#like i don't think there's been a chapter where tears haven't fallen

[luv-stargazer]

i caught up on kyd and remus and fabian are going to break my heart and i will not survive it

[plush-rabbit]

part two to the unnamed chapter from like a few days ago!! honestly, im suprised people liked it. like i didnt think it would get good stuff. like i dindt think it was bad, but im like the hype has died down anyways!! we meet the man, the myth, the devil himself!!

Word Count: 4.8K

You can hardly keep your eyes open. Even with the soft yellow glow of the light, it's far too bright for you. Shutting your eyes only brings you a bit of solace. You're somewhere soft, something light and feathery pulled over you, and you shift your shoulder blades to pull your wings closer to your body, and instead you sob, the pain sharp and unforgiving to your frail body.

Did you fall? No, maybe you slept on them wrong. You don’t have to think about stretching your wings, it was always second nature, as easy as blinking and as easy as moving your arm. You’d stretch your wings, and you’d ask Adam to help you preen your wings. You shift, and something feels empty, it feels light, lighter than air. You can’t remember your wings feeling so light, not unless you were flying. You’d hate to have messed up your wings over something as frivolous as falling.

Memories rush in, fragmented, only the beginning pieces clear enough for you to remember. Your eyes snap, and you’re met with harsh lighting. You see nothing but wood and stone, and a home that is not yours, and you groan into something soft under you. Moving your arm is painful, it feels bent and sore, and you reach for feathers, and find nothing. Your cries bury themselves into something plush, something that soaks your tears and drool and leaves only a patch behind. A hand pats softly against your arm, and you flinch. 

A voice shushes out to calm you. “It's okay. You're safe. I'm not here to hurt you,” they whisper. “Just relax, and try not to move. You still haven't recovered.”

Even if they speak softly to you, it's far too loud. The words echo in your head, and attempting to think about where you are and who you're with is making you nauseous. Or perhaps it's the sickly honeyed scent that is thick in the air. 

“‘S too sweet,” you slur, clawing at fabric beneath you. You regret speaking, the movement making your already sore jaw ache further, the joints pushing into your splitting skull. Your head pulses and your mouth is cotton filled, thick and impossible to speak. “Where?” You hope that someone will give you an answer to where you are. Or at least what you're on.

“Oh, thank you,” a voice chirps. 

“Don't think it was a compliment Bee,” a thick accent says in a hushed voice.

“Well I'm taking it as one,” the voice huffs.

“You're at my home,” the gentle voice is back. “You're in a spare bed. Just try to relax.” You can’t relax with all the sound, and when you try to tell him that, you only murmur, slurring letters together. “I know, I know.” He doesn’t, but you can’t correct him. “Just try not to move so much.” It's quiet again, a silence that stretches and fills the void with nothingness. The smell and the shuffling of bodies is the only indication that you aren’t alone, that you haven’t been left yet. 

“Luci, mate, you sure it's a good idea to have an angel laying around?” You hear the chime of bells, and you want everything to stop. 

“They aren't an angel,” a voice retorts. A hand places itself over your bicep, and squeezes you softly.

“Yeah, but like, it’s still a bit dangerous, isn’t it?” The voice is much more feminine, and you can hear a buzz when they speak, a low hum that doesn’t stop. “Having one of them just on your bed.”

“A spare bed,” the voice corrects. The bed dips beside you, your fingers tap against the mattress. “It was dangerous when we were first here,” snapping at the other, before sighing. “It’s been a long time since another angel has fallen.” 

“Lucifer, honey,” this voice is smoother than the others, and you wish they would all stop talking. “What’s the plan here?” Someone makes a noise of confusion. “They aren’t an angel anymore, if anything, they’re a walking target. We don’t even know if they’re an Exorcist.”

“Heaven hasn’t cast out an Angel in so long,” the voice says softly, a finger tracing shapes onto your arm. “And I highly doubt they’re an Exorcist. I can almost- I’m positive that they aren’t.”

An Exorcist. That’s what they think. Lute flashes in your mind, and Adam follows, weapons ready, and thinking hurts far too much. You groan, nuzzling into the pillow, trying to tune out the sounds. You need them to stop talking.

A hand pats at your arm, and soon you feel fingers tangle themselves into your hair. Fingertips ghost alongside the tender part of your scalp. The voice hushes you, lulling you back into a state of unconsciousness. “I’m sorry,” they whisper, “we must be too loud for you.”

“Lucifer, I know you’re still-” the person pauses- “upset-” they sound unsure of the word they’re using- “about the last few years, but you can’t take on a pity project.”

Lucifer. They keep saying- oh shit. You let out a whimper. You don’t know if you’re thankful for being found by him, or if it’s a curse to be found by him. He shushes you once more, massaging gently at your scalp. 

“Yeah-” the buzzing is louder this time- “you know, if you were lonely, you could have just said something. I got some cute little hounds that need loving homes, ya know? And uh, they’re cute-” they hiss that word and you furrow your brows- “and practically housebroken.”

“Luci, it’s not like they’re worth much. I mean look at ‘em. I don’t even think I remember seein’ them back up when we were there, so they gotta be new or somethin’.”

The hands still, fingertips pressing into the tenderness of your head. You let out a low sound, and give a soft nudge of your head for the person- Lucifer you presume, to let go. He apologizes, soothing over the spot where he’s touched. “It’s not- They aren’t a pity project. This isn’t that. Don’t you remember how bad it was. How painful it was to fall. At least we had each other. We were stronger than most angels.” You wish they would all stop talking. Especially when they refer to falling, you can't stand to hear it. “They have no one. This is- I just want them to feel safe.” His words come to a slow stand, and if it didn’t hurt to cry, you’d sob at the reminder of your punishment. “Their wings were ripped from them, they weren’t even allowed to heal.”

“Well it ain’t like Heaven is known for their leniency.”

“Listen, Lucifer, we’re just saying that you’ve been having a lot of big emotions recently, and maybe nursing someone back to health isn’t what you need right now.” Lucifer- at least you’re assuming- makes a noise in protest at what the other voice is stating. “What’s the long-term plan, hm? You fix them and then what? Do they live here? Do you kick them out? Take them over to Charlie?”

The room is still, the buzzing has quieted down to a hum, and you feel sleep grasp onto you once more. “You should all go.” The group protests immediately, voices overlapping one another, the buzzing higher, and scent of sweets and leather grows and irritates you further. Your head pounds, banging against your skull. You shift, pulling at the wounds, and a cry muffles itself into your pillow. “It’s okay, you’re okay” the voice says in a hushed voice, palms pressed flat against you, cooling your feverish body. “I’ll give you something right now to help the pain.” He clears his throat away from you. “I have to think about things. I’ll make sure to give you updates as they come along, but for now, I’ve taken up enough of your time.” He pauses. “You should return back to your rings.”

The buzzing quiets down, and footsteps shuffle out. It's a mess of steps, puttering and pattering along the floor, and the sound is [welcomed] by silence. A door clicks shut, and you hear no lock. 

Thinking if you're a prisoner or not is too much of a task right now. The strength of the saccharine scent has left with its owner, and instead now gently wafts in the air. Somewhere on the other side of the room, you hear a sigh.

“I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have been having that conversation with you in the room.” You let out a short huff in response. “It won’t happen again, okay? We must have been loud for you, huh?” With all the strength that you can muster, you give a short nod. “Let me go get you something for the pain, okay?” You feel a soft hand over your bicep, giving you a soft squeeze. The hand lingers with fingertips that kiss over your skin in feather light touches as they pull away. 

You drift between consciousness and unconsciousness, unable to fully sleep, but you don’t register anything that happens. All that you’re aware of is that someone is back in the room with you. He’s beside you, something plastic touching against your lips and the thick taste of medicine is bitter on your tongue. 

“I’m going to light some incense, okay?” You’d rather he give you water or anything else to wash the taste off. “You just let me know if it’s too much.” The scent is much calmer compared to the sickly sweet one from earlier. “I had Belphegor send me some sleeping aids. I believe it’s the only reason you’re able to get some actual rest.” Your lips mouth the words “thank you”. Something soft and warm covers you, and you feel yourself sink further into the mattress. “I don’t know how much of your power was stripped, or how much you even had to begin with. Mammon was right about that, you are a newer angel, you might not even be able to do much other than heal.” His voice is growing harder to understand, it’s fading into the back, and sleep pulls you further in. “However, I wouldn’t ask you to even attempt to heal yourself- not in this state,” he whispers.

“Taste bad,” is all that you can mutter. Your head pounds, and it feels like it’s swelling. Each word that you speak is laid thick and slurred together. Every syllable only brings you sickness and an ache in your skull.

“I know,” he sighs. “The medicine here doesn’t taste good, but there’s not much that I can do about it.” A cloth dabs at your mouth. “Hell is supposed to be a punishment after all,” he says with a humorless laugh. “I’m- I’m sure that Heaven’s medicine is still divine as ever,” they mumble with a heavy weight on the words. 

“Like nectar,” you speak softly, the memory of it faint on your tongue. 

Something brushes along your face, and you feel the pull of sleep. “Yeah,” he breathes out, “like nectar.”

-

Knocking on the door disrupts your sleep. Something gargles sounds on the other side of the door. In your mind, it’s too faint to make anything out. You hear the squeak of the door open, and through bleary eyes, you make out two tall figures. Again, they speak to you, and you nod back to sleep.

You feel the latex of gloves touch your body, knuckles the brush against the nape of your neck and hands that grab your arms, ready to still you as you tense. “We’re just changing your bandages.” You shake your head. “It’ll be quick, just stay still.” You’d rather deal with an infection than with how the doctors treat you. You recall a voice making an argument that you’re not welcomed here, that you're an angel in a land of sin. 

“No, no,” you mutter, tears staining your face and wetting the pillow. You feel the cold breeze on your back, whispering over your wounds. The stickiness of the gauze peels away from you, and you can smell the stench of it- metallic, rich and earthy. Something so sweet, and it disgusts you and the doctors. 

Their hands grip tighter onto you, holding you down and you yelp. “Stay still.” You recall many moons ago how Lute told you something similar. How her words were laced with sorrow and false bravado. These doctors, these demons, spit the words at you, and hold you down. 

Your hands claw at the mattress, your screams echoing against the wall, bouncing and ringing in your ears. Light blinds you immediately as your eyes flash open, and your head is head, pushed down onto the mattress, as curses are spit onto you. You’re in Hell. Your teeth find themselves tearing into the pillow, drool pooling into a puddle and tears slipping down.

“Just,” they grunt, and press firmly down on your back, “stay still.” You gasp for breath, kicking and digging your knees into the bed. “Please,” they beg, and you fall, your body limp and heavy on the bed. 

As quick as it started, it ends just as quick. You’re left sobbing, gasping for breath, and despite the pain, and tearing open the wound, you hug yourself, your nails scratching against the cloth. They’ve placed it far too tight for you. 

-

Only a few weeks pass when you’re finally cognitive. When your head isn’t splitting at every noise, and you can move somewhat without risking any pain or even your fear of opening the wounds back open. You stay as still as possible, and try not to do any sudden movement that would stretch your back. Lucifer has attempted to reassure you that you’re fine now, that combined with Hell’s magic and his own blessing, you should be fit to move around. Of course, you will be sore, that can only go away with time. 

“You’ll be left with scars. That can’t be helped,” he told you, his eyes focused on how your hands fist the blanket, “but you’ll be okay.” He gives you a tender smile, and you cling to it in the night.

Once you were in a proper headspace, you knew you shouldn’t have been surprised to know that it was him taking care of you. From what you can faintly recall in one of the many conversations that he’s had in the room as you recovered, he knows what it’s like to be cast out. 

However, you are surprised at how caring and patient he is. That despite you being able to do most things on your own without stumbling, he is still beside you, keeping you company and comforting you when he has to change the bandages. He hardly lets anyone else do it after you complained about doctors accidentally wrapping the bandages too tight. His gentleness is a mask for his pity, and he can never meet your eyes without looking away. 

-

You’re laid on your stomach, and your only entertainment is wondering what could be inside the bedside drawers. While moving does not cause as much discomfort as it once did, you don’t risk stretching. You sit straight, and you look at the wall, and dare not to stretch your arms. Pillows have been fluffed and placed to create a soft barrier between you and the headboard of the bed. Knuckles rap against the door in a rhythm, and you stare at the wall in front of you. You wait for a second, and with a breath, you allow for the person to enter. 

“Hello,” Lucifer calls. “I’ve brought you some fruit. I’m sure that you must have been feeling peckish.” You give no reply. “I uh- I also brought some books.” The bowl of fruit is balanced above the small stack of books. “I was thinking that I’ll get you a television or something soon. But maybe some literature would be good for you.” He rests the tower on the dresser, and grabs the bowl between his hands. 

You should reply to him. You should tell him thank you- not just for the books and the bowl of fruit, but for housing you, for caring for you. But you cannot. Not when he’s a constant reminder of where you are. 

“I was wondering if there was any type of genre that you might like.” He sounds hopeful, wanting to continue a conversation with the husk in front of him. “It would be no trouble to get them to you.” 

His smile is stretched thin, and it looks painful. All of this is painful. Your eyes flitter over to the fruit bowl, and you wonder how you’d feed yourself when stretching your arms still pulls at the scars. 

“Would you like some?” He leans towards you, and you have the mental image of being some hurt bird being nursed back to health. “I had some demons go over to Earth and get some for you. I thought you’d prefer this over the food that we have here. Since you aren’t accustomed to Hell’s food, yet.” You stay silent, and after a moment he sighs. His heels click against the floor, and the bowl is placed on your lap. “You know,” he starts, “it would help if you talked. I know what you’re going through, and you can’t- you shouldn’t isolate yourself.” When you refuse to answer, he sighs. “Well, if you need something, just let me know.”

Despite not wanting to be here, of not having any need to want to continue your existence, you have grown a strong dislike of being alone in this room. You have no idea if he’s isolating for your own safety, or for some other nefarious reason. He clasps the door knob around his hand, and twists it. You wet your lips, and you need someone to talk to. 

“Lucifer?” You croak out, and you surprise yourself with your voice. You hadn’t heard it in so long, past the screaming and the tears. He turns to you, taking a step closer, and his hand returns the door knob to its closed position. “Can you stay?” You feel sick looking at the fruit. “Please?”

With a gentle smile, he nods his head. “Of course.” He grabs a chain from the corner of the room and carries it to sit beside you. It’s a deep wooden color, intricate designs carved into the legs of the chair, and a deep red cushion that is stitched into the seat and the back. 

The silence between the two of you is broken by the crunch of the fruit. You pierce a grape with the silver tines of the fork, and your body aches with the movement to bring it up to your mouth. The sweet juice does nothing to aide in your brooding and the awkward silence. 

He’s right, and you know that. You have to try. He’s the only contact that you have. Adam always hated how you’d hide your emotions, how you rather shut the world off, and at least that hasn’t changed since your falling. You need to talk to him. You can see the attempt that Lucifer has been making in order to keep you happy, to make your time here just a bit more bearable. You suck in your lower lip, and let your tongue brush over where your teeth have grazed.

“I was promised a trial,” you start. His eyes are on you, and you see him fiddle with his tie. “They promised it would have been fair.” You frown, and shake your head, an ache heavy in your chest. “I was so hopeful that it would have been.” The fruit is bitter on your tongue and you force yourself to swallow it.

After a moment’s silence, he speaks. “Who would have been the judge?”

The apple is pierced between your teeth, the skin ripping from the flesh of the apple. It was cute with care, no hint of the core tarnishing the fruit, ripe and perfect, only to be mauled by your teeth. “Father.” You swallow the fruit. “Or perhaps one of the Virtues.” Oranges are peeled, torn apart from the other slices, the piths of white removed. “I was worried that I would have fallen, even before I was given my verdict. My-” you look at Lucifer, and you remember who he has stolen- “I feared that I would have fallen, because I didn't matter. No one questions Heaven’s beliefs, not since-” you glance at him, and he turns his head- “I was sure I would have met the same fate.” The sweetness of the strawberries make your jaw tingle and ache. “And I did.”

“I’m sorry.” You hold the fork tightly, the silver pressing into the flesh of your palms. “The fear you had must have been,” he pauses, “intense.”

There is no one better who understands, other than Lucifer himself. You nod, and let the fork ding against the glass of the bowl. “I was good. I did what was needed of me, I didn’t dare speak out of turn.” You think of how Adam would run his mouth, how every other word would be a curse, would be of anything lewd. “Perhaps I wasn’t as good as I thought I was. Not if a question were enough to have me expelled from Heaven.” 

A gloved hand reaches, and falls just before your thigh. A gold band hugs at his finger, and you’re surprised to have yet seen his wife. Feeling your stare, he turns his hand, and lets the other fingers hide the symbol of matrimony. 

“Sometimes, that’s all it takes,” he says quietly, his tone soft, and wistful. “But, if it makes you feel any better, Hell has some redeeming qualities. It’s not all pain and suffering.” You look at him, and he gives you a smile. “We have an amusement park. There’s a uh-” he scratches the back of his neck, his gaze pointed elsewhere and checks flushing- “ride modeled after me.”

The corners of your lips turn, and you narrow your eyes at him. “After you?” You ask, an elfish tinge laced into your words.

“Shaped like my head.” A finger makes a circle in front of his face.

You scoff out a laugh, and the sound surprises you. You attempt to hide the smile, but when the corners still turn upwards, you look at your lap. “You are the Avatar of Pride after all,” you tell him, the lilt faint on your words.

“It’s actually very impressive,” he points out. “A whole ride dedicated to my likeness.”

“The line for it must be awful.” The juice of the fruit is thin on your tongue. “Heaven has zoos. There’s an area where you get to feed the birds out of the palm of your hand.” You push the fork upwards with the knuckle of your index. “They hardly ever peck your palm, but when they do, we call them kisses from one of Father’s creations.”

He snorts, and shakes his head. His smile is soft, and there's a lingering sadness to it before it falls. “Down in the Wrath ring, there are livestock shows where you’ll find horse bucking and catching the flamed greased pig.” You give him a look, and he smiles. “It’s not as nice as the zoo, I’m sure, but it’s just as entertaining.” He leans back on his chair. “Sometimes I would take my daughter.”

“Your daughter?” You knew of his wife, but you hadn’t realized that they had a child. “I didn’t know you had a daughter.”

He winces, and nods sheepishly. “Charlie,” he tells you her name. “I think you’d like her- she’s peppy.” He gives you a tense smile, and looks away. “We don’t talk as much as we used to.”

You frown. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

He shakes his head, and lets out a sigh. He sits straighter, and pulls his shoulders back. “How are the bandages?” You roll your ankles, unsure what to make of the sudden shift in conversation. “They’re not too tight are they?” It’s not your place to pry, and you don’t want to make him uncomfortable when he’s the one caring for you.

“No, Lucifer,” you answer. “They’re fine. Thank you.”

He nods, and you can tell he’s grown uncomfortable now. You don’t blame him. “Of course. I wanted to make sure that you were comfortable. As much as possible.” 

A silence befalls between the two of you. You bite into the fruit, and force yourself to swallow it. The nectar is sweet and makes your jaw ache. Beside you, Lucifer clears his throat, and you turn to him.He looks away, his eyes trained on the walls.

“If I may ask, I- Well you see, you know my name-” he looks at you again, and you tap your nails against the glass- “and I don’t know yours.” Your eyes widen, and you try to think back on when you might have whispered your name to him, but you can’t recall it. “I just- I was thinking since you’re here, and I’ve changed your bandages, I thought, that I should be calling you by your name.”

“My name?” You whisper, and you feel silly for keeping it close to you. For just a fraction of a second, for some far away thought to be held, that you didn’t want to share the last thing that ties you to Heaven.

“If only that’s okay. If not, we can come up with a nickname or something.”

You shake your head. You’ve kept your name to yourself, and you wonder if your pain-induced haze, if he’s ever asked you for it. You stretch your lips, and wet your tongue. “Did you ever ask for it,” you hold the words on your tongue, and they are heavy like wine, “when I was in and out?”

“Yes,” he confesses. “You wouldn’t answer.”

A name given by Heaven; whispered to you gently in the arms of Father, as sunlight shined down upon you and warmth surrounded you in your creation. It’s silly, and childish to cling to it, to hold onto it like a child holds onto their blanket, but it’s all that you have left. Everything else was stripped from you, taken and tossed aside, and you wonder if your name even holds any significance back home. 

You turn to Lucifer, and your name is heavy on your tongue, bitter like wine, and it’s your name, fitting you like a glove that will fit no other. 

Lucifer repeats your name, whispering it under his breath, tasting it between his canines and tongue, and you watch him. Chills run down your spine, and the feeling is not unpleasant. He catches your eyes, and his cheeks flush, the red spots darkening, under your gaze. He calls your name once more, louder and clearer, want held between the vowels, as if to savor your name, to savor what you’ve given to him. 

You nod, your chest aflame, as if you’ve done something scandalous. You can’t trust your voice, not when he's looking at you. Your knuckles feel as if it’s on pins, tingling and having you scratch against the bowl. 

He glances at your lap. “Are you done?” 

“Yes,” you breathe out rather quickly. 

He reaches for the bowl, grabbing it by the rim and stands from his chair. You watch in silence as he pushes the chair back, letting it block one of the drawers from the nightstand. The bowl clinks against the mahogany of the dresser, and he grabs the books, flush against his chest. 

“I hadn’t meant to leave the books so far from you,” he says, placing them on the nightstand. “They’ll be closer within your reach.” You nod, and peek over, reading the title of the first book. “I’ll be back in a few hours, if you need anything, feel free to call out. I’ll make sure to hear it.”

He walks away, his heels clicking against the floor, and you don’t want to be alone anymore. “Lucifer,” you call out, fisting the blankets in your hand. He turns around, pressing the bowl against his body, his hand wrapped tight around the doorknob, already opening it and stepping into the rest of his domain. You swallow nothing, and try not to think of anything other than gratitude.  “Thank you for everything,” you tell him, sending him a thinned smile. 

“Of course,” he calls your name in a sweet tone. “Whatever you need, just let me know.”

The door closes shut, and you let out a breath. Your hands fist at your shirt, grasping and you bite the inner corners of your lips, feeling the soft flesh of it be pierced by your teeth. It’s been far too long since you’ve had a gentle hand, since you’ve had someone be gentle with you. A hand reaches out and scratches along your bicep, pulling the skin and leaving soft arches across. 

You hadn’t realized how much you would miss Adam.

[scarisd3ad]

To the end and back | Daryl Dixon x fem!reader

Chapter twenty two - love you like oxygen

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Summary - after the world ended you were sure you’d never find love again but a certain archer catches your eyes and changes the entire trajectory of your life.

Warnings - regular twd warnings, mentions of wanting children, and pregnancy

'Say the word' 

s3 ep 5

so many people have died because of this not only Lori but carol, and T too. I hand the baby to Carl after he asks, "Can-can I hold her?" I nod as I wipe my eyes. I hand the baby over to Carl before tumbling back into Daryl's arms. Daryl strokes small circles into my back, trying to soothe me. I killed her. I promised I would keep her alive. I squeeze my eyes closed tightly as I try to stop the tears from falling, but I can't. They won't stop. They just keep coming. They roll down my cheeks and into my mouth. The familiar salty taste comforts me.

Rick is hysterical. He had fallen to the ground in a fit of sobs. "Oh god, Lori, Lori." he muttered as tears ran down his cheeks. We walk over to him; Daryl kneels down to the ground, waving his hand in front of Rick's face. "Rick, you with me? Rick?" it's like Rick isn't there in his body. He's somewhere else, staring off into space. "Let me see the baby." Hershel says. Carl begins to walk towards Hershel. "What are we goin' to feed it? we got anything a baby can eat?" Daryl asks. Hershel pushes the jacket wrapped around the baby away so he can get a good look at her. "The good news is she looks healthy. but she needs formula, and soon, or she won't survive."

"Nope. No way. Not her, we ain't losin' nobody else. I'm goin' for a run." Daryl declares as he puts his crossbow around his neck, letting it hang off his back. "I'll back you up." I propose. I know what formula to get and what to not. Letting Daryl go by himself is a big mistake. He doesn't seem like the man who would know what formula to get for a baby.

"I'll go too." Glenn says.

"Okay, think where we're goin'." Daryl says, then adds, "Beth." motioning for her to follow him. I kneel in front of Casey, who is now holding on tightly to my hand. "you're going to stay here with Maggie, okay? stay with Maggie." Casey shakes her head, and my brows furrow up. "I don't want you to go." she cries out, "Oh- case honey, I've gotta. y'know Daryl and Glenn aren't gonna know what to get. I've got to help them to make sure the baby stays healthy." a tear falls down her cheek as she wraps her tiny arms around my neck in a hug "what if the walkers come again?" she mumbles into my shoulder. I push her off me and cup her face in my hands. "Case that's not going to happen. Okay?" she nods reluctantly as she wipes her cheeks. "Good girl, be good for Maggie while we're gone."

"you two get the fence. Too many pile up; we got ourselves a problem," Daryl shouts as I stand up. "Glenn, y/n. vamanos!" just as we're about to leave, Rick stands up quickly before walking over to the axe he had dropped earlier. He picks it up and quickly runs up into the cellblock."Rick!"

"Get the gate!" Daryl shouts. We all stay put, staring at the door to the cell block. Lori didn't want Rick to see her body; she didn't even want him to shoot her if she turned. I doubt he wants to see what's left behind of her body; we left that door open to the room we left Lori in. I'm sure walkers have already gotten to her. "Come on, we're losin' light!" Daryl shouts, which makes Glenn and I scurry over to him.

"there's a Piggly wiggly on 85." Glenn says breathlessly as he tries catching up to Daryl. "no, the baby sections been cleared. Lori asked me and Mag to keep an eye out. I haven't had much luck." I say. "Is there any place that hasn't been completely looted?" Daryl asks. There wasn't much anywhere; most grocery stores were picked clean within the first few weeks, and most people took anything salvageable, like food and water, when they left their houses. We all stop, turning back towards Daryl. "We saw signs for a shopping center just north of here." Glenn says as I open the back door of Glenn and Maggie's car. "Yeah, but there's too much debris on the road. A car will never get through that." Most roads are covered with cars and bodies, especially in towns like this. "I can take one of ya." It's better for me to go than Glenn; having two clueless men on a mission to get baby formula is a tragedy waiting to happen. "I'll go."

"No, y/n, after everything you've been through today, I'll go." Glenn says as he walks towards me. Glenn can be stupid, and Daryl can be just as stupid at times, so it's better if I go because I know if I let them go without me, they will somehow bring back the wrong thing. I place one hand on Glenn's cheek, smiling softly at him. He smiles, thinking I will be obedient and let him go, but by now, he should know I'm never compliant. "Glenn, you're sweet, but I can't let you go; I don't need you two bringing back the wrong thing." his smile quickly falls, and his face screws up in confusion. "what do you mean?" I roll my eyes and begin to walk towards Daryl's motorcycle. "I mean, you're stupid." he scoffs. Glenn follows me as I get on the back of Daryl's bike.

 I love Glenn to death, but he's a moron, especially regarding things he knows nothing about, and I'm sure babies are one of them. "You won't be calling me stupid the next time I save your goddamn life!" I wrap my arms around Daryl's waist, and Daryl takes off.

"Just because you've saved my life doesn't mean you're not a fucking moron!" I watch as Glenn sticks his hand up and flips me off. I can feel Daryl's chest vibrate as he chuckles, "You're an asshole."

I shrug, "it's tough love." sometimes you've got to be brutally honest to men so they understand what you're saying. 

-

I love riding Daryl's motorcycle, the wind in my hair, and feeling Daryl's heartbeat. It's all just so intimate. I've got my eyes squeezed shut mainly to prevent anything from getting in my eyes, but it also makes me focus more on Daryl. Closing my eyes, shutting everything out, but the soft drum of his heartbeat it makes me feel better. He makes me feel better.

I love it when I'm only able to hear him, not the walkers, not the others, just him, his breathing, his heart, his voice. I feel the bike turn and then come to an abrupt stop. I open my eyes to see a strip mall-like place.

There are about 5 stores, one being a baby supply store. Most of the stores look like they've been picked through already, shattered glass and empty shelves. This must be the place Glenn was talking about. "Saw a daycare bout a mile away from here. Can try that place if there's nothin' here."

I get off of the bike, and we walk up to the baby supply store. The grass is growing through the cracks in the pavement, and broken glass covers the ground. Daryl pushes open the front door, making the bell at the top of the door ring.

dingg

"shh." he brings his fingers up to his lip as he sneaks into the store. The entire store is covered in a thick layer of dust. I take a deep breath before following Daryl in. It's dark, and I can hardly see anything in the store except for the silhouette of shelves and dust particles. "Stay here." Daryl whispers as he ventures further into the dimly lit store. He walks the entire store before returning to me. "clear." he whispers. We walk further into the store, this time together. The shelves that used to be filled with diapers and wipes are empty; the same goes for the formula. There's a rack of baby clothes. They look like they haven't been touched in months. Daryl doesn't look at any before stuffing pink clothing into his bag.

I assume he'd be fine picking out clothes, so I venture off. I wondered what was in the other stores. Most of the signs were either nonexistent or had faded with time. I walk back outside; I squint as my eyes adjust to the light. I walk down the pavement, pretending everything's normal and the world didn't end. The windows to a jewelry store are smashed open. From the outside, I can tell there's not much, but I still walk in stepping over the smashed window as I pulled my gun out of my bag. Most of the store was easy to see; unlike the baby store, there weren't shelves, just display cases that looked more like tables. This place was also covered in dust.

Most of the display cases were smashed open. I don't understand why someone felt the need to steal jewelry when the world was ending. It's not like gold would help you now. It didn't make you rich like it used to. I stopped in front of a display case yet to be smashed. It was filled with gold and silver necklaces with letters carved into them. The pendant attached to them is shaped like a circle with the initials etched deep into the metal. There was an A, D, M, J, and T, all being doubled in a gold and silver version.

I had friends in the old world who wore necklaces with their boyfriends' initials carved in them. I don't know what they, initially, were made for, but I knew my friends wore them like a branding. Like how the deep scared burns in a horse would signify that it had an owner, they we're owned by the man with the initial, and no man should ever step near them. I didn't want to wear a D because Daryl owned me. I wanted to because he knew me better than anyone else. He was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, and I wanted to show it.

"Hey! Why'd you walk off? You shou-" I don't bother to look back at him, already knowing he's coming my way, when I hear his boot-clad footsteps. "What are you lookin' at?" he asks once I can feel his breath against my neck. He's peering over my shoulder. "oh...you want one? It's not your-"

"I know. It's yours." he stops talking. I think I broke him. I turn around, brows knitted together in a tight furrow. "Dar-" his lips capture mine in a heated kiss. It's so out of character for him. With him, kisses are saved for the moments when no one's watching up in the perch, when everyone's asleep, or when either of us almost died.

Pulling away, he takes the knife he keeps in his pocket and smashes the case open. "Get it." he whispers before turning around and walking towards the front of the store. I smile and roll my eyes as I stick my hand into the case, avoiding the broken shards of glass. I take the silver one and quickly run back towards the front where Daryl is. "Can you put it on for me?" I ask. He nods and holds out his hand. I place the silver necklace in his hand and turn around. I take my hair and pull it to the side.

He places the necklace around my neck before gently clasping it together. I let my hair fall back into place before turning back around. the necklace settles above the valley between my breasts. "does it look good?" I ask, my head cocking to the side innocently.

"Beautiful." he whispers.

-

We pull up in front of an old daycare. The yard area is filled with playground equipment that is almost hidden by the overgrown grass. I can almost hear the sound of young kids playing, the sweet giggles, and screams associated with a playground like this.

We both get off the bike and walk up to the gate. I open the gate, letting Daryl walk in. I peer into a window before taking the butt of my gun and smashing the glass. I step in, knocking over some toys displayed on a little shelf as I do so. The room I just stepped into is very obviously the baby room. There are cribs lining the walls and tiny handprints with the children's names written on top. Thinking about what might have happened to those children is sad, but I try not to think about it. I walk over to a sink that has a cabinet underneath. I open it up and kneel down in front of it. There are a pack of bottles and a lot of diapers. I open my bag up and stuff the bottles and diapers inside. I hear the sound of someone stepping inside the room the same way I did. I know it, Daryl, because of the familiar grunts.

There's nothing else in this room, so we walk into a long hallway. It's dark, like really dark. I hate the dark. It seems like something is trying to creep up behind you in the dark. Daryl shines his flashlight down the hallway. There is the faint sound of rattling in the room to my right. Daryl, who had gone farther down than I had, turned around and walked back toward me with his flashlight in his mouth.

The room the rattling is coming from is a kitchen. Thankfully, the door has a bottom and top half that close separately so we can peer in without fully being in danger. Daryl slowly reaches into the room and opens the bottom half of the door, making sure nothing is inside before signaling for me to come in. I walk in. The sound is coming from the pantry. I slowly walk towards it. I quickly open the door to see a possum. It hisses at me before Daryl shoots it with an arrow. It squeals in pain before becoming limp. "Hello, dinner." Daryl says, his voice being muffled by the flashlight in his mouth. I make a fake gagging sound while exploring the tiny kitchen area. "I'm not putting that in my bag." I mutter.

Even though we've been doing this whole eating possum, squirrels, and owls thing for almost a year now, I will never get used to it. I still think it's disgusting. I open a pair of cabinets to be greeted with two cans of baby formula. It's like we've just won the goddamn lottery that'll last us at least a few weeks. I stuff them in my bag before moving to the next room.

The next room is a pre-k-like room with the alphabet covering the top of the walls and posters of the 123s and days of the week. Everything is neatly organized, like the workers expected to return the next day for work. There are notes on the teacher's table signifying that one student needed to bring a new change of clothes and another needing to take his blanket home on Friday. I wonder where they are, if they're still alive or if they're long gone. "ya think Case would like this?" I turn to see Daryl holding up a stuffed bear. My heart melts every time he acts like he's her father. There's just something so attractive about men who are good with children. "yeah." I say as I stick my hand out, gesturing for him to hand it to me. He gives it to me, and I stuff it into my bag. I kneel down in front of a little basket filled to the brim with toys.

"Do you- do you ever want kids?" I ask randomly. I don't know why I ask; I guess I just want to know. He grunts, "We have Case." I sigh as I stuff a few more toys into my bag. I don't like calling Casey our child because she had two loving parents who loved her until the end of their lives, parents she remembers and is still grieving. There are several times she's woken up in the middle of the night sobbing, "Momma, momma." every time she does that, my heart aches. Not because I'm jealous but because I feel the same way; sometimes, I feel myself yearning for my mother, who is most likely dead. I want my mom to cradle me in her lap like she used to and comfort me, and I know Casey feels the same way.

"no, like kids of our own." I whisper. I hear him sigh before muttering, "It's not safe." 

- 

When we return back to the prison, it's night. The sun had set a good few hours ago, and the sky is pitch black. When we run back into the cellblock, the only thing that can be heard is the baby sobbing loudly. Daryl runs over to her and scoops her up out of Carl's arms. I pull the formula and bottles out of my bag and quickly make her a bottle.

The baby quiets down for a few seconds once she's in Daryl's arms but quickly starts up her loud sobs. I quickly hand him the bottle. "c'mon, c'mon." he coos as he props the bottle up to the baby's mouth. I've never ever wanted a man to be the father of every one of my children more than I do now. He's so naturally good with her it's astonishing. When I first saw Daryl Dixon, with his muscles, tattoos, and tough guy attitude, I never thought he'd be good with kids, but somehow, he is.

The way his face softens when the baby latches onto the bottle, the way he's so effortlessly good with her, oh god, it makes my heart burst with affection. The way he rocks back and forth with a tiny smile on his lips as he feeds the baby makes me want a baby. A baby with his bright blue eyes and my nose, a baby with his stupid personality, a baby with equal parts of him and I, but I'm scared of getting pregnant after what happened to Lori. I don't want to leave Daryl to take care of a newborn by himself, even though I know everyone would help him. "She got a name yet?" Daryl asks Carl. "Mm, not yet. But I was thinkin' maybe Sophia, then there's Carol, too, and..." Carl sighs, thinking, "Andrea, Amy, Jacqui, Patricia...or Lori. I don't know." Carl is such a thoughtful boy, so empathetic. Thinking of everyone who's died for us to be here right now, trying to find a way to honor everyone.

Carl turns around and sighs; there's no way to honor everyone, especially by naming the baby cause she's only one person and can't have 5 million names. "Yeah...you like that? little ass-kicker." Daryl smiles as he looks up at all of us. "right? that's a good name, right?" I feel a tiny head rest against the side of my leg. I look down to see Casey leaning against me with tired eyes as she looks up at Daryl. I bend over and pick her up, letting her legs wrap around my hip, and her head lean onto my shoulder. She was a tiny 5-year-old, maybe 30 pounds at most, still small enough to pick up and not feel like I was carrying a bag of bricks. "Little ass-kicker. You like that, huh? You like that sweetheart?"

-

It's time for bed; I carried Casey up to the perch and laid her down. No help from Daryl because he was busy taking care of the baby. I'm stroking her hair, pushing the pieces of baby hair back as she talks to me. "Daryl's not gonna give me a hug g'night?" she asks, her voice laced with sleepiness. "he's taking care of the baby." I whisper; she grumbles, something I didn't catch, but I know she's upset. "But he got you something while we were out." I say, her eyes fly open "What?" I reach over and pull the teddy bear out of my bag. She gasps as I show it to her. Her little eyes widen as she makes grabby hands for it. "Daryl got it?" she asks, brows furrowed and head cocked to the side like she's mentally saying, 'Daryl got me a teddy bear?!' "Yep, just for you." she smiles as she hugs the bear to her body.

We both hear the sound of heavy footsteps coming up the steps, paired with the sound of the familiar grunts associated with Daryl Dixon. "Speak of the devil." I say with a giggle. She giggles as he appears at the top of the steps, brows furrowed in a tight knot. "wha'?" he mutters. Casey laughs excitedly as she leaps up, dropping the bear before sprinting over to him. She wraps her arms around his knees, embracing him as she giggles. he looks over to me, brows furrowed as he mouths, "What's wrong with her?" I laugh as he looks back down at her, his face softening as he kneels down in front of her. She wraps her arms around his neck, and he cupped the back of her head as he hugged her tightly. "Thank you," Casey mumbles before pulling away, grinning up at him, and running back over to her 'bed.'

"Goodnight, bug." I whisper as I press my lips against her forehead. "Night, y/n." she whispers as her eyes slowly close. When she finally falls asleep, I look up to see Daryl sitting with his back pressed against the railings of the perch. He smiles as I get up and walk over to him.

I sit down next to him and lean my head against his shoulder. We've ended all our nights like this since we got here to the prison, quietly whispering to each other while everyone else sleeps. "You got the baby down?" I whisper. He nods. "You're good with her." he's so good with her, and she seems to like him a lot. He grunts as he shrugs. "Dunno never done it before, so dun' know what I'm doin'." he's still doing good, taking over while Rick is doing whatever he's doing. "I'm gonna go to sleep. Don't stay up late alrigh'?" I nod as I watch him get up and walk over to the trio of mattresses we had pulled up here. He lays down and pulls the blankets over his body, letting out quiet, displeased grunts as the blankets don't fit over his body the way he wants."I'm gonna go see if Glenn's still awake," I lie as I quickly stand up and run down the stairs. 

I'm not going to see Glenn like I said; I'm going to see the baby. I don't know why, but I want to make sure she's alright and breathing. I guess since I killed Rick's wife, I at least have to make sure the baby stays alive. She's in a box in the recreational area someone had found that is being cushioned by a few baby blankets. She doesn't even stir as I pick her up. She doesn't look like anyone right now. She looks like a baby, so we really can't dictate if the baby is truly Rick's yet, but her eyes are neither Lori's nor Rick's but almost a spitting image of Shane's same brown color and everything.

She cuddles up into me as I cradle her in my arms. I have this dream that everything goes back to normal; we're not living in a prison but in a town. Daryl and I have a house we live in with Casey and our daughter, whom I've mentally named Lacy. Lacy Sophia Dixon. We don't have to worry about keeping people alive or getting bit. Everything is normal, or what normal used to be. I desperately want to live in that world. Every morning, I wake up grieving the daughter I had in my dream, but I know, I just know I'll have her one day. We'll have the town, we'll have the house, and we'll have that baby.

"What are you doing?" I snap out of my daydream and quickly turn my head to see Glenn's brows furrow as he leans against the barred walls that separate the cell block from this room. "Holding the baby," I whisper. She's just the baby (or little ass-kicker to Daryl) until Rick or Carl comes up with a name for her. Glenn walks further into the room and sits at one of the tables. I follow and sit across from him, still cradling the baby. "Nice necklace," he whispers as he props his elbows onto the table. I look down, remembering the silver necklace that now hung from my neck. "Yeah? Got it earlier." I whisper as I slowly rock the baby in my arms. He nods as he raises his eyebrows. "you two are getting serious, huh?"

"Yeah-yeah, I guess..um, can I ask you something?" he nods, muttering, "Sure." "Is it weird that after watching Daryl take care of her, it made me want a-" I watch as his face contorts in disgust. "a baby." I finish as he makes a fake gagging sound, which I think is pretty hypocritical after we caught him and Maggie up in the guard tower earlier. "It just made me-" he cuts me off, "horny?" I roll my eyes; why does everything with men have to be about sex? But I guess everything about having a baby is sex as well. It's weird the most innocent things are created by the least innocent thing possible. "no, it just made me realize that he's it for me. Maggie doesn't do things that make you realize she's it for you?" I ask, brows furrowed together. "All the time," he whispers as his cheeks turn a light shade of pink. Daryl is it for me. I don't think anyone else out there could make me as happy as he does. If we're ever able to settle down, I want a family with him, and I don't think there is anyone else that could make me feel like that.

Taglist

@rivversin @soul4death @furiousheartpoetry @silicone-bonez @nezukos-number1fan @your-shifting-gurl @maziejay08 @oi-itse @rhaenryawhore @kimbunnysstuff @blipblopper @ramielll @ilyhannah @daryldixonnn @delicatebearpandaopera @crypticmushroom

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

➖ Mature content, 18+ ➖ check the trigger tags each time ➖      

Chapter 49 - Name-giving. Episode 2.

-----Evan's point of view------

Evan: I ran after Congo as quickly as I could as he suddenly burst through the doors heading outside. I turned around a corner, just in time to see him bend forwards, placing his hands on his knees as he started hyperventilating. I quickly ran up to him, and placed a firm hand on his back, caressing him gently Breathhhhe my voice was soothing and warm

Congo: I'm sorry he looked at me with scared eyes and grabbed on to my shoulder as his legs suddenly seemed to not hold him well any longer. I observed as the strongest man I know, in any way, fell apart in front of me

Evan: Please, let's sit down, I nodded towards a tree trunk few meters from us. I was relieved that no snow had fallen in the forest around us, and although the trees were naked, and a light fog covered the ground with all the dead leaves, the temperature was mild, and not too cold. I slowly managed to support Congo while leading him to the tree trunk, where we both sat down Just take your time… I'm right here. I gently caressed his cheek and smiled softly

Congo: I don't want Andy to be alone..

Evan: I chuckled softly He's not… Akin is with him, and I'm sure he by now is trying to convince Akin to jab that dildo up inside him again

Congo: He chuckled softly and leaned his forehead against my shoulder I'm sorry… I didn't want you to see that he sighed deeply

Evan: Mhh, no… now you listen to me, please I grabbed his cheeks in my palms and lifted his head I can be there just as much as you can be there for me… alright? If you haven't noticed, I'm pretty calm at the moment. One of us has to be, right? And since neither of us can count on Andy to take that role I chuckled softly you and I take turn… and this time it's my turn.

Congo: He looked at me with flickering eyes

Evan: I'm freaked out as hell… I mean… how? I chuckled softly but, I just quickly gave up on asking that question, cause Andy is already pregnant, and has been so for a while. Akin has some good points here… how does any of this happen? Him and the clan has tried to crack this one for a while now, so far nothing… Maybe there will never be an answer. Maybe it just happened for the very reason of Marius and Andy.. and the mix of their blood… Apparently if you add that and the right dash of love, Marius starts throwing babies around?

Congo: He chuckled softly and sniffled his nose as few tears fell from his eyes

Evan: So why are the most calm guy I know, suddenly freaking out to the point where he gets the first panic attack I have ever seen him have?

Congo: He shook his head lightly It's gonna sound nuts.

Evan: And witch part of we are gonna have a baby together which Andy is brewing inside him, doesn't sound nuts? Congo… we are gonna have quadruplets… not triplets…. So what could be more nuts than that?

Congo: He chuckled nervously Please don't take this for more than it is…

Evan: I looked at him questioning a few seconds Okayyy?

Congo: He forced a tiny smile This morning… while we were curling up in bed… the thought actually crossed my mind. How…. I would… love to have one of your babies. So I had both from Andy and you. He looked at me mostly like he was worried I would hate him

Evan: I chuckled nervously You did?

Congo: Maybe I caused this?

Evan: I sighed deeply I don't know Congo? Does it matter? The baby is here…. she's a girl… as I said it out loud, I felt my eyes water up and I love you…. very very much… I chuckled softly as a few tears ran down my cheeks I think what I'm trying to say is, to me, this new baby girl… is just as welcome as the other 3…

Congo: But… there's only 3 cribs, and there's no more room for a 4th crib… how…

Evan: Shush! I chuckled softly and planted a gentle kiss on his forehead Isn't that my line? Listen please… we will manage, as we always do. Somehow we will find the space. We will push one of the cribs a bit and make room for a 4th… it will be alright. None of this was planned, and we managed up till now… we will manage a 4th as well.

Congo: He nodded agreeing and chuckled through his tears

Akin: He cleared his voice as he walked out into the forest to join us I hate to bother you guys… but, I have quickly spoken with the elders of our clan. They all agree the babies should be adopted into the clan before the birth… today to be more specific. I know this is very rushed and you wont really get time to think much, so I understand if it's going to be a little too much to handle. But, now when we know Marius's bloodline lives on in babyboy two… we will have to name give them and adopt them, in order to put protection on the babies in case the B family should get the scent of them. A in particular. You do remember the adoption is just to shield them, they will be your babies, and your babies only. All 4 of them he smiled apologizing

Congo: Quickly dried his eyes, and padded one of my jeans pockets

Evan: Sorry, I left them at home…

Akin: He quickly threw a pack of cigs to Congo

Congo: Looked questioning at Akin

Akin: It's Andy's… I grabbed them as he was talking with Gaby about baby names he winked at Congo He shouldn't be smoking them anyway.

Congo: Chuckled softly and lit one well, neither should Evan and I.

Evan: I quickly grabbed one and lit it, taking a big drag

Akin: I hate to stress this guys, but we need to talk names. The clan is waiting…

Evan: I rubbed my forehead as I felt a headache press And it has to be right now?

Akin: Smiled apologizing yet again I'm afraid yes. Andy is already dead set on Willow Amalthea Shaw-Cullman, Oscar Shaw-Cullman, for the small boy that Congo and Marius share with him, and Samuel Cullman-Thompson for the boy he shares with Evan. Is there anything to disagree on that?

Congo: He looked at me a bit questioning, then smiled softly and shook his head No, I'm completely okay with the names. I think they are all lovely.

Evan: I smiled softly at Akin…. I would have liked Samuel to go, specially now when I know only Andy and I are fathers.

Akin: Why is that? It's a strong and beautiful name.

Evan: Yes… but it's the name of a character in a tv show, Andy associates with me. I always kinda hated the idea of passing names to your kids. Like Henry the third. I sighed deeply and chuckled Alright… on one condition.

Akin: Name it he smiled warmly

Evan: He will be Samuel Cullman. No combo names, no middle names. Just Samuel Cullman. It would mean a lot to me, that Andy's name doesn't die with him. And I know it would mean a lot to Andy's parents as well.

Akin: So surnames are okay to pass down? he lifted his eyebrows and chuckled teasingly

Evan: I'll ignore that, as I have already had more than I could take for today I chuckled forcefully and sighed deeply

Akin: I apologize. He smiled softly And the last girl?

Evan: I took a deep breath and smiled at Congo You always dreamed of kids in some ways… so… help us out here… Please tell me you happened to have a few preferred girl names… just in case?

Congo: He smiled softly No… I used to have one. It's Irish… and spelled in a weird way, so I doubt anyone can spell or pronounce it. And it might also be too weird, for anyone's liking… but, it would have meant a lot to my mom, if my kids would have had Irish names.

Evan: I nodded understanding Tell me…

Congo: He searched his pockets, quickly finding a pen and some tissue paper, writing the name down, then handed me the tissue

Evan: I looked at the paper a few seconds Aishlynn… I smiled at him softly

Congo: He smiled hesitating It's pronounced and then something which unmistakably was Irish escaped his lips, it was like seeing a whole new side of him, his Irish roots

Evan: I'm sorry, one more time?

Congo: He chuckled softly and grabbed the tissue, folding it as he returned it to his pocket Ash-leen this time the Irish accent had gone away, and I got the name clearly.

Evan: Ashleen…

Congo: He smiled softly and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek I'm sure you could come up with something better.

Evan: I frowned a bit

Congo: I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…

Evan: No, it's okay…. I did use to dream before Andy… but it was many many years ago.

Congo: So what was the name?

Evan: Selena I smiled softly

Akin: Ahh like Selena Gomez?

Evan: I hope that's your last comment today Akin?! It was BEFORE Selena….

Congo: It's the Greek translation of…. Goddess of the moon… right?

Evan: I smiled softly It is.

Congo: I like it… very beautiful.

Evan: What does Aishlynn mean? I smiled at him softly

Congo: Dream…. it means dream.

Akin: I'm sorry guys, I need you to pick… the elders hate to wait… I gotta run within the next minute.

Congo: He grabbed my hands and held them in his. Let's go with yours. It's very beautiful, and very you.

Evan: I shook my head softly No… I want you to have your name… you always hoped somewhere in your heart, and never gave up that dream. I know what this means to you, and Andy completely hijacked the other names. This time you get to choose. So she will be Aishlynn… Although my pronunciation keeps being more Ash-lin… not Ash-leen I chuckled softly and smiled at him apologizing

Congo: He smiled softly Maybe it could be Selena Aishlynn Thompson? He looked at me a bit hesitating then shook his head No, Selena Thompson. I know how you dislike the combined last names, not to mention middle names… so just Selena Thompson… I like the sound of that very much.

Akin: Okay, we will go with that… I'll tell the elders.

Evan: No. I stood up quickly, dragging Congo after me You chill two fucking seconds Akin!

Akin: looked at me surprised

Evan: I turned and faced Congo with a shy smile I love you very much. Your kindness and warmth. How much you care for all of us. I brushed a hand over his cheek You always put everyone else first. This time… I want you to come first. So she will be named Aishlynn Selena Shaw-Thompson.

Congo: He sniffled his nose as small tears started running from his eyes again I would very much like that.

Evan: I wrapped my arms around him tight as he buried his face against my shoulder and started sobbing softly

Akin: He smiled politely So it's settled?

Evan: Yes. Willow Amalthea Shaw-Cullmman, Oscar Shaw-Cullman, Samuel Cullman, and Aishlynn Selena Shaw-Thompson.

Akin: Alright. I think you two should go ahead. I will send Gaby over with Andy when the adoption has been done. Should be over 30 minutes from now, it gives you a bit of time to digest before he comes tumbling through the door. I expect he will be pretty wired the rest of the day he chuckled softly and quickly disappeared back inside the tall building again

Evan: Let's go home? I could really need a hot shower to clear my head a bit…

Congo: Me too. He sniffled his nose and quickly dried his eyes with the back of his hand as he pulled away from me Thank you.

Evan: For what? I chuckled softly and shook my head No need to thank me for anything. You also need to be heard once in a while… not only Andy's voice counts.

Congo: I know he smiled softly and grabbed my hand as we started walking towards the portal, kissing it softly on the way

Evan: Few minutes after we were all over each other in the hot shower, kissing, moaning, touching, nibbling God I love you so much!

Congo: Mmmh… I love you very deeply…. he moaned deep on my skin as he bit into my shoulder, sucking drops of water of my wet skin

Evan: I moaned deep and pressed my boner against him God I need you to fuck me…

Congo: Mmmh… as nice as that sounds to me, I'm pretty sure I can hear Lenny and Robert upstairs….

Evan: I paused my hands around his dick and listened. Clear foot steps above us, someone slamming the front door… Andy… Gaby… Akin… I frowned as I heard Daniel laugh loudly I guess we better stop huh? I frowned gently and turned off the water

Congo: No… he quickly turned on the tab again They can wait!

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 2: The Beginning

Narrated by Qingyue.

Narrator: A hundred years ago, Cloudcrest was the capital of Cloud, and it was also the place where I once lived.

Narrator: When I was young, I often dreamed about the vast galaxies and a full moon, and someone whispering in my ears.

Narrator: I was too young to understand the dream, but my father often said...

Cloudcrest Lord: Qingyue, don't think so much at a young age. If you figure everything out in a day, you will feel life has become too boring.

Narrator: He always let me do what I love. I was interested in medicine, so he collected wonderful books for me during his expeditions.

Narrator: Merchants came to Cloudcrest twice a month. The city was short on medicines and doctors, so I often treated people here.

Narrator: At that time, the mansion was always filled with medical books and the scent of bitter herbs.

Narrator: One day as I was gathering herbs in the wild, I saw a rabbit dying on the ground, holding a piece of white jade.

Qingyue: Little rabbit, are you alright?

Narrator: It struggled to open its eyes as it looked at me, shivering slightly in my arms.

Narrator: I brought it back home and used various herbs to treat it, hoping that it could get well.

Narrator: From that day on, the galaxies and full moon appeared in my dreams again. But this time, there were other changes.

Choose "Other changes?"

You: Other changes?

Narrator: Every time I got close to the jade, I would hear a strange noise leading me to the sky.

Narrator: The moonlight was bright that night, and for the first time I heard a sound other than the noise.

Voice: It's a long business trip. No matter how long I have to wait, I just want him to return home safely...

Narrator: It sounded like prayers and worries.

Narrator: I opened the door and found my maid Jade kneeling under the osmanthus tree with tears in her eyes.

Qingyue: Were those... her innermost thoughts?

Narrator: I walked over. She suddenly raised her head from her arms, seeming to be startled by me.

Jade: M-My Lady, you're still awake!

Narrator: She was teary-eyed as if I had read her mind.

Qingyue: Don't be nervous. You were alone, so I came over to see if you needed someone to talk to.

Narrator: Perhaps the gentle moonlight touched her. She hesitated for a while before talking.

Jade: My father is a merchant and has been away from home for half a year. But I haven't heard from him for a few months.

Jade: I'm afraid he will never come back...

Narrator: Sure enough, what I heard just now were her innermost thoughts.

Narrator: Strangely, when she confided in me, the jade in my hand warmed up.

Narrator: Stroking the warm jade, I saw a picture in the mist before me.

Narrator: A merchant was plodding along the mountain road, his clothes dirty like he had just fallen down.

Merchant Is there no place to send a letter...? If I don't return before the Mid-Autumn Festival, my wife and daughter will complain.

Narrator: He seemed to think of something. He took out a package from inside his shirt, opened it, and stared at a beautiful hairpin.

Narrator: There were no lights around. He held the hairpin up to the moonlight, examining it carefully, and sighed.

Merchant: If Jade gets angry because I was late, I can give her the hairpin as a gift, and she will forgive me.

Choose "It's her father!"

You: It's Jade's father!

Narrator: Yes, the white jade made me hear her innermost thoughts and see the people she was thinking of. It must be a divine object.

Narrator: I comforted Jade, telling her it was hard to find a post to send a letter.

Qingyue: Perhaps the person you care about is also thinking of you under the moonlight.

Narrator: People were looking forward to hearing from their families. They would be relieved if they knew one another's wishes.

Baishuo: The jade has found its master. Since you can read people's thoughts, maybe it was waiting for you.

Narrator: Baishuo put down the book in his hand and leaned over to look at me tenderly.

Qingyue: Thank you, Baishuo.

Narrator: It was the first time I conveyed thoughts on people's behalf. I still remember Jade's tears and her grateful look that day.

Narrator: I'm glad I met Baishuo and experienced all kinds of wistfulness under the moonlight.

Narrator: Under the same bright moon, people can bathe in the same moonlight even if they are thousands of miles apart.

Narrator: Experiencing wistfulness, people can feel close even if they are apart.

Chapter 1

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

[legends-of-time]

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 50: A Servant of Two Masters

Masterlist

A/N: Chapter 50 🎉🎉🎉

——

Amelia's POV

Merlin, Arthur, Gwaine, Leon, and Percival had headed off the day before. They'd gone off on a simple journey, to inspect the defences along a certain area of the borders of the Kingdom. Arthur had reassured Amelia, Gwen and Anne, especially when Anne had wanted to go, that it was safe, and had brought up how the path they'd take is known only to them and not their enemies.

But that was yesterday and the group still has not returned. Anne had become increasingly distressed about where her husband is and is growing frustrated with the number of times everyone tells her to calm down for the sake of the baby. Amelia has avoided this as she knows there's no point and wants to avoid Anne's ire.

Instead, Amelia has resorted to pacing back and forth in the Council Chambers as a Council meeting going on behind her and not paying attention to them. The Council had been sympathetic while Agravaine had suspiciously been elsewhere since yesterday and only appears not long before the Council meeting in a hurry.

——

Merlin's POV

Merlin jolts awake when what feels like water is doused on him. He opens his eyes and quickly takes in his surroundings to find he's in some sort of Hovel, hanging from the ceiling by his wrists and Morgana standing in front of him. This isn't good.

"Good morning." The High Priestess greets smugly.

"Is it?" Merlin scoffs.

Morgana pouts as if she's hurt by his attitude. "Oh, don't be like that." She remarks mockingly. "We have a lot of catching up to do. After all, I haven't seen you since you condemned my sister to a slow and painful death, thwarted my plans to take over Camelot and turned my other sister away from me." She pauses and smirks. "Though perhaps not for long."

Merlin frowns, wondering what she means, but he dismisses it, for now, to focus on more pressing matters. Matters such as being Morgana's prisoner. "Couldn't do me a favour, could you? Let Arthur know he still thinks of me as an underachiever, but I'm quite proud of those accomplishments. I can die happy."

"Oh, you're not going to die. Oh, no. I'm not going to make it that easy." Morgana smirks at him before walking away, leaving Merlin frozen, fearful of what she's going to do.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia is relieved when Arthur and the Knights soon return but that relief is taken away when, gathered in the Council Chambers with them, Gwen and the Council, they inform her that Merlin has been taken.

They had entered the Valley of the Fallen Kings when the group had been attacked by a large band of armed men. Merlin had become injured then he and Arthur had been separated from the Knights as they all hid out in the forest as the mercenaries continued to pursue them.

Arthur had become separated from the injured Merlin when, as Arthur had been fighting more mercenaries in a crevice, boulders fell into the crevice, cutting off the mercenaries from Arthur as well as Merlin.

Amelia immediately knows that Merlin had been the cause of the rock fall and had sacrificed himself so that Arthur could escape. Anne is going to give him a smack for that.

After this had all been explained, Anne and Gaius enter. Amelia looks on anxiously at her maid. Anne's stomach has been getting bigger and bigger every day and is now visible to everyone. It's not long before they'll have to get started on maternity dresses.

"Where's Merlin?" Gaius immediately questions.

"He's alive. Last I saw of him, he was still alive." Arthur replies.

Anne starts hyperventilating and tears build up in her eyes as she shakes her head.

Amelia immediately runs over to her and takes her into her arms. "Don't cry, Anne." Amelia pleads as she hugs Anne to her. Anne stays frozen in place.

Arthur turns to Leon. "Dispatch patrols at first light. Scour every inch of that forest." He orders.

"Yes, Sire." Leon and the Knights exit.

Arthur turns his attention back to Anne and Gaius as Amelia runs her hand along Anne's hair. "We'll find him, Anne, Gaius. We will." He puts a reassuring hand on Gaius' shoulder.

"I should've been there." Anne sobs against Amelia's chest.

"No." Arthur shakes his head. "Merlin would've never forgiven me if I had let you come."

"Then I shouldn't have let him go!" Anne cries.

Amelia pulls away from their hug and brushes Anne's tears away. "I promise we will find him. That is a promise not from a mistress but from a friend."

——

Anne retreats to her Chambers, refusing to come out until Merlin is found. Amelia worries for her friend and hopes they find Merlin alive otherwise Anne is just going to shut down.

The patrol returns and Agravaine and Leon give their report to Arthur, Amelia and the Council in the Council Chambers. It's not good news.

"We have scoured the forest." Agravaine tells them.

"Scour it again." Amelia snaps.

"My Lady, there is no sign of Merlin." Leon placates softly.

Agravaine approaches Arthur and Amelia, standing between their seats at the head of the table. "None...but...this." Agravaine places a scrap of Merlin's bloody jacket on the map in front of them. Arthur stares at it blankly while Amelia stares at it in disbelief. "I am sorry you've lost such a loyal and..."

Arthur holds up a hand, stopping him. At any other time, Amelia would feel smug at that. "The mercenaries, what news of them?"

"We found no trace." Leon replies.

"Surely sent by that snake Alinor." Agravaine remarks.

"It can't be." Arthur dismisses. "How? Our route was known only to a few within Camelot."

"Then there's only one conclusion we can draw." Leon has the Council's attention. "We have a traitor in our midst."

Amelia looks at Agravaine the moment he glances at her. They look straight into each other's eyes, knowing that the other knows.

——

Arthur had slipped out early morning, without telling Amelia or Anne, to search for Merlin himself with Gwaine in tow.

Amelia sighs and decides to take a break from the paperwork and go for a walk in the Castle. She's walking along one of the corridors when she glances out of one of the windows that overlooks the Main Square and stops when her eyes catch something.

It's Arthur and Gwaine riding back with Merlin! Amelia pulls up her skirts and runs to Anne and Merlin's Chambers to find Anne.

"Anne! Anne!" Amelia bangs on the door.

It's opened by a tired Anne who lets out an even more tired sigh. "What, Amelia? I told you I'm not—"

"They've found Merlin!" Amelia explains. "They're back!"

Life seems to return to Anne as she registers Amelia's words. The maid bolts out of the room as fast as she can to Gaius' Chambers with Amelia behind her. Amelia doesn't care what they look like running like mad through the corridors, servants rushing out of their way and nobles staring at them, Amelia really doesn't care.

They race around a corner and head right for the Physician's Chambers. Anne throws the door open causing those inside, to startle. Anne doesn't even stop and runs right for her husband and hugs him tightly.

"Merlin!" She cheers. Amelia smiles, watching them until she notices the look on Merlin's face. He is smiling but not grinning, there's something that's not right with his expression.

"Careful there." Merlin warns Anne. "You nearly knocked me over."

"I wasn't running that fast." Anne defends. "Can't really run with these skirts."

Amelia is trying not to let on that something is wrong with Merlin. She can just feel it, but a quick glance at Gaius and Anne tells her that they feel it too.

"Well, it must be all that weight you've gained." Merlin then remarks.

Amelia's eyes bug out. What did Merlin just say?

——

Anne's POV

Anne looks at Merlin who sits across from her cautiously as Gaius serves them supper. The Physician had insisted that he cook them a meal to celebrate Merlin's miraculous return.

"Don't do that again, Merlin. My heart cannot take the strain." Gaius reprimands him.

"Yes, well, you are getting on a bit." Merlin remarks bluntly. Anne and Gaius look at Merlin in surprise. Merlin frowns as he looks at the meal in front of him. "What is this?"

Gaius looks at him confused but replies as he takes a seat next to Anne, "It's a special welcome home. Your favourite."

Merlin takes one sip of the soup and gags. "I think that you should stick to cooking up potions, Gaius. This tastes like the bog Arthur found me in." Gaius gives an uncertain chuckle.

Anne is sure there's something wrong with her husband but does not know what so she decides to dig for more information. "How did you escape?"

"With great skill." Merlin answers dismissively. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, of course. Anything." Gaius replies.

"What is the strongest poison that you possess?"

Anne frowns at that. "Why would you need to know that?"

"I had this great opportunity to lace the bandits' food with poison and nothing to do it with." Merlin gets up and walks over to a table full of potions.

Gaius looks as bewildered as Anne but replies to Merlin's bazaar question, "Well, that would be aconite."

"A..conite." Merlin spots it on the table and takes the bottle. "Well, I think I should take some of this with me from now on. You never know when you might need to kill someone." Merlin takes off and Anne stares after him, bewildered by his behaviour.

"Indeed." Gaius murmurs.

——

Amelia's POV

Percival and Amelia walk down the Phoenix Corridor when they bump into Merlin, who carries a plate of food.

"Ah Merlin. You scrub up well." Amelia says with a smile though she's still suspicious about Merlin's initial behaviour since returning.

"No time to talk, need to get this food to the King." Merlin replies snippily. Amelia and Percival share a surprised look at his tone.

Percival turns back to Merlin, who's seemingly bouncing on his feet, unable to stand still, frowning. "What's the rush? And shouldn't you be resting?"

Merlin looks at them with wild unfocused eyes. "I don't need to rest. I've got work to do."

"But you always complain to Arthur about how you want time off." Amelia points out.

Merlin shakes his head rapidly. "No time to waste!" He barges past them, down the corridor, leaving behind the shocked couple.

——

Merlin's odd behaviour is worse than they'd realised. Gwen finds what would've been Arthur's lunch, if the maidservant hadn't already brought the King some, lying in a pigsty, half-eaten and surrounded by dead pigs.

She brings it to Gaius who is already in discussion with Amelia and Anne in his Chambers about Merlin's odd behaviour. Percival doesn't join them as he has to prepare for the knighting ceremony.

Gaius holds the chicken from the discarded lunch up to his nose and sniffs it. "Aconite."

Anne looks at him in shock. "Didn't you say that was a deadly poison?"

"Indeed. The most deadly poison known to man." The Physician confirms.

"What was it doing on Arthur's food?" Amelia questions. It can't be who she thinks it is. Why would they?

"Merlin took some from here earlier." Anne tells her and Gwen. Oh, no.

It dawns on Gwen's face. "He was really angry when he realised Arthur wasn't going to eat it."

"He has been behaving very strangely." Gaius realises.

Anne huffs. "You're telling me. Normally, Merlin will be all frantic, asking me how me and the baby are doing but since he's been back, he has not asked once."

Gwen scoffs. "But why would Merlin want to kill Arthur?"

"Merlin wouldn't. Not if he was in his right mind." Gaius says.

"Where's he now?" Amelia asks. They need to find him now.

"Helping Arthur prepare for the knighting ceremony..." Anne begins to answer before her eyes widen.

They all immediately hurry from the room to find Merlin. On the way, they pass Leon in the corridor.

"Have you seen Merlin?" Gwen asks, stopping the Knight.

"He was in the Armoury." Leon replies.

"What did he want in there?" Gaius questions.

Leon chuckles. "A crossbow. I think Arthur must be getting on his nerves."

"Why?" Anne asks, concerned.

Leon checks the corridor, leaning in to whisper, "He said he was going to kill him." Leon bursts out laughing. Amelia joins in with a terrible fake laugh while Anne, Gwen and Gaius exchange worried looks. Leon walks away and they start rushing to Arthur's Chambers.

——

Merlin is raising the Ceremonial sword to strike just as Gwen, Anne, Amelia and Gaius burst in.

"I know, I'm late." Arthur says, completely unaware of what's happening behind him.

Merlin rushes forward to attack, but Arthur moves and Merlin runs into the column and falls over. Arthur turns around and sees Merlin on the floor unconscious. He picks up the ceremonial sword, considers Merlin for a moment, and then strolls out. The group gives Arthur fake smiles on his way out. Amelia spots Merlin waking and runs forward with a metal pitcher and smashes it over his head, knocking him out again.

"I really hope you have not given him brain damage." Anne remarks.

Amelia shrugs. "He'll be fine!"

——

Merlin is lying on a chair backwards so that his front rests on the back of the chair in Gaius' Chambers. Gaius is reading an entry in a book as Anne, Gwen and Amelia grimace at the creature crawling under Merlin's skin.

"I feared as much." Gaius says.

"What is it?" Amelia questions. Gaius hands her the book. The other two look over her shoulder to have a look. The image is a large body of a snake but it has multiple heads instead of one.

"It's a Fomorroh. Whoever put it there was very highly skilled." Gaius says.

Morgana.

"What does it do?" Gwen asks.

"In the days of the Old Religion, they were used by the High Priestess to enslave the minds of their enemies. Once a thought was planted, the victim would not stop till they'd accomplished it." Gaius explains. "First we must paralyse the serpent."

Gwen hands him a bowl and Gaius dabs a saturated pouch on Merlin's neck. The Fomorroh grows still.

"Is it dead?" Amelia questions hopefully.

"Sadly not. Merely dormant. Now for the tricky bit. Pass me the blade."

Gwen hands it to him. Amelia grimaces as Gaius cuts it out. Thankfully it's over soon and Gaius tosses it into the fire.

"That's it?" Gwen asks.

"I believe so."

Anne sighs in relief. "We have the old Merlin back. Arthur is safe once more."

"Let us hope so." Amelia comments.

——

Anne's POV

The next morning, Anne reaches out for Merlin in their bed while half asleep. He hadn't woken up yesterday, so they just moved him back to Anne and Merlin's Chambers. He was still unconscious when Anne went to bed last night, but when she feels for him under the covers, she comes up with nothing. Anne opens her eyes fully and sits up.

Merlin is walking about the room, getting ready for his work day. He looks over at Anne as he realises that she is watching him and he flashes her a smile that warms her insides.

Anne returns the smile as she feels relief flood her. "How do you feel?" Anne asks.

"Never better." Merlin says with a grin. Kissing her forehead and shrugging on his jacket.

Anne is a bit disappointed she doesn't get any more but shrugs it off. "Well, it's a relief to have you back. What do you remember?"

"About what?" Merlin asks, turning around.

"I take it that means nothing—" Anne stops speaking and her smile drops when spots the Fomorroh still wiggling in Merlin's neck as he straightens his jacket.

"I got a feeling today is going to be a good day," Merlin remarks and he leaves before Anne can stop him.

Anne looks down at her stomach. "Time for Mommy to save Daddy." Anne says as she scrambles out of bed. "Again."

——

Amelia's POV

Anne tells them that the Fomorroh is back. Amelia, Anne, Gwen and Gaius hurry towards Arthur's Chambers.

"Everyone has their own agenda." Arthur is saying as Amelia bursts in first, followed by Anne, Gwen and Gaius, and sees Merlin with a deformed sword, standing over a steaming bath that's bubbling and foaming while Arthur is changing behind a screen. "It feels like I can trust no one anymore."

Amelia rushes forward and knocks Merlin out with the same pitcher. Merlin falls back into Gaius and Gwen's arms with Anne looking over him frantically. They pull Merlin away but quickly hide him behind the column just as Arthur chooses to step out from behind the screen completely undressed.

"Is that how you see it, Merlin- Amelia!" Arthur cries, hurriedly covering himself.

"Arty, buddy, how ya doing?" Amelia says cheerfully, trying to act like there's nothing awry, then realises he's naked and averts her eyes. She does not need to see that much of her cousin, practically brother.

Arthur takes this chance to grab a pillow from his bed and cover himself more effectively, trying to act dignified. "Gaius, Guinevere, Anne." The King greets the others. The other three stand gathered around the column, holding Merlin up and out of sight.

There's a moment of silence as they all awkwardly stand there. Amelia, clasping her hands behind her back and rocking back and forth on her heels, is trying to think of a way out of this but isn't sure what. Thankfully Arthur speaks.

"You're not Merlin."

"No!" Amelia replies, somewhat with a high pitch. "There was a problem with the bath water."

Arthur frowns, looking at the now still and unsuspecting water. "Really?"

"Yep!" Amelia says a bit too hurriedly. She doesn't know where her lying skills have gone, she used to be good at this. "It's cold. Very cold."

Arthur steps forward to look at it.

"Merlin's gone to remedy it." Arthur reaches forward to touch it. "I don't think you can have a bath today!" Amelia says quickly.

Arthur looks up sharply. Amelia tries to cover her panic with an awkward smile.

Arthur steps back. "Right... Good job I'm not very dirty, then."

"It's a good job indeed!" Amelia nervously laughs.

The others chuckle with her. Arthur nods awkwardly, waiting for them to leave. They don't. They really can't. He sidesteps awkwardly behind his dressing screen.

Amelia does a sigh of relief and turns to the others, frantically gesturing to them that they need to move.

——

They manage to drag Merlin to Gaius' Chambers and lie him face down on a table so Gaius can examine the revived Fomorroh.

"So, let me get this straight. If you kill one, another grows in its place." Gwen says after Gaius had explained to them how this is possible.

"I've heard such stories in the past, but never thought they were true." Gaius dabs Merlin's neck with the paralyser concoction. "That will silence it for a while." Gaius opens a smoking canister and holds it under Merlin's nose. He jerks awake, coughing.

"What is that? Arthur's socks?" Merlin splutters, sitting up on his knees, and holding his head. He looks at the four of them and then back to Anne. "She kicked, didn't she?" He asks. Anne looks at him in confusion. Merlin crawls forward and puts his hands on her stomach. "She kicked while I was gone! I can't believe I missed it!"

Now Amelia knows he is back.

Anne huffs. "No, he hasn't kicked yet. I told you, it's still a bit too early." She reassures him. The arguing over the sex of the baby hasn't stopped between these two.

"Then what is it?" Merlin asks as he sits up. "What are you trying to do to me?"

"I'm trying to stop you from killing the King." Gaius tells him.

"Heh. Ooh." Merlin staggers. Maybe Amelia hit him on the head too hard.

——

Amelia, Anne and Gaius watch as Merlin stuffs his face with berries. Turns out that while under the Fomorroh, Merlin had been so focused on his task that he hasn't eaten.

"So, you don't remember anything?" Gaius questions.

"I remember Morgana conjuring the snake, but...nothing more. No." Merlin replies. Anne rubs her husband's back comfortingly.

"Lucky for us you're such a bad assassin." Amelia remarks with a slight grin.

"Well, all is well now. I feel fine."

"For now, the serpent is dormant and when it wakes, your mind will be Morgana's once more and nothing will stop you from killing Arthur." Gaius warns him.

This causes Merlin to panic. "But how do we get rid of it, if it keeps growing back?"

"There's only one way, I'm afraid. You have to kill the mother beast."

Anne looks at Gaius in alarm and Amelia doesn't blame her. "But it's in Morgana's hut." The former reminds the Physician.

Gaius nods gravely.

"Great. How long have I got? How long before this thing wakes up?" Merlin questions.

"A day, no more."

"Please don't face her alone." Anne pleads.

Merlin gives his wife a reassuring smile, stroking her stomach. "Don't worry, I won't be there at all. Well, not exactly." Merlin then stands and picks up a potion bottle from another table. "She won't recognise me if I'm eighty years old." Merlin hurries off.

"Well, what should I say if Arthur asks for you?" Gaius calls after him.

"Er, tell him I'm anywhere." Merlin closes the door, then pops his head back in. "Anywhere but the Tavern."

After Merlin is gone, Amelia knows she needs to lighten the mood and turns to Gaius with a smirk. "You're going to say the Tavern, aren't you?"

"No!"

——

Gaius tells Arthur Merlin is in the Tavern.

——

Merlin thankfully makes his return after having destroyed the creature.

"This is becoming something of a habit." Gaius remarks as he cuts out the Fomorroh for the last time.

Merlin chuckles. "I hope not."

Gaius extracts the dead Fomorroh. "Don't worry. It cannot grow back again."

Merlin feels the back of his neck painfully.

"Does that mean he won't try to kill Arthur?" Anne questions.

"Don't worry, it's completely gone. I've no desire to kill Arthur." Merlin reassures them.

"That's great news. Although, I'm afraid right now he does want to kill you." Amelia warns him.

Merlin's smile turns into confusion.

Amelia winces at that. Yeah...

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

[multifandombitxh]

Two Years Late (Ch. 2)

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Series Genre: Friends to Enemies to Lovers

Chapter Genre: Angst

Chapter Warnings: brief mention of death, depictions of violence/blood, bullying(? Eddie mean lol), PTSD flashback

Chapter one: X

Tag list: @soapbar99 @avengersmarauders @senkobingus

A/N: I'm so glad some of you liked this series!! I've been working on it for a bit now so I hope you all enjoy future chapters. If you'd like me to add to to the tag list pls let me know ♥️♥️

Edit: I wanted to clarify I wrote this BEFORE vol. 2 came out, just as an FYI!

Chapter 2: In Your Dreams

"I think you're overthinking this," Robin said over her shoulder as she organized a row of tapes. "I mean, honestly, you had a crush on him once, right? It's normal to have dreams about your crush."

"I haven't thought of him in years, Robin," You sighed, "And it wasn't a dream, it was a nightmare, and he died."

The nightmare in question was why you swore not to sleep again until you physically couldn't fight it anymore. It came to you just as you had fallen asleep the previous night, tearing you back out of your rest immediately. It was hard to recall, but based on what you hadn't blocked out, the Demogorgon attacked Eddie in the dream.

Robin shrugged and turned to face you, leaning her back against the shelves behind her. "If it bothers you so much, why don't you just, I dunno, talk to him?"

"I mean, for starters, he hates my guts," You scoffed, "If I told him I had a dream where he died, he'll think I'm a psycho. Besides, I wouldn't even know when I could talk to him."

Robin finished organizing the tapes and turned on her heel to face you again, a sparkle in her eye. "You know, I heard there's this old, rickety picnic table out behind the track field where people meet Eddie to do drugs deals after school. Maybe you could meet him there."

"Yeah, right," You laughed, "Like he'd talk to me if I showed up there. He'd probably run for the hills if he saw me waiting to do business with him."

"You say 'do business' like it's dirty," Robin chuckled, "Like you're gonna meet him behind the school to give him a bl-"

"Don't finish that sentence," Steve warned, whipping his head around the corner and pointing a finger at Robin. "Do not. Finish. That sentence."

Robin threw her hands up defensively. "Quit eavesdropping!"

"The last thing I wanna hear while I'm trying to work is you two knuckleheads talking about Y/N and Eddie 'the freak' Munson doing God knows what behind the school," Steve said, looking between the both of you with a stern expression on his face. "Got it?"

You both agreed in monotonous voices to no longer speak on the subject. Once Steve was done giving you deadly looks and had returned to his own work, Robin leaned in and cupped her hands around your ear.

"Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing," She whispered, "I hear he still talks about you all the time."

"God, not you too," You groaned, "That's what Mike and Dustin kept saying when I drove them home the other day."

"It's the truth!" She whisper-yelled, "So I think you should do yourself a favor, and go meet him. School should be out soon anyway."

"Wait," You said, "Shouldn't you be in school?"

Robin shrugged. "I have study hall for my last period, so I get scheduled at this time a lot. Besides, not the point, quit trying to redirect!"

You pinched the bridge of your nose and squeezed your eyes shut, taking a deep breath. "You're not gonna stop telling me to do it until I do, are you?"

"You know I won't."

"Whatever," You said, rolling your eyes. You fished inside your bag and pulled out your keys, hoping to drop the subject for good. "Did you still wanna hang out and watch Gremlins tonight?"

Robin clapped her hands together a few times, grinning ear to ear. "Yes, absolutely I do, yes, please. I need a break from this shit hole and homework desperately."

"Cool," You said with a smile and a nod, "I'll see you then."

Robin gave you a high five and you left the video store, looking forward to spending some time with her later. Since you hadn't been sleeping well for the last few weeks, you and Robin couldn't seem to agree on a time to have a movie night. Every time she asked about it, you always had to reschedule so you could catch up on sleep.

Not that you ever did.

As you hopped in your car, you thought back to your dream from the night before. It only came to you in fragments now, so all you could really recall was dark, black water, a crimson sky, and the Demogorgon rising from the water to attack Eddie. As you thought more about it, more and more of it came back as you drove to the high school. Your breathing became uneven as you remembered holding Eddie's hand on the edge of the water, staring into his eyes just before everything went dark. Your heart skipped a beat and you tried to clear your head enough to focus on driving.

When you arrived at Hawkins High, class wasn't quite out yet, so you sat in your car for a minute to prepare yourself. Did you really want to do this? You couldn't be sure. Part of you was excited to see him again, while another part of you wanted to throw up at the thought. It was hard to tell which part of you was winning, but either way, you had a bad case of butterflies that wasn't going away any time soon.

Gathering your courage you exited your car, locking it behind you and taking long strides toward the track field. Thankfully the field was vacant, allowing you to sneak down into the woods unnoticed. Your breath formed little clouds in the cold air, making you shiver and zip up your jacket. Brown and orange leaves littered the ground and crunched under your feet as you walked into what you were sure was going to be an absolute disaster of a meet-up.

If he even showed up, of course.

The further you went into the woods, you realized you could hear voices in the distance. You slowed your steps as you approached the voices to avoid revealing yourself. The clearing came into view and sure enough, Eddie was sitting at the old picnic table across from someone in a green and white letterman jacket. You decided to hide behind a nearby tree while the conversation progressed. All you could really hear was Eddie blabbing about "pure bliss in minutes".

Drugs. He was talking about drugs.

Fueled by rage you moved from your hiding spot and into the clearing, staring down the student and folding your arms over your chest. He stared back at you, his cheeks burning bright red and his mouth falling open a bit. Next he began to stutter as Eddie droned on about whatever drug he was trying to sell, digging himself into a deeper hole. When he finally noticed his little customer was staring off into the distance behind him, Eddie turned and his shoulders dropped at the sight of you.

"Y/N-"

"Go home now and I won't tell your parents I saw you here," You said to the kid, setting your jaw. It was an empty threat- you'd never seen that kid in your life, let alone his parents- but it was enough to scare him.

"Y-you wouldn't do that," The kid said, immediately beginning to shake and turning to Eddie. "M-my parents can't know about this, they'll never let me s-stay on the team! She w-wouldn't do that, right, man?"

"You really wanna take that risk?" You asked, shifting your weight.

Eddie gave the kid a nod, gesturing for him to leave as he closed the metal lunch box in front of him. "We can do this another time, k?"

With that, the kid began gathering his things, quickly sprinting from the clearing, not that you were paying attention to him anymore. Your focus was locked on Eddie, who stood from the table, seething. His chest was rising and falling quickly, and you took note of the rings that decorated his tightly closed fists.

"You had no right to do that," He said, his voice shaky from adrenaline. He was taking slow, precise steps toward you, but you held your ground.

"And you have no right selling drugs to children," You said with a shrug, "I'm not the bad guy here, Ed. Targeting the young and vulnerable now, huh? I guess I shouldn't be surprised, you were always really good at being manipulative-"

Before you could keep grilling him, he grabbed you by the shoulders and shoved you backwards until your back hit the base of a tree, the impact softened by your thick jacket. Still, the air left your lungs as he pinned you against the rough bark, a dark look in his eye. Eyes that were still so pretty, a lovely shade of warm sienna in the autumn evening.

Even when he was looking at you like he wanted to murder you where you stood.

"I'm warning you," He muttered, his grip tightening on your shoulders. "If you tell anyone about this-"

"You'll what, Munson?" You challenged, "Not to burst your weird little bubble, but you don't fucking scare me anymore."

Eddie seemed taken aback by your words, his expression faltering and switching from murderous rage to remorse. It didn't last long before he pushed off of you, moving back over the to picnic table and covering his mouth with his hand. You watched him carefully as he lowered himself onto the bench, his back facing you. The chain attached to his tattered jeans clanked loudly against the old wood.

"What are you even doing here?" He asked finally.

You shrugged and slowly walked over to the table, crossing to the side opposite of Eddie to take a seat. "Honestly, I just had to ask you something."

"Oh, Christ," He said with an irritated laugh, "That's it?"

"It was an important question!"

Eddie crossed his arms over his chest and looked you up and down, his lower lip pulled between his teeth. "Well?"

"Okay, I know it sounds weird, but have you, um," You started, "Have you been having, like, weird dreams lately?"

"What?" Eddie asked, unable to hold back his laughter. "That's your important question?"

"Just answer it," You said, losing your patience.

"Jesus, you're pushy. No, I have not been having 'weird dreams'," He said, using air quotes. "Why? Are you trying to curse me in my sleep or something?"

You chewed your lower lip and considered telling him the truth. The thing was, if you did, there was no way he would ever believe a word of it. He already hated your guts, there was no reason for him to believe that you were attacked by an inter-dimensional demon two years ago and now you had vivid nightmares about it every single night.

Lowering your gaze, you shook your head and anxiously toyed with the sleeve of your jacket, pulling at the discolored Sherpa lining on the cuff. "It's nothing, forget I even asked."

"Seriously?" Eddie scoffed, "You said it was an important question! You interrupted a deal for this? God, you really haven't changed one bit, you still love making everything about yourself."

Sadness and anger mingled in your heart, making your chest tighten. How wrong he was, you thought, considering it was really about his safety more than it was your own. If he was having the dreams, too, you would know it meant something was wrong. But it was just you. In a way, that brought at least some relief.

"You know," Eddie went on, wetting his lips. "I used to think you were so cool, like, the coolest person I knew. Then you started hanging out with those assholes, and I realized I was wrong about you."

"You were always wrong about me, Eddie," You said, "Just not in the ways you think you were. Besides, you sell drugs to 'those assholes' now, so I don't think you're in a position to be judging my choices."

With that, you rose from your seat and started to make your escape. You made it to the track field, but Eddie was hot on your heels, grabbing you by the wrist and forcing you to a halt. You stopped in place, shooting him a deadly glare. When you tried to rip your hand away, he held on tighter, pulling you closer in the process.

"What the hell happened to you?" He asked, "You didn't used to be like this."

Unprompted memories of hundreds of saliva-covered fangs adorning a gaping mouth flashed through your mind, a low, gutteral growl accompanying the image. Bodies surrounded by pools of blood and carnage followed suit, making you shiver. For the second time you considered confessing to Eddie what happened to you back at Hawkins Lab, but your gut told you to do otherwise. If Eddie wasn't tied up in Brenner's mess, you wanted to keep it that way.

"I grew up, Eddie," You answered, swallowing hard. "I grew up, and the real world sucks. What happened to me is none of your business."

"Oh come on," Eddie groaned, "I answered your question, didn't I? I gave you the benefit of the doubt, why can't you do the same?"

"Let it go, Eddie," You warned. You fought against his hold which prompted him to grab at your other wrist, holding them both up in front of you. Struggle as you did, he was a lot stronger than he looked. You were closer now, the gap between your bodies smaller than before, so it was a lot harder to avoid eye contact, but you found a way.

"Did someone hurt you?" He asked, to which you responded by shaking your head. "Y/N, I'm serious, if someone did something to you-"

More images of splattered blood and desperate screams clouded your mind.

"-I need you to tell me-"

"You won't believe me!"

Eddie released your wrists and let them fall to your sides, one of his hands coming to rest near your elbow. "I might."

"Why do you even care?" You asked, laughing through tears that threatened to spill out. "You never gave a shit about anything except that stupid game-"

"Hey," Eddie interrupted sternly, both hands on your elbows now. "I always cared. I never stopped caring."

"Bullshit," You spat, "If you cared, you would've been there for me, and you weren't. You can't act like how you treated me was okay. You were my best friend and you gave up on that, not me."

Eddie's mouth fell open as if he had something to say, but clamped shut after a moment. He averted his gaze from you, looking up at the sky and closing his eyes while taking a deep breath, as if he was contemplating something. You pulled out of his grip and took a step back, watching as his head fell forward and he placed his hands on his hips.

The bell rang noisily behind you, startling you both. Not long after, students began slowly filing out from the doors, laughter and shouting filling the air. You turned back to Eddie, who was awkwardly scratching the back of his head and still avoiding your gaze.

"Are we done here?" He asked, clearing his throat. "I have shit to do."

"Yeah," You replied, "We're done here."

[devinescribe]

Mockingly in Love

Ch. 19 of '100 Promises'

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Mhm that's right not dead let's goo

I'm so sorry that I haven't updated as much as I should :( I just lost all motivation for writing and had a ton of family things going on while trying to write.

Warnings: swearing, arguments

The past few days had been uneventful. Games were pretty low ranking for you now, only adding a day or three to your visa.

But here you were, out on a suply run, only this time with Usagi and Kuina.

"How... how do you have so many days on your visa?" Usagi asked quietly. You looked down, adding up the cards that you'd played since you were here. "By playing the games I guess," you shrugged, thinking of it as something if no importance. "You must be really lucky then. To have survived all those times, I mean," she said quickly.

Luck? You hardly considered this luck. Maybe out of pure spite is why you were still alive. To show your father, even if he wasn't here, that you weren't weak. That you could do things. Life threatening things.

"Lady Luck isn't on my side. But I am a very clever person."

You and Kuina sighed in relief against the cold pavement of the floor. Of course there had to be a mob of people chasing after you.  You were never much of an athlete.

"If it hadn't been for your athleticism, I'd be dead right now. Thank you," you said with a smile towards Usagi. "You too Kuina. I mean the way you just -BAM! and kicked him off? So cool, very much a girl boss moment," you giggled. "No, thank you for your cleverness," Usagi said, looking away. You smiled, grabbing Kuina's hand and Usagi's hand, raising them up to the sky. And laughing. Kuina shouted something along the lines of 'victory' while you and Usagi laughed, not really knowing what was funny. It has been a while since you'd had friends other than Niragi. Which sounded a bit strange now. Why had you never had other friends? You'd had acquaintances, but they never stayed to long. Usually a few days, maybe a couple weeks before they would leave, giving a lame excuse as to why. But you never really minded.

Back at the Beach, you quickly avoided the people crowding in the lobby, finding an escape up to the roof. Surprisingly, you found Chishiya, sitting on the edge, his legs dangling over. "Hey 'Shiya," you said quietly, walking over to sit with him. "Hello,"he whispered back.

A suffocating silence filled the air. "You still love him, don't you?" He said, out of no where, bringing back the topic. "What? No. No.... I don't," you denied. Chishiya sighed. "You know, I may not be good with emotions, but you're such a bad liar,"he said. "Sure," you scoffed.

"You've still kept promises from how long ago? And even now you're still worried about fucking breaking them. I don't make it obvious all the time because I'm me, and I know how I am, but I care for you. A lot actually. So I'm sorry thats he didn't stay the same. Did you really think that he would stay the same sweet boy, who would protect you and make you feel better all the time? Because if you did, grow the hell up," Chishiya said, his voice sharp, knowing exactly where to cut. Your eyes welled up with tears. He was right. It hurt so much, but he was right.

"I'm... I'm sorry I didn't mean to go that far i was-"

"No... no, its ok.... you're right anyways. Promises we made when we were 15, still have a meaning, but not when all this is going on," you sniffled. "And after all of this... you're still in love with him," he whispered. He was a bit hurt. He liked you, really liked you, but he knew you didn't feel the same. He would rather you be happy with the person you really wanted. "I.... think I am. Which is horrible. I just... I wanted so badly to get over him, but I couldn't. I still love him, and I don't want to. But I can't get over it, and I can't tell him either because well... we've both been ignoring eachother,"you stated, wiping away the tears that had fallen down your cheeks.

"No need he already heard."

You turned in shock to the voice.

Niragi was standing behind both of you. You felt Chishiya's hand leave your own, as he got up and left. "Good luck. And if all goes wrong, like I'm expecting it to be, you know where my room is," Chishiya stated, leaving you and Niragi. Alone.

"So. Are you going to stand there or are you going to talk?" You said, standing and getting away from the edge. "You're still in love with me?" He asked quietly. So quiet, you thought it was your imagination. You nodded. "After everything I've fucking done, you still love me? I pushed you away, I broke promises, I made you cry, I've ruined your relationships with others, used others, and you still love me?" He said, his voice cracking a bit. You looked up to see his eyes filled with tears.

______________

"(N/N) I hate him! I hate him I hate him I hate him!" Niragi screamed, sobbing into your chest. All he could remember thinking was 'how could he do this to me I'm a kid. His fucking son.'

__________________

"Just leave me alone! You're so much better off without me... I don't want you to get hurt... please," he whimpered, tears streaming down his face.

___________________

Everytime he'd ever cried in front of you due to an overflow of emotions ran through your mind.

"Yes. I do. And?" You responded shakily. He took a step away, running a hand through his hair. "You're so dumb. So fucking dumb! I did all that to push you away so you could be safe! You don't know how much danger you're in when you're with me me! Its been this way since we met, (Y/N), I put a target on you! Horrible things happened to you because of me!" He yelled. "Its all my fault! I hurt everyone who cares about me... even you."

____________

"A-and she... he tripped over one of my toy cars. My mom had told me to pick it up.... but I didn't. I wish I had listened. He fell down our stairs. He hit his head pretty bad... had a concussion, and due to other complications, he died two weeks later. I killed him, (N/N).... It was my fault."

____________

"Its not your fault. You push people away as a self defense mechanism due to past traumatic events. Its what happened with Rin. Its what you're doing right now. And unless you let people in when you're having a hard time with feelings, you're going to end up alone, Suguru. Or worse, like your father," you stated, stepping closer.

He stared in shock. You should be leaving him on the roof right now. He's pathetic. Crying like some child. But a part of him, the part of him that remembers crying into you as you ran your hands through his hair, yearned for him to feel like he did back then. A mess of tears and emotions.

You kneeled down with him, opening your arms, and enveloping him in a tight hug that he immediately returned.

He forgot how good being held by you felt. You whispered things into his ear he couldn't really hear over the sound of his thoughts. Had your voice always sounded so melodic? He pulled away slightly, looking at you. Your (e/c) eyes were filled with empathy. And hurt.  He knew he had hurt you. Yet here you were comforting him.

He watched your gaze fall down and quickly back up again. He pulled you closer, your lips almost touching. "I'm so sorry... about everything," he whispered. "... I know you are," you said back. He then pushed his lips to yours. You were shocked, but kissed him back.

And this time, after pulling away from you, seeing your slight blush, he didn't run away.

"I know I fucked up. But I'm going to make it up to you. Somehow. Believe me, " he said, helping you to your feet.

Just then the door opened. "Sorry to interrupt you two love birds, but uh we just got a new arrival. Hatter wants all higher ups to meet," you heard the voice say.

[butteraway]

when time runs out | iv

⋆ summary:  A young girl has fallen deeply ill with an unknown disease in her, so with all her free time spent in an empty hospital room, she spends it online playing video games. That's until she meets her cousins friends, one spiking her interest with his extremely vulgare language.

pairing: bakugou katsuki x reader

word count: 2.5k

warnings: none

authors note: I wanna say im so sorry for lying to yall about that extra chapter KJDFFF😭😭 ALSO @chibiiichann I APOLOGIZE FOR SPAMMING YOU WHENEVER I REPLIED TO YOU💀 A DIFFERENT ACC WOULD POP UP BUT THE FIRST CHAPTER WAS AN INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER EXPLAINING THE OC'S CONDITION JFJDJD

"HAHA! I GOTCHU NOW LOSER!" Y/N smashed the buttons on her controller, basically on the edge of her bed. A grunt was heard through her headphones, then a loud bang with laughing in the background. Y/N felt her stomach turn at the sound of this, feeling a little left out, but smiled nonetheless.

"HOW'D YOU EVEN DO THAT?!! YOU’RE DOING SOME HACKING MY GUY!" Denki yelled through the laughing in the background, hands pulling at his hair. He seriously couldn't believe it!

"I'm not! I just wanted to show Sero I'm way better at this game than you are. And turns out I am!" Y/N let out a loud laugh, falling backwards onto her pillow. After finding out that 'Tape Dispenser' went to her cousin’s school by hearing his voice in the back of Denki's room, she got to learn more about this Sero dude. She already knew this after their last game a few nights ago, but he was so chill. It was still insane for her to find out that her cousin and online friend went to the same hero school. The coincidences in this world. Y/N thought as she grinned.

"It's okay Kaminari, you still lasted a long time! But you did get brutally beat by Y/N at the end though..." Sero said, trying to raise Denki's low spirits, but only succeeded in making him more miserable. Rustling was heard through Y/N's headphones, making it obvious that there was movement happening.

"You don't understand Sero! THIS IS THE ONLY GAME I COULD FULLY BEAT THIS GIRL IN!" Denki shook Sero by the shoulders, quickly doing the action. Cackling was heard through the speakers while the girl wiped a tear from her eye. Sero laughed along, as he was pushed to the ground by Denki. His arms were crossed as he looked away, upset that Y/N managed to finally beat him in every game they played.

"It's okay Denki, not everyone can be as good as me!" Y/N exclaimed, getting up from her bed to start taping specific parts of her room. Kaminari continued to complain about his defeat to Sero, who only chuckled in response. As she finished taping the bottom of the walls, Y/N sat back on her bed, sighing in content.

"So, how are you? I'm doing terribly after being utterly destroyed by you, by the way." Said Kaminari, opening his water bottle and taking large gulps from it. Y/N felt her face light up as she remembered to tell Kaminari of her future activity.

"Bro, you won't believe this! So, basically, they're actually letting me paint my room! All by myself! How fricking cool is that?!" The girl laughed out loud, jumping on her bed in excitement. Kaminari's eyes widen, in surprise and slight fear, sitting up and taking in the new information.

"Wait, really? But isn't that like extremely dangerous? Cuz of the chemicals and what not??" He tried his best to keep his voice leveled, not noticing Sero look at him weirdly. That guy had no idea what was happening.

"Well, they said that they were gonna do something to the paint so it won't hurt me or anything, I don't know what, but-" Y/N was cut off by an extremely confused Sero. "Wait wait wait, hold on. I don't understand what's happening. How can paint harm you? Besides like...eating it. And what do you mean by 'finally getting to paint your room?’ Silence was the only answer he got. Sero gulped in embarrassment, thinking he asked a really personal question.

"Um, it's nothing du-" A loud 'shhhhhhh' was heard from Y/N, who let out a shaky breath. She never really told anyone, it's not like she could either way, being confined in the hospital room for a long time. She pushed a loose strand of her away from her face, preparing herself to tell Sero.

"Well, the reason is because I basically live in a hospital. I can't go outside, or have 'unpurified' air, as the doctors like to say, meaning my interactions with people and the outside world are extremely limited. That means anything that's not cleared of dust and germs, I guess, can be extremely harmful for me? As pathetic as it sounds, it could actually kill me, haha." It was quiet as Sero took in the information, a large wave of emotions crashing on him. A person shouldn't have to be locked in a room for the rest of their life. Especially someone who is such a sweet person like Y/N.

"I-I'm so sorry to hear that Y/N. If you don't mind me asking, how...how long have you been in the hospital?" The young girl answered with a quick 'Two years', and that's when Sero felt his stomach twist uncomfortably. Kaminari abruptly got up and headed towards his door.

"I'm gonna get something to eat, you want something dude?" Kaminari's voice was low and trembling. It didn't take a genius to see that the blonde haired boy needed some time alone. "No thanks." Kaminari let out a hum, quickly exiting his room and closing the door shut. Sero heard the loud sniffs that slowly faded away, as he hung his head down.

"Hey, you good Sero? That was probably a lot to take in, sorry." Sero shook his head, letting a sad smile adorn his face. "It's fine, really. I actually feel honored that you're comfortable telling me. Feels like we're getting closer, to be honest." He smiled happily, meaning every word he said. And Y/N knew that. "Ha, we are though!" The air was tense, despite the two teenagers being in different rooms.

Y/N went to clear her throat, but was interrupted when a light knock echoed throughout her room. "Someone there?" Sero asked, noticing her silence and hearing the very faint knocking.

"Yeah, um Sero, I'll call you guys later, my doctor wants to talk." Y/N quickly replied, seeing Receen open the door and walk in with his thin suit on. Sero let out an ok and they hang up. Y/N finally took in how the doctor looked, noticeable eye bags under his blue-grey eyes, from lack of sleep. His dark hair slightly tousled, probably from putting on the protective helmet that came with the suit, and a small smile on his welcoming face. And a large container of paint in his left hand. Her eyes immediately lit up.

"What’s up doc? I see you have something in your hand, can I see it closer?" The small girl asked, getting up and making a grabbing motion with her hands. Receen chuckled, lifting up the paint for Y/N to see. Even if he were to hand her the container, she wouldn't be able to hold. She was just too weak. Said girl let out a high pitch 'OOOO ' in excitement.

"I'm not sure if you wanted more, but we managed to get you your favorite color! This should be enough to paint the room, you can even put a second layer if you want." Receen walked over to where Y/N put all the equipment, opening the container of paint. And with a low grunt from him, the lid was opened. Y/N watched with amazement as the doctor poured the soft looking paint into a tray. She picked up a roller near her, and drowned the roller in paint, the white fluff getting covered in color.

The two began painting, Y/N's hand shaking every now and then. After painting half the room, they sat in silence, resting for a while. Receen seemed to be tense, though Y/N didn't seem to notice since she was too happy to speak. Receen let out a breath, breaking the silence, causing Y/N to look towards him.

"I didn't get to ask you how you were, did I Y/N? How are you?" Said girl let a beaming smile spread on her face, causing Receen to slightly squint his eyes from the intensity of her smile. "Honestly, I haven't felt this happy in a very long time! I actually still can't believe you guys really let me do this! Thank you so much!"

Receen gave her a small smile while rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not a problem, you could’ve asked sooner and gotten this done a long time ago. You've been here for two years, so please don't be afraid of asking for things!" At the mention of her time spent in the hospital, Y/N lowered her head, causing Receen to wince. Well, might as well tell her. The doctor cleared his throat and began to talk.

"Y/N, as you are aware, I, along with many other doctors and scientists, have been working hard for you to be able to go outside again. To see your family, hug them, be a normal kid again." There was a pause and that alone caught Y/N's attention. She looked up at him. "There is a way for you to finally do that, Y/N."

Shock evident on the girl's face, she abruptly stood up and faced the doctor. There was absolutely no way anyone could have found a cure for someone like her. Someone who had an incurable sickness. Someone who was too sick, to even have medicine. He's lying. Y/N narrowed her eyes at the grown man sitting in front of her.

"With all due respect Doctor, I highly doubt that ​​that's possible. Cuz, y'know? I basically have an incurable disease? I mean, like, even if you did manage to find a way for me to leave this place, how do you even know it's gonna work? I don't think you've tried this medicine since no one in recorded hospital documents in the past have had people like that checked in before-"

"How do you even know that?"

"-so how do you truly know it'll work?" Y/N quickly finished, completely ignoring his statement. Receen sighed, scratching his head. "We live in a world where quirks exist. Would you believe me if I told you centuries ago that the human race would evolve to have super powers? It's kind of like that, but not really." Y/N eyed him suspiciously. He's avoiding the question.

Receen looked straight at the girl standing in front of him. He felt slightly intimidated by her piercing gaze. He quickly looked away and got up, towering over Y/N's small frame. Then he smiled. "Y/N, you are a very sweet girl, no doubt about it. I know how much you want to get out of here, and I want to help you. My team has created this almost perfect pill, especially suited for your sickness. I know you're very cautious, just like your mother, but I can only reassure you, that these are your ticket out of here." He pulled out the bottle from his protective suit, shaking it in front of [Y/N].

Her eyes widened as she restrained herself from reaching out and snatching the bottle. Her eyes slightly narrowed as she pulled herself together. Crossing her arms and slightly tilting her upwards, she looked into the doctor's bright eyes. "There's always a catch when it comes to these kinds of things. What's the price if I take these? My lifespan shortens, I only have five hours to go outside, it drugs me or something?"

"I'm hurt you think I would just give you these without setting out the consequences." There was a slight glint in his eyes before it quickly disappeared. Y/N hummed, urging the doctor to continue.

"There are exactly 15 pills in here. And consuming just one of these bad boys right here, would allow you to go outside! Though, time is very important when taking these. You'd have 10 hours before the pills effects wear off. These would dull your hypersensitive senses, but not to a point where you can't feel, smell or do anything. No no, it'd just be like how you were before. You'd feel slightly dizzy and be a little itchy, but besides that, nothing too extreme. It just dulls all your body senses down." Receen gave Y/N a small smile. She looked a little weary, unsure if what he said was true. She looked at the bottle then back to Doctor Receen, fingers twitching every now and then. Breathing in and letting it out slowly, Y/N stared straight into the doctor's eyes.

If I take these, I can finally go out. I can hug mom and dad, I can be around Denki again. I can meet Sero face to face and feel the grass again! I can be... happy again. But if these don't actually work, I'd immediately die on the spot. I'd be able to go outside though. Aah, so much going outside, I can meet new people! I don't wanna spend the rest of my days slowly rotting away in here anyway.

"So Y/N, are you going to take them or let all our time go to waste?"

Sero looked at his hands solemnly, thinking about what Y/N had told him. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat, then lightly slapped his cheeks to stop the wave of emotions from spilling out.

"Yo, you good dude? It's not everyday I see someone willingly slapping themselves." Kaminari chuckled, walking in and closing the door with his foot as he carried a soda bottle and a bag of chips towards the boy sitting on his bed. Sero grinned, feeling the sadness of everything wash away.

"Yeah, I'm perfectly fine. But what about you though? After we had that conversation, you were, well, umm... kind of out of it." Kaminari froze, letting a dejected smile appear on his face. Dragging a hand down his face, he let out a sorrowful laugh.

"She's my best friend. My first real, true friend. She's basically my sister at this point. So when she collapsed that day, I felt my whole world crashing down. She is the sweetest, the most kindest, person I have ever met. She never let me degrade myself, alway cheered me up when people called me stupid." Kaminari rubbed his eyes, opening the bag of chips and plopping one of them into his mouth.

"It hasn't been the same ever since she left, her parents barely come over anymore, and they're always so sad whenever I see them. My own parents aren't the same either, they treated her like their own daughter. I can't even begin to imagine how Y/N feels about this all. She was the top in our grade, highest scores in our test. No one could compare to her. M-my heart breaks for her. She lost everything." Sero let that information sink in, thinking about how she was before. He smiled as he saw Kaminari's shoulders begin to shake. He cares so much for her.

He put his hand on his shoulder, watching Kaminari slowly lift his face towards him. "Come here you emotional ball of feelings." Being the friendly guy he is, Sero gave the sobbing boy a hug, cuz hugs fix everything.

"No homo though bro." And with that, they both laughed out loud, continuing their bro day.

[puddygeeks]

Hello! First of all, I hope you have a nice day and that the sun will shine and your flowers will bloom - in case you have any - and that life treats you kind. Second of all, I want to tell you thank you. I haven't spend much time on your blog (yet) BUT I've read all your one shots/imagines/whatever they're actually called from The 100 as well as all published chapters of Partners in Crime (I hope that's the title of your John Murphy WIP, I'm sorry but sometimes I confuse them...) and I sincerly love the story. I am even in love with your writing style. I guess you've been doing stuff like this for a long time already (that or you're a natural, maybe both ;)), but you have your own writing style, very unique but likeable. You don't dive into unnecessary detaills too much, but you manage to pick the right describtions in the right moments. Additionally, you masterd the ability of describing a character's emotions without naming the emotions, and you leave the reader yearning for more. You don't just simply give us the kiss at the best first moment, no, you make the characters (and us) work for it. Anticipation and patience are the keys! Additionally, I like that Cassidy is not the usual The 100 OC - she's not exceptionally strong or strong-willed. It's more like the opposide, yet very realistic. You know what I mean? She doesn't drop her very plausible behaviour right away just because her (possible) love interest appears out of nowhere. It's a slow character development just like it's supposed to be. Also, I like Murphy's wit. Absolutely sounds like Murphy from the show and yet it's refreshing. I think you manage to portray all characters very authentic and realistic and just as they are, not as OOCs. By the way, I got a question to your story: Did you read the books and that's where your plot comes from or did you just create your own plot within the original? Because I'm pretty sure at least the hunting trip from chapter 11 as well as Zoey are never mentioned in the show. If you did come up with it yourself, you got my deepest respect because that's a whole other class of fantasy/imagination/own creativity. Also, I just wanna let you know that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. It's okay to take a step back and maybe put some WIPs on hold or give up on them completely. After all, you're giving this to us for free while you give up your precious time to write it. You should do it for yourself, first and foremost, and not to please the audience. If you lose the interest or just don't feel motivated or whatever, it's alright to take a step back and handle your emotions. Do what YOU want to do and feel like doing. I'd be sad if you'd stop writing completely (and I'd be sad if you left Partners in Crime unfinished), but as I said before and will repeat as much as neccessary: Do what you want to do. We're in no position or right to force you into anything else. You should enjoy the process just as much as the finished product.

This being said, I still hope you have a nice, wonderful, sunny day and are being treated kind and with respect wherever you may be. I bet you're gonna hear something from me again. Thank you.

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for this! This honestly just brought me to tears. I’ve never had such a heartfelt and wonderful response to my writing, so thank you for taking the time to send this, especially now when I am feeling deflated.

I’ve actually been writing since I was little and always had a love for it, but only really committed to it in the last couple of years. I’m glad you love my style, it’s always evolving and I do try to always be open to learning so that means a lot. I always love the suspense of two characters falling in love, sometimes even more than when they finally get together! That’s probably why I’ve always fallen into the “slow burn” category of teasing my readers with lots of almost moments and making them wait forever before anything happens 😂

Cassidy is absolutely very different to most characters, even for me. Most of the time my OCs are very fiesty and overpowering, so it’s been interesting to write someone so timid. I’ve also had the best time developing her and Murphy’s relationship and figuring out how they compliment each other considering how opposite their personalities are.

It makes me so happy to hear that you feel the characters are in character, especially Murphy! Most of my editing is spent re-writing his dialogue to keep it as sharp witted as he is, so I’m so excited to hear that it works! I have my wonderful beta @cheriesbucky to thank for helping me to keep everyone in character. I will also mention that Zoey is actually her OC who she assists in writing for my story 😊

I’ve actually never read the books, but I might once I eventually finish the show. All of the new plots are original works of mine, based on the journey that I wanted Cassidy to take and also making her and Murphy’s relationship develop naturally, instead of being forced into the confines of the show. In fact, I can imagine that a lot of the story to come will be AU as although I would like to keep a lot of the major events that shape Murphy into the loveable cockroach that we all know, there are some things that don’t fit with my vision for the two of them.

I honestly try to stick to writing for myself. Fortunately I still have a lot of love for my 100 stories and OCs. It’s important for me to stick to my own vision for them, even if I don’t think that my readers will like some of the things they do or say. I feel like what makes my OCs interesting is that they are different from the majority and though I’m sure that is part of the reason that my readership is on the smaller side, I’d rather be true to them.

Thank you again for all of your kind words. I can’t adequately explain how much they have warmed my heart and motivated me. You’ve recharged my inspiration more than you can know. I’ll be writing another chapter of Partners In Crime tomorrow especially for you 🖤

Lots of love

Puds

[johnkrrasinski]

i want your midnights; 

full masterlist

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x female!reader

Word count: 1,749

Warning: fluff!! pure feelings 

Summary: this one’s written for the @mypoisonedvine​‘s festive writing challenge with the prompt “kissing at the new year’s eve count down.” there was only one person that you wanted to celebrate new years with and it was bucky barnes, the love of your life. 

a/n: not my best work but eh, i needed some holiday fluff with bucky. comment and reblog if you like! 

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒

You straightened the skirt of your dress, trying to make yourself look presentable as you took a deep breath. To say you were nervous would be an outrageous understatement. You haven't played for a big crowd, let alone a crowd in awhile. The last time you were standing with identical emotions swirling through your stomach was when you were in your adolescent years. It wasn't because you grew bored of it, it was simply because you grew up and life had its funny way of surprising you. This occupation wasn't merely a job, it was a lifestyle. And this lifestyle didn't allow you to think that you'd ever have the chance to revisit this forgotten passion.

But here you were. About to perform one of your favourite songs on the grand instrument placed in the centre of the room and you feel like your stomach was sinking. You were good and you were adored. Suck it up and don't be a coward!

The ticking clock shows that it was three hours away from midnight. And the party was in full swing because it's New Year's Eve and Tony Stark was a man of flamboyant parties. And may God help you if he discovered your hidden talent.

"You should sing on New Year's Eve! Entertain the guests before midnight. What's better than live music at a party?"

"I don't know, Tony... I haven't sung in so long."

"You literally just did two minutes ago!"

"Okay first, that was in my room where no one was watching and second, you weren't supposed to see that!"

Tony walked up to the mini stage with a microphone in one hand and a glass of Champagne in the other.  "Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention? I shouldn't be asking, after all, you were invited to my party." The elicited a few chuckles from the guests. "Let me start by thanking all of you for coming here tonight..."

Tony's speech was muffled by the grasp around your waist by a familiar pair of arms. "Nervous?"

"Extremely."  You smiled despite the averment.

"Baby, don't worry. I've heard you sing and you have one of the loveliest voices in the world."

"You're just saying that cause you're my boyfriend, Bucky..."

"That's true, but the latter is also true."

You turned around in his arms and threw yours around his neck. "Thank you for the encouraging words. I feel a bit lighter knowing that you'll be in the crowd."

"My pleasure, darling." He kissed you with his hands still on your waist, holding you close but Tony's words disrupted your moment.

"We have a special and exclusive performance tonight. Please welcome, my friend, ____ ____!“

The soft claps welcomed you and it was your turn to take the stage.

"Good evening, everybody. I'm y/n and I hope you enjoy my performance tonight."

A sprightly "whew!" was heard and you instantly recognized Clint's voice.

Your fingers pushed the first few notes of the intro and the sound immediately changed the atmosphere in the room.

"There's glitter on the floor after the party, girls carrying their shoes down in the lobby..." You sang to the microphone. "Candle wax and Polaroids on the hardwood floor, you and me from the night before but..."

"Don't read the last page but I stay when you're lost and I'm scared and you're turning away, I want your midnights but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on new year's day." You still hadn't dared to gaze at the audience so you focused on looking down on the black and white keys.

"You squeezed my hand three times in the back of the taxi, I can tell that it's gonna be a long road. I'll be there if you're the toast of the town babe," you didn't know why but your heart drove your gaze to the crowd and you instantly found the person you were singing for. "...Or if you strike out and you're crawling home..."

"Don't read the last page but I stay when it's hard or it's wrong or we're making mistakes..." You didn't look away. You couldn't. Not when the love of your life was staring right back at you with those warm steel blue eyes. "I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day." You meant every word.

"Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you, hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you, hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you." This time your eyes wandered to the crowd, familiar and strange faces staring back at you with contented looks and you hoped these words would cling to them.

"...And I will hold on to you." Because they did to you and you did to the man standing a few feet away from you but your hearts and your minds remained connected.

"Please don't ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere, please don't ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere..." A brief flashback played in your mind; the lovers turned strangers, the friends turned enemies, the loved ones turned ghosts. You barely heard from them anymore these days, but you could still remember their laughters, an epitome of the good memories. You hoped that this dynamic ragtag group of vigilantes would never turn into one of those tragedies. Another buried name that goes up to the monument.  

"There's glitter on the floor after the party, girls carrying their shoes down in the lobby, candle wax and polaroids on the hardwood floor," your heartbeat hummed the euphonious melody, "...You and me forevermore." There he was. Smiling at you. Always smiling because you were the light of his life and his simpers were genuine and frequent now.

"Don't read the last page, but I stay when it's hard or it's wrong or we're making mistakes, I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day, hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you, and I will hold on to you." You chanted the closing lyrics and when the last note resonated, the guests' claps were louder this time, invigorating your confidence.

Everyone returned to their own things; catching up with their friends, laughing on the couch and drinking by the bar and Natasha was even standing behind it like a professional part-time bartender. Some were slow dancing and the others are already a little too drunk.

"That was beautiful, doll."

"You think so?"

"I know so. You got a gift, you shouldn't hide it from the world."

"I'm not trying to hide it, Bucky. I just... I didn't have the time with the world-saving and all. And music makes people happy, but it doesn't save lives."

"Well, if I don't know when I'll see you play again, then I'm glad at least we got tonight. And you're wrong, doll. You certainly saved me."

"Your words will be the death of me, Barnes."

-

Everyone gathered around, watching the big screen displaying the countdown to midnight. As the numbers go down, the more energized people become. Your arms were tangled with Bucky's, not wanting to be far away from the person you loved the most seconds before the year finalizes its chapter.

For a moment there, you felt happy. You looked around to see your teammates with smiles on their faces, stress-free and humans. This job hadn't allowed you to be just a human living a normal life. But tonight was one of the rare moments where all of you could just be normal people celebrating holidays.

And then there was Bucky, the man who had lived for a century, whose entire life was stolen away from him, and the man that your heart chose to fall in love with, and you were lucky enough that he chose you too. You had spent two Christmases together, and now you were entering another new chapter together, and there was no one else you'd rather wake up with an awful hangover with. There was no one else who would be there to give you Advil in the morning and deal with your mess.

5,4,3,2,1...

"Happy New Year!"

You and Bucky kiss, as all the cheers and noises, faded into the background. Bucky grabbed you close by the waist, and you had your arms around his neck trying to hold onto his lips as long as possible. You ran your fingers through his hair, feeling all the overwhelming affection you had for him. Bucky felt it too deep in his bones, who would've thought that despite all the atrocities his hands had to commit, someone as beautiful and wonderful as you would love him despite it all? Would kiss him on New Year's Eve and would stick with him through another year?

"Happy new year, darling."

"Happy new year." You couldn't fake the smile forming on your face. “I can’t believe it’s our second New Year’s together.”

“There’s no one else I’d rather spend the rest of my New Years with.”

“Are you saying you’re willing to spend the rest of your New Years dealing with my cranky hangover moods and pulling my hair back when I throw up?”

“As long as it’s you, I’m ready for pretty much anything. You’ve had my back and picked up my mess when I was at my worst, doll and I didn’t deserve it, but you did so without asking for anything, and I’m willing to do the same for you.”

You nearly teared up at his words, the past two years hadn’t always been the smoothest road with rainbows and butterflies for you two. You stuck with Bucky through his nightmares, panic attacks and his therapy sessions and you loved him despite all his open wounds and permanent scars, and Bucky had never felt luckier to have fallen in love with you too along the way. It began with a friendship and bloomed into something deeper, and the last two New Years that you had spent together reminded you that you could walk through every hurricane that life threw at you as long as you were together.

“You always knew how to calm down my fears and lift up my spirit and I’m eternally grateful for that.”

“Guess we’re just perfectly imperfect for each other, huh?”

“Guess we are.” He kissed you again with a huge smile on his face and zest for writing the first page of 365 pages with you.

[sakuric]

tslmty. | sorry doesn't fix shit.

warning: this chapter contains strong language, mentions of abuse and other triggering topics.

suna got a call the next morning. he opened his eyes, slightly squinting them as the light from the phone irritated his eyes. it was a call. he hoped it was from y/n, but it was quite opposite. it was his mother.

fifteen missed calls within the last half an hour, he slept through all. he picked up the phone and heard his mother sigh in relief.

"i was going to call an ambulance over there, oh my god, suna what were you thinking?!" his mother's irritating voice blasted into suna's ear.

"mom i was asleep."

"at three pm?"

"yeah..." suna yawned. "anyway what do you want?"

"i wanted to ask you to come over."

"why so?"

"well, you haven't gathered all your stuff and we're renting your room."

"mm," suna hummed, slightly irritated that his mother was selling his room for someone else to use. "i'll come by in like an hour, let me get ready."

"good." with that, his mother hung up.

"this couldn't have been a better fucking day." suna said sarcastically as he laid down and physically face palmed himself.

—

"ah, you're here." it didn’t take a genius to notice the ice cold venom lacing through her words when she’d finally acknowledged him. ever since he’d begun dressing the way that he wanted to, his mother had always made snide comments, saying that he’s never going to go far in life if he continues to be a sleazy and unkempt piece of shit. yes, his mother had said it to his face.

"yeah,” he curtly responded, not really caring for another one of her bitchy episodes. he just wanted to move on and get out of there as soon as he could. “i’ll go get my stuff and leave."

"hold on, rin." his mother stopped him. some years ago, it took everything in him to maintain the neutral expression on his face and not scowl in annoyance. now, he didn’t even think twice about displaying his displeasure towards her. “we need to talk about something important."

"what is it? have you finally gotten that shitty job of yours? or have you finally found someone to replace me as a son?" he spat, his emotions boiling restlessly in his chest like scalding water.

"i've gotten it a long time ago, and who are you to talk to your mother like that? what kind of person are you to think i would do such a thing?" suna scoffed in disbelief.

"i'm your fucking child! what kind of mother are you to fucking envy me like this?” he raised his voice at his mother, he could feel the anger slowly rising and he was so sure that he was going to erupt at any given moment. not wanting to escalate things further, he took a deep breath before continuing in a more tamed volume and tone of voice. “you don't even fucking call unless you need something from me."

"why would i call you? you don't even act like my son, let alone treat me like a mother!" oh, she was going to pull that card out? that’s fine. he had his own and he’s going to show her.

"because you're not acting like one! when was the last time you congratulated me for my birthday?!" suna's voice cracked. he couldn’t keep the tears at bay anymore, hot tears now streaming down his face. he wanted to do punch a wall, the seething anger bleeding through his lungs and caging him like a suffocating trap.

"last year..?" it sounded more like a question than a statement. he didn’t expect anything more from her.

"five years ago, mom. five years ago, back when you thought i was something special... back when you were proud to call me your son." suna sniffled, wiping his tears with the sleeve of his shirt.

"i- rin... i'm sorry."

"sorry doesn't fix shit, mom."

"see, you didn't even take my apology into consideration." she was quick to flip her switch, thinly pencilled in eyebrows furrowing together in a sickly frown as she crossed her arms across her chest.

"was it honest?" suna cocked an eyebrow upwards.

"what?"

"was your apology honest?" he repeated himself. she only stared back at him, lips pressed into a thin line and jaw clenching at the brutal truth of his words. suna weakly scoffed. "that's what i thought."

his blood still boiling and heart beating rapidly, he stomped upstairs to his room. packing the stuff hurriedly, he couldn't help but tear up again. he hated fighting with his mother. it was exhausting for him. he never raised his voice at anyone, but his mother made him feel like the whole world was crashing down at an immeasurable pace.

he stepped back downstairs to find his mother opening a bottle of whiskey, like she usually would whenever something pissed her off.

"are you sure that's gonna help?" suna spat, rolling his eyes at the way his mother grew more infuriated.

"you don't know what can help me- you don't know shit, rintarou!" his mother's gaze burned holes in suna's chest, her voice as harsh as ever. suna was ready for whatever she decided to spit at him next. was it gonna be another snide comment about him? or something partially insulting?

"you're just like your father, ungrateful and pathetic. do you know how much i've done for you?" she spat and took another large gulp of the whiskey. "the least you could do is respect my decision and move back in with me!" her eyes gazed at suna's teary ones, suddenly looking him up & down, and chuckling to herself. "pathetic fucking bastard..."

"i'm not moving in with you." suna's voice was stern and monotone, he was trying his best not to show any emotion. his mother stood up, the anger taking over her body. she stepped closer to suna and not hesitating a second she slapped him harder than ever before.

"did you not fucking hear what i said?!"

"i did." suna pushed her away. "i'm leaving and this time it's for good. you'll never see me again."

"good! fuck off for all i care!" her strong voice with a mix of slurred words was the final thing to break suna. he scoffed to himself before picking up the fallen suitcase and running out of the house.

he didn't care where he ran, he didn't care where his legs would take him, all he cared about was getting far away from that hell hole and his bitch of a mother.

masterlist.

suna's dad left their family when suna was very little.

his mother had always hated his guts and tried her best to contain herself, but after he started doing worse in school there wasn't a day where she wouldn't remind him how useless he was.

taglist; @elianetsantana @soranihimawari @ichorizaki @haengbokpixie @icedberrytea @bebegi @sadraging-wh0re @heyatsumu @anngelllla @admiringlove @erens-piss-cleaner @sunasthing @kac-chowsballs @honeydrip

special thanks to @icorizaki for helping me with this chapter.

[degenerate-otaku]

Here's a piece I did of my fanfiction OC!

I started it during online lessons, it really made time fly!

If you're interested in reading my fic with her being the love interest for Trunks and Goten, you can check out all of it so far on Fanfiction.net

https://m.fanfiction.net/s/13580470/1/Living-In-The-Shadows-Of-Heroes

Or you can read the first 2 chapters on Ao3!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28547196

And here is a preview:

"Goten!" Chi-Chi yelled in his ear. "Ugh…you're just like your father!" She handed him a broom and dustpan. "Just clean this mess up and please try not to break any more of my good china plates with your clumsiness." His mother sighed and he rolled his eyes as he swept up the broken pieces of the plate he had accidentally knocked from the table.

Most tended to compare him to his father, especially with the looks. It began to bother him as he aged, so he decided to get a different hairstyle, one much less palm tree-like.

"And go get something else to wear! I don't want my boy looking like some delinquent, what kind of example would it set to Pan?!" She ordered him, as she frantically finished up what she was cooking, which as always, smelt delightful.

"Mom, calm down! It's only Gohan and Videl, it isn't like they care about what I'm wearing or about the fancy plates." He rolled his eyes again as he put the broom away and his mother admitted, "I know! It's just…Gohan always has us over, and everything is so lovely! I just thought it would be nice to put some effort in, we hardly have visitors, so why not?" She continued to cook her meal, and then told Goten to hurry, that they'd be here any minute.

He threw on something that was a bit more formal, though not enough to make Pan laugh at him. Goten always felt weird calling Pan his niece, the girl had no respect for him anyway, or for anyone for that matter.

The doorbell chimed, and Chi-Chi warmly welcomed her eldest son in by hugging him for much too long.

"Oh, Gohan, it's been so long, I thought you were forgetting your mommy!"

Gohan nervously chuckled, "Mom, I saw you a week ago…" Chi-Chi looked surprised, stating it felt like much longer. She greeted Videl and Pan, who Goten thought had equally loud, brash personalities, but never said that in front of them, for the fear of being greeted with a slap across the face.

"Wow, Grandma, this looks great!" Pan's eyes widened at the plethora of food set on the table.

"Thank you Chi-Chi, it looks delightful." Videl smiled at her mother-in-law. Goten was first to sit at the table, serving himself, ensuring his plate was piled up high.

THWACK!

"Ow! Mom, what was that for?!" Goten rubbed the back of his head where he had been struck, seemingly out of nowhere. "Guests first, Goten!"

Pan snickered as the food was snatched from Goten to be given to her. Even Gohan and Videl couldn't hide their laughter.

Eventually, they all had something on their plates, Goten being last. The family were rather cramped around the small wooden table, which had been in the house for many years.

"Mm! This is amazing! Grandma, can we have the recipe? We can have the servants make it, so we'll never miss your cooking!" Pan's rather annoying voice blared, and Chi-Chi offered, "Hey, you can come round any time, I'm not busy! Well…apart from nagging Goten to get a job." She sipped her drink and Goten held his tongue.

"Goten, I thought you were going to that interview?" Gohan asked, furthering the topic of conversation which Goten desperately wanted to move from.

"Well-" He began.

"Oh, honestly, you have time to date girls but not to find a decent line of work!?" Chi-Chi interrupted before he could have a chance to defend himself.

"What girl would wanna date you, anyway?!" Pan burst out, laughing again, at which Videl scolded her, though she too, wanted to laugh.

"One much nicer than you…" Goten muttered under his breath, before tearing a piece of meat from a leg of roasted chicken.

"Hey! I heard that!" Pan kicked him from under the table.

Goten decided to ignore her for a while, peacefully eating his food and staying out of conversation, until she kicked him again. He knew it was childish, but kicked her back. She yelped loudly, though Goten had hardly put any force in.

"Uncle Goten kicked me!" She pointed at him, playing the victim, a smirk on her face as everyone scolded Goten.

"She's your niece, what is with you?!" Videl gasped in shock at him.

"Goten, if you're going to act like a child, go to your room!" Chi-Chi shouted.

"What?! No way!" He protested but seeing the faces of his family, staring in disgust was enough to tell him he wasn't wanted.

He made his way upstairs, and threw on his comfy, 'delinquent' clothes, before sitting on his bed and grabbing his phone, distracting him from the sounds of joyous laughter downstairs, his own family, better off without him. On his phone, he had no notifications. 'Dang, these hoes ain't even gonna call back?' He thought, getting frustrated, feeling like he was the only one alone these days.

None of his relationships lasted very long, nor did any jobs he had. Recently, he had been working the land as his father once did, though those days felt like long ago now, selling the vegetables they had grown. Since Goku had left, he noticed the harvests getting less plentiful each year, and they hardly earned money from farming.

'Oh, Dad…I am really beginning to hate your absent ass.' He sighed, that not even his own father really wanted him. He couldn't be bothered to come back for him after Cell. Then, he went off again after the tournament, never had he been seen again. Goten had lost the hope of seeing him again, he hardly cared anymore, all his father became was the person he was most often compared to, of which there was a few.

The disgraced Saiyan-hybrid hadn't even realised how long he had been lost in his own thoughts, but eventually Videl and Pan were leaving. Gohan unexpectedly entered his room.

"Hey, bro." Gohan grinned, sitting himself on the egde of the bed.

"What?" Goten asked, sounding like he was accusing him of something.

"What do you mean, what? I just wanted to talk to my little brother, that's all!" Gohan maintained his warm smile, which tended to be a ray of sunshine to all, reassuring to him as a child, but now as obnoxious as his daughter.

"Goten, you really need to find some work!" Gohan tried to be helpful, as usual, kind and honest, though repeating something Goten already knew did nothing to aid him.

"You don't think I know that?" He rudely stated, though a part of him knew his brother didn't deserve that kind of treatment. "Look, I'm sorry Gohan, I didn't mean to snap at you, or be rude at dinner, but could you just leave me alone? I really don't want to hear it…" Goten stared out of the window, the beauty of the landscape intensified by the sunset.

"I understand that…but I have an idea." Goten turned to his brother. "Why don't you work at Capsule Corp?" Gohan suggested.

"What would I do there?" Goten shot down the idea.

"C'mon you haven't given it a chance! Trunks would love having you around! Speaking of Trunks, how is he? I've been meaning to catch up with him, but he's so busy! Well…I guess he is the company President…"

Gohan brought up his best friend, though as of late, they hadn't talked much.

"Trunks? Yeah, he's so busy…so busy in fact, he hasn't the time for his best friend!" Goten scoffed.

"What happened? Have you two fallen out again?" Gohan asked, playing big brother, just like he used to when Goten and Trunks would get into silly fights with each other and claim they hated one another, but would very soon change their minds.

"No, it's just that he hasn't the time to even fucking call me, yet he goes on dates with his girlfriend all the time!" Gohan sighed, not knowing how to help his brother.

"Please, just…interview with them tomorrow, it'll get Mom off your back if she knows you at least tried!"

"Fine…" He agreed and his brother made his goodbyes, along with his family, who were almost so perfect it was aggravating.

[mickmarstookmyheart]

Life's a Sick Joke pt 16

Would like to start from the beginning? Here is Part 1!

Pairing: Mick Mars x Reader

A/N: Good morning/night/afternoon, you beautiful creatures! I know this story hasn't been really active recently but here you go the next chapter. There isn't much action in it, although it contains emotions and deep conversations. I hope you will like it. Stay safe, drink water and listen to music louder than hell!

16. Being There For You

After you got Mick from jail, which was pretty hilarious regarding that he never did anything to be in there, not even this time. He was at the wrong place, at the wrong time. He was still angry with you for not helping him immediately, but you let him fume a bit.

You were concentrated on something else. It was finally the day your brother would be out so you intended to get him, too. You seriously were tired of getting everyone out of jail. You were driving the car, staring at the road, your fingers drumming on the wheel along the music; Accept's Balls to the Wall was on and you couldn't help but silently sing along.

"I'm glad you have the energy to sing, but I couldn't sleep last night since someone let me rot in a fucking cell!" Mick snapped and you turned the music down. You took a long breath not to say anything you would regret.

"Mick, you only spent 6 hours there. You could've slept while waiting you know. And don't be angry with me, I wasn't the one who got you there." You arched a brow still not believing he was mad at you instead of Tommy.

"Speaking of, I can't wait to slap drummer. With a chair." He barked looking out the window. "And I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so harsh on you, I'm just grumpier than usual for not sleeping."

"It's okay, I understand." You were smirking at him. He placed his hand on your right hand which you rested on the gear shift. "But you have to wait with your revenge until next Monday. You know we have the whole week off."

"Finally. We can be alone for a bit. Without anyone harassing us." He stated, closing his eyes and leaning back his head. You bit your lip down fearing his reaction to what you were about to say.

"Umm...but I hope it's okay if Dylan will be around for a bit. Or I can go back to our old apartment and let you rest at your house. I would like to spend some time with Dylan before we hit the road again." You turned in the next corner after looking in both directions. It felt like ages until Mick said something.

"Babe, it's totally okay. Your brother needs you. And he won't bother me unless he runs in the hallway screaming and almost naked smashing everything in sight." You chuckled knowing exactly whom he was talking about. Luckily, Dylan has never acted like that. Alright, maybe a few months ago but that wasn't the true him. Sharon exclaimed that he was improving and was on a good path. You had every reason to believe her so you weren't so worried about being with him in one room again. On the other hand, you were thinking of how jail time might break him. He was always so strong, although terrible things happen to people in jail who spend months in.

"I'm sure he won't cause any harm. So you truly don't have any excuse to have him in your house for the week?" You asked him cautiously for reassurance. To be honest, you were the scared one. You were scared as hell since you have never been to his home. You got together during the camping you brought them on and since then you weren't home or nearby even. The tour and then the hospital, the travel to your sister.

"(Y/N), there are a few guest rooms so he can crash at my place if he wants to. Or if you think environment change is the last thing he needs right now, we can bring back him to your shared apartment." He said warming your heart how kind he was with you, with your family. How much he cared for your well-being. Your eyes welled up and you got rid of the tears by wiping them away with the top of your hand. "(Y/N), what is it?" He stiffened thinking through what he has just said. "Did I say something?"

"Yes. But nothing bad, don't worry." He relaxed a bit but still couldn't understand why you were crying. "It's just, in my whole life I only got hatred, stating with our parents. I always I was just giving and giving until nothing remained for me. I started to drain out from goodness but kept going as Isabelle and Dylan needed me. It's not that I don't love them or they don't deserve it. I didn't have anyone I could rely on, or just have a nice decent talk about what is bothering me. And after meeting you, I thought I hit jackpot. And still, you keep amazing me with your kindness, selflessness, and your big heart." You exhaled when you finished your monologue making Mick speechless again. In the meantime, you parked the car in the prison's parking lot and stopped the car. Your hands rested in your lap playing with the key. Mick got out of the car and closed the door after himself before leaning on the car with his back. You were truly afraid. You hesitated at first but then got out of the car and walked next to him, leaning on the car. You didn't say a word. About Mick, he was fighting back tears, his chest rose and fell rapidly and you couldn't help but notice his jaws were tightened.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not being there for you." He begun, finally breaking the silence. Although, what he said made your brows knitted.

"Mick, we hadn't met, you wouldn't have been able to do much about it." You leaned your head on his shoulder making him calm.

"I know, but it's so unfair. You deserve the world, (Y/N). And if someone dares to tell me otherwise I will beat the shit out of them. And may your parents rot in hell, what they did to you is unforgivable. And I'm admiring you, (Y/N), for being able to smile and keep making everyone happy after all those horrible things happened to you. You are a survivor and I have fallen in love with you madly, deeply, and undeniably." You looked up at him, feeling lost in his blue eyes. You cracked a smile and hugged him tightly, filling your lungs with his scent. He pressed a soft kiss on your forehead, his arms resting on your waist pulling you closer.

"I love you, too, Mick. With every cell of my body." You whispered. You didn't know how quickly you found each other. You completed each other, you were partners, not just lovers. You were soulmates. A loud screeching noise broke the moment making both of you look towards the source of the sound. It was the huge rusty gates opening. Your heart was hammering and you were grabbing Mick's hand strongly.

"Hey, easy, Tiger." He whispered in your ear making you loosen your grip. At first, you only saw guards but then you noticed your brother in the distance. You were grinning and couldn't believe he was finally free after months. When the guards went back inside and the gates were closed Dylan looked in your way and dropped his bag on the ground. You let go of Mick and started running towards him. When you two met you jumped on him almost making him fell.

"Hey, (Y/N)." He greeted and spun you around as you were still hanging on him like a monkey.

"Hey." You could only say this. You were so happy to have him in your arms again. The real Dylan. Not the one who hurt you or left you alone. This was the Dylan you knew in your whole life. The caring, the funny, the goofy.

"I would love to carry you like this all the way home but it's either that you eat too much recently or I am out of shape." You chuckled letting him go. You were on your feet again when Mick approached you and you saw Dylan bow his head from embarrassment and guilt.

"Hello, Dylan." He said casually. No emotions, just words.

"Hi, Mick." He muttered still not looking in his eyes. He balled his fists then loosened them again by his side. He was still battling. It broke your heart seeing him like this. "I would like to apologize. For all the things I have said and done. For acting crazy and almost hitting you in the face. I wasn't myself. And I would like to thank you for taking care of (Y/N) when I couldn't. It means a lot to me." He offered his hand to Mick as an apology. Mick glanced at you and after you nodded he shook Dylan's hand.

"Apology accepted." He gave a half-smile and winked. He knew it wasn't Dylan's fault, well, mostly. He inherited anger issues from your parents, but he should've asked for help. "So, are you hungry?"

"Hell yes. The food was horrible in there." He complained, dropping his bag on his shoulder lazily. "Sadly, they didn't serve (Y/N)'s famous spaghetti Bolognese. You could say, I'm craving that."

"I didn't know a chef lives inside you." Mick laughed arching a brow.

"I haven't had the chance to show it." You crossed your arms in front of your chest like a shield.

"Then it's high time. So, Dylan, it's your decision. Where would you like to go?" Mick asked. Dylan's eyes googled from the shock but then went back to normal.

"I'm sure your kitchen is much bigger than ours. Right, (Y/N)?" You burst into laughter from that statement because you knew damn well how small that kitchen was and barely one person could fit there, not even three.

"Then, it's settled then."

∆

"Woah, you didn't mention you live in a fucking castle." You admired the beautiful house which was settled in a forest far away from any human. It was definitely something Mick appreciated.

"It's not much. But come inside." You got your bags from the back where Dylan stood.

"Are you nervous?" He asked noticing you were biting your lip and struggling to breathe properly. And the son of a bitch was smirking. Righ in your face.

"Fuck you, Dylan." He just laughed and took the bag from your hand. Mick has already opened the door and was waiting for you.

"My lady." He gestured with his hands, letting you go first. When you stepped into the house your eyebrows were nearly invisible. When you thought about Mick and his personality you were sure he lived in a dark castle, like vampires or just a dirty apartment. You expected everything but not this. The living room was bigger than your apartment, it was light and neat. There were two huge black leather sofas in front of the fireplace with a glass table between them. The walls were white and pure.

"Like it?" Mick asked smirking and wandering his eyes in the room.

"It's freaking beautiful." You stated.

"Bloody hell, this is awesome." Dylan had almost the same reaction as you.

"This way." Mick said, you and Dylan followed him. "So this is the kitchen, I know it's not much but I hope it is big enough. And the bedrooms are upstairs.

"(Y/N), don't droll. So nasty." Dylan joked earning a scoff from you. You had to admit, this was the most fascinating kitchen you have ever seen. You quickly wiped your mouth but there was nothing.

"You are nasty!" You elbowed him in the stomach when Mick didn't pay attention earning a groan from Dylan.

"You haven't changed a bit." He murmured, trying to keep up with you.

"So, Dylan, your room will be at the end on the right. You will find towels in the wardrobe, too." He noted.

"Thanks, man. I think I will go, I don't want to bother." He winked and headed to the room but before he entered he winked and gave you a thumb up.

"Sometimes, I feel the urge just to choke him. Just a little bit." You said. Mick chuckled and took your hand into his. Butterflies in your stomach kept reminding you that you were in his house and apart from Dylan, only the two of you were there. No Nikki, no Tommy, no Vince. No concerts, no shouting, screaming, or breaking glasses. Just quiet, peace, and you.

"I'm pretty curious about your reaction so close your eyes and don't open until I say so." You nodded and did as told. He helped you not to hit anything. "Okay, now you can open it."

You cautiously and slowly opened your eyes from the sudden brightness. Huge windows were in charge of the light. However, many other things drew your attention. At least, 10 guitars were hanging on the wall along with pieces of vinyl. He knew guitars were your weakness and he was right there smiling from seeing your reaction. You were speechless.

"Dear Satan, this is beautiful." You held up your hand to hide your open mouth.

"I knew, you would like it!" He snickered and showed you around in his room. There were some bookshelves, tapes, and other types of vinyl as well. You noticed some family pictures as well. "Yeah, well, Susie hasn't changed a bit."

"These photos are adorable." You put down the frame and turned to him. "So, do you have any plans for the day?"

"What about your famous Spaghetti Bolognese Dylan was talking about?" He asked pulling you closer his eyes not leaving yours. You could feel his breath on your skin and his hands on your hips. "Or we could let him rest a bit and try if we fit in the bed?"

"Oh, I thought I would get a guest room as well." You joked earning a small laugh from him.

∆

"Gosh, how much I missed this!" Dylan was filling his mouth with your spaghetti and it appeared that Mick loved it, too. You were holding a glass full of wine and were watching them.

"It's nothing special, actually. Just some secret ingredients, that's all." You noted. "However, I'm glad that criminals love my food." You added while taking a sip.

"What?" Dylan inquired with raised brows. "Don't- don't tell me you were arrested, too. Cause I won't believe it."

Mick rolled his eyes and kept his attention on his plate.

"It wasn't me, alright? And can we just forget about it?"

"Then welcome to the club, man. Don't worry, you are not bad. She also sat in there for a few days." He tilted his head towards you making you choke on your wine.

"Nothing surprises me anymore." Mick chuckled shaking his head.

That day, you felt loved. By Mick, and by Dylan. Both are a different kind of love, but you felt special. For a long period, it was the first day, you felt safe. No fire, no drunk people trying to flirt with you, no drugs. Of course, only for a week. Then you will have to go back, but first, you wanted the enjoy every minute of being with Mick and your brother.

∆

Taglist: @leatherandheels @safari-karrot @cmft-jr-winchester @crazyrockrlady @savageandnikkiapproved <3

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[getitinbusan]

Y/N is a high end Escort that specializes in fulfilling her clients every need. Everyone has a fantasy, a fetish, an addiction, what’s yours? Masterlist

Chapter 9: Life goes on featuring Kim Taehyung

It was decision time, your finger hovered over the elevator panel, were you going up or down?  

If you went down, that was it, you weren't stopping. You'd walk straight to the Han River and throw your cell phone over the bridge then head to the airport and get on the first flight leaving. No matter where it was destined you'd start a new life and become a new person. 

Or… You could press up, march right up to Kim Taehyung's door and ask why he was so cruel, why he'd promise you happiness then yank it away from you.

But you knew why, he was a gentleman and even if he put you on the highest rooftop with the best view, gave you the fanciest champagne and loved you in the dark, once the dawn broke he was still waking up with a whore.

There was just one thing that didn't make sense, one thing that kept repeating in your brain, one little thing that forced your decision, reaching out you pressed the button. It was a last gamble, but once you were prepared to walk away, you had nothing left to lose.

The elevator came to its stop and you took your strides to the door sure of your path.

You only had to knock once  before he opened, he looked at you emotionless.

The confidence you'd approached with had seemingly retreated when you saw him. Your heart felt broken again but you managed to whisper "Tae why did you keep calling for me?"

It didn't register when you'd heard it this morning but it hit like a brick when you were about to press that elevator button. "Taehyung stopped calling a few weeks ago"

It didn't make sense that he'd walk away with no explanation and then keep calling to see you again. 

He sighed as a tear fell, "because I love you Y/N."

You wanted to piece this together but you needed him right now,  explanations could come later. 

"I know everything got screwed up somehow last time but I just want to make it right. Tae can you just hold me?" you pleaded with him.  

He didn't move, "I don't think being physical is going to fix this" he said as he closed his eyes.  

Reaching out you placed your hand on his chest "please…Tae… please… "as you began to cry he pulled you into his arms squeezing, tightly he anchored you to himself.

You could breathe again, he was still here, this could work.

He led you to the balcony, sitting across from you with his elbows on his knees holding his head he still looked upset.  "I didn't think I'd ever get to see you again," you started to explain. 

He Interrupted, "Why did you leave then? I was devastated when I came back and you were gone. I finally let myself open up again and you just walked away. This wasn't a game for me Y/N, why are you even here right now?" His words were harsh and angry.

"Tae, I don't understand?" you were sobbing uncontrollably,  "I woke up, you were gone… I checked… I looked for you." 

He walked over and knelt in front of you "You didn't find my note?" 

You shook your head no, "I just thought that you regretted what happened, that it was easier to walk away then to tell me… "

He took a deep breath "what did you think I was going to tell you? Look at me" he lifted your chin.

"That I didn't belong here, that it was all a mistake." 

He kissed the tears on your cheeks "No… no… Y/N, baby I'm so sorry that you would feel that way.  I left a note, I went for a run and to get us breakfast. I didn't think... fuck, I shouldn't have left, oh my god...I'm so sorry."

He stood and pulled you up into his arms,  kissing the top of your head and rocking you to a music-less slow dance.

It was getting late, the sun had long gone down and the heavy burden of emotions had drained you both. Taking your hand he led you to his bedroom.  Standing face to face you undid each other's clothes and let your hands explore each other softly, touching and kissing but nothing more. It was intimate, honest, safe.

You'd fallen asleep with your head on his chest, his heartbeat reassuring you of his presence. When you woke up he was right there, already awake and still holding you. 

Packed with a few of your personal things the car pulled up to Tae's Canal Walk Condo. Incheon wasn't that far from Seoul but it was far enough to start fresh.

You looked at Tae as the car stopped in the front driveway and he smiled. Grabbing your hand he helped you out, "Are you ready to start over?"

You were in awe as you pushed the heavy front door open, Teahyung's extensive wealth was on full display. The beautiful furniture and floral arrangements accented the art lined walls, "Is this a Basquiat?"

He wrapped his arms around you from behind, "It's called Eroica, it's about the hope of the human condition." He tugged your hand, "let me show you the rest of the house." 

The kitchen, living room, study and bathrooms were all opulent, but the bedroom was fit for a king.

"Tae, this bed is huge! Are you sure it's just for us?" You raised your brow winking at him playfully.

"I hope not," his honey voice dripped off his lips. 

A bit taken aback, you undid a few of the buttons on his dress shirt. "Kim Taehyung are you telling me you're more than one flavor?"

You were laying kisses down his neck when he laughed, "what does that even mean?"

You looked at him coyly, "Well, I mean there's nothing wrong with it, but... every time...it's been... pretty vanilla." 

"Vanilla?" He brought his hand to his chest playing hurt, "I'm just trying to learn what you like" 

You untucked his shirt from his pants, "Haven't you observed enough of my behavior to know that by now?"

"I know you do what you're told because you get paid to do it, that doesn't mean that's what you like."

"I like to please people Tae, I guess I get off on getting people off?" Your hands moved under his shirt, "So….What's going to get you off?" 

He walked to the large armoire in the corner and pulled the doors back to reveal a plethora of ropes, and toys.

"It's been a long time since this cabinet's been open." He ran his hand down a hanging length of smooth red rope.

Walking behind him you snuck your hand around his waist and whispered in his ear, "Do you want to tie me up?" Licking up his neck and blowing over it you felt his body tremble.

Stepping away you slid the straps of your dress off your shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Removing your bra and panties you stood, bare and vulnerable before him, "Make me a piece of your art."

He smiled and his eyes went dark as he took the rope off its hook. 

"Have you done Shibari before?" 

You shook your head no, "can you teach me, I'd love to learn." 

He pressed his lips to yours, tongue seeking entrance before he explained, "You'll be my canvas, but instead of using paint...I'll use the rope. That's Shibari, the art of rope tying."

"I'll tie the knots to stimulate your pressure points." His hands moved over you as he spoke. "Your breasts" he traced your nipple, "your genitals," he dipped his finger between your legs, "and other...erogenous zones" He raked his fingernails down your sides. "Kinbaku is the sexual pleasure you derive from it."

He looped the rope around your waist and towed you closer. "If you trust me and let me take control this can be very pleasurable for both of us. Do you...trust me?"

His deep voice was calming and sensual, you were excited to surrender to him. "Yes"

He took his shirt off and pulled you into his strong embrace. Skin on skin you could feel his elevated heartbeat against your chest as he kissed you softly. 

"You're so beautiful doing this for me" He began wrapping the ropes around you. "This is a Hishi harness, " he created diamond shaped patterns around your breasts, over your hips and around your thighs. "How does it feel, are you ok?" 

You nodded, something about the situation was extremely reverent and you didn't want to break it by speaking.

I need you to lay on the bed, I'm going to restrict your movement now." 

Laying back he slid your leg so your knee was bent. This is a Spiral Futomomo, I'm going to wrap your ankle to your thigh."

He kissed up your inner thigh as he tied the knots securing you into position. "Still okay?"

When he was finished with your other leg he stopped and ran his hands over his work. "You look so beautiful like this."

His finger moved to your core, playing in your arousal, "You're so wet."

He kissed your clit as his finger pushed into you, your muscles tensed in their binding. Instinctively your hand moved to his hair, pulling it away he tsk'd you, "No hands my love."

Taking another piece of smooth purple cord he continued. 

"This is the Servers hand catch. If it's too much I need you to tell me immediately."

Inserting your fingers into his mouth he sucked as he wound the rope around them. Continuing under your arm and around your wrist he tightened along the way to pulling your palms back.

He looked at you, helpless to move under him, his eyes filled with fire as you smiled sweetly.

Standing to remove his pants his cock sprang out with vigor, he walked back  over to the cabinet and grabbed a Hitachi wand.

"I think we should make our safe word Vanilla," he teased you, flicking the power on.

The machine's head vibrated wildly in his hand as he pressed it to your clit. It was a lot at once and you immediately began squirming as it tickled your pink button. His other hand moved between his legs, grasping his cock, he stroked himself slowly as he watched you coming undone.

Still not using your voice you tried to contain your high pitched squeals as you came hard over the magic wand. He pulled it away, "Still good?"

Eyes closed, you shook with orgasm aftershocks that came in waves. "More?" You nodded. 

Opening a drawer he pulled out a tailed flogger. The rope had several long strands with frayed knots tied onto the ends. "I'm not going to hurt you, I just want you to feel the rope."

He repeatedly flicked it over your body, little snapping stings and then a slow drag over your skin. The knots, tapping your nipples built your arousal as the sensation of restriction played games with your mind.

Your ingrained instinct to struggle had dissipated with your orgasm, this act of total submission was a new experience. He smiled down at you realizing you were hitting subspace. While he was pleased, he also knew you were somewhere you'd never been before and he'd need to be extra careful.

Moving over your body he stopped at your breasts, the ropes tightly around them made them stand pert. Alternating between pinching and sucking your breath grew heavy and the floating feeling of hyperventilation washed over your brain.

Standing up he pulled you to the edge of the bed. Legs locked into position, he took  another stroke of his cock and lined it up with your center.

A long drawn out moan escaped him as he pushed into your soft swollen cunt. As many times as you'd been with him the stretch always surprised you.

After giving you a moment to adjust he tugged the rope around your thighs. Using the knots for leverage he gripped them as he pumped hard into your sopping pussy.

The overwhelming sensation had tears leaking from your eyes, you'd never imagined that when allowed, someone could give you this much pleasure. 

You watched his face, the beautiful sight of Taehyung finally getting to participate in his own sexual desires again had you clenching around him. Finally breaking your silence you cried out his name as he hit his own peak and shot his cum deep inside you. 

Quickly undoing the knots he massaged your skin placing kisses all over your body.

Laying beside each other he held you tightly, "So what flavor would you call that?" You yawned in a content exhaustion, "Definitely Devil's Chocolate."

The next morning on a mission you made your way down to the flower lined canal.

Leaning over the barrier about to let your old  phone slip into the water, a deep smooth voice came up behind you.

"Do you know how mortifying it is getting a cock cage cut off in the hospital?"

Turning to him you bit your lip as your heart raced, "I'm so sorry...but you must be mistaking me for someone else." 

He smiled, "Well then, I guess you should disregard that whole embarrassing cock cage thing I just said."

He started to walk away but turned back, "Looking at you now, it's clear I was mistaken, you look much happier than the person I knew."

You blushed while trying to conceal your smile, "You were always my favorite Yoongi." 

He grinned and waved as he made his way up the shady path. 

Looking at your phone and taking one last glance in his direction you nestled it back into your pocket.

[nothingbutfangirlsmut]

The Maze Trials: A Gally Fanfiction

Pairing: Gally x Emi(OC)

Summary: Emi, first girl the Glade has seen. Tougher than she looks and more than ready to prove it. Since day one her and Gally have been at each other's throats. Fighting constantly and not just with their words.

(Gally fanfiction which will include smut. It also has an actual story line. Think of it as an AU to the original Maze Runner. It'll mostly follow the main story line with some changes. Mostly focusing on Emi and Gally and their relationship.)

Chapter Twenty-Three

That night I was laying in bed unable to sleep. All I could see was Ben's terrified face. All I could hear was his terrified pleas. I knew we had to do it. There was no cure for the changing. We all knew that but it didn't make it any easier.

There was a light knock on my door causing me to sit up. Before I could answer my door opened revealing Gally. He quietly stepped into the room then closed the door behind him. He climbed onto the bed then laid down beside me. I laid back down turning to face him.

"Are you okay?" I asked quietly.

"Yea, just hard loosing another glader." He whispered.

He wrapped his arms around me pulling me completely against him. I snuggled up to his chest listening to his heart beat in the quiet room. I kissed the bottom of his neck making him tighten his hold around me.

"Do you think things will ever get better?" I asked him.

"In what way?" He questioned.

"Will we ever get out of here? Will we ever be able to leave and find some place safe where we don't have to worry about grievers or a deadly maze?"

"The Glade is safe. We would be fine if we didn't send anyone out there but Alby insists on finding a way out." Gally grumbled.

"You really don't want to ever leave this place?" I asked pulling away so I could look up to him.

"Why would I want to leave? This is our home. We've built our lives here. We can do whatever we want." He stated with a stern expression.

I just sighed and snuggled back into him. I don't want to fight with him. Especially about this topic. Who knows if we will ever find a way out of here. If we did I'd deal with it then. Until then I'd rather be here wrapped in Gally's strong embrace. Letting the sound of his heart beating put me to sleep.

---

The next morning at breakfast I noticed Minho and Alby's absence. I aleady knew they had woken up early and left to retrace Ben's path as soon as the doors had opened. Maybe they would find something. Maybe just maybe Ben was able to survive out there. I knew that that was most likely not the case. In a little over three years no one had ever survived a night in the maze.

We all worked our normal jobs in the Glade that morning. Most of us glancing to the entrance hoping to see Minho and Alby. It started raining in the afternoon so we put our work on pause to wait out the shower. We ate a small lunch under the cover of the open shack where the hammocks for the boys were. As it got later and later we were all watching the door more. We were anxious. Everyone knew they should have been back by now but no one was going to say it. It was almost time for the doors to close before we knew it and Alby still wasn't back. Everyone in the Glade crowded around the entrance praying to see those two boys come around the corner. We just lost Ben we can't loose Minho and Alby too. This whole place would fall apart without Alby here to lead us.

It wasn't until we heard the all too familiar noises of the maze starting to shift that we all voiced our worry at once.

"There!" Chuck shouted above the noise.

We all looked to where he pointed. Minho was coming around the corner but something was wrong. He was trying to carry Alby. He moved to pull Alby's body along the ground as the doors started to close. Everyone was shouting at him trying to urge him to hurry. As the door's opening grew smaller boys shouted for him to leave Alby. He wasn't going to make it. There was no way.

Thomas stood in front of me. It was like everything went into slow motion as I saw him practically throw himself into the maze. I tried to grab him along with a few others but he was already inside moving to get threw the barely open door. Then it shut closed leaving Minho, Thomas, and an unconscious Alby on the other side. No one survives a night in the maze. We just lost three more gladers. One of them my possible twin brother. I just stared at the closed stone. Why would he do that?

"Come on Emi" Gally whispered as he tugged gently at my shirt.

I felt cold and not completely here. Like my body was on autopilot while my mind was somewhere else entirely. What are we suppose to do now? We just lost four gladers in 24 hours. Things haven't been this bad since "the dark days" as Alby had called it in the beginning of all this. We all sat down for dinner but most of us couldn't eat. We were in shock and trying to hide our pain from loosing our friends as well as hiding our fear about what was to come. With Alby gone that would put Newt in charge. I glanced around the tables trying to find the blonde boy who usually sits next to me. He was no where in sight.

"If you're looking for Newt he's up in the look out." Gally whispered to me.

I turned around to look up. Sure enough Newt was standing there leaning against the wood. I gave Gally a quick kiss then ran to my best friend. I climbed up as quickly as I could. Newt didn't turn around once I was on my feet behind him. I moved to lean against the wood next to him. He sighed then glanced to me.

"How are you holding up?" I asked him.

"Not very well" he gave me a small sad smile.

"Anything I can do?" I asked moving closer to him.

He shook his head.

"No, I just don't think I can run this place like Alby did. I just found Thomas too. I was just starting to really like him. Why'd he have to run into the maze?" He asked looking to me with shining eyes.

"Newt, don't give up so easy. Let's just wait till the morning and see what happens. Maybe for once someone will survive. Don't drown yourself in sorrow. Even if they don't come back. We need you. I know you'll make just as good of a leader as Alby." I tried to reassure him.

He just nodded and wiped away the tears that had fallen down his cheeks.

"I'll always have your back." I whispered then pulled him into a hug.

I let him hold onto me tightly for as long as he needed to. He was crying silently into my shoulder. All I could do was stand there and hold him close as I rubbed his back. I just had to let him get it out. I was the only person he could be like this around. When he finally pulled away from me his face was red and puffy. I gently wiped some of his tears away.

"Let's try to get some rest." I whispered.

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