#most awkward moment of my life was being held captive by my mother in her home

[toosweetfiddlesticks]

Can you do Bakugou x soft (male or gn) reader meeting a Karen and go creative with it hope you have fun

Big Meanie

Paring: Barista!Bakugou x Soft!Gn!Cashier reader

Warning: Karen being a Karen, cussing, bakujealous, Bakugou calling you a big meanie, not proof read

Catoergy: Comedy

A/N: Thank you for the request!!

Summary: boom boom man gets upset because you didn’t let him be the Hero of the day.

—————————

As you unlocked the door, you huffed a breathe of anxiety out and tried to build up as much optimism you could for your first day. You felt a mixture of anxiousness and excitement boil in you.

With a smile full of courage, you stepped into the clean kitchen. The lights contrasted and dimmed the already dark morning sky as you felt a cool breeze from an opened window. The hall was a bit dimmer from the kitchen so you turned those lights on for the rest of the co-workers. An ash halons hair boy was currently wrapping the store’s iconic colored apron around his waist. He tighter his grip as he caught a glismp of you.

“Good morning!” You spoke softly, but cheerful. You flashed a small smile but his demeanor did change. He held his solemn look at you when blood red eyes. “So...how was your sleep?” Your excuse of small talk feel short the silence in the air seemed to be even more awkward between the two of you. He grunted and muttered something under his breathe before speaking.

“Don’t forget to clock in.” He ignored your question which honestly, did not bother you. You took his warning and walked out to the time clock, punching in your time. Silence swallowed you both while once again. Ok y/n, your co-worker may not be the most friendliest, but hey it’s only your first day, how bad can it be.

”Also,” You head shot up from the time clock. Your co-workers back facing you. “Don’t talk to me, you boring extra.”

——————————

You began to start your third day shift with a proud smile on your face. As you made your way to the time clock to punch in, greetings of waves goodbyes from other workers thats shifts just ended, you’ve met made your start of the day feel even better. Humbly, you waved the two men off.

“Bye Kiri, bye Denki!” Denki giggly waved his hand in the arm with excitement as he happily walked with Kirishima.

“Bye Y/N!” The sharp tooth man cheerfully sang his farewell. His arm hugging around the shoulders of his shorter blonde hair friend. But before the two could fully walk out, the red head immediately turns back around, as if something just came to mind. “Also” he added, “watch out for the Karen’s.” Your head titled with puzzlement.

“The Karen’s?” You kept your question in your head and before you knew it, the two was gone.

But you shrugged it off for the day and continued to go back to work.

——————————

“Hey move it extra!” Bakugou’s voice arose from behind you like a sound of a hurricane warning. You huffed a little and stepped aside from the time clock. Tiredly, you twisted your body around and leaned against the wall, facing him with crossed arms. Your eyes dropped a bit and your eyelids cried to close. But though you body was ready to sleep, you were wide awake..kinda. You manage trying to hide your weary face. Holding a hopeful smile and you greeted Bakugou.

“Morning Bakugou.” There was a small chance he would really greet you back with a morning salutation. Today was not the latter. He’s body seemed a bit stiff, he’s face looked alive and refreshed, but his body slouched a bit. Turning his head to you, an eyebrow raised at you.

You stiffened a bit, you leaned off the grey wall with a feeling of astonishment  , “Wow that’s new.” A notion you told yourself.

Still, he said nothing, leaving you two both in somewhat awkward silence. By the looks of it, he was staring with bit of puzzlement in his eyes. He’s red eyes sparks with a look of examination. As if he was searching for a look, or scanning your farcical features like a robot. He was just standing there, arms crossed, eyes stern, eyebrows furrowed. It seemed like forever before you two said anything.

“Are you tired?” Bakugou finally spoke that shock you. You were a bit taken a back at his response but nodded you head. He grumbled something under his breathe and signaled you to follow him. “Come here,” he sighed.

You’re eyes widened, but you obeyed and follow. As you walked, you could hear his small mutters and talks but couldn’t understood a thing he said. He walked a little slow than usual, like if he was trying to make sure he didn’t leave in you in the dust.

The walk was short and you made it to the destination in no time. He groaned as you got there, the kitchen area. Your eyebrows drew with concern.

Backing up a little, you spoke “Uhm, look if you’re gonna splash me with water-“

But your cautiousness was only mocked by small chuckles that bubbled up in Bakugou as he picked up a plastics cup.

“No I won’t, ya idiot.” He interjected, “What’s your type of coffee, you like Frappuccino or somethin’?”

——————————

“Hey, Cashier Extra!” Y/N nostrils flare with heavy air leaving them. For the past three months and a half, you’ve been having to deal with one of the biggest meanies they had ever known in their entire life. Originally, you thought you were confused at times by him.

Bakugou Katsuki was one of the hardest people work with sometimes. It was like he had a whole book of mean names and rude comments. Or looked up how to send the worlds most bone-chilling stare. And after a long tiring day of work, right as you’re are about to clock out, you hear the small words “bye extra” leave his grumpy little pie hole. You wondered why his rude one point, then nice another.

Y/N briskly huff, straightening out any wrinkles or creases in your pale button up shirt. “Yeah Bakugou?” Y/N tried to give Bakugou the most genuine confusion on your face. Though Y/N didn’t find a lot great characteristics of Bakugou, but they knew that Bakugou was a smart man. He quickly caught onto their small frown creasing at the sides of their mouth and y/n bothered eyes.

But unlike usually, Bakugou’s face didn’t seem to get annoyed at that. No, instead, how facial expressions seemed to go down a little. Bakugou’s eyebrows furrowed, from y/n couldn’t tell what was on Bakugou’s mind. He’s volcanic eyes seemed to be put out.

Y/N would almost say the usual solemn face of Bakugou Katsuki just broke away for a minute.

Bakugou caught himself, the dust of his volcanic chucked up as the lava came back into his eyes, keeping a stern look. Though Bakugou wouldn’t admit, Bakugou had definitely fallen for Y/N strong admiration for this job and their determination. He’d give them the compliment from time to time, but to wasn’t as much as he wanted to say.

“Just make sure you remember to clock in.” He mumbled softly, Y/N could barely even hear it. They nodded, a bit confused, but nodded and almost went on to work like usual. “Hey!” Bakugou stopped Y/N in their tracks, “Be cautious of Karens.”

The name still confused you to this day, but once again, you shrugged it off with a nod and carried on.

——————

This would have to one of the most crowded shift you’ve ever had, ever. If you were a customer, driving up into the driveway, you would’ve definitely drive straight out by the amount of people parked or in the driveway, getting their order taken their.

Bakugou, Denki and six others carefully rushed with the drinks, other orders holding up on the racks. Kirishima, Mina, and another worker kept up their the best they could, taking people’s orders from the drive through, then there was you and three other cashiers. You four had to take the orders as smooth and quick as possible, all of you praying that the customer will have a little bit of compassion and patience. Lines of people excitedly waiting to order the new drink the shop put out.

The Christmas Chocolate Winter Cream. Your new enemy, almost every single child, adult, teen, everyone was asking and wanting that “creamy delicious coffee”. Who even lets their child drink coffee! You didn’t want any part of it.

“Stupid coffee ice cream, its not even December yet!” You quickly grumbled under your breath.

”Uhm, excuse me?” You nearly forgot about the rush hour at work today. Hastily you straighten your spine. The customer was a lady, maybe in her late 50s. Her pale skin wore brightly colored pigment over its wrinkles and creases. Her hair was short but bumped up and curled.

“Oh I said, hi welcome to StaryBunkers,” You correct yourself quickly, trying to pass your entirely different words as the same, you grasp notepad and it’s thin paper in one hand, and a pencil in another. Forcibly, you gave the customer a fake smile that would impress the greatest actress. “What would you like for today. Behind your fake smile and your facial creases, you internally prayed with every god, deity, and goddess you know, hoping that they wouldn’t say..

“The Christmas Chocolate Winter Cream,” The older lady grasp her young daughter tightly that was so short, you just now noticed her. She seems to be up to her mother’s knees. “make that two please, today’s my girls big day!” The woman’s words didn’t invoke any feeling of excitement that usually does when some says big day to you.

“tHe cHirStmAs cHocOlatE wIntEr cReAm”

Your sighs of annoyance was held captive in the bars of your fake smile. “Of course!” Your forgery of cheerfulness impressed your cashier partners who’s fake smile was somewhat stiff and expressionless. “Birthday I presume?” You ask, the pencil’s tip close to the paper, ready to write.

“Yep!” The little girl chirped, her two brown pigtails swinging with you as she nodded her head. Ok you had to admit, the little girl was very sweet and cute. She single handedly made your stressful day a little bit better (ugh what a queen, we stan)

Your smile became more genuine, you heart even warmed a little.. “Coming right up, wait a moment please.” You paced hastily behind you, internally wishing you could spend you whole entire day in the back. You made your way quickly to the kitchen, hoping the customer were the patient type as you heard the shouts of anger coming from the drive through. You took a quick glance at the altercation.

“I SAID CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE WINTER CREAM,” The customer aggressively yanked the the lid up. “THIS ISN’T ENOUGH CREAM!” The white and red haired boy calmly his hands out, trying to rationalize with the person.

“Sir, ” He spoke with dullness, “Thats how much cream comes with it.” But the customer only got even more hotheaded.

“NO IT ISN’T!”

“Yes it is.” Todoroki scrunched his face up, “You don’t even work here, how would you know?” Todoroki, unknowingly made the man even more upset which cause the drink from his hand to fly out towards him. You panic, rushing over there the close the door before it was too late. But, the man was quicker, and as the drink came rushing to a motionless Todoroki, a body came rushing in to take the hit, Kirishima.

“Brrooooooo” He said in slow motion. “Poor Kiri” you internally spoke with pity. And as the man ran away, kirishima’s stomach burned from the heat of the coffee. You cringed at the sound of his small whimpers of pain. “F in the chat.” You busy back to the kitchen.

The steam from the coffee makers brush against your skin, squeezing out a very thin layer of sweat on your cheeks. Quickly, you yelled.

“Two Today Specials for Cashier number UNO,” the Barista’s groaned, “AKA Y/N!” You yelled again for clarification. They, annoyedly, went back to work with the drinks again. The most pissed out of all them though was Bakugou. Not cause of the loaded day. But because everyone was going to “slow”. He huffed, panted, scream, yelled, intensely ordered and more,

The man was like lighting, filling up cup after cup after cup.

“Move your asses!” He sealed three cups and handed them to Mina, “Y/N stop wasting your time back here and work!” Your posture caved in, but you obey his command like a solider obeying their Sargent.

“Aye aye, Captain.” You sang jokingly. And while the others smirk and giggled amongst the stresss, Bakugou arch an eyebrow at your jokes and went back to work.

You happily went along to the front again to update the mother and the daughter about their meals. But as you approach them, you could hear the mother’s now bewildered voice. It was like cat nails to a chalkboard and her voice was crackly.

Her scream filled the whole place, putting a pause on the whole day. You internally panicked, not only can you feel the wrath of the woman from where you were standing, you could also feel the piercing and grim stare of Bakugou behind you. Once again, you we’re praying to gods, goddess, and deities. Praying that whatever is out there won’t eat you alive. Swallowing down your fear, you began to walk, with the feeling of it stuck down in your stomach.

Once you were in her eyesight, she swatted her daughters arms. And like a puppy, the girl immediately obeyed, handing her phone to her. The lady was obnoxiously grumbling words under breath as she pressed record. And with a large gulp she began her fit. You knew exactly what was gonna happen.

This..this must be the Karen they’ve talked about.

“SAY HELLO TO THE MEDIA!” Her voice sings with pride, “THIS PERSON MADE MY DAUGHTER WAIT ONE HOUR FOR HER DRINK-“ Your eyes grew with shock at the woman’s words. But before you could say anything, the cashier next to you, Deku interjected. His arm reached over to hover over your body as a means to protect you.

“Hang on now!” He argued. “You’ve only been here for three minutes!” You nodded in agreement. Pushing Deku’s arm up to cover your face from the camera.

“I’m sorry for the wait ma’am” you apologize, “But all you had to do was wait a couple of more minute-“

“DO YOU SEE THIS?” The woman ignored your remarks and claims, instead focusing on her own, “THEY ARE TRYING TO DISCREDIT ME AND MY NINE! YES NINE! YEAR OLD DAUGHTER!” She waved her phone in her daughters face like she was evidence. She waved, hopped, and dance around the counters and to other people’s table. “HOW CAN YOU PEOPLE DRINK HERE!” Her words and movements were melodramatic and over the top.

And after her little rant to the people, some of which left, she stomped her way back to you and Deku. This time, she had a nasty smirk on her face and a hot drink in her free hand she stolen from another customer.

“Ya know what!”

“Oh no not this again”

Hastily, you moved Deku and you away from the woman’s sight. You two ran into the back kitchen to Chef Ramsey Bakugou. Who was now even more pissed. Not only did Y/N make a Karen mad (ok he knew it impossible not to make them mad he’s just stressed). But no, instead of running to him, Y/N runs to Deku first?! Man’s got his priorities straight.

As Deku quickly runs over the back area to get his phone, you rush over to Bakugou and the others in panic. “Bakugou, call the police!” The others around quickly take of aprons and another things at the words of that. Police involved?? Yep they think a murder just went down. But Bakugou just grumbles and huffs.

“No.”

....

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO!?” Bakugou looks at you with bewilderment, this is his first time hearing you yell at him that way. But before he process the fact that a cinnamon bun is yelling at him, you began to grasp and shake at his shoulders. “THE LADY IS TRYING TO KILL ME!”

“WELL YOU SHOULD’VE CAME TO ME INSTEAD OF FUCKING DEKU FOR PROTECTION..” Bakugou fumbled and shouted through his words. “Y-YOU BIG MEANIE”

You two went silent after that,

Big

...

Big Meanie?

Deku came out from the back with his phone, “Shoto!” Todoroki’s head jerked towards his way. “Help me with the Karen!” Todoroki nodded.

————-

Finally, the situation was under control, the Karen was banned from the coffee shop, Mina and Denki gave Kirishima some aloe. And while things didn’t really calm down until the day was done, everyone seemed a bit less tense, expect you and Bakugou. For the rest of the day, he was knocking over cups, using wrong lids, and spilling coffee. Dude’s lucky that he wasn’t fire. He felt embarrassed by the way he reacted. Now Y/N probably saw him as some type of control freak. Tensions were high and he was stressful.

Bakugou quickly moved pass the others, trying to clock out early before Y/N sees him-

“Hey Bakugou” Bakugou internally groaned at the sound of your voice. Screw you plot device he said to himself. Bakugou turned his head to the side to face you. Yo he side view is lowkey cute you noted. “Could we talk outside, after I clock out?”

Oh how badly Bakugou wanted to say no. The pit in his stomach grew bigger as he nodded.

“Great, just give me a second” Bakugou nodded once again and quickly clocked out. He’s footsteps echoed in his head as he waited outside, leaning against the glass wall of the store.

He didn’t know what you were gonna say, but he had an idea of it. He annoyed you to no end, made things harder for you, and was never truly nice to you that often. How was he suppose to believe that you would like a guy like him in anyway? He internally frowned at his thoughts, the words eating him up and chewing him out only to get stepped on by the crushing feeling of doubt.

Once he saw the buildings door open with you coming out to join him, that crushing feeling of doubt covered and weighed down on him. This was it he thought. He shoved his hands into his pockets, readying himself for the painful impact of rejected.

“Bakugou..” you softly asked. Bakugou hmm’d at you with a feeling of shame boiling inside.. “Did you mean it when you said i was a big meanie?” Bakugou let out a sigh of pain.

He caught onto your words late, “Look I’m sorry for-what?”

“You called me a big meanie.” You mumbled, “and I was wondering if you were serious because one, you’re like 23.”

“I’m 16” he deadpanned  “Like you.” You ignored him though.

“and two, you’re the one who’s been acting like a big meanie.” You accused which wasn’t contradicted, “And all cause you like me huh” Bakugou opened his mouth to spew his defense, but nothing came out but a small “I”. He sighed defeatedly.

“Im sorry,” He spoke. “I just, didn’t know how to tell you or whatever.” He spoke so awkwardly and shy. “I’ll uh, I’ll leave you alone or whatever.”

You drew out a finger, objecting. “Hold on now,” you replied. “Who said I didn’t like you?” Bakugou’s heart sparked at those words, he lifted his head, red sparks in his eyes. “Hey what can I say? A big meanie like me likes big meanies too.”

[moonbaby26]

Title: The Battle

Pairing: Peter Maximoff x Reader

Summary: Continuation from last chapter. Set during X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, you and the others fly to Cairo to confront Apocalypse and his soldiers in an attempt to rescue Xavier.

Warnings: Apocalypse being a leg breaking, hero strangling jerk. Characters fighting for their lives, but bookended with fluff from Peter x Reader pairing.

Chapters: Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Taglist: @drikawinchester , @n0obmaster69 , @alexloveskili , @what-a-silver-lining , @bluesprings18 , @weakmoony-stuff , @slytherinsi-mp, @wintwrsoldiwr, @tommy-braccoli, @amourtentiaa

Peter Maximoff x Reader Masterlist

———————————

You’d at least gotten to clean up somewhat. Earlier as Hank and the new woman you’d just met, Moira, had worked on readying the jet, you’d found some bit of helpful supplies. Clean rags to wipe off the blood, and bandages that’d you’d hurriedly applied to your shallow claw wounds.

All the remnants of your restraints were gone, and your old, torn clothes you’d just tossed in favor of the thin jumpsuit and lightly armored black flight suit over the top of it. You all wore these suits, commandeered with this experimental jet now rumbling beneath you as you shot off to Cairo together.

There was silence for a good while, after some initial nervous chatter and joking from the others. It would have been too easy to fill this quiet with any of the myriad of questions still rushing through your brain, but you really had just listened and little more when they’d filled you in earlier with the gist of what they’d learned.

All that really mattered was that the Professor was being held captive by a seemingly omnipotent mutant. One that had now declared war on all and recruited his own powerful soldiers. This was a rescue mission, with likely all your lives at stake.

You leaned your head back, wondering if anyone else would really even know or care what had happened to you if you never came back from this.

The escape from Stryker’s lab had been life threatening as well of course, but it was so different when it’d just been one thing after another. Events unfolding too quickly to really develop any sense of dread, it’d been all adrenaline and luck really.

But even in a jet like this, flying all the way to Egypt was more than just a skip and a jump. It was well enough time to dwell on your own inexperience and shortcomings, to wonder if this was the last time you’d ever do anything at all.

“Hey,” Peter’s voice was quiet, just to you, as you glanced over, having been mired only in your own thoughts until that moment.

He was sitting beside you, both of you strapped in these jump seats that ran along both sides of the jet. Vaguely you realized the others had started talking once more as well then. Maybe that was why he felt more comfortable speaking to you again now.

He hadn’t addressed you directly since you’d reunited with the others. Though you wouldn’t blame him if he was just as nervous as you were deep down. But from his self deprecating jokes in front of your friends earlier, about still living at home with his mother, he would at least seem better at hiding fear if he did have any.

“Hey,” You answered back reflexively, looking at him fully again.

“So uh....” He was chewing a piece of gum, as if some part of him still had to stay in motion in order to remain comfortable. “That car, that was pretty sweet. That yours or what?”

Honestly it took you a very long, awkward pause before you could piece together any idea of what he was referring to. But being that you’d only known him since literally just earlier today, there wasn’t anything else he could possibly mean. “The yellow convertible?” You questioned anyway, not really surprised by much of anything now.

“Yeah, I mean, I take the road if there is one. I saw you guys on the way to the house,” He answered, still offering a little explanation regardless. “Looked like you knew what you were doing though.” There was a more sheepish grin emerging. “I was going to stop and say hey I guess. But then I saw the, you know, fireball coming out the house and all, had to go see what that was about. Save everybody or whatever...” He trailed off after a bit, maybe realizing that you were just letting him ramble.

It reminded you of how you’d acted with him during the whole lab fiasco. He seemed the more confident one down there, while you got easily flustered. You really wondered if having your friends here now was making the difference. As if he was more unsure of himself when there was a potential audience to hear what you might say back to him.

It was interesting, getting to put more of those pieces together, or at least starting to be able to when it came to him. For putting on the display of an extrovert, and if you could finally admit it, even him being an outright flirt, you felt more and more sure that that was only skin deep really. That was just the outer layer he protected himself with.

“It was one of the Professor’s cars,” You smiled genuinely, probably the first one since they’d told you where you were going in this jet and why. “We were on our way back from the mall.”

That warmth from you seemed to ease him back into his normal tone, maybe a slight relief in him that you didn’t find it off putting that he’d already taken notice of you before you even knew he was anywhere around.

“Oh, mallrat, huh?” He quipped, “I can picture that.”

He was teasing, but you gave it right back. “There is no way you can tell me that you don’t end up in music stores wherever you live, like a lot.” You hadn’t forgotten his band t-shirt after all. You thought you’d seen him putting away headphones at some point too. “And that leather jacket and pants you had? Come on, that didn’t come from some bargain clothes rack.”

You might have had him for just a moment there. Just a flicker of surprise in his eyes to know you really had paid him that much attention, before he retorted, “Hey, what’s the point of a fast car if it has no style, right?”

“Says the guy who most people can’t even see until he slows down.” But you were purposeful to make clear in your tone that that wasn’t an insult at all, just continuing a little more bravely afterward, “Though their loss I guess.”

There was no mistake then, he really did pause. You could feel the slightest bit of heat in your face again, but you were not about to take that back. Not when you didn’t even know what was really awaiting you all at the end of this flight.

And you were still the next one to speak, that resolve remaining. “If we make it out of this, maybe you can come with me back over there to our mall. Help me pick out some new stuff.” You tried not to make it sound funny, but on some cosmic level it still was. “Seeing as how my room and everything I owned was incinerated and all.”

“Deal.” He said immediately. Only a little afterward seeming to realize that maybe he sounded a bit too eager. He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. “I mean, I’m pretty good at Ms. Pac Man too. They have an arcade, right?”

“Yes.” You answered, trying not to look too amused, and going along with him to help him feel more comfortable. “I can’t say I’m actually any good, but they do have a Flash Gordon pinball machine I always play. And a couple of air hockey tables. That’s my go-to.” No question with his speed that he would likely annihilate you on both. But the idea of being in a much simpler, safer place like that with him some day was a pleasant one right now.

“Oh yeah. I can show you a thing or two.” He was clearly back in his element then, looking smug once more.

“I’m sure you will.” You could only wonder if the god complex mutant and his lackeys you were now off to go challenge would have any idea that in the back of your mind you’d now be dreaming of a simple date in an arcade as extra motivation to get back home in one piece.

———————————

It wasn’t long before things had started spiraling in quick succession again. You’d all arrived in Cairo to find it essentially destroyed, save for what this fake god had already erected in monument to himself. A huge pyramid in the style of the ancient Egyptians, one he’d taken Xavier hostage inside.

It hadn’t been clear though how much of the destruction was done by this mutant, and how much had actually been at Magneto’s hands as it was with more shock that you’d found him in the middle of this as well. Now serving this apocalyptic mutant.

You knew enough about Magneto to both fear and respect him. Even though his history with the Professor went back so many years, Erik Lehnsherr as he was actually named was always more on the side of peace through violence. While Xavier preached ideals of tolerance and education for regular humans to one day accept mutant kind, Magneto thought them incapable of such, and had no qualms on preemptive strikes against non mutants as well as eye for an eye type vengeance.

But even for Magneto this seemed surprising. He would really just give Xavier up this way? As you’d gotten closer, Jean had sensed that Apocalypse (what you were now calling the new enemy in your own mind) intended to take over the Professor’s body, possessing him permanently to gain access to his mind control powers and become basically omniscient. He’d be unstoppable with everyone as his puppets then. Free will would cease to exist.

“You guys help Nightcrawler get into the pyramid!” Raven called back to all of you as the jet was landing. “Get Charles and I’ll take care of Erik.”

You’d snapped back to attention at the orders, and you saw that Peter was suddenly at her side.

He looked so focused all at once, “I can get you in there,” He told her, referring to the debris field of broken buildings and all else now churning, stuck in a huge magnetic orb with Magneto at its center. When she didn’t look sure, he continued quickly. “I came here for him, let me help you.”

Raven nodded to Peter then in agreement, knowing there was no time for more back and forth. “The rest of you, get Charles on this plane and get him out of here!”

You too knew what was at stake, there was no reason to argue, even if there still must have been concern on your face. You didn’t understand Peter’s change and sudden fixation on Magneto.

But it was only Kurt that spoke up immediately, yelling back to Raven and Peter, “We’re not leaving without you!”

Peter looked back at that, “Don’t worry.” In fact, you realized he was looking directly to you for one moment. “We’ll catch up.”

———————————

While Peter had sped Raven out of sight to try and reason with Magneto, Moira had stayed with the jet and Hank had come with you, Scott, Jean, and Kurt.

But as you all ran along the rubble, trying to make your way to the pyramid, it hadn’t been but moments until you encountered Apocalypse’s other soldiers, mutants set on stopping you all from interfering by any means necessary.

A tall, blonde man with wings made out of metal, a ninja seeming woman with a pinkish purple energy she could wield from her hand like a blade even while also carrying a katana, and a girl nearer your own age with stark white hair and seemingly the most power out of the three as she’d flown right towards you throwing lightning bolts from her hands.

You’d had no choice but to split up. Which you were sure was what they’d wanted even as you’d chosen to try and take the white haired girl’s attention. You didn’t really want to find out what would happen if one of those bolts struck you directly, but you could guess you had the best chance of anyone to maybe absorb some of it in your energy form.

You’d immediately powered up, glowing white as she’d chased you around the sky, both of you darting and flying in some kind of bizarre dog fight.

Your heart had been racing though, no amount of training at the mansion could actually prepare you for dueling with someone who actually wished to harm you. Everything to this point had just been about learning to control your powers, maybe even firing an energy blast at a dummy or paper target or two. But you’d never tried to hurt anyone. Not on purpose.

“Why are you helping him!?” You yelled out to her, swerving again as she tried to get close enough to you to land a hit. You generated an orb of light energy from one hand, letting it destabilize before you threw it towards her. It collapsed into itself, exploding to make a shockwave through the air that pushed her back again.

“He’s going to make it so we never have to hide what we are again!” She growled back in frustration, steadying herself in the air before her eyes hazed over into solid white.

You doubted that could be good, and of course it wasn’t as she raised her arms, a tornado like blast of wind then trying to knock you from the sky. You were able to shield yourself somewhat with your force fields, but the barrage of debris and wreckage that came with the winds made it too difficult to keep track of her as she did nearly land a direct lightning strike then.

“You’re wrong!” You yelled back, even as you felt numb and disoriented briefly, like the electricity surge was messing with your own energy. “He’s just using all of you! He only wants slaves, nothing more! And you’re just going to hand us all to him!”

She didn’t answer back after that, but you knew it wasn’t as if you could change anyone’s mind for them. She’d have to live with her own choices, just as you’d have to live with yours.

After a good while of this tit for tat though, you were really trying to take her out of the sky at last, knowing you needed to find and help the others as this had already been going on for far too long. You started trying to get her in the chest with white energy beam after energy beam shooting from your hands. She was fast, but you were able to at least get her in one shoulder at last as she spun with the force, losing altitude quickly with the hit.

Even as she fell, you could see her already correcting course though, trying to take aim at you again as she glared upwards.

But you didn’t get to see what happened next. A three fingered hand grasped your left arm suddenly from thin air, and then you were collapsing onto the floor of the jet you’d come here in.

“Gotcha, time to go!” Kurt spoke quickly as you looked to him in surprise, that strange burning smell hanging in the air briefly that always accompanied his teleporting. It was as instant a feeling as moving with Peter, but thankfully without the subsequent vertigo as you stood quickly, powering down, even as you were already looking around for the speedster.

With relief you did see Jean cradling the Professor’s head as they sat on the floor, Xavier unconscious but still breathing. But you did not see Peter or Raven.

Moira and Hank were already firing up the jet engines and you grabbed hold to the wall as you felt the craft quickly rising. “What about Peter and Raven?” You called out over the noise of the turbines spooling up faster and faster.

“We’ll have to trust them to figure it out, we’ve got to get Charles out of here now!” Hank answered back, leaving no room for debate.

You felt an unease building in your stomach, but it was true that if Apocalypse got Xavier, that Peter, Raven, or anyone else would then no longer matter anyway. At least for now you could hope Peter would just take Raven and run somewhere far from here. Xavier and Jean could use their psychic abilities to find them later and you could reunite.

But a hard thud above you left you all looking upward as the jet rattled.

“What the hell was that!?” Moira called out.

As soon as you saw that pinkish energy blade emerging through the jet’s hull, you had already powered up again, glowing and ready to shield the others as best you could. Apocalypse’s soldiers were proving too difficult to shake.

Yet Jean had other plans, “Everyone, grab onto Kurt!” She yelled.

You didn’t know what altitude you were already at, but you knew it wasn’t a survivable one for the jet itself if it was ditched now. Yet a fight in this close of quarters with all your powers would likely end in the same result. So her choice wasn’t as irrational as it first seemed.

You reached one hand quickly back, firmly grabbing onto Kurt’s shoulder, even as you kept your other hand raised towards where the metal winged mutant and the blade wielding woman were now trying to force their way in through the breach they’d created in the hull.

“I’ve never done it with this many people!” Kurt warned as you all held to him.

“Get us out of here!” Jean commanded, her desperation bringing out a forcefulness you hadn’t yet seen from her.

But Kurt was still straining, the sound of his opening whatever portal he used clearly heard but not bringing you anywhere as he tried several times.

The man with the metal wings jumped down into the cockpit, now just feet away as you realized what you had to do.

“Go without me!” You screamed over the rush of wind now coming through the hull breach. You let go of Kurt, making direct eye contact with Jean.

You could get out on your own. At least you were going to try. It was the only way. Kurt wasn’t able to take you all.

You felt that Jean was listening, that she heard your thoughts and that as difficult as it was, she agreed just as quickly. It was the only way.

“Do it!” She urged Kurt even through the horrified look he gave you both.

“I’m taking it down.” You also heard her voice say in your head almost simultaneously. That briefest warning to ready yourself before she willed the controls to throw the plane into a nosedive and cause Apocalypse’s soldiers to lose their footing.

The last you saw of your other friends was still their shocked and frightened expressions as they disappeared from right in front of you. But this was your only chance as well, propelling yourself as fast you could, right through the fading cloud of gas they left behind and past the now tumbling winged mutant as all your focus went to that small square of sunlight that they’d cut into the hull.

It was your one window of survival. For just the briefest moment, you felt him try to grab hold of your leg as you flew past him. But you kicked him with the other leg as hard as you could manage, breaking free into the open air as the jet plummeted on without you.

Out the corner of your eye you saw the woman had remained on the outside of the jet, but jumped free from it as well. You lost sight of her as you both fell, focusing only on trying to slow your descent to a survivable speed. It was one thing to levitate yourself up from a neutral position, and wholly another to try and control your energy field around yourself enough to reverse the terminal velocity transferred to you from being within a crashing plane.

The ground still came too fast, too hard. You blacked out on impact, laying alone in the dirt as your light energy faded, receding back inside you.

————————————

An unknown time later, something jolted you awake. You could hear screaming as you opened your eyes. You were laying on your side. Everything hurt and you could taste blood in your mouth.

But you were already forcing yourself back up as you swallowed. Disoriented as you were, you still recognized that voice. It was Peter. He was hurt.

You were looking all around you, and it didn’t take long to see the source and reason for the screams.

Not far from you at all, Apocalypse stood in a clearing from all the rubble. Peter right beside him, half crumpled to the ground. One of Peter’s feet was encased in the earth, trapping him there like an animal in a snare. His other leg was clearly broken, twisted at a grossly unnatural angle.

You felt a foreign rage beginning to burn up inside you, but before you could even physically react you saw the woman with the katana again. Nowhere in your mind did you take any time to consider how she would look so clean and uninjured having just come from the same circumstances as you of barely escaping the crashing jet.

All you saw was her walking towards her master, sword at the ready to finish Peter.

“Stop, (Y/N)!”

Charles screaming inside your head was the only thing that kept you from revealing yourself at that moment.

“It’s Raven! I’m telling you, it’s Raven!” Even Charles was struggling to break through your flaring emotions, as he repeated himself desperately. “He’ll kill you, (Y/N)! Stay in place, I beg you!”

The Professor had never spoken to you in such a way before. You gripped onto the broken wall in front of you, still only just obscured from their view as you saw Apocalypse grab Peter by the hair, jerking the young man’s head back roughly to expose his throat to the woman.

“It’s Raven, please trust her!” Charles did not let go. You could feel him actually starting to control you even, something he had absolutely never done before, though your emotions were exploding like they also never had. He didn’t want you to make a life ending mistake.

“(Y/N), please.” He called again and you realized you were being held in place, unable to move out any further. You were forced to only watch as the woman raised her blade, Peter wincing in fear and pain beneath her as she swung it.

But it was only Apocalypse’s throat that ripped open. Yet even in your surprise, any sense of victory was still non existent. No blood poured from the wound, and it healed completely within moments as he only grabbed his supposed traitor by the neck, holding her up immediately.

Raven’s feet hung in the air while she choked, her blue skin and true appearance quickly returning as she could no longer control her disguise as Apocalypse strangled her.

And it was only then that you felt Xavier letting go of you, in his own shock as Apocalypse tried to bait him out.

“Charles! Come! Rescue your weaklings!” Apocalypse challenged aloud, still dangling the now helpless Raven while Peter stayed trapped at their feet. “Give your life for theirs!”

He was going to kill her right in front of you. You powered up, knowing there was no other choice. You had to-

“No. I’m still connected to him. Let me get in his head, (Y/N), then you can go to them.” The professor spoke quickly, yet with a touch of new resolve.

“Charles! Will you do nothing?” The false god continued to bellow.

This time you listened without being forced to. You did see Apocalypse pause as if Xavier was indeed making contact. It was still an agonizing wait, but when he finally let go of Raven, you allowed yourself some shred of hope. You’d never seen anyone be able to overpower the Professor mentally, once he was fully in.

But that hope was also short lived as just moments later Apocalypse raised his hand abruptly. At will he dissolved the outer wall of a nearby building. You could see Scott and Hank then exposed, themselves just as surprised and staring out. But you knew it could only mean that Apocalypse had used Xavier’s connection against him just that quickly to root out his hiding place.

This could be the end then. You resigned yourself that the only choice was to die fighting if that is what it had to be. But you weren’t as alone as you thought.

As Apocalypse had left Peter and Raven behind, now striding confidently to his prize, two massive steel beams suddenly shot into his path. They buried themselves into the ground, crossing into an X to block him.

You looked back into the sky, glad in this single moment that you had been right about at least one thing. Magneto wouldn’t give Xavier up in the end. Not without bloodshed anyway.

“You betray me?” Apocalypse asked, already turning to deal with Erik instead.

“No. I betrayed them.” Magneto unleashed hell then, every bit of metal he could pull shooting towards Apocalypse in an unending assault as the other raised a shield that incinerated each and every piece as it hit. But doing so clearly taxed him, allowing the perfect moment for the rest of you to join the battlefield.

You got to Peter almost simultaneously as Hank got to Raven. You and Beast were clearly in the same mindset of getting the injured out of the immediate firefight before you would join in.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner, the Professor froze me,” You spoke in quick apology to Peter, using a small energy blast to break up the earth that had been hardened around his trapped foot. Once cracked, you broke the rest of it free just with your fingers.

He was obviously surprised, grateful, and maybe even confused all at once as you gently lifted him with the help of your powers. You wrapped his arm around your shoulders, trying to mind his broken leg as you helped support him while gliding over to a safer spot some distance away.

“Stay here.” You spoke, sitting him down so his back was against a mostly still standing wall to shelter them.

Hank was sitting Raven down in the same manner beside him as Peter suddenly spoke up to you. “Wait.”

You were still crouched in front of him, you’d been about to stand back up when his hand went around the back of your neck and pulled you in closer.

Before you could register anything else, you felt his lips press against yours. It was a bit harsh, desperate even, and then it was over just as fast as you pulled back in surprise.

“In case we don’t ever get to make it to that arcade,” he responded to your shocked expression that was still evident even in your energy form like this.

You took a breath, now was not the time for verbalizing any of this. But you wanted to show you agreed with the sentiment. You leaned back in, kissing him yourself for one longer moment, one hand gently cupping the side of his face before you stood back up. He allowed the contact readily and you could only wonder what it felt like to him when you were enveloped in light like this.

Hank and Raven just gave you both the most confused of looks, but nothing was said as you and Beast had then rushed back off to throw yourselves into the fight.

——————————

(Continued in next chapter here)

[eternalpassions]

He’s a Beast!

Summary:  Kagome's life changes forever as her brother Sesshoumaru makes his way back into her life. What happens when two siblings with unlikable personalities are forced to live together? A tale of a beautiful beast and a tomboyish Belle.

Warnings: Incest, Language, Mentions of homophobia, suggestiveness

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30752492

@chierafied​

My Kagome Art 

Kagome frowns at her reflection, annoyed, and a bit angry for a few reasons: one being she has to dress feminine which she doesn't normally do. She’s tried being feminine, it just doesn't work. Her hair always sticks out on all sides no matter how she fixes it. She can't walk in heels even if her life depended on it. She prefers wearing straight-cut jeans, tennis shoes, and hoodies.The only reason why she’s kept her hair long all this time is because her stupid parents and stupid best friend Inuyasha told her not to cut it because she’d look “funny”. 

Snorting at her reflection she plucks at a fly-away hair. Tugging at the dress she was wearing, feeling completely out of her element in the 3-inch heels she absolutely refused to wear the stockings her mother had provided. Glancing over to where they lay on the dresser she sneered at them.

The only reason why Kagome is wearing this ridiculous outfit today is because she is being forced by her parents for the occasion. Which brings her to the other reason why she is so put out right now...her stupid brother Sesshomaru.

The brother who she hardly knew besides a few old rusty memories. She remembers her being pushed high in the swings when she was younger, her older brother gathering his full force to send her flying into the sky with her hair dancing in her face, laughing uncontrollably, and his small smile behind her. 

 It has been ten years since she has seen him. They used to be close when she was little, but now he was practically a stranger to her. He moved out of the house when he turned 18 she was just a child at the age of 10 then. When he left it was like he had cut all ties, the memories she had she packed away never to look back on again. When he left it hurt, she had missed him at one point but now it was like she was an only child honestly sometimes she forgot that she wasn’t an only child. 

 He moved into a big bustling city for university leaving behind his old home in the rural countryside. When he had finished school he stayed in the city to attend law school snagging a top-shot position at some big firm. After that, he was nowhere to be seen except for the occasional holiday and those were rare, she could count on one hand the times she had seen him since he moved out. 

His lavish life with High society, big fancy events, and other vain things he never bothered keeping in touch with her. Her brows knit together as a frown further marred her face at the thought of how he probably thought he was too good for the life he left behind. 

What’s worse is that even when he did decide to grace his old home with his presence, he hardly acknowledged her. The only thing he would do was greet her shortly by saying her name as he walked by. 

Had he always been so stoic? 

His demeanor put her off, he felt so cold, callous, and uncaring. It was so different from the brother of her memories. It was like he was a completely different person.

How did he make it through life with that kind of personality?

“Stupid brother” She muttered to herself.

A knock on her door brought her out of her bitter thoughts. She turned towards  it and sighed 

“Kagome, hurry up! Everyone is waiting! What’s taking so long?” Her mom scolds from behind the door.

“Yea, yea I’m almost done” Kagome grumbles

She hears the muffled sigh before her mom adds  “Don't even think about coming down with an attitude either.” 

 ‘Hmph’ Kagome thinks to herself as she crosses her arms indignantly. Knowing herself as she did, she didn't know if she could really make it through this night without showing a bit of ‘attitude’. She was supposed to get all dolled up to see her brother who really just seemed like some extended family member that no one really knew or cared about. 

Kagome walks out the door stumbling slightly, catching herself on the doorway. She curses under her breath. Taking a moment to steady herself she makes it to the stairs. ‘Maybe I should just take these damn shoes off until I get to the bottom’ She thinks as she looks apprehensively down the stairs. Her mothers face appears at the bottom with an impatient scowl. Clutching to the railing of the stairs as if it's a life line she cautiously makes her way down taking hesitant steps down the stairs. As she gets closer to the floor, she can hear warm laughter coming from the living room.

As soon as she reaches the bottom of the stairs her breath hitches in her throat. The man she sees sitting on the couch looks nothing like that young man who came to visit on rare occasions. He was dressed in a black suit with a red tie that stood out in a stark contrast against  the silver of his hair that was inherited from their father. She thought it was odd that her parents were okay with his hair being at such a long length when they would nitpick at her and judge her appearance and choices as harshly as they did.

She’d never seen a man with hair that length in the countryside they grew up in. What stood out most of all and completely took her breath away was his eyes. In her earliest memories of him she remembered them being a hazel color bordering on yellow but now as she looked at them she could see that the yellow they bordered on was now a bright golden color.

 Those golden eyes blinked as he caught sight of her standing in the living room. She couldn’t read his eyes, but they made her forget about her nerves .She felt herself become enslaved by those eyes and for some reason, she couldn’t look away. She didn’t notice how the reason she was able to see those golden eyes so clearly was because he was also gazing at her with just as much intent.  

She’d lost track of how long she stood there staring at her brother until her father cleared his throat and their mother coughed, dragging her away from the trance that held them both captive.

“Kagome! What are you doing just standing there! Come, greet your brother!” Her dad scolds from where he is sitting on the couch next to her mother.

Kagome jolts into action feeling her face heat up a bit in her embarrassment. She carefully makes her way over to where her brother is. She felt like she was walking on ice and at any moment she would lose her balance and come crashing down on the floor. Standing in front of him she finds herself feeling nervous now being in close and direct sight to the brother she hadn't seen properly in so long. Her heart beats erratically against her chest.

 Finally standing in front of him she can’t help but notice how he towers above her. Now, she hadn't remembered him being that tall.Through the tightness of the white shirt under his suit jacket she can see that it accents the muscles hidden there. She definitely didn’t remember those being there! 

Her thoughts are whirling around and her mind can’t seem to catch up with the present and as a result she stutters “ Ses-Sesshomaru.” which is completely unlike her. 

‘What’s going on with you?’ She wonders to herself. She wasn’t one to cower like this, to display weaknesses so openly.

‘This guy is nothing to you besides someone you share blood with.’ Kagome scolds herself.

“Kagome, it's a pleasure to finally see you again.” He says. 

Those golden eyes seem to brighten, holding her prisoner once more in place as he gently takes her hand in his and raises it to his lips placing a soft and fleeting kiss there. It feels like an out of body experience she has no control over the moment once his lips meet her skin she feels her blood run hot and she can feel the blush rising from her neck to her face. 

 She wonders what he is thinking at that moment as those eyes seem to smile at her but she can't read him, she can't tell what’s going on in his mind. His face remains a stoic mask as he regards her. She feels like he is laughing at her but she can’t be sure as unnamed emotions flash through those intense eyes of his.

“I love how we’re finally together as a family again. Let's head over to the kitchen. The food is ready, we have important things to talk about” Her mother beams, not noticing the strange interaction between the two.

“After you” Sesshoumaru gestures in front of her with a flourish of his hands.

Kagome nods with a tight smile, her footsteps heavy and awkward as she walks ahead of him. She didn't know what would await her tonight, and she wasn’t entirely sure she was ready for it. Not knowing what was so important that her family would get together like this made her wonder if it was good or bad.

 It made her feel like a bird trapped in a cage ready and vulnerable to an attack. It made her think of that nursery rhyme she had been teased with all her life. ‘Kagome, Kagome bird in a cage.’ She flinched internally as it popped into her mind. 

‘Fuck that’ she thought. 

She tries to distract herself from her anxiety of what was to come from this dinner by thinking about her brother. She didn't know what to make of him, he seemed polite and well-mannered. That was good right? There was still something about him that made her feel like maybe he was a predator waiting outside of her cage tonight. She tried to shake those thoughts away, maybe she was being paranoid about the whole thing. Maybe this really was going to be a nice, warm family dinner after all. 

Her parents sat across from each other in their usual spots, Kagome took her seat beside her father, leaving the chair directly in front of her for Sesshomaru. Her parents happily chatted, recounting old memories that were almost lost to Kagome. Sometimes people needed other people to remember for them so the memory wouldn’t be lost forever.

“I remember how Kagome would get bullied by the neighborhood kids for being such a tom-boy, and for the boyish way she dressed.” Her mother recounted her memory of the day when she sent Kagome out of the house to school in an adorable and girly outfit that she deemed ‘appropriate’ only for Kagome to sneak out of the house with a pair of her brother's old pants and a tee shirt that she had changed into. On the way home one of the neighborhood boys had pushed her to the ground while telling her that she was a girl and that she would never be allowed to play with him and the other boys. 

“Sesshoumaru would have none of it. He would step in front of Kagome and just glare at them and that was enough to have them running for the hills,” Her mother looked across the table over to Kagome sighing in defeat. “Ever since she was little our Kagome was always a little strange.” She finished her memory shaking her head and chuckling. 

That comment had Kagome’s mood sour as her face pinched in annoyance. She didn't like her parents making such comments right in front of her as if she wasn’t there. She knew she was a little different than other girls her age, but that didn’t mean that it didn’t sting being called strange by her own parents. 

Yes, she was unconventional to say the least. She started to wear the boys uniform when she reached middle school. She didn't like the way the girl's uniform looked on her; it made her feel awkward. It exposed her legs to the point it made her uncomfortable. She preferred the boys uniform, it didn’t show anywhere near as much skin and made her feel more comfortable.

“ What’s your point?” Kagome snapped as her mood darkened. Leaning back in her seat and crossing her arms. She gave her mother a taunting smile silently daring her to continue making her feel as if she wasn’t there.

“ Nothing, nothing honey we’re simply making conversation, anyway speaking of that we have an announcement-” her mother tries to continue on.

“No, No let’s keep having that conversation” Kagome leans back to the table steeling herself ready to fight. She knew how this conversation went. They went through this all the damn time. If her mother didn’t want her to have an attitude she certainly was not picking peaceful conversations for dinner. It was like she was provoking her instead. 

 “Am I strange because I wear jeans instead of skirts? Because I wear hoodies? Because I like sports? Because I listen to Lady Gaga? Or is it because I kiss girls” 

The room goes silent. Kagome knows she has done exactly what her mother told her not to do. She had an attitude. Well more than that, she’s probably ruined the whole dinner. She really needed to do something about that mouth of hers, it got her in trouble far too much. 

“It seems that she’s learned to fend herself just fine without me” Sesshoumaru speaks up after what feels like a long time. Kagome is not sure if her eyes are playing tricks on her but she sees his eyes glimmer .

 “Kagome, honey, speaking of that we have something to announce” Her mother clears her throat.

Kagome raises an eyebrow, curious at what the announcement was. It had to be something important or else why else had they invited her brother and made it a family affairThere had to be a reason why her parents decided to host this dinner and invite this “brother” of hers and play the role of the happy family for once. Her mind is temporarily distracted from the argument her mother had provoked. She’s curious to hear what the big announcement is supposed to be.

 Suddenly that feeling of apprehension and unpleasantness returns to her like an uncomfortable chill creeping up her body. 

Kagome begins to understand what this night is really about when the doublespeak begins as soon as her mother begins talking.

As Kagome listens to the excuses being told,she begins to translate the doublespeak in her head. 

"We were talking to Sesshomaru a few days ago about how you’ve struggled with your teachers and school and you haven’t made the best choices”

Translation: She has failed to meet demands, she’s insubordinate, a failure, and her choice of friends suck.

“So because of this we think it might be best for you to move in with your brother for some time. It might help put things into perspective for you on how one should behave while also giving you the time and space you need to learn who you are, as well as what it expected of you."

Translation: We think dumping you off to your brother who’s practically a stranger to you might teach you to grow up. Learning from the successful sibling will help you become less of a failure.

“We’re afraid you have irrational tendencies, you don’t consider how your actions make others feel and you need to know what’s expected of you”

Translation: She’s showed some bisexual tendencies, which we find  deeply shameful and she needs to be straightened out. 

“Living in the city will be better for you than the countryside. We don’t think you’ll flourish here, moving to the city could be a  better option for you.”

Translation: We’re sick of having you here, we’re kicking you out

“ We want the best for you, and this means we can't put this off any longer,” her mother continues and Kagome can feel the air getting thinner as she breathed.

Translation: Get the fuck out of here!

Kagome feels as if she has been kicked in the stomach. The air leaves her, brain momentarily shutting down, and she feels dizzy. Eyes darting back from her father to her mother looking for confirmation of what was just said. As silence drags on, she becomes more angry at the affirmation of the reality she doesn’t want to face. Kagome stands slamming her hands on the table knocking over the chair. 

The chair hits the floor with a crash. 

“Are you serious?” She screams, noticing how her father and Sesshomaru flinch at the tone in her voice. She doesn’t care about their reactions, she has had it with this so-called family. This family that pushed all these decisions on her and gave her no choices of her own.

Kagome’s voice booms across the room. “So you’re telling me I have to move in with my 'brother', That's a stranger to me because I’ve failed to meet your expectations!” 

“ Honey you know it's not that” Her father finally speaks up after what feels like a long time. Kagome had almost forgotten about his presence. He’s only smiled passively the whole night not saying anything of much substance besides the usual affirmation. He almost blends into the walls with his passivity and lack of presence.

“ Yes it is! What choice do I have? You just decided that once I’m 18 and you have no legal obligation to me anymore you’d ship me off to this man I don’t know! It's either go with him or go to the streets right?!” Kagome tries to laugh tauntingly to cover up for the tears of anger that were on the verge of rippling and falling down her face.

“Kagome, I know this might seem hard but-” Sesshoumaru says as he carefully stands up. He really was trying his best to keep up this proper brother act wasn’t he?!

Kagome forgets the previous nerves she felt being near her brother and she feels anger pour out of her. So she was right to be apprehensive of him. He didn’t come here without any kind motives. He came here to trick her with his fake politeness and fancy appearance to drag her out of the only home she ever knew!

“No you shut up!” Kagome turns to Sesshoumaru and scowls. She points to him angrily “ I don't want to hear anything from someone who I’ m supposed to call my brother, but who I’ve hardly seen in 10 years and who only graces me with his presence to take me away from my home!”

“Kagome” Her father tries to chime in.  He moves his hands in a downward motion to try to calm the situation and Kagome.

 “IT’S BEEN DAMN NEAR 10 YEARS since he has really been around and you're telling me that you have just decided  yourselves that I Should just go on and get out of the only home I have known just because I don’t follow the social norms that you expect of me? Are you kidding me?!?” She interrupts.They have said enough it's time for them to hear her now. If there’s one thing she didn’t know how to do was going down without a fight. 

“We just want what is best for you Kagome. It doesn’t matter anyway things have been set up and you don’t really have a choice in this.You have an awful attitude, you are ungrateful and it seems like you are going to need to learn to grow up the hard way. You can go with Sesshomaru or not either way you will not be staying here.” When their mother finishes her new rant, shock plays across Kagome’s face with intense anger.

Kagome feels the tears begin to stream down on her face.She looks at her parents faces and sees their faces full of resigned conviction. She looks at Sesshoumaru’s face and she isn't sure if it’s her eyes playing tricks on her, but she sees his eyes look deeply troubled and almost guilty. Against her will she feels herself once again drawn into those golden eyes. She feels as if there’s something more hidden under the depths of the gold in his eyes. As if there’s a mask falling off.

“Kagome” He opens his mouth to speak but it is too late Kagome has already stormed out of the room.She kicks off the heels she is wearing and dashes out of the front door. She didn’t want to look into those eyes any longer, she was afraid she’d find something she wasn’t ready to see. What she needed to do was get away and be angry.

Yes, she needed to be angry at the world, angry at him .Sesshoumaru she thinks in disdain. He probably didn’t even feel bad for being the one to drag her out of her home under the guise of a caring older brother. He probably only felt bad since now he was the one taking on this burden of a sister!

Yes he was just an Idiot brother! She ran faster as she used the adrenaline of her speed and anger to fuel her. She felt she was bordering on insanity as she smiled through the tears as she pushed her body harder.

She didn't know for how long she had been running laps around the neighborhood before she stopped in front of the large maple tree in the middle of town.

 She heaves and uses the last bit of her energy to jog near the swings, She collapses on the ground and against her will begins to remember the swings that hold the one memory of her  idiot brother that she remembers fondly. She stares up at the sky occasionally wiping away a tear of anger from her face. The moon is waning tonight it's crescent shape shining brightly in the night sky. 

It's not long before Kagome notices that she is no longer alone as she looks to her left and spots the clean, pristine shoes of her brother, She looks up and  sees the bright golden eyes of her brother almost looking like they are expecting her, “What do you want?” She hisses. Of course the one time he does come around all of her choices are being taken from her and her parents hold a celebratory dinner to kick her out of the house. Now he probably wanted to play the concerned brother. Idiot.  

“Kagome,” His voice comes out smooth like velvet to her ears and she suppresses the shiver that wants to travel down her spine.She reminds herself that she should be angry at him.

Now of all times he wanted to play the role of the caring brother who wants to check up on his little sister? It was rather ironic coming from the man who only showed up to trick her and side with those who saw her as nothing more than a burden. 

“No, you know what. I don’t care what you want. Save the good brother act. I know you don’t give a fuck about me or what I want.” Kagome swears venom his way.

“ All you came here to do was trick me and do what they wanted which was to drag me away from my home. Which lets be honest you probably don't even want to do since you see me as a burden like everyone else does” her voice begins to break  down. Shit why was she beginning to cry again?!

 At this point she feels the tears gliding down her face at an increasing speed. She feels like an idiot, turning into a sobbing mess in front of this brother she hardly knew.

“ Kagome, you must know that wasn’t my intention-”

“Oh yea then what was it then? To waltz in here, charm me, play the good brother who didn't leave and ignore me all this time then laugh at me as you kick me out of my home?”

She watches him through glassy eyes. He stands with his hands awkwardly in his pants seemingly unsure of what to do. She looks into his golden eyes and for a brief moment she thinks she sees that conflicted Sesshoumaru from before. But it was gone before she could confirm it.

“ Fine, don’t believe me, do what you want, I am simply following our parents wishes.I am leaving tomorrow morning, make up your mind by then” He waves dismissively and walks off.

Kagome watches as he began to walk away. She sits up and watches his soulette in confusion at how his mood changed so easily. Did she imagine that look of conflict earlier? It almost reminded her of that look on his face he got as children when he worried about her, back when he used to care for her.

“Hmph” Kagome grumbled, that couldn’t be the case. She saw what he did back there. Tried to charm her, make her lose her composure, appear all polite and kind, then backstab her along with their parents and kick her out of her house! Then he comes to act worried about her, then acts like he doesnt care and acts like she has any choice in the matter! He’s just messing with her!

He’s wicked! Kagome says to herself. She almost felt like she was Bell from Beauty and the Beast. Dragged out of her home, against her will, to live with what might as well be a beast!

Yes, because Sesshoumaru was like a beast! She told herself. He didn’t look like one with his poltie appearance, pristine manners, fancy clothes, and beautiful face. Beautiful face? She exclaimed?! Why was she thinking this about her brother?!?

She slaps her face with both hands in an attempt to calm herself. She was probably still high from the adrenaline rush of the run. She had a bad habit of looking for highs to ironically calm herself. Running, sex, drugs,  you name it. She really needed to calm down and get a grip.

Within a night, her brother was able to do what no one else could do: trick her and humiliate her. She really didn’t want to give him any more satisfaction that he got to her more than he already had. He’s seen her cry for shit’s sake. 

“Focus kagome” She sighed and took a deep breath as she looked up at the stars in an attempt to calm herself.

It seems like she was in a stalemate situation. Her parents wern’t going to budge, stupid Sesshoumaru was just in it to do their parents bidding and she was trapped in this situation. He said she had to decide what she wanted to do by morning. Was he mocking her, because she really had no choice in this!

Suddenly a realization comes to Kagome’s mind. She can’t go against the decision made by her parents, but she could act like she agreed to go with Sesshoumaru. That way she could tell people she left on her own accord and she wouldn’t have to give her parents nor Sesshoumaru the satisfaction of knowing they dragged her out of her home! She may have to live with a beast, but she wasn’t going down without a fight! She’d do what they wanted her to do, she’d go live in the city, she’d go to university there, she’d work at the firm, but she'd do it all to spite them! 

“Watch out Sesshoumaru,” Kagome says to herself, smiling, full of conviction. She knew what she was going to do.

[hoodwinkd1]

Your Eyes Whispered Ch 11-13

Ch 8 - 10 here. Ch 14 here.

Chapter 11: morning, her place

Eris jumped out of sleep the next morning, waking suddenly to the pressure of someone attempting to break down his wards. His body tensed immediately, an instinctual growl rising in his throat at the perceived threat. His mind reacted a moment later, recognizing the scent currently trying to break down the front door.

“RHIANNON HARMONY OPEN THE DAMN DOOR.” Interesting. Eris had made it this far without ever asking Rhia for her last name.

He waved a hand, removing the additional wards he had placed on the house last night. Grabbing his tunic from the chair and throwing it over his head, Eris strode downstairs just in time to watch Sofine burst into the front room.

She gave him such a ferocious glare that he froze in place without meaning to. “I suppose you’re the reason Rhia left town mysteriously for two days?”

“I, uh, yes.” Eris really wasn’t used to anyone scolding him. “Rhia helped me out with a...situation at the palace. Coffee?”

He vaguely remembered Rhia owed him a thought from last night. All this relaxation and peace had done some damage on his sharp, cunning mind.

Sofine’s eyes widened momentarily. Whether she was surprised at the gesture or suddenly remembering who she was scolding, her tone calmed considerably. “She keeps the beans above the stove, if you didn’t know.”

Eris nodded, accepting the small olive branch she offered. He lit the front burner with a flick of his pointer finger while filling the kettle under the tap with a flex of his other hand. The movements came quickly, naturally, and some of the tension left his body at the small expulsions of magic.

Quick footsteps skittered to a stop at the bottom of the stairs as the love of his life took in the scene in front of her. Shit. Eris’ thoughts had become pathetic and obsessive without his permission. He would have scowled if the sight of Rhia treading into the kitchen nervously hadn’t been so damn endearing.

“Shit, Sofi, I’m sorry.” Rhia embraced her friend tightly. “I didn’t mean to leave so abruptly; you must have been so worried.”

Sofine laughed softly, kissing the top of her head. “Oh I was very calm. Other than yelling at the High Lord first thing this morning.”

“I’m sure he deserved it,” Rhia hummed. She then made her way towards Eris, who finished steeping the beans at exactly the right second, handing her a steaming cup of coffee as she reached him. “What did you do?”

“Other than drag you into my mess?” Eris inquired, repressing the bolt of guilt that shot through him at the idea of Rhia in danger at the palace. “I placed additional wards up last night.” He looked over her head at Sofine. “I’ll make sure to include you in them next time.”

Rhia raised an eyebrow. “Who gave you permission to place them in the first place?”

Eris noted her light tone and twinkling eyes. “You tried to break into the most heavily guarded building in the Autumn Court yesterday and branded yourself as an enemy to the crown. What if someone tries to arrest you for that again?”

“Rhia,” Sofine gasped. “You tried to break into the palace?” Swiveling her glare to Eris, she demanded: “Why didn’t you let her in?”

At least she was scolding them both now. Eris held his hands up in surrender. “I didn’t know she was there!”

“And I didn’t try to break in, I actually did break in,” Rhia grumbled. “You should really upgrade the security on the eastern external wall.”

Sofine huffed. “Will you both disagree on every little detail? I want the full story.” She sat herself down at the kitchen table, making a big show of getting comfortably situated. “I have time.”

Eris sensed that now would be a lovely time to retreat and leave Rhia to her own devices. “I have to return to the palace and the horrors of bureaucracy.” He leaned forward, giving Rhia half a second to adjust to his closeness, before placing a chaste kiss on her lips. Her mouth upturned into a small smile, one he wished he could spend hours exploring. “I’ll come back when I can, good?”

“Very good,” she replied. “I expect a full report of our Court’s political situation when you return.”

Eris sighed dramatically. “If you insist.” He waved to Sofine. “I hope you won’t be too disappointed in my abilities after hearing the full story.”

“To be determined.” Her face flushed lightly, a female still unused to the High Lord’s presence, but he only felt gratitude at her attempts to treat him as normal as possible.

Eris blinked and appeared in his chambers, taking a minute to change his clothing and wash his face. He uttered some choice words at the pile of paperwork littering his desk, rifling through the to-do lists, save-the-dates, business contracts, and personal correspondences to see if any of it required his immediate attention.

One of his spies, Jyn, had sent him a list of potential candidates to fill the vacant adviser roles that Eris skimmed quickly. He had a half-baked plan forming in his mind to let people vote on the Fae listed on the sheet, maybe even ensuring that each region had specific representation. Gerwin had helped him draft a few new pieces of legislation that Eris would announce during the Autumnal Equinox ball, so one more shouldn’t cause any additional havoc.

“Fuck,” Eris swore again, remembering that his Court’s largest annual celebration was only a fortnight away and he had no idea what the hell was going on with the event.

He already wanted to check on his mother and Liang would know the most about the upcoming celebrations. Two birds, one awkward acknowledgement that they shared a bedroom.

Eris walked down the corridor, stopping to chat with one of the servants to make sure everyone on staff last night had received additional pay for working through an attempted coup. The slender male named Yuri had confirmed that the throne room was completely cleaned of any body parts and that to his knowledge, everyone had gotten the money before heading home.

The Lady of the Autumn Court lived in a different wing of the palace than her husband and sons had, a different wing than where Eris now lived basically alone. As he approached the white double doors, he ignored the urge to open the door automatically and knocked instead.

“Yes?” His mother’s tone was curious and wary, until she laid eyes on him. “Oh, darling! Come in, come in.”

Eris followed her inside, observing how much lighter and joyful she seemed in the glow of day. Her decorations had always used softer colors and more patterns than typical Autumn design; even the gold that adorned the soft blue curtains looked brighter than the gold that detailed his traditional red decor.

“How are you?” he inquired. “Did the healers take a look at you last night?”

She herded him over to the seating area. “Yes, and you have nothing to worry about. I wasn’t harmed by the Night Court.” Eris let out a deep exhale. He hadn’t known how to delicately ask what she’d experienced in captivity, and her warm gaze confirmed that she hadn’t been tortured. “I might not be feared or even respected by the other Courts, but Keir knows exactly who my allies are. And who my family is.”

“If Rhysand hadn’t finally taken care of the trash ruining his terrority, there would have been a list of us ready to kill Keir for him,” Liang grumbled, joining them from the bedroom. “Eris.”

He returned her nod. “Thank you for insisting on the healers.” Eris turned his body to face her more directly. “I actually had a question for you, as well. The Autumnal Ball is supposed to be in two weeks and I--”

“Hadn’t planned anything for it?” Liang teased. “Not to worry. The High Lord typically shows little to no interest in the event planning.” Her words had a bitter edge to them, and Eris knew he wasn’t the High Lord she spoke of. “I can send details to your rooms later today for your approval.”

Eris held his hands up. “I trust your judgement much more than my own. I would be interested in seeing the plans, though, just for my own knowledge.”

“Of course. I’ll at least want your opinion on the guest list, make sure I didn't’ miss anyone important.” Liang sat next to his mother, who raised an eyebrow.

“Is there anyone she wouldn’t have thought to invite, darling?” she asked innocently. “Do you have any new friends we don’t know about?”

Her words made him feel like an adolescent. “You know I don’t have friends. But I might send invitations to the other High Lords; see if they’d like to send a delegation.”

“Just let me or my assistant know if anyone needs to be seated separately to avoid a fight,” Liang offered. “We have over a thousand guests confirmed, so a few more won’t require much adjustment.”

Eris’ eyes bulged out of his head. “A thousand? Where did you find that many fucking people?”

“Language,” his mother admonished. “And we’ve always had a large attendance, though never quite this large.” She grinned at him. “I believe the host might be a bit more popular this year than in previous years.”

He fell into his thoughts as the two females ordered tea and went through some of the other details with him over the next hour. The annual ball was one of the only events that sent out a certain number of tickets to each regional capital, instead of inviting specific Fae individually. During Beron’s reign, only the required attendees who sat in governing roles showed up, but almost all of the optional invitations had been reserved this year with family members, friends, and colleagues. Eris hoped that meant his Court felt more comfortable with him than his father, and not that they all wanted a front-row seat to his inevitable failure or demise.

Liang sent him off with a few blank invitations, spelled to deliver themselves immediately after being addressed. He stopped by his rooms and scrawled out all the High Lords’ names, except for the Night Court’s which he addressed to Carina. She probably wouldn’t throw his letter directly in the fire. He also added a personal note, letting her know that he still owed her a very fancy dress for her help in finding his mother, offering to send his best tailor her measurements if she wanted to call in that deal.

Either through a simple mistake or a stroke of ingenuity, Liang had handed him 7 invitations, leaving Eris an extra blank one. Inspiration hit him like a brick. Rhia.

Would she want to come? See him in his role? Watch the entire fucking island scrutinize him? Normally, Eris would have let his thoughts swirl in a self-deprecating river until he’d talked himself out of the idea. He chose to stop himself this time, however, and practice healthy communication by just asking her.

Would they be able to hide their bond at such a large event? Any daemati would know, if they didn’t maintain their mental shields perfectly the entire time. The thought of hiding his feelings for Rhia, avoiding her gaze and looking at anyone else when perfection was right in front of him, drew a low growl from his lips. For her safety, though, he would do anything. Even if acting like he didn’t care felt so uniquely miserable.

Carina’s response drew him out of his thoughts. Cauldron, he was getting irrationally dismal in his old age. Maybe that was a side effect of patricide.

He snorted internally at the bleak joke.

Of course I’ll be there, idiot. Bryce is coming too. Something about how I never have any regard for my own safety blah blah blah. I’ve attached detailed instructions for your tailor, and I’ll be bringing a backup gown in case it’s not up to my standard. I have a reputation to uphold.

Eris let relief wash over him that he’d have at least one ally present. At the mention of Carina’s mate, he considered asking her for help with the whole mess of emotions that he went through daily. At the very least, she was one of the very few people in Prythian who understood the dangers of power, the sharpness of panic that came with putting loved ones in danger from enemies that normally wouldn’t spare them a second glance.

Hours of meetings and too many decisions stood between Eris and sitting in his favorite chair in a too-small kitchen. He gave himself one minute to hope that the violent chapters of his life had closed permanently, gave himself one minute to dream of what happiness and peace might actually look like, before re-entering his role as High Lord.

Chapter 12: spent their whole lives trying to put it into words

One small TW for abuse (past, nothing graphic). I've put the usually XXX before and after, but as always please let me know if I can make these warnings better and if you want a summary of that section.

“Hold that position. Yes! Exactly like that!” Rhia gasped. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement

Her student’s tiny arms began to tremble slightly at the exertion. Aliar’s face remained focused, however, as he used his leg muscles to push the wave of water higher and higher, until it touched the ceiling.

He dropped it suddenly. “Was that good?”

Rhia grinned. “That was wonderful . Did you see how much higher you raised it using your entire body instead of just your arms?”

He nodded quickly, a slow smile building on his face. Much quieter than the other two students he trained with, Aliar’s smile was equivalent to jumping with joy.

“Go grab some water, then you all can stretch and go home.” Rhia herded the trio of younglings toward the counter dividing the studio and her kitchen, where she always laid out a pitcher and cups. Raquel immediately stole Aliar’s attention, bestowing compliments and advice all in the same breath, at a speed too fast for anyone to follow along. They had a few more weeks before they would master water, all three of them did, but had made good progress nonetheless.

Rhia shuffled past Leyora carefully, from where the female had begun stretching in the most inconvenient spot, towards the dining room table. She eyed the blank parchment sitting there. The memory of the last time she had been waiting for a message from Eris while teaching this same trio hurt to recall, but she shook off any negative thoughts. Today had been good, her sleep undisturbed and her breathing easy.

It’s only been a day, she chided herself mentally. Give him time to respond, you needy wench.

“What is that?” Raquel demanded. Rhia barely stopped herself from jumping at their voice and shoved her hand away from the parchment. “Are you being sneaky with something?”

“What?” Rhia replied. “I’m an adult. I don’t have to sneak anything.”

Leyora raised her eyebrows. “Sounds like something a sneaky person would say.” Alair humphed in agreement.

“You’re all menaces. Raquel, finish your water.” Children could be eerily perceptive when they wanted to, usually when adults didn’t want them to.

As they grabbed their coats and ambled out, weather already turning gloomy before the Solstice, Rhia watched them go with a strange bittersweet feeling. Would she continue teaching if she became Lady--

Shit. That was not a road she had ever gone down and certainly didn’t need to go down. As if she would ever officially court Eris, nonetheless marry him when they hadn’t done anything more than kissing yet. When they still hadn’t talked through their pasts, their hopes, their darknesses.

Still, the thought lingered.

Rhia busied herself with making dinner as the sun set, drawing graceful golden designs on the walls. She sensed Sofine coming up to her door, grabbing two wine glasses as the Fae burst into the room.

“You read my mind,” she purred. Her gaze turned flirtatious as she noticed the wine Rhia had selected. “Feeling fancy tonight, are we? Expecting special guests?”

Rhia clicked her tongue. “You’re special enough for a nice bottle of wine. Sit, sit.”

Telling Sofi the full story, including how the mating bond had shared the agony of Eris’ stab wound, hadn’t been fun. Rhia had let her friend scold her, had let Sofi get out all of the frustration and worry she felt. Of course they both hoped that being Eris’ mate wouldn’t put Rhia in harm again, but the ordeal had created an entirely new set of anxieties.

So tonight, they stuck to pleasant topics. Rhia’s students, Sofine’s attempts to make a new kind of bread (Rhia secretly wondered how one could create a new kind of bread, but didn’t question it). The roasted vegetables turned out perfectly, a lucky feat when one’s best friend could cook better than anyone for miles.

And of course, the parchment glowed at exactly the wrong moment when Rhia had turned her back to bring the dishes to the sink. She heard Sofi’s gasp and whipped her head around, groaning when she saw her reading whatever message Eris had just sent.

“I’m a bit scandalized.” Sofi winked. “Is he always this dirty?”

Rhia gaped. “What the fuck? Give me that!” She moved at the speed of light, snatching the paper.

May I stop by tonight?

“Ugh, you’re such a bitch,” Rhia grumbled.

Sofine shrugged. “You should’ve seen your face. Maybe you wanted it to be a dirty message.”

That was the problem. Rhia would have loved a dirty message. Or she would have run screaming for the hills and never spoken to anyone ever again. It was a toss up.

“Do you mind if he crashes our plans?” she asked, stopping her perilous thoughts once more. Eris had never looked at her that way, at least not that she had noticed.

Sofi waved her glass of wine like a queen would her scepter. “Please. We hang out every other night. The male presence spices up the evening.”

If you don’t mind Sofi and I after two glasses of wine, Rhia wrote back.

Excellent. Shall I bring something from the royal cellar or do you have more than enough alcohol?

Oh definitely bring something. A fruity red, if you really want to win her over.

She couldn’t have counted to thirty in the time it took for Eris to appear in the kitchen.

“How did you possibly grab wine and winnow here that quickly?” Rhia demanded.

Eris shrugged. “I’m incredible like that.”

“Or he was sitting in the wine cellar, waiting to drown his sorrows if you said no,” Sofine piped up. Her cheeks flushed. “Sorry, I’m still not sure if I’m allowed to treat you normally and such.”

“Please,” Eris smiled. “Put me through all the shit you would normally put a male through.” With a mischievous look at Rhia, he added: “And feel free to tell me about those males while you’re at it.”

Rhia snatched the bottle from him. “Absolutely not.” She checked the label. “Cauldron damn me, this is 600 years old! Wait -- Eris, when exactly were you born?”

“I will not be age-shamed after procuring some of the finest wine in Autumn tonight,” he growled. “You know damn well how old I am.”

Sofine sighed. “I hope I’m not that grumpy in four hundred years.” She raised her now-empty glass up to Rhia, who gladly filled it.

---

Eris flicked his wrist and pulled out a glass for himself, then threw his body into the unoccupied chair. He let out a mock sigh at the females’ teasing, hiding his genuine joy at the playful conversation and quick remarks that flew across the room.

XXX

“I’m never throwing myself a birthday party again,” he insisted. “It’s just depressing at this point. I would’ve stopped throwing them years ago, if we hadn’t been...required to.” Eris trailed off. He’d almost shared the darling fact that Beron had forced all of his sons to host birthday galas, as an excuse to demand gifts and promises from various lords and nobility. Beron also loved nothing more than to use the annual occurrence as an excuse to run through the boys’ failures that year. The harsh words stung, but the sharp blows that followed drew a special kind of agony.

XXX

Rhia’s brow furrowed slightly at his sudden change in tone. “I throw too many birthdays for my students anyway.” He appreciated her attempt to lighten the mood, and appreciated the warmth of her hand on his that followed.

“That reminds me.” Eris squeezed her hand quickly, the other darting into his jacket pocket. “I have something for you. Both of you.” Inspiration struck as he handed the ball invitation to Rhia.

Her eyes danced across the sturdy parchment. “The Autumn Solstice Ball? In two weeks?”

Sofine jumped up. “What? Give me that!” She squealed as she read what Rhia had just spoken. “By the Mother, Eris!! Oh, you are such an improvement on anyone Rhia’s brought home.”

“Sofi’s always wanted to attend a ball,” Rhia shared. Eris tried to judge her expression, but he couldn’t figure out what she was thinking.

“And you? Would you be interested in attending?” he probed. “I, I know it might be complicated for you to attend with the whole...situation.” He gestured between the two of them. “We can do this any way you’d like.”

Rhia worked her bottom lip between her teeth. “I want to, I really do.” Eris had to restrain himself from running his thumb over her forehead until the skin relaxed. “I’m worried people will know, but I’m also exhausted already at the thought of hiding it all night, but I know it’d be strange for you to pop up with a mate randomly, and I--”

“I have an idea,” Sofine interrupted. Her eyes narrowed as her brain doubtlessly worked out some scheme that Eris would either detest or fancy. “It would save you both some trouble. You wouldn’t have to hide your feelings, but you wouldn’t have to come up with a backstory about how you met.”

Oh, Eris would definitely love or hate this.

Sofine took a sip of her wine. “Spit it out, you dramatic tart,” Rhia complained after a moment.

“Write your own fairytale.” Sofi let a smirk play on her lips. “Pretend like you’ve never met, as if Rhia and I just received the invitations through some mistake or some administrative process. And then at the ball, poof! The bond.”

Eris let her words run through his mind once, twice. “You think we should act like the bond clicked into place...at the ball?”

Shrugging, she defended her plan. “I can’t say whether or not you both want to bring your relationship into the public domain, but it would be wonderful, wouldn’t it?” Eris would have snorted at the dreamy look in her eyes if he hadn’t gotten the same look whenever he thought about a future with Rhia. “The new High Lord...hosting an extravagant ball...seeing the most beautiful woman grace his presence...falling love with her-”

“Cauldron, Sofi, are you a writer now?” Rhia stopped her friend from writing an entire novel aloud. Her gaze darted to Eris. “It feels a bit over-the-top, though.”

“I hate to even say this, because you know it isn’t a priority for me, but Gerwin would murder me if I didn’t consider how good of a public relations boost this could be.” Eris winced. It felt unbelievably shallow and inconsiderate to worry about his reputation while discussing his most intimate relationship.

Luckily, Rhia waved off his concerns with a hand on his arm. “Well maybe that’s something I care about.” She turned to her friend. “Do you mind giving us a moment?”

“I’ll give you all night,” Sofi smirked. “Take all the time you need to...talk. Bye!”

Her joke left them both groaning. However, Eris did take advantage of Sofi’s absence to pull Rhia away from the table and towards the much comfier couch across the room. She sat facing him, tucking her legs underneath her as she always did.

“Can I?” Eris stretched out his arm. Rhia gave him the softest smile and nodded, pulling herself closer until they were properly cuddled up next to each other.

“We obviously don’t have to this,” Eris began. “There’s ten other ways you could attend, not attend, whatever you want.”

She scrunched up her face. “Don’t ever repeat this, especially not to Sofi, but I’m completely in love with the idea,’ Rhia confessed. “It’s so silly, I know, but it feels nice to create some fake story. We could keep everything else private.”

Eris loved the idea for entirely different reasons, pretty much of all of them that he would get to dance with the most delightful Fae in this world in front of everyone without having to explain himself to anyone. However, he could work with this.

“So then? Should we do this?”

Rhia rolled her eyes. “Why does it feel like I’m signing my life away to some top-secret mission? Yes, let’s do it.”

He stayed over again that night, except this time they stayed awake talking until an obscene hour. Eris fell asleep with images of their future lulling him into peace.

Chapter 13: your eyes whispered (have we met) take 2

Eris threw himself on his bed, letting out a dramatic sigh that no one could hear. It had been a week and a half of pure stress that saw every kind of crisis, from interviewing potential advisers that ended up having criminal backgrounds to finding out the ballroom floor had somehow deteriorated and needed a fix immediately. Now, the day before the Solstice, Eris found himself wishing Auster had succeeded in his coup, if only for the fact that dealing with these logistics seemed a fitting punishment for treason.

His thoughts, as always, drifted to Rhia. They’d only had a couple nights together since, and Eris had to run back to the palace both times after a couple hours. The last interruption came at a particularly inopportune moment, right as he finished telling her the story of his darkest moment.

“Fuck,” Eris swore. Gerwin’s note made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that he had to come deal with a fight that broke out between some of his people. “I--”

“Go deal with it,” Rhia commanded, her voice unnaturally calm.

Eris let out a loose breath. He had literally just told her about Mor, about leaving a dying woman alone in the woods rather than offer her any aid because she had dared defy their fathers. “I don’t want to leave like this.”

Rhia hadn’t dropped her gaze at any point during the conversation and held his stare even now. “Are you worried that you’ve upset me beyond reproach? That this conversation is my breaking point?”

“Maybe.” He broke first, using the excuse of throwing on his coat to look away. “It’s what isolated the Autumn and Night Court permanently; why the precious Inner Circle will never tolerate me beyond my usefulness as an ally.”

Rhia snorted. “If we had more time, I’d spend all of it convincing you that this most certainly is not my breaking point. But we don’t.” She moved closer into his personal space. “So go deal with your drama and I’ll prove to you that the bridge between us is unbreakable another time.”

She always complained about his cheesy one-liners, but that sentence had carried him through the entire evening and subsequent morning. It wasn’t until that night, until he lay in his bed alone, that doubt began creeping in.

Eris’s mind raged a violent battle. The logical, rational part of him argued that Rhia had insisted they were fine, insisted she wasn’t upset at him. The dark, twisted part of him sneered at that optimism, insisted that she would never look at him again. Why would she, after hearing about his tragic engagement? After all, Rhia looked up to the Inner Circle as if they were deities, the same people who declared Eris a mortal enemy.

Sleep finally stole him from his painful journey through his memories, but his dreams offered little comfort. They swept him from memories of kisses and laughter to visions of tragedy and heartbreak at terrifying speeds.

---

Rhia finished her cup of tea. Sofi stood in front of her, buzzing with excitement, as they both eyed the sheer bags in front of them.

“I can’t stand it anymore,” Sofi declared, throwing her hands up in an overly dramatic gesture. “I’m opening them.”

She untied the lovely ribbon keeping their gowns wrapped in the protective shields before Rhia could protest. “Oh my goodness, Rhia, look .”

“Treya outdid herself,” Rhia agreed. One of her student’s guardians had offered to make them dresses for the Ball for a heavily discounted price, claiming that she had overstocked on specialty fabrics that weren’t selling.

She ran a hand softly over the gold silk. It felt luxurious, obscenely so, and Rhia found herself questioning if she deserved this. Not just the dress, but the entire situation. After so many years stuck in one place, doing one job, with basically one friend, the thought of changing her life overnight seemed beyond daunting. For Eris, though, she would try to step out of her comfort zone.

If only I could step far enough out of my comfort zone to jump his bones, Rhia thought to herself, half-humorously and half-miserable.

Sofi played with the straps of her sparkling red gown. “Where did you go just now?”

“Just wondering how the hell I got here,” Rhia answered. They played this game whenever either drifted too far into their own heads, a way to mindfully reenter the present. “It’s like a fantasy, isn’t it? Finding true love and prince overnight.”

Her tone must have struck bitter, because Sofi stopped admiring the fabric and looked her dead in the eye. “What are you worried about? That you don’t deserve this?”

“Yes, but it’s not...” Rhia fiddled with her gown once more. “We’ve talked a lot about what our life after tonight will look like, and it’s not like we’re about to get married or anything, but is it strange that I wish we were further along in our relationship? How can we just declare ourselves to the entire damn continent at this point?”

Sofi raised an eyebrow. “I would say this is a completely normal stage to tell your circle of people about a relationship. Eris’ circle just happens to include the general public.” She refilled her own mug, then froze. “When you say further along, you don’t mean sex, do you?”

“And what if I do?” Rhia challenged. Her cheeks flushed a bit. It’s not as if Sofi hadn’t seen her at her worst moments and through every failed relationship since, but this admission felt more embarrassing, for some reason. “I’m about to meet his mother and we’ve barely felt each other up.”

One beat of silence, then:

“I’m sorry,” Sofi cackled. “What is your logic here?” Her laughter grew as Rhia frowned, making her words difficult to decipher. “‘Hey Eris! I know everything’s just peachy emotionally, but I can’t go public with you until we’ve fucked!’ Rhia, you’re smarter than this.”

Rhia was smarter than this. “It sounds worse when you say it like that! I just...I’ve never waited this long before and it feels like I’m failing somehow.”

Sofi stopped giggling. “Hey,” she said softly. “You can’t compare relationships, or males, or even yourself in different situations. You’re happier than I’ve ever seen you, and that’s all that matters.”

“I am,” Rhia agreed. She took a deep breath, letting her thoughts settle. “I am, and you’re right.” Saying it out loud had helped calm the tornado of insecurities, helped her realize the fallacy of her worries. “Honestly, I think it’s a good sign we both overthink every tiny thing. As if we’re both terrified to damage what we have.”

Her friend clicked her tongue. “As long as that overthinking doesn’t create any damages itself.”

---

Eris was definitely overthinking their plan. Rhia had written him a short note about an hour ago, letting him know that her gown was perfect and she couldn’t wait. Somehow, her simple positivity had sent Eris into a swirl of anxiety that led him to interrogate Liang about every last logistical element.

“You’re hovering,” she snapped, as he followed her down the hallway. “Why are you asking me about the greeting line? You’ve done it a hundred times.”

Eris usually found her temper refreshing. Not today, though. “Yes, but we don’t normally greet everyone. How long will I be in line?”

Liang gave him a bemused look. “I don’t know, thirty minutes? How chatty do you plan to be? And it’s only for the appointed representatives from each village, like every single other time.” She turned sharply, narrowly avoiding a group of Fae carrying large trays of food to the main hall.

“Don’t follow me,” she called out, not bothering to turn her head to look back at her High Lord. Eris stopped walking, but still heard her mumble several profanities under her breath.

He ran a hand through his hair. Somehow, he had to conclude official introductions and make it into the main party before Rhia showed up, so their “first-glance” would seem authentic, without offending any local politicians by cutting their discussions short. If dinner began too soon, they’d have to wait for dancing, but would it even make sense to lock eyes after two hours at the Ball?

“Pull yourself together,” he mumbled to himself. Eris hated feeling out of control, but he simply couldn’t force a thousand people to move exactly how he wanted.

The plan stressed him out immensely, yet would provide political protection for their relationship. Technically, the law required Eris to disclose any “personal liaisons” to the palace staff and advisers, for security reasons and to allow advisers to approve any potential marriages. He obviously hadn’t done that under Beron to protect his lovers, and really didn’t want anyone saying a damn thing about his future spouse. Luckily, Prythian held mating bonds in the highest regard, and no one would dare say shit about him and Rhia, especially if the bond seemed to appear at an auspicious time of year.

“Talking to yourself now? I heard that’s a sign of mental exhaustion.” Eris turned to face his brother. “Why aren’t you up in your chambers getting pampered and prepared?” Lucien asked.

“I’m going there now,” Eris grumbled. “I was checking on any last minute issues.”

Lucien placed a hand on his shoulder. “How dedicated. Funny story, though, I had only just stepped into the entrance hall when Mother accosted me and demanded I send you back to your chambers.” He let out a small chuckle. “I believe the words ‘nuisance’ and ‘in the way’ were used.”

“It’s my party. I think I’m allowed to help out-”

“You don’t give a shit about event planning,” Lucien interrupted. “Go do your hair and make yourself pretty for your...special guest.”

Eris started. He hadn’t mentioned anything to his brother about Rhia. “What are you talking about?”

Lucien stepped back and put his hands in his pockets. The prick had spent way too much time in the Night Court. “Only that Carina seemed a little too excited for you. Anyways.”

Eris watched him walk away. Of course she had blabbed to his brother, probably immediately after Eris had confided in her last week. She was dogmatically good at keeping secrets when necessary, but notoriously good at gossiping about personal matters.

Still, he winnowed to his chambers and started a bath. His hair did look a bit a shabby, now that Lucien mentioned it.

----

The trees lining the cobblestone path twinkled with golden light, leading the way to the palace. Rhia and Sofi did their best not to gape at the scenery, at everything from the decorations to the masses of people. While they both had visited cities before Amarantha’s reign, the influx of sounds and sights overwhelmed their small-town sensibilities.

Rhia craned her neck to observe the massive double doors that were flung open to allow entrance. “Do they truly leave the doors open all night? Seems dangerous with all these crowds.”

“The only Fae who might break in has an invitation tonight,” Sofi snorted. She nodded at the thick parchment in Rhia’s hand. “Don’t even think about scaling the west wall.”

“East wall,” Rhia corrected automatically. Her heart had begun to race as they neared the doors, the entrance hall now visible over the other guests’ heads. The guards worked efficiently, splitting the crowd into three lines to check their invitations and scan for weapons.

The duo exchanged no further words until they reached the checkpoint. The guard let them through with no hassle, and Rhia let out a small breath. She didn’t expect to be denied entry or thrown in a prison cell, but her last encounter with palace guards had tainted her memory. Hopefully none of the members on staff tonight had arrested her previously.

“He certainly has taste, you think?” Sofi commented as they swept down the spacious hallway. Rhia nodded, enjoying the bright colors of the Autumn Court represented on ornate curtains, plush carpet, and detailed murals. On another occasion, she might have taken her time to admire the artwork like the other guests, but Rhia dragged Sofi quickly through them, with only one beautiful thing on her mind.

An extremely tall Fae stood at the end of the hall, in front of another set of large doors. Unfortunately, these were closed shut.

Rhia frowned at the sight. “Did we have the time wrong?”

“Oh, they just have to finish up the greeting line.” Rhia and Sofi jumped at the sudden comment. “They should open them shortly.”

Rhia grinned when she recognized the Fae next to her. “Gerwin! What are you doing out here with the rabble?” She placed a hand on Sofi’s wrist. “This is my dearest friend, Sofi. Sofi, this is Eris’ weapon master and all-around savior, Gerwin.”

He bowed slightly. “May I get that glowing compliment in writing? Pleased to meet you.”

Sofi laughed. “Likewise. I always think it’s good to know someone who knows where all the weapons are, in case of emergency.”

“The doors are now open,” droned the lanky Fae. Indeed, they swung open slowly behind him, revealing orchestral music and overlapping conversation. Gerwin shot them a quick wink and entered first, careful to act like a friendly stranger rather than an insider on the biggest secret of the year.

“Are you ready?” Sofi whispered under her breath. She slid her hand into Rhia’s, giving it a quick squeeze. “Last chance to run for the hills.”

Rhia scoffed. “Keep walking.” She forced her breath to come out evenly, slowly, hoping her body wouldn’t betray her by fainting before she even saw him.

The lights seemed even brighter, the music swelling to unprecedented volume, as she took those final steps into the ballroom, her eyes darting across all the irrelevant people and things. She only wanted to look at one person, only wanted to think of one thing tonight.

And then her eyes met his.

---

“Do you think you’ll make a trip to the Southern cities this winter? I spoke with the company maintaining your Milton estate, and it couldn’t be in better condition.” The dark-skinned representative beamed.

Eris attempted to return his enthusiasm. “Possibly. There’s still quite a bit of work to do around here. Thank you for coming.”

“Of course, my Lord. Have a wonderful evening.” As the Fae moved towards the dance floor, Eris dared to look back at the closed doors behind him. The official representatives had been let in forty minutes ago, and finally, he could see the end of the greeting line. If he could get through the next two conversations without screaming in frustration, he’d treat himself to the largest drink he could physically hold. Unless she arrived before he made it to the bar, then he’d settle on treating himself with a dance with the love of his life.

“The doors are now open.” The doormale’s voice sent a shot of adrenaline through Eris’ blood, grabbing his attention from the last group of dignitaries from the Dawn Court. His mother’s smile tightened, but her face remained diplomatic as she took over the greeting from her distracted son.

Eris strode away from the politicians and foreigners, away from his role as High Lord. As he walked, his prior thoughts and insecurities rose like a cloud of poison, choking him with doubt. This was the last time he could dream about what would happen when they saw each other’s faces again, the last time he could wonder if she’d come to brighten up his dull palatial life. The last time he could hate himself for offering her a choice to stand by him publicly, as if that wouldn’t put her in danger of scorn and harm.

Eris could barely breathe as he approached the edge of the dance floor. The string octet transitioned to louder music, meant to pull the crowds to their feet and into the arms of a partner. The first line of general guests darted in, chatting excitedly about the extravagance and the notable Fae already in the room.

He truly did stop breathing the moment he saw the tail of a silk golden gown. His eyes raked up the flowing skirt, small sections twisted into rose-like shapes until they reached the tight bodice. Then, his eyes devoured the low neckline and bare shoulders, stopping to note the one sleeve slipping down a smooth, brown arm, mocking the hand he wished to brush down that same arm.

Finally, after several seconds or an eternity, his eyes locked in on the most beautiful face he would ever see. Eris prayed to the Mother that he wouldn’t slip out of consciousness in that moment, when he looked his unbelievably perfect mate in the eye.

Rhia offered him the smallest smile, her hands rising to sit delicately at her stomach. She took a step towards him and--

Eris held back a snarl when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Gerwin mumbled an apology.

“You were standing so still that even I believe this was the moment the bond clicked in,” the weapons master remarked. “I think about half the room has noticed so far.”

“Good.” Eris turned back towards her, towards the angel he would never deserve. And yet, his doubts had completely vanished in her presence, leaving behind only the desire to hold her immediately. “I want them all to see this.”

With a final grin to his best friend, Eris walked across the floor. Fae jumped out of his way, and the gossip increased by a tenfold at his determined pace.

Sofi stood proudly next to her, failing to hold back her grin. She leaned over to whisper something in Rhia’s ear that Eris barely managed to catch. “I think you’ve caught someone’s attention.”

He was now close enough to inhale her scent. Cauldron, he must look like a besotted fool. Luckily, that was his role to play.

“My Lord.” Sofi bowed. Eris shot her a glance that might have appeared disdained to onlookers. She pursed her lips to hold back laughter.

“Have we met?” Eris asked. His tone came off light, casual, hiding the turmoil of love and desire flooding him. “You are absolutely enchanting.”

Rhia blushed and he almost gave in, almost kissed that blush right off her cheeks. “I haven’t had the honor, my Lord.”

“Eris,” he breathed. “To you, always Eris.”

“Rhiannon,” she countered. “Rhia, if you’d like.”

He held out a hand. “Will you do me the honor?”

She took it, and the warmth of her skin blazed across his body. Eris led them out to the dance floor, which had emptied in his journey across it.

The musicians changed their tune mid-note, slowing the tune down until a sweet, romantic song claimed the room. A few cautious couples stepped out from the edges of the crowd, but most of the room stood completely still and held their breaths, straining to figure out who had stolen their High Lord so abruptly.

Eris pulled Rhia close with one hand on her waist, keeping the touch gentle for her comfort. Their intertwined hands rose as their feet moved.

“Why aren’t they dancing?” she asked nervously.

“Don’t look at them. Look at me,” Eris urged. “It’s an old Court tradition, letting the highest ranking nobles have the first dance. They’ll join soon.”

“Why did you ask me to dance?”

He smiled at the question. She was still playing the game. “You must know that you’re the most flawless person in this room. I was wonderstruck.”

That beautiful blush appeared again. “I’ll guess you didn’t pass any mirrors on the way down here, then. I can’t take my eyes off of you.” The hand on his shoulder flexed as Rhia dared to let one finger brush his neck. He shivered.

“Please tell me you felt it too.” Eris’ instincts kept them from crashing into other dancers, since his eyes couldn’t be bothered to leave her face. “Tell me I’m not alone here.”

Passerbyers heard that one. His words spread across the crowd, the gossip faster than his flames ever could.

“Everything vanished when I saw your face,” Rhia replied. Her tone softened, her head tilted. “Yes, I felt it.” She leaned in, lips brushing his ear. “You’ll never be alone again, my love.” The words were murmured too softly for anyone else, an admission that was for him alone.

Gerwin would never let him forget it if he cried in front of everyone, so Eris swallowed back the rage of emotions in his throat. “Thank the Cauldron. Literally, since you’re my-”

A roar of thunder shattered the room, followed by a flash of darkness right in the center of the floor, several feet from where they stood. Some guests screamed, and the guards surged, but Eris merely sighed and held up a hand.

The night black vanished, leaving behind an unfairly attractive couple. The female waved to the crowd, flipping a lock of her raven hair over her shoulder. Her partner stood impassively next to her, his Illyrian wings marking him as obviously other.

Eris inclined his head. “Thank you for coming, Carina.”

[personasintro]

My Tiny Secret | 02; Secret

𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒊𝒏𝒚 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆 | 02; Secret

⏤𝒔𝒚𝒏𝒐𝒑𝒔𝒊𝒔; Pretty face doesn’t make it up for an ugly personality. And Kim Seokjin is the perfect proof of that.

⏤𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈: seokjin x reader

⏤𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: angst, smut

⏤𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔: toxic relationship, mistress au, mentions of sex

⏤> 𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒙

You’re trying really hard not to let out a huge “aww” to fall out of your mouth as you take a blue onesie with rabbit ears on hoodie into your arms. It’s so tiny and for a moment, you wonder if it’s even possible for a baby to be so tiny. The hell, you never even held a newborn, not even a toddler. Can’t such a tiny baby just slip out of your hands? Your minds start to race, like every day, and you start to panic inside while staring at the onesie in your hands. And you thought that you are far past that ‘panicking stage’. You wish you could enjoy this, you wish there would be someone by your side, experiencing this moment with you. The moment which will change your life forever.

“It’s so adorable, isn’t it?”

Your wild thoughts are interrupted by a feminine voice and you look at the woman, standing not so far away from you, holding an identical onesie in her hands.

“Ah, yeah.” you nod, glancing at her huge bump covered by the white T-shirt.

“They make such a cute clothing nowadays,” She tells you as she puts it back to its place and taking a orange tiny jumper with ‘mummy’s boy’ written on it. The font is made of fluffy material, causing the jumper look more interesting and eye catching. You nod towards her, not being able to say anything instead of just simply watching her. “If you don’t mind me asking, how far along are you?” She asks, her bright eyes looking at you and than glancing at your swollen belly. It’s more visible today, since you’re wearing a black tight dress which hugs your figure nicely, showing how pregnant you are. Your denim jacket buttons are opened, not hiding your belly at all.

“Ah, no it’s okay. Six months,” you answer with a smile looking down, hand caressing your belly for a few seconds. “What about you?”

“Nine months.” she answers and you widen your eyes at her. Is that how big you’ll be when you’re nine months pregnant? You already have too much trouble with sleeping, your belly is not allowing you to sleep on your stomach comfortably, like you were used to. You’ll have to sleep on your back for the rest of your pregnancy! You can’t imagine that.

A giggle comes from the woman, who noticed your petrified eyes looking at her and then at her belly. “I know that look. I used to look at every pregnant woman like that. But there’s nothing to worry about. As soon as you’ll see that small baby in your hands... just trust me, it’s worth it.” She sighs with happiness, smile not leaving her lips.

This probably isn’t the first time she’s pregnant, from the way she talks, but of course you might be wrong. You don’t ask, although there is a curiosity in you to ask her more. But the curiosity isn’t that big, so you just simply smile, praying she’s right. You know it’s worth it, you know all of that. But there is still fear inside of you. How you will be able to raise a kid on your own? What if you’re going to fail? The baby isn’t even born yet, but you can’t help but think about it every day. The woman waves at you when, what you assume is her husband, calls to her saying something about he finally found what they needed. You wave at her back, watching them intertwine their fingers as he places a soft kiss into her hair. You watch them walking away, your heart clenching when you wish you could have something like that.

With a deep sigh, which is probably the most depressed one today, you toss the onesie into your basket. There are already a few stuffs you grabbed, knowing this would happen when you got to the baby section. You always loved it, way before you actually got pregnant. Despite your lack experience with kids, you always wanted one. You couldn’t wait to be a mother. But you still wish it would be on different circumstances. However, there is nothing you can do to change it, so you add the cute onesie you admired to the collection of pacifier, bib and tiny white hat for newborns.

Slowly walking along cosmetics aisle with a basket in your hand, you don’t even think about going there to check the new products. You already bought too much, probably will pay way more than you can really afford. So, you decide looking at the aisle on the other side, is a better idea. You get captivated with toys section instead, only admiring from afar, of course. You’re so intrigued by the large cat plushie, that you don’t notice someone else coming from the aisle on the other side. Luckily, you notice them in the last minute, almost bumping to a taller woman. Her black hair are long and curled, obviously not natural, but they still look well done. She apologetically smiles at you and apologizes when she notices your small bump.

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking.” she says, her voice sweet. She’s probably too overdressed for a shopping, wearing a skirt with white blouse and high heels. Or maybe you’re just underdressed. Who are you to judge anyway? She’s gorgeous and you’re a pack of potatoes compared to her. Your face is make-up free, not bothering to do it. You rather go and satisfy your pregnancy cravings. You don’t even believe to Hoseok, your best friend, who says that you have that ‘pregnancy glow’ which apparently, every pregnant woman has. You don’t see it anywhere, not even when you stood in front of mirror for five minutes two days ago, desperately searching for it when you felt ugly. It ended up with you sobbing in front of your mirror like a baby, causing Hoseok to come there and laugh at you, while he pulled you into a hug.

‘Awh, you’re so emotional when you’re pregnant’ He said, not budging when you slapped his back, causing him to laugh even more.

“It’s okay, I wasn’t looking either.” you tell her, eyes awkwardly shifting elsewhere. She seems awfully familiar but before you can dwell on that feeling, there is another voice booming not far away from the both of you.

“What’s taking you so long? Come on, I need to be somewhere.”

That voice. That fucking voice which haunts you every night with nightmares, causing you to wake up in the middle of the night. You hear footsteps causing you to panic, but before you can move your body into action, it’s already too late. There is Kim Seokjin frowning at the woman standing in front of you, his perfect eyes focusing on her. He stands tall like you remember him, wearing a white button up with black pants. You stand there frozen, your mind screaming at you to move and ran away as quick as possible. And when you’re finally ready to take a step, not minding how rude it must be towards the woman, you don’t care. Not when he doesn’t noticed you yet, but then his sharp dark eyes advert to you and his mouth – his plump juicy lips – falls open.

“Y/N?”

You don’t think you’ve ever seen him so taken back. His voice doesn’t sound so cold and distant how you remember it. The last time you’ve seen him was a couple of months ago, when you made yourself clear that you won’t be coming back. He was so sure you would, back then. Even telling you. ‘We both know you’ll come back, you always do.’ That’s what he said back then, you remember his smirk. He was so confident you would come back to him like a lost puppy whenever he would call you. But instead, you dodged every call from him and changed your number shortly after. You even moved out from your small apartment when you couldn’t afford it anymore, having to move to Hoseok’s place. You didn’t want to. You don’t want to be a bother to him, and you know you are. Despite of how many times he told you he’s glad you’re there. Nobody wants a pregnant woman in their home whom is desperate and a ball of depression. It’s been even worse with all your hormones.

“You know each other?”

Lastly, your widened eyes focus on the woman and then it clicks. You remember where you recognize her from. The pictures all over their home, you tried not to look at whenever you were there. It felt wrong, it made you feel wrong. It made you feel disgusted with yourself, it still does. You notice the shiny ring on her finger and you bite the inside of your cheek. It’s his wife. She’s completely oblivious, not having a clue how many times you’ve been in their bedroom. How many times Seokjin had you sprawled there where he fucked you roughly. He had you everywhere. On their huge sofa, shower, bed or even the carpet in their living room. You feel like you’re going to throw up, the feeling of disgust coming back.

You don’t answer, not when you have the huge lump in your throat. It’s not like you would answer her in the first place. What the hell are you even supposed to tell her? She wouldn’t be smiling at you, if she knew the truth, you’re sure about that. And then, Seokjin eyes slowly trail down your body, his face neutral as his eyes stay on your swollen belly. His facial features are sharp, his jaw staying locked when he looks back at you. You feel like you’re caught under his gaze and you look away, thinking about your escape plan. It doesn’t help that your heart is beating too fast and you’re doing everything in your power not to shake.

“Give us a moment.” His words aimed at his wife, but his eyes stay on you, not moving an inch causing you to gulp. Fuck. You forgot how his stare can get intense.

“What?” she breathes out an awkward chuckle, her eyes sharpening at Jin who only clenches his jaw.

“Go, wait for me in the car.” he tells her, his tone awfully calm and quiet. There is a huge tension in the air, you’re sure everyone can feel it and you wish he would just go with his wife, leaving you alone.

“I have to pay for this.” She frowns, wiggling with the basket in her hands slightly. It’s filled with mostly make-up products, her features sharpening suddenly making her seem like a different woman. Was her kind attitude only facade in front of strangers? Seokjin never really talked about his wife with you, not that you wanted to. You definitely didn’t want anything to be added to the guilt and shame you’ve felt ever since the beginning.

You watch him sigh frustratedly, pulling out his wallet from the back pocket of his pants. He pulls it with a harsh movement, giving it to her and she smirks, grabbing it from him and disappearing just like that. You watch her dumbfounded, completely thrown off by her sudden change of attitude.

“How is it living with that friend of yours?”

It comes out cold and bitter from Seokjin’s lips, as he chuckles bitterly. Friend of yours. He’s talking about Hoseok.

“How do do you know–“ You don’t even have time to finish your sentence, when his dark chuckle interrupts you.

“Sweetheart, you probably forgot who I am. Do you honestly think I didn’t know that you moved out? I got it checked ever since you didn’t open that fucking door to me.”

You’re not surprised by the amount of coldness in his voice and the fact, that he calls you out on ignoring and avoiding him. You told him you were done with him. What did he expect? In the begging, when you found out you’re pregnant and that you can no longer live in your old apartment, you thought he will find you. But he never made any contact with you. His last attempt of contacting you was when he knocked on your door furiously, while you silently watched through the peep hole, sobbing into your hands. The new information has to mean, that he knew all along. He knew about you moving in to Hoseok’s place. Does that mean he knows—

“Is it mine?” he asks, eyes coldly glancing at your swollen belly which seems too exposed right now. You wish you’d wear the largest hoodie you own, although, you know it would be still noticeable – but not as much.

You suck in breath, not allowing your emotions to take over your appearance and show him your weakness. He had control over you for too long, you can’t allow him to do that again. His question meant that he doesn’t know. So you muster all the courage and confidence, and straighten yourself up with a light cough.

“No.” It comes loud and clear from your lips, as you watch his expression. It doesn’t falter when he simply watches you.

“Is it that jerk’s?”

Again, he’s talking about Hoseok. He always had that stupid suspicious that there was something going on between you and Hoseok. No matter how many times you’ve told him he’s just your best friend, he would spank you and fuck you right after, while telling you that you’re his. He couldn’t bare the thought of you being with someone else, even you knew that. He was possessive and he showed you that every time he caught you talk to a different men. You wouldn’t be able to sleep with other men, not when you were sleeping with him. You wouldn’t be able to cheat on him, which is bitterly funny, because he did cheat on his wife with you. And you knew it. You figured that the second he brought you to his home. He didn’t even seem phased about you knowing. He always had his special ways of making you come back to him. For a moment, you felt like a slut. And maybe that’s what you were for him. He would provide you with money, so you could pay your rent and have some money left to buy yourself something. But it never was about money for you. You actually fell for him. How fucking stupid of you. How could have you fell in love with him when he never treated you differently than just a hole he could stick his dick into? He never showed you an ounce of love. The only affection he showed you was during sex, the only time you actually felt like he liked you. At least, you naively believed that. So you decided to end it with him. It probably hurt his ego that you were the one doing it, and not him. You knew you deserved so much better than him. You deserve someone who will love you and not only fuck you just to toss you when he’s done. It never was about pleasure for you. But he was toxic, and still is for you. That’s why you decided to protect yourself from him. But now, you’re not the only one who you need to protect. That’s why you lick your dry lips, looking into his cold eyes peering at you. He looks furious, but still manages not to show it. But you know him. You know that he’s beyond furious when he clenches and unclenches his jaw, the vein popping up under the skin of his neck.

“Yes.” It sounds bitter on your tongue, mentally apologizing to Hoseok for saying such a thing. But surely, he would understand. The only thing you can think of is to confirm his assumption. It’s the only way how you can protect yourself and your baby.

You feel uncomfortable under his sharp eyes, as they watch you like you’re his prey. You were sure than he couldn’t see right through you, he never knew you that good to know that. He never knew the true you to even begin with. But you’ve doubts when you see the corner of his mouth twitch, as he looks away with bitter chuckle, that he’s doubting you. He doesn’t believe you. Remembering all the times you’ve promised him, that you are not seeing anyone else and that he’s the only one who you’re having sex with, you never thought that he actually believed you. He still had doubts, ending it with jealousy sex while he marked you as his. Like you were his cattle. That’s how you felt every time his lips sucked your skin everywhere, leaving a purplish slash red mark, other than the pleasure you felt that time.

“You’re lying.” It’s not a question and it comes out as a statement instead. You feel like an open book under his dark cold eyes, as they watch you with anger in them.

Your breath hitch in your throat as you look away, gripping the basket in your hand so tightly, that your knuckles turn white. “Why do you even care? It’s none of your fucking business.” you snap at him, thankful that there’s no one around you to hear your unpleasing conversation.

He was used to you having a big mouth, a set of curses leaving your mouth whenever he would kick you out of his luxurious house, after he got what he wanted. He would just laugh at your attempt of offending him, making sure you get your punishment the next time he would see you. But now, he doesn’t laugh and frowns at you instead, almost like he realized something.

“It is, if you’re carrying my baby.” he says through his gritted teeth, his both fists clenched tightly to his body. Your whole body shivers at the sight of him getting so furious. Why does he even care? He definitely isn’t family type. You can’t imagine him having kids, nor showing love to someone. But to be fair, you never knew him that well. You wished he would open up to you, so you could figure out why he is constantly so cold to everyone. You wished you could save him somehow, as stupid as it sounds. But you soon figured out, that there’s no way you could save him. This is who he is. This is not some romantic movie where you can save him and live happily ever after with him, no. Because the man in front of you isn’t capable of love, even you learned that after a nine months of knowing him. That’s why you can’t let him get into your life again. Your lives again.

“It’s mine, not yours.” You’re the one who says it through clenched teeth this time, eyes looking at him furiously as you step closer to him. The faint scent on his cologne fills your nose and you’re taken back to the times when your bodies where pressed to each other, his scent printed on your skin, but it’s just for a few seconds before you’re brought back to reality.

You feel sick to your stomach when you both talk about the baby as it is someone’s property, but you have to make it clear that there’s no chance the baby is his. At least not the certain way. There’s no way you would let your baby grow up with him, as a father figure in its life. You can’t even imagine him doing that and as far as you know, he can’t imagine it himself. But then, you don’t know him at all.

“As far as I know, there are always two who creates another life. If there’s a chance that I’m the father—“

“Then you what? You are going to take the care of the baby? You? You couldn’t even treat me like a human being! There’s no way I would let our ba—“

You stop yourself, shutting your mouth right after. Fuck, how could you’ve been so fucking stupid! And when you look back at Seokjin, something flickers in his eyes.

“I knew it, it’s mine.” he says harshly, letting you know that there’s no need for you to tell him otherwise. You couldn’t shut your stupid mouth in the right time and now he knows.

You don’t confirm it again, your heart cracking as you purse your lips instead. “There’s no way I’m letting you into its life, not when you can’t treat anyone with respect.”

“Sweetheart, I have my own rights.” he chuckles, mocking you like he always did. He treats you with no respect even after almost seven months of not seeing you. You wish there would be Hoseok by your side, to protect you like he always told you he would. It’s your fault that you even met him in the first place. You should’ve wait for Hoseok to buy all those stuff with him. But you didn’t want to because you knew he would pay for everything, claiming that he’s taking care of you.

“And I have mine.” you tell him back, not budging. No, you’re not going to be the weak Y/N, you always were when you were with him. You need to stand up for yourself and not letting this man to destroy your life again.

“Yeah? And how are you going to take care of another human, when you can barely take care of yourself? Hm?” he asks, his tone awfully sweet as he speaks to you with venom behind his eyes. It’s like nothing changed, he still treats you like his property and someone who is way lower than him.

You gulp, knowing he hit the nail on the head by saying that. You’ve been struggling with money and anxiety naturally coming with it, about how you will be able to take care of a small baby. Sure, Hoseok is helping you as much as he can. He doesn’t ask for your part of the rent and even gave you his old bedroom, which is bigger. He already sacrificed so much for you. You can’t expect him to help you with raising your child.

“As I said, none of your fucking business. Now leave me alone.” You speak lowly as you say those words, brows arching at him.

And with that, you are ready to walk out of whatever this was just to be stopped by a grip on your forearm. It’s not harsh, but still enough to let you stop in your tracks. You’re surprised by the softness of his touch, but you don’t allow to show it and glare at him instead for touching you. His eyes flicker to the basket in your hand, noticing the small blue onesie. “Is it a boy?”

If you haven’t showed your surprise a seconds ago, you certainly do know when you hear him ask it with the softest voice you’ve ever heard him. He looks uneasy as his eyes flicker to yours and all the baby stuff in the basket. You want to snap at him, tell him that it’s none of his fucking business again, but you know he wouldn’t let you go. You know how demanding he can truly be and you really want to leave as much away from him as possible.

“Yes.” you answer him with no anger laced in your voice, instead a desperation and sadness in it. He knows. He knows it’s his baby, you can see it the way he’s looking at you. It’s hard to describe it but you’ve never seen him so out of place and uneasy. And when you finally reveal the gender of your baby, you don’t wait for any reaction and quickly walk towards the cashier, to pay for all the stuff. You need to get away as quick as possible and thankfully, there’s no one in the line.

You don’t know what comes over to you, but you take a quick glance to the spot you both were standing just minutes ago. You’re surprised to see him there, his eyes watching your every move and you shiver under his stare. With a quick turn, you get out of the shop as soon as possible, hopefully not seeing him ever again.

[docholligay]

A THING YOU MUST AT SOME POINT DO: Michiru and Zoisite encountering each other in high society.

There was something rather annoying in the fact that the bulk of her class was exactly as oblivious as she had ever assumed. Play the correct notes, in a semblance of order, and above all else, assure that one is properly dressed for the stage, and not a one among them questions the instrument. 

To know that those who shared genetic material could fall for such a farce was all at once appalling and completely expected. 

“Zoi, such an unusual name, do you not find?” She pointedly looked across the small limousine at her siblings. 

Ryuji looked up at her and arched an eyebrow in a way that resembled Michiru’s own so closely it turned her stomach. 

“Our second names are unusual in Tokyo.” he looked back down at his notepad, “Kaioh Michiru Adrienne du Cayard.” 

“Yes,” she smiled, “and for all the use it gets outside of a French government form, it is allowed to be so, Ryuji Léonard du Cayard Kaioh.” 

“I think Zoi is Greek!” Naoko leaned forward, ever attempted to play peacemaker between the two of them, with nothing more than a pair of sneers to show for it. 

“There you are Michiru, you should know this, being so enamored of the continent.” Ryuji chuckled. 

“Well, we cannot both be the self-styled emperor of Japan, and I am afraid I must take the world that is left to me.” She turned to Naoko, “In any case, Zoi is a Greek girl’s name, you silly thing. And additionally, Zoi Sato, to have such an unusual name against such a plain one?”

Ryuji sighed. “To what point and purpose is this line of inquiry, my darling sister?” 

“I was only considering, my dearest brother, that perhaps we are greater fools all to question nothing about his sudden appearance and seeming generosity.” She inclined her head, “A man comes out of nowhere, has seemingly endless resources and yet, it seems, little free cash, knows the finer points and graces of our class, but has no pedigree we can name. The man is a parvenu at best.” She gave a chuckle. “It seems I am the only proper aristocrat in Tokyo.” 

Ryuji considered a moment. He and his youngest sister thought little of each other, but there was a shrewdness in her that he was careful never to deny or discount. 

“It is odd that we do not know his people, I suppose.” The car stopped. “Michiru, I leave you to your suspicions, but I will also leave Sato Zoi to his affairs as well.” 

“Michiru,” Naoko asked cautiously as Ryuji straightened his suit and went to the door, “What do you think Mr. Sato wants?” 

“Of this I have no earthly idea,” she took the hand of the driver and delicately stepped out, “But I shall make it my business to discover it.”

The gala was richly decorated, and it might have been impressive to Michiru if she had not lived all her life in such a gilded cage. Crystal chandeliers sparkled, the finest array of hors d'oeuvres from both Japan and the larger world were served from waiters bearing silver trays,  champagne flowed into cut and polished glassware. None of this so much as piqued the interest or impress of Michiru Kaioh, whose eyes swept around the room looking for someone in particular. 

It was blessing, then, that Haruka had been unable to attend. She was eager and loving and so very brave, but one this Haruka was not, was canny. She had been built for many things, and absolutely none of the were subterfuge. If she had let spill her suspicions about Zoi to Haruka, Haruka would have him cornered in an instant, interrogated hi8m, and been swiftly thrown out of the gala altogether, while learning nothing and giving up her advantage. 

Later, Rei would say something along the lines of sensing an evil energy coming from Zoi, and perhaps that would be true, but Michiru had not needed any sort of Sight to tell that the man was up to no good. It was true, perhaps, that the Sight later tipped her to the idea that it could be Usagi he was after, but on the other hand, Michiru might reason there was no other cause to speak to Mamoru Chiba. 

But Zoi was, of course. Mamoru had been in his sights for the last few gatherings, a man with more money than sense. The only saving grace that might be have been given to him was that the majority of his money was held in trust, still, and Mamoru would not gain access to it until he graduated college. Michiru had always wondered how long the Chiba money would hold out, after that occasion. It was perhaps ungenerous to blame Mamoru’s parents for dying, leaving him with no one who seemed to teach the boy a good bit of sense or how best to manage his investments, and so he had grown into an awkward thing, accepted mostly on the quality of his name and the shine of his coin, but Michiru blamed them nonetheless. It seemed careless. 

“Chiba,” she gave a delicate bow, “How lovely to see you, as always.” 

He responded immediately, and it gave Michiru a slight thrill of pleasure to see his own bow was deeper than her own. He knew his place, at the least. Michiru was imposing, she admitted, in her way, a queenly bearing her mother had taught her from birth. She could bow and look as if she had the upper hand, and the draped-back gown in green satin only accentuated the nobility of her. 

“An honor to have you, grace us, Michiru.” Mamoru had never quite figured out the line between his role as Sailor Moon’s paramour and Mamoru Chiba. In a Moon sense, he outranked Michiru or was at least her equal. In a life sense, he would never dare. “Kaioh Michiru, may I please present Mr. Sato.” 

“Zoi to you, I would hope, madame.” He bowed and kissed her hand. ‘Or mademoiselle, if I should be so hopeful?” 

“Do you often hope of mademoiselles? I had not considered it your manner, but I often find that life is all the more exciting for the things upon which my intuition misleads me.” 

He raised and smiled coyly, still holding on to her hand. “I hope of nothing but a rich life and a happy ending.” 

“It was been my experience that people often mistake that for a life with riches in it, leading their end to be the happiest for others most of all.” 

They stood there a moment, simply looking at each other. Something passed between them in that moment, something Michiru experienced little in her life, and last remembered the first time she met Minako Aino. There is an electricity, when one finds a rival whose skill meets one’s own. 

“You are clever.” He laughed, finally “Not the first to say so, I’m certain.” 

“Michiru is known for her wit, in these circles.” Mamoru nodded, too deeply. He was making himself look obsequious, and Michiru refused to pity him with a glance. 

“Razor sharp, I am sure.” His eyes still locked hers. 

“Careful my dagger, Zoi,” she smiled her small smile, “for it may yet kill again.” 

“Oh! Michiru!” 

It was, there turned out, a worse companion than Haruka in this effort, and Mcihiru could hear her voice echoing off the stone, the click of her too-anxious heels on the marble, the woosh of her dress selected for the way it made her feel a princess and not its seasonable fashion. Michiru clenched her teeth beneath her smile. 

“You look so beautiful!!” Usagi was next to her in an instant, a giggling cream puff swatched in an off the shoulder pink gown with too large a skirt and too many ruffles. “But you always look beautiful, of course, is Haruka here? I have extra snacks! I bet she looks beautiful too. ” 

Usagi offered the plate, containing an indelicate amount of blinis with caviar and lobster toasts. 

“I’m afraid she is not, Usagi, but she will be so pleased to know you asked after her.” She looked to the two of them, “Perhaps you and Mamoru should dance, I know not how long the music will going. The night is waning fast.” 

“Oh, but we’ve only just begun!” Zoi stepped forward, a look in his eyes lean and hungry as he looked to Usagi. “And who might this captivating woman be?” 

At that moment, Michiru could not have told you that Zoi was going to attempt to take Usagi’s silver crystal. She might have felt a prickling of his malice toward the senshi, if she had concentrated, but in this moment she had not. Michiru did not know that there would be quite the battle between ehr and Zoi, in the end. 

But what she did know, was that he sensed something in Usagi, and that he desired her not in the way a man desires a woman, but in the way a starved dog desires a steak. He would consume her bones and all, and she knew that intensely in this moment. 

“This is my...my significant other,” Mamoru tripped, “Tsukino Usagi.” 

“Hi!!” Usagi gave a graceless bow, still smiling brightly, “I see you met Michiru! She’s like a real princess, I think, but she’s nice too!” 

Michiru nearly laughed. She had never been nice a day in her life. Pleasant perhaps, and cordial most certainly, but it was an overabundance of grace in Usagi’s own nature that would cause her to ever call Michiru nice. Chiba was either a perfect idiot or a perfect weakling, and Michiru was not certain wich answer she wished to supply. How could he fail to see the way he looked at her? He was a wolf to a lamb, and he was none the wiser. 

It was another facet of Michiru’s personal tragedy, that she had clever foes and foolish allies. 

“Oh,” Zoi lowered his voice, “But look at you, so like a princess. A perfect mouthful of cotton candy. Don’t you simply melt with sweetness?” 

“Usagi,” Michiru grasped her hand, “I am missing Haruka terribly, and I am so very fond of this piece. WOuld you be so kind as to dance with me? It is a waltz, and very simple, I assure you, so there is no need for shyness.”

Zoi glared at her. “I was hoping--” 

“Yes,” she looked at him. “You were.” 

She swept Usagi off to the dance floor, putting herself in the perfect position, soldier leading her queen. It was very nearly pointless to warn Usagi off of someone she thought to be kind, and to be flirtatious. She would assume only the best of him, and she would witness the gold of his tongue, the jewels of his cleverness, and never suspect them to be so much gilt and paste. It was foolishness, to attempt to warn her. 

But, as she took Usagi into the dance, she knew she had to try.

[marvelmymarvel]

Serial Killer (Part 5)

Keigo Takami x Ex-Hero!Todoroki!Reader

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Synopsis: After being held captive by the LoV for over a year, the heroes realized that they had messed you up in ways no one would expect. You used to be a hero, but now you were the villain. What was Keigo to do with you when you couldn’t even remember him anymore?

Trigger Warning: Abuse

A/n: BACKSTORY TIME BITCHES - 

READ FIRST:

Narrator is Keigo (So he talks about himself in 1st person) and is bolded. The readers flashbacks based on what Keigo says are in italics. So imagine its Keigo talking to you in bolded and then you have flashbacks in italics. 

It began when you were 4. You didn't have the most powerful quirk especially when compared to your older brother and sister as well as your slightly younger brother, but your father didn't seem to give up. He pushed you harder and harder to be the best of the best as he was worried that you were all he could get, which I think is good enough but... That doesn't matter. You told me once that you only knew your mother for a couple of years, but the main memory you had of her was that she was always crying. Your father kept you away from all of your siblings. You were so isolated in fact that you didn’t even know you had a brother until Mother's day of one year, which is when you met Shoto, your fathers chosen one.

At first you were jealous of him, being only 5 years old, you didn’t understand why your father chose him but kept you away. This caused you to resent him which is when you began to prefer Yagi, er, I mean All Might even more. You first met your father's enemy at a party when you were around the age of 7.

It was held at your father's penthouse and you were allowed to be there for some reason that you didn’t quite understand yet. All of the pro’s around you made you feel so small and afraid, but then you saw him. He was bigger than everyone else, especially your father, but you were drawn to his red, yellow, and blue costume. You knew he was someone your dad hated, but you couldn’t help but yearn to be closer to him. Your little fist reached up and grabbed the edge of his cape before lightly pulling. Some of the women around you gasped, as if you had done something wrong, but the man simply turned and smiled down at you.

“Well hello there little one!!” Yagi yelled out, causing you to flinch in fear that you were in trouble. Seeing your reaction, he lowered his voice and squatted down to match your height. “What's your name” he stated calmly, grabbing your little hand that still grasped his cape. “I’m Y/n... I’m the daughter of Endeavor” you whispered out, growing shy once more as the women scoffed behind him. Your cheeks reddened but the man turned and sent a glare their way. “She’s just a kid” he stated firmly and that was all that needed to be said for the women to shut up. 

Turning back to you, he shook the hand he was still holding. “I’m All Might... Your dad and I grew up together and went to school together. I’ve met your other siblings, but you’re definitely one I haven’t met yet. It’s very nice to meet you Y/n” All Might said sweetly as he pressed a kiss to the back of your hand. Your cheeks reddened more as you bashfully shot a smile at him. All Might giggled at your reaction before standing up and looking around. “What do you say we find your dad?” 

Your dad was pissed to see that you had met All Might and that you were more excited about All Might than your own dad. It made things worse between Enji and you, and you were further excluded from everything. But no matter what your father did, he couldn’t stop you from drawing All Might and placing him around your room. You proclaimed that it made you feel safer when your father was angry or you were left alone with only the maid to take care of you. When it came time for you to go to highschool, your father didn’t let you apply to UA, claiming you weren’t worthy enough for the school. So you decided to try for Shiketsu like your sister did before you. 

Through your years at Shiketsu, you managed to control your powers and rise through the ranks in the school. When people talked about how cool you were to be Endeavors daughter, you’d laugh and brush them off. Because you hated it. One day you told someone how you wanted to be All Mights daughter, it was a joke, but something in you switched. 

The bags scattered around your room were the first sign to Enji that something was going on. “Where do you think you’re going” his voice boomed in your room, causing you to tense up by your bed. You couldn’t tell him. Couldn’t tell him that you got All Might to mentor you in Tokyo. Clearing your throat, you zipped up the bag and turned to face your father who was now standing in front of you. He towered over you, something you were always afraid of. But not anymore.

“The school is requiring that we get mentoring from a pro-”

“Then I’ll do it” Enji scoffed, offended that you wouldn’t ask him first, but your glare only burned brighter at his words. How dare he. He acted like you were nothing special and that Shoto your baby brother was going to be the only one to succeed in this family. It was bullshit. 

“All Might is going to be my mentor” you hissed out, pushing past your father to grab your other bag and keys.Your dads hand grabbed your wrist all while the heat from his hands began to burn your skin. “LET GO OF ME YOU MONSTER” You screamed out all while trying to rip your poor wrist from his giant hand. The flames on his face grew brighter as he yanked you to him like a ragdoll. “Listen to me you little bitch. If you leave and go to All Might I will never claim you as my daughter again” He snarled in your face as the spit from his mouth landed on your face, causing you to cringe at the disgusting feeling. You were used to his spit on your face, but not anymore.

“I never wanted to be yours in the first place” you snapped back, squaring up your shoulders ready to fight him if needed. Your palms were ignited in blue flames, a warning for him to let you go before you burned his house to the ground. His blue eyes seemed to burn more at your words, but you were done with it all. Shoving your leg up, you managed to knee him in the groin before punching him in the jaw. He flew back a bit from the force, slightly shocked at how strong you had become. You grabbed your bag and ran out the door. You had no money, or food, and only a couple outfits...

But you were free.

It took about 4 hours to get to Tokyo. It would have only taken 3 hours, but you had to beg for money for a straight hour just to get a train ticket. It was embarrassing to beg for something you always had, but you instantly felt a bit of relief at the sight of Might tower in front of you. You were surprised that he had agreed to mentoring you, considering you were his rivals daughter, you’d figured he wouldn’t care about you nor remember you. But he did remember you and he never forgot the fear in your eyes when you saw Enji. Fathers were supposed to protect their babies, and while All Might never had kids, he knew that you deserved better.

You walked in there with such vigor and pride despite having to beg and plead for money only 4 hours earlier. The secretaries didn’t see the pain behind your eyes, but All Might did. When you entered his office, he immediately knew that you were on your own and that you didn’t leave Endeavor peacefully. It was in that moment that All Might took you in and you learned his real name, Yagi Toshinori. You were only 17, so Yagi didn’t think of adopting you... But he wished he would have saved you sooner.

You moved into Yagi’s giant mansion and were slowly but surely shown the love of a father. You didn’t know what love was at first, but Yagi was determined to not only mentor you, but also show you what you deserved. I mean, that's why you chose me afterall, I’m the sweetest you’ve ever had - OW OW OKAY! Sorry, I’ll continue. 

We met while you were on duty with All Might. You were about 18 and had just graduated Shiketsu. All Might instantly offered you a sidekick position and you of course said yes. Well, I was trying to fly around and practice, when my coat got caught on a street light and I fell in front of you. Guess you could say I fell for you-OW Stop hitting me! 

Anyway, you helped me up while All Might laughed behind you. At first I was embarrassed because the number one Pro-Hero was laughing at me, but then I saw your face and how angelic you looked. Your smile was so pretty and your e/c eyes sent a wave of warmth through me as you helped me up from the ground.

“You should really be careful friend” you purred out as you bent down and grabbed his ripped jacket. “Sorry you ruined your jacket, I’m sure you can find someone to sew it up-”

“My God you’re an angel”

You froze in your place, looking at him confusedly while handing him his jacket. You let out an awkward laugh as you looked back for All Might to help you, but he was gone, leaving you alone with the creepy bird guy. “Uh... Thanks?” You questioned, not quite sure if he was kidding or hit his head. You then realized instantly that he didn’t mean to say it at all. His cheeks heated up and his jaw dropped, “I SAID THAT?! OMG” he screeched out, causing you to wince at the high pitch. 

But then you laughed.

It was genuine and airy, something that took the boys breath away. “You’re funny, I like you” you teased before shooting your hand out for him to shake. “The names Y/n, I’m being mentored by All Might. By the looks of it, it seems like you’re also training, hope it's for good though!” you proclaimed out as he took your hand and shook it slowly, he let your hand drop but the feeling still burned in his hand. He let a smile form on his lips at the last part, of course he was a good guy! He was trained all his life to be.

“I’m Keigo Takami, my hero name is going to be Hawks and I hope one day to do two things” he stated firmly, finally feeling his confidence come back at your red cheeks. “And what are those two things Hawk's” you stated, shoving your hands into the pockets of your suit. It was a special place that cooled down your overheated fingers, a must when using your quirk this much. 

“Oh thats easy, to be number one hero and to meet Endeavor”

I could tell instantly I said the wrong thing to you because your cheery aura turned into something much darker. It felt heavy, sad and deep, as if the name I said had hurt you before. I asked you what was wrong, but you shook your head and backed away from me, muttering something about how you had to go. I never got your number and I thought I would never get the chance to talk to you again. But then a year later, I got another chance. It was a party for the pros in Tokyo, I had risen the ranks quickly with secret hopes that I would see you at such parties. Then I saw you, standing by the bar as you ordered a girly drink to go with your girly dress. I came up to you, set on making things right and finally getting your number. 

“So what did I say that made you run?” a voice cooed in your ear, causing a mixture of cool and hot to circle in your stomach. You turned around with the drink in your hand, ready to face the man you couldn’t stop thinking about for all the right and wrong reasons. “Hmm?” You hummed out innocently, dipping back the cocktail glass to allow some of the cold liquid into your mouth. The alcohol instantly burned your throat, reminding you of the way your father used to grip your neck with that same level of heat. 

You gulped deeply, trying to forget the man that still haunted you all while staring at the new man you couldn’t seem to stop thinking about. “What do you want Keigo” you muttered out, tired of him just standing there and staring at you. You subconsciously looked around the room for Yagi, but couldn’t find him anywhere. You were alone in this. 

Shit.

A soft hand grabbed your wrist causing you to flinch and rip it away. “Don't touch me there” you snapped, pulling your wrist to your chest as if he burned you. Keigo’s eyes widened at your reaction, he never meant to hurt you, he just wanted to apologize... That was it!

“Listen, I apologize for whatever i said to you that day. To be honest with you, I haven't quite gotten you out of my head and I was hoping maybe I could try again?” He stated sweetly, his red wings folding in a bit closer to his body. He hoped to look small to you and like someone who was not a threat. You bit your lip at him, finally realizing that your reactions, while justified, were over the top. The man in front of you was not your father.

‘You have to learn to trust again, Y/n... That's the best way of letting go of your dad’ Yagi’s words floated through your head as you looked Keigo up and down. You took note of him trying to look smaller and your heart lurched a bit. 

He was trying to get you to trust him.

Your shaky hand moved outwards, as if asking for him to grab it. He moved slowly, not wanting to scare you again before taking your hand in his. A smile broke out on his face as he stepped closer to you. Your breath caught at the smile on his face. It was so pretty, you thought as you dipped back the glass and downed the rest of the alcohol. For once, you didn’t think of the heat in your throat as your fathers punishment, you thought of it as the way Keigo was looking at you.

Hot and full of passion.

He grabbed your glass and set it down on the bar before pulling you out to the floor. “Shall we dance the night away?” he asked in your ear, causing a shiver to rip down your spine. The alcohol in your tummy felt heavenly and it was starting to make your head feel the same way all while Keigo's hands gripped your hips in order to center you. He began to waltz with you before spinning you around. The smell of your shampoo and perfume mixed in his nose, making him feel euphoric as your body moved with his. You were trusting again, you would trust this man and you would let go of your father.

No matter what it took.

After that night, we began dating. You told me slowly about your past and I calmed down my Endeavor love for you. I didn’t want you thinking I would choose your father over you, because I loved you and only you. Endeavor may have gotten me through my shit childhood, but you opened my eyes. You showed me what love was truly like and I showed you that no matter what you could trust me. I proposed to you a year after that night, you of course said yes and we decided to get an apartment together. It was the first time away from Yagi and you were scared, but you jumped for me. 

And then he took you from me.

The fact that I wasn’t there to save you from that villain, sickens me. You trusted me, and yet I wasn’t there to save you. I don’t know what they did to you there but I hope to get back at them for it. You are my princess.

And no one touches MY princess.

Not your father and not a lowlife villain. I hope you can trust me again, even if I let you down. I hope you can love me again, even if you can’t remember it all. I just hope that one day, we will get back to normal and start a family like we planned before it all went to shit. But until that day happens. Know I’ll be there to for you.

Every step of the way.

[pocket-luv101]

Summary: Mahiru takes Kuro home to meet his uncle. He was shocked to learn that his absent father would join their family dinner. (KuroMahi, Modern AU)

A/N: This started out as a Monster-In-Law AU but as I was writing, another fanfic just came to me and I re-wrote the entire thing in an hour. There’s more angst here than my original concept.

“Uncle, I’m home! I haven’t said that since high school. It’s a little nostalgic.” Mahiru chuckled as he walked into the apartment. He held Kuro’s hand and led him through the house. He walked past the living room to go to the kitchen where he heard his Uncle cooking. The room hadn’t changed and the familiar sight was comforting to him.

He found his uncle cooking curry and its pleasant smell caused him to smile wider. Mahiru hadn’t realized how much he missed his uncle after he moved out to go to college. They were close because he had adopted him when he was a child and then raised him as if he were his father. Life and work made them both busy in the past few years but they did their best to speak often.

“You started dinner without me.” He lightly chastised his uncle with a good-natured laugh. He ran to his uncle and hugged him. Mahiru let him go and then took a spoon from the drawer. He tasted the curry and hummed in approval. “It tastes great so far. I was hoping all three of us could cook together though. Oh, Kuro, come here and taste this.”

Mahiru turned back to Kuro who stood awkwardly in the doorway. He met his uncle a few times already but he was still nervous about their dinner. This would be their first dinner since he proposed to Mahiru. Kuro knew how important his uncle was in Mahiru’s life and he hoped they could become a family like Mahiru wanted.

He could read Kuro’s thoughts in his eyes so he took his hand into his and squeezed it gently. The two were important to Mahiru and he hoped they would get along well. He pulled Kuro into the kitchen. He scooped another spoonful of curry and held it up for Kuro to try. “You two should talk about what goes best with curry while I say hello to Mom.”

“Wait, Mahiru, I need to tell you about—” He didn’t hear his uncle’s words because he was focused on Kuro’s reaction to the curry. After he fed him a spoonful, Mahiru quickly walked out of the room. He thought he should give the two a chance to talk privately.

Mahiru entered the living room where his mother’s memorial altar was kept. He was surprised to find that there was already someone praying in front of the altar. For a moment, he didn’t recognize him. The man must’ve noticed him enter the room because he turned around to face him. A sharp gasp escaped Mahiru. “Father? I didn’t know you were coming to dinner.”

“I stopped by to give your uncle a few files.” Touma explained as he stood. Neither of them tried to continue the conversation and silence stretched between them. Throughout his childhood, he didn’t know who his father was and he only met him a few months ago. They would speak occasionally but they were far from father and son. “How have you been?”

“Fine.” His answer was short and awkward. Mahiru looked beyond his father to the family shrine. Many would call him foolish but he thought everyone deserved a second chance. “Have you eaten dinner yet, Father? You can stay and eat with us. Uncle made a pot of curry and it is Mom’s secret recipe.”

“I’ll stay if you’re comfortable with my joining your dinner.” He shrugged.

“My fiancé came over for dinner so you can finally meet him. Kuro’s a great man. I should get back to the kitchen to help them with the curry.” Mahiru quickly excused himself before the awkward silence could make him change his mind. He walked back out into the hall but he didn’t return to the kitchen. He leaned against the wall and took a shaky breath.

The excitement he felt to bring his fiancé home was dulled after he saw his father. He knew the dinner would be awkward with his father present. Yet, Mahiru told himself that he was an adult now and he couldn’t let the past affect him. He hoped Kuro’s presence and support would help him through the dinner. Kuro was his future and he wanted to focus on that.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that your father was going to visit me today. He came to talk about the company’s projected revenue. I thought we would complete our meeting before you came for dinner.” Toru apologized to Mahiru. He wished he had rescheduled the dinner so they could’ve avoided the awkward meeting.

“It’s okay, Uncle, you couldn’t have known this would happen. Touma wasn’t there for my childhood but he’s trying to be a father now. I don’t know what caused him to contact me after so long though.” Mahiru had to admit that he was slightly suspicious when his uncle first introduced them to each other. Touma had a stable job so he didn’t need money from him. Maybe he truly wished to be a family.

He grabbed a stack of plates to take them to the dining room. Stepping out of the hall, he found Kuro staring at pictures on the wall. Mahiru stood next to him to see which photo had him so captivated. A chuckle escaped him the moment he saw his younger self covered in cake. The memory made him smile and he said, “That was my first birthday. I don’t remember it but Uncle would always tell the story of how I climbed out of my highchair and jumped onto the table for a slice of cake.”

“That reminds me of the time you tried to jump onto a balcony to save a cat. It looks like you’ve always been reckless.” Kuro slipped the plates from his hands to carry them for him. He glanced around the hall where countless photos were hanged. He nodded towards another photo and asked, “Is that your mother? She was beautiful. You look a lot like her too.”

“Thank you.” His words warmed his heart. Mahiru knew that Kuro wasn’t merely being polite when he complimented his mother. He hoped that she was watching over him and she could see how happy Kuro made him. When he was young, she would always tell him to find someone who made him smile. “She was a wonderful mother.”

They walked to the dining room and set the table. “I was already nervous for this dinner with your uncle but now I have to impress your father as well. Imagine if your mother was here too. I would be a nervous wreck.”

Kuro spoke in a joking voice but then he saw how Mahiru’s face fell. He started to worry that he said might’ve hurt him without meaning to. He set down the plates on the table and then cupped Mahiru’s cheek in his hand. With a heavy sigh, he turned his face into Kuro’s hand to feel his strength. “This will be my first dinner with my father too. You’re not the only one nervous.”

Mahiru always wore a bright smile so most wouldn’t think that he had a lonely childhood. He told Kuro about how his mother died and he was adopted by his busy uncle. He rarely spoke of his father though. From the sadness in his brown eyes, Kuro knew that he was hurt by his absence. He caressed his cheek to comfort him. He leaned down and rested his forehead against his.

“If the dinner goes bad and you want to leave early, just tell me. I’ll fake a heart attack for you.” He offered and Mahiru burst out into laughter. His body relaxed and he was glad that Kuro would be next to him throughout the dinner. He rose onto his toes to kiss his cheek.

“Mahiru, you’re not in high school anymore so you shouldn’t be sneaking kisses with your boyfriend. Wait, I should say fiancé..” The voice made them jump apart. Mahiru’s face was burning and he couldn’t face his uncle who entered the room. He felt like a teenager being caught with his boyfriend. His uncle chuckled lightly as he placed the food on the table. He was happy that Mahiru found a loving relationship in Kuro.

They sat around the table and the dinner began. At first, the conversation was simple as Mahiru told them about his school and plans for the future. “I’m lucky that Misono’s family gave me a reference for the internship. I don’t know if I would’ve gotten past the first interview without it.”

“Out of all the applicants, you cared the most so you would’ve gotten the job.” Kuro said and caused Mahiru to smile. Beneath the table, he took his hand and slowly tangled their fingers together. He gave him a tender squeeze before he returned to his food.

Kuro hadn’t spoken much throughout the dinner because he wasn’t a talkative person. Yet, he searched for a way to continue the conversation so Mahiru would have a break from the discussion. Mahiru’s voice was a little stiff and he was likely forcing himself to have a casual talk with his father. He couldn’t stand to see Mahiru struggle.

“This curry is delicious. I never learned how to cook so Mahiru has saved me from a life of instant ramen. You should’ve seen his face when he first came over to my house and opened the fridge. I only had two things in the fridge.” From a warm meal each morning to his loving embrace at night, Mahiru had changed his life. “He’s the best cook I know.”

“You don’t know how to cook for yourself?” Touma asked and the question made Kuro wince. He knew that the man was judging him but he did his best to ignore him for Mahiru’s sake. The dinner was already difficult for him and he didn’t want to make it worse by causing a scene. “You’re an adult so you should be able to feed yourself. Do you have a job at least?”

“I work at the university’s bookstore. That’s how Mahiru and I met.” He told him. While Touma nodded slightly, it was clear that he was far from impressed with his job.

Mahiru took his hand and Kuro thought he wanted to reassure him. Then, he felt how tense his grip was and that his hand was trembling in anger. Few things could anger Mahiru or make him upset so Kuro was surprised. He adjusted their hands so their fingers were interlocked. Tenderly, Kuro stroked his thumb over Mahiru’s skin to sooth him. His hand relaxed in his. They didn’t exchange a word yet he was able to comfort and reassure him.

“Kuro, tell us about your family.” Toru tried to change the subject. Silence thickened the air around them and wanted to ease the tension.

“I have a lot of siblings.” Kuro told him. “There’s eight of us all together and I’m the oldest. Life was chaotic with so many people under one roof but we made it through everything as a team. Without them, I don’t know if I would’ve applied to university. Family is important to me. I was nervous that Mahiru would be overwhelmed by my siblings but they get along great.”

“They invited me to a family camping trip and I had a wonderful time.” He said and unconsciously leaned towards Kuro. He quickly remembered that his uncle was watching them and straightened his back. Mahiru blushed and said, “I’ve always wanted a big family. Kuro and I have talked about our options to have our own family in the future. That’s still far into the future though. I want to graduate and secure a steady job first.”

“How long have you two been dating to discuss kids and the future?” Touma placed his spoon down on the table. Even though he directed his question to Mahiru, he didn’t take his eyes off Kuro. “Marriage and children are big decisions so you shouldn’t rush into anything.”

“Don’t you think I know that since I was raised by a single mother? That’s why I said we were waiting until we graduate.” Mahiru shot back. “Kuro and I have been together for three years. We want a future together and we talked about it like any couple would.”

“Mahiru, I know you don’t want to hear my advice but I only intend to help. You’re my son and I care about you. I reached out because I’ve changed and I want to be a good father.” Touma spoke in a calm and even voice. “Toru told me that you are trusting like your mother. You shouldn’t be with someone because you think they’re a pitiful stray.”

“You have no right to judge Kuro or my relationship with him after you left Mom to raise me on her own!” He snapped and shot to his feet. The frustration and anger he tried to contain rushed out of him as heated words. “Did you ever think of us? Uncle told me that you learned about me when Mom died. You had sixteen years to contact me since then but you waited. I can’t believe I’m related to a man like you.”

“Mahiru, your parents’ relationship was complicated.” Toru didn’t want to defend Touma but he thought it was best to defuse the argument. “Touma, apologize to Mahiru and Kuro for what you said. You’re his father but you’ve overstepped.”

“I guess there is one thing I’ve inherited from you, Father.” Mahiru spoke before Touma could. “You can call me selfish. The reason I decided to speak with you because I wanted to preserve the image I have of my mother. I hoped there was something that would make me understand why she chose a man like you. I— I’m sorry, I need to go.”

Kuro called his name and rushed to go after him when he ran from the table. He reached his side as Mahiru threw open the front door. He placed his hand on his shoulder to stop him. There were tears in his brown eyes when he looked up at him. “I love you Kuro but I need a few minutes alone to collect myself.”

Kuro wanted to stay with him and comfort him. Yet, he had to respect Mahiru’s request. He tenderly kissed his forehead and whispered: “If that’s what you want. I’ll be here if you need me. You’re strong but don’t take on everything by yourself.”

Touma stepped onto the balcony for a smoke. As he started to close the sliding door behind him, he noticed that Kuro was already standing outside. He hadn’t noticed him because his focus was on something below him. He stepped next to him and looked down as well. The car light of Kuro’s car was on and he could see Mahiru in the front seat. “Why don’t you go talk to your fiancé?”

“He wants to be alone.” He told him. “I don’t think it’s safe for him to be alone when it’s so late and dark outside. Someone could rob or attack him. You can say it’s a habit of mine since I grew up in a rough neighbourhood. The moment a car stopped at this late hour, someone would try to take your car.”

“This is a good neighbourhood so you don’t need to watch over Mahiru. He’s an adult.” Touma lit a cigarette and stood next to Kuro. He held out a cigarette to Kuro. “Do you want one? This has been a stressful night for everyone. I know I’m the cause for a lot of it.”

“I quit smoking two years ago. Mahiru said that it’s bad for my health and he doesn’t like the smell.” Kuro took the cigarette from him and then flicked it over the balcony. “I love him. I’ll support him no matter what he decides to do. Family is important to Mahiru but he doesn’t want an overbearing father— especially one that crashed back into his life only a month ago.”

Kuro pushed away from the rail and looked up at Touma. “I won’t stop Mahiru if he decides to have another dinner like this. It’s his decision. But next time, think about Mahiru’s feelings before you open your mouth and hurt him. If Mahiru or Toru decides to punch you for being a jerk, I won’t stop them.”

Below the balcony, Mahiru stepped out of the car and waved to Kuro. He nodded to him before he went into the house to meet him. Touma thought it was best to stay on the balcony. He didn’t want to cause another scene and make Mahiru upset again. He took a long drag of his cigarette and watched Kuro walk to Mahiru in the front yard.

Touma heard Toru’s voice behind him, “I’ve been a father to Mahiru far longer than you have so let me give you some advice. Mahiru’s a good judge of character so you didn’t need to ask all those questions. Mahiru loves him and Kuro makes him happy.”

“I want to be a good father for Hanako.” Touma thought of Mahiru’s mother. “I’ll need more help and advice before that happens.”

[brightsun-and-darkmidnight]

Don’t Let Go

TITLE: Don’t Let Go

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: 3 / ?

AUTHOR: brightsun-and-darkmidnight as well as @melodylnoelle

ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki's life if he did not let go at the rainbow bridge... (After the Bifrost being destroyed.)

RATING:  Explicit

NOTES/WARNINGS: Depression. Thoughts of suicide. Odin is a dick. Thor is an asshole but still cares about his brother. Frigga is a concerned mother but puts the image of the Odin family first. Okay… everyone still treats Loki badly.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is my thoughts of what it might have been like if Loki did not let go. This is set immediately after the Bifrost being destroyed. Loki has a lot to sort through...

My Ao3: brightsun_and_darkmidnight

*FINALLY..Read the warnings. Once you agree you can handle it...

 ~ ~ ENJOY  ~ ~

"Loki."

He stopped and turned towards Thor with apprehension.

"There is someone I would really like you to meet."

"Meet? Who could you want me to meet?"

Sif and the other three came looking for someone then noticed Loki and Thor.

Thor studied the group and then looked as if a piece was missing. "Where is she?"

Volstag yelled, "She ran off again!"

"Perhaps she just doesn't want to talk to anyone." Sif grumbled in annoyance.

Fandral's charm showed as he spoke with high regards, "She is a shy thing but she is beautiful."

Thor smiled and patted his friend, "Fandral is not wrong." Turning to Loki, Thor smiled. "Have you met mother's new student?"

Loki thought back to the quiet girl that would be seen only with his mother and no where else. "The lady with light brown curly hair?"

Thor smiled, "Yes that one. We all think it would be amazing if you could talk to her. Try to get her out of her shell."

Loki answered with a denial, "I haven't said a word to her, neither did she to me. Now if you excuse me I am going to meet with mother."

Loki walked away with annoyance. "As if I could get acquainted to someone those fools wish me to meet."

-:-

However… Loki noticed how quiet the woman was with all the times she would be present before Loki would walk off. There was something about her that pulled Loki's gaze to her. She was nothing like Thor and his friends. She was quiet, kept her distance, respectful, and she held her head down most of the time. Loki noticed her curly thick hair seemed to always be hiding her face. The most Loki seemed to see her move was to glide her hand over the hair blocking Loki's view. She was indeed shy.

-:-

The only times Loki ever seen her was when in Frigga's presence.

As well as hearing about her constantly running away from Thor, the warriors three, and Sif.

Loki was wondering if maybe he could become a friend of hers. Loki was not one to assume a lady was not able to handle themselves but Thor could be heavily annoying. Perhaps he could learn her secrets of evasion...

Thus, it was a game of trying to see more of the unique woman. 

"What are you doing?"

Loki nearly jumped out of his skin at being found but turned with a grin.

"Hello Mother. I was looking for you." The person he was actually searching for was not with her.

"If you are looking for Alexandrite she is in the gardens underneath the elder tree."

Loki fiddled with his hand as he looked normal otherwise. "What would give you the impression I was."

Frigga rose an eyebrow with a knowing smile, "why else would you be sneaking around all of my favorite places to teach?"

"Just looking for you to discuss dinner."

Frigga hummed, "I am certain you know I go to the healing wing at this time. However, I am late so you will do me a favor. It seems to be a coincidence that she is going to be with me for dinner in my study."

Loki's eyebrows raised then furrowed, "I didn't know that."

"Of course you did not. She doesn't know yet because as my favor, you are going to ask her."

"I was asking you for dinner."

"You better go before that girl wonders off, she is very difficult to find when she doesn't want to be found."

Frigga shooed him away and Loki began his search. True to his mother's words Alexandrite was under the tree. He approached quietly but she glanced up from the book. 

"Im sorry prince Loki. The Allmother said I could stay. I can leave so you can.-"

"No. Stay." Loki gave her a smile after his quick reply. "You like this spot as well?"

"It very beautiful. Everything is pleasant here."

Loki gestured to the bench, "may I join you?"

Her eye, uncovered by hair, looked near the tree before quickly going to the book on her lap. "If I could stay."

"Of course." Loki sat and watched her read the page of a book. It was an advanced healing spell on transformation. Loki tried to read her face but most of it was covered with her hair. Loki chose not to comment on the book but would ask his mother later. That book Loki put himself into many difficult situations when he was learning how to shape shift.

-:-

Loki had slithered around the garden, awed at how everything in the garden looked so much bigger in this form.

He had finally perfected his shifting with his mother, having worked every day until she was confident that he could do it unsupervised. To celebrate, he decided just to give it a little more practice for the day in the form of one of his favorite animals.

He was, however, surprised at how the sun seemed so much brighter in this form, and decided to make his way to a nice place in the shade to admire the garden from.

He was almost there when a pair of feet appeared in front of him, and a smiling Thor beaming down on him.

Oh great.

“Well hello there, little snake.” He bent and picked Loki up at an awkward angle. “How did you come to be in the gardens?”

Loki wriggled in his grip, trying to get himself down. The more he moved, the firmer Thor’s grasp was, not willing to let him go.

Thor was overly excited. “I should bring you to my brother! He would love this.” Still holding tightly to Loki, he started running back inside.

Loki’s head bobbed to the pace of Thor’s footfalls, making him hit his head every time. It was becoming incredibly uncomfortable to remain like this. He needed to get Thor to put him down so he could turn back. He did the only thing that he could think to do.

He bit him.

“Ow!” Thor only slightly loosened his hold, but kept Loki in his hand. Rubbing his arm, he continued down the hall, at only a slightly slower pace.

Ok, that’s quite enough of this, Loki thought after another few minutes of Thor searching in vain. Thor’s hand had moved and was squeezing harshly on Loki’s lungs now, making it hard to breathe.

A glimmer of gold overtook Loki as he turned back into his normal form.

What is this?” Thor asked aloud as he let go, dropping Loki to the ground as he did.

“Ah, it’s me!” Loki stood, drawing his dagger and stabbing into Thor’s forearm, right over the bite wound. “Next time do not hold snakes so tightly, you fool. You were suffocating me!”

“How was I supposed to know it was you?”

“Well if I used my seidr right, you weren’t, but that’s not the point.”

“And the point in stabbing me was what?”

Loki shrugged. “You made me uncomfortable, I made you uncomfortable. We are equal.”

“This is what you call equal?”

“Oh, stop your sniveling, brother, you are fine.” He slid the dagger away and gestured a hand behind him. “Come on, then, I shall bring you to the healing room.”

-:-

"My mother, I, was wondering if you would like to join us for dinner." 

She paused in running her finger along the script. "That is a very nice offer." 

A smile was pulling her lips but she frowned. Loki's chest felt a little tight at the sight of the confliction in her lips. Loki shifted to try to ease himself from the sensation in his chest. An ache forming prematurely but hopefully the wrong assumption of rejection.

Her voice was quiet in her confession. "I don't like crowds and I know the dining hall is always filled..."

Loki smiled nervously. "It seems she has already taken that into consideration… She wants to eat in her study tonight."

Loki waited as Alexandrite played with her extremely thick hair. He watched her hair go back to the curls as she pulled on a strand a little. "I think I need to train more. The Allmother is planning on putting me through a test soon."

Loki hummed as he gestured to the book. A silence enveloped the area for a moment before Loki could think of how to get more time with her.

"In transformation?"

She turned her head towards him and his breath steadily left him as a calm overtook him. Her facial features were as if made with soft clay, rounded and curved to highlight her eyes. Her exposed eye was a captivating series of greens and blues. She quickly glanced away and Loki wondered if he stared at her too long. 

He hoped he did not offend her.

Although, Loki wondered what the rest of her face looked like. To see both of her eyes must be just as mesmerizing.

Her fingers gliding over an image of a wolf had Loki pondering how many forms she could take.

Finally an answer. "In sorts. She is helping me expand my transformation choices. I am pretty new to this."

Loki smiled at fond memories… "My mother is an excellent teacher. I am sure you will do well."

Alexandrite closed the book and stood with a small, but perfect, curtsey. "Thank you prince Loki. I shall try to make it for dinner. I should go practice before seeing your mother again."

Loki stood as well, "I hope to see you for dinner then, and goodluck."

She bowed her head as she walked swiftly to the farthest exit point that went to a long hall. Loki thought for a moment before going the same way. He was rude to not ask to escort her and he could help her train. Seder was not something to practice alone. 

He was about to call for her but she was already gone… 

[voldemorthatesnose96]

Robbe IJzermans’ Log

Robbe’s short journal entry of his trip around Asia and his meeting with Sander. Enjoy❤️❤️❤️

It got yeeted so I have to repost it! Sorry!

Memory is a strange thing. Even the smallest part of it sometimes can take the biggest place in our mind, making us speechless by its beauty and sadness altogether.

But put it this way. Let’s imagine that memory is like a box of chocolate; once you eat it, you can’t stop taking it again until it’s done. It’s so decadent, bittersweet at times, a true guilty pleasure but utterly satisfying. Sound almost like memories, right?

For me, I still remember this one particular moment in life where I’ve finally falling in love with someone. No, it’s not a woman, but a man—a carefree soul, unapologetic for having such big dreams of traveling around the world, a bit selfish but have a heart as gentle as a lamb. His name is Sander Driesen.

We were practically strangers who accidentally met on 3 weeks trip around Asia. There were about 20-25 people who participated, almost all of them already knew each other. Sander even brought 3 high school friends with him. And guess what? I’m the only weirdo among this travel group. Surprise surprise.

It was genuinely frustrating for me back then. I’m the only child in the family. My parents wanted me to be a doctor someday, because both of them are surgeons. In short, my whole life is already planned. I couldn’t even take a break on Sunday because I’m always too busy to study and they were still nagging. When other boys like me playing outside blablabla, I could only dream about it. So at that point in life, I decided to take a chance, to became a rebel for some time and joined the trip. Didn’t even care that I have to emptied my saving because of it. I only got one thing in mind : “I NEED TO BE FREE!” and that was exactly what I had later. In short, I ran away from home and only left a goodbye note which said “mum, dad, I’m going to Asia for 3 weeks. Sorry and see you later”.

Anyway, meeting Sander Driesen was both endearing and strange for me. When I almost tripped while climbed up the stairs on the plane, he swiftly held my back with his palm. I turned around and caught the most alluring dark green eyes I’ve ever seen. Later, he asked me if I’m alright and my shitty brain couldn’t made the simplest word such as “yes” or “thanks”, so I just gave him an awkward nod instead and continued to climbed up without saying another word. Why the fuck did I do that??? I should’ve at least said something! Lord!

And I think fate was hating on me so much back then. Sander was actually my seatmate during the entire fly. He was also kind enough to asked me if I’m truly alright or not, and ONCE FUCKING AGAIN, I just gave him a nod, still tongue tied to say anything at all. From the corner of my eye, I saw him smirking while looking at me—didn’t know what’s that for.

There’s so many things I want to pour but sadly, I don’t have that much time to write the entire journey of my marvelous trip because I have to be at the hospital in 2 hours. But I’ll try to summarize it. Especially about Sander.

He’s also an only child, with a remarried father. He said he doesn’t hate his step-mother but if he could choose, he’d rather not be in the same room with her. His dad was actually half-begged him to not going, but Sander insisted; he wanted to see the world, needed to make the most of it and this trip was one of the best offer. He told me all this when we were at the airport in Shenzhen while waiting for our flight because it was delayed for an hour.

During our trip in Shibuya, Sander gave me a small Gudetama plushie that make could make a sound if you press it. He won it from a skill-crane and thought I’d like it because it has the same color as my sweater. And I do like it, very much and I still keep it safe inside my desk at home.

He was also introduced me to his other friends and we got along quickly. They were loud and didn’t understand the meaning of personal space, but I didn’t mind that at all. Being around them gave a brand new energy that I didn’t know exist within me.

Sander even introduced me to David Bowie’s music. That guy loves him too much, until one evening, when he was too drunk at this bar in Gangnam, he got into a small karaoke stage and started singing Rebel Rebel loudly. The others were too busy laughing and cheering, I was the only one who could convinced him to get down from the stage before he nearly took off his t-shirt. It was a rather wild night, but I enjoyed it. Every seconds of it.

Our last destination stopped in Bangkok. There was this hilarious experience where we tried this dangerous-looking fruit called “DURIAN” and boy, the smell was FUCKING HORRIBLE! Sander even had to excused himself once his nose caught the smell, and he wasn’t coming back until half an hour later. For the first time ever, I laughed at him, hard. I remembered how his expression was more amused than offended. He asked, “where’s this side of you since day one, Robbe?” and I answered in between my laugh, “I had no idea either.”

It was also Valentine’s Day. All of us were invited to a party at this club. But I got too dizzy because of the sound and everything. Not long after, Sander took me outside and we went for a walk together. It was almost 5 AM. I still remembered the night breeze across my neck, the thrill when I accidentally got too close to Sander—maybe you can call me weird but in 3 weeks only, I already fell in love with him. I fell in love with how he spoke about the world, the universe through his eyes, how his eyes always crinkled whenever he smiled, how his nose scrunched whenever he cackled, the gentleness of his voice even when he was drunk; Sander Driesen was captivated and mesmerized me in a way that no one ever could. And that time, I needed to confess, about everything that I felt. Though I couldn’t.

When we were talking about our future plan, Sander pulled out an acceptance letter at one of the most prestigious university in US. Full scholarship too.

But then, I saw doubts flashed in his eyes.

“I’m scared, Robbe.” He admitted, genuinely.

“You? Scared?”

“Because life’s never gonna be the same anymore.”

I still held my ground, kept my voice as steady as possible, “so?”

“I’ll leave my friends behind and they...”

“Secretly aren’t too thrilled about it.” I continued.

His dark green eyes were almost black now, even under the street lights.

“What will my Dad’s say? I haven’t told him yet.”

I considered it for a moment, “yeah, America is very far. When will you be going?”

“In 2 weeks, more or less.”

“Okay.”

Sander took a step closer to me, “I’ll be alone there, Robbe.”

I smiled softly at him, “and here? What about here?”

“Here feels nice. Too nice but...”

“But you want to fly,” I continued calmly. “You want madness. You want adventure. You also want to fall. I remember everything, Sander.”

“And this scholarship...”

“Will bring you a lot closer to your dreams.”

For few moments that felt like eternity, both of us just stood there and stared at each other. It was comfortable, it was needed, it was enough.

“Will you miss me?”

I grinned, “of course not.”

Biggest lie ever.

But from his face, I could tell that Sander only took that as a joke because he was simply gave me his usual dazzling smirk to me.

“Were you about to say something earlier?”

“It’s just... just wanna say that night is ended.”

Just like I thought, I couldn’t say it. Just... couldn’t say it. Because no matter how much I loved him, his love for his dream was bigger than mine and I wouldn’t want to stopped him.

I was hurt but also grateful. Every single memory that I take with me is always gonna be the part of who I am today and in the far future. I can never forget the madness, the sadness, the laughter, the thrills in those days and those nights.

Sander Driesen chased his dream so hard that he was gone in a blink of an eye. It’s almost 7 years now, he never turns back and I’m not waiting for him.

[teffyjeffy]

Fabric Tears (Part 3)

NEXT (Coming soon to the Mystery Shack!)

PART 1

PART 2

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

ONCE UPON A TIME...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

With the sudden task to redecorate the dining room for a tea party materializing in front of everyone, an aura of calmness had settled within the Corduroy household, much to Wendy's relief, Mabel's joy, and Dipper's confusion.

First off, the winter garb finally came off, now that there was no longer the threat of a bear running away while the coats were being removed. Dan was more than happy to house them in the closet located near the entrance. The closet, which originally was only keeping plaid colored jackets in there, now had a splash of color with the trio's coats added to the rack. 

The three Corduroy brothers returned in record time with a box of Candyleaf, and whole bunch of other boxes of tea flavors. They all talked over each other with excitement, talking about how the ghostly couple were so thankful for the boy's good manners that they were allowed to the other boxes for free. Dan roared with good natured laughter and got a second kettle of water boiling.

Wendy and Mabel were taking turns between keeping an eye on Mr. SnuggleLots and setting the table up. Mabel made sure to throw a bunch of cute stickers on the tea cups. Wendy taught the bear how to play card games, and thankfully, cards were not in Mr. SnuggleLots's diet.

Dipper and Frisk were taking a break, sitting at the bottom steps of the stairway and watching Mabel, Wendy, and everyone else running around and transforming the dining room into a top quality tea set for Mabel's wild tea party plan. Dipper and Frisk were also using this opportunity to keep an eye on the pets, with Dipper holding onto Waddles, and Frisk giving lovely head scritches to Toby

"Back in the summer, I bet I would've chopped the poor bear's head off by this point or something," joked Dipper.

"I have a feeling you would've faced some resistance from Mabel if you tried that," replied Frisk, holding the torn scarf in their hands and making sure that Toby was far away enough to not consider biting it.

Dipper laughed, setting Waddles down to give himself a moment to stretch his arms. "Yeah, probably. Still though... I don't know if she would have come to this crazy conclusion to throw a tea party if she hadn't met you. Maybe instead, she'd have... pfft, I dunno, encased him in ice and shipped him off to the North Pole?"

"It feels like any scenario is possible if Mabel is behind it," teased Frisk.

"Just her, huh? Sounds like someone's picking favorites," laughed Dipper, giving the child ambassador a playful shove on the shoulder.

"Maybe I am~ Are you willing to prove to me that you are the sibling who's worth more of my attention than your sister?"

"Ohhhhhh no, don't go there. Last time Mabel and I had that kind of dispute, things got... pretty ridiculous. I've hated carpets ever since..."

"If you're going to continue being secret about your stories, you should stop hooking people in like that. I was all down for letting your story remain untold, and then you bring up this sudden hatred for carpets? You have captivated me, Dipper."

The stairway softly echoed with the barks of Toby, the snorts of Waddles, and the chuckles of Dipper and Frisk... when another sound made its way to Dipper's ears.

It sounded like... sobbing. From upstairs.

"Everything okay, Dipper?" asked Frisk with a tilt of the head. "You got awfully quiet."

"I'm going to check up on Toriel. Call me if Mabel needs me," Dipper suddenly declared, making his way up the stairs.

"Huh? Dipper, wait-" began Frisk, but Dipper was already gone. Giving a sigh of uncertainty, Frisk resumed watching the rest of the group set up the table while the pets messed around.

Dipper was able to find Wendy's room pretty quickly, having memorized to route to get there, which he was embarrassed to admit. Without thinking, we twisted the knob and opened the door.

"Toriel, what's wrong? I heard... sobbing..........."

The room was almost completely dark, the only light source in the room coming from the paused image on Wendy's television. And there, sitting on Wendy's bed, legs folded and drawn in to her chest, was Toriel; her eyes were puffy and red, there was a prominent trail of tears on both of her cheeks. Even Papyrus could have deduced that the Ex-Queen had been crying.

Not wanting to stare, Dipper shifted his attention to the television set. The image on the screen appeared to be a home recording of some sort, the kind taken with a big vintage video camera. The background depicted a well maintained house with a wooden floor and fireplace. In the foreground...

There was a little goat kid, eyes wide with wonder, and tears welling up at the bottom of those eyes. He had white soft-looking fur, a tinge of pink to his cheeks, and just... the purest smile that Dipper had ever seen. Pure enough to rival Mabel's 1000-watt grins.

Toriel's yelp of shock jolted Dipper back to the present moment.

"Dipper! I- I wasn't- that is, I didn't... I didn't anticipate that anybody would need me so soon-"

"Nonono, it's my fault, I... I thought you were in trouble and I came running in-"

They both eventually stopped talking over one another and a thick silence fell on them.

"...........I- I'll go-" Dipper started.

"No, it's-" began Toriel, her voice hitching.

...

Toriel continued. "Frisk has... told me about you. How your curiosity tends to drive you."

"Well um... it's not something I'm proud of exactly... but yeah, I'd say that description fits me."

The awkward silence returned, but this time the intensity was a little lighter.

Dipper was the one to break it this time. "Listen, you don't need to tell me anything, my curiosity should not be a factor in this-"

"I appreciate that, Dipper. But let's be honest. If I had you leave now, things will be awkward afterwards, and they'll stay awkward for who knows how long. I.... I might as well tell you, now that you've already seen it."

For one last moment, silence filled the room, the only audible sound being the buzz of the old television set.

"......please come in," finished Toriel.

Not a word was spoken as Dipper warily entered Wendy's room and shut the door behind him, submerging the room in near-total darkness once more, minus the light shining from the TV. Toriel looked down to the floor. She said nothing, but slowly lifted the paw that held the remote... and hit 'play.'

"M-mom?! You made this for me?! It's gigantic! I want it! I WANT IT I WANT IT I WANT IT!!!"

"Ha ha ha ha! I know, it looks delicious, doesn't it! But that's no excuse to forget your manners. How do you ask for things that you want, my child?"

"Mom, may I please eat the cake?"

"Nope!"

"What?!!!? B-but you said... you said that I-!"

"Aha ha ha ha! I'm just teasing you my child! Before I can let you dig in though, your father and I need to sing for you!"

"That song again?? You sing it every year though, ha ha!"

"Maybe. But it is a tradition~ And it's worth singing for you, my bundle of sunshine~"

"Stoppit mommmmmm! You're embarrassing me!"

"Hush now, little one~ And close your eyes~"

The image suddenly went dark, and Dipper realized that the lights had been switched off in the household... then the screen lit up again, by candles being lit on the cake. The light gave the goat child a very calming orange glow. He looked so... happy.

"Okay! You can open them now!"

And he did. Dipper watched him gasp... somehow, the goat child's smile managed to get even bigger.

"♫Happy Birthday to you ♫..........♫Happy Birthday to you♫.......... ♫Happy Birthday dear-"

"Asriel" mouthed Dipper.

His lips had moved before his brain, or heart, or even his voice could process it. But he just knew. This was him. This... was Asriel. The child that Frisk had tried to save... and lost.

Dipper vaguely noted that at some point, tears had welled up in his eyes and they were currently trailing down his cheeks.

"...Happy Birthday tooooooo yooouuuuuuuuu~♫ Make a wish, little one!"

The video went still again. Dipper looked up to see that Toriel had hit the remote's pause button once more, the small box silently trembling in her paw. She dropped the remote, buried her face in her tear-stained sleeves, and let out the most gut wrenching wail that Dipper had ever heard. Instinctively he wrapped his arms around her. And bless her heart, she let him.

"He.......... he was everything..." whimpered Toriel after what felt like hours of weeping in Dipper's arms. "He was full of life... every day was filled with his cries and his laughter... the plan was when he was old enough to become a prince, we were going to surprise him with a throne that was just... covered with honey suckles. Asriel always... always loved those honey suckles..."

Dipper could not say a word. What could he say? He had never endured the loss of a loved one. He came awfully close to losing Mabel at the hands of him, but unlike Toriel, Dipper got lucky. He had his great uncles to thank for protecting him and his sister. But it appeared that Toriel did not have such luck...

Toriel sniffled. "You remember earlier when Mabel said she was willing to share her candy with the coolest mom to ever walk the earth, right Dipper?"

"I remember."

She gave a sad laugh. "Well... this is the day when I remember how lousy of a mother I was. I should have seen the signs. I should have stopped him... and I didn't. I'm no cool mother. I'm not even a good one... I... I was powerless, Dipper."

All Dipper could do was tighten the hug. Nothing could be said. Toriel Dreemurr was going through something that Dipper could never fathom, and part of him hoped that he would never come to learn it.

      There was suddenly a gentle creeeeeeeeeaaaaaaak that shook the two out of their hug.

It was Frisk.

Nobody said anything for a while. All that could be heard was the clinking and clattering of silverware downstairs.

"...The tea is ready," finally spoke Frisk. "Mabel is expecting all of us to attend. I can let her know if you need more time th-"

Toriel shook her head. "N-no, I'm alright. You said tea is ready?"

"Yes, correct," affirmed Frisk. They watched as Toriel remained tense. They gave a quick glance to the television screen, before looking back to their mother.

"...The plan was to talk once this was all over, correct?" said Frisk reassuringly. "I'll tell you everything then, I promise. But first, I'd like to have some tea. Mabel will be furious if anyone lets their cup get cold."

"R-right... Yes... Yes of course," said Toriel, standing up from the bed and dusting herself off. "Tell Mabel I'll be right down."

"Yes Mom," said Frisk with a hint of a smile, disappearing from view as they climbed back down the stairs.

"Well... I'll see you downstairs Dipper," said Toriel, wiping her eyes. "Mind shutting the TV off for me?"

"I don't mind at all, Toriel. See you down there," said Dipper with a wave, watching as Toriel disappeared from his view.

There was... a lot to process from that exchange. But it would have to wait for now. Dipper reached forward to press the TV's on/off switch...

...when something on the monitor caught his eye.

The dim background made it hard to see, but Dipper swore that there, sitting in a chair, was another child.

A human child.

...

Dipper hit 'play.'

"I wish that I can stay best friends forever with-!"

"Oh come on Asriel, you wished for that last year. Wish for something else this time, sheesh."

"Hey! That was rude!" said Asriel, seeming to be both shocked and tickled by the remark. "You're such a meanie sometimes, Cha-"

And then there was static. The videotape had reached its end.

                ...

Filled with questions that he knew he'd have to wait until the right moment to ask about, Dipper turned the TV off and finally left Wendy's room.

Dipper was met with a very lively spectacle.

Dan was pouring cup after cup of various tea flavors, handing them to Mabel and Wendy (both wearing heat resistant gloves) who fanned out to place each cup in front of 11 different seats at the dining room table. Toriel had already sit herself down at one of the seats, but had opted to wait until everyone was seated before she began sipping her tea. Toby and Waddles were running around underneath the table, darting under some chairs and darting around others. The boys and Frisk were gathered in the living room, Frisk eagerly listening to a story that Marcus was telling about how he once managed get himself a gigantic fish from the lake (while Kevin and Gus acted it out in the background to hype up the tale) and all four of them were smiling and laughing. Sitting at the end of the table, his beady eyes taking in the entire scene, was Mr. SnuggleLots.

"Dipper! Welcome back!" said Mabel as she noticed her awestruck brother. She walked up to him and took him by the hands. "Welcome to the tea party! Your seat is right over here next to Mr. SnuggleLots! Don't worry, he hasn't been biting anything since he ate my half of Papyrus's scarf. Come on, this way!"

Dipper let himself be guided by Mabel as she sat him down at his seat. Now that he was at the table, he noticed all of them had a designated name. Starting from Dan's seat, and working clockwise, the seats were as follows.

Daniel

Marcus

Gus

Kevin

Toriel

Frisk

Mabel

Mr. SnuggleLots

Dipper

Wendy

Francine

...Francine? Who was-?

"ALRIGHT EVERYONE!" Hollered Dan, clinking a glass so hard that it sounded like swords clashing. "THE TEA PARTY HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN! THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING, AND ON BEHALF OF THE MABEL PINES ORGANIZATION-"

"Yes my friends, that is actually a thing!!!" piped Mabel.

"-WE HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY YOUR TIME HERE! NOW, DRINK UP!"

Everybody swarmed the table, plopping down in their designated seats and engaging in lively conversation. The Corduroys, minus Wendy, clashed their mugs together like they were beer mugs, then blew on their cups and gently sipped on them because they were actually hot mugs of tea, not cold jugs of beer. Toriel was giggling as Frisk had managed to get roped into another story that Mabel was telling to Mr. SnuggleLots, whose reactions were proving that he could always understand English like Dipper hypothesized. Looking elsewhere, the boy was pleased to notice that Toriel was looking more and more like her old self, and Wendy seemed to be lighting up from the calm but animated gathering. Dipper couldn't help but smile, happy to see that Wendy was starting to recover from her frustration from the recent lack of sleep.

But in the midst of this discussion, Dipper noticed that the seat of Francine was still vacant.

"Wondering about the empty seat, kiddo?" Wendy spoke up, Dipper tearing his gaze away from the seat to look at her.

"Um... y-yeah I suppose," said Dipper, cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink. "Is it..."

"A seat for my mom? I'm afraid so, champ," said Wendy, giving a gentle smile and taking a hearty sip of her tea now that it had cooled down enough. "Francine Corduroy. Better known by her nickname, Manly Fran."

Dipper looked down, not knowing how to reply. As he looked up, he saw Toriel on the other side. She appeared to have overheard the conversation.

"Manly Fran?" repeated Dipper.

"Yep, believe it or not, my dad was always a fan of tea time. His masculine attitude was a rather late addition. It's how he makes sure that her legacy lives on, I suppose. Though I bet that most of what he does nowadays would just make my Mom howl."

"Did she enjoy tea?" Toriel blurted, before putting a paw to her mouth. It seems she didn't mean to speak out loud.

"Oh she loved it, especially if Dad was the one who made it," Wendy gave a warm laugh. "Her adoration for it is the reason my dad didn't abandon it when she passed..." she takes her napkin and gently dabs at her eyes. "It's our way of honoring her. We do this every memorial. It is... one of my favorite nights every year. It's cool that we managed to find an excuse to do it tonight, but... it just wouldn't feel right to have it without that one empty seat, even if this one isn't for her, you know?"

"I assume that the atmosphere here is... a lot less lively during the day of her passing..." Toriel's voice quivered near the end.

"Oh, you couldn't be further from the truth," snorted Wendy in laughter. "If anything, tonight's positive vibes are subdued compared to the anniversary of her passing. The whole day is filled with stories, memories, laughs, and endless tea for anyone who asked for it. I know it seems backwards to be that jovial during a day of remembrance for a dead family member who was a part of all of our lives- and don't get me wrong, there is a fair share of crying as well- but hey... if we're gonna remember her every year, we all knew that it would be better, and healthier in the long run, to fill the day with as many smiles as there are tears."

Wendy tilted her eyes towards the ceiling. She gave a kiss to the air, gestured her mug to it, and finished the rest of her tea. "Ahhhhhh..."

"That's... that's incredible," said Toriel, wiping her eyes.

"Oh, the tea was cold enough at this point," Wendy assured. "If it was fresh from the kettle, there's no way that-"

"No, I mean... the way your family honors your late mother. It's....... I've never thought of it that way. 'As many smiles as there are tears...'"

"Words straight from my Old Lady," said Wendy, leaning back in her seat.

Toriel looked down, silent. She witnessed her reflection in the steaming liquid. She managed a smile. "Wise words to be sure. I would've loved to meet her."

"She would've loved to meet everyone here," said Wendy with a courteous smirk, before heading out of her seat to quickly pour herself a second mug.

The topic of Francine drifted off soon after, and eventually everyone was back to jovial discussions that were occasionally sprinkled with a bark or a yip. All the while, the smile on Mr. SnuggleLots's face never wavered.

About an hour and a half passed before the mood died down enough to declare that the table should be cleared off. The kids had reconvened to discuss the night.

"I guess we managed to check off almost all the boxes on your Rehabiliteddy Program™, Mabel," said Frisk.

"Oh right, I forgot that that program had multiple steps," said Dipper, proving that Mabel had relied on this program before.

"Right... we still have no idea if this guy has an owner out looking for him," reminded Mabel.

"Or whether or not the owner ever want's him back," cautioned Frisk.

"Or even whether or not the owner is a human, or a bear, or something else entirely," added Dipper.

The kids went silent, stewing in all the questions that were unanswered.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Everybody in the house froze. Toby started growling at the front door. 

"Helloooo?!" came a muffled, ragged voice of an elder woman from the other side of the door. "Pardon the disturbance! I just need to know if something passed this way! A Teddy bear to be specific! One that's alive, to be more specific!"

The kids shared a glance at Mr. SnuggleLots who was being playfully tossed around by the Corduroy brothers. Did the voice truly belong to the bear's owner?

Frisk shimmered orange for a second, deciding that there was only one way to find out. "I'll get the door."

"Wait, hang on a second, Frisk-!" tried Dipper.

But Frisk had already marched toward the door and opened it.

On the other side was a heavily hunching, stubby old woman. Her skin was heavily wrinkled and had a sickly green complexion. Her hair was gray to the point of looking white, and there was a cobweb or two that was nestled in her shabby locks. And she was wearing a tattered cloak that was decorated with two giant shadows of disembodied hands.

"Hand Witch!!!" cheered Mabel, recognizing the kind hag.

"Well welllllllllll! If it isn't the lady who helped redecorate my caaaaaaave!" dragged the delighted witch. "And the boy as welllllllll! Good to see you!!! I don't recognize the kid in the striped sweater though..."

"Wait, the Hand Witch?" said Wendy, cocking an eyebrow in bafflement. "I thought you were just some myth that Stanley cooked up to sell his overpriced molds of decapitated hands."

"Nope, he and I go way back!" said the Hand Witch proudly. "Thanks to the kind metal-teethed lady, I finally know what it's like to have a sweet heart!"

"You have a boyfriend!!?" squealed Mabel in excitement, slapping her hands to her cheeks.

"Hm? Oh no, he broke things off with me weeks ago," explained the Hand Witch, cheerfully adding, "So I boiled him up and ate his heart! Hearts are surprisingly sugary after you cook them!"

Mabel looked like her own mom told her that Santa Claus got killed in a sleigh accident. "W.... What...?"

The Hand Witch laughed awkwardly. "That was a joke. I thought I was being obvious about that, sorry. We're still together!" she continued, holding up a photo of herself smiling happily and holding hands with... a pale skinned, wrinkly man with unfocused yellow eyes, crooked brown teeth, shaggy dirty hair, and a giant gaping hole in his chest. "I did eat his heart for real, though. He's a ghoul now."

"Oh, okay then!" said Mabel, calming down quite a bit, not appearing to care about the whole eating-hearts thing. Dipper probably did though, considering how creeped out he looked.

Frisk on the other hand marched straight up to the witch and stuck their hand out. "Frisk Dreemurr, Ambassador of Monsters from the Underground. Pleased to meet you."

"Ooooooooooooooo, such delicate haaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnds~! Um, I mean, the pleasure is all mine!" said the Hand Witch, eagerly shaking Frisk's hand with both of hers. 

"Am I to understand that you are the owner of this Nocturnal Teddy Bear?" asked Frisk, seemingly unphased by the Hand Witch dragging the hand shake on for a little too long.

"Yep!" nodded the Hand Witch. "Good ol' Beelzecub is my own creation! Did you kids cross paths with him by any chance?"

"Beelze-what???" Mabel stumbled over her words, when suddenly she felt something land on her head. It was Mr. SnuggleLots, recognizing the witch.

"Ah! There he is!" exclaimed the witch. "Beelzecub! You sure gave me a work out that is only sure to worsen my distorted spine! Why'd you run off?! Was it something I said? Or did? Was it something I didn't say or do? Speak to me Beelzecub! Speak to me, even though I know you can't talk! Was it because you thought I couldn't handle raising you when you turned out to be more of a bear than I intended?!

"What do you mean by him being more of a bear than you intended?" asked Toriel, approaching the group.

"My goal was to create the most Teddy Bearish sentient Teddy Bear to ever roam Gravity Falls!" bellowed the witch, imaginary thunder and lightning booming behind her. "But what came out... acted a lot more like your average bear cub."

"So you abandoned him?!" realized Toriel.

"Absolutely not! I raised him like any well-respected mother should do! Anyone who abandons a child if they don't come out exactly like they intended was never meant to be a parent at all!"

"I mean... do the rules of parenting apply here?" said Dipper, a little perplexed by this strange scenario. "What do you think, Frisk? ....Frisk?"

Frisk suddenly shook out of their stupor. "Hm?"

"Do you think the Hand Witch should treat Mr. SnuggleLots like he's her son?" said Dipper.

"Oh um, I suppose so. She did create him and all."

"See Dipper?!" said Mabel, nudging him. "I knew that Necromancy could be used for good!"

"I'm pretty sure necromancy doesn't apply here," grumbled Dipper.

"If he knows I created him, then why did my boy run away from home???" said a downtrodden Hand Witch. "I did my best to raise him right in the three weeks that I had him..."

There was silence among the group, nobody knowing how to approach this extremely weird conundrum. Even Waddles and Toby were silent.

The silence was broken by a familiar growl from a stomach made of stuffing.

"Oh!" said the Hand Witch, noticing the Teddy bear. "Are you still hungry, Beelzecub? I have a nice plate of fresh fish waiting for you at home!"

The bear said nothing.

Mabel got up to the hag's ear. "Try calling him Mr. SnuggleLots."

"Hm? That's a weird name..." nevertheless, the Hand Witch cleared her dry throat. "Oh Mr. SnuggleLoooooooootssssssss! There's a plate of fish with your name on it if you accompany Mama back to the caaaaaaaaaaave!"

The Trio, the pets, the Corduroys, and Toriel all watched as Mr. SnuggleLots's face turned a sickly green at the mention of fish, the poor bear looking absolutely nauseous.

And everything made sense.

"Mrs. Hand Witch," said Mabel, standing straight. "I believe we know why your pet Teddy ran away from home."

Dipper stood up next. "The reason for him leaving you was not because you were a bad role model, but rather..."

"You were feeding your child literal garbage," finished Frisk.

"B-but, look at him!" pleaded the Hand Witch. "He clearly acts like a... well... huh, actually he's acting pretty much how I envisioned him to act when I made him."

Dipper paced the room, stroking his chin. "I believe that what you had been dealing with was simply a side effect of a hungry Mr. SnuggleLots. It would appear, based on our experience, that the hungrier that Mr. SnuggleLots gets, the more animalistic he becomes. And this is not unheard of; I know a great number of people who display similar behavior when they're hungry. Take Mabel for example. Mabel!"

"Present!" said Mabel, raising her hand.

"Answer honestly! Do you, or do you not, start to growl like gremlin whenever breakfast takes longer than usual to be served?"

"I do!" said Mabel. "I also start biting the table legs!"

"Now then, Ms. Hand Witch," said Dipper, pointing at the witch who was taking notes. "Would you say that Mabel's behavior is well mannered, or not?"

"It isn't," Frisk chimed in. "But it is very much a quality that defines Mabel, and should never be corrected."

Mabel couldn't help but smile at that.

"So wait, hang on," said Wendy. "You mean to tell me that all of this crazy behavior was happening because Mr. SnuggleLots was hangry?"

"You are absolutely correct, Wendy." said Dipper, before returning his focus to the friendly crone. "The point we're trying to make here, Mrs. Hand Witch, is that when you created Mr. SnuggleLots, he was born without any food in his belly. He was starving. And he left your cave because what you were feeding him is not what he eats. It isn't fish, or bugs, or even honey. It is-!"

"Fabric!" said Mabel from behind Dipper, throwing confetti out of her hands. Where she got the confetti from was information that only she knew about.

"So, all that you need to do is change what you feed him," informed Frisk with their index finger up. "If you can't get over feeding him bear-food, then do it in the form of fabric. Knit a fish-doll. Use a yellow spool of yarn in place of a beehive. Things like that. Do that on top of everything else you've been doing for him, and you should be fine."

"I see, I see!" said the Hand Witch, enchanted by the new information. "I shall update his meal planner right away! Whaddya say to that, Beelz- um, I mean, Mr. SnuggleLots? Wow, that's going to take some getting used to... Ahem, well, Mr. SnuggleLots, how 'bout it? Ready to head back to our sweet little cave?"

Mr. SnuggleLots slowly crawled up to the Hand Witch... and gently chewed on her robe. Not eating it. Just chewing it.

"Looks like he's willing to give you another chance," said Frisk smiling.

The hag cackled with glee, picking the bear up and spinning him around. "Mama has missed you sooooooooooooo much!"

Mabel smiled at the happy reunion... but try as she may, she couldn't stop herself from choking up. "I'm gonna miss you, *sniff* Mr. SnuggleLots! Don't forget about me, you- you hear me?! I forbid it!!!"

"There there, sis," soothed Dipper, patting his sister on the back. He looked back to the bear, and gave a gentle yell. "Stay out of trouble from now on, okay buddy?"

"Your mother loves you very much! You're very blessed to have someone like her!" Frisk chimed in. "Don't forget to thank her occasionally!"

The sentient Teddy smiled and nodded, giving one final wave to the kids before the door to the cabin gently shut behind him and the hag.

"Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" came the over-the-top wails of Mabel Pines.

"And here come the post-Teddy-bear Blues," sighed Dipper, giving his sister a big hug.

"Ah, so this is a normal occurrence?" asked Frisk.

"Yep," nodded the capped twin. "She is incredibly loyal to any Teddy bear she encounters. You would not believe the number of times I've had to drag her away from various Lost and Found departments because she gave them a lost Teddy bear and couldn't will herself to part with it."

"Heh," chuckled Wendy. "I guess she couldn't bear saying goodbye to any of them, huh?"

The whole room went silent. Well, almost silent; Toriel took everyone by surprise with her giggles.

"You've been hanging out with Sans too much," snarled Dipper at Wendy.

"The guy's a hoot! Shut up!" laughed Wendy.

"At- at any rate," said Toriel, composing herself, "We should be heading out."

"Wait! We should try to help Wendy out with her sleeping problems!" said Mabel, having snapped out of her state of weeping. "I was going to suggest Mr. SnuggleLots but... he's gone now..." annnnnnnnnnnd the tears resumed.

"Meh, that wouldn't have worked out," said Wendy. "It's right in his species' name: Nocturnal. He'd be up all night, and I'd be spending the whole time taking care of him, instead of getting any sleep. But... it did give me an idea. I think having a stuffed animal would help me get to sleep."

"You want a what???" called Dan, his voice becoming a calm growl.

Wendy sighed and tightened her fists. No backing out now. She was a daughter of Francine Corduroy, and dang it, she was going to act like one.

"You heard me, Dad! You all heard me! I am done with the December noise! You all wanna holler about the upcoming New Year, do it outside! The pub, the woods, the sewers, I don't care! Just do it away from me when I'm trying to sleep! As for the stuffed animal, heck yeah I want one! I've always wanted one, why not!? They're soft, they're quiet, they'll help me sleep, and they don't even cost that much, Dad!"

"Dang, she's going off," said Dipper, almost mesmerized.

"'Tis the wrath of the teenager," said Mabel with deep respect towards the red-haired girl. "A power that you and I will soon acquire for ourselves, brother."

"And... A-and...!" Wendy stammered.

The room went quiet from bated breath.

"AND IF ANY OF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT, I'LL SUPLEX YOU INTO A MOUNTAIN!!!"

There was silence. Not a peep was uttered from any of the Corduroys. Wendy simply waited, puffing and panting...

        "BWAAAAAAAAAH HAH HAH HAH!!!" Dan howled with laughter. "THAT'S MY GIRL~!"

"Pardon?" said Wendy.

"First thing tomorrow, we'll stop by the local toy store. You can pick out whichever one you want! The boys wouldn't stop pestering me about it anyway. As for the New Years noise..."

Wendy tensed up.

"Baby girl, I'm gonna be honest, it completely slipped my mind how busy you are with the shack. I promise to take the noise elsewhere. And if you ever catch me forgetting that promise, you have permission to wack me upside the head with your late mother's favorite frying pan."

"You're kidding," said Wendy with a flabbergasted smile.

"Nope, you know I don't kid around with you or any of the boys," said Dan with pride.

"Heh... thanks Dad," said Wendy sheepishly, thinking to herself, Looks like Undyne isn't boasting around when she's giving advice. I keep forgetting that she was a Captain during her time underground.

"Victory for Wendy!!!" cheered Mabel, throwing more confetti from seemingly out of nowhere.

"And with th-thaaaaaattttttt..." Toriel said before letting out a massive yawn of her own. "I believe it's time that we headed home."

As the kids, the pets, and Toriel made their way back home in their winter garb (Mabel now donning a decently lengthed spaghetti scarf thanks to Mr. SnuggleLots biting it down to size), Frisk slowed their pace, drifting away from the kids until the stoic faced child was side by side with their mother.

"Frisk?" said Toriel, curious as to why her child fell behind. 

"I knew that today was Asriel's birthday. I knew the whole time."

"!!!"

"And when I found out that you stole the living room TV, I realized it was because you were planning to spend the day alone in your room with the videotape of his birthday. I... I wanted his birthday to be a day of celebration. A day where you and Dad could come together, if only for the one day. I..."

Toriel said nothing. She just picked her child up and held them close to her as she walked. Frisk buried their face in her shoulder, their tiny hands gripping onto her robe.

"I got..." whimpered the child. "...I got so mad when I found out that you were planning to spend the day away from me... from Dad... from everyone. If anything, we could've at least helped you carry the burden of all the grief the day brings you. So... So I stole the videotape in the hope that you would abandon looking for it and spend time with us instead. I should've told you, I know... but... I was scared you'd just turn me away... I'm sorry..."

"Oh, Frisk," comforted the remorseful mother. "You don't have to apologize for anything..."

    "...except for stealing."

That earned her a muffled chuckle. Okay, good.

"I'm the one who needs to apologize here. I should have never secluded myself from the group, from Asgore, and especially from you. If you knew that today was his birthday, you must've been grieving a bit yourself. And there is no doubt that Asgore was coping with his own grief as well."

She felt Frisk silently nod against her.

"Did you overhear the conversation I was having with Wendy, Frisk?"

"...A bit."

"Well," said Toriel, giving a murmur of a giggle as she ran a paw through Frisk's hair soothingly, "She told me something that I feel silly for not considering sooner. About how the anniversary of a lost loved one should be filled with laughter, not just grief. I promise you, this is the last night where I suffer in a room by myself on my dear Asriel's birthday."

"Really?"

"I swear it, my child."

Frisk pulled back to look their mom in the eyes and smile. "Thanks, Mom."

"You're welcome, my dear sweet Frisk," cooed Toriel, brushing her snout against Frisk's nose endearingly. "Would you like me to set you down?"

"Please," said Frisk. "I just remembered something I want to tell Mabel."

"Of course, sweetie," said Toriel, setting Frisk back down on the snowy ground. "I suppose we can consider this to be the end of the conversation that we both promised earlier to continue."

"Okay, Mom," said a beaming Frisk, before running up to rejoin the group and say...

"Hey Mabel, don't you owe your brother fifty dollars now or something? The owner of the bear turned out to be a witch after all."

"Huh... that's right! Alright, Mabel! Hand over the dough!"

"I don't owe you squat! I refused that deal, remember?! Frisk, you're my witness! Back me up here!"

"I plead the fifth~"

"Traitor!"

The next day was a whirlwind of activity. The Mystery Shack finally reopened, and it turned out that everyone's fear of a swarm was unwarranted, as there was no swarm. But, there was something new about the visitors that kept things interesting.

Monsters were beginning to visit the shack. Of all shapes and sizes, inhabitants of the underground were stopping buy to peruse the gift shop or experience a tour of the museum. Of notice, there was a dummy that was very brash and loud, but was very respectful when asked to shush. There was a purple spider humanoid that was creepily polite as she bought herself a few Mystery Shack Mugs™ and left a flyer on the counter for the 'First Spider Bake Sale on the Surface!' before tittering and leaving the store. There was even a humanoid cat and alligator that stopped by that Wendy just knew her ragtag of friends would get along with. 

Wendy looked like she had a face lift with how much better she looked. At Mabel's curiosity, Wendy spoke about how once this shift is over, she's heading out with her family to visit the toy store and get a toy for each of the kids, and that's when she'll be able to pick out her stuffed animal to sleep with.

"But honestly, I still have no idea what kind of stuffed animal I want right now..."

That's when a peculiar critter, with the cutest face and voice that Wendy had ever seen, passed through the door, followed by 19 lookalikes.

"Hoi! I'm Temmie! Is this the Mystewy Shack???"

Wendy knew exactly what kind of stuffed animal she wanted now.

But it wasn't just monsters showing up. Candy and Grenda finally passed through now that they could, and Mabel nearly knocked Grenda over with her pounce-hug. They spent the whole time preparing sleepovers, catching up, and promising other times to meet up that weren't sleepover-related.  

Old Man McGucket passed by as well! He needed a batch of normal AA batteries. When Dipper asked him what invention he needed the batteries for, he hooted and hollered, saying they weren't for him. They were for the alarm clock for his new lab assistant, simply named 'P.N.' Something about that name struck Dipper as familiar, but McGucket had left the store before the boy could ask him anything else.

Frisk had bumped into someone roughly their size. The other kid was in very suspicious clothing: A tiny trench coat, a fedora, and sunglasses. The only thing Frisk heard from the kid was a simple phrase spoken in a boyish, and ridiculously southern, voice. "If anyone asks, I was never here. Good day."

The Mystery Trio was certain the day was over when Wendy left with her family, flipping the sign from 'Got money? We're Open!' to 'Begone from this cursed place! We're Closed!' on her way out. But it wasn't over.

Toriel had been missing for most of the day, much to the Trio's confusion, the only clue given to them was that she had asked Stanley if there was any flour left over from the errands he was running when Tim attacked. Now, they were about to find out why.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN," rang Papyrus's voice. "THE EX-QUEEN OF THE UNDERGROUND HAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE! THE GREAT PAPYRUS ORDERS YOU TO PLEASE HALT WHATEVER IT IS YOU'RE DOING AND PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY! ALSO IF SOMEONE COULD TELL WHY MY SCARF GOT SO MUCH SHORTER OVERNIGHT, THAT WOULD BE FANTASTIC-"

"As I told you, I will explain everything to you soon," a giggling Toriel promised the uptight skeleton, waiting until everyone had congregated in the living room and kitchen before continuing. "My friends, I owe you all an apology."

The whole crew went quiet as Toriel went on.

"Some of you know- and for those that don't, I apologize for holding this secret from you- that yesterday was the birthday of our departed prince of the underground, Asriel Dreemurr."

Gasps were heard all around.

"I spoke nothing of this occasion previously because I didn't want anybody to know. I wanted to grieve alone. I wasn't even willing to share the grief with my ex-husband, Asriel's father, Asgore. My time of grieving for all these years had made me grow distant and selfish."

She spared a glance to Asgore before closing her eyes, sighing, and proceeding.

"Yesterday, a chance encounter with Wendy's family opened my eyes to something. If I'm going to remember Asriel's passing for every year when his birthday comes around, I'm doing my poor child a horrible disservice by not celebrating. By not smiling. By not laughing. By not spending it with those who were close to him and the friends of those close to him.

She looked to everyone. The misty eyed Stan twins. The Papyrus who was trying his best not to shriek like a dog whistle. The Sans who looked lively for once. The Undyne and Alphys who were looking pumped as all heck. The joyous Mettaton. The smiling Napstablook. The Asgore grinning from ear to ear. And the Mystery Trio, who were slowly realizing what she was about to say next.

"So who wants to help me bake a cake?!"

As pandemonium continued to ensue in the kitchen, Toriel found a moment to pull Asgore aside. They both were now sitting quietly on the couch of the back porch.

"Everything alright?" asked Asgore.

"In the grand scheme of things, absolutely not," answered Toriel with brutal honesty. "Our child is still dead. And with him, 6 other children fell. By your cursed trident."

Asgore could only look down, well acquainted with the crushing shame that coursed through him.

"But... today is a tribute to Asriel's birthday. And you were... are... his father."

Toriel finally looked the ex-King in the eyes. "I may never forgive you for what you did after we lost Asriel. However... you were the best father a boy like him could've ever hoped for. And you continue to be that father for our little Frisk. For that... I cannot thank you enough."

"...that's all the thanks I could ever ask of you, Toriel." said Asgore with a sad smile. "I appreciate you telling me."

Despite herself, Toriel gave a small smile. "Come inside. Cake is almost ready, and I'm not going to sit and listen to your whining if you aren't quick enough to nab a piece."

"Ha ha ha, of course," beamed Asgore.

"♫♫HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUU!♫♫"

The band of misfits finished the terribly sung rendition of the ancient tune. And yet, it was music to Toriel's ears.

She looked up to the ceiling, wiping her eyes and smiling.

"Make a wish, little one~"

"Mabel, Frisk, you guys go on ahead. I'll be right behind you as soon as I'm done with something!"

"Okie dokie!"

"Understood. See you in the morning, Dipper."

Dipper was just on his way to a long needed nightly rest, when he remembered a very important question he wanted to ask Toriel. This was why he approached her as she was getting ready to settle into her bed with a good book.

"Hey, Toriel?"

"Yes, Dipper?"

"In all the excitement from last night and today, I forgot that there was something I wanted to ask."

"Ha ha ha, and what would that be?"

"Yesterday night... I was watching the tape after you left, and... I couldn't help but notice that there was another child in the background."

"Another child?"

"Yeah! They were looking away from the camera a lot but I think they looked like a human... Who were they?"

Toriel gave a bemused smile. Her face was one of pure honesty, and when she answered, her words came straight from the heart.

      And that's why what she said next did not sit well with Dipper at all.

                "Dipper, sweetheart, I'm afraid I don't understand. Asriel was the only child we had in our family. I don't remember raising anyone alongside him. Who is this this other child that you claim to see?"

A day spent remembering the passing of a loved one is better went it's filled with laughter and good company. Solitude and grief is necessary, but extended doses of it can be harmful.

Credits Scene

"Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" cheered the Hand Witch. "I present to you, my dearest Mr. SnuggleLots, with the first round of your new meals!"

The Teddy bear was currently seated at the table, the latter donned with a table cloth and three covered platters.

The first platter unveiled a perfectly crocheted fish, with light-blue scales made of yarn and beads for eyes.

The second platter revealed a giant spool of yellow and brown yarn, representing a beehive.

The third platter showcased a plethora of colorful beads, which symbolized different berries and bugs.

"So which one will it beeeeeeeeee?" dramatized the Hand Witch excitedly. "Take your pick! It's all up to you!"

Mr. SnuggleLots took a very decent amount of time examining all three tasty fabric-treats...

...

Before eating the tablecloth.

"Ah, I see," said the witch, dumbstruck. "You are... quite the picky eater."

Mr. SnuggleLots only smiled at her, his cheeks puffed up from the tablecloth currently in his mouth. 

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NEXT (Coming soon to the Mystery Shack!)

PART 1

PART 2

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

ONCE UPON A TIME...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

[whitecrossgirl]

All That Silence Said

AN: I am so amazed by the feedback and response I got to The Sound of Silence, honestly guys it just means so much to be that everyone has enjoyed it. This is the second part of the story and I hope you enjoy it. I won’t be writing anything for the next few weeks as I’ll be at home visiting family without my laptop but I’ll be uploading soon.

Mute AU

Brienne could sense the nervous tension in Jaime as they walked through the Red Keep. She had heard the stories, legends and myths surrounding Tywin Lannister and although she had never met him; she could tell there were truths intertwined with the myths. Jaime kept his little finger tightly looped around hers and she could feel his hand tremble slightly. He didn’t seem like the boastful, arrogant Lannister she had met, rather he seemed like a little boy, worried about getting in trouble. It stirred her resolve. She would speak for them both and she would not be intimidated by or kowtow to Tywin Lannister.

She faced a bear armed with only a wooden sword.

She would not tremble before the lion.

When they entered the room, Brienne looked at Tywin; tall, slim and carrying the arrogance and honour that came from the Lannister name. His eyes were apprehensive, the mind scheming and plotting behind them as he took in their haggard appearance; Jaime’s scruffy hair and beard; their filthy clothes, he barely cast a look in Brienne’s direction. All of his attention was focused on Jaime.

“What took you so long?” Tywin asked in a cold, yet commanding voice. Clearly he had expected Jaime returned to the capital months ago.

Jaime looked at his father. He crossed his wrists together, as if bound before he shook his head, opened his lips and dragged his finger across them in a single, swiping motion.

We were captured. They cut out my tongue.

“Speak boy,” Tywin ordered and Jaime glanced at Brienne; he still had apprehension in his eyes as she stepped forward.

“Jaime cannot speak; one of your men cut out his tongue when they captured the two of us.” Brienne explained and Tywin looked at her for the first time.

“And who exactly are you?” Tywin asked, although he could hazard a guess. The few witness reports he had of his son mentioned the tall woman in armour accompanying him.

“Brienne of House Tarth, I was Catelyn Stark’s sworn sword, ordered to being Ser Jaime back to the capital in exchange for her daughters. I am aware it is no longer possible.” Brienne replied calmly. They had heard the news one night when they had stopped in a tavern; they were still close enough that a few of the voices whispered their disgust at such a slaughter, especially at a wedding.

“Indeed; the younger Stark girl has not been seen since her father’s execution; Sansa Stark has married my son Tyrion.” Tywin replied as he pushed forward a quill and a scroll of parchment. “You might not have a tongue but you have both of your hands. Write.”

Jaime glanced at Brienne and glared at the parchment and scroll. He had always struggled with reading and writing; the letters would move around the page and he could spell the words in his head but never when they were formed by his hand. He did however, have one question for his father, one he was struggling to think of the actions for.

What will hapen to me now? Jaime scrawled on the parchment and pushed it to Tywin. If Tywin noted the misspelt word, for once he did not comment on it.

“You cannot remain in the Kingsguard. You can’t give your king the warning of an attack, or give orders to your men. I will speak with the king and you will be respectfully withdrawn from service. You will take my place as my son and heir and we will find you a bride.” Tywin explained; of course he had it all planned out. Tywin Lannister always had everything planned out.

Jaime wished he could speak; that he could rant, yell, swear and shout. He had spent months in captivity, travelled the length of Westeros, been captured, had his tongue removed, almost died several times and now that he had returned; what had he returned to? He would be removed from the Kingsguard, forced to take the role in life he had never wanted to take; lordship, marriage, heirs. Maybe it was foolish for him to have hoped for the slightest sign of care and consideration from his father.

Brienne had removed her finger from his when they had entered the room. She now linked it around her own again and turned her hand so that she was stroking the back of it with her thumb. With her other hand, she held it flat against her chest and pushed it downwards.

I’m here with you. Calm down.

Jaime nodded at her and unlinked their fingers. He looked at Tywin again and pressed his fingers to his chin and held it outwards to him. It was his own show of defiance. He would not write, only sign.

Thank you.

“You will need a bath,” Tywin said finally. “You still have your bedchamber.”

With that, Tywin opened the door and ordered one of the men standing outside to fetch a servant who would arrange a bath for Jaime. Upon the servant’s return, Jaime nodded at Brienne and left the room. He would find her later, hopefully unlike him, she would be in one piece. When the door slammed shut behind Jaime, Tywin fixed his attention on Brienne.

“You’re Selwyn Tarth’s daughter.” It wasn’t a question. He knew exactly who she was, about her House, her homeland, her suitability for his son.

“Yes, I am.” Brienne replied, not that Tarth was anything too special. Well, it was to her at least. It wasn’t one of the large, powerful houses or lands, however it was one of the best ports and places for trade with Dorne, Essos, Mereen, even as far away as Yi Ti.

“Tarth has declared neutrality in this war; how is it that the Evenstar’s only child and heir was sworn to the Starks?” Tywin asked and Brienne kept his gaze. She still did not see what was so intimidating about him. She knew of his power, of his plots and schemes, yet he did not intimidate her. He did not frighten her. They both knew that if anything, he owed her. She had returned Jaime to him; alive, if not fully well. Tywin Lannister owed her a debt.

And a Lannister always paid his debts.

“I was part of Renly Baratheon’s guard; after his death, I helped Lady Stark return to her son. I was sworn to protect her, not to the Starks. Protecting one person does not mean I protect or stand with them all. As of her death, I am sworn to no one and I respect my House’s neutrality. I want no sides in this war.” Brienne replied carefully. Although not one of her preferred lessons, she knew how to play politics. How to say the right thing in the right tone. How to play her part in the game.

“And my son,” Tywin prompted and still Brienne held his gaze. “You understand those actions he makes?”

“I do, he rescued me from a bear pit in Harrenhall when your ally Roose Bolton had me flung into it. Despite his inability to speak, we were able to communicate by developing a signing language. He is my friend,” Brienne explained before adding the next two words. “Nothing more.”

Tywin contemplated her words in silence for a moment before he spoke. “Then I thank you for returning my son to me. I owe you a debt. For now, you may stay in the Red Keep and serve as his interpreter.”

“Thank you,” Brienne said; they both knew he was making it sound like an assignment. Like he could control her, make her spy on Jaime and report back to him. It was actually a pitiful sign to her that Tywin held no interest in learning how to understand Jaime’s signing. To him, Jaime was perfect this way. A silent son couldn’t contradict, criticise or complain; three things Tywin loathed above all else.

For the second time, Tywin got a guard to arrange for a handmaiden, a bedchamber and a bath for Brienne. As she scrubbed weeks of dirt and filth from her skin, Brienne wondered how Jaime was going to cope. The two of them had built a strong knowledge and understanding on the road together; now that they were back with the rest of his family, they would have to begin again. His father had already refused to learn, she had to wonder how Cersei and Tyrion would react.

As it turned out, Cersei was able to outdo Tywin’s ignorance by completely ignoring Jaime. He had tried to visit her, yet she refused to see him. She had already been informed of his lack of tongue and she was repulsed and disgusted by him. Tyrion, on the other hand was proving his worth as the most decent Lannister by at least trying to understand him. Even if he couldn’t get all of the signs right.

“Let me try;” Tyrion said as he pointed to himself, pointed to his nose and dragged his middle finger down his arms three times.

I smell toilet.

Brienne tried to bite back a smile as Jaime grinned and opened his mouth in a silent gesture of the laughter he would have been making. Tyrion shook his head and sighed. “What did I say?”

“You said that you smell like a toilet.” Brienne replied and repeated the gesture of dragged the middle finger of her right hand down her left hand three times. “This sign means toilet.”

“At least I’m trying,” Tyrion argued as even Sansa gave a shy smile as she measured Brienne’s arm span. After their slightly awkward first meeting, Sansa had offered to make Brienne some clothes that would be suitable for her size. Although Brienne was reluctant in the young girl’s ability; she supposed it was better than nothing. Plus, anything that gave Sansa Stark a positive focus after the death of her mother and brother was fine by Brienne. “Has Father spoken to you any further about this marriage?”

Jaime frowned and shook his head. He made a cross with his arms in front of his face and twisted his hand around his ring finger twice.

I refuse to marry.

“You don’t want to get married?” Tyrion asked and Jaime glared and repeated the cross motion again.

I refuse.

“You won’t marry?” Tyrion guessed and Jaime nodded. Close enough. “You can try but Father will see this through. He might give you a choice, considering you’re the golden son. Do you think you’ll have a say in the matter?”

Jaime pulled a face and gave his smirking brother the middle finger. One of the few signs that was universal and needed no translation.

As the days passed; Jaime and Brienne began to settle into a new routine in the Red Keep. Now that Jaime had been formally dismissed from the Kingsguard; he and Brienne spent a lot of their time sparring and fighting. When they weren’t sparring, they were either practising their signing or teaching it to Tyrion and Sansa. Although Sansa was learning quickly, Tyrion was still stumbling over even some of the most basic signs and reliant on Brienne to translate for him. Jaime couldn’t deny that he was pleased that there was at least one area wherein he was cleverer than Tyrion. The rest of Jaime’s family remained distant and were either unable or unwilling to communicate with Jaime.

Tywin ignored anything Jaime did unless it was written on paper. Cersei maintained her stance on outright ignoring him. Tommen was unsure of how to react and kept as quiet as Jaime. Joffrey thought the whole situation was hilarious and spoke as if Jaime was deaf as well as mute. At least he did until Joffrey made a derogatory comment about Brienne that turned her cheeks scarlet with humiliation.

Jaime didn’t sign or write anything. Instead he stared Joffrey in the eye and drew his sword from its scabbard before raising his eyebrows testily at him. The point was made clear and Joffrey cowered back. He knew what happened to kings that angered Jaime. Yet once Joffrey had scuttled off to hide behind Cersei’s skirts, Jaime turned and kicked the wall in frustration. Hs lips were mouthing words that he couldn’t say, his face screwed up with the emotions that he couldn’t verbalize. Brienne knew that if he could speak, he would have been ranting and yelling at the top of his lungs.

Jaime stopped kicking the wall and instead leaned against it. His face was still screwed up, he was forcing himself not to cry as he made one gesture. He signed crowning himself and slitting his throat before pointing to himself.

Kingslayer. I’m the Kingslayer.

Brienne tilted his chin up with her right hand and made a sign with her left. She held out the index and thumb of her left hand before using them to point to herself, at Jaime and herself again.

Jaime. You are Jaime.

Jaime wiped his eyes and Brienne put her arms around him. She hadn’t meant to hug him but he seemed so helpless, devastated and alone. She had felt those feelings before and had no one to show comfort, that they cared. Brienne knew that she had made the right choice when Jaime latched onto her with the force of a drowning man clinging to his salvation and buried his head in her neck. Brienne tightened her hold on him and tracing circles on his back to reassure him and calm him down.

Jaime felt tears slip from his eyes and tried to wipe them on Brienne’s shoulder without her noticing. He was never more pleased with her decision to stay in the capital; he had no idea how he would have coped without her at his side. She was the only one who could physically understand him, the only one who could speak for him when even his own signing failed him. Sometimes, it was as if she could see into his head, like she could hear the words he was screaming in his mind and able to say them for him. She was the closest and truest friend that he had ever had. And yet, she had no idea how much he appreciated her. Even now, just being with him, offering that strong, silent support, he didn’t just feel like she was calming him down. Being held in her arms, felt like home.

As Jaime stepped back from the hug, he looked at Brienne and attempted a smile as he held his hand to his chin and held it out.

Thank you.

The hug seemed to unlock a door between them. Until that point, physical contact between them had been limited to linked fingers or rare touches on the hand or arm. Now physical contact came easier to the both of them. Neither of them had been particularly tactile people before but now it felt as natural as signing. They would lean against the other when sitting, hands would naturally reach out and hold the other’s when walking, each conversation at the end of the night ended with a hug and Jaime signing sweet dreams at her. Their daily fighting and training became more of a dance between them and if one helped the other up from a fall or knock to the ground, they held on for a moment or two longer than they should have.

Just a moment. Or two.

The thought struck Jaime one afternoon when he and Brienne had joined Tyrion and Sansa in their chambers. Sansa had made Brienne a dress to wear for the wedding and she was eager to see Brienne in it and any possible changes she could make. The thought had struck Jaime when Brienne had stepped out from behind the screen; not because she was wearing a dress made of deep sapphire blue which highlighted her eyes and was tailored to flatter her body, but it was the look in her eyes. A look that he had never seen in her eyes before. Jaime knew she felt beautiful in the dress; something he knew that she had never felt before. Jaime felt a rush of affection, more intense than he had ever felt before and a thought struck him.

He wanted Brienne to have that look in her eyes every day. He never wanted her to doubt that she was beautiful ever again. Because she was beautiful. She was the most beautiful woman in the world to him; not just in her looks but in her heart and soul too. She was compassionate, kind hearted, brave, loyal, intelligent, and witty and the realisation hit him as forcefully as a brick to the head. 

How had he not realised it before?

He was in love with Brienne of Tarth.

“It’s wonderful Sansa,” Brienne said truthfully as she admired the dress in the mirror. Instead of trying to show a femininity that didn’t exist, like other seamstresses had attempted in the past, Sansa had chosen to make the dress sleeveless, showing her arms and coming in slightly at her hips before falling into a full skirt that moved easily as she walked. It didn’t bare her bust like other dresses or cling to places it shouldn’t cling, it was the sort of dress she imagined when she indulged in rare fantasies. Ones where she was a beauty and could wear a dress with ease.

“Thank you,” Sansa replied. “I thought the loose skirt would be better for moving or dancing, like when you’re fighting, you wear looser clothing.”

“I think it would,” Brienne said as she held out the skirt, feeling the smoothness of the material against her fingers. Brienne looked at Jaime and Tyrion, who had been carefully quiet in their discussion before she pointed at them with two fingers and tapped her temple with the same two fingers.

What do you think?

“You look marvellous Lady Brienne,” Tyrion replied verbally, not trusting himself to sign the wrong thing. Brienne looked at Jaime who smiled at her before pretending to swoon dramatically onto the bed. Jaime sat up and with his right hand, traced a circle across the edge of his face twice. One word, one sign that he’d never used before, not to Brienne, not about Brienne.

Beautiful.

Brienne smiled softly and pressed her hand to her chin and held it out, thanking him, before returning back behind the screen to change into her clothes. She tried to not think too much about Jaime’s response. She did feel that she looked beautiful in the dress and Jaime had started to playact with his signing; especially when expressing his emotions he chose to be more comical and overdramatic unless he was genuinely frustrated or upset. Things had started to change between them. Brienne wasn’t sure how to describe it; they were close friends, of that she was certain. Although it was also possible that they weren’t just close friends anymore.

Later that evening, Jaime led Brienne out into the gardens for a walk. The sun was beginning to sink below the horizon as they wandered through the water gardens towards the worn out steps that led down to a small cove of Blackwater Bay. As they walked across the pebble cove, Jaime glanced nervously at Brienne. He had been thinking about this all day, although if he was honest with himself, this thought had existed in the back of mind since he had returned to the capital and was informed that he was going to be married. It had been a reckless thought then; now he was certain of nothing else but this.

Brienne could tell that there was something weighing heavily on his mind. She signed his name but Jaime just gave her a reassuring smile before he wandered down to the water’s edge. Jaime picked up a pebble and attempted to skim it across the waves. Brienne smiled and did the same, taking the time to choose a suitable stone and flicking it with the right amount of force to send it skipping across the waves. Jaime grinned at her before he pointed back up the direction they had come from. Brienne turned to look at where he had pointed but couldn’t see a thing.

“I don’t see anyth-“ Brienne trailed off as she turned back to Jaime to see him knelt down on one knee on the pebbles. They were close enough to the edge of the water that the waves were ebbing and flowing over their shoes and Jaime’s knee. “What is this?”

Jaime took a deep breath and he held her hands in his. He set Brienne’s hands over his heart before turning her hands back towards her.

My heart is yours.

Jaime then let go of her right hand and kept a hold of her left hand. He traced his finger over her ring finger twice before pointing to himself.

Marry me.

“You want me to marry you?” Brienne asked and Jaime nodded, placing her hand over his heart again.

My heart is yours.

“Your heart is mine?” Brienne guessed and Jaime nodded again. He placed one finger to his temple and pointed to his heart before pointing at her. One finger at the temple translated as I feel.

I love you.

Brienne’s eyes widened at that. She knew that things had been changing between them, she hadn’t dared to even dream or hope that they would be changing like this. That they would have these feelings for each other. Had they been there all along or had they found them along the way; their experiences bringing them together instead of tearing them apart? She wasn’t sure, the only thing she knew for certain was that this was real. This wasn’t a joke or a cruel trick. She could see the anxiety in Jaime’s eyes; she hadn’t given him an answer, he wasn’t sure if she felt the same. He knew that she was afraid that this was an attempt to mock her, to make fun of her.

Jaime held three fingers to his temple and set them over his heart again.

I know I love you.

Brienne mimicked his actions, setting three fingers to her temple before setting them over her heart.

I know I love you.

Jaime beamed at her and with his fingers trembling nervously, he traced his finger over her ring finger and pointed to himself.

Will you marry me?

Brienne grinned at him and nodded her head. She took his left hand and nodded as she traced two circles around his finger.

Yes, I will marry you.

Brienne helped Jaime to his feet and they wrapped their arms around each other, hugging over another tightly. Brienne could feel Jaime’s lips against her cheek. He wasn’t trying to kiss her, he was mouthing words. Brienne moved back so she could see him; Jaime looked at her and mouthed the words again. Although it was slightly unclear, Brienne knew what he was saying.

“I love you too,” Brienne said, gently cupping his face in her hands. Jaime closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to hers. Brienne kissed him back and in that moment, nothing else existed. Nothing else mattered.

It was them against the world. It always had been and it always would be.

[sunflowerstache]

Lovebug

A/N: This one shot is in honor of the iconic Jonas Brothers reunion that’s currently happening...something I’ve waited a 6 long years for. I’ve always loved the song, and was listening to it last night and just started writing this? lol so here's a lil bit (and I do mean lil.... its very short) of fluff I wrote for y’all when I should have been writing AW04(: ps thanks @emotionally-imbruised @theasstour

Growing up in the limelight, Harry always knew that things would be much different for him than other young adults. He couldn’t just waltz into the grocery store and have a regular shop, couldn’t post dumb shit on social media for his friends to have a laugh without any reprocussions, and wouldn’t be attending crazy fraternity parties where someone drunkinly smashes the beer pong table. He knew that, and was okay with that, because he loves his job. But what he didn't realize was how hard finding love was going to be. How everyone in the world would be watching as he went through the awkward stages of beginning a new relationship, the settled down middle parts, and the end when it inevitably became too much for his partner. How the paparazzi and constant intrusion into his personal life would drive away the people his heart had opened up to.

Until her.

He had met her whilst standing in the of the cafe down the street from the studio, waiting to pick up the order his assistant had placed for the entire team. The gloomy skies and pending rain forecasted for the next week in LA had kept most everyone in their homes, giving Harry the chance to enjoy the leisurely stroll he’d taken to get the food. As soon as he walked through the doors, it was like something straight out of one of the romcoms he had saved; the golden lights that were hung above the register danced around her, almost making it seem like she was under a spotlight for him. Small flecks of glitter sat on her cheeks, the sparkle catching his eye anytime she moved her head, and the pocket of the apron around her waist held a multitude of colored pens - in order from lightest to darkest. But it was her smile that really captivated him. It wasn’t perfect like you see in magazines and on television, but watching as it lit up her entire face Brough butterflies to Harry’s stomach, and he was sure the small smile lines on either side of her mouth were the cutest thing to ever grace the streets of Los Angeles. 

“Hi!” her grin widened ear to ear as she looked at him, “Your total is $57.29.”

“Hmm? Oh yeah, have’ta pay.” he was sure the apples of his cheeks and tips of his ears were a bright red as he dug for his wallet.

“As much as I wish I could just give you the food, I do have to pay rent for this place, so...” someone from the back called out an order and the bell on the countertop was rung, but Harry’s focus was still on her.

“You own this place? I’ve never seen you before.”

“It’s my dad’s, but he mostly works in the office, so I occasionally come in to help run the-” the bell was rung again a few more times and he watched as she turned around to face the kitchen, “Steve! Quit ringing the bell, yeah? Taylor will get to you in a minute.” she turned back to look at Harry, “Run the ship out here.”

“Well it’s a great ship. Has great food.” holding up the two plastic bags in either hand, Harry chuckled, “Order from here probably more than I should.”

“Again, I do have the pay rent, so I’d say you aren’t ordering enough.” what he’s assuming is her name was called from the back and yellow painted fingernails  tapped down on the countertop, gave Harry a large smile before making her way towards the other side of the restaurant, and called over her shoulder, “It was nice to meet you. I’m sure I’ll run into you again, seeing as you order so often.”

After that first meeting, Harry couldn’t get enough. He thought about how her eyes held a kind of warmth he’d never felt before. He thought about how her eyes twinkled under the houselights, and how anytime he closed his eyes, her smile was at the forefront of his thoughts. So, he went back. And went back again. And again. Until he had been visiting her at the cafe, between studio sessions, consistently for almost three weeks. He would sit on one of the empty bar stools and just chat with her until he figured he looked borderline obsessive and decided to leave. The two talked about anything imaginable while she worked; everything from favorite sports to watch during the Olympics to embarrassing school memories, and Harry had never felt more comfortable around someone in all 25 years he’d been on the planet. And one night, after a particularly brutal day at the studio and his assistant insisting to pick up lunch so he didn’t have to leave, Harry laid in bed with his thumb hovering over the brand new contact. They’d only been friends for 21 days, that was nothing. Was it too early to hit dial? And in his moment of weakness and need to hear her voice, Harry’s finger hit the small green button and a dial tone  echoed through the dark room.

“Hello?”

“Hey love.”

Which is how the pair ended up sitting across from one another at a local Italian Restaurant on the outskirts of Los Angeles. There were many times that Harry would say he was nervous; X factor auditions, first performance at MSG, putting out a solo album, getting the chance to sing with his idol Stevie Nicks, but none of it compared to how he felt as he watched her walk into the restaurant. He had insisted to pick her up, claiming it was the gentlemanly thing to do and his mother had raised him right, but much to Harry’s dismay, she informed him that she lived just down the block and would meet him there after work. Seeing her walking towards him, clad in a burgundy sweater and dark jeans had taken his breathe away. 

“I’m so sorry! I know I’m like 10 minutes late, and underdressed but there was the oddest rush of take out orders right before we closed and then my cat puked on the dress I was going to wear. But I’m here.” she exasperated, plopped down on the chair he had pulled out for you when he stood up to great you.

“It’s alright, don’t worry. I wasn’t here too long.” False. Harry had arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes before their reservation, having him now seated there for a total of a half an hour. But he wouldn’t have it any other way, for looking across at her, pulling a few pieces of fuzz from the sleeve to her sweater, took his breathe away. How could someone look so completely and utterly beautiful without even trying? “And you look wonderful.”

“Not to shabby yourself, Mr. Styles. But,I expected nothing less.” beautiful gleaming eyes glanced at Harry over the menu and she settled herself.

At that, Harry didn’t know what to say. He had been routinely talking with her for almost a month; indulging in information he hadn’t told anyone in years, yet he had never fully told her his name. Anytime he was about to, it was like all of the bad parts of his past relationships came flooding back and pulled him away from that edge. His name brought many things; opportunities of a lifetime, beautiful designer clothing, fans he loved more than anything, and a decent amount of money so he could support his family. But it also brought the bad things that generally made people run in the other direction; rumors, endless hours spent away from home, and countless news articles picking apart his friends, and because of that, Harry decided not to tell her his name.

“Styles huh? So, you - you know -”

“I don’t live under a rock, you loser.” her head slightly tilted back in laughter, accentuating her neck, “And at the risk of sounding like a massive years long fan, you always put your orders under the name Hershel, so I didn’t really have to wonder too much.” 

Hearing those words fall from between her lips made Harry feel hopeless. Hopeless for the spell she was casting on him, with her effortless beauty and remarkable smile. Never before had he met someone, who vey clearly knew who he was, and made it obviously noted that they didn't care. And he loved it. Being able to be Harry Styles from Holmes Chapel and not Harry Styles from One Direction was like a breathe of fresh air and yet somehow his brain was in overdrive and left him speechless. How would the conversations go now that he knew she knew? Harry’s bustling mind was set to ease as she change the topic and opened the conversation with someone exploding a bottle of tomato sauce all over her at work that morning. And just just like, every doubt he had, for those few seconds, about if she would treat him differently, flew out the window. The two had taken residence in the restaurant for nearly 4 hours, watching as the employees switched shifts and a new group came in, pretending to be countless couples within the establishment and create mock scenarios for each, and talk about their respective careers. 

It had been a long time since Harry felt a bite from a love bug, but he still knew the feeling. In fact, he welcomed it with open arms, but this bite felt different, this bite was uncharted territory, for he had never felt so strongly for someone so soon after meeting. So, he made sure to do everything by the book; help her put on her jacket, open doors for her, walk her home, albeit it was just down the street, and made sure she got safely inside. But as the pair stood under the bright porch light, the butterflies from the first day Harry met her had returned. Her skin was sparkling again, creating small specks of greens and reds and pinks to dance on her cheeks and a contagious smile was spread on her mouth as she pulled down the sleeves of her light cardigan.

“Thank you for tonight. I haven’t gone out in God only knows how long, and I really needed it.”

“Absolutely, anytime. Thank you for agreeing to come with me.” Harry by no means was unaware of how this part of a date was supposed to go. For all intents and purposes, he’s a smooth guy. But no one would pick up on that from the painful silence between the two. His hands were digging into his pockets, seemingly trying to get as deep as possible, and he slowly swayed back and forth. A small smile still played on her lips as she cleared her throat.

“You know, this is generally the part where you kiss me goodnight and then go home and text me.” Harry didn’t have to wonder if the embarrassment was evident on his cheeks, for he could feel the blood rushing his face’s high points. How was it that he was so unbelievably bad at this, even after having so much practice. “Or not, ya know. I’m not trying to for-”

Finally, his brain and his body met in the middle and closed the distance between them, gently covering her mouth with his own. The crisp Los Angeles air floated around the two, but that wasn’t the only reason for the growing goosebumps. His hands quickly made their way to cup her cheeks while hers wound around Harry’s waist, making his body shiver at the contact. It was like they were molding by the same artist, their bodies fitting perfectly together and neither wanted to break apart. But needing a breath, she moved her head to the side, resting it on his shoulder as he kissed the side of her head, moving away.

If he thought he was speechless when she walked into the restaurant earlier that night, he didn't have words to describe how he felt after their kiss. It was as if suddenly he forgot how to speak. Like nothing else in the world mattered more than given her a soft smile and kissing her forehead one more time. Nothing in the world mattered more than how he felt for her in that moment. Nothing in the world mattered more than her.

“Goodnight.” Harry grinned, running and quick hand through his hair, and turning to walk back to his car, “I’ll text you.”

Yeah, he definitely got bitten by the love bug again.

[i-am-here-with-fanfic]

The Illegitimate Son- Ch. 3 2/2

           Aria was in her room, laying outstretched on the bed, tears staining her cheeks. She was stressed but worked up the strength to shout from her room. “Alright, I made some sandwiches to snack on. Feel free to make some dessert, Faian. I think we could use some later…” 

           She got up, trudging to the mirror hanging on the wall and saw how messy she looked. She didn’t even get out of her work uniform and her hair certainly looked like she was in a rush. Taking a deep breath, she began to fix herself up. She started with her hair, then changed into different clothes and nodded to herself.  

           ‘Here goes nothing…’ she thought. Looking next to the mirror, she gazed at the three framed pictures on the wall. Aaron never entered her room out of respect, so he had no idea as to how it was decorated, or that she had those three pictures. 

           The first picture was of a blond boy, with ruffled hair and two long bangs that were nearly blocking his eyes. He had a missing tooth, but he showed off his smile at the Kindergarten picture day.  

           The second was from when she had taken the two camping when they were ten. Aaron had dyed his hair by then, styling it back, and was trying to hug Faian as he wore a goofy grin. Faian, sporting a similar smile, kept him at bay with his tail. 

           The third one was a picture of Aaron in his ice-skating uniform, winning first place in the local juvenile league and qualifying for state. He was definitely proud of himself, showing off his gold medal to his mom as he stood atop the pedestal. It was taken just a couple months before Aaron graduated middle school and Faian received his provisional license. 

           Aria fought the urge to sob as she tore herself from the smiles of her son. With a shaky breath and a few fans at her face, she steeled herself as she stepped out of the bedroom.  

           Walking towards the kitchen, Faian spotted her first as he sat across from Aaron, whose back was turned.  

           “Mum.” 

           “Hey, Mom.” Aaron turned with a light smile.  

           “Hey, sweethearts… how was school?”  

           “It was cool…” Aaron muttered, swirling his glass around dejectedly.  

           Faian knew he was lying, and he easily picked up on Aria’s discomfort. Without skipping a beat, he broke the tension by recounting about his day. He glazed over most of his classes but went into detail about the hero training. They performed what was called a ‘Battle Trial’, pitting pairs of students against each other in hypothetical scenarios. Unfortunately, he did not get to actively participate as the teacher had showed a recording of him performing a similar exercise with some second years when he first began the process of transferring back in September of last year, followed by him having to give a thorough analysis of each pair of students. 

           “That’s amazing! I can’t believe they’re already having you guys train.” Aria responded, relaxing a little. 

           “It is not much different than the college back in the States, but I do hope I get to do more than just act as an aide.” 

           Aaron smiled and shook his head. “Imagine if Eraserhead was there; I saw him one time and, oh my god, I couldn’t stop trembling. He looks so intimidating.” 

           Aria continued chatting with the two, easing herself as Aaron talked more about his day; however, when he checked his phone for the time, Aria spoke up, her demeanor changing. 

           “Oh, I told your Coach you wouldn’t be skating today.”  

           Aaron had a questioning look in his eyes, but it soon went away as his mother continued.  

           “Well, I need the time to tell you about who your father is…and to explain how… how it all happened.”  

           She was hesitant at first, but as she took Aaron’s hands in her own, squeezing them to reassure herself, she continued. “What I did… I am not a perfect being, but what I did was unforgiveable. Before you learn who your father is, I-I want to tell you how it happened.” 

           Aaron didn’t understand what was going on, but he gave a nervous smile and urged her to continue. Faian gave them both a reassuring smile before getting up to make some coffee, tea, and brownies. 

           I had just gotten my hero license part way through school. At the time, I was working with a friend, Jae, who wanted to create a costume of metal that worked with my Quirk. She was heavily inspired by Vikings and medieval knights, so of course it was going to be flashy. Jae knew David Shield, an intelligent scientist who specialized in creating support items and hero costumes so, we all worked together. Between them two, he was the hard-working one, and I offered to buy him lunch as a thank you for helping her. 

           When we decided on a place to go, Jae joined us as I wanted to thank her, too, for coming up with the idea; however, on our way to the restaurant we heard an explosion. Forgetting about lunch, we immediately ran over to the burning building. I couldn’t stop thinking about the people trapped inside and I ran in without thinking. 

           I was carrying two people when I heard cheering from outside. It was odd but I thought a more well-known hero had arrived, so I hurried to get those I was carrying to the paramedics before rushing back inside. Being a newer hero, some of the law enforcement tried to stop me, not knowing I was able to help, but also because the building was beginning to collapse. I couldn’t just stand aside knowing I was capable of helping. 

           After finding a few more people, I began to lead them out, using my battle-axe to shield us from falling debris and cutting through any rubble in our path. Unfortunately, a column had collapsed next to us, and the ceiling began to cave in. Without a moment to lose, I pushed the civilians through the exit. Within seconds, I was buried under tons of rubble. Although I was still conscious thanks to my Quirk, the smoke was suffocating, and the roaring fire lapped at my skin. I could barely hear the shouting outside, and I thought I heard someone mention that I was still inside. Whatever the case, I soon blacked out. 

           I woke up in a hospital bed, half expecting to be dead. I would’ve been fine if I was; I got to save a lot of people, after all. Turns out, your father was the one who saved me, and he came along with David and Jae in the ambulance. I was told they wouldn’t leave my room, except when one went to get food for the others. When I finally woke up, it was just your dad, sitting in a much too small chair to my left. 

           Aria smiled thoughtfully as she recalled the first time she met Aaron’s father. While he was still unsure of where she was going with this, it did calm Aaron to see his mom had positive memories about his dad. 

           As did the scent of his tea, Faian’s absurdly strong coffee, and whatever chocolatey goodness was baking in the oven. 

           He was staring intently at the monitor, and he didn’t notice I had woken up. Until I spoke, of course. He had such a handsome face that I was somewhat intimidated, and I ended up blurting out “Are you an angel?”

           Understandably, that had taken him by surprise. He was really awkward trying to explain himself, fortunately, Jae and David had arrived with some food and helped clear the air. Turns out, he was a transfer student with this captivating idea of becoming a symbol and pillar for the people, and David had made him a suit out of gratitude to help inspire others. 

           Soon after I recovered, Jae finished her project and told me to use the armor set as much as I wanted, and that if it ever broke, I can return it to her to get it fixed. I was glad that I had the costume because I could go out and help people in need with your father. His blinding determination and faith was contagious, I wanted nothing more than to help him in any way I could. But… All things have to come to an end, and even though he had decades ahead of him, I was still terrified of what might happen once he was gone. 

           Aria’s shoulders slumped as she hung her head, resting her cheek in the palm of her hand. Her eyes held a deep regret as she paused to take a breath. Aaron was gradually beginning to connect the dots as Faian’s eyes were wide in disbelief, his vertical pupils easily noticeable. 

           Eventually, he returned to Japan, but I couldn’t shake this uneasy feeling that something might happen. With every news report that covered his heroics, I grew more and more paranoid. 

           What if it was a trap?

           What if he didn’t make it this time? 

           What if…? 

           So many different tragedies ran through my head, and even when he came back to America years later to catch up with David, I still had those crippling thoughts. So, I came up with an idea, and made a secret promise to him that no matter what happened, he would have someone to continue his legacy. 

           Choking back sobs, Aria took a moment to compose herself, terrified of what her son may think of her. Faian gave her a light pat on the shoulder while Aaron had one hand covering his mouth, the other clutching his teacup tightly as tears welled in his eyes. Those brilliant blue eyes that were so very much like his father’s. 

           “I invited him out for drinks, and…” she wiped the tears from her eyes with the hem of her blouse, “and what we did… what I did… It was unforgivable… Fuck. Aaron, please know th-that I did what I-I thought was r-right… I gave him his heir. I had you…” 

           Aaron was silent, uncertain how to react. As his mother stood up to give him a hug, to try and reaffirm that she does actually love him, Aaron flinched. He clutched his stomach in pain, quickly excusing himself by saying ‘I don’t feel so…’ and rushing to the kitchen sink, retching uncontrollably. He held onto the sink for dear life, his knees buckling and needing Faian to support him as he continued to vomit. 

           When Aaron had finished, panting heavily, he turned to face his mom. Wiping off his saliva, he muttered “Who… who is my dad?” 

           Aria looked down at her feet, trying to find her words. Finally meeting his gaze, she answered the question he had longed to know. “Aaron… Your father… His name is Toshinori Yagi, better known as the Symbol of Peace- All Might.” 

           Faian was quick to catch Aaron, helping him to the table for a seat. Aria was kneeling by him, her arms holding him close as she cried into his shoulder. Aaron was still in shock, and Aria was in no condition to continue.  

           “I am not one for speaking when it is not desired, but I cannot, and shall not, lose another family. Mother, you clearly know you have done something awful, that alone is admirable, and you have spent so many years trying to right that wrong. It shows. I do not think Aaron would have wanted to model himself after you if you did not atone for your sin.” 

           Faian’s voice washed over Aria as she looked up at him, a soft inviting smile on his lips and his arms open. She stood, lingering by Aaron’s side before leaning into her adopted son’s embrace. His steady heartbeat calming her, he turned his attention towards Aaron. 

           “Brother. I do not pretend to know what you must be going through. My parents may have been heroes, and my great grandmother instrumental in normalizing Quirks; however, your father is a symbol. That is not to be taken lightly, but please understand that you do not need to follow in his footsteps. I think Mum has made that clear over the years.” 

           Aaron stood from his seat, steadying himself with the table before joining Faian and his mother in the embrace, tears streaming down his face as Aria burst into tears once more.  

           “No matter what stories we may weave, or the tales we may spin, there is no fathomable way to avoid the truth. We must accept it, and while it may render us apart, it is only temporary. We are indomitable, and we will continue to grow and learn and better ourselves in ways we cannot begin to imagine. I have no doubt that we will have our share of disagreements but know this- For so long as my heart beats, it beats for the two of you.”

--- 

           Aaron watched the streetlights pass by, his head leaning against the cool glass of the car door window. Once everyone had composed themselves, it was agreed that Aaron would spend the night at Faian’s, as he and Aria would need some time apart. Currently, Aria was driving to the two-story Victorian, her eyes fixated on the road ahead of her. Faian sat in the passenger seat, holding a parcel of the brownies he had baked during the reveal. 

           When they arrived, Aria was afraid to give Aaron a hug or approach him. She was terrified he saw her as a villain, and when he refused to meet her gaze, her eyes began to sting. With a simple nod, she turned to Faian and hugged him, thanking him for his help and letting him know she’ll pick Aaron up after school. 

           Aria drove off and Faian opened the door for Aaron. As they entered, Aaron spoke for the first time since leaving his mom’s apartment. 

           “I forgot to tell her I love her…” 

           “Aaron…” 

           “Do you think she loved him? I mean, really loved him. She’s a huge fan, but I… I don’t know…” 

           Faian only gave Aaron a reassuring hug before leading him to the guest room upstairs. After suggesting he take a bath before getting some sleep, Faian kissed Aaron on his forehead, wishing him a ‘pleasant night’ and leaving him to his thoughts. 

           Alone in the room, Aaron could only do as Faian suggested, still in shock that he is the son of the single greatest hero known to humanity. It shook him to his core, but he knew he had to figure something out. 

           Does he believe Faian and return to his mother, accepting the truth and begin a new chapter in his life? 

           Or does he reject it, pretending it was all just an elaborate lie and live in denial knowing he could do more? 

           He sat on the bed, his damp hair framing his face as he stared intently at the bedroom door. With a deep, shuddering sigh, Aaron shook his head as he came to his decision. Climbing under the covers, he kept to one side of the bed, his arms outstretched towards the empty half. He wept with a racing mind and heavy heart, unaware that halfway across town, his mother was curled up on his bed, a picture of her holding a newborn baby as she lay in a hospital bed resting on a pillow beside her. 

           Meanwhile, Faian stood in the middle of a room lined with bookshelves burdened by books and mementos, a projector hanging overhead as a magic circle slowly spun beneath him, the room bathed in an ethereal glow of gold and silver. 

           No one got much sleep that night. 

---

Beta Reader, Editor, and Collaborator- @starrylegend

[honestdreams]

Princess | Peter Kavinsky

I sighed resting my head back against the bus seat, I hated taking the bus but Peter and I were in a weird spot right now so of course I wasn’t going to sit in awkward silence with him just to get a ride to school.

“Why so blue L/N?”

I opened my eyes to see Jake Brakowski, turned around in the seat in front of me, with a soft smile of his lips.

Any other girl’s heart would flutter at the sight but mine belonged to Peter. I didn’t answer him, just looked at him, hoping my eyes would tell him the story my brain couldn’t.

“Let me guess it’s the boyfriend?” He folded his arm over the seat and rested his chin on them.

I simply nodded and looked out the window, wondering what Peter was doing, probably focused on Lara Jean like he always was.

She was pretty, I knew she was. She had such great style, is really nice and she was so smart. I was jealous, but of course I wasn’t going to admit that, so when Peter asked me why I was always so cold around her I couldn’t simply swallow my pride. Instead I was vague with my answers, barely looking him in the eyes because I was afraid if I did he would realise how much better off he is with her and would leave me.

He stormed out of my room, after an hour of my childish act, I didn’t blame him for slamming my door shut and leaving me to my thoughts. I felt extremely guilty, sick to my stomach even, because I love Peter and I’m so afraid that he won’t want me because of how insecure I am.

“Hey,” James pulled me away from my thoughts again. “You guys are going to be okay. I mean you guys are everyone’s couple goals.” He smiled and I couldn’t help but smile back.

The bus stopped and everyone piled out, I waited until everyone trailed out, not wanting to get trampled, and James seemed to wait with me. We walked out together and he threw his arm over my shoulder.

“Keep your head up, or you’re not going to win best smile like in the 6th grade.” He teased, brushing his fist on my chin softly. “I mean you were lucky that year because Jessica got hit in the face with a soccer ball and lost her tooth, but you’re still a knockout, you got to know that at least.”

I laughed and blushed as he continued complementing me while we walked to class, I knew it was all to make me feel better, but it was working. For a moment I forgot about my fallout with Peter, I felt okay.

That is until, said tall brown haired boy came storming around a corner towards James and I.

“What the hell is going on here? You getting cosy with my fucking girlfriend Brakowski.” He shouted, getting angry pushing against Jake’s chest, who quickly took his arm off my shoulder, backing away.

“N-No, she just looked down and I was helping her feel better.” He tried to defend himself but Peter was in a rage and just pushed him again.

I forced myself between the boys, pressing my hands on Peter’s chest, “Stop it, he really was just helping me feel better okay?”

“No. Not okay. You’ve been acting weird all month, and finally we when stop talking to each other you cozy up to this idiot. Is this why you’re also so quiet because you were planning on leaving me for this punk? Huh?!”

“Peter I’m not talking to you when you’re like this, so calm down or we’re not talking. Just find me when you’re done being an asshole.”

I shoved myself away from his chest and stormed off, not wanting to deal with him in this state, because it made me both angry and terrified. I hated when Peter yelled, it reminded me of when my parents would fight and that always scared me to the bone.

/

I sat at the top of the bleachers, my legs to my chest, my face hidden in my elbow as I sniffed and brushed away my tears. I was so confused and hurt, my mind felt all muddled and my heart was lost in my head.

I got so lost in myself that I didn’t even realise that someone sat beside me.

“Princess you got to tell me how you feel. I don’t understand anything anymore.”

I sniffled and chuckled, “I don’t either.”

“All I need to know is if you love me or that…” he sighed, stopping himself from getting angry, “or Brakowski?”

“You Peter, it’s always been you.” I assured him, turning to face him.

“Then why where you being so cold?”

I took a deep breathing knowing I’d have to just be honest with Peter, “because I wasn’t sure who you loved.”

“What are you talking about?”

I sobbed suddenly and held my hand over my mouth to silence my cries, Peter quickly pulled me in close to him, and I cried on his shoulder. Not being able to stop the tears anymore, just crying my eyes out until I had none left inside me.

Finally, all that escaped my body was sniffles.

“Lara Jean.” I mumbled into his jacket.

“What?”

I pulled away and looked at my hands in my lap, “I said, Lara Jean, she’s the girl who made me feel this way.”

“What did she do to you?”

“Nothing… Nothing at all, well besides captivate your attention,” I chuckled coldly.

“What? She’s just my friend Y/N.”

“It doesn’t feel like that, when you cancel our plans to be with her. When you abandon me just because she calls out to you. When you don’t answer my calls or texts, but when we’re together and she happens to text or call you, you immediately stop our conversation to talk to her. I just don’t feel like I’m your number one anymore Peter. And you know me, I’m not going to fight to be important to you. Either it’s me or it’s not.”

He sighed and looked down at my broken state, my eyebrows frowned in frustration, and my lips slightly parted as I debated on whether or not I needed to say anything else. Slowly he took my hands in his and brought them to his lips before resting them in his lap.

“You are the most important person in my life, beside my mother and my brother Y/N, and you should know this, it’s my job to make sure you do, but I’ve failed you. I let you think that some girl was more important than you, but she’s not.” His voice cracked and I felt the tears prick my eyes again. “You are my sun, my moon and my stars. You’re my princess Y/N and I’m so sorry that I made you question if I loved you at all, because truly, you have my entire heart. I don’t want anyone else but you. You have to believe me.”

“I do, but why were you giving her so much attention then?” I needed to put my mind at ease.

“Because,” he sighed. “She was helping me pick out this.”

Suddenly Peter got down on one knee, and pulled out a little black box and I gasped. “No. No way, what is happening?”

“Y/N,” he softly grabbed my left hand and kissed my knuckle again, “I love you so, so, so much, and I plan on marrying you one day but for now will you accept this promise ring, and be my princess forever? Well until we have a little girl and then you become my queen.”

I chuckled and started to cry again, “Of course I will.”

Peter quickly slid the ring onto my left ring finger, knowing I would immediately jump into his arm, and wrap my arms around his neck soon after. He continuously told me he loved me over and over again, kissing my neck, making me giggle in his arms.

I pulled away for a second and admired Peter’s face, I pushed back his curls and left a kiss on the corner of his lips, making him roll his eyes.

“If you’re going to kiss me, you better kiss me properly princess.”

-

Masterlist

Hi again, wow I’m actually on a roll. I am feeling so much love from everyone and I can’t stop writing, but I also think it’s because I haven’t been to work in a few days so the life hasn’t been sucked out of me yet. But I know this isn’t as long as my other ones but I hope you still enjoy it!

Anyways thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who is liking and reblogging my stuff, like it’s crazy, never felt this much love before. Especially as my followers are growing like literally two night ago I was on 839 and now I’m 87 followers away from 1k and it’s blowing my mind, I started this blog barely over two years ago and I’ve so close to 1k I feel like crying lol

Anyways again, I’m working on another Peter K smut but I want you guys to send in more requests they’re fun and I like including you guys in my work, so don’t forget to request your little hearts out 

I love you  ♡

[jake-willow-writes]

Red Gold

A cold breeze swept into the coffee shop as an old lady pushed the glass doors open. The stale winter air mingled with the sweet fragrance that my hot macchiato gave off and crept up my nostrils, making them flare uncontrollably. I took a sip of the brown liquid, which flooded my mouth with rich flavors within seconds. Successful in containing my excitement, I let out a soft sigh of satisfaction.

It has been years since I have last visited this coffee shop but I still vividly remember the heavenly taste of their macchiato. Something that I loved as much as their coffee was their 'Thursday Surprise', which always comprised of a cup of espresso, a piece of plain toast and a small, slightly overbaked donut. I was sixteen when it came to my attention that the element of surprise in this weekday special really did say a lot about this small town of ours. Despite its mediocrity, my heart was still attached to this place. This, perhaps, was the reason why the confinement was such a big deal to me: I was torn away from my birth town.

"Geez, Nathan Herber, you know you weren't supposed to drink that!"

A muffled voice with a thick Australian accent exclaimed. Nearly choking on my coffee, I looked up and found Tyler behind the door, hollering. I was quick to put away the cup as he came up to me with an agitated look.

"No food or drink. You know the rules."

He was panting when he found himself a seat across the table. I knew I was in trouble, but he did not know that yet. It was his first day at work, which meant I could probably get away with breaking a few rules by laying down one or two meticulously crafted excuses. Flashing him an awkward smile, I handed my coffee over and offered,

"Try it. It's good."

Tyler, who was boiling with rage at the moment, rejected my gesture of kindness by pushing the cup to his side.

"See, I don't want to lose my job because of you. Do you know how hard it is to find a job nowadays?"

Protested Tyler as he gave me a menacing glare.

"You can't blame me for not knowing how messed up the economy is when I only get to come out two hours every month," I shrugged and continued, "and let's just say a tiny cup of coffee won't cost you your job. Alex lets it slide all the time."

Alex has been my bodyguard for two years by now. Suffering from a mild flu, he called in sick today lest he should pass the illness onto anyone else. As a replacement, Tyler was sent in to watch over me on my 'cheat day'. As a senior member of the shelter, Alex had the regulations engraved on his mind. He was excruciatingly strict about my diet for the first couple months but over the course of these two years, he has slowly come to realize that the shelter was being overprotective and sympathized with my situation. His compassion, albeit much appreciated, meant nothing in the face of the rules imposed by the shelter.

At the end of day, I was still prohibited from consuming anything while I was out on the streets. Now that Alex was on leave, I was able to regain control of my life for a day or two without having to worry about accidentally throwing him under the bus.

I could tell Tyler was unconvinced from the way he furrowed his brows. A weak grunt escaped his lips when I interrupted with a suggestion,

"I won't blame you for being worried. How about we just keep this a secret, one that's only between you and me?"

Carefully considering my offer, he leaned back with his arms crossed. His features contorted like a vortex as if the idea I was presenting was shaving bits and pieces off his sanity. The sound of his phone ringing was what released him from his misery. I could barely hear who was talking on the other end but somehow, I was certain that this caller was up to no good. After what seemed like ages, Tyler slipped the phone back into his pocket and slammed his fist against the wooden table,

"Dr. Jensen said there's an emergency and that you need to return to the shelter this instant. I told you this was a bad idea, I told you!"

During the walk back to the shelter, I could hardly breathe as though my lungs had been crushed by a giant boulder. Shivering at the thought of Dr. Jensen running all the possible tests on me, I gagged and grunted like a drunk man at the Oktoberfest. With all the equipment in the laboratory, they could easily tell there was caffeine coursing through my veins. Sometimes I wondered how the advancement of technology was a bliss to the world, but was an absolute hazard for me. Everything just seemed so unfair: how the government treated me, how I was always the lab rat, how I had to live under this curse.

My attempt to sneak back to my room was proven unsuccessful when the guards flagged me down at the hallway. Their helmets might have helped them mask the disdainful expression on their face, but it did little in muffling their scoffs. It appeared that the entire facility knew I did something that I should not have done and now the karma has come. Tyler must have called the securities when I stowed away at the coffee shop. He thought the department was on his side and would not inform the researchers – he thought wrong, for betrayal is common among these days.

I was greeted with a spray of antibacterial white fume when I stepped into the laboratory. A piercing tune composed of mechanical cacophonies and rackets could be heard when I advanced further into the place. Upon my entrance, Dr. Jensen turned to face me in his swivel chair, his face dark as the night sky. Meeting his gaze sent a wave of uneasiness through my body as if ants were crawling all over my pale skin. I ran my fingers through the bed of straw resting on my head in hopes of alleviating the itchiness on my scalp.

"This is not good. Not good at all..."

I muttered gingerly under my breath.

"You're correct, Mr. Herber. This isn't looking promising, for yourself and for the world."

Dr. Jensen suggested as he tapped his fingers on the arms of the chair. He was listening carefully to every word I was mumbling, that was how I knew I was in for some deep trouble. I bit back a hiss and backed away from the anger burning in his eyes. Leaning against the wall, I let out a nervous laughter,

"Hah, I thought you said the lab was renovating and wouldn't need me here for a while."

I looked around without moving my head like a toddler frozen in terror. The old furniture in the room was wrapped in white linen cloths and most of the experimental equipment was stored in cardboard boxes that stacked up neatly on the floor.

"I find it interesting how you can recall this place is under renovation, Mr. Herber. I thought you couldn't remember anything, including the rules imposed by the shelter."

Dr. Jensen could barely hold back the fury in his voice. Both his tone and his gaze were as sour as an unripe lemon. Pointing to the stool next to him, he signaled me to take a seat while he continued his lesson.

"You know how important your blood is. The entire world is counting on you. Why can't you just be a tiny bit more responsible?"

The bitterness in his voice took a sharp turn and became motherly with a hint of sweetness within. Caught off-guard by this sudden change of tone, I apologized like a kid who just stole candy from his mother's pocket,

"I'm sorry I let you down, doc. I really liked coffee though and you guys wouldn't let me have it here."

After hearing what I had for the day, Dr. Jensen shook his head in a disapproving manner and sighed regretfully. His eyes returned to the monitor sitting on the desk and let his fingers fly across the keyboard, recording what I have consumed.

"Do you not know caffeine is poison?" Dr. Jensen's frown stood out from his wrinkled complexion, "How could you allow that thing to enter your body?"

Now a needle was stuck in my arm, taking samples from my blood. The crimson liquid trailed along the tube connected to the machine that was responsible for analyzing the plasma. He stared at the screen, frowning at the glaring warning that my blood was tainted with the chemical C8H10N4O2. I was trying to explain myself when the doctor stopped me with a raised hand.

"No more excuses, mister."

He said bluntly as another laboratory staff, Dr. Marx came in through the door.

"Oh right. It's you again, Mr. Troublemaker. I can't believe that's what we get for trying to keep you safe."

Marx's intent stare was shimmering under the light, a bright contrast to his bad mood.

"Hello, Dr. Marx," I replied plainly, "You know, I'm very grateful that you guys saved me from the government, but it's just coffee. I don't understand what the fuss is all about. A cup of coffee's not going to hurt anyone."

He gave me a taut smile, which quickly faded as he started toward me,

"If you think it's not that big of a deal, how about we just send you back to Washington?"

The memory of me being held captive flooded my mind. All of a sudden, the walls around me shook and shifted, turning from white to deep gray. I knew this place like the back of my hand: this was my cell in the government facility. This place has always made me felt like I was behind bars, but only worse. A prison mate might get to experience the joy of having sunlight caress his or her skin every day, but all I ever got to come into contact with was the cold touch of artificial lighting as they took my blood for further research.

We cannot afford the chance of you developing skin cancer, that was what they said.

Every day they sampled my blood, trying to unravel the mystery behind the power of the liquid.

"It's like the fucking panacea! How is this even possible?"

The government scientists exclaimed in exhilaration after they have first examined what they have taken out of my body. Rounds and rounds of studies confirmed that the miracle was actually the results of a mutation.

I have once taken a peek of the researchers' journal and saw this written on the page labeled 'Mechanism and Discovery'.

The subject has undergone a mutation that causes its cells to produce a toxin lethal to all known bacteria and viruses. From what was observed, the toxin is capable of breaking down the cell membrane or the protein coat of the antigen and releasing an enzyme to digest the cell content of said antigen. It is unlikely that running more tests on the subject would reveal the exact mechanism of this immunology reaction, but we could try and replicate the toxin that the subject releases. The discovery of this substance could very possibly save lives that are threatened by viral or bacterial infections.

This short passage has haunted me for the remainder of the days spent in the facility. Knowing that they would not give up studying the secret behind my blood, I was almost certain that I would have to spend the rest of my life being studied. Every time that thought appeared in my mind, I would ram my head against the walls of the cell, hoping it would either make the desperate idea go away or it would kill me and I would be out of this misery. In response to my suicidal actions, cushions were pinned to the walls so I could still bang my head on the wall without bleeding to my death.

The first time I held a shimmer of hope in my heart was when I heard the facility was under the ambush of an organization called 'The Shelter'. Despite the loud gunshots that were echoing throughout the corridors, I was thrilled to bits. Hiding at the corner of my cell, I was imagining myself running through the streets of Irvine, heading back home and throwing myself into my family's arms. It was no more than half an hour before the staff from the shelter found me sitting on the floor, giggling like a maniac.

By the time they got me back on my feet, the raid was almost over. Without a second thought, I pointed out the location of the closest exit and headed out the facility through the back door. My heart was filled with joy as I fled this literal hell that has held me for way too long. The soldier escorted us as we ran across the parking lot hastily. With an excited leap, I got onto the shelter's rescue helicopter. I found it hard to settle down with my emotions on a roller coaster, but eventually I calmed myself down and told them my story. After hearing what I had to say, they promised to take me back to my hometown under the condition that I would not expose myself to the public as much as possible. They explained to me that the government would be watching us constantly and that they would do anything to capture me again. At first, I was rather reluctant to agree to their terms, but thinking of how I could possibly return to my family, I saw no better choice than saying yes.

And so, I joined the shelter.

Snapped back into reality by a stern warning, I heard Jensen and Marz restated for the millionth time that I was not supposed to consume any food products while I was away from the structure. Considering how they would probably put cuffs on me if l told them the truth that there would be a day when they would have to repeat that statement for the million and first time, I nodded dubiously and steered away from the black clouds on their head.

When I exited the laboratory, the same horrible, machine-composed symphony bade me farewell. Accompanied by two guards, I stalked back to my room and stayed in bed for the next few hours. Taking blood samples was exhausting, especially when you are the one being stung by the needle. After being examined for so many times, I would expect myself to get used to the pain, but I never did. Even just back then, the pain was still as fresh as the first time I made acquaintance with the sharp, silvery spike.

It was 7 PM when I woke up to a weird sense of stiffness in my neck. Dr. Marx had talked to me about my improper sleeping position, but I never paid any attention to him. As I craned my neck, the ache at the back of head intensified, which made me flinch a little. I remembered how my mother would massage my shoulders whenever this happened and started rubbing the aching spot with my wrist. I could not tell whether it was the idea of home or the massage that made my neck feel better, but it did the job anyway.

I had been through a lot of 'cheat days', but I never got the chance to go back home. The shelter said my parents had moved and they could not trace the location of their new home. I figured they could not manage the sudden disappearance of their son and so they decided to leave this place resided by nothing but empty memories. Staring into the picture of my family that was hung on the wall right in front of my bed, I reminded myself that I must stay hopeful and perhaps one day, I would get to see them again. I missed my mother's vegetable stew, which was made with broccoli, carrots and potatoes. To be very honest, it was not that exciting of a dish, but it was better than anything I could ask for in the shelter. I had a piece of cornbread and went back to sleep soon after.

A gentle knock sounded at my door the next morning: it was Alex. He told me that one of the new staff got fired and that he felt bad for the guy. All that came tumbling out my lips was a guilty "okay..."

"So what are you planning on doing today?"

He asked me with a smile that resembled the warmth of the sun. I shrugged and pursed my lips,

"Don't know. Haven't got anything on my mind. Don't you think it would be cool if I could get two cheat days every month? That would be the dream of my life."

He raised his eyebrow as if he had just heard something preposterous.

"I know, I know. It's not gonna happen, but I can dream, okay?"

I threw my hands up in the air and complained jokingly. He mirrored my actions and said defensively,

"Okay, sure. There's one thing you gotta know though, and that is I have a lot of work to catch up on today. If you've got nothing to do, I guess you could possibly help me out?"

I was always treated as a 'friend whose also serves as an experimental subject' (The postmodifier was the important part). This was the very first time anyone has ever assigned me to a mission ever since my arrival to the shelter. Stoked, I pushed aside the covers and jumped to my feet like a child on Christmas day and asked,

"What is it?"

Flashing me the famous 'Alex grin', he put his hand on both of my shoulders and said,

"I need you to fetch some paperwork for me. The security department is having skeleton staff at the moment. You know where to get the documents, right?"

I nodded at such a profuse intensity that my neck started hurting again. After I told him that I'll meet him at the security office once I have got everything done, I burst through the door and perambulated down the hallway and entered the printing room.

The interior of the room was a complete mess. Papers of different sizes were stacked all the way up to the ceiling. The only illumination to the place was provided by a tiny yellow lamp standing on the coffee table in the center of the room. Walking over to the corner where the printer quietly sat, I took a few A4-sized papers and shoved it into the machine. With a brisk click on the on the computer mouse, I selected the file of the document that Alex wanted and started the printing process. Despite the old age of the printer, it was working at a considerable speed, spewing out documents steady. I paced around the room as I waited impatiently for the papers to be ready.

The combination of dim lights and the sound of paper flying out of the printer was almost hypnotizing. Soon I was lost in my own thoughts, only brought back to the moment when a sharp pain traveled up my body. "Ouch!" I cried as I stubbed my toe against one of those paper towers. It swayed violently, threatening to fall over and smack me in the face as retribution for not watching where I was going. At last, the tower had mercy on me and stopped swinging. Now it was looking like the leaning tower of Pisa, with most of its weight shifted to the right.

Carefully, I moved under the roof made of documents and unused paper and attempted to give the pile a little push. With several meticulous nudges, the papers edging out slid back into place, which proceeded to reveal a research form with my name on it. I was not authorized to handle research archives but after all, this document was about me. I felt like Eve, that I was betraying mankind just to quench my curiosity.

"The apple was dangling right in front of me and it would be a shame not to take it"

The serpent inside my head whispered in my ear. They couldn't possibly know me better than I know myself, right? I thought to myself and extracted the document from the dangerous spire coyly.

I quickly lost interest after reading the first few pages. The paper was mostly about how my body functions and described the capability of my blood. It also featured a bunch of words that I did not know how to pronounce, which led me to think that scientists are all just show-offs disguised as professionals. When I was about to put down the paper, my peripheral vision caught sight of a small box of words printed on the last page.

The subject, Nathan Michael Herber, was rescued from the Washington captive facility on 6/3/2015. After spying on the subject's family, we are affirmative that the subject was actually sold to the government by Maria Wake (Mother) and Denise Herber (Father) for an unknown sum. More information may be added in future revisions.

The document slipped from my shaking hands and landed on the floor with a genteel sigh.

So is this what it is?

I stormed out the printing room, leaving the documents in the printer. I had a feeling that I might pass out if I did not clear out my mind, so I did exactly that as I sprinted through the corridor. I have known this place for years. I could draw the map of the structure in my head, yet at this particular moment, I seemed to have lost all directions. I did not know where the security office was. I did not know where my room was. I did not know where to go. The thought of returning home shot through my mind like a bullet, but I knew that was not an option, not anymore.

After a lot of mindless running and exploring, I had finally found my safe place. The darted toward the utility room, weeping as I went inside and locked myself in. Flashes of joyful memories penetrated my brain as I covered my sweaty face with my hands. I could see my father tossing his five-year-old son in the air and catching him again in his arms as the boy hollered. My mother was laughing in the background and recording those precious moments on her newly brought camera. She had said she wanted to make a montage out of all these clips she had filmed of me. I could remember the pleasant smile on her face when she said that. All I ever wanted was to go back to those days when the sun was always shining bright in the sky.

About an hour later, the rusty metal door opened up with a swift pull. It was Alex again. He shot me a worried glance as he helped me up,

"You okay, man?", concern clear in his voice.

Unable to stop my body from tremoring, I replied wryly,

"I don't know who to trust anymore..."

Upon hearing my words, Alex's troubled expression turned into one of surprised. He took a brief moment to process what I had just said and tilted his head down. Taking in a deep breath, he said,

"I'm sorry."

He pitied me, he always had. Out of all the staff members in the shelter, Alex was always the one who had the most sympathy in his heart. Maybe that was why we got along: we both had that tinge of human kindness in us.

"Did you know?"

My voice cracked from all the sobbing I have done for the last hour. His lips curved inward and became a thin line. Silently nodding his head, he confessed,

"Yes, I knew that from the day I've met you."

I could understand why Alex did not tell me the brutal truth, for I did not want to hear it either. Proactively unraveling the truth is like standing under a tree in a thunderstorm: you are asking to be struck. If anything, I wish I had not known that it was my parents to gave me away to the government, that the ones who I was so desperately trying to get back to were the people who sold me out in the first place. As Alex patted me on the back, he kept repeating the same phrase over and over again,

"I'm so sorry."

It, obviously, was not his fault, but I did feel better after hearing him apologize for something that he did not do. I guess I just wanted someone to console me, that was all.

After wheezing for another hour, I decided that I wanted to be left alone and just contemplate the reason of my existence. I returned to my room and requested Alex to stay out of it, because I did not want my best friend to see me at this mental state. The place was eerily quiet, which only accentuated the sound of my cries. My family photos were still clinging to the wall, but the eyes of my parents did not feel comforting anymore. Instead, they were condescending and vile. I swept them off to the floor, which was painted a pale brown to imitate oak wood. The glass on the photo frame shattered upon the impact and flew all across the slick surface of the room. I braced myself in the tight hold of my blankets, which felt like my parents' hug. I hated it, but I simply could not stop holding onto them.

A gentle knock on the door tore me away from my sleep the next morning. I felt much better after one night of restful slumber. I could tell from the sound of the muttering that it was Alex who was behind the door. Standing alongside two guards, he looked weirdly strict (and sad) today. He brought me out to the lobby, which was filled with a bunch of strangers. They were all wearing black, but one man, in particular, had a briefcase in his hand.

"Dr. Jensen!"

I called out to him and he walked by, his face devoid of emotions. He turned around to look at me and shook his head slightly. He took the briefcase from the man and nodded toward Alex, who brought me up to the group of black-suited men and patted me on the back for one last time,

"I'm sorry you found out about this yesterday, but you know, the government really does pay plenty for you. We've gotta do it. I'm sorry."

So is that what it is?