made it a point to celebrate it and reward her for a job well done.

Because of this, Miya grew up feeling entitled. Anything less than the best was not good enough. And it fueled her.

The landowner had a family–he was a bit of a miser but he took a liking to Miya’s father and taught him the inner workings of the business. He was a widower and all of his children were grown up and had families of their own. None of them took any interest in running a dying business. They were basically just waiting for him to croak before they showed up to split up their inheritance between them before they disappeared again.

Which was why when it finally happened and the old man’s will was read, his children were outraged to find out that he left everything that he owned to his most trusted employee–Richard Hwang.

They contested it, filed appeals, threatened lawsuits–but the man’s legal counsel and several judges had verified the will time and time again. Miya’s family was going to benefit from that sizable wealth.

Three years ago, they had finally moved into the city after her father made some key investments and finally got the old man’s family off their backs by settling with them out of court. Nothing extravagant–just enough to shut them up.

After moving to the city and establishing his investment company, one of the first orders of business was to marry his daughter off. That was what the rich and powerful did, right? Make arrangements to ensure the family wealth?

It took a while to find the right suitor. Most, if not all of the wealthy families in the city were all virtually linked and they weaved in and out of each other’s inner circles for years.

The Hwangs were sadly not part of that inner circle–at least not yet.

It was pure happenstance that Richard Hwang ran into Jin’s father at the Country Club–in the men’s room, nonetheless. He overheard him on the phone scolding somebody about a broken engagement. He decided to engage him in smalltalk as they washed their hands and afterwards, an unlikely friendship was born.

It took a little coaxing on Hwang’s part but he somehow managed to broker a relationship between Kim Daesung’s son and Miya. It just made sense, Jin’s father thought. There weren’t many eligible women in their social circle as they were all either married off or too young for Jin.

And Jin was at peak marrying age–until he bungled his engagement with Ari. Miya, although a year and a half older than Jin, was unattached and had an attractive net worth.

While it wasn’t always about money, the Kims still had a reputation to uphold. They were one of the most prominent families in the city–’old money,’ is what their inner circle called it. In contrast, the Hwangs were considered as ‘new money,’ meaning their wealth was not generational but most smart businessmen from the ‘old money’ era still saw it as a great opportunity to keep the status quo.

It’s been over a year of this partnership and Richard Hwang was itching to cash in on the patience that he’s invested (among other things) in Kim Daesung.

“What I’m really trying to get at is…when are we announcing this?”

Hwang was short in stature. But whatever he lacked in height, he made up for in his larger-than-life personality and business savvy.

“Aish, c’mon, Richard. Let’s give the kids some time to get to know each other,” Jin’s mom says. “It’s only been a couple of months.”

“What’s your take on this, Daesung? I thought that we weren’t going for a long engagement?” He asked while taking a sip of his scotch, trying to control his impatience.

“I understand your concern, but to be fair to my son, his stocks are doing quite well. Any sudden announcements might rattle some shareholders or investors—“

Hwang scoffed. “Rattle? Why? What would cause them to feel that way?”

Catching himself, Jin’s dad tries to placate him. “I apologize, I misspoke. What I meant to say is that we want investors to focus on the company and its current valuation to encourage more investors–to do that, we have to ensure that the leadership is stable. If we make any major announcements this early, folks will think that Jin’s attention might be divided and it’s not a good look.”

“Whatever happened to ‘striking while the iron is hot’?” Hwang retorted.

Jin’s dad chuckles. “Dickie, I’ve been in this business for years–and I assure you, slow and steady always wins the race. Jin’s COO, Jungkook has had some pretty solid predictions and he thinks the stock price will hold steady ‘til the first quarter next year. After that, we can certainly make plans to announce publicly after that.”

“Hm. I guess that makes sense. My Miya is quite the looker–we wouldn’t want Jin to be too distracted by her,” he says as he glances at his daughter, who sat next to her mother.

Jin’s dad agrees silently and raises his own goblet of amber liquid before taking a sip.

“Anyway, where is your son?”

“Darling, didn’t you mention that Seokjin called a few minutes ago,” he turns to his wife.

Jin’s mom smiles nervously, “Yes. He said that he was on his way soon. I’ll try him again. He could be in the middle of something.”

She walks out of the room and puts the phone to her ear to call her son.

She mutters under her breath, “Where are you Jin…”

******

After making a few more calls that afternoon, Jin started to feel the last two days catch up to him so he decided to take a quick nap. That quick nap stretched into a few hours until his mom’s call jolted him awake–asking what time he’d be over at their house.

He cursed under his breath realizing that it was already 5:15 and the drive to his parents’ house would take about half an hour.

He rushed his shower–not exactly sure for what purpose since Miya would pretty much dull every scent in the room with her perfume and got on the road. He was about 10 minutes away when he got the second call from his mom asking him where he was at it was already 5:45.

Jin pulls up a little before 6PM on his parents’ expansive driveway, opting to park there instead of the garage—he didn’t plan on staying too long.

And now he was here–already planning his exit strategy while he walked up to the front door.

“Seokjin, where were you,” she asked worriedly.

“Sorry, I’ve been tied up with work,” he said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Okay, well I’m running out of excuses for you. Your dad is just a tad stressed with Hwang so can you please, please be on your best behavior tonight?”

Jin’s mom was a good soul. She supported her husband in all his endeavors but she loved her children and protected them fiercely.

When her husband told her about the deal with Hwang, she was apprehensive as she didn’t know him well enough. Also, Jin was just coming off a long-term relationship and she thought that foisting this on him while he was still reeling from that was wrong.

Anything to do with business, strictly speaking, she would let her husband take the reins. But once her children’s well-being was involved, she stepped in and stomped for them.

Jin’s dad backed down. He needed time to heal and focus on launching his business. Once the IPO was set to drop in a matter of weeks, that was when the Miya-talks began.

“Glad you can grace us with your appearance,” his father said in a low, tense voice.

“Sorry I’m late,” Jin responded with an equally terse undertone.

“Alright, well—get in there and socialize with your fiancée,” he beckoned while turning to walk back into the dining room.

Jin glanced at his mom and she gave him a reassuring squeeze on his arm.

******

“Well, anyway—I said to my friend that if she wasn’t going to buy that runway look then I will! Honestly, Paris Fashion Week—you had to be there! We were at the Dior show, Saint Laurent…I think the best one was Balmain. They always have these structured pieces. And I told Olivier—that’s their creative director—he could give all of these fashion houses a run for their money with his innovation.”

During and after dinner, Miya had been regaling everyone with her most recent trip abroad, name-dropping high-end brands left and right.

“Isn’t it amazing? Miya always has a great eye for these kinds of things,” her mom pipes up.

“Oh! And the Christian Louboutin stopped by my AirBnB—he was such a doll! I managed to convince him to make me some custom ‘So Kate’ pumps. I just emailed him ideas this morning and he asked me if he could use my sketches—“

“Sweetie, make sure you get royalties for those,” her dad interrupted.

She scoffed. “Dad, obviously, I’m not stupid—I made him sign something before I sent the sketches to him,” she playfully rolled her eyes.

“That’s my girl!”

“Where was I? Oh! So, my vision for the shoe was…”

While she droned on and on about some overpriced footwear, Jin wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. He couldn’t believe that he left your side for this.

He eyed the decanter that sat on the tray next to his dad and wanted to down all of the contents but he thought better of it since he wanted to drive to get back to you.

Suddenly, Miya addressed him directly. “You know, it’s too bad you couldn’t come on this trip, Seokjin. The loft was really nice…it was right by the Seine and had a great view of the Notre Dame cathedral—“

“Thanks, I’ve seen it already,” His voice was low and clipped.

Miya looked crestfallen.

Jin’s dad tries to salvage the conversation. “C’mon, son…I’m sure you haven’t seen all of the historical sites—“

“I spent a semester in Paris and then Namjoon-ah came to spend a month out of his gap year with me, so–trust me…I have seen all of them,” he said with a wry smile.

It was the one time that he was grateful that his friend had dragged him to see all of the museums and historical sites in and around Paris.

Miya did an awkward-sounding fake-giggle. “That’s alright…I mean–there’s so much more to see in France, especially out in the countryside. Wouldn’t that be great for a honeymoon?”

He cringed inwardly, fighting the urge to gouge his eyes out. “That would be interesting,” he deadpanned.

He couldn’t imagine Miya walking around the French countryside–in her custom Louboutins, dressed in her couture, holding a crocodile skin Birkin in her hand, with a face full of makeup.

He shook his head at how ridiculous that picture was.

But for a moment, he let himself envision exploring the countryside with you–sitting in outdoor cafes, sipping on a bottle of Bordeaux, walking around the lavender fields in Provence…he was reminded of the scent last night as he planted kisses all over your naked body.

“Seokjin-ah!”

“Hm?” He was unaware that he had spaced out and his dad had been trying to call his attention.

“I was just telling Dickie about your company valuation,” he repeated.

“Oh–uh, yeah. It’s good. We’re expected to hold ‘til the next quarter–based on Jungkook and Dae’s predictions.”

“That is great to hear, Seokjin. I can’t wait until we’re able to get this show on the road by the end of that next quarter,” Hwang says, raising his glass to him.

“Right,” Jin says, unenthused. He glances at his watch, sees that it was a little after 8:30PM and decides that he had spent enough time here and needed to get back to you–now. “Anyway, I’m sorry folks but I have an early morning tomorrow so I have to head out.”

He stood up and walked towards his mom to give her a goodbye kiss.

“It’s not that late, Jin,” his father says.

“Ah, c’mon dad. I have an early call with Singapore tomorrow and I’d prefer to do it from the office instead of home. I’m shocked that they even agreed to do a conference call at 9PM, local time.” It was a fib but he seemed to have sold it.

“That’s alright, Daesung. It’s all work-related so that’s perfectly understandable. He’s a hardworking man,” Hwang says.

“I’ll catch you all next time,” Jin says bowing to both men.

As he walks towards the foyer, Miya catches up to him.

“Seokjinie!”

He stops, closes his eyes briefly and inhales sharply before turning around to respond to her. “Yes, Miya?”

“Listen–I understand that uhm–this is not an ideal situation for us both…”

You don’t say, he thought.

“But I’m a great people-person, and…I feel like–we can really make this partnership work–you know…if you just give us a chance? You know I don’t live too far away from your office and your sister. You can always stop by and–we can get to know each other better…” She reached out and touched his forearm.

He pursed his lips and glanced at where her hand was. “Miya–I’m sure you’re great but right now, my main focus is my business. I’m sorry that you’re getting dragged into this. I’ll uh–give you a call when I’m able to get some free time. I’ve just been inundated with investors–I’m just trying to manage.”

She gave him a tight smile then withdrew her hand. “Of course. Your dad always said that you were such a hard worker and put 200% on everything. Anyway…” she sighed then pursed her lips, “I won’t keep you any longer from…your business.”

“Thanks,” he said curtly then proceeded to walk out the front door.

Miya eyed his car from the glass window panels on either side of the double-doors as it pulled out of the driveway.

She knew that something was up. Up until a month ago, he showed up to every date–though with the same amount of enthusiasm that you would have when you walked into a dentist’s office.

The point was, he never blew her off. She was determined to find out what or who was keeping him away from her.

Part 5.5◥

Taglist: @deepseavibez @shameless-army @nooneinvitedfascistbarbie @twogyuu @jakepralta @arisud [open]

[heyiwrotesomethings]

It’s Been Too Long

Shinobu Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: Alright Shinobu Community, take a fuckin’ sip babes. It’s kind of a long one. My brain was like, friends to enemies to friends to lovers? To which I replied, this is going to be simultaneously too long and too short. I love me some slow burn but also I can’t justify putting that much time into something like this lol. While writing this I learned that one becomes a Hashira by killing a demon moon OR killing at least fifty demons. I didn't know that before, but I was in too deep to fix things. Y’all are a Kinoe rank that probably should be a Hashira given how much slaying you’ve done, sorry! As far as warnings go, I think we’re good. Unless fighting and misunderstandings aren’t your thing. It’ll all be better in the end though!  Word Count: 15,088 

The estate was dark and bleak. It had rained for nearly a week straight, the patter of water against the solid structure of the tiled roof was a near constant companion to the blank static of despair that clouded everyone’s minds.

Kochou Kanae had died of lethal injuries bequeathed to her by a high ranking demon who had left her to bleed out as the sun made its appearance. Perhaps if it had risen even just a few minutes prior, she could have evaded such a cruel fate.

Shinobu had found her of course, the world is just that cruel, or perhaps kind in giving her sister that closure, to be able to see her one last time before she took her last gurgling breath.

It was appropriate, the rain. After the funeral it was a temporary reminder of the warmth that had been reaped from the estate, never to be felt again in this lifetime. Not that (Y/n), Kanao, Aoi, or the youngest residents of the estate needed a reminder. Shinobu certainly didn’t either.

“Shinobu, you didn’t come to dinner. Please try to eat something.” (Y/n) coaxed, sliding the door open. The only light came from a small lantern inside the swirling gloom of the room, highlighting Shinobu hunched over her desk with her head in her hands. “Shinobu?”

“It’s only been a week.” (Y/n) strained to hear the taut whisper of the girl who had grown to be her closest friend. The girl who had given her a second chance at life when she had nowhere else to go. It hurt to hear her sound so broken. “It feels like time is standing still and going too fast at the same time.”

(Y/n) set the light meal in front of Shinobu and leaned against the desk, the wood creaked slightly as she did so. “I know what you mean. I feel the same.”

It wasn’t the first time they’ve talked like this. To be survivors of such unthinkable atrocities, one could go crazy keeping it all locked inside. The guilt, fear, helplessness... sometimes the memories played on loop night after night, waking up to the screams in their minds making sick harmonies with their own.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” Shinobu spoke tentatively after a moment of drizzling static tapping against the roof. She raised herself just enough to wrestle a paper out from under her arms and slid it to (Y/n). “Oyakata-sama has sent me a summons to meet with him and the Hashira. He intends for me to take,” Shinobu’s voice grew tighter and she could not bring herself to finish, instead a painful sounding intake of air was all that was audible.

(Y/n) took the paper, holding it close to her face as she squinted, the dull light of the lantern made the letter a bit difficult to read, but the message was clear.

“He wants you to take her place.” (Y/n) frowned, a pained gleam pricked at the corners of her eyes.

“It’s been too long, but yet, not long enough,” Shinobu’s fists tightened, “I know the world hasn’t stopped spinning, demons haven’t stopped killing, but why do they want to replace her so quickly? Why are they willing to toss her aside? I don’t...”

“Shinobu,”

Shinobu finally looked up at (Y/n), angry and mournful tears tracked down her face, “I’m not my sister, I’m not Hashira material. I can’t fill the hole she left, (Y/n)!”

(Y/n) abandoned her perch on the desk to crouch beside Shinobu, enveloping her in her arms. Shinobu tightly grasped her back, watery gasps and sharp inhales fell from her lips as she tried to gain control of her breathing once more.

“Oyakata-sama knows you aren’t Kanae. You’re strong in your own right, Shinobu. He wouldn’t breach the subject if he didn’t think you could succeed by your own merits.”

“I have to keep the estate in order, the infirmary, the girls... I can’t take all this responsibility—“

“You don’t have to,” (Y/n) cut her off, the words came a bit sharper than she meant them too, “you’re not alone Shinobu. We can all have our own parts to play. You don’t have to shoulder this all by yourself.”

“Thank you.” Shinobu’s voice cracked.

They had stayed up well into the night. They hardly talked, the two young girls sat huddled together, holding each other tightly. No matter how much they’ve been hurt, time continues moving forward. Just because a boat has been shredded against a reef, that doesn’t mean the waves will grant reprieve from their assault. No, one is expected to keep swimming or to swallow the salty brine and drown. The Butterfly Estate’s allotted time for grief had passed. Now they were being given the not so subtle command that it was time to get back to work.

***

“I wish you could come with me.” Shinobu said the next morning as she sat on the engawa to put on her shoes. “Even if they made you wait outside I would feel a bit better.”

“You’ll be okay, we’ll be thinking about you all day and waiting for you to come back home.” (Y/n) assured, resting her hand on Shinobu’s back. She was almost afraid to touch the haori Shinobu now adorned, as if her hand would pass right through the material.

(Y/n) was surprised when she saw Shinobu wearing it instead of her usual short white haori, though she supposed there was comfort in holding this piece of her sister close. Perhaps the butterfly patterned haori could comfort Shinobu where (Y/n) and the others could not.

(Y/n) must have been staring too long because Shinobu leaned away from her hand, catching it with her own before (Y/n) could withdraw it completely. Shinobu squeezed the hand a moment, (Y/n) swore her heart froze upon seeing the ghostly smile painted over Shinobu’s lips.

“You’re right. No point in fretting over it, is there?”

“...Right,” (Y/n) blinked, “yeah. You’re going to do great.” (Y/n) managed a smile in return but she could feel the corner of her lips tremble at the effort. She wasn’t sure why, but this smile Shinobu was sporting sent chills down her spine.

“I’ll be off then,” Shinobu stood, releasing (Y/n)’s hand as she stepped away from the engawa, “Do make sure to keep everything in order while I’m away.”

“Of course!” (Y/n) winced at her own volume and Shinobu exhaled a quiet chuckle before turning away to make her way down the path. (Y/n) watched until the haunting haori could no longer be seen between the wisteria trees.

***

It was rather late when Shinobu returned. (Y/n) had just helped the youngest girls of the estate get ready for bed and was heading to the kitchens to prepare some tea to help her sleep. She had jumped in her skin when she saw the back of the butterfly patterned haori in the dim lantern light. Shinobu turned at the sound and sent a small, tired smile (Y/n)’s way.

“I thought I’d catch you here before you turned in for the night.” Shinobu spoke. “You almost always take a cup of tea to bed. I hope you don’t mind having some of what I’ve already prepared.”

It wasn’t the first time Shinobu caught her going to the kitchen to make tea. Though usually it was much later in the dead of night when nightmares and grief kept sleep at bay. (Y/n) wasn’t sure what kind of leaves or brewing Shinobu did, but her tea always managed to knock (Y/n) out cold into deep, dreamless bliss. Something about the way Shinobu was speaking was rubbing (Y/n) the wrong way however. There was none of the familiar attitude. The bashful bitterness that came with the sweetness of the tea. (Y/n) decided to shake it off and returned Shinobu’s tired smile. It would take time for things to seem normal again.

“You know me too well. Thank you.” (Y/n) graciously took the cup, relishing in the cup’s warmth and the relaxing scent that wafted off of the steam. “How did today go?”

“It was... fine.” Shinobu’s smile faltered and she quickly disguised it by sipping her own tea. “I’m officially a Hashira. Insect Pillar Kochou Shinobu.”

“It has a nice ring to it.” (Y/n) put in after a moment’s consideration hidden behind the guise of her clearing her throat. She didn’t know if a ‘congratulations’ would be what Shinobu would want to hear give the circumstances that led up to her new title.

“And how was holding down the fort?” Shinobu asked. It seemed she wanted to shift the topic of conversation away from herself. Not that (Y/n) could blame her.

“Everything went smoothly. Well, Aoi did get a bit aggravated with Kanao about one of her coin decisions but we worked it out. Sumi, Kiyo and Naho are picking up the recovery training lessons quickly and are doing very well. The Kakushi have been taking great care of the infirmary. All patients were still stable last I checked in.” (Y/n) reported.

“Thank you for keeping up with all of that.”

“I have to pull my weight around here somehow.” (Y/n) replied, hiding a yawn behind one hand.

“It’s getting late. You should get to bed before the tea kicks in any further.” Shinobu said, putting her own cup down.

“Aren’t you getting tired too?”

“I made myself a different brew, actually. I’ve got more work to do.” Shinobu allowed herself a little sly smile at the tiny frown (Y/n) wore as she looked into her own empty cup as if it had betrayed her somehow.

“Well, don’t forget you need to sleep too. Don’t overwork yourself.”

“Goodnight, (Y/n).” Shinobu called over her shoulder. She was already walking out of the kitchen.

“I mean it Shinobu. Promise me you’ll sleep tonight.” (Y/n) gently demanded, slipping into the hall to fall in step beside Shinobu.

“I’ll promise to try. Is that acceptable?” Shinobu asked, a bit of familiar snark came through and it made (Y/n) relax a bit and nod.

“Alright. Goodnight, Shinobu.”

At the end of the hall they broke off in different directions. Shinobu to the lab and (Y/n) to her room.

***

(Y/n) went through most of her morning routine before going out of her way to find the newly appointed Hashira. She hadn’t seen her since they parted last night. (Y/n) groaned inwardly, already assuming she’d find the young scientist still balancing equations and mixing beakers.

(Y/n) adjusted her butterfly hairpin before knocking her knuckles against the door, waiting for a reply.

“Shinobu?” (Y/n) had called out after another knock led to no reply. (Y/n) frowned and slid the door open of her own volition, closing it behind her once she was inside. It didn’t take long for her to find the exhausted girl hunched over an array of papers, dead asleep.

“When I told you to go to sleep last night, I had your own bed in mind, not a desk.” (Y/n) sighed quietly.

(Y/n) startled at another knock at the door.

“Who is it?” She asked, keeping her voice soft as to not disturb Shinobu.

“It’s Hayato, miss.” The muffled voice called. Ah, one of the Kakushi. “Kochou-sama has guests to attend to.”

“Set them up in the garden with tea, please. Kochou-sama will meet them just as soon as she finishes these papers.” (Y/n) said. It would not do to have news of the young master of the estate sleeping so late in the morning, and at her desk no less.

The Kakushi dismissed himself to carry out his orders and (Y/n)’ shoulders relaxed as his footprints faded down the hall. (Y/n) didn’t want to wake Shinobu, but if her presence was required, then the meeting must be important.

“Hey, Shinobu,” (Y/n) called softly, gently shaking Shinobu’s shoulders, “you have guests that need to see you.”

Shinobu managed to curl further into herself, mumbling a few curses under her breath that (Y/n) couldn’t help but giggle at.

“Maybe you’d feel better if you had actually gone to bed instead of passing out like this.”

“Who is it, what do they need?” Shinobu grumped, sitting up to stretch her abused spine.

“I’m not sure. A Kakushi came by to tell you about them. I asked him to set them up in the garden with tea.”

“Thank you for taking care of that,” Shinobu rubbed her eyes and stood, her chair scratching against the floor, “I should get going then.”

“Let me fix your hair quick at least.” (Y/n) said, already freeing Shinobu of her own butterfly clip. “Hold still.”

“It’s a little hard when you keep tugging your fingers through my hair.” Shinobu winced.

“Sorry, just a second.” (Y/n) spoke around the butterfly wing that she held between her lips as her fingers worked to gather Shinobu’s hair. Once Shinobu’s hair was neatly clipped back into place, (Y/n) circled her and smoothed out the wrinkles in Shinobu’s clothes the best she could before finally backing away with a satisfied nod.

“Are you done yet?” Shinobu asked, a faint dusting of blush powdered her cheeks.

“Yeah, you still look tired, but at least you look a little more presentable.” (Y/n) said, opening the lab door and ushering Shinobu through it.

“Presentable.” Shinobu scoffed. “Come with me to the garden?”

“I don’t know if that would be appropriate. I’m not sure who is visiting.”

“Just make yourself busy in the blooms. You live here, you can go where you please.”

“Okay, I’ll come.”

The young girls made their way outside, it was warm and sunny, a bit humid as well after all the rain the week before. The sweet smell of the flowers invited deeper breaths to swallow up the scent into every bronchiole of their lungs.

(Y/n) broke off from Shinobu with a little wave, giving a respectful acknowledgment to the people waiting with their tea before busying herself with the flora. Checking on the quality of the plants as Kanae had taught her. The memories spent with the older girl who had taught her so much made (Y/n) shiver despite the warmth of the sun beating down.

(Y/n) would on occasion, discreetly observe the progression of the meeting. The smile Shinobu wore as she spoke to the visitors unnerved her. Even just the way Shinobu was holding herself now, prim and proper, (Y/n) wondered what they could possibly be talking about.

Then the familiar cawing of a crow circling over her head broke (Y/n) from her thoughts. She released her gentle grip over the flower she had stopped to smell and craned her neck to see her crow calling out to her. A mission, her heartbeat picked up in pace. She hadn’t been on one since a few days before Kanae’s death. How out of practice could she be?

“Pardon the noise,” (Y/n) bowed. The meeting had paused in their hushed conversation to observe the bird as well. (Y/n) hardly gave Shinobu a glance as she past. Her fingers trembling slightly as she made her way back inside to retrieve her nichirin blade from her room. (Y/n)’s mind buzzed and her crow’s caws sounded muted and muffled, far away. She kept walking, willing her breaths to remain controlled. Her concentration broke as a hand reached out from behind her and tugged her back.

(Y/n) turned to meet Shinobu’s eyes. Though more subdued, the concern she saw there was genuine.

“(Y/n), I kept telling you to stop. Are you listening to me?”

“I’m sorry, I guess I was just focusing on the mission ahead.”

Shinobu breathed deeply releasing the air in a shaky exhale before gripping (Y/n)’s face in one hand, surprising her.

“No you weren’t.” Shinobu’s grip was firm, “You need to concentrate on your surroundings. I was almost yelling at you just now. I need to know you are going to be able to keep your head about you out there.”

(Y/n) tried to nod her head but Shinobu’s hand kept her head in place.

“I need to hear you say it.” Shinobu said.

“I can keep my head. I will.” (Y/n) swallowed uncomfortably.

Shinobu searched (Y/n)’s face, slowly releasing her grip from (Y/n)‘s jaw and instead grabbed at the neck of (Y/n)’s uniform pulling her so close their noses bumped.

“You better,” She spoke softly.

“I will,” (Y/n) repeated.

Shinobu untensed, her fingers released (Y/n)’s uniform and she wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug that (Y/n) quickly reciprocated.

“Your meeting,” (Y/n) recalled after a moment.

“I asked to be excused. I’m the master of the estate, I can get away with escaping for for a few minutes.”

“I wouldn’t make a habit out of it if I were you.” (Y/n) attempted to joke.

“Only when it matters.” Shinobu nodded seriously, causing (Y/n)’s heart to leap.

(Y/n)’s crow cawed impatiently and the girls parted. (Y/n) left to retrieve her blade and Shinobu watched her back as she left, her hands clenched into tight fists beneath the sleeves of her sister’s haori.

***

Night after night, the missions kept coming. (Y/n) had begun to wonder if she’d ever get to go home again as days became weeks. Scattered letters between waves of demon slaying were the best she could manage to make sure everyone back home knew she was alright.

Another night, a new moon. A few more nights and it would be a full month since she’d last seen everyone. She was glad she took the time to say goodbye before she left. She never imagined she’d be asked to work for so long without reprieve.

Another well timed flower breathing technique beheads another demon and (Y/n) falls against the trunk of a tree breathing hard. She is uninjured but greatly fatigued. The thought to sit and rest hardly enters her mind before her crow commands her eastward to eliminate another threat before dawn.

Breath after breath, technique after technique, night after night (Y/n) fought until everything ached and beyond. When she saw the the sun peak out over the horizon it was almost enough to bring (Y/n) to tears, but she never faltered. She had to stay strong. This was the life she chose to pursue. To save people from the same fate that befallen so many people she had cared about.

It was during an exceptionally hot day when the sun was at its highest point that (Y/n) flinched awake at the shrill squawks she had grown to loathe.

“What?” She hissed between her teeth, her fingers knotting in the grass that had served as her bed for the day.

“Return home to the Butterfly Estate! Return home to recover and rest! Await further instruction!”

(Y/n) lifted herself to rest on her elbows to stare wide-eyed at the bird sitting in the tree branch overhead. For the first time in that very long month, she allowed the tears to finally fall.

***

(Y/n) felt nervous coming back after so long. She opted to return from the rear entrance in an attempt to not garner too much attention. She allowed herself a tentative smile as the gardens came into view. Her fingers skimmed across the colorful blooms as she walked, freezing up only when she saw Shinobu collecting herbs in the distance. Her foot snapped a twig, alerting Shinobu to glance behind her.

“Hi, stranger.” Shinobu simpered, getting to her feet. “Oh!”

(Y/n) forgot all her previous worries and jogged up to Shinobu, picking her up with the added strength that she had built up in her month long absence and twirled her around with abandon.

“(Y/n)?” Shinobu chuckled with surprise, bracing her arms around (Y/n)‘s shoulders as she was flung around.

“I missed you!” (Y/n) sniffled, finally putting the girl down but still holding her tightly.

“I missed you too.” Shinobu said, rubbing (Y/n)’s back. “What took so long getting back, hm?”

“Mission after mission after mission.” came (Y/n)’s bitter reply. “I actually cried when my crow told me I could come home... I don’t know why I told you that. That’s embarrassing.”

Shinobu laughed, pulling back from (Y/n) to get a good look at her. “My, (Y/n), I can tell your time away had made you stronger. Even if you are still a bit of a crybaby.”

“Hey!” (Y/n) pouted.

“(Y/n) is back!”

“Woah!”

(Y/n) was sent stumbling backward a few steps by three blurs of white. Naho, Sumi and Kiyo spoke a mile a minute filling in (Y/n) on all the goings on of the estate. Aoi and Kanao came by soon after and gave (Y/n) their own greetings, expressing their happiness over the slayer’s return in their own ways.

It was good to be home, it was. But after a few days, (Y/n) really got a chance to see how different Shinobu had become.

The tone of her voice carried like a soft breeze and a polite smile could always be seen on her lips. Aoi reminded (Y/n) more of the Shinobu she remembered than the current Shinobu before her. It unnerved her. The way Shinobu would tilt her head just so and giggle daintily into her hand... it was like staring at a ghost.

(Y/n) thought she could get over the change, but she simply couldn’t. Not when staring into those dark, purple eyes. Oh, how they swirled with anger and despair. If Shinobu couldn’t fully believe in the persona she had crafted for herself, then (Y/n) wouldn’t either. Late one night while helping Shinobu in the lab, (Y/n) finally decided to confront her.

“Why do you keep smiling like that?” (Y/n) frowned, worrying the page of the textbook before her between her fingers.

“Hm? I’m afraid I don’t quite know what you mean.” Shinobu replied casually, smile still firmly in place as she crushed some herbs under her pestle.

“You do too know what I mean,” (Y/n) eyebrows furrowed slightly in aggravation, “why do you keep smiling like you’re okay when you’re clearly not?”

“What have I said or done that makes you think I’m not okay? I’m perfectly fine, (Y/n),” she chuckled, “you worry for nothing.”

“That mask might have everyone else fooled... or maybe they’re just complacent, but I’m tired of pretending nothing is wrong. Talk to me, Shinobu.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Shinobu shook her head, “there is nothing to discuss. Perhaps I’ve kept you up too late.”

“You shouldn’t have to hide what you’re truly feeling,” (Y/n) persisted, “not from me at least. I thought we were friends.”

“We are.” Shinobu’s tone was nearly clipped as she crushed the herbs a bit more vigorously.

“Then stop acting so, so fake!” (Y/n) spat, wincing almost immediately as fast has the words came out. There was probably a better way she could have said that. Before she could apologize and try again, Shinobu put the pestle on the table with a harsh clink and stalked over to where (Y/n) was sitting. Fighting to keep her tone in check, she stared (Y/n) down with that plastic smile and spoke in a low, hushed tone that filled (Y/n)’s veins with ice.

“So I’m fake, is that right? People change, (Y/n). You were gone for a month, you can’t expect everyone to wait for you, to not change or grow in your absence.”

“People change, yes,” (Y/n) swallowed tightly at the proximity, “but whatever this is Shinobu, I really don’t think it’s healthy. I can tell you’re bottling something up. Kanae—”

“Leave.”

“...what?”

“Leave,” Shinobu closes the textbook in front of (Y/n) and although she does so with care, the sound is deafening in (Y/n)’s ears, “I don’t care where you go, just get out of my lab. I’ve had my fill of this mindless chatter.”

“Are you being serious right now?” (Y/n) clenched her fists and stood from her chair, the legs slid roughly against the wood below.

“Yes, I don’t have time for immature children right now I’m afraid.” Came Shinobu’s airy reply.

“Immature— stop acting like you know better than me, we’re both kids, we’re fourteen!“ (Y/n) seethes, “I’m worried about you! I care about you! Don’t you get it?”

“Your worry is unfounded. It’s late and you are being of no help to me like this so I’ll ask you once more, leave.”

(Y/n) felt heat pricking the corners of her eyes. “I feel like I don’t know who you are anymore.” She breathed. “But fine, I’ll leave if that’s what you want.”

“At this moment in time, I couldn’t ask for anything better.” Shinobu replied, turning her back to (Y/n) to continue what she had previously been working on.

Once (Y/n) shut the door with finality and her quick footsteps became softer as she ran down the hall, Shinobu exhaled harshly, gripping the pestle tightly in her hand as she mercilessly pounded the dried herbs into dust.

“Only immature people don’t control their emotions... only immature people...”

As Shinobu repeated her mantra, (Y/n) burst into her room and looked around her. With trembling hands she changed into a fresh uniform and packed a small bag of belongings and slinging it over her shoulder. She grabbed her haori and attached her nichirin blade to her hip.

She looked around the room once more and caught her reflection in the little hand mirror on her desk, catching the bright colors of a wing that secured her hair in place. She reached back, freeing her hair from the clip and stared at it. She ran her thumb over the decorative clip before setting it on the desk. She reached for a plain hair band and tied her hair back with that instead.

(Y/n) left her room, sparing one last hurt glance at the butterfly clip before exiting the estate grounds. Before long, her crow circled overhead and (Y/n) held her arm out for the bird to take perch. The crow cawed at her expectantly, questioning her.

“If she wants me to leave, then what else is there to do?” (Y/n) shuddered in the wind. She turned away from the estate, willing herself not to turn back.

“Where will you go?” The crow asked.

“...I don’t know.”

With every step leaving the warmth of the estate farther behind, (Y/n)’s heart grew heavier in her chest.

***

“Have any of you seen (Y/n) today?” Shinobu asked the girls once they had come back in after hanging the laundry out to dry.

A chorus of negatives and head shakes met her and she sighed inwardly. “Very well then. Thank you.”

Shinobu traveled through the maze of hallways that made up her home, easily finding herself in front of (Y/n)’s door, knocking politely. With no reply, Shinobu forced herself not to roll her eyes and opened the door.

“(Y/n), if this is about last night...” Shinobu blinked at the empty room. Futon made, clean floors, not a thing out of place, but no (Y/n).

“Perhaps she’s out training.” Shinobu said to herself. She was about to close the door and head off into the gardens when a glint from the desk caught her eye and she approached. A soft gasp left her lips as she picked up the hairpin. Cradling it in her hands, Shinobu forced her breaths to remain controlled. (Y/n) had never gone a day without wearing the pin since the Kochou sisters gifted it to her.

In the safety of the empty room, Shinobu allowed herself to slump over the desk. She held the discarded hairpin close to her chest, immediately understanding what this small symbol meant. Yes, she knew what it meant, she just wished to know why. She fought against the waves, against the feeling that she was drowning again.

***

Four years was a long time, and if you asked (Y/n), the demon slayer would say that was especially true with her line of work. The demons were never the same, but the routine in between was lonely and dull. Kill a demon, settle down at an inn or in the trees for the day, move to the next village and repeat. Sometimes the stays were longer, but that was the gist of it.

(Y/n) kept to herself most of the time. There wasn’t really a point in making anything more than loose acquaintances with the constant traveling and dangers her work presented. Even on the few missions she had been paired up with other slayers in the area, she focused on the job at hand before quickly making her way to her next assignment. That started to change after she met Kamado Tanjirou and his demon sister Nezuko.

They did not get off on the right foot to say the least.

(Y/n) had been sent to the same location as the young slayer for a mission and knew something was off about him right away. Something off with that box he carried around anyway. (Y/n) opted to let him be for the time being, focusing on the mission ahead. Skip forward to the heat of battle, and (Y/n) could hardly believe her eyes when a demon burst from the boy’s box to attack another demon that had snuck around Tanjirou’s back.

(Y/n) had no time to watch and focus on this new development at the moment, she had her own demons to take care of. Her flower breathing techniques weaved through her enemies and heads went flying. Before long, the mission was completed and (Y/n) turned to the boy breathing heavily in the dirt with the demon from the box hovering over him looking at (Y/n) with curious eyes.

“You’re really skilled, (Y/n)-san!” Tanjirou praised, somehow unaware of the danger his sister was in, “You don’t even look like you’re out of breath.”

“I’ve been doing this for years. I know a lot. For instance,” (Y/n) spoke, her face stern as stone as she readied her blade, startling Tanjirou, “every demon must be destroyed.” She went in with a quick slash aimed at the demon’s neck  only to pause at the last second when the foolish younger boy leapt to his feet to shield the demon from the blow.

“What are you doing?” (Y/n) asked sternly.

“Wait, she’s my sister! She’s a good demon!”

“I shouldn’t have to tell you that what you are doing is against corps rules. I can sympathize with wanting to hold onto your loved ones, but there is no such thing as a good demon. Step aside.”

“No, Nezuko has never eaten a human and she never will!” Tanjirou held his ground while his sister growled at (Y/n) from behind him.

(Y/n) rolled her eyes. “Alright then,” she said with a sarcastic sweetness, “prove it.”

“What?” Tanjirou blinked.

“Prove it, take off the muzzle. Let’s see if she has as much control as you claim she does.”

“But—“

“It shouldn’t be a problem, right? If she’s as docile as you claim what’s the issue?”

Tanjirou grit his teeth and gently pulled the muzzle to rest around his sister’s neck. (Y/n) stepped forward, her face inches away from the demon. She wasn’t worried, if the demon lunged for her she was confident she could slice its head the moment the air changed.

“Well demon?” (Y/n) sighed, surprising Tanjirou by slicing the pad of her thumb on her sharp blade, “hungry?”

To Nezuko’s credit, she hardly flinched. However, her eyes followed the path of the blood and a small trickle of drool slid past her lips. (Y/n) taunted her a bit further, waving the bloodied hand in front of her nose, still Nezuko held strong and even went as far as turning away.

“...I must say, I’m rather impressed,” (Y/n) finally spoke, stepping back from the demon and licking at her own wound, “marechi blood such as my own usually makes the demons go crazy,” she turns back to Tanjirou, “still, you must know that keeping a demon alive like this, especially as a slayer, is dangerous for both of you.”

“I know,” Tanjirou bowed his head.

“Well,” (Y/n) stretched and sighed, “as long as you know I guess it’s your own problem.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, just don’t call me out if a Hashira finds you out. I don’t feel like dying a disgrace.” (Y/n) waved him off. “You’re going to have to work even harder and be more discreet. That’s my advice to you.” And (Y/n) was going to leave it at that and walk away, but then her crow chanted in tandem with Tanjirou’s, calling them to continue forward together. (Y/n)′s eye twiched at the grating sounds.

“It looks like we’ll still be working together for some time, (Y/n)-san!” Tanjirou smiled, catching the older girl off guard by the sincerity behind it. You’d think he’d be more put off considering (Y/n) was planning to kill his sister not five minutes ago.

“I suppose we are.”

“Say, (Y/n)-san, you’re strong. You can help me get stronger too, right?”

“Mm!”

“Hey, get her off of me!” (Y/n) momentarily panicked as the demon wrapped her arms around her waist.

“Nezuko, manners!”

(Y/n) wasn’t sure what she had done to get saddled with the strange siblings, but she could tell her job just went above her pay grade.

***

As it turns out, the Kamado siblings weren’t so bad. In fact, (Y/n) was starting to get really attached to the two. It was when Inosuke and Zenitsu were pulled into their little group, that was when (Y/n) realized she didn’t know what true pain was.

“(Y/n)-san, marry me!”

“Flower Girl, fight me!”

All damn day and night.

(Y/n) thought she’d finally have reprieve once Tanjirou had healed up at the Wisteria House, but of course the two boisterous boys were being sent with them to their next mission, Natagumo Mountain.

Zenitsu cowered at the forest edge and (Y/n) felt no remorse in leaving him behind as she sprinted ahead of Inosuke and Tanjirou, freeing the puppeted Mizunoto slayers.

Eventually they had been split off from each other to fight their own battles. (Y/n) was tired but otherwise unharmed, surprised when a small Nezuko came barreling into her.

“Nezu—?” (Y/n) gasped as the air shifted above her and she dodged the quick swipe aimed at the tiny body that clung to her. She quickly pivoted, blade in hand, and crossed swords with the assailant her eyes blowing wide at the placid face in front of her.

“Kanao?!” (Y/n) yelled out, the nostalgia and adrenaline coursing through her body was an odd, slightly terrifying combination.

Kanao tilted her head, her lips parted ever so slightly as recognition gleamed in her eyes. Despite this, Kanao did have a mission to complete and (Y/n) was keeping her from completing her orders. She continued swiping at the older girl she used to know, trying to behead the demon she could not fathom why she was protecting.

(Y/n) parried and blocked best she could, taking a defensive approach while she tried to talk Kanao down. She didn’t want to hurt Kanao, but she didn’t want Nezuko to be killed either.

Finally a saving grace, a crow swooping by with a message that saved Nezuko’s neck. (Y/n) sighed in relief as Kanao pulled back. Still looking at (Y/n) she pointed to the small demon that had wrapped herself tightly over (Y/n)’s back.

“Is this Nezuko?” She asked looking for a positive ID on the demon in question.

“Yes.” (Y/n) easily replied.

“Come with me then.” Kanao said, already corralling (Y/n) and her demon backpack in the direction of the forest edge.

(Y/n) walked alongside her a bit begrudgingly. If she made a break for it, she could have probably gotten away, but it was very likely Tanjirou and the others were already in custody. The best chance they had now was to do as they were told and hope Nezuko’s resolve would stand firm.

So (Y/n) hid Nezuko in her haori as the sun began to peak over the hills and followed Kanao to the clearing of bustling Kakushi. On the way, she began preparing her story for the trial she was sure her little team was bound to endure.

She was immediately broken from her thoughts at the ethereal sight of the Insect Pillar emerging from another point of the woods with the Water Pillar and a badly beaten Tanjirou on his back.

(Y/n)’s breath caught in her throat as those deep, dark eyes found hers at it was like time was at a stand still. At least it would have been if not for Shinobu steadily making her way towards her, her expression painfully impassive beyond the small upturn of her lips. Shinobu kept coming until she was directly in front of (Y/n).

Nezuko stirred in her sleep, clutching at (Y/n)’s back as if she could sense anxiety in the slayer’s heart. The demon was the only thing grounding her at this point as Shinobu tilted her head, an almost sinister look in her eye as she observed the small demon bundle protected by (Y/n)’s haori. All too soon, her cold eyes found their way back to (Y/n)’s and she spoke.

“I’m not going to have to tie you up, am I?”

(Y/n) closed her eyes briefly and tried to take a calming breath. With a short, almost imperceivable shake of her head, she hoarsely replied.

“No.”

“Let’s try to keep it that way then.”

Shinobu and Kanao had let (Y/n) help Nezuko into her box, but then they immediately separated the two, having a Kakushi carry the box with a wary look in her eyes. (Y/n) did her best not to look behind her where Kanao and Shinobu walked, no doubt watching her for any sign of flight.

She gulped, eyes nervously shifting to the Water Pillar walking beside her, and the Kakushi who was now carrying Tanjirou in his stead. The Water Pillar spared her an emotionless glance as he forged ahead.

“Is he going to be alright?” She asked in a hushed tone.

Enough time had passed after her question that (Y/n) had figured the man wasn’t in the mood to talk, understandably so, but (Y/n) was worried about the state Tanjirou was in. She nearly jumped out of her skin when he actually answered her minutes later.

“That will all depend on how the trial goes.”

(Y/n) felt dread pool in her stomach as they continued to march down the mountain.

***

The garden of the Master’s estate would have been lovely on any other occasion, but (Y/n) could only bring herself to stare at the pebbles below her knees and Tanjirou passed out at her side. They had taken Nezuko somewhere else in the meantime, she could only hope they would let the demon be, let her prove herself in front of them instead of killing her on principle.

(Y/n) could feel that Shinobu was standing just behind her but she dared not engage. Four years of silence between the two and a trial for treason in the highest regard had brought them together again. (Y/n) wanted to scream.

Finally Tanjirou began to stir and (Y/n) allowed herself to push away her turmoil to rouse the younger boy gently. The last thing they needed was for him to be all up in arms before the trial even officially began.

“(Y/n)-san,” Tanjirou winced, “where are we? Where is Nezuko?”

“We’re at the Demon Slayer Headquarters,” (Y/n) replied, her voice was hardly above a whisper as she felt the pressure of all the Hashira’s eyes boring into them, “I don’t know where they’re keeping Nezuko, but right now you need to focus on the trial ahead.”

“The trial?”

“For harboring a demon, Tanjirou.”

“I wouldn’t bother trying to justify it! A crime as heinous as yours only ends one way!” Rengoku Kyojirou loudly proclaimed, rallying a range of replies from his fellow pillars.

“Now that he’s finally awake to witness his punishment, let’s behead these traitors and the demon and get on with our lives.” Uzui Tengen added.

“Please,” (Y/n) forced her voice not to waiver, “allow him to explain the situation at least—“

“You’re in no position to be asking for favors, girl.” Obanai Iguro cut her off, glaring down at her from where he lounged on a tree branch. “You had best hold your tongue. A slayer at your rank should be ashamed. I’m surprised you haven’t already sliced yourself open for the embarrassment you’ve brought to the corps.”

“Iguro-san!” Kanroji gasped at the harsh words.

“Who are these people, (Y/n)-san?” Tanjirou groaned, noticing for the first time that his hands were tied tightly behind his back.

“Tanjirou, are you serious?” (Y/n)’s tone was hushed and urgent, “they’re the Hashira! You know, best of the demon slayers?”

“I don’t know, umph!” (Y/n) hastily covered his mouth, a nervous sweat gathered at her brow.

“Just try to be respectful, will you? You already broke the thin ice you’ve been traveling on, let’s try not to drown as well!”

“This isn’t right, (Y/n)-san! Where is Nezuko? Zenitsu? Inosuke? Murata?” Tanjirou spoke out, his voice heavy with emotion as he fought his way up to his knees.

“What I want to know is why we haven’t tied Tomioka or the Kinoe ranked slayer.” Obanai sneered from his tree, ignoring Tanjirou’s desperate tone. “They are both part of the boy’s schemes and should be punished as such. How are we going to teach them a lesson?”

“Oh they’ll be fine,” (Y/n) shivered hearing Shinobu speak above her from where she knelt in the pebbles, “we’ll come up with a penalty later.”

(Y/n) froze, her eyes refused to look up beyond the feet that stood before Tanjirou and herself.

“What I’m interested right now, is hearing this boy’s story.” Shinobu said. “He’s been traveling with a demon all this time, and I wish to hear why. It must be quite the tale to have Tomioka-san break ranks,” the feet take a step closer and Shinobu’s voice dropped in volume, “and you as well, (Y/n).”

(Y/n) tightened her grip over her pant leg, still refusing to look up. She could imagine an array of expressions her old friend could be wearing right now that could cut her deeper than any blade. Pity, anger, disgust, smugness, apathy, that blank smile... no, (Y/n) couldn’t bear to look up.

“So why, Kamado Tanjirou?” Shinobu asked.

“Who cares?” Uzui scoffed from a few yards away, yet he waited for the boy to explain himself.

“She’s my—“ he broke into a fit of coughs and (Y/n) tried to soothe his back, telling him to breathe.

Shinobu stooped down, a gourd of water in hand, offering the water to Tanjirou and finally catching (Y/n)’s eyes as the boy drank the medicated water. When Shinobu’s eyes returned to Tanjirou, (Y/n) remembered how to breathe.

“She’s my little sister!” Tanjirou proclaimed. “She’s never hurt anyone and she never will!”

A few of the Hashira began casting their doubt, but Tanjirou powered through.

“I became a slayer to find a cure for her! In two whole years since she became a demon, she’s never eaten a single person! Let her continue to fight by my side!”

“Well, well, looks like the fun’s already starting.”

(Y/n) turned her head and her breathing hitched. Of course the Wind Pillar of all people would get his hands on Nezuko’s box.

“Is this the boy who has been traveling with a demon? Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Shinazugawa asked with a sinister grin.

“Please put down the box Shinazugawa-sama!” The Kakushi (Y/n) recalled to have prior possession of the box pleaded.

“Shinazugawa, please do not act out of line.” Shinobu warned.

“Nah, run that by me again, kid?” Sanemi jeered, holding the box precariously in one hand, “fighting alongside a demon? Impossible, you idiot!”

Tanjirou and (Y/n) called out in horror as the Hashira rammed his blade clean through the box, skewering Nezuko.

Tanjirou scrambled to his feet and lunged at Sanemi, (Y/n) was about to get to her feet as well, but Shinobu held her firmly in place, clutching (Y/n)’s arm tightly while shooting her a warning glance.

(Y/n) could only watch, mouth agape, as Tanjirou head butted Shinazugawa to the ground.

Mitsuri attempted to stifle a snort, covering her face in her hands.

“If you can’t tell the difference between good demons and bad ones, then you don’t deserve to be a Hashira!” Tanjirou yelled.

“We’re doomed.” (Y/n) whispered weakly. She felt as if all her blood was sinking to her knees, sinking as fast as their chance of forgiveness down the drain.

Before Sanemi could retaliate, a couple of Oyakata-sama’s children announced the Master’s arrival. (Y/n) was quick to follow Shinobu in a bow, wincing when she heard what could only be Sanemi pounding Tanjirou into the rocks, forcing him to bow.

“Hello everyone,” Oyakata-sama addressed the garden, his voice carried in the warm breeze, “how good it feels to have you all here.”

Sanemi greeted the Master, formally asking for an explanation. If not for the seriousness of the moment, (Y/n) would have rolled her eyes.

“The Kamado siblings have been sanctioned, you see. I request you all respect that.” Oyakata stated simply.

An array of mostly negative objections arose at this ending with Sanemi calling for punishments for Tanjirou, (Y/n), and Giyuu.

The Master stood silently for a moment before asking one of his children to read a letter aloud. A letter from a previous Hashira, detailing Nezuko’s history. The letter also revealing that should Nezuko fail; Urokodaki, Tanjirou, and Giyuu would atone through seppuku.

A few of the Hashira were still willing to speak against such a plan, swearing that it was not a risk worth taking. Once there was a lull in their heated remarks,  Ubuyashiki saw fit to address (Y/n).

“(Y/n), my child.”

(Y/n)’s head jutted up at the sudden call of attention to her presence. “Ye— yes, Master?”

“Why do you think that of the squad that has been built around you, only you are here?” Oyakata-sama asked with an warm smile.

“I would suppose it would be because I should know better than a ragtag group of Mizunoto, Master.” came (Y/n)’s subdued reply.

“I would hope so.” The Master chuckled, causing heat to bloom across (Y/n)’s cheeks. “Why didn’t you kill the demon?”

“I was going to, but she proved herself to me,” (Y/n) began speaking more evenly as she recalled the moment, “I presented her with my blood, my rare blood, and she turned away. I have traveled with the Kamado siblings for weeks and not once had Nezuko hurt anyone. She protects people, she sleeps to replenish energy. Based on everything I have observed, I believe in Nezuko. I believe in Tanjirou.”

“Would you stake your life on this along with the others listed here today?” Oyakata-sama asked.

(Y/n) breathed in, firmly nodding her head. Her eyes meeting Ubuyashiki’s milky blank one’s despite his lack of vision.

“Yes, I would.”

Shinobu’s hold on (Y/n)’s bicep curled. (Y/n) hadn’t realized she had still been holding her down.

“And here we have three, now four, people willing to take responsibility for this demon. What say you, my children?” The Master asked the Hashira warmly.

“Forgive me Master, but this is not a matter of numbers!” Sanemi yelled, “Demons are sick creatures that need to be put down and I’ll prove it to you now!”

Sanemi sliced his arm, much more blood than (Y/n) had conjured with the small cut to her thumb that she had presented to Nezuko. She and Tanjirou watched as the blood dripped to the box, staining the lacquered wood.

“No good doing this in the light.” Obanai said, “it won’t come out unless it’s dark.”

Sanemi dashed to the shaded engawa, enticing Nezuko to come out with another stab at the box.

“No!” Tanjirou yelled, he made to scramble to the engawa, but was quickly subdued by Obanai.

“Stop!” (Y/n) echoed Tanjirou’s sentiments, pulling against Shinobu’s hold. “Why are you being so needlessly cruel?”

Sanemi ignored them, a wicked grin on his face as he watched Nezuko emerge from the box, growling lowly.

“Well then, demon?” He sneered, holding out his arm.

(Y/n) could tell Nezuko was straining against the pull of the marechi blood. With all of the injuries she had sustained working against her as well, it couldn’t be easy for the demon to hold back.

“Nezuko!” Tanjirou wheezed as Obanai was pincering his lung painfully with his elbow.

“Kamado-kun,” Shinobu addressed, “don’t struggle too much while in that hold, your lung might burst.”

Tanjirou only struggled harder, surprising everyone when he broke through his rope restraints and stumbled towards the engawa. Tomioka stopped Obanai from pinning him again.

“Nezuko!” Tanjirou called again.

His voice seemed to finally break through to Nezuko and after a few tense moments, she turned away from Sanemi in disgust.

(Y/n) couldn’t help the relieved smile that overtook her lips.

Once the scene was relayed to the Master, he seemed pleased with the report. He told Tanjirou that although Nezuko had done well to prove herself, they would need to grow even stronger before they could be fully accepted by the others. With that wisdom, he said they were free to go.

(Y/n) startled as Shinobu finally let her go, raising her arm to speak. “If all is well then Oyakata-sama, allow me to provide lodging for them.”

Both (Y/n) and Tanjirou seemed a bit wary of this sudden hospitality, (Y/n) even more so, but if Shinobu noticed or cared she didn’t show it, signaling the Kakushi who had been standing by to gather the injured boy and the demon.

The Kakushi tasked with carrying Nezuko seemed a bit frightened of the little demon kneeling in her box, so naturally (Y/n) rose to carry her instead.

“I’ve got her.” She smiled kindly and reached for the box and secured it shut, but not before giving the demon girl a few well earned head pats that rose Nezuko’s mood greatly.

Another Kakushi picked up Tanjirou then (Y/n) and the two Kakushi quickly made their retreat. That is, until Tanjirou bursted back into the garden asking to headbutt Sanemi.

“Please excuse us!” (Y/n) and the two Kakushi bowed deeply once they got him back under control and sped off twice as fast. (Y/n) and the Kakushi running beside her berated Tanjirou from where he sat on the other Kakushi’s back for such a disrespectful display after being allowed the impossible. 

When they reached the Butterfly Estate, (Y/n)’s heart squeezed in her chest. The grounds looked to be near the same as the night she had left. No one was there to greet them at the door, so they went around the gardens and found Kanao standing amongst the butterflies.

“Hi, Kanao.” (Y/n) greeted the younger girl bashfully. Now that they weren’t battling over keeping Nezuko’s head, (Y/n) finally took in how much she had grown in four years.

Kanao stayed silent, a serene smile on her lips as she merely observed the group that had approached her.

“What are you all here for?” A sharp voice called from behind them, causing the Kakushi to jump and spin to quickly explain they were here to put Tanjirou in the infirmary.

“Well then come with me...” Aoi’s words trailed off a bit once her eyes found (Y/n)’s face.

“Hi Aoi,” (Y/n) gave a nervous half wave, “you’ve gotten a bit taller.”

Aoi marched straight up to (Y/n) and berated her with a barrage of small fists pounding painlessly against her chest. “What would you expect after being gone so long!” She sniffed, “Four years without a single letter or visit? We thought you were dead, idiot!”

“(Y/n)-san? Do you know these people?” Tanjirou asked from Gotou’s back.

“Yeah, I uh, sorta used to live here.” (Y/n) replied, allowing Aoi to continue hitting her to her heart’s content.

“‘Sorta used to live here’, you’re family! You have always had a place here! Now come on, I’m sure Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho will have a bone to pick with you as well. And Shinobu-sama!” Aoi’s fist struck especially hard at the thought, “Shinobu-sama is going to have some choice words for you when she gets back I just know it!”

Aoi led them all inside, occasionally throwing a few more jabs into (Y/n)’s side to make sure she was really there. She didn’t admit that was what they were for of course, she played it off more as a punishment for disappearing for so long.

There was screaming coming from the infirmary and (Y/n) would have been worried if she hadn’t recognized the sound almost immediately.

“Zenitsu!” Tanjirou called excitedly.

While Tanjirou and poor Gotou were dealing with the sobbing, snotty boy, Aoi had dragged (Y/n) over to Kiyo who had been tending to Zenitsu only moments before.

“Look who finally decided to come home.” Aoi told the younger girl who looked up, tilting her head. (Y/n) almost thought Kiyo hadn’t recognized her. Being as young as she was, she wouldn’t have blamed her, but then she burst forward and hugged (Y/n) tightly around her waist.

“What’s going on in here? Hm, Aoi-san, Kiyo?”

Naho and Sumi had made their way into the infirmary with a basket of fresh linens and paused at the entryway for a moment before they realized who their friend was hugging and ran over to join her with tears in their eyes.

“(Y/n)-san, where have you been all this time?” Naho whimpered.

“Why didn’t you say anything before you left?” Sumi cried.

“I’m sorry,” (Y/n) knelt down to better hug them all, “I know it’s not enough to make up for anything, but I’m sorry for leaving like that. It wasn’t fair,” she looked up to meet Aoi’s stern blue eyes, “to any of you.”

“Well, make it up to us by sticking around from now on.” Aoi said, crossing her arms. “No more running away.”

“But...” (Y/n) was conflicted. Had Shinobu not told the girls why she had left? (Y/n) mustered up the best smile she could and nodded feebly. “All right.”

“(Y/n)-san, your box is... humming?” Sumi pointed at the wooden box.

“Oh, um, you see... in this box is my friend, Nezuko,” (Y/n) treaded carefully, not wishing to startle the girls too badly if she could help it.

“You have someone in a box?” Aoi barked, “well let them out for goodness sake!”

“It’s a little bright in here...” (Y/n) shifted her vision to where Tanjirou and Zenitsu were talking, catching sight of Inosuke as well. Poor boar boy looked like he’d seen better days. “And I’m not sure that Shinobu-” should she still speak of her so informally? “-would be pleased if I let her out without her blessing.”

“Why wouldn’t Shinobu-sama allow you to let someone out of a box?” Aoi rolled her eyes.

“It’s complicated. I’m sure she’ll want to talk to you all about it once she comes back. Until then, Nezuko will be fine in here.”

The girls, though incredulous, let the subject drop for now. Although, they couldn’t help but eye the box with suspicion. Once Tanjirou was settled in the infirmary, the butterfly girls dragged (Y/n) away to talk about the goings on of the last four years which soon devolved into hounding (Y/n) for her own stories to share, even Kanao had come by to sit and listen.

“...And that’s how I helped the fishing village take care of the demon that was lurking in the sea.”

“Tell us another one, (Y/n)-san!” The youngest girls pleaded, kicking their feet in the air behind them. They had migrated to lay flat on their stomachs as the stories progressed and watched (Y/n) recount her adventures with their heads propped up on their arms with rapt attention.

“I’m afraid that will have to wait for another time, it’s quite late you know.”

Everyone turned to the door to find Shinobu staring down at them. The youngest girls pouted a bit, trying to get a bit more time to stick around, but Shinobu held firm and directed them to their rooms.

“You’ll still be here tomorrow, right? (Y/n)-san?” Sumi asked from the doorway.

“I...” (Y/n) pulled at the sleeve of her uniform and subtly pursed her lips while trying to figure out how to proceed, to her surprise, Shinobu spoke up on her behalf.

“I promise you’ll see her in the morning. Now of to bed. (Y/n) and I have much to discuss.”

The thought of having a prolonged conversation with Shinobu sent shivers through (Y/n)’s spine. Once all the girls were well out of sight, Shinobu redirected her attention to (Y/n).

“Let’s drop off your cargo first,” Shinobu said, motioning to the box sitting beside (Y/n), “I’ve arranged a room and Kamado-kun has been wondering where his... sister, has been.”

“Of course.” (Y/n) stood, shouldering the box.

Apparently the room was rather far. (Y/n) felt as if the silence between them was slowly eating at her until she finally decided to speak. For better or for worse.

“You’ve taken all of this extraordinarily well,” (Y/n) commented, testing the waters.

“Mm, I’d like to hold off on any conversation until we drop off the demon. Use this time to gather any thoughts, if you have them that is.”

(Y/n)’s brow furrowed slightly, eyes narrowed. She was sure that was some kind of dig at her intelligence, but she held her tongue.

They dropped off Nezuko, (Y/n) and Tanjirou bid each other good night, and then (Y/n) was led to an all too familiar space, the lab.

Shinobu motioned for (Y/n) to sit at one of the less cluttered tables while she closed the door firmly behind them. (Y/n) would have been lying if she said she wasn’t even just a tad bit concerned by the setting of this ‘talk’ that was about to unfold. Finally, Shinobu took the stool across from her on the other side of the table. She laced her fingers together, using them to prop up her chin as her endlessly amethyst eyes bore into (Y/n)’s. That ghostly smile seemingly perfected after four years of separation, had (Y/n)’s hands clench into fists under the table.

“So,” Shinobu began, her voice deceptively sweet, “when exactly do you think it was when you completely lost your mind?”

“Excuse me?” (Y/n)’s eye twitched.

“Defending a demon, offering up your own life for a demon to live... how insanely idiotic. I thought you were smarter than that. I suppose it had been.. four years, was it? Four years since you ran off. And I thought that was the most careless thing you could ever do. You really have outdone yourself!”

“Stop,” (Y/n) had heard enough of these little jabs and she new well enough Shinobu could go all day as long as she hadn’t changed too drastically in their time apart. However, Shinobu powered through.

“Everyone was devastated when you left you know. We were a family and you just up and left in the middle of the night without a word so soon after—“ After Kanae, “Now you’re putting everything on the line for some demon? You’re a coward. A selfish coward.”

(Y/n) was really angry now. She stood up so fast her stool clattered to the ground behind her. She slammed her hands against the table and stared furiously into Shinobu’s placid expression, though she could detect a hint of a heated spark in those deep purple eyes.

“Don’t act like you’re so innocent in all of this! You told me to leave! You want to judge me for trusting Nezuko with my life, fine! But I only did what you commanded of me when I left. You don’t get to say I just fucked off because you think I didn’t care enough!”

Shinobu had the nerve to chuckle, though no trace of humor was there, as she slowly rose to her own feet and assumed a similar stance over the table as (Y/n).

“Did you really think when I said that, when I told you to leave the lab, I meant I wanted you to walk out of my life?” Shinobu asked seriously.

“I didn’t know what you wanted! You weren’t the same person anymore! Don’t try telling me that it wasn’t what you wanted either, you never came looking for me. You never sent your crow. Tell me you weren’t ecstatic when you woke up that morning and didn’t have to deal with me anymore!”

Shinobu slapped her own hand against the table, a vein pulsed painfully under the skin of her forehead. She opened her mouth to retort, poisoned words ready to lash out with a flick of her tongue, but as luck would have it, a Kakushi nervously called from the other side of the door.

“Kochou-sama, the treatments for the, uh, despiderfication of the slayers from Natagumo Mountain are ready to be carried out with your supervision.”

Shinobu closed her eyes, breathing in deeply before opening them again and looking significantly more drained.

“I see. Please inform the others that I’ll be there in a few moments.”

“Right away, Kochou-sama.”

As the footsteps pattered away, (Y/n) fixed her stool upright before heading in the direction of the door, assuming she and Shinobu were done talking, or screaming rather. (Y/n) was surprised to feel Shinobu grasp her hand as she tried to pass by.

“You remember where your room is, right?” Shinobu asked, the undertones of her voice still taut with anger.

(Y/n) too tired to fight on, responded simply with a mute nod.

“I had the Kakushi clean it earlier today. Everything should still be as you left it.”

Shinobu let go of (Y/n)’s hand and it immediately felt cold. The Hashira opened the lab door and stepped out into the hallway, her back to (Y/n) as she made her last parting statement.

“If you know what is good for you, you won’t step a foot outside of estate grounds without speaking to me first.”

“And if I don’t?” (Y/n) asked just to be obstinate.

“Then I guess I’ll have to hunt you down for sport.” Shinobu quickly replied, turning to face (Y/n) just to show her how serious she was.

(Y/n) couldn’t help the weak guffaw that left her lips. To hear such a threat delivered by such a soothing tone was practically oxymoronic.

Shinobu lingered for a moment longer before gliding off to see to her patients while (Y/n) turned down the opposite end of the hallway and traveled down a few more to find herself standing outside of her old room. She opened the door, the space was clean as Shinobu promised. She closed the door softly behind her, blocking off the light from the hall. There would be time to be sentimental in the morning. Right now, between the Mountain, the trial and the emotional battle with the Insect Hashira herself, (Y/n) was exhausted. She scooted her way into the freshly made futon and fell asleep with the nostalgic smell of wisteria petals drifting through her airways.

***

(Y/n) awoke around mid-morning to the sun shining through her window. She stretched and got dressed, her fingers pausing over the last few buttons of her uniform as she glanced over the desk.

The butterfly hair clip she had once worn with pride sat in front of her. It appeared to be left untouched by time. Not even a speck of dust adorned the colorful wings. She reached out to it, but her fingers curled just before she touched it. She pulled her hand back as a knock sounded on the door.

“Yes?”

“It’s Aoi.” A voice called from the other side.

(Y/n) quickly took the last few steps needed to reach the door and slid it open to greet Aoi but before she could, the stern girl stepped inside and pulled the door shut again.

“Were you and Shinobu-sama fighting last night?” She asked hurriedly.

“Where did you hear that?” (Y/n) answered the question with one of her own.

“The Kakushi are partial to gossip. Now what did you do!” Aoi huffed, jabbing (Y/n)’s shoulder.

“Why does it have to be me? Shinobu was the one who started it!” (Y/n) backed up, rubbing her shoulder.

“You two better make up soon. It will hurt Naho, Sumi and Kiyo if they find out you’re still mad at each other,” Aoi crossed her arms over her chest.

“It’s not that easy, Aoi. It’s been four years. It’s not all going to go away overnight.”

“Do I have to do everything around here?” Aoi grumbled to herself, passing a hand over her face. “I’ll help you, but you better try to be civil.”

“Aoi, I don’t need help. I’m sorry that fight got back to you. If Shinobu and I talk again, I promise I’ll try harder to keep my temper in check, okay?”

Aoi sighed and shook her head, “Fine. That wasn’t what I had come to talk to you about anyway.”

“Oh,” (Y/n) tilted her head, “then what is it?”

“Your friends,” Aoi pinched the bridge of her nose, “they’re driving me crazy. I need you to get the blonde and the boar to participate in recovery training.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” (Y/n) answered with slight reluctance. She knew just how difficult those two could be.

Aoi and (Y/n) arrived at the room that was being used for the boys’ recovery training. Tanjirou was already working hard, trying to catch Kanao in a game of tag, while Zenitsu and Inosuke watched from the corner with bitter disinterest.

“Hey,” (Y/n) addressed the younger teens, “what’s the problem? Don’t you guys want to get better? Stronger?”

“It’s pointless.” Inosuke weakly answered.

“(Y/n)-san, this training is too difficult!” Zenitsu cried.

(Y/n) dodged the weepy blonde’s attempts at hugging her and bonked him on the head with the side of her fist.

“I feel no sympathy for you. Aoi and the others are working really hard to get you back in fighting shape, the least you could do is put a little bit of effort in!” (Y/n) crossed her arms, “before you know it, Tanjirou will leave you both in the dust. Do you really want that?”

Zenitsu and Inosuke grunted, still refusing to budge. (Y/n) motioned for Naho to hand her a cup of medicated water and promptly splashed its contents all over the boys.

“What was that for?” Zenitsu screeched.

“Want revenge? Come take me on.” (Y/n) motioned to the table of cups.

Naho, Sumi and Kiyo made small sounds of excitement, trying to encourage the boys, but they just grumbled and walked back to the infirmary.

“You guys are going to regret walking away!” (Y/n) called after them. “Let me know when you are done moping and want to get back to work!”

“Oh my.” Shinobu giggled as she walked in, watching Zenitsu and Inosuke sulk past her.

Shinobu turned to observe the room, pausing at (Y/n). Her eyes flickered down at (Y/n)’s chest and stayed there long enough for the other slayer to notice.

“What?” (Y/n) had grumbled mostly to herself as she followed Shinobu’s gaze downward. Heat shot to her face immediately as she realized she had forgotten to finish buttoning her uniform after Aoi distracted her. It wasn’t showing a lot, just her collar bones and a bit of her chest, but it was still jarring. With a strangled chirp, she quickly buttoned her uniform the rest of the way.

“Oh please, no need to cover up on my account.” Shinobu easily teased, though she felt a bit embarrassed to have been caught staring. She wasn’t entirely sure why her vision gravitated there to begin with.

After a few false starts, (Y/n) finally choked out, “what do you want?”

“I need Kanao and Aoi to help me gather more herbs for spider demon antidotes, not that it’s any of your business.”

“Kochou-sama,” Aoi interjected before (Y/n) could retaliate, “Kanao and I are helping Tanjirou complete his recovery training for the day. I’ve asked (Y/n)-san to fill in for us and she has readily agreed to take our place.”

(Y/n) gave Aoi a look, prompting the younger girl to pinch at (Y/n)’s side discreetly. A message to keep her mouth shut. Kanao simply blinked, twisting on the ball of her foot to dodge another one of Tanjirou’s lunges.

“Very well then, keep up (Y/n). I hope you still remember a thing or two about plants in that thick skull of yours,” Shinobu glided past (Y/n) to step out onto the engawa, “though I wouldn’t be too surprised if all of that knowledge fell out of your head along with your common sense.”

(Y/n) opened her mouth before shutting it firmly closed. Remembering that the younger girls were there and what Aoi had asked of her, she pursed her lips and silently fell into step beside the Hashira, walking with her to the nearby forest where the herbs they needed flourished.

“You recall what Aralia Cordata looks like, correct?” Shinobu asked once they were well within the trees.

“Yeah, kind of hard to miss that shrub if you know what you’re looking for.” (Y/n) groused.

“Fine, fine. Don’t come crying to me if you touch something poisonous.”

“I won’t. Won’t touch anything poisonous I mean. Because I know what I’m doing.”

“Are you telling me that or are you just trying to reassure yourself?”

(Y/n) chose not to reply, instead she split off from Shinobu to one of the shrubs in question and began harvesting a few leafy tendrils from it. Before long, her basket was filled and she turned just in time to see Shinobu turn back to her own bush, pretending to examine one of the tendrils she had cut.

“You know,” (Y/n) sighed as she stood back to her full height, “Aoi only made me come here in her stead because that fight we had last night got back to her. She expects us to make up.”

“Mm, I figured it was something like that,” Shinobu hummed, “I do believe that for once, she is too optimistic in that regard.”

“Well, you never did like admitting when you were wrong,” (Y/n) shrugged, “or saying you’re sorry. It’s comforting to know you haven’t completely destroyed your old personality.”

“And what exactly have I been wrong about, (Y/n)?” Shinobu’s forehead pulsed, “what exactly have I done that requires an apology?”

“You lie to everyone Shinobu. You hide behind plastic smiles pretending to be someone you’re not to fill a void. Saying your fine and shrugging everyone off while holding them at arm's length. When I tried to talk to you, you pushed me away and told me to leave. You were dismissive, cold.”

(Y/n) wrapped her arms around herself as if a chilling wind overcame her. Continuing on, she spoke lowly before Shinobu could speak her denial.

“Not to say that I don’t have my own fault in all of this. Even if I thought you really wanted me gone that night, I should have fought harder for you. I knew you were hurting, but I gave up and left anyway. That is something I’ve thought about a lot in our time apart and I regret it every day because you were worth fighting for.”

(Y/n) blew out a harsh breath of air, running a hand over her scalp she made her closing statement.

“If there was one thing you were right about last night, it’s that I’m a coward and I’m sorry that I didn’t try harder.”

(Y/n) chanced a look at Shinobu’s face. The Hashira’s eyes rounded and her mouth was ever so slightly agape. The silence hung in the air until a sweet wisteria breeze swept through the trees and (Y/n) cleared her throat and looked away.

“So if we could at least pretend to get along for the sake of the girls, I think Aoi would appreciate it.” (Y/n) added before reaching down to collect her basket. A sudden noise, like air being rapidly released through one’s nose, came from behind (Y/n) and she paused in her movements to glance back at Shinobu who was looking down at the leaf she was worrying between her fingers.

“I... apologize, for pushing you away in such a way that made you think you had to exile yourself. It was also cruel of me to say you didn’t care about us when I knew that you thought of this place as your home. I was trying to hurt you back and that was wrong of me. I’m sorry.” Shinobu solemnly said.

Now it was (Y/n)’s turn to stare. Soon, Shinobu leveled a cocky smile and stood with her basket of leaves and a few other miscellaneous plants she gathered.

“Looks like you were wrong about my ability to apologize, hm?” She said.

“Shut up. Don’t ruin the moment.” (Y/n) smiled, reaching for her own basket.

The atmosphere surrounding the girls leaving the forest felt a lot more relaxed than it had upon entering.

***

Days turned into weeks and everything seemed so much better after. It was still awkward at times, but (Y/n) and Shinobu were finding their rhythm again. There was still a little hostility at times, but rather than avoid each other, they talked it out. It was almost frightening how in sync they were when they were working well together.

(Y/n) split her time between helping Shinobu with the slayers turned spiders and helping the younger girls train Tanjirou. She was elated by the boy’s progress as he finally managed to catch Kanao. She had noticed Zenitsu and Inosuke lurking nearby and gestured to the room. Now that they knew recovery training was possible and Tanjirou was leaving them in the dust, the rambunctious boys finally felt the need to catch up with their comrade’s progress.

Before long, the boys were well enough to continue the training on their own and (Y/n) found herself spending more and more time with Shinobu. They would spend hours talking or saying nothing at all, just enjoying each other’s company while they worked away on medicines and poisons.

It didn’t take long for (Y/n) to notice the difference. How Shinobu took up more than her fair share of space in (Y/n)’s thoughts. Even just catching sight of her across the garden was starting to make (Y/n)’s heart leap. On the occasion Shinobu would spot her she’d smile and wave, making (Y/n)’s heart stop all together before kicking into overdrive. The lingering touches and whispered words Shinobu would share with her as they worked in the lab certainly didn’t help either. Just when (Y/n) had thought they finally found their dynamic... Why was it changing again already?

(Y/n) was telling Naho, Sumi and Kiyo the story of how she met Tanjirou and Nezuko while she patted the demon’s head. Ever since Nezuko had woken up, the younger girls, though skittish at first, had grown to be fascinated and even enamored with her. As (Y/n) retold the tale, Nezuko humming happily at her side, Shinobu happened upon the group.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to cut this session short. Tanjirou and the others are ready to get back out on the road now. Something about joining Rengoku-san on his next mission.”

“How did I not here about this plan sooner?” (Y/n) frowned.

“That’s a question best suited for Tanjirou to answer I suppose.” Shinobu replied rather emotionlessly, concerning (Y/n).

So while everyone else was getting ready to leave, (Y/n) pulled Tanjirou aside and asked him what was going on.

“I didn’t tell you we were leaving because I hope you’ll stay and continue to rebuild the relationships you have here, (Y/n)-san. I appreciate everything you’ve done for Nezuko and I, and now I hope to return the favor.” Tanjirou smiled brightly.

“And how do you figure you’re doing that?” (Y/n) crossed her arms.

“Because the longer you get to stay here, the more time you get to spend with Shinobu-san! I can smell that you two want to be together more now than ever.”

“You and your nose I swear,” heat radiated off of (Y/n)’s cheeks, “I think you have intuition and that sense mixed up.”

Tanjirou merely laughed in response.

“So, you guys think you’ll really be okay without me? You’ll stay out of trouble?”

“Don’t worry, (Y/n)-san! We’ll see each other again soon!” Tanjirou beamed.

(Y/n) smiled in return and they rejoined the send off.

“Where did Shinobu-san go?” Tanjirou wondered.

(Y/n) looked around and sure enough, the Pillar was nowhere to be seen.

“She must have had something urgent to attend to,” she answered, making a note to search for her later.

(Y/n) stood out in the garden until the loud group disappeared into the trees and their shouts could no longer be heard over the rustling of the leaves. She took a moment to stare out into the clear blue sky before returning inside.

(Y/n) was going to go look for Shinobu, but she wanted to go to her room to change her uniform first since Zenitsu had snotted all over it in his tearful goodbye.

She opened the door and was surprised to find Shinobu already inside. Shinobu’s back was turned to her as she quickly ran a sleeve over her face. She cleared her throat before facing back with a weak smile.

“(Y/n), forget something?”

“Huh?” (Y/n) blinked, still trying to process why Shinobu might have just been tearing up in her room of all places.

“The others must be ready to leave now. You better pick up what you needed so they don't have to wait too long.”

“They already left, Shinobu.” (Y/n) explained. “I hadn’t planned on going with them.”

“Oh.” Shinobu turned to look outside the window of (Y/n)’s room, hoping the blood that buzzed in her cheeks hadn’t burned its way to her ears as well.

“Shinobu, is something wrong?” (Y/n) tested.

“I just feel a bit silly now I suppose.” Shinobu admitted, bringing a slight smile to (Y/n)’s face with her honesty. “I thought you were gone again.”

“Well, I wouldn’t leave without a proper goodbye, not again.” (Y/n) came up beside Shinobu, intending to give her hand a comforting squeeze when she felt something other than skin instead. Looking down she saw her old butterfly clip in Shinobu’s hand, a quick look at the empty spot at her desk confirmed it.

Shinobu noticed that (Y/n) had noticed and rose the hairclip up between them with a subdued exhale.

“You know, every morning I wonder if it will be the morning you feel comfortable enough to wear this again.” Shinobu said, twirling the insect in her fingers. “When I thought you were gone and I saw this still sitting on your desk, it brought me back to places I’d rather not think about.”

“I’m sorry,” (Y/n) rested her hand over the back of Shinobu’s haori, “I just haven’t felt... I don’t know, worthy of it? I didn’t intend to make you feel bad.”

A small puff of air left Shinobu’s nose at the words. “It isn’t a matter of worth, it’s about whether or not you feel like you belong here again. Whether or not you’re comfortable here.”

“Agree to disagree.” (Y/n) joked. “But if it makes you feel better, I’m glad I get to spend more time here. I’ve been happier in these last few weeks than in the last few years.”

“I’m glad.” Shinobu watched a couple of butterflies flutter against the window before turning back to the garden. “And if you insist on it being a matter of worth, you are more than worthy. It’s not even a question to me.”

“Thank you.” (Y/n) simpered. Her breathing hitched slightly when Shinobu reached up to run her fingers through a loose lock of (Y/n)’s hair.

“Would you let me do your hair?” Shinobu asked softly.

“I’d like that.” (Y/n) whispered.

Shinobu guided (Y/n) back to the desk and sat her down on the chair. She freed (Y/n)’s hair from its plain hair band and quietly ran a brush through her locks with such softness that (Y/n) felt like she might fall asleep. Shinobu gathered the hair in her hands and styled it as she wished, clipping it together with the butterfly hair clip. Shinobu checked over her work, her hands resting on (Y/n)’s shoulders.

“You look perfect.” (Y/n) shivered. She hadn’t expected Shinobu’s lips to be so close to her ear. Neither had she expected the lips to ghost over her cheek in a light kiss.

“I just remembered I have a meeting I need to attend. You’ll help the girls with the infirmary won’t you?”

(Y/n) had almost forgotten how to speak but managed to pull it together. “Of course! I’ll, um, see you when you get back?”

“Perhaps,” Shinobu removed her hands from (Y/n)’s shoulders, “I won’t be back until late though.”

“Okay.”

A shy hug (in slightly awkward positioning due to the gross state of the Kinoe’s uniform, courtesy of Zenitsu) and Shinobu parted ways with (Y/n). (Y/n) met up with the girls in the infirmary and was almost immediately met with a chorus of cheers from Naho, Kiyo and Sumi when they noticed her hair. Aoi and Kanao smiled at the sight as well. A full day of caring for the infirmary made (Y/n) excited to finally get into bed for the night.

She awoke with a scream caught in her throat. Old demons had visited her in her sleep. As she worked to calm her heart, she noticed the light of the full moon streaming through her window. With a few more deep breaths she sat up from her futon and wrapped her haori around her shoulders.

Quietly exiting her room, she padded through the halls until she found her way to the kitchen, a smile pulled at her lips when she found Shinobu already there boiling water.

“Rough night?” Shinobu asked. She was also in her bed wear, her hair hanging loose from its usual style.

“Yes,” (Y/n) moved to stand beside her, “it’s been awhile since the last one I had.”

“How did you deal with that when you were on the road?”

“I would buy little sacks of tea leaves as I went. On bad nights or whenever sleep eluded me I’d boil up some water and try a new blend. Yours was always the best though.”

“I was already going to make you a cup, no need for flattery.”

“No flattery here. Just the truth.” (Y/n) swore, making Shinobu’s smile just a tad fuller.

Shinobu finished preparing the cups and as (Y/n) took hers about ready to leave, the Hashira asked her to wait.

“It’s a full moon tonight. Want to watch the stars for a moment?” Shinobu asked.

“I’d love to.” (Y/n) nodded.

The pair walked outside along the engawa until they had a pleasant view of the full brightness of the moon. They sat along the engawa’s edge, letting their legs dangle as they sipped their tea in the drowning noise of cicada and cricket songs.

(Y/n) chanced a glance at Shinobu in her periphery and marveled at how the moonlight highlighted her skin to the point where she almost appeared to be glowing. The way it reflected off of her eyes was absolutely enchanting. (Y/n) forced her attention back on the sky. Though beautiful it seemed to pale in comparison to the girl next to her.

As her eyes traced over the larger craters of the moon, she thought back on an old saying she had read at one of the inns she had frequented. An old, battered collection of pages that she read through when sleep didn’t come. She had read that particular work quite a few times.

She wondered if perhaps Shinobu had read it too. Though more likely the girl had her face buried in medical texts than anything else. (Y/n) then wondered, if perhaps she could get away with saying it. A confession without consequence, but on the off change that Shinobu was knowledgeable on the old text it could damage the progress they had made in healing their relationship. Perhaps it would be better to just enjoy the moment. (Y/n) took another sip of tea.

“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”

(Y/n) nearly choked on her tea, spluttering and coughing as she tried in vein to stop herself. Finally she managed to calm down only to notice how intently Shinobu was staring at her.

Had she meant that literally? Shinobu was looking at (Y/n) so expectantly, but it could easily just be because she had nearly blacked out from inhaling her tea!

“...It is.” (Y/n) finally answered hiding her face in her cup, looking at neither Shinobu nor the moon.

Another long silence filled by the chirps of insects enjoying the humid night air. (Y/n) had finished her tea and set her cup to her right, her free hand that had been resting between Shinobu and herself was soon covered by a cool and calloused touch.

(Y/n) shyly turned her head to meet the Pillar’s gaze and jumped a bit when her nose unexpectedly brushed against Shinobu’s.

“The moon is beautiful tonight, isn’t it?” Shinobu repeated barely above a whisper. She was not pulling away.

(Y/n) felt her throat dry and she wished she had just one more swallow of tea left. With a slight quiver in her lips, she responded. Doing her best to stay focused on the purple irises before her.

“Yes,” she answered with a slight nod, careful not to bump head with Shinobu, “it is.”

“(Y/n)?” Shinobu called to her, cupping her face gently with the hand that wasn’t already resting on top of (Y/n)’s.

“Y.. yes?”

“Would you kiss me if I asked?” Shinobu murmured, filling (Y/n)’s senses with a dizzying wisteria scent. The slayer didn’t even try to talk herself out of answering such a query as the thumb of Shinobu’s hand swiped the corner of her lips.

“Yes.” She replied, nearly breathless already and her pupils blown wide.

“(Y/n), please kiss me.”

It was all too easy to lean in when they were already sitting so closely. The hand Shinobu had been using to cup her cheek weaved through the hair at the back of (Y/n)’s head, pulling her closer yet as their lips met a bit clumsily in buzzing, mind numbing bliss. (Y/n)’s free hand, the one not currently being clutched in a near death grip over the wooden floor, found home at the back of Shinobu’s neck, lightly massaging the skin there.

They broke apart a few times but the breaths they took were quick and few. Eventually they rested against each other while their abused lungs burned with a hunger for oxygen.

“I have wanted to do that for longer than I’d like to admit.” Shinobu quietly confessed, twisting a lock of (Y/n)’s hair though her fingers.

“Even when we were fighting?” (Y/n) joked, rubbing the back of Shinobu’s neck with her thumb.

“Strangely enough, yes. There were times when I thought about doing it just to shut you up. Though I didn’t dare allow myself to entertain the thought for long.”

(Y/n) chuckled and leaned in to steal another kiss, much less heated then the last few and much quicker as a chorus of surprised gasps made them pull apart and turn around.

“They kissed! They’re kissing!” Sumi cheered while Aoi tried to quiet her and push her back into the mansion.

Sumi and Kiyo emerged from the doorway that Shinobu had left open when she and (Y/n) first came out into the moonlight and were immediately hounding them for confirmation.

“We missed it! Do it again!” Kiyo pleaded.

“It’s like a fairy tale!” Naho cheered.

“You three!” Aoi grumbled with embarrassment. “Kanao, help me out here!”

Kanao looked between Aoi, the rowdy girls, then her sister and senpai, before settling on a nice golf clap of congratulations. This made Aoi lightly smack herself in the face and completely give up on trying to rein in the younger children.

“My, what are you all doing up I wonder?” Shinobu smiled.

“We wanted to watch the moon too Shinobu-sama! Aoi-san even made tea!” Naho clapped.

“But it’s clear you’re, busy, with something and we should go back inside.” Aoi rushed.

“Nonsense, it’s a lovely night. These things are best experienced with those you care about, don’t you all agree?”

“Yes!” Three excited voices readily agreed before wiggling in between the older girls with light blankets and their tea.

Aoi grumbled a half hearted reminder to be careful with the tea before sitting down beside (Y/n) with her own cup. Kanao took a seat beside Shinobu, lightly kicking her feet over the engawa as she started up silently at the moon.

They stayed up for hours, naming constellations, spotting shooting stars, and listening for the occasional loud croak of a far off frog in the thick of the cicadas and crickets.

Dawn wasn’t too far off when Naho, Sumi and Kiyo fell asleep. (Y/n), Shinobu and Kanao each picked one up and returned them to their rooms. Aoi gathered the discarded cups and helped with the doors before bidding the older girls goodnight, Kanao trailing behind her.

“What a lively night. I’m afraid chores will suffer tomorrow.” Shinobu mused as she walked (Y/n) back to her room.

“We’ll figure it out.” (Y/n) said, shyly brushing her hand against Shinobu’s and smiling when Shinobu laced their fingers together.

Once at (Y/n)’s room Shinobu raised (Y/n)’s hand to her lips with a smirk, planting a kiss on battle worn knuckles.

“This is where I leave you. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

“Why does that feel too long?” (Y/n) laughed quietly.

“I’m not sure, you’d think after four years of bitter silence a couple of hours would be a walk in the park.” Shinobu chuckled in return.

“I guess we just have a lot of time to make up for, huh?”

“Mm, that is a plausible line of reasoning,” Shinobu hummed, a spark growing in her eyes, “might I trouble you for one more kiss before I retire to my room?”

“I was hoping you’d ask.”

(Y/n) hardly got the words out before Shinobu was on her. Four kisses later and they pulled away with matching grins.

“I’ll see you in my dreams.” Shinobu added one last peck before pulling away.

“As will I.”

***

Well into the next morning (Y/n) awoke energized and ready to fight the world. She changed into a fresh uniform and pinned her hair with care, straightening the butterfly pin before rushing out of her room to begin her day with the young woman who had gifted it to her.

[lorata]

Do Claudius and Alec still become close without Selene as a link in the injured-Creed AU? And would Petra be jealous that Alec "only" lost an arm and not his mobility?

the short answer to question 2 is no! they are kin in that regard. as for question 1 -- HERE HAVE FIC (under the readmore)

District 2 gets its first back-to-back Victors in 30 years, and that’s … fine.

Claudius is twenty-five years old, he’s not a baby or a jealous teenager who needs to sabotage what other people have just because it isn’t his. Petra and Alec won hard Games and came out scarred, he’s not going to deny they deserve to have someone their age who understands them. Be nice to know what that felt like, but whatever, the deaths didn’t fall in his favour, it’s fine. Petra hates him, but now she’s got a buddy, and he’s even missing a limb so she doesn’t even have to resent his privileged existence. Now they can go have tea parties and bitch about all the privileged able-bodied assholes who just don’t get what it’s like.

Lyme asks if Claudius wants to meet Alec, once he’s cleared for visitors, but Claudius begs off. He sends cookies along with everyone else, but he’s not going to put the poor kid in an awkward position of sitting through an afternoon playing nice with the weird dude from that year nobody talks about, and the thought of Alec going over to Petra’s and laughing about it afterward is excruciating. That really is the hallmark of getting old, caring what the kids think of him, but you know what, he’s allowed to have his feelings.

Sometimes Claudius wonders if this is how Enobaria felt when he won, but then he remembers bleeding out onto her hardwood while she stepped over him and went to bed and he thinks, ah, actually, probably not.

So the kids have a friend for life and Claudius is a loner and it’s fine. It’s fine. He’s got his mentor, and he has Misha, who must have some kind of weird emotional radar because she ramps up the harassment and stealth gifts of profane embroidery until Claudius snaps at her to fuck off and leave him alone. Except that later that night she climbs in his window with a loaf of soft, pull-apart bread and containers of Snow only knows to dip it in and turns on a terrible spy movie and paints his nails glittery black while they eat like he didn’t just bite her head off that afternoon, and okay, maybe he doesn’t need to be quite so tragic about it.

Around October, he runs into Alec in the apple orchard. Or rather, Alec runs into him.

There’s no way around it; Claudius is coming back from the mountain and there’s Alec on the path, feet planted, one arm wrapped around his chest. He’s got his head tilted, chin raised, and a stubborn look on his face.

Oh, Claudius thinks in a crackle of clarity. Thisis how Enobaria felt when he showed up at her house at three in the morning spoiling for a fight.

“Hi,” he says, because he’s the elder now and that means he has to be mature, but at the same time he probably should have checked with Callista about whether she’s okay with her twitchy baby Victor getting in knife-fights with the Village recluse.

Alec studies him for a long moment, eyes narrowed. “You’re avoiding me.”

He says it calm and matter of fact, and Claudius’ first impulse is to sputter out a denial. Instead he bites his tongue and rolls back on his heels. “Oh?”

“Everybody else has come by to say hi.”

“Bullshit.” By the Victory Tour, sure, but mid-fall is still way too early for the whole Village to make a personal appearance. At that point Claudius was still looking for knives when he rounded a corner. “What is this about?”

For the first time a bit of the challenge slips, revealing the tired kid around the mouth and the circles below the eyes. But it’s not just the long exhaustion of recovery, there’s something else in the curve of his eyebrows, the play of fingertips along his hem. “It’s not like I don’t know. I’m the same age. As — those kids. In your Arena.”

He — what?

Time for math. Claudius always sucked at reading but he can do Games calculations just fine, thanks, and yeah, Alec winning the 73rd would put him at twelve the same year as all the outlier tributes Claudius’ year. Suddenly Claudius feels very old and very tired and very much like he has not had enough therapy to identify what the fuck is wrong with this picture. “Uh,” Claudius says, intelligently. “Okay, I don’t know what you think is happening here, but — that is not it. You think I’m avoiding you because you remind me of the kids I killed?”

Alec flushes dark, but to his credit, he doesn’t back down. And yeah, okay, Claudius has his own issues, but the last thing a new Victor needs in his recovery is thinking his very existence is someone else’s trauma-bomb. This seems like the kind of thing Callista should have brought to his attention, but maybe Alec never mentioned it. Keeping it a secret from his mentor and confronting the possibly volatile, hostile, triggered Victor in the apple orchard seems like exactly the kind of dumbass strategy a young Victor would come up with, so … yeah, why not.

He also can’t leave it like that, and not only because Callista will gut him and feet him to her cats for breakfast. Claudius sighs and heroically resists the urge to pinch his nose. “We’re not going to solve this on the path. Come back with me and we’ll — something.”

Alec gives him the side-eye as Claudius brushes past him, but even Claudius can’t ignore the way he’s no longer holding himself like there’s a sword jammed up his spine.

‘Something’ turns out to be cookies, because Alec isn’t cleared for fighting and Claudius can’t stand the thought of sitting on the couch and staring at each other while the awkwardness fills the room like poison gas. Baking is … good, right, who doesn’t love baking, except he didn’t think about how many simple tasks use both hands and has to keep switching out what he’s about to ask Alec to do. Normally he’d give him stirring, that’s the baby task, but it’s a bitch and a half when you can’t hold the bowl still, and Alec can sit and trap the bowl between his thighs — or Claudius can trust him to measure ingredients without fucking up.

They’re Careers. Careers are good at following instructions with precision. Not everyone has a pathological need to reinvent the wheel like Misha. It’ll be fine.

“For what it’s worth, I never thought about you being twelve,” Claudius says over the bowl of butter and sugar. “It’s not even about the math, it’s — all of that is before. We are who we are when we walk through those gates, nothing else matters. Talking about a Victor’s life before Residential is super weird. It feels … not illegal, that’s a big dramatic, but … I don’t know the word for it. What’s the opposite of classy?”

“Gauche?” Alec suggests, and huh, okay, Claudius has heard Brutus use five-dollar words with military precision and ridiculous satisfaction precisely because he knows no one expects him to, but it didn’t sound like that. He’ll blame Alec for this given their conversation, but Claudius can’t help the tiny checkbox that appears in his head saying educated.

“I was gonna say rude as shit, but sure, let’s go with that. It’s gauche.” He doesn’t say it with a Capitol accent, which should earn him a reward, but instead he reaches out for the bowl of eggs. Alec had cracked them both one-handed with the kind of satisfaction that spoke to a hell of a lot of practice. Claudius imagines Callista rolling up with a bucketload of eggs — oddly charming. “Your life is your business, you know? I never even did the math before.”

“Okay.” Alec says it slowly, but he doesn’t argue. Which is good, because honestly, the thought of anyone imagining Claudius as a twelve-year-old is absolutely mortifying. “So then … why?”

Oh, boy. Here’s where Claudius will give it up for the new kid, he’s way braver than Claudius ever was. He might have knocked on Enobaria’s door in the middle of the night and demanded she fight him, but he never would have had the guts to ask her why she didn’t want to be his friend. In training they used to bark at candidates for leaving openings in their guard; Claudius has no words for whatever this is.

“I guess I just thought it would be weird.” The sun’s at the right angle to shine through the kitchen window, catching the light of the little prism hung from the frame and scattering rainbows across the ceiling. “I’ve been out a while, you and Petra are back to back. You didn’t need any third-wheeling.”

Alec wrinkles his nose. “We’re not dating. That wouldn’t even work.”

Claudius does not mention that only one generation is Misha, a woman who likes women, and Devon, a man who’s into men, who are in fact dating. He didn’t learn that little fact until at least a year in, and Alec isn’t anywhere near either Brutus or Lyme’s mentoring lines, so he won’t likely hear of that for a while unless Petra’s into gossip. He nearly hands Alec a knife, pauses, weighs asking a fresh Victor if he’s cleared for knives versus the likelihood that they’ll lie to get their hands on one, then passes over the chocolate block and snags a paper bag from the cupboard instead. “Here,” he says. “Smash this.”

“Smash —“ Alec blinks.

“Buying broken chocolate is stupid,” Claudius says, and Alec lets out a startled snort. “Hit it with a hammer, or throw it on the ground and stomp on it. It’s cathartic.” See, he knows some educated words, when it counts.

They get the dough in the fridge to chill and retire to the couch. Alec doesn’t react with surprise or disbelief like Claudius did the first time he learned that step, which puts him in a rare fucking box indeed, the ‘we made cookies when I was small’ box, where Claudius normally puts abnormally wholesome people like Emory or Devon. Even Petra, for all her issues, has the requisite fucked-up childhood. Alec tucks his feet under him and massages his shoulder absently; for his part Claudius isn’t sure what he’s supposed to do now. Misha needs constant entertainment, like a bored puppy, or she’ll decide to rearrange his furniture or plait his hair into dozens of tiny braids with ribbons on the ends, but Alec seems content to sit.

“Okay, so.” Alec stares intently at his feet. His socks have cats on them, holding hands in a circle around his ankle and singing at the moon, which Claudius didn’t notice before and now cannot stop looking at. “I don’t want to be rude or whatever, but you know you can have more than one friend? This isn’t the Arena, we’re not claiming Allies.”

“Have you told Petra that?” Claudius shoots back, because it’s better than pointing out that actually, in the Village, it has historically been exactly like that. Friendships are made or broken along hierarchy lines, he and Petra never gelled and now that she has Alec that should be it. He’d be an asshole to poach her new best friend. He’d even call precedent to defend his concerns, except that the decade above them has Emory, Misha and Devon defying expectations, and, shit.

Alec shoots him a look so dry and exasperated he may as well have peeled it right out of the Brutus photo album. Claudius is impressed. “See, this is starting to sound like a you problem.”

Claudius stares at him for a second, then can’t help a short laugh. “Did anyone tell you you’re a little bitchy?”

“Long history of swallowing bullshit, I don’t have to do it anymore.” Alec grins at him, sharp with an undercurrent of — something he’s not saying. Interesting. Maybe it wasn’t all cookies and five-dollar words after all. “Seriously though. I won the Games, I get to ask for what I want now. Callista says so.”

Okay, see, now, that sounds — Claudius slants a sharp look at him, but Alec seems happy enough to examine the fireplace, chin resting on his knee. He probably imagined it. “Okay, well.” He runs a hand through his hair. “We can bring the cookies over and see if she throws them in my face, how’s that.”

“She won’t,” Alec says, brightening, and yeah all right, fine, it’s not the worst to find that gnarled knot of resentment in his chest and let it go. “Not if you have nutmeg.”

“Oh, you’re one of those, I see.” Claudius nudges him with his foot. “Secret Emory under all that sass, I see you. Come on, let’s check the dough.”

[iamwhoami]

Don’t Give Up On Me (Grey’s Anatomy)

Grey’s Anatomy

   Y/N is dating the one and only Tom Koracick and though they both work at Grey Sloan, they’ve somehow managed to keep it a secret from their co-workers. Is that secret going to stay a secret though when Y/N gets injured?

Warnings: Car accident...uh, it turned out pretty rough so...

Requested = Yes

Y/L/N = Your Last Name

I am so sorry that it is taking me so long to get through these requests. Life has been kicking my ass lately. 

   You weren’t sure how you two had managed to date for so long without anybody in the hospital knowing. 

It was a miracle. 

   You hadn’t kept it a secret that you were dating someone though...just who you were dating.

“Let’s get Mrs. Mason up to CT,” You looked down at the patient’s chart, “And then page neuro for a consult.”

   With the onset of colder weather and icier conditions, there has been an influx of patients from car accidents. You were always busy whenever on shift, everyone was really, and you partially credited that for being the reason you and Tom were still a secret. 

   You managed to stay busy and away from Tom the rest of your shift. It wasn’t that you were purposely avoiding him, it just happened that your paths didn’t cross. 

   Once you packed up your belongings and bundled up for the walk from the hospital to your car, you wished everybody a good night and headed out. 

“Are you seeing your date tonight?” Meredith teased as you passed her on your way out.

   You laughed, “We’ll see.”

   You walked through the parking lot and got into your car, rubbing your hands once you turned the car on. You saw that Tom had texted you and smiled when you saw that he was just telling you that he would see you soon. 

   Starting to warm up a little, you pulled out of the hospital parking lot and started to head home.

   You weren’t sure how it happened or what even really happened but the last thing you remembered was feeling as if someone had hit your car.

Which was true. 

   It was a tad more severe though. What happened was that someone had lost control of their car due to the ice and crashed into yours, knocking you into the ditch at the side of the road. 

   They were okay, and called 911. Since there was so much ice and you were currently knocked out in your car that had rolled into the ditch, it took rescue services to get you out and into the ambulance. 

   Back at the hospital, Tom was preparing to call it a night when he was called down to the pit for a consult. 

   Just as he walked in, he was nearly run over by paramedics wheeling in an injured person.

   At first, Tom paid no attention, his presence needed somewhere else, but he did a double take when he recognized the face of the injured person.

You.

“What happened?” He asked, rushing over to your side, “Y/N...oh my god...”

“She was in a car accident,” The paramedic informed Tom, “GCS 6. Intubated on the field. Do you know her?”

“She��s a doctor here,” April Kepner jumped in before Tom could say anything. She immediately started calling out orders as the paramedics rolled you into a room and helped move you off the gurney. 

“She’s my girlfriend...” Tom stood there in shock, “Y/N...Y/N is my girlfriend.”

   There was a pause as everyone processed what Tom had just said. It didn’t even last a second though, as April quickly snapped back into action.

“Someone get him out of here,” She ordered, shooting Tom a fast glance before turning her attention back to you.

   Tom was escorted by a nurse to the waiting area. News traveled around fast at Grey Sloan and soon, every person who walked passed him was giving him the sympathetic look. Some people who knew you or Tom better would sit down at tell him that you were strong but he already knew that. 

You had to be okay.

   He wasn’t sure how long he sat in that plastic chair before April came out, an unreadable expression on her face.

“Is she okay?” Tom quickly stood up.

   When April nodded, Tom let out a breath that he didn’t even realize had been held. 

“She’s in the ICU right now...” April said quietly, “She needs lots of rest but I see a full recovery ahead.”

“Oh thank god,” Tom put his hands on his head and April offered to take him up to your hospital room. 

   Tom knew that you were in rough shape but nothing could have prepared him for the pain that he felt when he saw you still unconscious on the hospital bed. 

   You looked so fragile in your current state, a complete opposite to how you usually were.

   Tom walked over to the side of your hospital bed and slowly eased into the chair. He reached out and took your hand into his, gently stroking it.

“Just always have to go and prove that you can bounce back from anything huh...” Tom shook his head, trying to keep the tears in.

   Tom watched as your chest rose and fell, the sight bringing him an immense amount of comfort along with the steady beeping from the heart monitor. 

“I’ll admit,” Tom chuckled, “You scared me Y/L/N...pretty bad too.”

   He watched as you turned your head a little but sighed when you didn’t open your eyes. 

“It doesn’t matter though,” Tom looked down at your hand, “You’re okay...Kepner agrees.”

   Tom went back to looking at your face before gently reaching and touching your cheek with his fingers, almost as if to make sure that you were really here. 

“God...I love you so much.”

[corvus--rex]

The last one was the prequel to this one, which I actually wrote first. It's not even the beginning of the main story, but it was what I came up with first. Oh well. I wanted to do cyberpunk without it being Leakira (which I do love, I just wanted to do something different), and came up with this. I have played the shit out of Shadowrun tabletop, so a lot of it comes from that. And since it's part of the last post, it's still an Omegaverse :)

~*~*~*~

Lance backed away, raising his hands. “Hey, no need for that. I’m not even armed.”

The mercenary pointed with his weapon.

“Over here?” Lance asked, still playing the game. “Ok.” He walked over to the window of the high-rise. “Might want to watch that draft. Wouldn’t want to come down with something.”

His hard-wired comm picked up everything, making the assassin on the ledge outside chuckle. But he knew that it was his cue, and punched through the window feet first, his tech-enhanced boots forcing through the thick glass easily. The black monofilament blade glowed red with heat, cauterizing the sliced wound to the mercenary’s throat and killing him instantly. Lance pulled out a modified holdout pistol, taking out the overpaid mercenary that followed with perfect aim.

“Red! On your nine!” Lance yelled above incoming fire.

A small knife flew, catching the mercenary in the throat. Keith used his falling body as a springboard, launching himself at the next target. Both he and Lance heard the same thing over their comms.

“Comin’ in hot!” Shiro yelled.

Lance and Keith both knew what that meant. That meant that this semi-stealth mission was turning into a Russian stealth mission, and that it was coming in the form of Hunk’s gatling gun. Soon enough, they both heard the whine of a spinning barrel and the screaming of rapid laser fire. Mercenaries were still pouring in and the teammates knew that they would still have to fight their way out. Lance had already retrieved the files and uploaded Pidge’s traceless virus. All they needed to do was get out.

Keith spun in the air, knives flying, carving a path to the exit. As he turned, he caught sight of a mercenary coming up a little too quickly behind Lance. His violet eyes went wide, launching himself off walls, furniture, and bodies.

“BLUE!” he screamed as the mercenary drew a small pistol and fired.

Lance’s gasp caught in his throat, his free hand going to the exit wound in his chest and dropping to the floor. This was wrong. These were just mercenaries. And the Voltron Pack always wore heavily modified body armor. There was no way something so small should have been able to punch through that. In a blind rage, Keith hit the mercenary hard enough to pin him to the floor, drawing the ultraviolet hard-light blade he kept on his back. Pressing his thumb to a bioscanner on the hilt, the small knife expanded in an instant to the straight-edged ninjato, which he plunged through the mercenary’s chest plate. He turned the blade back, jamming it into its sheath.

“Blue’s down! We need evac! NOW!”

The laser bolt from the pistol meant that Lance’s wound was cauterized and he wouldn’t bleed out, but it didn’t keep him from going into shock. Keith barely had the presence of mind to retrieve both Lance’s and the mercenary’s weapons before returning to the marksman.

“Stay with me. Come on, Blue. Team’s coming. I need you to hold on. You’ll make it.” Keith was rambling, and he knew it. But he couldn’t help himself as he watched the light in his Alpha’s blue eyes dim.

The sound of electricity and the smell of ozone whipped past Keith’s senses, a small blur following. Several mercenaries dropped, the blur that was Pidge spinning, her electrified katar flying through the next throng. A powered whine and sharp crack felled a line of mercenaries, Allura quickly moving on to the next group with her whip. Knowing that backup had arrived, Keith focused on keeping Lance awake. The Alpha was only barely conscious, the bolt having blown straight through his lung.

“Come on, baby. Stay with me. Team’s here. We’re getting you out.”

Keith was desperately trying to keep his scent hopeful, but the fear and panic saturating his mate’s was overwhelming. Lance was afraid of dying, and it was looking like a very real possibility. The Alpha’s hand moved, a brief jerking spasm. Keith took it, pulling the tactical glove off and holding it to his face, softly kissing his mate’s palm.

“You’ll be ok. We’re getting out.”

Pidge came up, putting a gentle hand on the Omega assassin. “All clear. We need you to get him to the extraction point. Allura’s got the body of the one that got him.”

Keith hadn’t even noticed it was gone. But he had a new mission objective. Get his mate to safety. He shoved both weapons – Lance’s and the mercenary’s – into Pidge’s hands, and picked his mate up in a bridal carry, racing to the extraction point. Shiro was in the pilot’s seat of their VTOL, a specially built, modular one the Coalition named Atlas. Hunk and Allura were already onboard, Pidge bringing up the rear behind Keith. Allura rushed to help the Omega assassin. The limited medical supplies on the Atlas wouldn’t save Lance in the long run, but it was enough to get him back to base.

The Coalition Rebellion’s base was hidden within a high-rise owned by shell companies belonging to the financial backers of the rebellion. The three biggest supporters were Olkarion BioTech, owned and run by Claudia Ryner, a thin middle-aged woman who could flip between hard-ass CEO and a gentle maternal figure in a split second, Taujeer Chemicals, owned and run by a man only known as Baujal who never showed his face and always used a voice modulator, and The Garrison, manufacturers of weapons, armor, and vehicles, owned and nominally run by Ellen Sanda and more practically run by Cmdr. Iverson. They all wanted the megacorporation that ran the world, Daibazaal Industries, gone as much as everyone else.

The Atlas landed on the grounds of the Rebellion base, known only to the Coalition as the Castle of Lions. Medics were waiting to rush Lance to the medical floors, leaving Keith on the landing pad feeling like his soul had been ripped from his body. The rest of the Voltron Pack surrounded him protectively, and the worry, panic, and fear he’d kept carefully bottled up overwhelmed him and he dropped to the asphalt.

When the assassin woke, he was in a med floor bed. Pidge had set up a work station in the room, the weapon and punctured armor of the mercenary being run through her meticulous scanners. Hunk tinkered with Shiro’s cybernetic arm while Allura paced like a caged tiger. Keith sat up, a wave of dizziness making him lay down again. It got the attention of everyone in the room. Pidge adjusted the bed’s position remotely, allowing Keith to sit up without falling over. They were all at his side immediately.

“Surgery was successful,” Allura told him, “Lance will make a full recovery. He’s still out, and they want him in a completely neutral environment. The only medics allowed in are Betas.”

“I can’t see him?” Keith asked, worry and panic clouding his scent again.

“Not yet,” Shiro said, “He still needs to heal, and you know that pheromones can interrupt that process. Even a bonded mate’s.”

“I could probably get in, check up on him for you,” Pidge offered. There were few cases like Pidge where, even if the corporate-run nanny state hadn’t mandated sterilization for all Betas, she would most likely have done it anyway. The benefit in this case was that she was less likely to upset Lance’s healing.

“Please?” The Omega couldn’t keep the whining cry for his mate out of his voice.

Pidge nodded, placing a small hand on his arm.

“Oh!” Hunk said, darting over to the other side of the room. He came back with a high stack of blankets and pillows. “The medics don’t want you moving around much yet, but we figured you’d feel better with at least a small nest.” He went back, returning with another blanket in a sealed bag. “I went and got this one from your room.”

Keith didn’t need elaboration. He instinctively snatched the bag from Hunk’s hands, holding it close. They were his pack, and fully understood the state he was in. Pidge queued further processes for her scanners and left to check on Lance. Hunk went with her, as he was the only other Beta in the pack and could back her up when they got there. Shiro and Allura were the pack’s other Alphas, and while they wanted to see their packmate safe, they knew they couldn’t be near Lance. They could, however, ensure the safety of their pack’s Omega, and so stayed with him, only assisting with the nest when it was asked for.

Even with limited nesting materials, Keith still was able to build one that made him feel more secure, the soft fluffy blanket from the nest he shared only with his mate adding to the security. The shrill, distressed trill coming from him died down only when he fell asleep, wrapped in his mate’s scent and knowing that his pack’s two other Alphas were nearby.

When Keith woke next, Hunk and Pidge were back. He shot up in his nest, a soft questioning noise rolling up his throat.

“He’s doing better,” Pidge answered. She turned around. “It’s been about six hours since we left to check on him. They said that you can probably see him tomorrow morning, which is in,” she checked the time, “About four hours.”

“You should eat and rest,” Allura suggested softly. “If you’re exhausted and upset when you see him, it could make things worse.”

Keith knew she was right, but it didn’t make it better. He wanted his mate, his Alpha. He’d had to watch when he was shot, when he fell to the floor, had to watch as his beloved Alpha desperately clung to life. He wanted them to curl up in their nest together, safe in each other’s arms. The memories caused another distressed sound, this one harsher, even more shrill than before. The pack snapped to look at him, knowing that if Keith got any more worked up, he could go feral. It was a state more closely associated with Alphas, but it was certainly possible for Omegas. The kind of trauma he’d experienced that day combined with being separated from his mate was making things dangerous for him. Pidge dropped what she was doing, climbing into the nest. She was a packmate and therefore safe, but she was about as far removed from anything like Lance as possible and, therefore, was the safest person to be close to Keith. He curled up, still upset, but allowed her to hold him, reinforcing that he was safe.

It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep again.

He was woken next by Pidge gently shaking him, breakfast in hand. He accepted it, a soft sound escaping, his Omega brain still in control. After breakfast, that Pidge actually joined him in his nest for, she called for a medic, who came in and checked Keith over, clearing him for release. Pidge stuck close to him, going along to the next floor where Lance was still under medics’ care. But he was awake, and Keith darted inside, Pidge staying by the door.

The Omega curled up on his mate’s bed, softly nuzzling him. Lance ran his fingers through his mate’s hair, a large medical patch monitoring his biorhythms across the back of his hand. After a few minutes when Keith still hadn’t said anything he looked to Pidge, concern and confusion written across his face.

“He nearly went feral last night. Hasn’t spoken a word since then,” she explained.

The medics tried to make Keith leave when they were alerted to Lance’s shifts in his system caused by the sudden fear for his mate, but the Alpha insisted on his Omega staying. Pidge left, knowing Alpha-Omega mate-pairs in general and her packmates in particular. She knew how important their connection was and that if they were separated both would most likely turn feral, attacking anyone who got too close that wasn’t their mate. Shiro and Allura stood guard over the room from the outside, preventing anyone from entering they didn’t approve. One nurse claimed that she was just there to check up on Lance, but her scent told them she was lying and that she was most likely there to try and separate the pair again. Shiro’s tall, broad frame firmly kept her out. Pidge and Hunk had brought the nesting materials from both Keith’s hospital room and their own apartment in the Castle. Lance’s biorhythm readings were calmer than the medics had seen, and they stopped bothering him and his mate.

It wasn’t until the end of the day when Keith finally spoke for the first time. “I thought I’d lost you.”

“For a while, so did I,” Lance admitted, “But you got me out in time. You saved me, mi amor. We’re ok.”

Curled up in their temporary nest, wrapped in his Alpha’s arms, long, elegant fingers carding through his hair, Keith was able to sleep peacefully for the first time since the start of the mission.

~*~*~*~

Links to the rest of the series:

1 | 2 | 3* | 4 | 5* | 6* | 7 | 8 | 9* | 10 | 11 | 12* | 13 | 14 | 15* | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19* | 20* | 21* | 22*

[loquaciousquark]

Talks Machina Highlights - Critical Role C2E111 (Redux! Oct. 13, 2020)

Gooooood evening good evening good evening, all! I started the VOD late for this recap and somehow the first four or so minutes of the show have a Twitch audio copyright claim, so I am reduced to only reading Brian's lips when he asks if we're on the internet. Hilariously, Marisha's background room is a comfy-looking blue/gold fabric wall with a ceramic colorful abstract lamp and a yellow silk scarf over the lampshade, and Taliesin's is an industrial looking games room in grey and black with multiple monitors, overhead speakers, and mysterious metal fixtures behind him. What a treasure this group is, honestly.

Tonight's guests: Marisha Ray & Taliesin Jaffe, discussing episodes 110 and 111 again. I wildly speculate once more about what might have caused their absence: jury duty? Sam appearing on The Masked Singer? Something to do with the animated show? One day, we’ll know, one day... (One day this “copyrighted audio” section will come back from the wars, too. Ugh!) Finally! The audio comes back to reveal Brian discussing the endless reality of digital meetings and Marisha talking about (I think) her glare-reducing glasses she’s wearing. Welcome to the New Age (welcome to the New Age, to the New Age).

Announcements: Marisha suggests checking out Dimension20, another live tabletop gaming group, which premieres live on Wednesdays at 4pm (CollegeHumor). 

Brian immediately wants to know how they feel about the revelation that Molly is alive. Taliesin’s personal reaction: he “knows some things” he can’t talk about and is aware of several possibilities that might be going on, but had a sneaking suspicion that there would not be a body for them to find. He says it’s almost all there for anyone to see in past material. Marisha’s personal reaction: she just wants to know how she’s doing with her theories, & was trying to block Tal’s face out deliberately as she was going off on her theories in the last episode. Taliesin says he thought her ideas were pretty good!

Cad has no clue what to think - it’s like listening to your friends talk about Buffy. Marisha thought it was a 50/50 Molly would still be there, but Beau had no idea. Not that it mattered, because as soon as Matt went through with it the reveal still blew their minds. Tal laid out his plans for the character with Matt during Campaign One (towards the end) after they all got their VM tattoos.

It is a “horrifying and gross” thing to dig up a body, and Beau was pretty reluctant to do it. Tal, as Cad: “Sometimes dead’s better.” The moral quandary of trying to speak with a dead friend was very different here than the frequent occasions they used the spell in C1.

Taliesin says his poker face is very bad, so it’s easier for him to over-react and let it all play out. The only other player he can see very easily from his place in their current setup is Travis, and because he knows Travis doesn’t watch TM, tweet, or participate in social media, he admits he thoroughly enjoyed watching Travis freak out at his freaking out. He says he only knew about 20% of what Matt described at the end of that episode. He was picking things to mug to increase Travis’s surprise. I love this so much.

Taliesin provided the table left leg shake; Travis provided table right. Ha!

Beau is really accepting her role in the Cobalt Soul. It’s good when “as a person, you feel like you can settle into your calling. Sometimes you can do more from the inside than fighting from the outside.” It’s a mirrored but opposite path of Keyleth from C1; Beau felt like she was too good for her duty, while Keyleth thought she wasn’t good enough.

Caduceus is not a big believer in jumping to conclusions. He does have an idea/notion of the “city of the undead” and thinks all this necrotic energy must come from somewhere, and wonders if this is the “capital of anti-death.” He’s willing to believe whatever he sees. This is one of the few things that trigger a bit of loathing and disgust in him. It was terrifying that the Wildmother didn’t know anything.

Beau is pretty confident in her Charlie Day impression laying-out-the-research last episode. She enjoyed taking the things that were known & extrapolating around them; this is a huge facet of Marisha’s own personality and she really enjoys it, so she built a character this time that would allow that kind of puzzle-solving. It’s also why she repeatedly notes when Beau journals, so she can avoid metagaming. Trent’s mention of Vess Durogna’s tomb raiding was completely circumstantial, and the only reason she’d made the connection to the Tombtakers was because she’d recently reviewed those notes for a separate unannounced project. Sometimes she tries to make connections and Matt is like, “It was...just descriptive. Just flavor. The curtains were red...” and she has to discard a paragraph of notes. She feels like it’s still something they have to do because of “look at what he does! Look! It’s totally valid!”

Cosplay of the Week: @kitsunstudios with a gorgeous Caduceus with a very intricate silk vest.

Caduceus’s takedown of Trent! One of my favorite moments in the entirety of C2. Taliesin felt Trent was an asshole; Caduceus felt sorry for him because of how dumb he thought he was. Caduceus’s response was "this is the dumbest man I’ve ever met in my life. He’s so dumb! Is nobody going to tell this guy how dumb he is? Oh, they’re all freaked out. Somebody needs to tell this guy he’s an idiot before somebody gets hurt.” (Marisha: “Before?”) Tal says it was the product of several years of therapy and many drunk conversations with Whitney Moore. It was from a genuine place of concern from Caduceus. “How are you allowed to have this much power and be that dumb?”

Brian loved how funny it was to watch everyone tiptoe around Trent and then Caduceus bulldoze through the end of the meal.

Taliesin: “Damage doesn’t make you interesting or better. It’s not what makes you good. Character isn’t found in damage. Just recovery.”

Brian & Marisha commiserate going through the stage where believing surviving something automatically made you a stronger person, better for the pain; instead it just meant you had to pick up the pieces after. Marisha talks about how strength through survival may be true for some people, but it shouldn’t be considered a necessity. Taliesin talks about how he used to think he had to be miserable to write. Brian talks about how believing he liked reading and writing miserable things only limited him for years.

Marisha feels it’s a C2 theme that almost all the PCs have someone trying to handwave or take credit for their accomplishments or explain their pain as being for their own good (Trent, Beau’s dad, Obann). She thinks it’s interesting to see all the various ways people try to take credit for your work/delegitimize you as a person. She loves that RPGs allow you to explore these odd moralities in interesting ways. The only way to fight it is to have a sense of your own self-worth, which is a problem a lot of the M9 started with.

Caduceus likes everyone, and really likes people who appear to need role models (Eodwulf). “With the right friends and the right bar and the right attitude, I think he’d be okay. Come over here where it’s so much better. That seems like an exhausting friendship that you have there.”

Marisha loves the mix of personalities in the M9; Veth, Cad, & Jester were all “we kind of like them!” after the dinner, and she immediately made eye contact with Travis and they both shook their heads. She knows Beau has to go along with it for Caleb’s sake for now, but she & Fjord are pretty sus of Trent’s proteges.

Beau is less concerned about Artagan’s relationship to Jester because “he showed his ass--she’s less worried about Jester now because a little of the magic is gone.” It’s a little like becoming an adult and realizing your parents are also just adults & human. Caduceus wasn’t suspicious of the Traveler for a long time until they got to the island. Aside: Taliesin loves the pantheon in D&D. “The notion of attempting to apply common Western conceptions of religion to a world where you have a pantheon of interventionist gods as baseline makes no sense to me. Everyone admits that every other god is there and doing shit; it has more in common with ancient Rome than anything else.” Now that he knows it was a con, he feels the wind had been taken out of it. He does have a sense that Jester’s gotten back together with an ex: “I hope that I’m really happy for you.” They’re both interested to see how Jester navigates the new relationship.

My internet goes out, of course. I panic for a second, thinking I’ve lost everything above, but all is well! Thanks, Form History Control addon!

Marisha loved punching Artagan, but regretting rolling so poorly. “I miss violence.” Dani lets us know it’s been about four episodes since the last battle.

There’s no way the Cobalt Reserve doesn’t have a single document on the Eyes of Nine. Beau believes “there are no real secrets” because people are just bad at not writing things down. For there to be no information at all seems really suspicious for her.

Fanart of the Week: @oddalchemist on twitter with some awesome Beau conspiracy red-thread boards overlaid a distant shadowy Molly walking away.

Caduceus feels a little guilty for really enjoying his time right now with the M9 and not wanting to go home. He’s starting to suspect that he’s going to go home very different than when he left. “He has the softest problems. I don’t know if I want to move back in with Mom & Dad.”

Beau is trying to get comfortable with the idea of being happy. Jester is probably Beau’s first real best friend & one of the first healthy female friendships she’s ever had. As long as she still has Jester in her life, she doesn’t care. For Yasha... “At the end of the day, Beau is a lonely person and has always been a lonely person. And I think you kinda reach this point where once you’re not lonely anymore, you can kind of come out of the fog and realize that was horrible! And terrifying! And is even more terrifying now that I know what I could have, and I don’t want to go back to that. At the end of the day Beau doesn’t want to be lonely anymore. There’s always been that flirtation with Yasha, but everyone had to figure their own shit out. And now it feels like it’s coming out a little bit of that haze, maybe this actually could be...” There are a lot of ways they complement each other & are good-different from each other. Marisha believes people can be attracted to more than person at once.

Caduceus doesn’t think nature turned against him on Rumblecusp, it was just a reality of nature being dangerous and violent. “He has a complex relationship with nature.” He doesn’t expect special treatment.

Thoughts on the mansion: “Man, it’s nice to be seen.” Marisha: “I don’t know how I ended up becoming the Scanlan of this campaign, but I’m living for it.” It felt like an echo of “I’m better for having known you.” They compare Marisha taking specific notes on the campaign to Liam taking specific notes on people’s favorite tapestries, comics, etc.

They talk about missing theme parks and daydream a park version of the mansion in CritRoleLand. It’s lovely.

Taliesin never expected Divine Intervention to work; he just wanted to roll some dice. He’s still processing what he saw/heard. They all agree it was very useful in the Vokodo fight.

Vilya! Marisha: “Ah! Ah! Ah!” As a player, Marisha was so deep in Beau’s eyes she didn’t pick up it was Vilya at first (especially since Matt really emphasized they should not be looking for C1 NPCs). Marisha’s brain melted. She bawled her eyes out on the ride home after that episode. Right after it ended, Laura told Marisha “Keyleth finally gets her happy ending,” and it makes Marisha emotional again since Keyleth’s story ended so bittersweetly. She talks about the very real feelings of “just wanting them to be happy, though!” She went back and listened to all her old Keyleth playlists. Everyone was teary after the episode. “Everyone has these 100% real memories of being these characters and having these good times.”

And that’s that for that! Thanks for your patience, all, and is it Thursday yet?

[snowflake-of-destruction]

Do you ship Eraqus x Xehanort? If so, do you have any headcanons about them?

I most definitely ship Eraqus and Xehanort. The less done friends to lovers to enemies. I mean I ship other iterations too, but the eternal yearning and acknowledgement that there cannot be a happy ending? Being on opposite sides, but always believing that just maybe the other could be won over, though they respect each other more for each sticking to their own idea of what’s right/what’s good (Eraqus sticking with “good,” and Xehanort sticking to “right”--at least right for him, and Eraqus, for all he hates darkness seeing it as just that and not a fall to darkness even when it becomes almost impossible to ignore)? Betrayal followed by conflict and vacillation between eternal grudge and the helpless forgiveness of one still in love? That’s the good stuff right there.

Headcanons tend to match specific situations or story ideas a lot of the time, but, hmm, let’s think:

Eraqus was the one to find Xeganort washed up on shore in Scala (this may even be canon)

Xehanort doesn’t believe Eraqus at first when he says he can’t get a tan, even after he goads him into getting a bad sunburn trying to sunbath and sees Eraqus peel and then go right back to pale. “You just need a base. You build up tolerance”

This culminates in Eraqus, stubborn as he is, absolutely baking himself in the sun next time and ending up with even more than blisters, his eyes swollen shut. Xehanort is wracked with guilt that at first comes out at defensive anger that Eraqus shouldn’t have been so stupid, but then in him being devoted to Eraqus’s every whim during his recovery, mixing up aloe concoctions to ease his soffering, researching in Scala’s library for helpful potions and magic he could make or learn, acting as his eyes, and, by the end of it all, having fallen into a role of wrapped around Eraqus’s finger that he never leaves even when he’s doing better

Both underestimate the other at first and intend to “go easy” or throw their first chess game, only to show their real ability when they realize they have a formidable opponent

The new game we see Eraqus pull out in KH3 is not the only variation on their normal chess games he pulls out. Both he and Xehanort are constantly seeking out and learning new games to teach to each other. It’s almost a love language

The Squaresoft/Square Enix Red Sunset of Shipping is well established in Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts (at least in my mind, and one day I’ll make a photoset) but Eraqus and Xehanort’s thing is watching the sunrise not the sunset. They are both morning people and like moments of peace when everyone else is asleep. Running into each other by the water right at sunrise was an accident the first time, but it soon becomes tradition

Eraqus does believe Xehanort is from one of the other islands on Scala and not another world for the longest time and when Xehanort tries to talk him out of building a boat to sail to Xehanort’s home, his theory switches to merman before offworlder. This instance is also when Eraqus speaks about Daybreak Town, the land Scala used to be before Daybreak sank, in much more detail than what they learn in class and personal anecdotes passed through his family--trying to trigger Xehanort to admit he lived in the ruins of the sunken city.

Now, if Dark Road doesn’t actually wrap up its story (though I hope it does) I resolutely headcanon that when Xehaqus and the rest of their friends find the members of the “lost class” not all of the keyblade wielders were killed by or fled from Heartless. At least one of them just defected from the life and went native on some other planet and Xehanort and Eraqus will agree to keep their secret/report them as dead even though it’s several different types of violation

Another one to maybe be proved wrong by Dark Road: Xehanort never took Eraqus to Destiny Islands--though he does eventually tell him about his homeland--but Eraqus does visit the islands on his own after he’s a master, long after Xehanort has gone off on his own path to see where Xehanort was from. He meets Xehanort’s sister (who Xehanort never mentioned, but who bears enough of a resemblance to him that Eraqus knows she’s some kind of relative) and her own children, one of whom is Riku’s mother.

On this trip to the islands, Eraqus picks a paopu fruit after hearing the local legend. He preserves it with magic, even telling himself it’s just a random keepsake, but serves it to Xehanort when he comes to visit the Land of Departure

Xehanort gives him A Look, but doesn’t comment. He eats part of it though and leaves the rest for Eraqus

I’ll stop there. This is long. Please, feel free to prod about them some more though, whether it’s prompts or headcanons or demands for information on the To Be Written One Day list

[littlerabidfox]

Mizusei AU

In an alternative universe where they could rescue Sei before his mind collapsed.

-Are you sure this is okay?- Mizuki asked, not knowing exactly if what they were doing was supposed to happen. –Of course, she said she was going to arrive late today and my brother is at work so we have the house for ourselves- Sei was the one to answer with a big smile on his face, something that was not abnormal after he recovered mentally and physically. After all the time he spent with Toue, it was hard for him at first to do even the most basic things like walking or eating by himself, he was basically a lifeless puppet that needed help with everything. But Tae and Aoba were patient, as well as the hospital nurses and doctors. Little by little Sei could start his recovery, learning again how to walk and be by himself. Of course, Mizuki was there the whole time also doing his best so that Aoba’s brother could gain back what was taken from him, his freedom. They spent a lot of time together at the hospital, after all, they were both there, the older one still needing some time after coming back from the comma he was put in due to Scrap. At first, they developed a very tight friendship, sharing a lot of interests with each other and having both been under Toue’s command. This went through all their recovery, both getting out of the hospital almost at the same time, of course, Mizuki leaving first because Sei’s condition was far worse than his’.

But a year passed and that friendship started turning into something else, something deeper that only the two of them realized was happening, everyone else was just focused on themselves to notice what was happening between the Ribster and the sweet “prince”. Even Aoba didn’t noticed when his brother started to ask to spend more time with Mizuki, just thinking it was the friendship they developed, but in reality what was happening is that Sei and the Dry Juice’s leader were getting into a romance that ended up in them dating secret from everyone. They had very few moments just for themselves, but they didn’t need to try hard to enjoy them to the fullest. That day it was one of them, Tae told his new grandson that she needed to leave the house for a few hours, this with Aoba working left Sei all by himself in the house, not taking him long before he called Mizuki to get some company. But the prince had a little surprise for his lover.

-Stay here, I have something for you.- Said Sei with a lot of excitement on his usually soft voice. Mizuki had no idea what could it be, but knowing that they had several hours ahead just for the two of them he was also starting to get excited. A few minutes after Sei went upstairs, footsteps were heard signaling he was going down but with different shoes, maybe heels? No, it was crazy for Mizuki to think about it, but he wasn’t that far off. Before his eyes, widened by the surprise with the scene he had in front of him, Sei was sporting a full maid dress, all the way from his head to his heels, playing with his own fingers and with a deep blush on his face. –Do… do you like it…?- the younger one asked raising his eyes from the ground they were pointing at. –I… why do you… where did you get something like this?- Mizuki swears he is romantic most of the time, but the words coming out of his mouth were those at a time like that one. –I got it from a store, my brother doesn’t know I have it- Sei replied, feeling more and more embarrassed by the second- Don’t you like it? I can change ba- -he was then interrupted, Mizuki trying to keep himself calm as well as that now very awake part of his body –No! I’m sorry, I didn’t knew what to say, you look… fantastic on that.- after recovering for a moment, he could finally answer to his boyfriend, stepping closer to him and wrapping his hands around his waist, pulling him closer so they could share a light kiss. –I love it, thanks for this surprise.- The ribster’s face pulled a big smile, not knowing for real how to react to such a treat from the person he liked. After that, they went to the sofa to start making out, spending some quality time together as the happy couple they were, still on the honeymoon stage.

But after a few minutes kissing and laughing together, a deep “Oh” brought them to a halt on their actions. They stared at each other for a moment after turning their heads to the side, but swallowing saliva and with a look of deep fear on both their faces. Of course, in front of them was Aoba, who was released from work early and was in the company of Ren, the one responsible for what made them stop. So there it was, the two brothers staring at each other while one of them wore a full maid costume and was sitting on the other’s best friend’s lap. –I… we… welcome home… brother…- Sei just wanted to be swallowed by the carpet at that time, Aoba still not recovering from the shock of his findings, all of that while Mizuki just covered his face with his hand, the red being seen even on his ears, the same red that covered all of Sei’s face. –Aoba I can explain- the Ribster finally said something, uncovering his face and helping his boyfriend to stand on his heels. – I… think I need an explanation? What the hell were you two doing?!- From shock, Aoba’s face turned into rage, frowning deeply while crossing both his arms. –Well…- Mizuki was about to start to say some lame excuse, but Sei encouraged himself to interrupt him, taking his lover’s hand and entwining his fingers –We’re dating!- And again, shock filled his brother’s expression, shaking his head from side to side, Ren wagging his tail softly looking at everyone from time to time, but finally focusing on his master. –Aoba, are you okay? Your heart is racing- The blue haired boy took a second to recover before glaring directly at his friend, frowning again before being glared at by his brother – It was mutual, he didn’t do anything I didn’t want!- Sei was not gonna leave Mizuki on his own defending himself against Aoba who was clearly not happy with what he was hearing. –Sei, you don’t have time for this, you still need to focus on your recovery- he was interrupted then by the one he was talking to and about, not letting him finish what he was saying- But I like him! We like each other. I… I know I’m not 100% okay yet but… he has helped me a lot with feeling like myself finally- Aoba raises an eyebrow at this words, looking back at the flustered Mizuki that still wanted to die then and there- How long have you been together? –his tone started to calm down more, making him seem less threatening- 1 month, but we’ve been seeing each other for a while before that- Mizuki answers, finally looking straight at Aoba’s eyes- This just happened… we really don’t know how but one day we started liking each other more and more and… yeah, this happened- Sei’s brother takes a deep breath, massaging his frown to loosen it up a bit, but then pinching the bridge of his nose- And tell me… why is my brother in a maid costume… -Of course Sei got flustered again, looking everywhere not to meet the other’s eyes, even biting his lower lip- I… um… this is… I bought it for him… - Sei whispered that last part softly, the poor Aoba just trying not to explode against his friend, but he was learning to control his temper. – Go change, and we’ll wait until grandma gets home-. There was an awkward silence between them for a moment before Sei went upstairs to change, leaving the two best friends alone for a few minutes- My brother? Seriously Mizuki? Out of all the people on this island… out of all the people in the world, my brother. – his friend could notice the disappointment on Aoba’s tone and face, knowing that it was going to be an awkward afternoon before Tae arrived.

And Mizuki wasn’t wrong, the afternoon went by really slow between small talks and Sei trying to convince his brother it wasn’t a bad thing that they were dating, but when Tae arrived, she found everyone sitting on the kitchen table, Aoba being the first one to stand up. – Grandma!- he raised his voice, Tae looking at the faces of the other two and smiling softly- Did Mizuki finally came to introduce himself as Sei’s boyfriend?- Everyone froze on their place, Sei raising his head and looking the most surprised of them all- You… you knew grandma?- he asked finally, not knowing if to be relieved or scared- Of course. I might be old but I am not blind- answered Tae crossing her arms, looking back at Aoba raising an eyebrow- You didn’t know, right? It was really obvious- the blue haired one only shook his head, feeling now a bit behind and an idiot.- Well, I’ll make dinner for all of you, Aoba! Help me with the groceries. Mizuki… welcome to the family, even when you were already a part of it.- After a long afternoon of deep conversations and questions, the Ribster was happy he was finally accepted, even when it was known that Aoba was going to take some time to get used to everything. He just looked at his boyfriend and smiled, giving him a small kiss on the lips followed by a scream from his lover’s brother- DON’T TOUCH HIM- Yeah, there was still a long path before full acceptance was done by Aoba.

[cicada-bones]

The Warrior and the Wildfire

Chapter 2: Foreboding

Im hoping to get a bunch of updates out before i have to get back to school - So here we go! Second chapter already! This one is a little short, but it was the only place that made sense to end it, so I hope you will forgive me. 

word count: 2885

Masterlist / Ao3 / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

There was once a male gifted by Hellas. He was born into nothing, was born into dirt and ash and squalor. He ate when he was hungry, took what he wanted, fought, stole, and whored.

Until a queen of darkness found him.

She raised him up from the slums, and turned him into a weapon of war. He gave up everything to serve her, pledged himself to her always. Even loved her.

She scorned him, but the male endured it. For he would lay down his life for her, had already given her his freedom. And what was his dignity by comparison?

The years passed, and time started to become meaningless. Courts rose and fell, warriors grew into power and others’ names were lost to time. The male built a company of soldiers to rival any throughout the land. They suffered loss, betrayal, and battles too numerous to count. But they stood strong through it all.

Until a princess of fire sailed in from across the sea, and stole his brother away.

Now his queen was lost, was blinded by her own desire for power. And for the first time in his long life, the male was unsure of the way.

A choice lay before him, two paths diverged. And time was running short for the decision to be made.

The male closed his eyes, letting his tense shoulders drop.

Both roads were fraught with darkness and difficulty. One would take him across the sea, and label him a betrayer, an oath-breaker. The other would chain him in place, to a throne whose foundation he was worried had already begun to crack. One would take him from his queen forever, but might save her from herself. The other would allow him to stay by her side, but only to watch as her greed slowly destroyed her.

One breath in, one breath out. Slow and even.

Lorcan Salvaterre opened his eyes to examine the golden ring in his palm, those two paths appearing before him, closer than ever.

And he had no more idea of his decision than he had from the beginning.

His feet shifted on the floor, rasping slightly on the stone. The sound was quiet, but it was just enough to cause his queen, asleep across the room, to stir.

Lorcan’s breath caught in his throat.

The moment stretched, twisting and pulling under the pressure. And he knew that his time had come.

But which? Which? Which?

The bedcovers ruffled, a slow sigh escaping his queen’s pink lips. Her face was clear, relaxed. And she was just as beautiful as the first moment he had beheld her. A dark majesty, like black cliffs of stone overlooking the sea, like the violence of dark water tossing itself at their feet.

Lorcan breathed deep, closing the golden ring in his fist.

And he darted from his queen’s chamber, slipping into a run. The fastest of his life.

···

Rowan lifted a spoonful of stew, then let it drip back into the wooden bowl, its soft trickling echoing between his ears.  

He had been sitting in the kitchens for what felt like hours, but by the movements of the sun, it couldn’t have been more than a quarter–, or maybe half an hour. If he was being generous. And he was not in a particularly generous mood.

Rowan was exhausted.

Not, in-need-of-a-few-hours-sleep-and-then-he-would-be-fine exhausted. More fall-asleep-standing-up exhausted. Sleep-for-three-days-straight exhausted. And it was only made worse by the fact that he knew he wouldn’t be sleeping well anytime soon.

Today had been a quarry day, and after his morning run, Rowan had spent hours under the baking Wendlyn sun, slowly coaxing rock from the earth. His magic had helped, as with it, he could make blades of ice to cut into the stone, shaping it like clay. It was far quicker, but it was just as exhausting as doing it the normal way, with arms and back and legs.

It had gotten to the point that Rowan was desperately catching minutes of rest here and there, lying awake for hours begging for sleep to come. But the nightmares just wouldn’t leave him be. And both the source of all the trouble and its only antidote was now over a month away. Even if he left that very moment.

He was too tired to even be properly angry with her.

Rowan raised the stew to his lips, swallowing the mouthful somewhat gingerly. It had gone cold. He just sighed, and swallowed another.

It had now been ten days and over two hours since he had last seen Aelin.

Luca rushed into the kitchen, knocking over a chair and causing Rowan to slosh soup all over the wooden table. The boy just grabbed something from the storage area beneath the sinks, and then rushed right out again. Rowan frowned at him.

It took him quite a bit longer than he would’ve ever been willing to admit, but eventually he realized that Emrys, who was scrubbing the stove clean at the other side of the room, was smothering a fit of laughter at his expense. And failing.

Rowan’s frown deepened as he wiped up the mess. Emrys started laughing even louder.

At least the room was nearly empty.

But honestly, he was past caring.

Rowan was patting at his damp shirt when Emrys walked over to him, bearing a washcloth and a fresh bowl of stew, steaming slightly in the light from the open door.

“Here,” he said, already walking back over to the stove. Rowan held in a sigh as he mopped himself up, then gratefully started spooning the warm stew into his mouth.

Rowan and Emrys were the only two people remaining in the kitchen. Now that the rainy season was over, Emrys’ evening storytelling was getting more and more rare. Demi-Fae now spent their evenings out of doors, taking walks through the woods and eating below the stars.

Though he didn’t miss the wet weather, Rowan couldn’t say that he didn’t miss the evenings spent with everyone sprawled in front of the hearth, listening and laughing and crying as Emrys spun his tales. It reminded him of listening to his mother, curled up next to her in bed. The sound of her voice lulling him to sleep.

Something he desperately needed now.

A clatter sounded from the front of the room, startling Rowan from his trance. It was only Emrys, who had now moved on to the dishes, and had dropped a bowl when moving them to their cabinet to be ready for breakfast in the morning.

Once again, the old male didn’t miss Rowan’s reaction. But he didn’t say anything, instead moving to wipe down the counters and tabletops. Another moment passed while Rowan finished his stew, then stood to wash his bowl and put it away with the others.

But Rowan knew Emrys’ silence wasn’t going to last.

And sure enough, just as Rowan put the bowl in the cupboard, the old male spoke up.

“Luca told me he liked training with you the other day.”

The statement was tentative, probing. Rowan didn’t say anything.

Emrys pursed his lips, even as he continued rifling in the store cupboard for some hard-to-reach item. Another breath, then, “He said that you talked about Bas.”

Still, Rowan kept silent.

Emrys sighed. “In the weeks after the battle, Luca…” he trailed off, eyeing the bags of potatoes and onions he was supposed to be counting. “He retreated into himself. He wouldn’t talk to us, to me or Malakai. I know that we aren’t his parents, that we have no right to him. But Luca doesn’t have anyone else. His mortal parents abandoned him, and he never knew his Fae parentage…” he trailed off again.

Rowan found himself nodding to fill the silence. “You care for him,” he said softly. “Anyone could see that.”

Emrys’ eyes met his for a moment, then turned back to the potatoes. “He has become a part of our family. And to have him hide from us in that way…it was hard.”

Rowan nodded again, his brow furrowing as his thoughts began to twist. Where was Emrys going with this?

The male seemed to rally himself. “So I need to know, what happened to Bas? Was – was he really the one who betrayed us to the soldiers?”

Rowan frowned. “Luca didn’t say?”

Emrys scowled. “You weren’t here for those weeks after the battle, you didn’t see. At first, the whole fortress was in chaos, so wrapped up in healing and recovery and relief. And you – you had other things you were paying more attention to.”

Rowan’s face twisted in acknowledgement. He wasn’t sure he’d spent more than five minutes away from Aelin that week.

Emrys continued. “But then, once everything began to calm, Luca went silent. He wouldn’t eat, wasn’t sleeping. Eventually he just came back, like nothing had happened. But it was too delicate. We were afraid to ask him, to push it.”

Rowan nodded. Emrys looked at him expectantly. “What happened to him?”

Rowan steadied himself, then began to explain. By the time he was done, Emrys’ eyes were lined with silver.

“So he killed him?” the male’s voice was soft, heartbroken.

Rowan nodded, and Emrys turned back to the onions and potatoes, cutting off the growths that had sprouted, and tossing away those that looked close to rot. Distracting himself.

“To think, a few months ago I never would’ve thought that I would see you so calm.” Emrys said, almost sardonically. “The state that girl was in this spring – and you two fighting like alley cats. Always at each other’s throats.”

He stood, hauling the discarded vegetables to the compost heap, and moved on to the case of fresher vegetables that had been carted in a few days ago from a nearby farm. “And yet by the end, I thought you two inseparable.”

Rowan averted his gaze just as Emrys glanced up, his eyes sharp. Rowan knew that there was a question there, one that he had no intention of answering.

Emrys voiced it anyways. “And when do you think we will be seeing her again?”

Rowan gritted his teeth. Emrys seemed to sense an uphill battle.

“I – I need to know that she is alright. That she’s going to be alright.”

“No one can know that.”

Emrys frowned. “What will she be facing in Adarlan? Does she seek to confront the king – ”

Rowan cut him off. “Elentiya, has not shared her plans with me. Nor would she have a reason to. I serve another. She is on her own.”

Emrys’ face tightened, but he took it with grace. They were silent for another long moment, or at least until Emrys began tossing sweet peas and lettuce and leeks into a pile, murmuring about old greens and dishonest farmers.

But before Rowan could escape back to his rooms, to see if perhaps he could finally get some rest, Emrys stopped him once again. “In that case, how long do you think you will be with us, Prince?”

Rowan sighed, stalling in the doorway. He’d been avoiding this question too. “I’m not sure.”

Emrys raised his eyebrows. “Won’t your queen be summoning you soon? Now that your training with the girl is done?”

Rowan gritted his teeth. He couldn’t say anything to the old male, no matter how trustworthy he might seem. “Our Queen has ordered me to stay and assist with the repairs around the fortress, and I will stay until she orders me otherwise.”

“And you have no idea when that will be?”

“None.”

“So…” Emrys started, “While you are here…would you consider training Luca?”

Now it was Rowan’s turn to scowl. He should have known that this was where Emrys was heading. And for some reason, the offer set a wave of melancholy though him. Strong enough to take him by surprise.

“I know that the boy is not up to your standard, but when he came back from his run with you yesterday – he was different. Lighter.” When Rowan didn’t say anything, Emrys continued. “You helped him.”

Rowan shook his head, “I didn’t do anything that anybody couldn’t have.”

“Maybe so, but – ” Emrys dusted off his pant legs, making to stand. "You’ve made yourself one of the finest instructors I’ve ever seen come through here. You made that girl into what she is. And Luca was always talking about how much he wanted to go to Doranelle, to escape, and become a great warrior of the land.”

Emrys’ eyes twinkled. Rowan was still shaking his head.

“Just – please consider it. For Luca’s sake.” Emrys threw the remaining vegetable scraps onto the compost heap. “We only want him to be happy.”

“I know, but – ”

“But what, Prince?” Emrys’ eyes seemed to bore into him. “What is keeping you? If you must stay here, might you not be useful, as more than just a workhorse in the quarry?”

Rowan’s breath was tight in this chest. He wanted to say that Luca deserved someone better than him. To say that he would only disappoint, that he could never give the boy what he really wanted. Particularly since he so obviously looked up to Rowan.

But the real reason he was so reticent was because it was exactly what he wanted. In a different time, and in a different place. To settle, and build a home. To rebuild and teach and heal, from a lifetime of hurting.

It was so close.

But there was a massive, impassable cavern between here and there. Because Aelin was not with him. And the world around this fortress was far from peaceful.

War not only threatened, but snapped at their heels. Waiting to strike. Rowan could feel in it his bones. There were far too many storms to weather, and enemies to defeat, before that future could possibly be his.

So Rowan only said, “I will think on it, Emrys. And I will agree to spend time with him in the mornings. But just remember, I have no idea when I might be called away. It could be tomorrow or months from now. I can’t make any promises.”

Emrys nodded. “I didn’t really expect you to, Prince.” And he turned back to the storage cupboards, sealing things up for the night.

Rowan turned to leave, but then paused. “And Emrys – you could see about trying to talk to the boy again. Im not sure – but I think he might this time.”

Emrys gave him a small, but warm, smile. “Thank you, Prince.” And Rowan walked out.

···

Rowan jerked from sleep, his body shuddering uncontrollably. This time, the dream had been different. Had been worse.

Instead of him torturing Aelin, and listening to Lyria’s screaming, he had to watch as Aelin gave up. As she let the grief and pain overwhelm her, and she retreated into that shell of a person she had been when they first met.

Maeve threatened to have Cairn whip him, a punishment he had borne numerous times. Pain that, under the circumstances, he would take gladly. That he would take and be grateful.

But Aelin could not take it.

When Maeve threatened to whip Rowan, Aelin gave in. And she handed over the Wyrdkeys.

And Rowan could only watch as the dark queen laughed and laughed and laughed. And destroyed everything in the world that he loved.

It was knowledge that Rowan kept locked up so tight it could only come out in his dreams. The knowledge that Aelin would hand over the Wyrdkeys for him. It was their greatest weakness, their bond. But Rowan couldn’t see what he could do about it.

They were both weaker, and stronger, together. It was a problem he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to solve.

Rowan breathed, calming his wracked body, then stood up and began pulling on fresh clothes and strapping on his many blades. He shifted, then tore out the window and into the waiting sky.

It had been a few days since his conversation with Emrys, each of them longer than the last. It was like he was walking upstream, fighting against the rushing current. Time flowed around him like molasses, sticky and slow and uncomfortable as all hell. But pass it did.

It had now been nearly two weeks since he had last seen Aelin. It felt like a year.

Each of the past three mornings, Rowan had trained with Luca. Guiding him through the bare bones of his morning routine. Even though it had only been a few days, Rowan could already spot marked improvement in the boy’s endurance and speed. In quiet moments, when laboring around the fortress, Rowan even caught himself planning lessons for the boy. Figuring out what would suit him best.

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the sadness that filled him whenever he corrected the boy’s stance, or reminded him to keep his core muscles tense. Nor could he escape the increasing feeling of foreboding whenever he thought about the future.

This tense peace was not going to last much longer, he was sure of it.

And as he shifted his wings to turn back towards Mistward, Rowan’s conviction was all but confirmed.

For wafting towards him on the western wind, was the unmistakable scent of Lorcan Salvaterre.

···

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[tilltheendwilliwrite]

Star-Crossed: Bound by Blood

Chapter Three

Master List / Read on AO3

Previous Chapter

Warnings: Canon divergent during Chapter 13 of The Mandalorian, serious pining

A/N: I make this stuff up as I go along, if I screw something Star Wars-y up, apologies in advance, I didn’t do it on purpose, but I’m new to this Fandom. I will be cross posting this story between AO3 and Tumblr except the smutty bits. Those chapters will only be available to registered users on AO3. (I’m trying something new for people who want to read here on Tumblr, but to also avoid the smut for minors controversy. We’ll see how it goes.)

*I do not have a tag list* Please follow the story on AO3 if you want email updates, or follow @tilltheendwilliwrite-library where I post the new/latest chapters of all my stories.

***

The trip to Nevarro was hell. 

The Razor Crest now smelled like Baast, and after using his soap, their two scents had blended, and Din was going out of his kriffing mind. He'd taken to sleeping in the cockpit, having given up his cot, but it did little good. 

It was like the essence of her had invaded every part of his home.

He'd started having dreams. Dreams of a world with sand dunes and plains of long grass, where towering forests of old wood grew and swayed in gentle, fragrant breezes. He dreamed of walking the rock and sand trails of jagged mountains, of climbing steep cliffs to drink from sweet falls that appeared out of the clouds.

And when he reached his destination, a rocky outcropping high above the world, a cat leapt over the rocks to land before him. She was sleek lines and dense muscle, her coat tawny, darkening to black over her muzzle and legs. Long tufts of fur drifted in the wind from the tips of her ears, and green eyes watched him with a thousand years of ancient wisdom.

He knelt before the regal creature and pulled off his helmet. She padded closer, circled him once, sniffed him curiously, and began to purr. The rumble soothed his soul, and Din closed his eyes as her sleek, furry cheek rubbed against his.

"Mine," he whispered as he reached for her, waking himself from the dream every time.

By the time they landed on Nevarro, he was desperate for air that didn't smell like Baast. A few more parsecs, he may have done something stupid.

He met her at the gangway with a heavy cloak. "Put this on, draw the hood, and try to remain inconspicuous."

She arched a brow before handing over Grogu. The kid stuck to her like glue, eager to be at her side whenever he was awake. It was a relief to know someone else was watching him, but at the same time, he missed the kid's continual company.

Baast shrugged into the cloak and pulled the hood over her hair before laying her hand on his arm. "Are you well?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You have been distant."

"Just busy." He held out a silver bar roughly three inches long. "Extendable staff, at least until the Alor can get you those sabres."

She smiled at him, the light just catching her fangs. "Thank you, Mando."

He tilted his head but tugged the hood farther forward. "Let's go."

They'd landed well after dusk, assuring a quiet, uninterrupted trip through the streets. Those that lingered paid them no mind used to seeing the silver beskar of an unpainted Mandalorian.

The bar was fairing better after the fight with Moff Gideon. Walls had been repaired, and the damage painted over. 

He walked in and headed straight for the back booth, ignoring the eyes that followed. They knew better than to mess with him, and the music stayed lively.

Karga, however, wasn't alone.

"Karga. Dune," he stated, tossing three pucks on the table. 

"Only three, Mando? I sent you out with four," Karga teased. "Did a quarry finally escape the famed Mandalorian?"

"She's dead; body recovery was impossible."

He watched Cara's eyes flick to Baast and down to Grogu, a smile growing as she pushed from the table. "There's the little womp rat!"

Grogu squealed his happiness, but Baast growled.

The low sound set his hair on end, causing Din to step back, between the woman and his clan. "Cara, not now," he said, no explanation, not sure he had one to give. 

Baast placed her hand on the back of his neck, a place without beskar but covered by his cowl. Still, he felt it like a live wire jolt.

"Usenye!" Baast growled.

"Udesii," Din murmured, turning just enough to know he meant Baast.

"Whoa, someone's touchy," Cara muttered.

Mando didn't need this right now. The longer he stayed here, the more twitchy he felt, like something beneath his skin was itching to claw its way free. "Karga. If they ask, you tell them she's dead."

The man stared at him a long moment, assessing, processing before he gave a short nod. "I will log the information myself." He reached into his pocket and pulled out an ingot of beskar. "For your trouble and the three on your ship."

"Where did you get that?" Din asked, picking up the ingot.

"Took it off some Imps after that last clean up." A second pile of credits, smaller than it should be, landed next. "Consider us even."

"Done," he agreed, hyper-aware of Baast's hand still light against his neck.

"And congratulations, Mando. It isn't every day a Mandalorian takes a riduur."

He felt Baast's fingers twitch but didn't correct Karga's assumption.

"You got married!" Cara gasped, loud enough to cause the bar to pause and look their way. 

One long stare over his shoulder had them minding their business again. 

"Baast'mal. Cara Dune, former shock trooper, now Marshal for the New Republic. Greef Karga, head of the Bounty Hunters Guild, and Magistrate of Nevarro."

"A pleasure," Karga grinned. "Is it true wives put off their armour when they decide to have little warriors?"

Baast snorted. "Di'kutla. Anade knows gar ke barjurir gar'ade, jagyc'ade kot'la a dalyc'ade kotla'shya."

Din couldn't help but chuckle. "She says, foolish. Everyone knows you train your sons to be strong, but your daughters to be stronger. My woman is all warrior."

The words slipped out, and he couldn't bite them back. Baast's hand dropped from his nape, but only to lower and slide in at his waist, sneak past layers of beskar and again find flesh barely covered. She pressed closer, a low rumble vibrating between them, and Din felt approval wash from her like a wave.

"Ibic taap, Ni cuy' bat Kyr'nakil," she murmured, low enough only Din heard, informing him she didn't like it there.

He looked down at her, into the deep shadows of her hood as she clutched Grogu to her and found her eyes. This place had her on edge. With her Force sensitivity, he believed her, but he wanted to know why. "Tion'jor?"

"Too many bad feelings," she whispered. "There are hunters, many of them."

He gave a small tilt of his head. "Vaabir val olaror par gar?" he asked, wondering if they came for her.

A slight negative shake. "For news of the child."

Din was instantly enraged and leaned over the table toward Karga. "You're taking a bounty on the kid again?"

"What? No! Of course not!" the man cried in outrage.

"Mando." Cara laid her hand over his. "He hasn't, I swear."

Baast growled, causing Din to move his hand out from under Cara’s and block Baast in the same action. "There are hunters here for news of the kid. Get your cargo off my ship so we can leave." He swiped the credits off the table and turned to go, Karga already barking orders.

Din wasn't surprised when Baast's fingers snuck to the crook of his elbow. Or, he wasn't as surprised as he should be. A riduur walked where her mate could protect them and any children they might have. Her position kept her secure against him while hiding them behind a wall of beskar and weapons, handled by a highly dangerous predator.

"Mando, wait," Cara said, blocking their path. "Come to my place. You can rest, eat, and I can see the kid. I missed him."

Baast's fingers twitched. 

"Cara," he hesitated.

"Please. We're friends. Let a friend toast your good fortune."

Another low warning growl rippled from Baast when Cara touched his arm.

"She has nayc staabi!" Baast snarled.

Din looked down at her. "Technically, neither do you."

Her hand snapped off his arm like he'd burned her, shock and disappointment so profound it hurt, hit him like a rampaging mudhorn. 

She took a step in retreat, Grogu clinging to her, the kid looking just as devastated. 

What had he done? Kriff! Why would he say that?

"Baast!" he shouted but was too late as she spun on her heel and raced from the cantina. "Kriff!" he bellowed and gave chase, Cara hot on his heels.

"What the hell was that, Mando?" Dune demanded as they slammed through the doors only to find a deserted street. 

"Not your concern."

"Mando!" She grabbed him by the vambrace. She had no way of knowing how close he came to putting her through the wall. "What's really going on? Who is she?"

"You wouldn't understand. It's a Mandalorian thing." He shook her off and looked for Baast's tracks. 

It didn't surprise him at all when they went up a wall and over the roof.

Din took off after her, climbing as if his armour weighed nothing, leaving Cara behind to curse and swear. He followed long strides for some distance as she ran across roofs, finally leaving the residential district to head into a more industrial area. 

Again her tracks went up, and he followed, climbing the narrow ladder to the top of a tower that looked out over Nevarro. He found her there; knees pulled to her chest, the hood thrown back, clinging to Grogu as the kid did his best to stroke the tears from her face.

"Baast." 

She jerked but didn't move. "Go away, Mandalorian."

"I can't." He went to her and knelt, intent on taking her in his arms, only to have deadly claws close around his throat. 

"You have not the right," she snarled, her eyes piercing him through the beskar.

Grogu huffed and sighed, appearing at once both annoyed and exasperated.

"Nayc staabi. No right, that's what you said about Cara."

Baast snarled. "If you want the shock trooper so badly, have her!" she snapped, pushing him back with strength, causing him to rock on his heels.

"I don't, and she doesn't want me. She would be more inclined to go for you," he chuckled.

She blinked big green eyes. "Oh…" Her hand slowly relaxed until it lay on his chest.

This time when he gathered her close, she didn't resist. "Forgive me. I said something stupid."

"But true," she sighed. "You did not dispute the claim of riduur. I knew it meant nothing but got caught up in my role. You are free to do what you wish with whomever you wish," she sighed.

Din didn't think. He didn't plan his next move. It was like instinct demanded he act, and so he did.

"Baast. Close your eyes."

She did so without hesitation or question as Din stripped off his gloves. The helmet hissed when he released it, causing her brow to twitch. Before he took it off, he wrapped his arm around her and covered her eyes with his hand.

"Din?" she whispered, her uncertainty clear. 

"Trust me," he murmured, lifting his helmet free with his other hand. They were too high up for anyone to see, and the moons had yet to rise, leaving them bathed in shadows. 

Grogu cooed and sat down a few feet away, apparently content to let the adults sort this out on their own.

Din gave him a last look before setting his helmet down and raising that hand to lightly, tenderly, stroke her face. "I don't want just anyone," he whispered, unable to deny what was written in his heart. "Just you," he sighed and lightly brushed their mouths together. 

He'd never kissed anyone before, but he wanted to kiss Baast. 

***

Din woke with a jolt and a clang of beskar as he fell out of the pilot's chair and onto the floor. 

He lay there confused and disoriented until he realized the entire thing had been a dream. 

He groaned softly enough that it didn't leave the safety of his helmet and pushed to his hands and knees before sitting back on his thighs. This trip was going to kill him. The dream had been far too real.

He picked himself off the floor and looked up to find Grogu smirking at him. "Don't start."

The kid gurgled a noise that shouldn't in any way have been cute but somehow still was.

"Hungry?" Din asked.

Grogu waddled closer, arms up.

"Of course you are. When are you not hungry?" he chuckled, picking up the kid and heading for the ladder down into the belly of his ship. 

He was just getting Grogu situated when the door to the fresher opened, revealing Baast in nothing but a towel. 

She jolted in surprise. "I did not expect… you… I…" A bright blush bloomed darkly across her cheeks. Then, she straightened, lifting her chin like a royal, firming her composure. "You have not joined us for meals as of late. I did not expect you and have washed my clothing."

His mouth was desert dry when he attempted to speak, but no words emerged, and Din was grateful for the helmet that hid his gaping mouth. He stared for too long before stepping away from Grogu and his gruel toward Baast. She stiffened, hand flexing where she clutched the cloth closed, but the Zentari didn't back down.

Din moved with cautious steps to the crates piled against the wall and shoved two over before picking up the third and setting it down on top of the others. From within, he pulled out blue silks. "I have this if you want it."

A regal brow arched, her wet hair sleek and sticking to her now brushed the tops of her thighs. "Why does a Mandalorian have a courtesan's dress in his belongings?"

He flinched, having hoped she wouldn't recognize it. "Because an assassin dressed as a courtesan attempted to kill me, but not until after she'd taken her clothes off."

Baast eyed the cloth a moment longer before gliding forward to pluck it from his fingers. "Did she succeed in the seduction?"

"No. That's why she was naked. She made a poor courtesan."

"Hmm," purred from her as she walked back into the fresher, and the door closed behind her. "And you have simply kept it lying around?" she called through the door.

Did she sound jealous, or was he still dreaming? "It's not something a Mandalorian can walk into the market and sell without garnering a second look."

"You were not, perhaps, keeping it for your riduur?"

The door opened, and Din forgot how to speak. Blue silk fell in sleek lines from the golden band that bared the under curve of her breasts. She swept out and headed for Grogu, sailing past him, her damp hair leaving a dark stain on the skirt. 

"I haven't thought much about a riduur." Before now. 

He followed her like a Bantha would a Tuskin Raider, and when she sat to help Grogu with his food, Din came to a stop behind her. 

She looked up, but he knew the beskar made it hard for her to read him. "Is it that terrible? Do I not make a passable courtesan?"

"More than passable," escaped his mouth, his brain still malfunctioning. "But your hair is dripping."

"Wet hair does that," she teased him with a smile.

"May I?"

She blinked as he began to strip off his gloves. "Din?"

"Let me," he murmured, running his fingers like a comb through her thick locks. He sat on a crate and worked free what few tangles had formed before splitting the mass in half. He began the plait high, working it smooth against her scalp and down behind her ear. When his fingers brushed the pointed tip, a shudder raced through her, but a low, happy purr followed. He made it to the end and used a scrap piece of leather to bind the long braid. 

"How is it that a Mandalorian knows how to do a woman's hair with the skill of a maid?"

He froze, fingers full of sand-coloured silk. "My mother," he murmured. "I once did it for my mother."

Her hand closed gently on his knee, Baast reaching back, otherwise staying still for him. "A good memory, I hope."

"One of my only good memories," he murmured, finishing the section close to her skull and swiftly plaiting the rest. Once he tied the end, she turned to look up at him and left him breathless. 

He'd never seen a more mesh'la creature. Men would spend their entire fortune for one night with her. But Din looked at her and saw her dressed in the ornaments of a riduur. Beskar bands for her braids, the cuff that would circle her upper arm and proudly display the mark of the mudhorn, proclaiming her part of his clan. The beskar breastplate that would be hers the moment their first child was born.

"Then, I am pleased to help you remember it." She stroked one of the thick plaits. "I am happy to offer myself to your ministrations in the future, should you so desire to assist me again."

Vital portions of his anatomy tightened, causing him to rise swiftly and step away from her tempting allure. "We'll be in Nevarro soon. I'll see about more suitable clothing when we get there."

He climbed the ladder back to the cockpit, knowing damn well he was running away.

***

riduur -  spouse

Usenye! - Go away!

Udesii - Calm down.

Ibic taap, Ni cuy' bat Kyr'nakil - This place, I am on edge

Tion'jor - why

Vaabir val olaror par gar - do they come for you

 nayc staabi - no right

 ***

Next Chapter

[telehxhtrash]

ok ok okok so i originally wanted to make a long ass post about it but im LAZY so im just gonna do a chill post about it

i don't believe Kurapika's character arc will lead him to his death.

Ok, maybe he WILL die. But not permanently at least.

I feel like Kurapika and Gon's stories mirror each other very closely, and if we follow that pattern, we can make some logical conclusions on what's gonna happen to Kurapika.

Kurapika is literally hitting rock bottom right now. He's on a boat with the phantom troupe, the man who has the last pair of eyes and potentially Pairo's head, and if the theories are true, the one true person responsible for the Kurta's massacre (Pariston - i'll let you read up on this theory if you're interested because it's amazing  - the fucking MOUSE EARS ON SHEILA i-)

Kurapika has also found at least 20 new different ways to die, one of them including taking years off his lifespan for revenge. Yup, fuck emperor time. Honestly, Kurapika is sinking so fast it's not even funny. And you know who that reminds me of ? Gon.

In CAA, Gon hit rock bottom. He was scared, he was weak, he had trauma, he was suicidal, he wanted revenge more than anything in his life, willing to throw his life away to avenge Kite. Gon gave up on his own life for the sole purpose of fulfilling his need to cope with the guilt he felt towards Kite's death. This whole mission was self-punishment. And so is Kurapika's. Kurapika feels survivor guilt, 100%. Why is he the only one alive ? Why did everyone have to die but him? The only thing he can do is resort to revenge. To try and ease this guilt he feels. Because he's alive, he's alone, he has no one else left. Like he said, he has no one and no home to return to.

And then, just when Kurapika thinks he can never have a home again, enters Woble. 

In Kurapika's darkness, after having further and further strayed from the light, Kurapika finds the one thing that's the furthest away from who he is right now : a literal baby. An innocent, pure, sweet baby, who has no idea how many hardships there are in life. Kurapika obviously wants to protect Woble, and we get a few panels that highlight the impact Woble has on Kurapika, and vice-versa.

In Kurapika's darkness, a sweet, innocent baby reaches out to him. Reminds him of simpler things, of happy emotions, of everything he wishes he could be. And I believe that's why Woble (and possibly Leorio too- since Leorio makes Kurapika calm, as he says) will be the one to save Kurapika from sinking completely into darkness. Just like Killua was Gon's light in his darkest moments, everything Woble represents will be what ultimately leads Kurapika to get his head out of the water, and to finally find a new purpose in life, finally moving on from the past and accepting a new, brighter future.

I could write THOUSANDS of meta on Woble but I'm gonna abbreviate to the most important things I read about her and that lead me to believe she is the one that's gonna help Kurapika get out of his self-destructive spiral. There's a lot of Bible symbolism in Succession War arc. Morena wears a crown of thorns, just like Jesus, but she's meant to represent the anti-christ and to embody everything Jesus opposes.

Tserriednich shares so similarities with Jesus, but ALSO doesn't represent him at all, he's the exact opposite of him. I'm literally quoting a post I read, but : Jesus: prodigy; turned water to wine; rose from the dead; warned his trusted apostle (Peter) that Peter would lie and betray him three times before the rooster crowed // Tserriednich: prodigy; turned water to putrid shit; rose from the dead; by proxy of his Beast, warned his trusted bodyguard (Theta) that she should not lie to him three times.

Finally, we got Chrollo, with his upside down cross, his 12 disciples and all the biblical symbolism surrounding him.

Those characters, associated with anti-christ symbolism, are all on the boat. But hey, if we got antichrist symbolism galore in this arc, then surely, there must be a character that symbolizes Jesus, right ? Yup, you guessed it. It's Woble.

Like I said before, Woble represents everything Kurapika is not : she's light, she's innocent, she's pure. 

And the fact that Kurapika meets and shares a bond with this character, who is surrounded by so much positive symbolism, right after he declares that "there is no home for me to return to.... and nobody to welcome me back. I have nothing else." is leading me to believe that Woble, in one way or another, will be the one that pulls out Kurapika from this darkness.

Kurapika's story arc would not end in tragedy, I don't think that's the message Togashi wants to convey through him, that when you chase negative emotions too much and focus on the past, you lose yourself so much that you eventually die. I think that Togashi's message would be somewhere along the lines of "Sometimes, you get lost trying to live in the past, and you let negative emotions fuel you. But when you think you have no purpose left, and that you've hit rock bottom, open your heart to others and you will be saved."

Because that's the thing that happened with Gon. Gon went through the same character arc, and he got lost but eventually brought back home by Killua. And I really believe that the same thing will happen to Kurapika. That Woble will give his life a new meaning, a reason to look forward to the future instead of clinging onto the past. And of course, it's gonna be painful. Because to see the light, Kurapika has to hit rock bottom first.

(lil parenthesis here : but i genuinely believe that kurapika will be put in a situation where he will eventually have to make the choice between retrieving the eyes, symbolizing his past, or protecting woble, representing his future. and ofc, he will choose woble, and thus his future, putting him on a path to recovery.)

THANK YOU FOR READING MY BRAINROT ONCE AGAIN