#let me sooth my pet dragon in peace

[fazedlight]

“IT’S OKAY, SPIKE!” Kara shouted, flying alongside the panicked dragon. “Easy, easy boy- OOF.”

An unwitting thrash of the dragon’s tail sideswept Kara in the air, causing her to tumble as he continued to rip ahead. 

“Supergirl,” came Lena’s voice in her ear. “Are you still there?”

“Yep,” Kara said, halting her fall to the Earth, surging back up into the sky and heading again towards the dragon. “Have you figured out why he’s upset yet?”

“We detected a disruption in spacetime. If he freaked out during Crisis last year, he may be sensitive to-”

“Another crisis?!” Kara said, nearly caught up to the dragon.

“Unlikely, Brainy is investigating the cause.”

Kara didn’t respond as she finally flanked Spike’s side, shouting words at him in an attempt to soothe - not that it was working all that well.

“Have you tried beef jerky?” came an amused voice behind her.

Kara startled, rotating in the air to see another figure, flying just a few yards away. In the dark sky, she could make out a… woman, a white supersuit, a red cape, short-cropped light hair. It was mid-turn that Kara realized there was a small bag hurling in her direction. Kara instinctively reached out to grab it, seeing Original Beef Jerky on the label. 

“Who are you?” Kara shouted, glancing back up.

“You don’t recognize me?” the stranger smirked.

“Should I?”

“My name,” the blonde said, “Is Kara Zor-L.”

-----------

It didn’t take long for Spike to calm down after that. A couple of bites of jerky, and the dragon amiably landed on the ground, seeming to physically shake off his nerves before shrinking back down into a peaceful iguana. Alana was relieved to have her pet back.

Kara eyed the new blonde warily, but this other Kara didn’t seem concerned. “I’ve been dealing with a brainwashed Legion member,” the other woman explained. “He threw me out of my universe. I need to get back there.”

“So the multiverse is back,” Lena said over comms, listening on to Kara’s conversation with… Kara. “Bring her to the Tower, Brainy and I can try to help her.”

Kara looked up. “Alright… Kara,” she said awkwardly-

“My Earth name is Karen,” the blonde responded.

Kara nodded. Thank Rao, this’ll be less confusing. “Alright, Karen. Let’s get you back to the team.”

-----------

“So you’re… Power Girl,” Lena said, eyeing the much older kryptonian. “And you were able to grow up on Krypton?”

“It’s a long story,” Karen said with a shrug. “When do you think you’ll be able to send me back to my Earth?”

“Just a few hours,” Lena said. “Brainy’s making some equipment modifications.”

“Looking forward to getting home,” Karen said. “Cat will be annoyed.”

“Wow,” Kara said with a laugh. “Different timelines, but somehow we both work for Cat Grant.”

Karen tilted her head towards Kara as her brow crinkled - Lena couldn’t help but think of how strangely familiar her expression was. “I suppose she would be a little old for you,” Karen mulled.

“Old?” Kara asked.

Karen smirked. “Cat is my wife.”

“Oh,” Kara squeaked, as Lena's heart skipped a beat.

-----------

“That’s not suspicious to the press at all?” Lena said. “You and Cat living on opposite sides of the country?”

Conversation had wandered - from Karen’s Starrware Labs and her development of environmental nanobot technology, to her superhero antics as Power Girl, to her marriage. Lena hadn’t missed how Kara’s cheeks turned bright pink with the mention of Karen’s love life, and how she took every excuse to duck out of the room to check on Brainy’s progress. 

But now Kara was back, and pacing, and nervous - and somehow that only seemed to amuse Karen.

“We’re good at privacy,” Karen said. “Though I’m opening a branch of Starrware Labs in National City, so soon this’ll be less of a pain in the ass anyway. It’ll be nice to be able to attend Carter’s baseball games without suspicion.”

“Carter?” Lena asked. “I guess Cat was previously married on your Earth, too.”

“The media went nuts when we started dating,” Karen smirked. “America’s Power Bisexuals. Ironic headlines, considering they don’t know I’m Power Girl.”

“You’re bi,” Lena asked curiously, noting again how Kara seemed flushed.

Karen shrugged. “Bi, pan, whatever. Sexuality in Krypton’s society was considered fluid.”

“What?” Kara said, confusion overriding her new shyness. “That sounds like Daxam, not Krypton.”

“What’s Daxam?” Karen asked.

Kara stared at Karen for a moment. “I’m… going to check on Brainy again,” she said, making her way out the room. 

Lena curiously watched after her, before turning back to Karen - who seemed to be far too amused at what was transpiring. Lena shifted in her seat, another curiosity coming to mind. “What’s my life like on your Earth?”

Karen shrugged. “You’re a powerhouse. Married to another tech genius, some Jack guy. It’s rumored you’re in an open relationship, you spend a lot of time with the Obsidian CEO.”

“Oh,” Lena said.

“Is something going on between you two?” Karen asked Lena, gesturing at where Kara went through to the door.

“No.”

“Do you want something to be going on?”

Lena was going to rebuff, the words of course not ready to fall from her lips. But something stopped her. Maybe the familiar crinkle in the stranger’s brow, maybe the fact that the blonde was imminently about to leave the universe entirely. “I don’t think that’s a possibility,” Lena said regretfully.

“Why not?”

Lena shrugged. “Kara’s straight in this world.”

“Are you sure?” Karen said, her eyes seeming to dance with the almost familiar smile, last observed when Kara convinced Lena to buy an entire tub of ice cream. Lena couldn’t help but laugh, as much as the reality of the situation made her heart ache. 

But before she could formulate a response, they could hear the patter of footsteps coming back. “It’s ready,” Kara said, nodding in Karen’s direction. “Brainy says you can go home.”

-----------

Karen departed for her Earth - and normalcy resumed, as Lena and Kara crashed on Lena’s couch, consuming their late dinner from Chinese takeout containers.

Lena looked over at the blonde, who seemed… still unusually quiet, seemingly pensive. “Is it odd?” Lena asked gently. “Hearing about a different Krypton?”

“Yeah,” Kara said, pulling her legs up onto the couch. “It makes me wonder…”

“Wonder?”

“She’s just… very confident,” Kara murmured, staring down at her chopsticks.

“She’s older,” Lena shrugged. “Seen more.”

“I think even if I were a decade or two older, Cat would still eat me alive,” Kara smiled.

“Maybe,” Lena laughed.

A pause. “We’re… similar in other ways,” Kara said softly.

“Oh?” Lena said, her heart skipping a beat.

Kara shifted awkwardly, finally glancing up at Lena. “I overheard something she said. Her talking about you and Jack. And… Andrea.”

“It wasn’t that surprising,” Lena replied slowly, her heart pattering as she realized that Kara might be… trying to assess the situation. Which gave her the bravery to be a bit more forthcoming. “Andrea and I were together in high school.”

“Oh,” Kara said. And for a moment, silence fell again.

“Lena-” “Kara-”

The two looked up, each noting that the other had a blush crawling across her face, each feeling the vibration of possibility flowing between them. “Could we…” Kara started. “Could we be more?”

“If you want us to be,” Lena said, a small smile growing on her face.

Kara’s eyes widened, before a grin crossed her own face. “I’d like that,” she said.

-----------

A month later, a small portal temporarily opened up in Karen Starr’s office. She didn’t notice at the time - she was far too busy making out with her wife - but she did find the note left behind: 

“You were right. Thank you. - LL”

[angelicalchaoticabyss]

I'm not sure if anyone request it yet but I read 'Fragile' and I wish to see if there's a part two to it

(you may erased or save this if request are closed)

(Rip this person long gone I suck, but I hope you see this anyway.) Strong.

Strong, that’s what dragons are. They stand above cookies in every category, speed, strength, you name it. Greedy hoarders of treasure and a legendary one ruled this kingdom. The great greenish red dragon, Pitaya Dragon. And said dragon defeated you in the battle they started, a battle you greatly enjoyed, you were known as a glass cannon. Powerful and fast but took hits harder than others.

You woke up sore in the palace infirmary, an IV with a jam transfusion was in your arm, the beating of your heart on the monitor and, oh, the dragon curled up in a large ball at the end of your bed.

Wait…what?

You stared bewildered as Pitaya slept at the end of the bed, the gentle breathing giving a nice warm feeling on your body that soothed the soreness a bit. One of their wings was tucked nicely to their side while the other was fanned out hanging off the bed. They were almost dog-like in how they were curled and it was…so cute.

You didn’t know WHY the great dragon was sleeping here but you certainly weren’t complaining. Were they watching over you? Did they want to gloat when you woke up? Or did they want you to be awake for your last moments?

You looked at that mane of white and black speckled hair, there was so much of it you could easily use it like a pillow! You glanced around briefly before placing your hand in their hair, it was so soft. You couldn’t help yourself as you began to gently pet them, glee filled your heart as you heard Pitaya purr in their sleep. It was a nice moment of peace you desperately needed at this time, but it was soon cut short as Pitaya opened their eyes and looked at you.

You quickly pulled your hand away and stuttered out apologies. The dragon stared at you in silence for a few good agonizing moments before suddenly being above you on all fours. This caused you to yelp in surprise and fully expecting for them to rip your throat out. But they didn’t, they just smiled and purred as they nuzzled against you like a cat. This made your cheeks burn a flustered and confused red.

“Yesss, my favorite little cookie isss finally awake.” They hissed.

Favorite?

“I wasss ssso worried, you were out for daysss, don’t ssscare me like that next time.” They commanded.

You gulped and nodded, seeing them visibly relax at your words. Pitaya got off and left the room to leave you with your confused thoughts.

Every day after Pitaya would visit you and converse until you were fully healed, but even after then Pitaya would take several times out of their day to speak with you. They wouldn’t let anyone hurt you and they were most gentle with you. Being completely honest, you were in love with this dragon for a long time. Ever since you learned about Pitaya from the ancient legends you always wanted to meet them, you even scoured the Dragon’s Valley!

So when you learned they were ruling over the Hollyberry Kingdom you rushed to this place, getting yourself a servant job just so you could meet them. Honestly you enjoyed the special attention they gave you, and made you feel so worthy of them. Maybe perhaps you were starting to follow them around like a lost Cake Hound

Pitaya did notice this and quite liked it to be honest, they were flattered~.

When this was noticed Pitaya started show off in front of you, showing off their strength, speed, and skills. Wings fanned out, claws sharp, they were trying to court you. With your knowledge of dragons you knew this is what they were doing. You already got the fight part out of the way since they were clearly impressed with your skill.

“Would you like to go on a date my lord?” You asked.

“A date~?” They replied.

“Yes, anywhere you want to go, just us.”

They took you up on the offer and your date ended up in the Hollyberry jungle. You walked and talked with them, even allowed to hold their hand! They were so much bigger than you that you needed your head craned up to look at them. You didn’t mind however you were just happy to be with the dragon you idolized so much, Pitaya seemed pleased to be with you as well.

“Little cookie tell me, what brought you work in the Hollyberry palace?” They questioned.

You flushed read for a second.

“Well, it was you. I’ve idolized and always wanted to meet you for a long time. And when I found out you were ruling the Hollyberry kingdom I came for a job just to see you.” You replied.

They looked surprised for a moment, then very pleased with your answer as the date continued.

Pitaya was very active during the date climbing or flying you up to get better views, telling you which plants were safe to eat, fending off animals like butter tigers if they got too close to you. It was cute and an honor to watch them be so protective of you. That you were the only one who got that gentle touch of theirs, that they WANTED to protect you.

In a way you almost couldn’t believe it was happening but you were happy with how the night turned out either way. Pitaya picked you up and flew you back to the palace no problem, honestly it flustered you a lot. The dragon noticed and chuckled.

“Red is a good color for you~.” They cooed.

“Thank you, my lord.” You squeaked.

Pitaya honestly wanted the night to continue but knew you had to go to bed for another day of work, so they put you down at the palace entrance. Then before you could do anything, they placed a kiss on your forehead.

“Goodnight my strong little cookie~.

[furymint]

wc 641 (this ask was sent to my insp blog @unforgettablesilhouette so just to keep my writing in one place i copied it here! thank u @houserosaire!)

"What," Nolanel grunted, "are you doing?"

Elliot strengthened his grip on Nolanel’s hand. "You needn't question what you know—it dulls your understanding of the world."

They strode side by side in one of the brackish portions of the city, where the closely paved walkways of the Pillars began to twist into the impaired streets of the Brume. Lights in Skysteel make hung over the path towards the sector's barracks to guide ale-drunk soldiers home, but as soon as the sun fully set, the rest of the road would be lit only by the windows and brazier fires of the shops.

Nolanel tried to jerk his hand away. "Instead of chaffing me, answer me why," he griped.

"I'm fond of you," Elliot declared. "And walking with you remains the highlight of my days."

Sarcasm soothed Nolanel no further. "Let go of me or I will make a scene."

"The Horde would agree to peace sooner."

"Are you more ill in the head than we knew? Do you see anyone else here making some pathetic show of their affections like this?"

"Not exactly. You're also not looking deep enough." Elliot pouted. He tugged Nolanel toward the center of the street to skirt the collection of low tables and chairs that made a bistro's veranda. "The people don't know you here; you've never been here—"

"Baseless certainty will be your death one day."

"Yes, and I'll march to my grave completely blind in the belief it is my salvation! Now stop pretending there are knives at your neck and start looking at the stars. They're beginning to appear."

Nolanel tried to yank himself free again. To his own annoyance, he could never purposefully harm Elliot or allow himself to appear as trapped by sick enjoyment as he was—so his strength was not in him as he lifted his arm and punched it suddenly down. Elliot dipped readily with the force and leaned against his shoulder. Spite prevented Nolanel from enjoying the warmth.

"You may be correct about the people here knowing me, but what of the agents among them? My aether is poisoned with the inner dragon. The Inquisitors need to see no more than that."

"Be realistic! Hypocrisy may be strong among them, but the Inquisition is abounding with inverts. They're the ones who require intervention from a saint—preferably Raphael, what for their tools, lest—"

"Gods, be silent, afore I scream. The Inquisitors do not look above their caste to sell himself as the adored pet of some nobleman with a penchant for uniforms."

Wagging his free hand dismissively, Elliot shrugged, "If the Tribunal were looking for such a pair, they would find more than one here."

Nolanel finally paid attention. The strip was lined with brasserie, cafés, and dwellings, all of them twinkling with activity and rumbling with the voices of men. Of the knights posturing at the rim of counters or alone against walls, few of them lifted their concentrated eyes to him. They watched Elliot.

Others were long engaged in conversation, drink, and games, while women with slack hairstyles prodded those who stepped too close apart. Smoke cycloned behind the windows of one bar, then rushed into the streets as a laborer threw open its door and hollered a greeting.

There were too many alleys and too many people who stood on the lip of their darkness, like effigies of temptation, to feign some occupation while they waited for another to approach.

Nolanel returned Elliot’s grip with force, causing Elliot to laugh. "'Tis not myself I intended to shield, but you, ser. We wouldn't want anyone to think you could be had."

"Still—"

"I know this area, which is why I've brought you to visit de Charlus' little place. He boast the best madeleines. Nevertheless, if anyone offers you a cigar—"

"You're making this worse," Nolanel cringed.

"You'll love it."

[horizon-verizon]

Daemon and his children are the ones who cares about the smallfolk, interact with the commoners, and have their support. Alicent have never cared in the slightest about them.

“By the end of year 105 AC, he was known to his friends as the Prince of the City and to the smallfolk as Lord Flea Bottom.” - Fire & Blood - Heirs of the Dragon—A Question of Succession.

“The bloodless victory made Harrenhal a rallying point, as thousands of smallfolk and lesser knights marched to join Prince Daemon’s banner.” - The Rise of the Dragon.

“I mean to give the smallfolk peace and food and justice. If that will not suffice to win their love, let Mushroom make a progress. Or perhaps we might send a dancing bear. Someone once told me that the commons love nothing half so much as dancing bears. You may call a halt to this feast tonight as well. Send the lords home to their own keeps and give the food to the hungry. Full bellies and dancing bears shall be my policy.” - The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.

“The girls were now sixteen years of age, tall and slim and silver-haired, very much the darlings of the city […] It had been Rhaena or Baela riding out to hunt or hawk, giving alms to the poor, receiving envoys and visiting lords with the King’s Hand, serving as hostess at feasts (of which there were few), masques, and balls (of which there had been none as yet). The twins were the only Targaryens the people ever saw.” - Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.

“Even more gravely, Baela had a taste for unsuitable companions. Like stray dogs, she brought them home with her to the Red Keep, insisting that they be given positions in the castle, or be made part of her own retinue. These pets of hers included a comely young juggler, a blacksmith’s apprentice whose muscles she admired, a legless beggar she took pity on, a conjurer of cheap tricks she took for an actual sorcerer, a hedge knight’s homely squire, even a pair of young girls from a brothel, twins, “like us, Rhae.” Once she turned up with an entire troupe of mummers.” - Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.

“The other hero, to the astonishment of all, was the young king. To the horror of his Kingsguard, Aegon spent his days visiting the sick, and often sat with them for hours, sometimes holding their hands in his own, or soothing their fevered brows with cool, damp cloths. Though His Grace seldom spoke, he shared his silences with them, and listened as they told him stories of their lives, begged him for forgiveness, or boasted of conquests, kindnesses, and children. Most of those he visited died, but those who lived would afterward attribute their survival to the touch of the king’s “healing hands.” - Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.

I know that Daemon's organizing the goldcloaks and mutilating the rapists and murderers of KL would have gained him lovers. At the same time, when I think about what other actions he took for the smallfolk in mind of their wellbeing as priority, there nothing.

Having a nickname doesn't equal actually doing what his kids do, which is take smallfolk individuals under this wing and do more substantive relief efforts. Or what Aegon V did to actually institute or suggest laws to protect smallfolk.

With the goldcloaks, I think Daemon was thinking mostly about how his work there would generate more support for the crown and his brother, while also him being unsuited for the other Council positions. As for Harrenhal, it's hard to tell if he and the black faction had planned to take it w/o bloodshed for a good image, to conserve as much resources as possible, or out of a genuine care for smallfolk. Or all simultaneously. Again, Daemon isn't really the type to go out of his way to benefit not-family. But he is the type to include altruistic things in selfish plans if those altruistic things promote his own ends.

Baela, on the other hand, is an exception. She is similar to Arya in that she actually treated smallfolk as friends and interacted with the personality, even with her job being Rhaena in the charity works, not being stupid as to not also know the political benefits of doing so. Rhaena does her charity stuff without being a Queen or Lady of anything, but it seems, with the distance she keeps and the lack of a proper POV, that similar to Daemon her motivation is more self-interested than altruistic. It didn't mean she's evil, just not "for" the smallfolk for themselves. Like Baela, Aegon III also put the smallfolk before himself, so he's fine. You already gave the quote of how he looked to endanger himself to comfort others in their illness and last moments. And of course his determination for peace. And I blank on Viserys.

This doesn't mean the greens were much better or acted for the smallfolk. Aegon II raped commonborn girls and servants. Aegon organized a feast honoring Aemond and himself after Aemond killed Luke while they were in the beginning of the war following said action, and he drained the royal coffers of moneys so Rhaenyra had to implement taxes to refill them.

If she hadn't done those taxes, does this not make it more difficult for them to trade with traders and merchants? If your monarch has no money, how could you expect them to resupply arms, the materials to fix broken armor or weapons, etc., provide for the refugees of Tumbleton flooding the city AND provide for people already living in the city? Distribute goods? Aegon maybe-tatically, definitely-pettily, impoverished those smallfolk.

So yes, Alicent nor any green gave three shits about the smallfolk. I wrote more about it HERE. But that doesn't mean that the sort of love the smallfolk had for Daemon or any black was constant or as deep or as meaningful as the one for Dany in her antislavery campaign, which comes from her heart and thus her every action is for their wellbeing.

[lord-of-fruit]

when you’re getting ready to purify davalin’s tear and some bastard with a fairy show up and scare him away

[luna-redamancy]

hiiii! I was wondering if I could possibly get a fluff prompt 2 + smaug? maybe he survives but still falls in the lake and reader (current s/o) pulls him from the lake and yeah???

Hi Nonnie!! Here you go, I hope you enjoy:

(A/N: please forgive any grammatical errors, I’m having to write on my cellphone)

“(Y/n)!” Smaug screeched out, but to many it just sounded like a defeated roar of a dragon. He was terrified. Where were you, his little human mate? Were you safe? Did the dwarves that tried to send him to his demise find you or were you still peaceful in your nest in the far north corner of the gold hoard. He didn’t know.

Smaug’s struggling halted, wings stiffening in the air before shifting back into human arms, scales littering his skin. His eyes rolled back as his body finally began to give out, one last whimper leaving him as his body crashed into the cold icy water, darkness overtaking him.

Little did he know, you were there. Tears flew down your cheeks as you rowed the small boat with a vigor. Ignoring the burn in your arms, you kept pushing onward as you finally reached the spot where he descended. The surface of the lake bubbled as the last of his oxygen left his body. Not caring for the fact that you’d likely freeze to death, you jumped off the side of the boat into the dark depths. You had to try.

The water was frigid, making your body almost want to lurch back into the boat, but you continued swimming downward. Just as your lungs began to burn- you found him.

Crimson scales caught your attention first, then the horns as the moonlight illuminated them. Reaching forward, you grabbed him under his arms, kicking as hard as you could to get him to the surface.

Gasping for air, you grunted as you pushed Smaug on the boat before getting yourself up. As you settled for rowing, you ignored your shivers as you brushed the wet hair out of Smaug’s face.

“It’ll be okay,” You didn’t know if you said that for him or for yourself as you began rowing back to the shore.

When Smaug awoke, he didn’t expect warmth. He didn’t expect to be alive at all, now that he thought about it. Golden eyes glanced around the room, confusion filling him as he took in the atmosphere.

The room was musty but not unbearable, the window on the right of him was still intact, and so was the ceiling. The makeshift bed wasn’t too bad either.

Somehow the two of you ended up at an abandoned cabin at the edge of the Mirkwood forest, as you tried your best to not get spotted by the survivors of Smaug’s destruction of Esgaroth. It was seemingly abandoned after catching fire, the front of the house being charred but the back bedroom was still perfectly intact.

Suddenly he became aware of a weight on his left hand.

Alarmed, his eyes snapped to the left, ready to leap out of the bed if necessary but as soon as his eyes laid on you they softened.

His left hand cradled in between the two of yours as you rested your head on top of them, a furrowed expression on your face.

Grunting, Smaug sat up, careful to not move his left hand from your grasp. Fighting a pained gasp as the now dressed wound in his chest spasmed with his movement.

Breathing deeply through his nose, the pain mattered not as he took his right hand to card his fingers through your hair.

The soothing sensation awoke you from your fitful sleep, eyes blinking rapidly as you processed your surroundings.

“Smaug?” Your voice was groggy with sleep, attempting to sit up before he gently shushed you, guiding your head back down.

“It’s alright darling, sleep,” The deep baritone of his voice soothed your worries, your furrowed brow relaxing as he continued to pet your hair.

Making a humming sound, you nuzzled your face against his left hand.

“It’ll be okay.” Was the last you heard before you slipped back into unconsciousness, your heart finally at peace knowing he survived and was no longer on the brink of death.

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[mint-yooxgi]

Hey! Yandere dragon taeyong part 2 pls? 🥺

Part One

***

Approximately a month has passed since you first stepped foot into Taeyong’s cave, and to be honest, things haven’t been all that bad for you. Surprisingly, he cooks, cleans, and doesn’t expect you to do much other than keep him company. Its certainly not a bad deal, especially when he gives you everything you could ever ask for.

Currently, you find yourself leaning against his side reading a book. You can feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he slumbers, his full body practically curling around you as he rests in his dragon form. Little puffs of smoke emanate from his nostrils with each exhale, and you just know that he’s completely relaxed in this moment with you.

Taeyong’s dragon form is simply amazing in your opinion. Iridescent red scales shimmer with every movement he makes, his eyes a fiery amber which glint every time he looks at you. It still amazes you how big he can get.

You even found a weak spot of his, completely by accident. It was the first time he had asked you to sit with him in his dragon form, and you were quite nervous. Every movement he made, you thought he was going to change his mind and snap those large fangs in your direction, ending you instantly. Needless to say you practically jumped when he rested his head in your lap.

All he did was snort in response, you getting a face full of smoke from his nose as he peeked an eye open at you. Ten minutes later and he was humming softly, a fact which you would later discover as him snoring.

Curiosity got the better of you, plus he looked so peaceful sleeping, that you started to brush his head softly. The content rumble he had let out made you jump in surprise, your knee jerking into the underside of his jaw. Immediately, he lifted his head, and you being you, started apologizing while reaching for what you were sure to be a now tender spot beneath his chin.

Only, when you went to touch it, he froze. You didn’t even realize you were doing it at first, your hand rubbing soothing circles over the underside of his chin. It was only when he let out another content rumble, this time a little louder, that you realized his pupils had dilated while watching you.

At least now you know to pet his chin if you want something.

Treasure, his voice resounding in your head still startles you every time, what are you thinking about?

Of course, Taeyong noticed you going still for the past few minutes, not even turning the page of the book you’ve been so invested in the past few days.

“Just how much my life has changed in a month,” you reply, closing your book after marking your page.

You don’t plan on leaving me, now, do you? There’s a certain gleam in his eye as he looks at you, and despite the joking tone of his voice, you can hear his underlying threat.You know I’ll never let you go.

“I know.” You sigh, closing your eyes briefly so as to avoid looking into his any longer. “I just... miss my friends. And my family.”

You don’t need them. He blinks. You have me.

You purse your lips. You can’t exactly tell him that that’s not the same. Especially not since he reacted so badly the first time.

Taeyong heaves a large sigh, lifting himself up onto his legs as he stretches his wings out above him. How about this? We go see your parents soon, and if things go well we can talk about visiting your good for nothing friends.

“My friends aren’t bad!” You immediately come to their defence yet again.

Weren’t they the ones that dared you to come in here? You can just tell he’s raising an eyebrow at you. Their greed befalls them.

“Because you threatened them!” You stand, book long forgotten on the ground now as you cross your arms in front of your chest.

In the blink of an eye, Taeyong stands before you in his human form, amusement shining on his features. “Look at us, having our first couple’s spat.”

“Am I a joke to you?” You frown.

Immediately, his expression hardens, and you’re a little taken aback by the way his eyes flash in the light. “I would never joke about my love for you, Treasure.”

“We’re not even a couple!”

“The moment you-”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” You cut him off, waving a hand in the air. “The moment I stepped into this cave I submitted to the desires of the dragon, or whatever.”

“Good! Glad we’re on the same page.” He smirks, taking a step towards you as he hooks an arm around your shoulders. “Now, come on, let’s go. It’s probably not such a bad idea to visit your parents. After all, I should probably meet my in-laws, or whatever you humans call it nowadays.”

Taeyong begins leading you to the mouth of the cave, arm still wrapped firmly around your shoulders. Only, when you get about halfway, he stops, making you turn to face him as his hands settle on either one of your arms.

“Just know, though, that if they oppose us, if they oppose me in any way,” his eyes flash once more, a snarl tugging at his lips at the mere thought of anyone taking you away from him, “I’ll kill them.”

[daily-dose-of-imagines]

ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀɴɢᴇʀ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄʜᴏɴ | ɢᴇɴꜱʜɪɴ ɪᴍᴘᴀᴄᴛ ; ᴢʜᴏɴɢʟɪ x ꜰ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ | ᴏɴᴇ - ꜱʜᴏᴛ

Ayo ayo!! It’s been a second hasn’t it? I’m so sorry it’s been a second since I’ve last posted and I do apologize about that ;; I’ve been in a massive writer’s block but also a drawing mood lololol I finally had the feeling to write after drawing a jealous / possessive dragon Zhongli, thus spurring on with where I am now. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did with writing it!

Art: @ko-ffeine​

>> Admin Ko

“What does today’s commission entail for us?”

Soothing and melodic, the former geo archon’s voice swam into her ears as she briefly glanced back at her companion. It was one of those rare moments gifted to her that she was able to complete some commissions for the adventurer’s guild. After all, being a traveling librarian who focused more on knowledge than combat was much more of her strong suit. 

“It should be something simple. Nothing too hard from what I could gather.” 

A gentle smile was given to the tall male as honey amber hues gazed gently upon her form. Respectable and always the gentlemen, Zhongli stood tall and proud beside the adventuring librarian as the pair leisurely explored the plains of Liyue for the commission spot. When he had first met her, the funeral associate couldn’t help but become enamored by her curious filled eyes. The way she always happened to sought him out for knowledge and genuine respectable curiosity for the information he was able to procure for her.

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind, adeptis or not, that the former archon had become extremely fond of the librarian. Some may even compare it to that of a dragon guarding their beloved treasure. 

“Then I believe if we are to finish this in a timely manner, we could finish our discussion about the historical sights you happened to last visit.” 

Upon seeing her (e/c) shimmer with absolute delight brought a sense of peace into Zhongli’s heart as he couldn’t help but fondly pat her head as she flushed at the endearing action. 

Yet the feeling subsided as they neared the commission sight. Immediately her heart plummeted as she felt the color drain from her face at the familiar sight of an unwanted individual. One that she, disappointedly had the honor of meeting whilst adventuring with Xingqui. 

Having sensed her distress, the male stepped forth almost protectively before her as sweet amber hues turned molten with unbridled rage as he kept his stony gaze on the figure before the pair. 

“There seems to be….a tale of strife here. Do tell me what has happened little one…”

“I…It-’s nothing, c’mon. I think Kathryn won’t be mad if we skip this commission.”

“Did they touch you, Little One?”

“Zhongli….”

“Did those disgusting sewer rats touch you?”

She flinched, the sheer anger that enraptured his words had her gulping as she lightly tugged on his sleeve, her voice soft and desperate to not further escalate the situation as she pleaded with the former archon.

“Please…let’s just go…”

“….Very well.”

Sensing the urgency in her voice, the former god conceded as he turned to face her. The anger in his eyes forcibly subsiding as he hurriedly guided her away before the treasure hoarders could notice. Yet unknown to the librarian, Zhongli had made sure to etch the man’s face into his memory. After all, there was information that had to be gathered. 

Upon the return to the colorful and bustling Oceanside city, (y/n) couldn’t help but breath a sigh of relief. Besides the one commission, everything else had ended rather well. With Zhongli’s strong shield and her own combat style, the commissions ended fairly quickly. 

“Thank you again for your help Mr. Zhongli.”

“Nonsense. I take great pleasure in accompanying you wherever you need it, Little One.” 

The pet name brought a sense of fondness to her heart as she hurriedly turned her gaze away from the liquid honey being poured into her very being as she coughed lightly to distract the male from her reddening cheeks. 

“I really appreciate it…well, I’ll be off then.”

“Hm, returning to Mondstat?”

“That’s correct. It’s been a nice couple of weeks out here in Liyue and I’ve definitely learned a lot from everyone here, but I do need to return to my duties as Lisa’s assistant.”

“I see, well I wish you safe travels back. I do hope that you’ll return soon though. Or else I’ll have to visit the land of the free myself. I do have some acquaintances there after all.”

A light laugh escaped her as she playfully nudged the other. A roll of her (e/c) hues showing nothing but an annoyed fondness as she lightly shook her head.

“Goodness, if I wasn’t so busy I’d think that you’re trying everything in your power to stay by my side Mr. Zhongli.”

“And if I was?”

She waited. A building heat in her veins as she awaited for the handsome man to reply with a joke. Instead of that, she was met with an all serious expression— save for the sweet affection dripping from his amber hues as he brought a hand up to lightly ruffle her hair. Immediately stammering out a flurry of words and rushed goodbyes, the librarian hurriedly bowed before scampering off towards one of the teleportation stations. All the whilst ignoring the fond look and deep chuckle that reverberated from Zhongli’s chest as he watched her scurry off.

Once out of sight, the former archon’s expression went from fond to unbridled anger. The atmosphere around Liyue hurriedly reflecting that of the former archon as darkness enveloped the usually bright lands as Zhongli made his way towards the adventurer’s guide. There, Katheryne easily supplied the terrifying male with the information he desired. Already knowing fully well what was to become of the treasure hoarders that dared to touch his treasure. 

»»————-　　————-««

It had been a week since her return to Mondstat, and if (y/n) was being honest with herself the amount of work thrown upon her had her quickly forgetting the distasteful incident she had faced weeks prior to her return. The disgusting feeling of hands and detestable warm puffs of air against her skin. The mere thought of it alone sent shivers down her spine as she shook off the feeling of disgust as she went about her duties. 

“Now…if I’m correct the next thing on the list is to just give reminders to those who borrowed Ms. Lisa’s books…—ow!”

Yet before she could even begin her search for the current occupants of the various tomes of knowledge a familiar figure loomed before her, causing the librarian to bump straight into a firm chest. Before she could even begin her apologies the stench of blood overwhelmed her as she stumbled backwards to meet familiar golden orbs.

“Ah, I do apologize little one, I hadn’t meant to surprise you…”

“…Zhongli?” 

Finally getting a good look at the former archon she couldn’t help but gasp as she surged forward. His usually crisp and clean outfit was marred in blood and tears, yet in her fervent search for nonexistent wounds, she failed to notice the look of adoration that graced his features. Hesitantly, he peeled off his gloves before a large warm hand found it’s way into her hair as he gently petted her unruly locks to hopefully soothe her anxiety riddled form.

“Fret not little one, I merely disposed of some trash on my way to visit you.”

“…t…rash?”

Confused (e/c) orbs met his own as his hand dropped from the top of her head to lovingly cup her cheek.

“Yes. The trash that dared to create discomfort for you when you and Xingqui had stumbled across in your journey.”

The statement itself brought a sense of dread into her heart as she gulped, knowing fully well how insanely powerful the male was, god or not. 

“D…Did you kill him?”

“No. Though I wish I did, remember our contract little one? I will not break it. Though I do admit, an acquaintance of mine is….educating him as we speak. I merely just gave it a stern talking to.”

Heaving a sigh of relief, (y/n) couldn’t help but slump against the blood muddled archon as she lightly swatted at his chest. The horrors of what could’ve become of the treasure hoarder now long gone— though of course that didn’t keep her from hoping that Zhongli’s ‘acquaintance’ would be merciful. 

“….Thank you, but you didn’t have to Zhongli—-”

“I wanted to. No one should ever make you feel uncomfortable, Little one. As long as I am by your side, this will no longer happen. I promise.”

With a small smile, Zhongli shifted his hand down to hold her own as he lightly kissed the back of it.

“Now, will you please show me your favorite places here in the city of freedom?

[sylviazem]

FFXIV Write 2022: #20- Anon

previous prompt/next prompt | previous relevant/next relevant

—————————————————————————

“...Are you awake?” The dragon finally stirred and opened his eyes. “How are you feeling?”

He tried propping himself up but weakened as he still was, his legs failed and he slumped back to the ground with heavy breaths.

“Don’t push yourself, Ehsk Ahm...You’ve lost a lot of blood,” Emma said and gently pet his horns. “Even for a dragon, I reckon it’s a minor miracle you’re still alive.”

“[...Thou,]” he quietly wheezed, his voice raspy from the wound in his neck. “[Thou saved me...]“

“...Yes.”

“[I am in thy debt,]” he coughed. “[Now and forevermore, daughter of Ishgard.]”

“...Forgive me if I sound rude, but...Why do you trust me so readily..?”

“[...I do not discuss this often,]” he sighed deeply and closed his eyes. “[But perhaps there is no harm in telling thee, indebted as I am.]”

“Y-you don’t have to...”

“[Nay, ‘tis fine. My beloved, she...was a woman from Ishgard, much like thee. How we came to be together is of little consequence, all thou need’st know is that our bond was genuine. Strong. ‘Tis that bond which, even after her passing, gives me hope...even as strife continues to hurt both our kin.]”

“That...reminds me of Saint Shiva.”

“[...Heh. Aye, I suppose. For countless years, I’ve believed in peace between our kinds. So much so, I chose to carry the belief with me, wheresoever I should go...]”

“...Your name. Love Song...”

“[Aye,]” he took a deep breath and felt his eyes closing once more. “[...Apologies, my friend. I’m afraid I grow weary...]”

“N-no, please,” Emma softly stroked down his neck. “Rest. You need it. I’ll let Vidofnir know you’re recovering.”

“[...Thou art kind.]” With one final effort, he raised his head slightly and called out to Emma as she was leaving. “[...Pray, return anon. Thy presence is...soothing.]”

“...O-of course. Sohm oohd, Ehsk Ahm.”

[felldragxn]

- “Does it hurt, my child?”

- A snicker, from the shadows. Her eyes dart from side to side, searching and seeing nothing. She knows she’ll see nothing, and yet she refuses to cast her sights within. Finding nothing, they lower, to the body in her arms - it’s not real - and with what pitiful strength remains she pulls it closer to her, her fingers getting tangled in blue strands of hair.

- It’s not real, and yet it hurts just as much as it did back then.

- “I would’ve thought you’d gotten over it by now. Yet even after becoming a part of me - you still don’t seem to think like I do.”

- She closes her eyes, letting out a shaky breath. None of this is real. She’s not even here, now. Dragged out against her will, as if there was anything left to cling to. For so long she had slept, aware only of the initial slaughter, and then… silence. Peaceful, oblivious sleep, with no chance to fight back. So why now?

- “Why I woke you? Honestly, I was getting a bit bored all by myself.” It laughs in genuine amusement, a tone that chills her. She opens her eyes, as if expecting to see its figure in front of her, six eyes glaring at her without mercy from the shadows. What she sees, instead, is a change in that figure in her arms.

- The cry from her throat barely sounds human, as she registers Lucina’s form.

- “With nobody left to oppose me - well, now, there’s just no challenge to it.” The laugh changes from amused to mocking, and she sets the corpse - it’s not real it’s not real - down on the ground in front of her. Her daughter’s face serene, as if she’s merely sleeping. As if for years she hadn’t been suffering all on her own. Robin’s hand reaches out to touch her face, as Grima’s voice tells her, “Even Naga has fallen… You are all that remains~”

- She could refuse to believe it, knowing Grima would tell her such things in hopes of driving her to despair. She could deny and receive no comforting confirmation as to whether or not these are lies. She could accept it as truth, and despair knowing that she is the only one who remains in this broken world - a shell of herself, not even living.

- What flares up in her isn’t quite anger or sadness. She doesn’t really understand what drives her. She can’t be certain of anything - she can’t remember how to feel anything. Maybedetermined is the right word, as she stands, staring fondly down at her daughter, and draws her sword.

- “Oh, now, isn’t that cute,” it says, snickering as she sets off into the dark.

- She wanted to find Grima, so she would. Even if it didn’t matter. Even if she couldn’t really kill it. If she could pretend, just for a moment, that she had some sort of say in anything, the ability to change the fate that had befallen everybody she cared about.

- Gods. Gods.

- Chrom who had loved and trusted her. Lucina who had depended on her. Frederick who, despite his early suspicions, had put his life at stake to try and save her from her destiny. Her family back home - Emmeryn’s memory - her promise to end the war, no matter the cost.

- The cost was everything. The war was over, turned to slaughter.

- She ended up back where she started, and this time it was not Lucina. It was not merely one corpse. Numb, she turned around, and walked a different way.

- Her poor son, born into this life.. She had freed him to a better future -

- “Nothing will change,” their voice laughed, “nothing can.”

- Shut up.

- It hated her for that. It hated her for taking away its only connection to humanity beyond her. Because she could admit, at least, that she was no longer human. She was the Fell Dragon, from the moment she was born.

- She remembered vividly the deaths she had been forced to witness. Those three who had taken her in and allowed her to stay despite her Plegian ancestry, the ones who loved her dearly. She had loved them as family. And yet by her hand, each way slain. She could remember Chrom’s clear last words, Lissa’s hopeful smile which turned to confusion when she was inevitably betrayed. The look in Frederick’s eyes that told her he believed himself to be a failure, unable to protect any of them, unable to fulfill her final wishes.

- This was her fate, even if she had tried to deny it. But the her in that time might still have a chance.

- She stopped walking, and stared at her own body on the ground before her, lifeless and cold.

- She had long since become a walking shell of herself. Perhaps it was hopeless to believe she could accomplish anything. Maybe Grima was right after all, and her last effort at protecting her son would lead to nothing. Maybe Lucina was dead. Maybe the future couldn’t change. Maybe the world was doomed.

- It was all her fault. Peace?

- She stepped forward, gripping the sword in both hands, and stabbing it into the body in the ground.

- Reasoning?

- And again.

- Validar, a victim?

- And again.

- And each time, her emotionless facade began to break down. More force into each blow, more tears running down her face. More, more, more. The only sound she could hear were her own sobs.

- Arms wrapped around from behind her, as if to soothe her. It pet her hair, and whispered in her ear. It told her of all the ways they died. The Risen, the Grimleal. Sacrificing for their families, trying to kill her. All of it, all of it, “It’s all your fault.”

- Its laugh, like music, in her ears. A strangled cry escaped her in response. For a moment, it seemed like she could no longer hear either of the sounds as she raised the sword from theher on the ground, and drove it through the her that she assumed she was.

- It didn’t laugh anymore.

- “You have to find me, Robin,” it called, something off about its voice. But she fell to her knees, uncaring, hands shaking next to the sword. This wasn’t real. “You have to kill me, don’t you? Are you just giving up now?” This wasn’t real, and yet for years it had hurt so badly. What was the point. “How boring.” What was the point? “How miserable.”

- She fell to the ground, in place of the body she’d mutilated before.

- Why did it hurt so badly, when everything was already lost?

- Gods, she just wanted to rest.

- Naga, please let her rest.

- Please.

[lori-the-dragon-ninja]

@ninja-go-to-therapy , I guess I will take this opportunity to torture Koshiro for hurting the cinnamon rolls

//tw: violence, attempted kidnapping, death, murder, koshiro//

Based on devistated because it’s extra angsty that way!

So you know how anger makes powers go out of control? Yeah, angering a demigod was a baaaaaaad idea,,,

(this also includes some hc I have for Lloyd powers)

———

Lloyd loved going out to the park.

It had a beautiful little lake, with pretty fish swimming around, flowers bloomed everywhere and the birds would sing beautifully!

It was simply… peaceful.

The only problem is that it left him alone with his thoughts. And the only things that he’s been thinking about for the last couple years were depressing. His friends, no, his brothers, they were gone.

gone

No, they weren’t gone! They couldn’t have been. He won’t loose hope! He’s going to find them. He promised himself that he would find Cole and that he would find Kai and everything is going to be okay. Everything will be back to normal and they will be happy. They will be a happy family again. He won’t break that promise.

Who was he kidding?

At this point Lloyd was sure that he was just repeating a lie, over and over again, just to comfort himself.

No.

Ninja never quit, he won’t give up on them, because they wouldn't give up on him. He won't give up, even if he wishes that he could. He wishes he would just accept it and move on with his life already, but he can't. Ninja don't leave friends behind.

This isn’t why he came here. He snuck out because he wanted to get away from all these thoughts… clearly it wasn’t working.

He decided that going on a walk might help. It doesn’t hurt to try. Nothing really hurt anymore, he just feels numb.

He was right, walking did beat sitting on a bench feeling sorry for himself.

He'd only been walking for a few minutes before he heard a voice behind him.

“Excuse me!”

Lloyd turned around to see a tall young man approaching him.

“I’m sorry to bother you but, are you the green ninja?”

Oh great, another fan. Lloyd didn’t really like being in the spotlight or interacting with strangers in general. Nonetheless, the man seems excited to meet him. He’s used to fans, they ask a couple questions, ask for a selfie and an autograph and are gone as fast as they showed up. Besides, he didn’t want to be rude.

“The one and only! How may I help you?”

“I’m just such a big fan! I’ve been admiring you for quite some time now!”

Lloyd decided to keep walking with the man following next to him. He has been sitting around enough. Besides, the man didn't seem to mind walking with him.

Something about this guy did seem fishy, but he was probably just paranoid. He has been quite paranoid since-

“Oh I’m so glad to finally meet you! You ninja are so amazing! I must have a lot of luck! First Black, then Red and soon Green!”

Oh, he met Cole and Kai before. Well, there goes any chance Lloyd will have a break from thinking about them. He should try to ignore the comment. It was rude of the man to say it, since everyone already knows they disappeared, but he shouldn't ruin the man's day with a rude attitude.

But the way the man worded it is quite strange. “soon green"? What's that supposed to mean? Perhaps he’s collecting autographs or photos with the team? Yeah, that’s probably it, some fans do that. But this man is just giving Lloyd such a weird feeling. Something is off. He should ask him to clear it up

“Oh, you’ve met them before?”

“Yeah, a couple years ago!”

“Did you get pictures, autographs?”

“Well, I have gotten many pictures over time!”

Over time? What does he mean by that? Is Lloyd overthinking this? Perhaps if he causally asked about it without it sounding too obvious?

“That’s nice! Making a collection?”

“Well, yes. I already have Black and Red, and I will soon have Green!”

“Um? You're collecting photos of ud? Would you like a picture with me? I can sign it for yo-"

“Oh, I don’t think you understand, I'm not here for photos. I mean can't have any photos of you looking like that. I have to make you look pretty for me first!"

Before Lloyd got the chance to ask him what that was supposed to mean, he felt a powerful grip around his neck. He tried to scream, but a rag was placed over his mouth and nose. It smelled funny, Lloyd knew too well that this would knock him out in a couple minutes. No matter how much he struggled, he couldn’t get the man off of him.

“Shhh, shhh, it’s okay Green, it’s okay!” his voice trying to soothe him sounded disgusting “don’t be scared, I will take such good care of you!”

Take care of him? What does that even mean? And was he culling him while trying to knock him out?

“You'll be such a wonderful pet!”

Pet?

“Oh you don’t have to struggle! You’ll just get tired pet! Don’t worry, I’ll train you to be calmer and obeying. Just like I trained Black and Red!”

He- he did what?

He took them. He’s the one.

Lloyd didn’t even acknowledge his kidnapper's words anymore. He zoned out.

He took them.

All he felt was rage. He didn’t hear the attempt to calm him, he didn’t hear the confusion, nor the sudden scream of pain.

No, but he did feel the cold darkness surrounding him. A shadowy fog coming out of his body. He felt pain in his entire body, he felt it changing, but he didn’t care. This man took away his brothers.

-----

Koshiro didn’t worry when Green turned pale, he was about to pass out so it was normal!

But he did start to worry when his skin darkened, and he could swear Green’s eyes were red. He couldn’t get a good look because he suddenly felt a sharp pain in the arm he was holding Green with.

The pain made him let go. It made his vision blur and he collapsed. It was agonizing. Green would definitely get a stern punishment for this!

He was just about to get back up and yell at Green for daring to hurt his new master, but when he looked up-

The- the thing starting down at him wasn’t human. No. It was huge, with glowing red eyes, black scales, grey horns, huge jaws, standing on two big feet (claws? Talons? He wasn’t sure what to call them) with four arms- no two more claws and two wings.

It was- it was some kind of monster. Like a demonic dragon.

-----

Lloyd wasn’t even sure what was going on. The man was now tiny, everything was, and he was frozen in terror. Good.

“Where are they!? Where are my brothers!? What did you do to them!?”

Silence. Everything was dark and silent.

“Where and Cole and Kai? Where. Are. They? Answer me!?”

-----

The creature's voice was familiar. Green? It sounded like him, but- more demonic. How did this happen?

“I- I won’t say! You- you will try to, to take them from- from me! They’re mine! My pets! They- they- you won’t take them!”

-----

The man was clearly not going to give an honest answer.

Well, it looks like Lloyd is just going to have to persuade him.

He raised his head and spread his wings. The darkness that surrounded him started to spread out around the two of them. Everything it touched- the grass, trees, flowers- withered away and perished. It slowly spread, careful not to touch the man. No- Lloyd won’t give him such an easy way out.

Soon the cloud surrounded them and it was pitch black, except for the red eyes and a tiny purple light shining from Lloyd’s chest. The light that slowly spread across his body. Across his chest, down his belly and back, all the way down his tail, up his wings, and slowly building it’s way up his neck towards his mouth.

It was a surge of destruction, fuelled by rage, a ticking bomb waiting to explode. He could feel the power building up, getting stronger.

All he had to do was open his mouth and he would be gone. It was so simple, yet he couldn’t get himself to do it. Not yet.

-----

Koshiro was frozen in horror as the creature started to glow, inching closer to him. He knew this beast wouldn’t hesitate to end him.

If it did-

No!

His pets would be left alone! Without their master! No, he couldn’t let that happen! He had to tell this beast where they were. Yes, he would end up in jail, but he could break out and rescue his pets the first chance he gets!

“They’re in my basement!”

The beast paused, now standing still, the light no longer growing.

“It’s- it’s a small house in the- in the Blackwood forest.”

The light from the creature started to fade out.

“It’s a two story wooden house on the north side of the village. The village is a few miles east from here! You can’t miss it!”

The light faded out completely, the only visible thing were the monsters glowing red eyes. It let out a horrifying chuckle.

“Thank you. But you didn’t really think you would get out of this so easily, did you?”

Before Koshiro realized what the creature meant by that, shadowy tentacles grabbed him and a purple light flashed and quickly found it’s way from the chest, up the neck and out of the beasts jaw.

He wasn’t sure what was worse, the cold from the tentacles or the heat of the destructive flame. The only thing he really cared about was what would happen to his precious pets now that he was gone.

———

Hope you enjoyed reading my shitty 2-3 AM sleep deprived fic because inspiration hits at the worst times!

Yes, Lloyd can transform into a demonic dragon. Koshi is gone. Lloyd managed to track down his house with the help of the scent of Koshiro's remains. They found and rescued Cole and Kai and lived happily ever after.

(Or, you know, happily for a few weeks before Ninjago got attacked again)

[wandlores]

Soothing Change

Pairing: Gabrielle Delacour x Charlie Weasley Words: 1,775 You can also read this on AO3. This is for the Weasley Ship Challenge held by the @hprarepairnet and @slytherdornet. This is also for the anon that requested I write for this pairing months ago!

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Charlie Weasley was the type of man that liked to work alone, particularly when it came to his dragons. There was a sort of ease and peace that came to him as he would take care of them; it was like nothing else mattered in the world.. which is why he didn't have time for romance, much to his mother's dismay. He really didn't mind being alone: he had his dragons, he had his family, he had his friends. Why should he be required to have more? If it happened, so be it, but it wasn't something he was searching for. 

That's why Gabrielle Delacour took him by such a surprise.

The last time he had seen her was at Bill and Fleur's wedding, and she was only a child. She was nothing he would ever even consider. But years had passed and now she was his intern, and God... everything about her was forbidden, but she was so intriguing and she was oddly just like him.

The way she reveled in silence, it took his breath away. 

The dragons loved her, the other interns loved her, his family loved her, but not for being Charlie's partner but for being Fleur's little sister. His sister in-law looked at her as if she was an angel, but to Charlie, she was so much more than that. She was the pivotal moment in his life he didn't know he had been waiting for.

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He remembered when he met Gabrielle once again for the first time like it was yesterday. She had arrived for her first day as an intern. Charlie had not been told who his intern would be, just that he was in charge of her. Charlie grumbled to himself in silence at the prospect of having to watch over someone else as they worked, but he would never disappoint his boss.

The dragons were wild that day, and Charlie was struggling to calm them down. That wasn't usual for him, and it was incredibly frustrating. He was muttering curses under his breath when she came around the corner.

She was eighteen and fresh out of Beauxbatons. Her long blonde hair was no longer in pigtails, but it was down to her waist and flowing freely. Her blue eyes were sparkling at her new career prospect, and she had a shy smile on her face.

"Charlie?" She asked, "Is that you?"

Charlie turned the corner then and heard her french accent. He thought it was Fleur at first glance, but then he realized it was little Gabrielle Delacour, and now she was a woman.

His mouth became dry as he realized how attractive she now was; she was even more beautiful than her sister, in his eyes, but he pushed those thoughts down.

"Gabrielle?" He responded, "I can't believe you are my new intern."

She chuckled lightly under her breath and approached him and the dragon he was trying calm down. She brushed her hand against its scales, and it suddenly sat down in obedience. Charlie swore he heard the dragon coo in response to her. Stunned, he turned to face her. Her eyes were closed as she pet the dragon, and Charlie was sure he could hear her calm heartbeat against his erratic one.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

He was at a loss for words, and then she looked up at him and smiled.

"What is it?" She asked.

You're remarkable, he thought, but he replied differently.

"I have been trying to calm him down all morning and he wouldn't obey, but you just came in here and-"

Her eyes turned playful then and she joked, "Well, it appears you might be learning from me rather than the other way around."

He just chuckled back, but he knew she was right. She was about to turn his world upside down.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Two years had passed as she worked as his intern; that's how long it took to become an independent dragon tamer. Her graduation day brought along a certain sadness as Charlie handed her her diploma.

"You did it," he said under his breath, and he knew only she could hear him. Their family and friends clapped and cheered around them as Gabrielle put her arms around him in an embrace.

"All because of you," she whispered back.

Chills ran up his spine and he closed his eyes as he inhaled her perfume. It smelled of vanilla, and he was sure now that it would be the only smell he would smell in a love potion. 

Their friendship had blossomed over the years to where they were spending all their free time together, but nothing had progressed past friendship. Charlie knew it would be looked down upon if it did. She was so much younger, but in his mind, he knew she was a woman now. She could make her own choices, but he wouldn't push it. 

"Want to watch the stars with me tonight?" She asked him as she pulled away. 

All he could do was nod as the rest of their family ran up to them with their embraces.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Charlie found a way to be seated on top of the Burrow to look at the stars. He was the only Weasley child that even attempted this and had been for years. If his mother had ever found out, he would be dead, even now that he was an independent adult who was only visiting because of Gabrielle's recent successes.

But Gabrielle knew his secret, and she joined him exactly five minutes before midnight.

She laid down against the roof and Charlie laid back as well. He tried to look up only at the stars, but he couldn't help but glance over at her. Her blonde hair was splayed out against the roof and her cheeks were flushed with the cold. Charlie had an overwhelming urge to grab her hand, but he clenched his fists instead.

"I'm so happy I get to continue working with you," she told him, "I'm so fortunate I was offered a position in Romania."

Charlie smiled at the thought. It took his boss a lot of convincing to hire on a brand new tamer, but Gabrielle had proven herself. He couldn't imagine his life without her now; even if he couldn't have her, he wanted her around. He would even endure watching her get married to a Romanian man if it meant she would always be his best friend.

I couldn't bear to have you leave, he wanted to tell her, but instead he said, "You deserve it."

She glanced over at him to meet his eyes, and she was smiling. Gabrielle always seemed to be smiling, as though there was nothing in life that was negative or could even attempt to touch her. He wish he had that mindset and skill.

They didn't say anything then, but they continued to look at each other. Charlie tried hard not to let his adoration for her show, but it must have slipped in that moment, because he watched her blush and blink.

"What is it?" She asked him quietly.

He cleared his throat and looked up at the sky now to avoid her gaze, "N-nothing." 

She scooted closer to him and nudged her shoulder against his own, "You're such a bad liar," she teased.

He dared to turn his head to face her again. She was still looking at him, and it surprised him to see that her eyes had softened. He could feel her hot breath against his cheek, and he felt goosebumps rise on his arms. She must of noticed, because her warm hand was now rubbing his forearm.

"You're cold," she whispered. He nodded. He was unable to speak with her touching him.

"Charlie-" she started.

"Yes?" He managed to ask. His throat was dry with yearning.

"Have you ever considered getting married?"

He watched her flush with embarrassment. He thought it was a random question to ask, especially since he had never dated anyone and she was aware of that. He knew he would never marry anyone now, especially after meeting her.

"I-" He started, but she interrupted him.

"It was a stupid question, forget it."

"Don't be embarrassed," he reassured her, "I just never had an interest before."

"Before?" She pressed.

He had slipped. Shit.

He took a shaky breath. Rather than answer her with words, his left hand cupped her cheek. She closed her eyes at the sensation. 

It was like time slowed down as he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. He knew he shouldn't, but in that moment, the world and their views didn't matter. All that matter was them. This. 

She kissed him back and deepened the kiss to his surprise. He felt his beard scratch her bare cheeks, and she pulled away giggling.

Breathless, he asked, "Why are you laughing?"

She was so beautiful when she laughed. He couldn't look away.

"Your whiskers were tickling me," she told him, "And.. and this is all I could have wanted." 

Charlie smiled as he leaned forward again. They kissed the whole night up there on the rooftop. He would never let her go again.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Three more years had passed since the night on the roof with silent love declarations. Gabrielle was still in Romania, and not only was she working with Charlie, she was also living with him. He had proposed two months ago, and their wedding was in preparation at the Burrow.

They were to wed the next morning, and Charlie could feel every nerve in his body ignite with excitement. His family had been accepting of their relationship, and his mother was ridiculously thrilled. Their age difference didn't matter, all that mattered was their happiness.

Charlie had been told for years it was bad luck to see your future bride the night before your wedding, but he couldn't resist. They decided to sneak out of the Burrow and meet back on the roof like the night that changed everything. 

Gabrielle was wearing her usual flannel pajamas and Charlie was cuddled up in his robe. She sat next to him and leaned her head against his shoulder. 

They looked up at the stars and didn't say anything. There was nothing to say, because they both knew that everything had finally fallen into place.

Charlie interlocked their fingers and kissed her forehead as they bid farewell.

She was Gabrielle Delacour for one last night; she was the girl that came in as Charlie's intern with the soothing nature that could even calm a dragon with one touch.

Tomorrow, she was going to be Gabrielle Weasley, the wife he never expected to have.

[knamjooned]

Magicae Foresta (5)

pairing: (forest)dragon!namjoon x (unpracticed)witch!reader

genre: magic/supernatural au, shifter au, fluff, angst, smut, soulmate au

chapter words: 1,936

chapter warnings: mention of pregnancy and difficult birth, VERY brief mention of sex experiences

chapter rating: PG

STORY SUMMARY: The magical world your grandmother told you about had always been real to you. Once she passed away, you find yourself honoring her memory by searching for the one magical creature she could never find.

CHAPTER SUMMARY: You finally meet the forest dragon, learn how the Queen and King of the bees ended up as mates, and feel insecure about your lack of relationship experience.

FIVE

Bringing life into this world is a miracle in itself. It takes a strong person to take on the pain of childbirth. Women are the creators of life, the guardians of others. Even though my daughter was not chosen for this magical journey, I am proud of all she has accomplished and will accomplish. 

As soon as Taehyung sensed Jungkook buzzing outside the cave door, he stood and hurried toward it. You looked at Jimin, confused, who shrugged and stood. You did the same, and both of you followed the unicorn. When the shadow was pulled back, Jungkook stood, nude from head to toe, as if he had just shifted. You covered your eyes immediately with both hands.

“Sarah is in labor, but it’s taking longer than we think it should for the cubs to arrive. Yoongi wants you and Namjoon there, in case some kind of magic is needed. Sorry, Jimin, he only wants these two.”

“I understand, they have magic that may be useful for Sarah and the cubs. I’ll wait with Hoseok and Seokjin for any news.”

You heard shuffling, which probably meant Jimin had stripped and was shifting. A buzzing sound indicated Jungkook was on his way to either speak with the dragon or back to the panther. You lowered your hands. Taehyung smirked and shook his head, amused. Taking a deep breath, his face turned serious.

“Come, this will be as good a time as any to meet the dragon.” 

You hurriedly gathered your things. Taehyung held out a pack of tarot cards toward you. Blinking, you looked at them, then up at his face. He smiled softly at you. “To practice with. Next time you’re able, get the cards that call to you specifically.”

“Thank you,” you breathed, taking the cards as if they were the most precious thing in your possession. Taehyung handed you a cloth bag with a pull string to put them in. As you put them away, Taehyung shifted without stripping, causing you to stare with wide eyes. “Are you the only one who can do that?”

Taehyung flipped his blue mane with a twinkle in his eye. You pulled yourself onto his back, holding tightly as he took off in a gallop through the trees. 

A few hours later, Namjoon was a hundred yards from landing in Yoongi’s clearing when his heart started pounding. His blood pumped through his body, the scent of you almost overtaking his thoughts. Namjoon forced himself to concentrate as he flew lower. You were near, and his wild, instinctual side wanted to swoop down and scoop you up.

Unfortunately, he had more important things that needed his attention. The little panthers were struggling to come into this world, and he’d do all he could to help them along. Still, as he glided down and shifted quickly, you stayed in his mind. As he put on trousers, Namjoon cursed to himself as he ignored his whole body pulsing with the need to be close to you.

It only took him a few moments to walk to the large tree house Yoongi and his mate resided, and he jogged up the stairs swirling around the tree trunk to the door. Namjoon lifted a fist to knock, but froze when he heard a voice he’d never heard before, but knew immediately.

“I will wait outside if you are uncomfortable with me staying. I understand the need for just the beings close to you to be here.” Just then, the door was pulled open. Namjoon came face to face with you, his mate, the new guardian of the forest.

“Oh,” you said quietly, eyes widening and cheeks flushing. As soon as she recognizes the connection to you, Namjoon, she’ll experience the same wild thoughts and feelings as you. He cleared his throat as Taehyung’s words came back to him. “You… are Namjoon. The forest dragon.”

“Yes, but we have more pressing matters at hand,” he replied, gazing into your eyes. He curled his hands into fists at his sides, resisting the urge to pull you into his arms. Namjoon looked over your shoulder to the few friends in the living room. Yoongi had shifted into his panther form, and was lying next to Sarah, who was panting heavily.

“Of course,” you agreed, back straightening. You glanced back toward the small group and nodded. “Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I will wait at the bottom of the tree.”

“My Queen and I will join you,” Jungkook murmured, pulling Minji toward the door with him. She gave Namjoon a smile and bowed her head of greeting as they passed. You glanced one last time, for now, at Namjoon, then made your way down the stairs. Namjoon swallowed, his breath stuttering as he tried to keep his emotions even.

“Joon, focus,” Taehyung called, making Namjoon turn. The blue-haired mystical being was sitting next to Sarah, running his hand over her stomach, softly petting her. Namjoon knew the only reason Yoongi was letting this happen was for the calming magic Taehyung could use.

“I am. Do we understand what is happening?”

“It seems these little ones are scared to come into this big, scary world.” Namjoon’s face softened as he stepped forward and sat down quietly next to the two large cats. He put a hand on Sarah’s head.

“I’m not sure I can do anything but be here. Taehyung’s calming magic will most likely be just what you need to sooth your cubs’ fears. When you two are calm, they will be calm.” Namjoon glanced at Yoongi, who took a deep breath and nuzzled the side of Sarah’s face. After a moment, Taehyung’s face lit up.

“I suspect they are ready.”

When you stepped off the last stair into the ground full of grass and leaves, you leaned forward, hands on your knees as you took slow, deep breaths. Jungkook and Minji frowned, watching you with worried eyes. When they stepped toward you, you held up a hand to stop them, then straightened. You blew out a heavy breath.

“ I was just… overwhelmed. I… had no idea it would so…..” You struggled to find the right words to what you had felt. Was it like this for everyone? You closed your eyes and pressed your lips together, going through each thought and feeling that had bombarded you as soon as you felt Namjoon was close. You didn’t see the way Jungkook and Minji glanced at one another and started to whisper. 

It was half an hour before Namjoon had shown up that you had started feeling his presence. You understand the idea of feeling magic, but this was different. It wasn’t magic you were picking up, it was him. Your heart had pounded in your ears, your head swimming with thoughts of Namjoon. You had almost dashed out of the tree house to meet him when he landed. Yet, you had never met him face to face, had only the little information your grandmother and your new friends had given you. 

As you were about to open your eyes, you felt a presence inside of you. Cool, calm, and comforting, the vision of Tata’s face came. A soft, happy smile pulled on her thin lips as a tear fell down her wrinkled cheek.

“I suppose I was never the one who was supposed to find him. It was you, my dear granddaughter. Don’t be afraid to take a chance, to explore these new feelings. This is where you are meant to be, who you’re meant to be with, but you always have a choice. I love you.”

You opened your eyes, slowly, blinking everything into focus. Minji and Jungkook stopped murmuring to one another and looked at you with wide eyes. She took a step toward you, just as she had a few moments before. 

“Are you okay?” Minji asked. “Need water, a chair, anything?”

“I’m okay, I mean it.” You sent her a small smile, feeling more at peace about the situation you were still confused about. You sat on the grass and looked up at the tree house where new life was being birthed. “I take it that my reaction to the forest dragon is not normal, right?”

“Ah…” Jungkook glanced at Minji, who smiled and nodded toward him, indicating he should go ahead with his thought. She winked at him and he winked back before turning his grin to you. “No, that’s reserved for mates. A mate is-”

“A being the Great One has deem the perfect match to compliment your flaws and strengths,” you interrupted, eyes still gazing at the home. Jungkook burst out laughing, and Minji slapped his on the arm, glaring at him playfully. 

“Sorry, but that’s exactly how Jimin describes it.”

“That’s almost a direct quote,” you quipped, grinning, turning your face toward the pair. “Will you tell me how you two met? How you ended up being Queen and King of the honeybees?”

“I’m not entirely sure how it happened, either, if I’m honest,” Jungkook answered, scratching his head. Minji rolled her eyes and sat on the ground near you, pulling her husband with her. You all settled comfortably as she started to talk.

“As a honeybee, we don’t mate for life, but for some reason, this one stuck out to me. As cute as he is, he can sometimes be a smartass.” Jungkook scoffed, but she raised her eyebrows at him. He stopped, then nodded in agreement, gesturing for her to go on. “Anyway, I got that warm, overwhelming, needy feeling when he was near. It took a while to convince me to marry, though.”

“I’m not smart enough to trick you, babe. It was all your decision to hook up with this.” He flexed his arms, causing you both to laugh loudly. 

“Even though you were clearly mates, you still took your time to decide.” As the two of them nodded, you looked down at your hands in your lap. After a quiet moment, you returned your grace to them. “What happens if you decide not to be together?”

“I can’t tell you with complete understanding, but I assume the need to be with your mate never goes away. Maybe with time it lessens, but…” Minji shrugged, reaching out to take Jungkook’s hand. It seemed like an involuntary movement, the way they would reach for each other randomly.

“I suppose it’s different from a typical relationship, human or not…”

“It’s ten times as intense,” Minji laughed. 

“I don’t have anything to compare,” you admitted softly, looking away. You had never been embarrassed by your lack of interest in dating. Now, though, would your lack of experience contribute to Namjoon rejecting you? The thought made your chest hurt. You cleared your throat and blinked away tears you didn’t know had come. 

“You… nothing? No partners, love interests?” Minji blinked in surprise. “And I thought most humans thought about sex every six seconds.”

“I’ve been attracted to people,” you murmured, your cheeks turning pink. You lifted your chin, though, pride making you ignore your embarrassment. “I just haven’t acted on it with other people.”

“Ah.” Minji nodded, grinning at you. “I think Namjoon might enjoy that part.”

“Are you sure he even knows what he’s doing?” Jungkook asked curiously. He looked up at the house. Frowning, you considered the possibility of the dragon, who was surely much older than you, not having experience in sexual relations.

“I’ve heard mentions of his human form being seen in the city. Namjoon is not above seeking pleasure and entertainment for the night with a willing partner.”

[mirroralchemist]

Untitled FFXIV Trash pt.3

Still at it again :V. @but-two-days-old became my enabler. Also a great sounding board for my headcanons about my WoL

Word Count: 1,451 (the rough draft, it’s probably more with this upload lol) Notes: I feel like writing about That Scene(tm) is a rite of passage for FFXIV fanfics. So this is based the Ahm Araeng the second trip, so a loooot of spoilers. Also mentions The Vault a bit. One-sided WoL/Thancred and unrequited WoL/Haurchefaunt. But mainly time for sad times.

“You have no words for her?”

“Not today.”

I stared at Thancred, not really surprised. He seemed tired, the weary look in his eyes of years of regret. Being out here in Twine and seeing Magnus’ situation first hand is almost staring at a reflection of his own problems. I wanted to offer my support more than just a lending ear. I was grateful he could open up to me about our Minfilia, but I could do more.

Be more.

I took his hand into my own, just briefly, to know that I was there if he needed me. I let out a small breath. Being here reminded me of what I had lost. Hearing ‘Filia’s words brought back a bit of that pain I felt as I lost those around me.

If I wasn’t the Warrior of Light, a lot of those who were lost would still be among us.

There were many who were chosen to receive the Echo, surely if I had died another could take up the mantle?

“As the one who’s been here the shortest, it isn’t my place to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do in regards to ‘Filia.” I started, “But as your friend I will say this; don’t hold off until the very last moment to leave things unsaid. Once they’re gone, that’s it.”

I clenched my hands into a fist, remembering that day so clearly. The one of many regrets that collected over the time on my journey. As Haurchefant laid dying, so many words I should have said beforehand; so many feelings realized in that one moment that I couldn’t say. I thought I had made peace with it while pulling Nidhogg’s eyes from Estinien’s body.

Seeing someone make those same mistakes, especially someone I hold in such a high regard.

I couldn’t take that feeling.

“I’m going to do a couple hunts around the the town gates, when we all are ready let me know.”

I sprinted away from him. I didn’t want him to see me like this. Not so exposed, not when we have more pressing matters to confront. I would talk with ‘Filia when I can be alone with her. To tell her there are people who love her. That if she had disappeared tomorrow many of us would be sad. More than the Oracle, she was like a little sister to me.

In some respects, almost like a daughter.

I jumped off one of the ledges from Twine and landed on the ground. I whistled a familiar pitch, summoning my Chocobo. Giving me a soft “kweh”, I pet his beak.

“You ready for a bit of training Yusuke?” I asked as I took out a bundle of Gyshal Greens.

An excited kweh in response as I prepped myself for some combat. I took out my gunblade, watching it unfold to its full length. I had been training in secret as a Gunbreaker since my return from Gridania. I was thankful that I could cast a glamour on my clothing so one couldn’t tell when I was. When I had the free time from my duties here in the First, taking on jobs with Radovan and Sophie I learned to appreciate the role of being a bodyguard. I took stance, readying my ammunition to imbue with my aether. I took a few steadying breaths.

I need to clear my head as an occupied mind leads to mistakes in the battlefield.

“Let’s go!”

*   *   *

The enemies here were a bit tougher than what I’m used to. I sat on the sands, not even minding the grains against my legs. My gunblade discarded to the side. Yusuke standing ever beside me waiting his next order. I motioned for him to come sit beside me before giving lazy pets to his head.  He still gave out the same contented kwehs as if I have given him the best pats of his life. He did so well backing me up as I got used to enemies focusing their attention on me. I wasn’t confident enough to apply that to people just yet, but I could slowly warm up to the idea.

The hunts took my mind off the situation at hand for a while, but now they were coming back. I let out a small sigh. My hands began to tremble as I continued to stroke Yusuke’s plumage. Those feelings of self-doubt and regret welling up inside of me and wanting to burst. Yusuke nudged his head against my shoulder in some attempt to console me. I smiled shyly at my Chocobo.

He always was an intelligent creature.

“Thanks Yusuke. I’ll be alright, just it’s a lot going on.”

He started to kweh, before going rigid. Immediately, he stood up and got into an offensive stance.

“A protective little one, isn’t he?”

I scrambled to get up from my spot before gently touching the reigns on Yusuke to soothe him.

“It’s okay boy, Thancred is not a threat.” I spoke, petting his beak with my free hand.

It seemed only a couple minutes before my mount calmed enough that I could loosen my grip on the reigns. I could still feel some of the tenseness, but it wouldn’t be to the point that he would do anything without my command. I am not wholly surprised at the reaction, Yusuke has always been faithfully protective of me. From the day he was given to me by the Immortal Flames. Very few could take his trait in stride.

“I shouldn’t be surprised you would be talented in caring Chocobos too.”

“I...wasn’t.” I admitted, “Not at first. I knew the basics. But Lord Haurchefant, he..he had a way with chocobos. Taught me everything I know to care for mines. Even helped me inspire him to fly.”

I stroke around Yusuke’s head, watching as his sky blue plumes envelope my hand. I allowed myself to smile at those days in Ishgard. The times when there was a lull between putting an end to the generations long war between man and dragon. Those times when I thought everyone else was dead and it took all I had to not give in to the overwhelming despair; learning to take care of Yusuke with Haurchefant gave me just enough strength to go on.

He helped remind me that I was more than just the Warrior of Light; that I was Ami, a woman from Ul’dah and I was allowed to feel this way.

“You must have loved him very much.”

I paused in my pets. I turned around to face Thancred. I opened my mouth to say something, before promptly closing it. I never did talk about that day at the Vault with the others that didn’t experience it firsthand. And even then, there was a silent understanding that speaking on it was hard.

I’m sure the others had told him at the very least the main details of what happened.

“You said that once before.” I said, “That I had a look as if I lost someone I had loved back in Ishgard. It is...complicated. Looking back now, I did love him. My heart had yearned for a hopeless endeavor for so long that I was blind to those ahead of me. It took until he was dying from an attack intended for me that I realized; the notion of being by his side that intimately would have been pleasant.”

I let out a harsh breath reliving those days. I had told no one else of these feelings. I had buried them for so long. Saying them now felt hollow.

When all of this is said and done, what will I have to show for it? Sure the worlds will be saved, but what will I have to show for it?

“But I made my choices and I must live with the consequences of that for the rest of my days.” I bitterly realized, “Are the others ready?”

“Yes, the trolley is ready. Once our preparations are done we can leave.”

I gave a brisk nod as a patted Yusuke one more time. He kweh’ed one more time before taking off. I watched as he went towards the direction of the Crystarium.

“He knows his way back to the Rookery.” I said, “Where we’re going, it’ll be no place for him.”

I heard the shifting sands of Thancred closing in on me. I turned around to meet his gaze. In his hands was my Scaevan Magitek gunblade, in its compact form. I reached out to grab it, only for our hands to touch over the handle. It couldn’t have been more than a minute before he let go and I placed it back into my pack. His hand found its way to the top of my head.

“Once this is all over, I would like to see how far you’ve progressed with the Gunblade.”

I nodded dumbly at him. The shock of hearing such a request. He smiled wistfully at me before heading back into town. I stared at his retreating back for a bit while my hand absently touched the spot on my head his was just a few moments ago.

Now I see why ‘Filia always seems too happy to get those head pats.

[cameron-malkin]

A harmful truth is better than a useful lie. || Selfpara 1. Cam & Cordelia.

As the clock on the wall ticked closer to 10:45pm, Cameron became acutely aware of how quiet the halls of Thornewood were. He’d found a quiet corner in the art room and become absorbed in sketching a portrait of Lexus but the need for nicotine was niggling away in the back of his mind, distracting his fingers as they tirelessly worked. Blue hues tore away from the page and out to the window, heavy rain ricocheted off the glass pane as a gentle sigh escaped full lips, no way he was trekking out to the garden for a smoke. Size twelve combat boots found the floor as he stood to stretch, each vertebrae crying out in gratitude after being hunched over for far too long. 

One foot gently stepping in front of the other, ensuring not to make too much noise as he made his way across the room and to the window, cracking it open just above his head, the New Jersey native leaned out into the night air letting the cool breeze brush over his features— the heavy rain and stormy conditions made it a task to light the end of his cigarette— but his trusty prized possession never failed him. Curfew had long since been called, meaning the gentle footsteps of a particular yellow patient shouldn’t have been heard, but Cameron knew where there was smoke, there was fire...and where there was fire, there was Cordelia Carlton. Looking up from his cigarette, the 28 year old couldn’t say he was surprised to see the yellow patient. While normally a person more invested in the rumor mill would have quaked in rage or in fear at the sight of her, Cameron found himself simply annoyed, the peacefulness of the night distrubed by her presence. 

“Go away,” He warned, breathing smoke out into the night like a dragon, fingers twirling his lighter absentmindedly.

“Well, that’s absolutely no fun,” Came her chipper voice. Cameron looked down to the bushes below. Too high of a leap. Damn. “Let me see the toy, come on.” His eyebrows furrowed, toy? She meant the lighter he clutched in his fingertips, he supposed. 

“I highly doubt that’s advisable,” He quipped, the knowledge of her diagnosis clinging to every syllable, refusing to look away from the night sky to meet her eyes, they held a darkness that he’d desensitized himself to long ago not to get involved with. Cordelia was the definition of trouble.

“When was the last time you’ve done anything advisable?” 

Cameron groaned, a balled up fist dropping his prized possession into her greedy palm with a warning, “Don’t think you can keep it.” Little fingers grazed his palm suggestively, the lingering touch burning like acid on his skin. The bitter taste of disgust lingered in his throat. Though brief, the moment of contact caused him to bristle, snatching his hand out of reach. Were her eyes lingering? He finally leveled his gaze with hers, hard eyes questioning, watching a silent moment of understanding pass through her oceanic hues. “Oooh,” Came her silent coo, just under her breath as a smirk upturned the corners of her pink lips. A sound Cameron had always hated. She found something.

An apathetic silence fell over the two as Cordelia absentmindedly flicked the lighter on and off. Just another item to add to the list of Cameron’s pet peeves. His hand reached to snatch the lighter away from her again, but she moved too quickly. Enraged red eyes found her quickly, all too ready to ensure that he retrieved his property.

“Aren’t you going to ask me your question first?” She inquired, holding the lighter above her head with a devilish grin. Without a moment of hesitation, Cam backed her into a corner. Rough hands grabbed her wrist and pried the lighter from her fingers, cigarette clenched between his teeth. 

“My questions aren’t simple enough for you to answer,” Cameron laughed, genuinely amused by her petty attempt to play games. She knew him better. He turned on his heel, leaving her against the wall as he made the journey back over to the window.

“No, so when did you want me to tell you I know why you’re here?”

Her words stopped him in his tracks. Suddenly, his blood ran cold, a hot red rage shook his body to the core and without warning, two hands found Cordelia’s shoulders as he threw her against the wall, a thud that was loud enough to make any sympathetic human cringe but watching her face scrunch in pain only fuelled the fire. 

“Don’t play fucking games with me.” Fingers tightened around her slim neck, feeling every muscle constrict under the pressure as a weak voice croaked “I’m not. I won’t tell anyone.” Cameron knew she was lying, Cordelia never just dismissed information that fell into her lap, especially something like this. 

“I don’t take much convincing though,” She winked, flirtatious tones dripping through her subtle suggestion. He choked back bile.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding. Unless you want to die,” Cameron let her go, watching the girl crumble to her knees on the floor, balled up fist indicated towards the window that dropped down to the ground floor. “Because that’s a good twelve foot drop,” He mused, “You might want to reconsider your oh-so-gracious offer. Now.” 

“Fine!” She cried, fingers reaching up to rub her neck and soothe the bruising Cam had created under his tight grip. “Just—gimme—” 

“Bragging rights?” Cameron cut her off before she could suggest another ridiculous idea that would either get her killed, or force him to stay in Thornewood even longer. “That’s fucking pathetic,” Words filled with anger spat in her direction as he stepped back. 

“I don’t care.” 

The pyromaniac didn’t understand the weight of her request. What would he tell Lexus? The thought tugged at his heartstrings, the sting of betrayal she’d feel for the brief moment she considered the validity of the rumor. He knew he wouldn’t be able to explain it to her, but the implications of this information getting leaked was far too great.  He felt something he hadn’t felt in quite awhile. Cornered. Reluctant to vocalize his defeat, he let Cordelia rise to her feet. The impish grin she always seemed to wear whenever got her way said she knew she had won. The realization spawned the white-hot sting of rage to shock his system like a bolt of lightning. The terror on her face as his fist collided with the wall beside her head “You ever tell anyone why I’m here and I won’t let go next time, you hear me? You’ll be fuckin’ lucky if they find you in a shallow grave.”

[rollzerox]

13. I lost our baby

Alright anon you want angst, here it comes *cracks fingers* But I’m going to do something different now using @zenoobsessed ‘s OCs Zoe & Alex, based on her recent fanfic over on her @i-create-as-i-write blog newest fanfic Different Times Different Faces, the OC Queen Jin-ae we created together and this takes place back in Hiryuu’s time. This would be at least around 4 months before Lina’s visit:

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry if only I had gotten to you sooner…” Zoe had been sobbing for the past hour in the infirmary where she and Queen Jin-ae were taken after the attack on the castle. Abi was asleep in the bed across from them due to his wounds.

 “Zoe you just blew up trying to heal Abi, you did all you could.” Jin-ae sighed, looking at the mage’s stomach where there was a scar with bright green and red. “Are you sure you’re ok after that?” she had been crying a great deal herself after what Zoe’s nurse assistant told her. “Apparently the dragon’s blood doesn’t like magic it seems…” she shivered.

 “I’ll be fine Jin-ae seriously!” Zoe was still crying as she buried her face into her friend’s shoulder. “What am I going to say to Hiryuu? I failed to protect someone so important to me and…”

 “Precious, the king is here.” Alex, the captain of the queen’s guard shook her shoulder, pulling her into a hug. “There, there. You did all you could. Even I couldn’t fight them all off with Abi’s help.”

 “Hiryuu dear…” Jin-ae sighed and looked to the side, clutching at her stomach that had just been healed recently but her clothes were soaked with her blood.

 “Jin-ae, I’m so relieved you’re safe.” Hiryuu hugged his wife right away, holding her small frame tightly. “… When Guen sensed Abi in danger my first thought was that you…”

 “I’m alright thanks to Zoe, she got to me in time to heal me before I bled out.” Jin-ae sighed, shaking her head.

 “The only thing I did right.” Zoe sobbed, hiding her face in Alex’s chest.

 “Old man, my sis would be dead right now if not for Zoe.” Shu-ten commented, standing right behind him. “I arrived just as she was nearly blown out of the castle from trying to heal Seiryuu over there.” He had rushed back of course in fear for the queen, and got there thanks to his dragon leg. “That’s why I took them all here to rest. With all that blood on the floor I knew it had to be bad…” he balled his fist. “Those bastards are going to pay for what they did.”

 Guen nodded. “My queen are you alright?”

 “Not exactly…” Jin-ae frowned, whimpering as she turned to her husband. “… I lost our baby…”

 Hiryuu’s eyes widened and he saw Zoe’s expression as she bawled out crying again, Alex was trying to soothe her by petting her hair. “Precious it’s not your fault…” he mumbled.

 “Yes it is! If only I had stayed by her side I would have been there!” Zoe sobbed. “Now they’re lost their child due to this!”

 “Zoe… Don’t please. I know Jin-ae doesn’t blame you right my love?” Hiryuu sighed, hugging his wife right away and rubbing her back. “The people to blame are those that stormed the castle, not the ones that tried to protect it. And she begged you to come with me for protection which you did.”

 Guen stiffened at that. “I should have stayed instead of Seiryuu, maybe I could have…”

 Shu-ten frowned as he pet Jin-ae on the head. “… I’m sorry sis… God dammit if only I got back to you faster…”

 “Hiryuu…. I’m sorry I’ve lost your heir.” Jin-ae sobbed into the king’s robes. “Our precious child together is gone and it’s because I couldn’t protect…”

 “Jin-ae….” Hiryuu sighed, leaning his head down to kiss his wife and brushed her tears away with his fingers. “While I am upset about losing something special we created together, I’m still glad you’re here and safe with me. I’m thankful to Zoe for keeping you alive as you’re the wind in my back and the sword at my side.”

 “Charmer.” Jin-ae smiled finally, shaking her head. “Usually that’s my department to flirt you dorky dragon.”

 Hiryuu smiled warmly as he held her close. “Remember what I told you before Jin-ae when you agreed to become my partner, that together my love, we shall build a peaceful world. We are two halves of a greater whole.”

 Jin-ae’s cheeks redden as her heart quicken in pace from her husband’s words. She pulled his head down to give him a passionate kiss, making several of the people in the room turn heads especially the other injured soldiers.

 “It’ll be alright precious, I’m sure you healed Jin-ae enough they can try again to have a child.” Alex said, petting Zoe on the head. “I know we’re all upset over the loss of the unborn child, but you still saved her and that’s what counts. I just wish you didn’t get hurt so bad trying to help heal the Seiryuu.”

 “… I’m still not sure what happened.” Zoe choked, trying to get her crying under control. “… I need to research it later… Something for sure reacted with that dragon’s blood.” She sighed as she looked at Jin-ae in pity still for her loss.

 “Hey sis, people are staring you know.” Shu-ten coughed after a moment as the royal couple kept kissing and whispering words of love to each other.

 Jin-ae pulled away from kissing her crimson haired husband to merely shrug. “Let them, I’m such an unbeautiful mess right now I need to make up for it with my lovely husband.”

 “Jin-ae I’m fairly certain that’s not a normal human custom.” Hiryuu twisted his mouth, noting how many people were avoiding eye contact and his wife was good at tricking him into thinking it was normal to make out so publicly as she lacked much sense of shame. “And you should rest, along with Zoe. I’ll come back to check on you after I see to the damage done to the castle.”

 “Alright but you owe me later, my lord.” Jin-ae said in a slightly teasing voice. “Hey Shu-ten make yourself useful and get us something to eat for big sis!”

 “Yeah, yeah….” Shu-ten sighed, heading out to go for the royal kitchen. “I’m not your damn delivery servant you know!” he smiled when turned away though, glad to see his sister alright.

 “Oh just make yourself useful already!” Jin-ae said in a teasing tone, sticking her tongue out at him as he left. She then frowned and stood from the bed to hug Zoe once Alex released her. “Zoe, really. Thank you for saving me and protecting Hiryuu. You know he’s everything to me. You can’t be everywhere and protect everyone you know.”

 “…” Zoe frowned, it still didn’t sit well with her she couldn’t find something, some sort of spell to save her friend’s child. “You need to be more careful, Jin-ae. Or else I’m sticking by your side like glue from now on.”

 “Well that would be rather kinky in the bedroom.” Jin-ae said with a grin, winking at her. “I’m all for it if Hiryuu dear is.”

 Alex held up a hand. “I’m ok with that as long as I can watch.”

 “… Is that a normal thing for humans to share their companions?” Hiryuu asked, blinking in confusion.

 “My queen!” Guen looked like he was about to have a heart attack. “Do not put such blasphemous ideas into our king’s head! What would people say if they found out….”

 “Oh please, so many have a bad opinion already about Hiryuu.” Jin-ae rolled her eyes. “Maybe they’d stop whispering nasty things about Zoe being a mage knowing she’s one of Hiryuu mistresses.”

 Zeno sighed and rubbed his head as he walked in. “What’s got Hakuryuu all upset?” he blinked at the scene before him. “Queen Jin-ae, I’m glad to hear you’re safe. How’s Seiryuu?”

 “Still asleep don’t wake him.” Zoe sighed. “… I bet he’s going to blame himself as much as I do…”

 “About what? Shu-ten seemed upset when I passed him but he wouldn’t tell me what happened.” Zeno frowned.

 “Zeno can you do me a favor? Watch over my wife and the others as Guen and I see to the rest of the castle.” Hiryuu said, patting Zeno’s shoulder as he hugged Jin-ae once more. “Be safe love.”

 “You too.” She whispered as he left, frowning as she turned to the Ouryuu. “The princess is gone…” she clutched at her stomach. “When those ugly bastards attacked Abi took out the first wave but his powers you know how he passes out. He was fighting it so hard when the second wave came and got stabbed. I grabbed his sword and tried to defend myself but there were too many.”

 “Oh no…” Zeno’s face looked horrified, bowing before her. “I’m so sorry, if only we had been more careful at the east side when they got in…. We thought the main storm up front was the brunt of their army and then they flanked the castle.”

 “Jin-ae, I’m sor-“ Zoe whimpered.

 “Zoe if you apologize one more time, I’m going to tickle that special place of yours until you scream.” Jin-ae threatened, referring to her curse mark.

 Zoe stiffened at that, quickly shutting up as her hand snapped to her back as if to block the queen’s attempt immediately, her cheeks flushed as she knew Jin-ae would do it too.

 “Is that true my queen?” Abi’s voice could be heard from the bed, his eyes were open as he lay still, tears in them as his voice cracked. “… I failed my duty to you completely…”

 “Abi don’t…” Jin-ae came over to the Seiryuu’s side, seeing he was still stiff due to the backlash of his powers. “You did all you could to protect me, don’t blame yourself.” She brushed a bit of hair from his face. “I’m just thankful Hiryuu wasn’t hurt in any of this.”

 “That’s because Zoe here had a shield on him the whole time.” Zeno explained. “Seriously nobody could get within sight of the king she was so determined to protect him…. Guen said she was starting to make us look bad.”

 “Sounds like you were overdoing it there in battle, precious.” Alex chuckled.

 Zoe just blushed, looking away. “… What? I was just making sure he came back all nice and beautiful for Jin-ae.”

 “And I thank you for that.” Jin-ae strolled back over, kissing Zoe’s cheek. “You’re the best mage ever and my most precious friend. Don’t ever forget that.”