#my sisters leaving soon and i don’t want her to and i feel so selfish and guilty

[twinksintrees]

i’m so tired. i’m so tired and i feel like i have no reason to be. i feel like i’m trying to be in 4 places at once and be what everyone needs to be all of the time and i don’t know what to do. i need to find a balance but i don’t know how, i haven’t had to juggle this kind of balancing act before. how do people do this

[starogeorgina]

𝐊𝐞𝐩𝐚

Paring: Daemon Targaryen × reader, Harwin Strong x reader, Criston Cole x reader

Warnings: Swearing, smut, child birth

1.03

You blink away unshed tears as you stare up at Ser Harwin; the look on his face was earth-shattering. No traces of anger or bitterness could be detected on his handsome face; the softness in his eyes made you feel nothing but guilt. You should never have believed the rumors, given into your husband's taunting or gone near Criston Cole.

You’re unaware that you’re crying until Harwin wipes them away with the pads of his thumb. “Prince Daemon told me your news; congratulations, princess.” He leans forward and kisses your forehead, and in a quiet voice, he says, “He also told me what he said to you. I wish I’d known sooner.”

Ser Harwin wasn’t a fool; he knew his beloved princess’s outburst of believing the rumors surrounding him and Princess Rhaenyra being true hadn’t come from thin air, but he had no idea Daemon was the one behind it. The Targaryen prince thrived in chaos, but after causing so much damage, the knight was grateful to be away from the keep for some time; otherwise, he might have done something to get himself executed.

“Do you forgive me?”

Harwin sighs, “There’s nothing to forgive. It was a misunderstanding.”

Pouting, you shake your head. “I should never have doubted you... henujagon īlva, valzȳrys.” (Leave us, husband.)

You wait until you hear Daemon leave; he didn’t need to be involved in your conversation, and you knew he wouldn’t be able to resist if he was within earshot. You take Harwin’s large hand in yours and say, “I love my husband; he’s the other half of me. Targaryens are made to burn together, but I love you too. I don’t know how to explain it; it’s a different kind of love. Since I was a girl, I always knew I’d marry Daemon, regardless of how I felt, but I chose to be with you. You make me feel safe and—”

“What is it you’re trying to tell me?” Harwin wipes away another fallen tear. “I’ve memorized each time you’ve confessed your love to me, which is how I know something is wrong. I can see it in your eyes.”

“I don’t know whose baby this is. I forgot to drink moon tea after the last time we lay together.”

His blue eyes fill with tears. “Prince Daemon will be the father.”

“I’m sorry.”

Your heart aches a little when Harwin hugs you; he was a good man. A far better person than you, Daemon, or Criston. He wasn’t selfish, violent, or entitled. You only wish you’d never questioned his loyalty to begin with.

“There’s something else I need to tell you.”

—

As the months passed, your body changed, and the gorgeous gowns you had made could no longer hide how large your bump had gotten. Rhaenyra often thought you were carrying more than one baby when your bump first started to swell, but now you were convinced she was right.

Daemon smooths his hand gently over the fabric of your dress, feeling the baby kick beneath. You were comfortable laying on your left side with multiple pillows fluffed around you to keep you in that position. Your husband lay behind you with his face nuzzling into the side of your neck.

“Have you spoken much with Ser Harwin?”

“No,” you say, feeling your lip tremble slightly. “Perhaps it is for the best; the less he is near during my pregnancy, the less people will talk.”

Daemon kisses your cheek. “The baby could look exactly like us, and the Greens would still gossip. I suspect the same will happen with Rhaenyra as soon as she has an heir.”

Your sister and her husband, Ser Laenor, had gone to visit various houses in the realm on behalf of your father, who was too ill to travel the distance himself. Although they had gone on dragonback, a large number of knights, including Ser Harwin, had been sent to protect them. When you confessed your antics with Cole to Ser Harwin, he was mad for a while but insisted he still wanted to be with you; he just needed some time.

“And what if the baby doesn’t look like us?” You knew no matter what, you’d love and protect your child fiercely, but you needed reassurance from Daemon. “I’ve been beyond foolish; I’ve given them the opportunity to make my child’s life miserable before they are even born.”

“I will cut out the tongues of anyone who dares question the legitimacy of our child. Any baby you have will be an extension of you; it would be impossible for me not to love them.” He rubs his hand along your stomach again. “This is my son or daughter growing inside you. Nothing anyone says will change that.”

—

“Princess, it’s time to push again.”

“I can’t! I can’t!” You sob, clutching onto the bed sheets tightly. The pain was overwhelming; you were convinced this is what dying felt like.

“Push!”

The midwives help guide you through the last few pushes until your daughter finally enters the room. She is placed on your chest, and you sob with happiness, “She’s perfect—oh fuck.”

Your daughter is quickly carried away to be cleaned up as the midwife pushes your legs open again. “Time to do this second time, princess.”

—

Daemon hums while gently rocking your daughter Daella to sleep, while your son Gaemon suckles at your breast. They were only a few hours old, but it already felt like you'd spent a lifetime loving them.

“Perhaps when you are feeling up to it, we can pick dragon eggs for the baby’s.”

You smile and say, “That would be nice.”

With Syrax having laid another clutch of dragon eggs, you were on your way to the dragon pit to pick one while being accompanied by your husband and sworn protector, but before you could leave the courtyard, your waters broke. Ser Harwin immediately picked you up and carried you back to your chambers, while Daemon sent for the maester and midwives.

“There, there,” Daemon says before gently placing your daughter into the crib next to your bed.

You smile down at her. Daella shares your pale complexion; her silver hair and the shade of her purple eyes were an exact match for yours. Gaemon got almost all his features from you, like his sister; his skin was pale and his hair silver, except his eyes were a dark brown.

“I think he’s had his feed,” you say when Gaemon stops feeding and his eyelids slowly start to close.

Daemon takes him from your arms so you can readjust your nightgown. He kisses the baby on the forehead. “They really are perfect.”

—

Sitting underneath the weirwood tree, you smile as Daella attempts to walk along one of the thick roots sticking out of the ground, with your loyal knight Ser Harwin right behind her, ready to catch her the second she slips. Gaemon lays back, his head resting against your legs, as you read a story about dragons out loud. Both eggs had hatched in the cradle, and your children were now getting to the age where they understood how powerful and magical dragons are.

“Careful, princess,” Harwin says softly. “Slow down before you fall.”

Daella grins up at the knight before jumping onto a different root. It wouldn’t be long before curiosity got the better of her, and she attempted to climb the tree.

When screeching comes from the distance, Gaemon points to the sky and says, “Mama, look! It’s kepa!”

You look up and see the Blood Wyrm flying in the direction of the dragonpit. Daemon always made a point of returning from dragon riding before supper time so he could dine with his family. When you lower your gaze from the sky, you are met with the cold gaze of Ser Criston Cole. You often notice the knight observing your son and daughter from a distance, but he makes no attempt to interact with them.

Although Cole would never admit it, you had a feeling he would risk his life for them just as Daemon and Harwin would.

—

Harwin takes one of the pebbled nipples into his mouth while you lean over him, your hands pressing against his chest. Daemon kisses the back of your neck, occasionally nipping at your sensitive skin with his teeth as he thrusts into you from behind. Over time, the three of you had come to an agreement that when the time came and you wished to have another baby, you and Harwin couldn’t fuck as you normally would, eliminating any chances of him getting you pregnant since you wouldn’t be drinking moon tea. But you still wanted to be intimate with Harwin, and your ever-devoted husband came up with an idea.

Daemon’s voice is cocky as he says, “So, Ser Harwin, how do you feel about our princess taking what she wants from us at the same time?”

Harwin grins. “Do you think you could take both of us?”

“Yes, I want you both.”

“Greedy girl!” Daemon smacks your ass.

Your heart races with anticipation at the thought of having both of them inside you at the same time. You're used to making love to them both, but this would feel different—more intimate, more primal. Harwin and Daemon had mutual respect for one another, but they mainly bonded over how much they loved your little family.

Your husband chuckles softly, his warm breath caressing your ear. “You’ll get what you desire, my love. I’ve bet you’ve thought about this plenty of times before, haven’t you?”

Feeling your cheeks heat up, you nod.

A princess desperate to feel her husband and lover fill her up at the same time.

Daemon slowly withdraws his shaft from your cunny, leaving you aching for more. He sits down on the bed beside Harwin, but before you have the chance to move over to his lap, the knight hooks his hands under your thighs and pulls you up until you are hovering over his face. Not wasting time, Harwin starts flicking at your sensitive clit with his tongue.

Daemon smirks as he listens to your whine. He had already ‘prepared’ both your holes before Harwin joined you in the bedchamber. After coming apart on Harwin’s lips, Daemon gently pulls the small cock-shaped object from your anus, then pulls you onto his lap so you are facing him, and slides his cock into your cunny again.

He leans back and pulls you down with him, gripping your shoulders and spreading them while Harwin readjusts himself behind you. The thought of having them both causes your clit to throb, “Please.”

Harwin guides his thick cock to where you’re aching for him. With a gentle nudge, he pushes past your resistance and enters your tight hole. You gasp as he fills you completely. The sensation of having them both inside you is foreign and exhilarating. Harwin begins to rock his hips gently, slowly pulling them out before pushing them back in again, while Daemon thrusts upwards at a harsher pace.

“How does it feel? Daemon asks, pinching your nipple between his fingers. “Good as you imagined?”

“So, so good.”

Your mind becomes hazy with pleasure when one of them starts rubbing fast circles on your clit. You come apart, squeezing both of them tightly. Harwin shoots his seed inside you, then Daemon follows shortly after, coating your cunny in his seed, which he will hopefully take.

The knight slowly pulls out, then brushes your sweaty hair out of your face and kisses you deeply. Daemon smirks, “Take your time catching your breath, my good knight, as we will be here all night.”

[tip-top-cloud-surfer]

The Danger Zone (Part 12) - Hangman

Pairing: Hangman / Fem!Bradshaw!Reader | OC

Word Count: 4.3k

This work, all my works, and my entire blog are 18+ ONLY. MINORS ARE NOT WELCOME HERE

Warnings: Unplanned Pregnancy; Military Inaccuracies; Brief and Not Really Explicit Sexual Content; Excessive Fluff; Use of "You," No Use of Y/N, No Set Physical Description

Summary: You and Jake take a new step in your relationship.

Series Master List

Master List

Jake sat across from Javy out on Javy’s back porch. Phoenix, you, and Emma were out together doing something that Jake was sure had to do with the baby, and leaving Jake and Javy to have a quiet afternoon to catch up between themselves. 

“You still don’t know the baby’s gender then?” Javy asked, causing Jake to nod. 

“She wanted to wait, and I didn’t mind.”

“But you have an idea, don’t you?” Javy prodded, knowing Jake as he did. 

“Yeah, I think that the baby will be healthy and happy.” Tapping his fingers on the table, Jake added, “But I sort of—and you cannot tell her this—want it to be a girl.”

“You want a girl?” Javy repeated, not looking surprised. 

“I’d be very happy with a boy. But I feel like a girl, who takes after her mom and looks like her mom, that’s what I keep picturing in my head.” Scratching his chin, Jake looked over at Javy. “The more that kid takes after their mom, the better.”

“How is the future Mrs. Seresin doing anyway?” Javy teased, leaning back in his seat. 

“She’s glowing these days, Javy. I swear. She’s absolutely glowing. And she says that the baby is getting more active. Nothing that I can feel yet, but they’re moving around in there. Mostly at night, which I can tell is going to annoy her eventually, but she’s just so happy every time she can feel the baby. And I mean I can see her bump getting bigger every week. I started taking photos of her so that we can track her growth. And I don’t know what it is but when I’m right next to her, I just feel the need to touch her bump and hold it and just be there.”

“Look at you,” Javy chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re smiling more than ever. You’ve got a photo from the ultrasound in your cockpit and in your locker. You spend almost every lunch break calling her. You’re always rushing home to see her.” Javy laughed to himself again. “You’ve gone soft, Jake.” 

“Fuck off, Javy,” Jake sighed without malice. 

“It’s a good look for you,” Javy defended himself. “I mean, you’re the guy who got his callsign for being selfish, Jake.”

“Yeah, thanks to my kid’s uncle.”

“He’s still not over it?” Javy guessed, reaching for his beer bottle. 

“He’ll never get over it,” Jake scoffed with a sense of finality. “Because he’s an idiot who thinks that I took advantage of her and that I’ll do something to hurt or upset her and the baby soon.” Rolling his eyes, Jake added, “He’d probably celebrate if we broke up.”

“I don’t think he’d celebrate . . . in front of her,” Javy added after a moment of thought. 

“He can fuck off for all I care. He’s not getting in between the two of us or our family. If he actually cares about his sister, he’d back off.”

“Has he at least reduced his attitude?”

“He never says anything in front of her. I’m pretty sure that Emma and or Penny would actually drop kick him if he did. And he’s not a complete moron. He doesn’t want to stress her out.” Jake took a sip of his beer. “So, he’s just an asshole when she’s not around.”

“I guess that’s an improvement.”

“Barely. I’m not going to deal with this shit when the baby’s old enough to hear his bullshit and sense the tension between the two of us. I mean, what if the baby overheard him saying shit about me? I’d fucking kill him, Javy, I’m telling you that right now. If he wants to be an uncle to my kid, he’s going to have to get over whatever stick is lodged up his ass.”

“Have you talked to her about it?”

“No. I don’t want to stress her out or pick a fight. It’s going really well right now, Javy, and I’ll never forgive myself if I fuck it up over her idiot brother.”

“She’s aware of it, I’m sure. Her and Nat talk about it, I think. And Emma.” Javy rubbed his cheek as an amused smirk tugged at his lips. “My money’s on Penny to kick his ass honestly.”

“I’d pay to see that.”

“So, you guys are talking about the future?”

“Every day,” Jake agreed. “She wants everything sorted out—or as much as possible—before she gets too far into her third trimester.”

“What do you mean by everything?”

“Getting things put in both of our names so that if something happens to one of us, the other can take care of everything and the baby. Getting our wills updated. Discussing who would take care of the baby if her family’s history repeats itself.”

“And how is that going?”

“We were looking for a house because with the cheaper loans I would get, it just makes more financial sense, and we’ll need the space. And as for the baby, it’s a little more complicated right now because we’re not married, but we’re working on it.”

“Can I make an observation?”

“Sure.”

“Why aren’t you guys just getting married?” Javy asked, causing Jake to pause. “Because a lot of this work would be done if you just signed a piece of paper at town hall. And you’d get benefits, she’d save a shit ton on medical expenses, and there’s no big fight in the hospital if something happens to one of you.” Javy added after a moment, “A huge part of why Nat and I got married was so that if a bird strike or G-LOC situation happened again, the other could actually get information from the hospital and make decisions.”

“I know,” Jake sighed, rubbing his face. “I was thinking about that.”

“I mean, I get it’s a huge commitment, but you’re already having a baby together. Getting married can’t be a bigger commitment than that.”

“Yeah, it’s not,” Jake agreed, leaning back in his seat. “I’ve been thinking about bringing it up to her.”

“Well, did you at least tell her about your family?”

“Javy—”

“—Jake, you’ve got to tell her.”

“I’m just trying to protect her.”

“Leaving her without all of the information is not protecting her, Jake, it’s setting her up for failure. At least tell her about your mother.”  

“Why my mother?”

“Because it explains a lot about you, Jake,” Javy stated, causing him to look down. “And she likes you, for some reason.” 

“Fuck off,” Jake sighed, reaching for his beer. Taking a long sip, he set the bottle down and rotated it around, lost in thought for a moment. “I’ll tell her about it. When the time’s right.”

~~~~~

You woke late on Saturday. You were never an early riser before but pregnancy made waking up early on the weekend impossible. Picking your head off of your pregnancy pillow, which Jake bought for you, you turned to see that Jake was gone, as usual. 

But when you saw a note on his pillow, you sat up. You picked it up and unfolded the paper, smiling to yourself when you saw Jake’s handwriting.

Get your rest because I made plans for us tonight. I still owe you that first date. 

- J

Practically beaming with joy, you laid back down, thinking to yourself about what Jake could have had planned for tonight. You assumed dinner, at least, but he hadn’t mentioned anything to you about where he would take you on a date. As you were rereading the note, you heard the front door open and Jake step inside. You waited for him to walk into the bedroom and smiled at him. 

“Morning. How was your run?”

“Fine. Took a new route through the park,” Jake replied, kneeling on the bed and leaning over to press a kiss to your lips. Moving your shirt out of the way, he pressed another kiss to your bump. “Any movement this morning?”

“Not yet,” you replied, running a hand through Jake’s hair as you smiled softly m. “They only start to move when it’s inconvenient for me.”

“Yeah, that’s my baby in there,” Jake joked, causing you to shake your head at him. 

“So, what are we doing later then?”

“It’s a surprise,” Jake stated, getting off of the bed. “I was thinking that we should leave here around five.”

“You’re not going to tell me anything about it?”

“Dress nicely but nothing crazy. And just make sure that you’re comfortable.”

“That doesn’t narrow it down,” you called after him as he walked into the bathroom to shower. 

“It wasn’t supposed to.”

You scoffed at his words as he closed the door. Laying down, you decided to stay in bed a little longer as Jake showered. But you sat up when you felt your baby start to move right over your bladder. It started as a little bit of a tickle and then some more discomfort and then you were shifting around, trying to find some sort of relief, and then you were frantically knocking on the door to the bathroom and letting yourself in. 

Jake turned his neck, staring at you with concern and a question on the tip of his tongue. But when he saw you making a beeline for the toilet, he had the audacity to smirk a bit. You shot him a look right back.

“The baby’s moving?” he guessed, letting the hot spray of the shower hit his chest. 

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m trying to concentrate.”

~~~~~

You checked your appearance one last time in the mirror before you grabbed your phone and walked out of the bathroom. Jake was sitting on the couch, waiting patiently for you, dressed in a nice button down tee shirt and a pair of black pants. When you stepped around the corner, he looked up and you instantly felt your cheeks warm as his expression changed and his sharp green eyes studied your figure. 

“Does the dress make my boobs pop out too much?” you asked, adjusting the strap a bit subconsciously. “Or is it too nice? Or not nice enough?”

“You look perfect,” Jake told you, standing up and sliding his phone into his back pocket. He walked over to you and grabbed your hands, pressing a soft kiss to your lips. “Ready to go?”

You nodded and Jake led you down to the car. Jake drove your car when the two of you were going somewhere because it was easier for you to get into compared to his truck. And he insisted that it was safer for you to sit in the passenger seat. 

“Where are we going?” you asked Jake, who smiled at you before turning back to the road. 

“It’s a surprise.”

“How far is it?” you asked, shifting in your seat. 

“It’s not too far.”

Jake drove a few more minutes before pulling into a long driveway. And even though you recognized the name at the entrance to the driveway, it still took you a moment to process it. 

“Why did you bring me to the place where Bradley and Emma’s wedding reception was?” you asked softly, more surprised than anything else. 

“Well, when it’s not just for hosting weddings. There’s a regular restaurant attached to it.” Jake pulled into a spot before turning off the car. “And this is where we met for the first time.” Pulling the keys out of the ignition, he turned back to you. “Is that okay?”

“Of course, it is,” you reassured him, resting a hand on his arm. “I was just surprised, that’s all.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, let’s go,” you insisted, grabbing your purse. 

The two of you walked inside and were led to your table, which just happened to be on the back patio. You could see the outdoor bar where you and Jake met for the first time from your seat. Had anyone told you that little conversation on those two stools was going to change your life forever, you never would have believed them. 

“You know, I’ve already made a list of everything I want to eat or drink after I have the baby,” you stated, flipping through the menu. 

“What are the top three?”

“Beer, salmon rolls, and pepperoni,” you listed off quickly, causing Jake to snort. 

“All in one sitting?”

“We’ll see how I’m feeling,” you mused, reaching for your water. The waiter came over and took your orders before walking off again. “Emma called me today and mentioned something about throwing a baby shower for us next month. Or a little after that.”

“Do the dads go to that?” Jake asked, causing you to shrug your shoulders. 

“I think we can just do whatever we want. I know that when one of the Kazansky kids had their baby shower, the guys went out and did something together but then they came back and everyone ate together.”

“Whatever you want, we’ll do,” Jake offered, causing you to smile. 

“Thank you. But Emma and Phoenix seem like they’ve got it handled. They said it’s returning the favor for me being their maid of honor. And I kind of agreed to let them make it all a surprise.”

“We’re not doing some crazy gender reveal thing, right?” Jake deadpanned. 

“No, I told them to not do that,” you chuckled, leaning back in your seat. Folding your hands in front of your bump, you asked, “But you’re okay with waiting still? To find out?”

“The baby’s healthy and you’re healthy and that’s all I care about,” Jake stated seriously. “And it’s not like we can control it either.”

“No, we can’t,” you agreed, nodding slowly. “But what do you think? Are we having a boy or a girl?”

“I haven’t really thought about it,” Jake lied, earning a look from you. “Alright, alright, I have. But what do you think we’re having?”

“No, because you’re just going to copy me to try and make me happy, even though I don’t care because we’re just guessing at this point and no one can do anything to change it and it doesn’t even matter at the end of the day.” Leaning forward, you added with a smile, “Just tell me, Jake.”

“I think we’re having a girl,” Jake stated quietly after a moment of thought. 

“I thought we were too, but then the obstetrician moved the monitor during the ultrasound and now I think that we’re having a boy,” you explained, causing Jake to think about it more. “Like she saw something there and moved it away before it was too obvious.”

“Maybe,” Jake agreed. “But I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

He took a sip of his drink before leaning forward with a teasing smile. You cocked an eyebrow as you buttered your slice of bread, shooting him a look right back. 

“How are you feeling now? Feel the need to walk in on me in the shower again? Because next time, you can just join me. No need to put on a show about it.”

You scoffed and tossed the crumpled up straw wrapper at Jake in retaliation. A smirk tugged at your lips as you leaned forward and lowered your voice. 

“Says the man who’s been glancing down at my chest ever since I stepped out of our bedroom.”

“I’m looking at your bump where our child is growing,” Jake insisted seriously, causing your smirk to fade and a sheepish expression to come over your face. “But, my eyes have been taking a pit stop between your bump and your eyes because that dress does make your breasts look perfect.”

You lightly kicked him under the table in retaliation, causing him to laugh. The two of you enjoyed your dinner together and talked all about your plans for the future and the baby. It was a first date on paper, but it was obvious to anyone who looked over at you that there was a long history and strong understanding between the two of you. Jake paid the tab—though you tried to grab it from him—before the two of you got up and walked out to the parking lot. 

“So, what do you think?” Jake asked as the two of you threaded your fingers together and slowly swung your hands back and forth. “Will I get a second date?”

“I’ll think about it,” you joked, leaning on Jake as you walked. 

“You’ll think about it?” Jake repeated as the two of you got closer to your car. 

“Well, it’s only the first date,” you added, shrugging your shoulders and laughing to yourself when you saw Jake’s offended look. “Maybe if you’re a decent kisser, I’ll think about it a little more.”

“Is that a challenge?” Jake asked, gently reaching up to cup your cheek. 

“It could be.”

Jake leaned down and tilted your chin up, bringing you in for a soft kiss. He started slowly, teasing you like you teased him a moment ago. And when you started to press against him, deepening the kiss, you could practically feel Jake’s smirk against your lips. Pulling back from your lips, and leaving you wanting more, Jake took a step back. 

“And my chances now?”

“I guess I can give you a second date,” you replied before grabbing Jake by the front of his shirt. 

Your lips met again and Jake rested his hand on your hips, gently backing you up against your car. He rubbed his hand over the front of your bump before raising it to cup your cheek, purposefully brushing his fingertips against the sensitive skin of the valley between your breasts. And feeling you suck in a breath and press against him further, Jake pulled your lips apart and rested his forehead against your own. 

“Any chance that we can continue this back at the apartment?” Jake whispered against your lips. 

“I’d love to,” you replied softly, before smirking to yourself. “But I can’t.”

“Why not?” Jake asked, sounding concerned.

“I have this rule,” you teased, leaning back against your car, “that I can’t sleep with a guy after the first date. It’s nothing personal, just one of my rules.”

“And if the guy already got you pregnant? Can you make an exception?”

“Hmm,” you hummed, running a hand down his chest. 

You held him in suspense for a moment, even though you honestly wouldn’t have minded if he slid your underwear to the side and done it against your car right then and there. And even though you enjoyed teasing him, you wanted him. You needed him. 

Placing your hand over his own, you offered him a genuine, loving smile. You leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. 

“Take me to bed, Jake,” you whispered to him. 

“Yes, ma’am.”

When the two of you eventually got back to your shared apartment, you let Jake pull you down the hall and into your bedroom. The two of you gently undressed each other before Jake helped you up and onto the bed. 

“You’re not going to be comfortable on your back, are you?” Jake asked as you sat back on your heels. 

“Probably not for long,” you agreed as Jake climbed up onto the bed too.

“Then come here,” Jake coaxed, laying on his back. 

You crawled over and Jake grabbed your hips, lining the two of you up. Your bump, which wasn’t so small anymore, rested against Jake’s strong chest. 

“Tell me if anything hurts or isn’t comfortable and we’ll stop, okay?” he assured you. 

“Okay.”

You let out a shaky gasp as Jake pulled your hips down. His hands were strong on your hips and he welcomed the rock of your hips against him. You were a bit worried about suffocating Jake and tried to hold up your weight, but he didn’t slow down until you practically collapsed against his chest. 

Jake gently rolled you onto your side and laid down beside you, gently running his fingers down your cheek. You looked up at him through your eyelashes and offered him a giddy smile. 

“Are you alright?” he asked softly. 

“Yeah, Jake,” you giggled, “I’m better than alright.”

“I haven’t lost my touch then?” 

“Not yet,” you mused, pressing a romantic kiss to his lips. 

After taking a moment to recover, you sat up and climbed onto his lap. Jake rested his back against the headboard, letting you set your own pace with his hands there to support you. As your rhythm started to slow until you could only rock your hips, Jake gently rotated the two of you so that your bump rested against a pillow and your weight rested on your hands and knees before he sat up behind you.  

“Tell me if it’s too much,” Jake told you. 

“It’s not enough right now,” you practically whined, pushing back against him. 

Jake rolled his hips forward as his lips pressed a searing kiss against your neck, causing you to moan. The two of you quickly lost yourselves in each other until your body tensed up again. You buried your face into the comforter as your body shook. Jake kept moving above you for a few more moments before he let out a low noise and rolled over beside you.

You smiled at him as he laid down and caught his breath. Your eyes fluttered softly in the dim lighting as curled your body into Jake’s warm chest. He could see that you were exhausted and were probably about to fall asleep. Jake leaned forward, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“You should go to the bathroom first before you fall asleep,” Jake suggested, causing you to open your eyes and look up at him. “I can clean up otherwise.”

“Let my legs recover for a second, Seresin. Unless, you want a Bambi on ice situation.”

Jake snorted in reply, causing you to smile.

~~~~~

When Jake got called into Cyclone’s office after completing his training exercises, Jake knew that meant two things—he either fucked up or he did something incredibly amazing. And he couldn’t think of anything that he fucked up lately, so he was hoping that the latter was true. 

“Sir,” he greeted Cyclone, standing at attention. 

“At ease, Hangman. Please, sit,” Cyclone stated, gesturing to the seat in front of his desk.

Jake sat down and stared at Cyclone, who seemed relatively at ease. He shifted a few papers around his desk before picking up a folder. Cyclone held it out to Jake, who immediately flipped it open, reading through the documents enclosed. 

“Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander Seresin,” Cyclone replied, causing Jake to look up from the paperwork. His expression didn’t give away any emotion, but internally Jake was swelling with pride and joy. “It’s well deserved and I’m sure that you’ll do well in your new role.” 

“And I’m to remain here?” Jake asked, looking quickly through the papers. “In Miramar?”

“Yes, you will,” Cyclone replied, allowing Jake to relax for a moment. But only for one moment. “Though, I should warn you that your chance of being deployed in the next few months has slightly increased.” 

“How slight?” 

“I would say guaranteed at some point within the next six months,” Cyclone answered honestly, causing Jake’s joy to disappear in a flash. “Not that it would be for an extended deployment, but you’ll certainly be on a short list, Hangman.” 

“I understand, sir,” he stated, looking down at his paperwork. 

A note of silence passed between them and Cyclone leaned back in his seat, folding his hands in front of him. Glancing at photos of his own family, Cyclone turned back to Hangman, who was reading through the paperwork in front of him. 

“Hondo tells me that your girlfriend is expecting,” Cyclone continued, causing Jake to nod in confirmation, though he kept his gaze focused on the paperwork. “Congratulations.” 

“Thank you, sir.” 

“I wish that I could offer you a guarantee, Hangman. Any sort of guarantee.”

“That’s not the industry that we’re in, sir,” Jake replied simply, picking his head up. “I understand that. She understands that.” 

“The promotion ceremony is in two weeks. Saturday,” Cyclone responded after a few moments. “I look forward to meeting her then.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

~~~~~

You walked into your and Jake’s apartment building, and stopped to grab your mail. Unlocking the small mailbox, you pulled the door open and grabbed the small batch of envelopes. You walked over to the elevator as you flipped through them, mentally organizing them. 

Bill. Spam. Spam. Bill. More spam. Even more spam. And . . .

You paused, looking at the last envelope. It was blue and shaped like a card, though it wasn’t close to either of your birthdays. Flipping it over, you paused when you saw that the return address was in Texas. And the name Georgia Seresin had to be Jake’s mom’s name, wouldn’t it? 

Jake got a card from his mom. 

Though you thought it was weird, especially because Jake swore up and down that he didn’t talk to his parents, you brushed it off. It wasn’t addressed to you, so it wasn’t yours to open. You would just tell Jake about it when he got home. 

Taking the elevator up, you headed into your apartment. Setting the mail down in the corner, you walked over to the couch and flopped down, exhausted from your day. Turning on the fan that Jake set up on the coffee table for you, you laid down and scrolled through your phone. 

And then promptly fell asleep a minute later.

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[candycandy00]

The Doll House - A Choso x Reader Fanfic Part 4 (Final)

When your younger sister is tricked into selling herself to the Doll House, you rush there to help her, only to find her being led away by her trainer, Choso. Moved by your desire to save your sister, he convinces the owner to let you take her place.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Read Geto’s Part Here!

Read Toji’s Part Here!

Read Nanami’s Part Here!

Read Sukuna’s Part Here!

Read Gojo’s Part Here!

Note: Please remember that these stories don’t take place at the same time, or even one after the other! Consider each one its own timeline. So if you see Geto and Toji with other dolls, don’t be alarmed lol. I had to do it this way because if I don’t, by the time I get to the last trainer, there won’t be any other trainers left to interact with!

AU! Each trainer will get their own story! This is Choso’s. I’m keeping the tag list from previous parts. If you’d like to be tagged in future parts, let me know! You must be an adult to be tagged! Any feedback whatsoever is adored!

Smut. 18+. Fem Reader. FemDom. Sub Choso. Oral sex. Rough sex. Ice play. Threats of rape/violence (by the villain). Divider by @benkeibear!

You throw on your shoes and rush to the door of Choso’s room, throwing it open and getting halfway down the hall before you realize Choso is right behind you. 

“You’re coming with me?”

He nods. “It’s after dark. You can’t leave by yourself.”

You pause in the hallway, remembering the house rule. You don’t want to drag Choso into this mess. Yosaku is violent and rash, he could very well hurt someone sweet like your trainer. But you can’t just abandon your sister! Choso apparently notices the conflict in your eyes. 

“I would go with you even if it wasn’t dark,” he says, then steps by you and knocks on Toji’s door. 

Within minutes, Toji is standing in his doorway, lazily scratching his bare stomach. “Yeah? What do you need?”

“Can we borrow your car?” Choso asks him. 

Toji’s eyes seem to sharpen, perhaps after seeing your worried expression and Choso’s intense look. “Sure,” he says, digging into the pockets of his pants to retrieve the keys. “Something wrong?”

Choso takes the keys from him. “Just someone bothering her sister,” he says. 

Toji glances at you, then back to Choso. There’s an odd gleam in his eyes, like a cat that’s cornered a mouse. “Want me to go with you?” The hint of excitement in his voice confuses you. 

Choso shakes his head. “There’s no need. Thank you for offering though. I’ll have the car back soon.”

You don’t miss the disappointment on Toji’s face as he waves the two of you off and closes his door. 

As you climb into the passenger seat of Toji’s rather plain four door car, you ask the question that’s burning a hole in your brain. 

“Why didn’t you let Toji come with us? Safety in numbers, right?”

Choso’s eyes are focused in front of him as he pulls out onto the road. You didn’t even know he could drive, but he seems very comfortable behind the wheel. “We don’t need Toji,” he says, “and I would feel bad if he got arrested and it complicated things with Megumi.”

“Oh, right,” you say, feeling terrible. “That was really selfish of me to want to involve him.”

Choso’s eyes slide over to you for an instant before returning to the road. He’s accompanied you to your house twice before to get things you need, so he knows the way without being told. 

“You’re worried about your sister. Of course you want to do everything possible to help her. It’s natural,” he says in a comforting voice. He’s quiet for a moment, then asks, “You said Yosaku is yakuza?”

You nod. “His father runs a small time syndicate. But he’s a big guy, and he’s volatile. He has three friends with him, from what my sister can hear through the door, and he might even have weapons.”

You’ve been trying to keep up with the string of panicked messages from your sister, assuring her that you’re on your way. 

“Has she called the police?” Choso asks. 

“She did, but his father has connections in the police department. She doesn’t think they’ll come. Apparently he’s shown up at the house a couple of times before, but this is the first time he broke in. She didn’t want to tell me because she knew it would freak me out. And… he’s been threatening to go and make trouble for me at the Doll House.”

You said that last part carefully. You didn’t want to worry Choso or upset him but you feel like he has a right to know yakuza thugs are threatening his place of employment. 

To your surprise, a soft chuckle escapes Choso’s mouth. You can’t imagine what could be amusing about this. He glances at you and his face straightens. “I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me. It’s just that imagining someone making trouble at the Doll House is very funny.”

“How?” you ask, genuinely confused. 

“The trainers at the Doll House, and even the owner herself, they’re all people you don’t want to mess with. Ever. So if someone came to make trouble, they would get far more than they bargained for.”

“Really?” you ask, picturing the other trainers in your mind. You can see Toji or Sukuna being intimidating, even being violent. But the others? Goofball Gojo? Pretty boy Geto? Kindly Nanami? You can’t imagine them fighting. But Choso seems confident that they could handle any problems that arise. 

Wait, does that also apply to him? Is Choso someone you “don’t want to mess with”? Surely not. He’s sweet and submissive. You just hope he doesn’t get hurt by trying to help you. 

Choso pulls into your driveway and the two of you jump out of the car. The front door is standing open, hanging off its hinges. Someone clearly busted it down. The violence and strength that required sends a shiver down your spine. 

As you and Choso step inside, you see that the living room is a huge mess. Cushions have been pulled out of the sofa and cut open, the tv is smashed, and two lamps have been broken. You barely have time to take note of the damage before you hear voices coming from upstairs. 

You can hear several men talking and laughing loudly, and you pick out Yosaku’s voice among them. 

“Come on out here and play with us, babe! You don’t wanna be my woman anymore, so you might as well entertain all of us!”

You start up the stairs, but Choso stops you with a hand on your shoulder. So calmly that it’s almost eerie, he steps in front of you and makes his way up. 

There’s a loud banging sound, probably Yosaku banging on the bathroom door, and you hear your sister scream out, “Go away! I called the cops so you better get out of here!”

Yosaku laughs. “Oh, you mean my dad’s buddies? They ain’t coming, sweetheart. Now, if you make me break this door down to get you out of there, I’m gonna-“

Yosaku’s voice cuts off when Choso reaches the top of the stairs, you close behind him. The scene before you is terrifying. Four big, dangerous-looking men are standing in the hall, gathered around the bathroom door. Yosaku is holding a metal baseball bat, and one of the other men is holding a crowbar. Just what do these creeps plan to do to your little sister?! 

“Who the fuck are you?” Yosaku asks, looking directly at Choso. 

“I’m a trainer at the Doll House,” Choso says simply and honestly. 

A couple of the men chuckle, but Yosaku’s eyes shift to you. “Oh, it’s you! The bitchy big sister who made my girl dump me!”

Suddenly your sister’s voice carries through the door. “Sis?! Are you there?!”

“I’m here! Don’t open the door, no matter what! Just stay in the bathroom!”

Your sister doesn’t reply, but Yosaku narrows his eyes. “See, that’s the problem between us,” he says, taking a step toward you and Choso. “You always have to stick your dumb bitch nose into our shit. How bout I break your little boyfriend’s legs and make him watch me and my buddies fuck you bloody? Then we’ll drag your precious little sister out and do the same to her.”

You feel like ice water has been poured down your back, and you start to wish you had involved Toji after all. These men are dangerous! And now Choso is going to be hurt! 

One of the other men pulls a knife from his pocket and starts toward you, but Yosaku holds his hand up in a motion that says “I’ve got this” as he walks the few steps needed to reach you. You can’t see Choso’s face, being behind him, but you can only imagine how horrified he must be. 

When Yosaku reaches the two of you, he reaches his free hand out toward Choso, perhaps to grab his collar, but something… happens. You didn’t see it clearly, just a blur of motion, but suddenly Yosaku is on the floor, screaming, and his arm is caught in Choso’s grip, twisted at an unnatural angle. 

Before you can even process what you’re seeing, Choso makes some kind of movement, and you hear the most grotesque snapping sound you’ve ever heard. Somehow you know for certain that Choso has just broken Yosaku’s arm. 

Yosaku screeches like a wounded animal, thrashing on the floor, the metal bat sliding out of his grip and forgotten on the floor. 

The other three men stare at Yosaku, then at Choso, completely stunned. Then all at once they charge at him, brandishing knives and a crowbar, swinging at him and screaming obscenities. 

Choso maneuvers further into the hall, away from you, and you watch as he calmly dodges their attacks, then counters with devastating hits that seem to strike their weak points like magic. All three of them crumble to the floor. It took less than two minutes, and Choso isn’t even winded. 

He turns to you, and for a tiny moment, his face is intense, his eyes glinting with rage, but his expression quickly softens. “Are you alright?” he asks. 

You nod blankly, wondering if this is all some bizarre dream. Then you remember your sister is still trapped in the bathroom, so you rush over to the door and yell, “It’s okay now! Choso took care of them! It’s safe to come out!”

The door clicks unlocked, and then slowly slides open as your sister peeks out. When she sees you standing there, she runs out of the bathroom and into your open arms. “I was so scared!” she cries, clutching you. 

You stroke her hair as you hold her. “I know. But you did good! You were smart to hide and call me. It’s over now. Yosaku won’t bother you again.”

“The hell I won’t!” a strained voice calls out. Yosaku is still on the floor, cradling his broken arm, his face pale and sweaty. “Once I tell my dad about this, you guys are fucked!”

Choso walks over and squats down beside Yosaku, who flinches and tries to move away, maybe sensing danger the way prey can sense a predator. 

“You and your father might want to rethink that,” Choso tells him. “These two sisters are under the protection of the Doll House.”

Yosaku looks at Choso incredulously. “So what?! It’s just a brothel! It’s just-“

“Ryomen Sukuna works there,” Choso says. 

What little color remained in Yosaku’s face instantly drains away. His eyes grow large, as if he’s just seen something nightmarish. “Ryomen… Sukuna?”

“He’s a colleague of mine,” Choso says. “Oh, and Fushiguro Toji as well.”

“Fushi…guro? Th-the Fighting Demon?!” 

“Yes,” Choso replies, “and they’re very, very protective of the Doll House. They would both be extremely upset if anyone made trouble for us.”

Yosaku looks like a deflated balloon, all the anger and attitude replaced by fear. “I-I’m sorry!” he suddenly shouts, trying and failing to roll over and assume the bowing position. “I didn’t realize Sukuna and Fushiguro were involved with the Doll House! Please don’t tell them about this!”

Choso looks down at him coldly, an expression you’ve never seen on his face before. You can’t help thinking it’s kind of sexy. “I won’t mention this to them,” he says, “under the condition that you never bother these sisters ever again. Never speak to them. Never show your face before them. Pretend they don’t exist.”

Yosaku nods emphatically. “I’ll stay away from them, I swear!”

“Good,” Choso says, standing back up. “Now gather your trash and leave.”

Yosaku scrambles to his feet, wincing and holding his arm, then hurries over to his friends and begins frantically kicking at them, screaming for them to get up. Eventually, they all drag themselves out of the house with their heads hung low. 

****************

Choso turns to the two sisters once the men are gone. His doll looks so lovely, holding her crying sister, being the kind and nurturing woman he knew her to be. He smiles at them, happy he could be of help. 

His doll looks up at him and smiles back. “I don’t know how I can ever thank you enough.”

“It was no trouble,” he says, feeling a little bashful. 

They decide to spend the night at the house, since her sister is still understandably shaken up, so Choso calls Toji to let him know. 

“It’s fine,” the other trainer tells him over the phone. “I’m not going anywhere tonight anyway.”

Choso thanks him again and hangs up, returning to the living room where his doll is cramming the ripped cushions back onto the couch. She stops and looks around the room. “What a mess. Maybe I should just set her up in an apartment for the time being. She really doesn’t need the whole house to herself.”

“I can help you clean up,” Choso says, bending down to pick up some fallen objects from the floor. 

His doll flops down on the sofa. “Let’s just wait until morning. She should be calmed down enough to help by then.”

Choso sits down beside her. “Are you okay? I know this was all very stressful.”

She turns toward him. “I’m fine. I’m just glad it’s over. I had no idea you could fight though. You were amazing!”

He blushes. “I do a little martial arts. I’m not nearly as good at it as some of the others.”

She leans closer to him. “To be honest, I thought it was extremely hot.”

“You did?” he asks, leaning forward to meet her. 

“Mmhm,” she murmurs as she kisses him, slowly and passionately, licking his lips. 

He’s struck by the urge to press her back onto the couch and fuck her wildly, but he would never do something like that without being told to, and not while her younger sister is right upstairs. 

Choso is honest to a fault, even with himself, so he’s aware that he’s falling in love with her. Tonight only cemented his feelings. He’d never experienced such anger before, such cold fury, as when Yosaku threatened her. It made him realize that the thought of any man putting his hands on her, for any reason, made Choso’s chest tighten. 

Two different buyers have already expressed interest, and Choso really should have allowed meetings to be set up by now. There’s only a week and a half left of the training. How is he going to feel when she leaves?

He’s already thought about keeping her, but he’s not sure how she feels. Maybe… maybe he should just ask her. 

She pulls away from the kiss and settles against him on the sofa, seeming to relax. He looks down at her face and asks, “How would you feel about staying with me?”

His doll looks up at him with wide eyes, then she slowly sits back up. “What do you mean?”

Oh, that’s right, she probably doesn’t know about that particular rule. “Trainers are allowed to keep one doll they’ve trained. Your contract would transfer to me.”

A mix of emotions flood her face. Surprise, joy, and something more heated. “So… you would choose me?”

Choso nods, feeling a blush creep across his cheeks. “But only if that’s something you want.”

She opens her mouth to answer, but then suddenly pauses. “Wait, would you keep training other women? Because I don’t think I could stand knowing you were being intimate with someone else.”

Choso smiles, happy that they both feel the same way. “I would quit working as a trainer,” he assures her. 

She wraps her arms around him, pulling him close. “Then my answer is yes! I’ve been dreading the day I’d have to leave. I want to stay with you!”

Two days later, after Choso has informed the owner of his choice and the paperwork has been completed, he and his his doll simply have to wait for the training period to be over before her contract is signed over to him. Choso hasn’t told her yet, but he intends to release her from the contract. If she decides to leave him, so be it. He wants her to return to her job, which was important to her, and to spend time with her sister. Hopefully, they can all spend time with Yuji as well. 

Presently, Choso is tied to the bed, naked but for a red collar around his neck. His doll is straddling him, holding a thin chain connected to his collar. She’s wearing a bright red corset trimmed in black lace, the tiniest pair of red panties he’s ever seen, and shiny vinyl boots that come up to her thighs. She’s an absolute vision as she leans over and retrieves an ornate silver bowl from the nightstand. Inside it is a pile of ice cubes. 

She takes one cube from the bowl and rubs it over Choso’s lips before kissing him, then she slides it down his neck and over his chest, holding it a few moments against one hard nipple before moving down. Choso shudders beneath her, the cold contrasting with the heat of the room and her warm body on top of him. 

She scoots down so that she’s sitting between his spread open thighs, and she smiles as she begins stroking his fully erect cock with the ice cube in her hand. Choso’s hips buck at the freezing sensation sliding up and down his shaft, and he whimpers out, “Ahh, so cold, Mistress!”

She giggles at his reaction, then locks eyes with him as she pushes the ice cube into her mouth. She swirls it around her tongue for a moment before bending forward and wrapping her lips around his cock, taking his considerable length into her mouth and pressing the ice between her velvety tongue and his tip. 

Choso cries out, jerking against his bonds. He can feel the slippery ice gliding over his cock as she licks him, one of her hands warm as it squeezes his balls. Just as the ice melts into cool water, he loses his composure, twitching as he begs her to let him cum. 

She pulls away and looks down at him, her lips shiny with various fluids, and says, “Go ahead and fill my mouth.”

Then she clamps her lips around him again as he finally climaxes, shooting his thick cum directly onto her icy tongue. When finished, she moves up his body, the silky texture of the corset rubbing over his taut skin, and unties his wrists, freeing him. She uses the chain to pull him up by his collar, so that he’s sitting upright in bed. 

“Choso,” she says, breathing out his name as if it’s the most precious word she knows, “I want you to fuck me rough and hard.”

He draws back and looks at her face. In truth, it’s something he’s fantasized about from time to time, but he only really wants to do the things she tells him to, so he’s never mentioned it. “Are you sure?” he asks. 

She jerks on the chain, pulling his face close to hers. Her skin is flushed, her eyes lusty. “Make me scream.”

***************

You’ve been thinking nonstop about how hot Choso was when he took charge at your house and beat up the men threatening you and your sister. And while you absolutely adore the sweet, compliant Choso who whimpers and quivers under your touch, you’re kind of curious about what he would be like if he were rough with you for once. 

So you gave him a command, and he’s obeying. 

Within seconds he has you on your back, your flimsy panties ripped away and your corset torn open, allowing your breasts to spill out. He only takes a moment to dip his fingers into your folds, confirming that you’re drenched, before he bends your legs up and spreads them far apart, plunging his entire length into you. 

You gasp, your hand clutching the chain, jerking it reflexively, causing his mouth to crash into yours. And then he’s thrusting, deeply, roughly, slamming into your cervix and making you see stars. Fuck, it’s amazing! His hard body feels so good against yours, one hand squeezing your breast, his tongue in your mouth. 

Has he been holding back this whole time? Waiting for you to tell him to go wild? You should have done this sooner. 

He breaks the kiss, groaning when your pussy clenches around him, then leans forward to lick up the tears you didn’t realize were rolling down your face. 

You scream out as he thrusts particularly deep into you, “Ahhh! Choso! Choso!”

With one final cry of his name, you reach release, cumming on his cock, shaking with pleasure as he continues fucking you until his own climax comes. You jerk the chain once more, pulling him into the deepest kiss you’ve ever shared. 

You sigh in contentment later, as you snuggle in close to him beneath the covers. You never imagined in your wildest dreams that you’d become a doll, much less be happy as one. But as long as you’re with Choso, no matter what the future holds, you know the two of you will be alright. 

Tag List:

@suguguro @kaedear @onyxsphynx @poopoobuttsy @butterskyy @collectionofdolls @akaotv @witchbybirth @bloofinntoona @wasurenagusaa @tclbts @tojirin @lucyrocks86 @badbyeyoongi @97britt @aydene @lzaj19 @lyn-lotte @missthatgirl @peachedtv @ladytamayolover @nanam1nx @deegausserr @voids-universe @hinata7346 @maflorex @issracollen @xkittiecatx @ryumurin @emrys3456 @mysecretesc8pe @typicalloser3 @gabriiiiiiii @fvsm4x @tyunhyukamyloves @rottmntrulesall @jakeywon @better-imagination-9 @wealwayskeepfighting @denenene @tomura-complex @kuro-chi69 @hellsingalucard18

[chaotic-super]

Joining The Superfriends - Chapter 28

AO3 Link

“Alex, where’s Lena?”

Alex pushes back on Kara’s shoulders, stopping her from trying to sit up and get out of bed for at least the sixth time in less than two hours. “She’s got a lot on her plate and I think she needs some time to come to terms with everything.”

“What do you mean?”

“She sat by your side for five days straight, Kara. She spent most of that time doing nothing but worrying about you and hasn’t taken the time to properly process what happened with and to Lex. Her brother just died and that will impact her life massively.”

Kara closes her eyes, trying to get the image of Lex’s corpse out of her mind. “Yeah. That’s a lot. Is she mad at me?”

Alex looks down at her sister’s panic-stricken face. “No, no, of course not. She understands, and she actually told Kelly that she’s grateful it wasn’t her that did it, even if she hates that you now have to carry that burden.”

“So she’ll be back?”

“I’m sure she will be,” Alex confirms. “I’ll text her soon and see if she has an approximate time, but hopefully she’s decided to get some proper sleep in her own bed. She’s been pushing herself to the limit to be with you while you were unconscious. I think it’s probably all just caught up with her now.”

Kara nods slowly. “I get it. I still wish she was here, but she should look after herself.”

“It’s ok to want that, Kara. There’s no shame in wanting things. It’s only when you push someone else’s feelings aside for your own that you’re being selfish. Hell, sometimes we deserve to be selfish. As much as I want to push you to do that right now, Lena needs some time. She really does.”

“Ok…just,” Kara pauses momentarily, trying to find a nice way to word her next sentence. “Can you keep everyone away from me for a while?”

“Everyone or Mon-El?” Alex raises her eyebrow at her little sister.

“Both. I don’t want to deal with Mon-El right now and I don’t want to be interrogated by Winn either. I just want to rest for a while and try to wrap my head around everything.”

Alex squeezes her hand softly. “Ok, I can do that. I’ll tell everyone you’ve gone back to sleep. You should actually do that.”

Shaking her head, Kara snuggles into her pillow. “I don’t know if I can do that. I’m pretty achy and my mind is just everywhere. “I might read for a while. Can I borrow your tablet?”

Alex grabs it and swipes away all her open windows before handing it over. “I’ll leave you to it because you’re obviously not ready to talk yet and I’d be wasting my breath trying to get you to. Shout me if you feel weird. We’re pretty sure the kryptonite is all out of your system, but you’re not fully healed yet. It’s important you do.”

“I will, I promise.”

“Good. Now, I’m going to go and entertain everyone so they stay out of your hair. You owe me one.”

“I think I owe you more than one.” Kara smiles at her softly. “Thanks for taking such good care of me.”

“Always,” Alex promises, backing out of the med bay.

“Oh, and Alex?”

“Yes, Kara?” Alex sighs fondly.

Kara clutches the tablet to her chest as she peers over at her sister, her hair falling in her eyes and blocking her vision somewhat. “Are Sam and Jack coming?”

Alex shrugs. “I don’t know, why?”

“Lena should have her friends here to support her. Especially now. I know Sam works at Luthor Corp, so there’s probably a huge mess for her to clean up now Lex is gone, but surely at least Jack can come?”

“I’ll give them a call.”

“Thank you.”

“Now rest.”

“Ok,” Kara replies softly as Alex finally retreats out of the room.

With her sister gone, Kara leans back, not even turning on the tablet in her grasp, too preoccupied thinking about the mess Lena has to deal with now. Between Lex’s death, the destruction of the city, the deaths of all the civilians and dealing with Luthor Corp, Lena’s plate is so full it’s overflowing. She just hopes Lena will let her be there for her through it all.

-

Lena pulls the duvet around herself more firmly, then takes a moment to flick her damp hair out of her face. The shower was nice, but trying to reach over her shoulder to coat her healing wounds with anti-septic cream afterwards wasn’t. It’s done now though, even if it did wear her out. She really wants to be back at Kara’s side, but now that she knows she’s awake, she doesn’t feel as panicked. There’s not the same pit in her stomach or the little voice in her head telling her that Kara might not wake up. She just feels lighter. Lighter but tired.

She knew as soon as she made it back home that she would end up in bed for a while before going back to the Tower. She just needs a breather. It doesn’t help that she knows that when she does go back, she has to fight against Kara’s ex, who apparently hates her. The revelation that Kara once bitched about her family is neither here nor there. She couldn’t care less really. After all, who hasn’t bitched about her family at this point? What bothers her is that Kara’s ex decided it was alright to try and start a fight over Kara’s bed right after she just woke up from a five-day coma. That she can’t overlook.

Personally, she’s got nothing against the guy. He can say or think whatever he wants about her. What he can’t do is make Kara’s life harder or make her uncomfortable in any way. Who even comes to visit their ex after a near-death experience anyway? Someone who wants to worm their way back into her life, that’s who. Like hell is Lena going to sit back and let that happen. They might not have had the chance to make it official yet, but she’s pretty damn sure they’re at least seventy percent of the way there.

Allowing her eyes to droop closed without resisting the urge to sleep for the first time in days is a kind of bliss Lena can’t describe. It’s been long awaited just as much as she dreaded it. She doesn’t get to enjoy it for long though because she barely lasts five minutes before she’s off into the dream world.

Her mistake comes with not silencing her phone before going to bed. She should know by now that if Sam and Jack can make her life worse in any way, they’ll do it.

“What do you want?” A groggy Lena answers her phone, pissed that she’s barely slept at all and she’s already been awoken.

“That’s not very nice.”

“What’s not very nice is being awake for almost five days straight with only crappy naps between. I just got to sleep. I’ll call you back when I wake up again. Good night.”

“Oh no, the fuck you don’t.” Sam harshens her voice. “As much as I hate that you’ve barely slept, this is important.”

Lena huffs and rolls onto her back, kicking her legs against her mattress like a stroppy teen. “But Sam…” She whines.

“No, this has to do with Luthor Corp. Lex’s death certificate has been filed now. That means that legally, the company is now yours. You just have to come and sign on the dotted line. You’ll have to come to Metropolis though.”

“And you couldn’t have waited a little longer for me to sleep before asking me to come to another city in the midst of nobody being able to get anywhere due to the fact that National City’s airport literally got flattened by the weird-ass leg of Lex’s spider ship?”

Sam clicks her tongue and sighs down the line at her. “Lena, I appreciate that you’re not having a good time right now, especially knowing your brother is dead. I know you cared for him even after everything. I’m sorry for that. I’ve bought you as much time as I could with Luthor Corp, but there’s already talks of your mother trying to find a way to get her hands on the company.”

“Let her have it, Sam. I don’t want it.”

“I know you don’t, but you can’t let your mother have that power. She’s just as bad as Lex was, and look at what he did.”

Sam can practically hear Lena’s brain whirring down the phone.

“I just don’t know if I can do it, Sam?”

“Not even just for as long as it would take for you to find someone you trust to run it?”

“I trust you.”

“I can’t run it, you know that. I have Ruby.”

Lena sits up with a frown, propping her pillow up behind her haphazardly. “I know. I just…I don’t know how to run a company. I can build things, I can fix things, I can give a mean right hook. I don’t know how to run a company.”

Lena can hear the shuffle through the line as Sam shrugs. “That’s why you’ll have help. I know you’ve got a damn good team on your side back in National City, but you’ve also got a pretty good one here too. I’m with you, Jack is with you, and you’ve got a whole team of literal superheroes with you. You can change the world for the better now, Lena. Don’t waste your shot.”

There’s a brief silence on the line.

“Ok, fine. I’ll figure out how to get to Metropolis as soon as possible.”

“I’d say just use Super-air. I can say first-hand that she offers a first-class experience.”

Lena clears her throat. “I’ll ask J’onn. She’s…”

“How bad?”

“Pretty bad. She only just woke up.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Me too.” Lena sniffs quietly. “I’ll text you when I’m leaving.”

“Good. I love you.”

“Love you too, Sammy.”

-

Lena rubs her eyes, still awfully tired but feeling at least a little better compared to when she went to sleep.

Grabbing her phone, she sees that she managed to get almost six hours of rest, and that’s much more than she was expecting, so she is happy with that. She just has to get through her list of things to do that’s a mile long.

She squints at her notifications and sees that she has a handful of texts to answer, most of them from the Superfriends just checking in with a couple from Jack too, telling her that if she doesn’t let him know when she’s in town so they can get drunk together, he’ll throw a hissy fit.

Alex’s text sits right on top, so she figures she can answer her and she’ll let the others know. Jack takes days to answer texts so he can’t say anything about a bit of tardiness in responding. She can handle him later.

She drags herself out of bed, stretching out her stiff back and dripping her jaw to let out a yawn that makes her jaw crack. “Ok, so I just have to make sure Kara is alright, potentially fight her ex and take over an entire company before coming up with a way to help rebuild the city. That’s only four things. That’s not too bad.” Staring at her reflection in her bathroom mirror, she sighs. “Who am I kidding? This is going to be hell.”

Lena rolls her shoulders, trying to get rid of some of the stiffness there, and then she nods at herself in the mirror. She’s got work to do and moping won’t help anyone.

She gets dressed as quickly as possible before brushing her teeth and washing her face. The quicker she can get to the Tower, the faster she can get things rolling, and the quicker it’ll all be over.

As quick as she wants to get there and sort everything though, she still has a lot on her mind and she needs to take a moment to take everything in. Walking to the Tower, she stares at the damage left on the city. Damage that definitely wasn’t there when she moved here. Damage that she is partly responsible for. If she hadn’t moved here then none of this would have happened. If she hadn’t moved here, her brother would be alive. If she hadn’t moved here, Kara wouldn’t be hurt.

“Lena, I’m so glad you’re here.” Nia bumps into her as she walks out of the front door to J’onn’s P.I. firm. “Everyone is upstairs. We’ve spent the past hour or so figuring out the best way to help with the clean-up of the city. I think your big brain could do us some major favours in figuring out the best place to start.”

“Sure.” Lena nods. “Where are you going?”

“Just grabbing coffee and breakfast. You want me to grab you some too?”

Lena forces a smile onto her face. “If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, I won’t be long.”

“Take your time.”

Nia grimaces. “I absolutely won’t do that. Alex gave me a very colourful threat because she’s caffeine-deprived and hangry. It’s better for everyone if I hurry.”

Lena chuckles and the fake smile turns genuine, just for a second. “That’s probably for the best then. See you soon.”

“Bye.” Nia waves, the door clicking shut softly behind her.

Lena’s shoulders sag as she wanders across the room and watches the elevator appear before her, glancing behind her for a moment before she steps inside.

Peering through the elevator doors, she realizes it’s in full view of the front window. She should really tell J’onn to do something about that. Anyone could walk past at the wrong moment and see something none of them want some randomer to see.

She sinks against the back wall as the doors close, letting her eyes fall shut as the gentle motion reminds her of the sleep she missed out on. Now, she kind of wishes she’d tried to get a couple more hours of rest before coming in, but she figures there’s no rest for the sister of the wicked.

Alex and Kelly are sitting in the main area as she steps out into the space. “Hey.”

“Hey, how are you?” Kelly asks, nothing but kindness and sincerity written across her face.

“I’ve been better. I managed to get a few hours of sleep so I’ll count that as a win.”

Alex frowns at her, her arms folding. “Why am I sensing a but?”

“Because there is one.” She shrugs. “With Lex dead, Luthor Corp is now mine, as we already knew. What I didn’t realize was how little time I have to get over to Metropolis to handle it all.”

Kelly’s eyebrows lift in shock. “You have to go to Metropolis?”

“Unfortunately.” Lena sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose, stressed at the very thought. “I’ll have to see if J’onn is willing to fly me over. Sam called and told me there’s already talk of my mother trying to take the company. The only way I can stop that is by going over and making the switch official. My mother might not be quite as bad as Lex, but I can assure you that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. She’s trouble and shouldn’t be in control of a multi-million dollar company.”

Alex uses her foot to nudge out the seat beside her. “Come on.”

Lena does as she’s told, plopping down gracelessly. “Sam is doing everything she can to buy me time; that’s pretty much all she’s been doing for the past few days. Luckily, she’s CFO, or else I’d have had to try and find a way to Metropolis even sooner.”

“Is there anything we can do?”

She shakes her head softly. “I doubt it. Just…take my mind off it, just for a few more hours. I saw Nia downstairs, and she said you’re trying to figure out how to handle the destruction. Let me see your plan. I can help with that.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Trading bureaucratic destruction for city-wide physical destruction doesn’t seem healthy.” Alex challenges.

“And running around the city in masks fighting bad guys with alien technology is the healthiest thing a person can do, right?”

“Touché.”

“Can you guys go ten minutes without arguing?” Kara staggers into the room, one arm wrapped protectively around her middle and the other using the doorframe to help her balance.

Alex shoots up to her feet immediately, rushing to her side, Lena not far behind. “You’re not meant to be up yet. You’re still healing.”

“But Alex—”

“No buts, you need more rest and more sunlight. You might be out of the woods kryptonite-wise, but you still have some pretty gnarly wounds that need to heal. Look at you, you can barely stand without wincing.”

Kara pouts at her, hoping to win her sister over, but all she gets is a hard stare in response. That’s not going to get her anywhere. She changes tactics, pouting over at Lena, hoping to garner her sympathy and protection. “I just want to come and sit with you guys.”

Lena shakes her head. “We won’t be long. Why don’t you head back to the med bay and we’ll come and join you soon?”

“If you’re going to be done soon, I might as well just hang out with you guys until you’re done.” Kara bats away the two sets of hands attempting to steady her and usher her back towards the med bay.

Shaking her head, Lena sighs. “Come on. We’ll be ten minutes tops, and we’re just doing boring planning anyway. We just want you to heal as quickly as possible.”

“I know.” Kara swallows harshly and lowers her voice, talking through gritted teeth. “I just don’t think I can heal very well when my ex is busy talking shit about all of our choices right outside the med bay where I have to listen to him bitching.”

Alex rolls her eyes. “Of course he is. Kara, what did you ever see in him?”

“A partner whose nose I wouldn’t accidentally break.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Lena’s eyes widen.

“It doesn’t matter.” Alex waves her off nonchalantly. “I’ll handle it, Kara. I’ll walk you back to bed and then you won’t have to worry about him, ok?”

Kara’s shoulders drop and she catches Lena’s hand. “Will you come sit with me when you’re done?”

“Of course I will. I won’t be long.”

Kara’s pout disappears, her face brightening like she’s just stepped outside on a sunny day.  “Good, see you soon.”

“See you.” Lena waves her off, worry building in her chest when she notices just how unsteady she is on her feet as Alex guides her away.

-

“Just keep your mouth shut, Mon-El. Now isn’t the time for you to come waltzing in acting like you know everything because you’ve been in the future for a whole five minutes.”

“I just happen to have read the history books, and I know that Luthors just happen to be on the wrong side of history.” Mon-El’s indignant tone cuts through the air and into the med bay, making sure that Kara won’t get any rest today.

“I’ve literally never seen you read a book before.” Winn’s confused voice at least brings a smile to Kara’s face. She’s missed the guy, even if he can be a little annoying and is terrible at keeping her secrets.

Mon-El’s offended gasp rids her of that momentary joy. “I once read Romeo and Juliet. Just ask Kara. There’s your proof, and so what if I haven’t read any history books? I still know that the Luthors aren’t good people. Why are you people acting so dense?”

A loud slap rings through the air, the sound making Kara wince. That was definitely an Alex slap, and Alex slaps are spicy, to say the least.

“What was that for?”

“For one, I know you’ve read that book, and you defiled it by writing nonsense all over the pages, and secondly, we’re not the ones acting dense. You’re the one being prejudiced against someone you don’t even know. You’d think the prince of Daxam would know that your family doesn’t define your beliefs or your morals. That is unless you’ve gone back to your slave-owning ways?”

Kara can just picture him shaking his head cartoonishly and backing away from Alex, trying to escape her harsh words. “Of course not! I would never do that.”

“But you did. Does that mean you’re still a bad person? Does that mean that because of who you are, you’ll forever be a bad person?”

“No! I’m good! I saved the world.”

“So has Lena, but you’re too busy calling her out for actions that aren’t hers that you can’t see that you’re only hurting the people around you. Kara is still healing. She got very badly hurt by Lex and Lena is the one that saved her. Lena protected her. Lena is the reason she’s still alive. You’re just the person stressing her out so badly that she keeps leaving the med bay just to get away from you and your incessant whining. Pull yourself together before I send you back to the future by whatever means necessary.”

If Kara were a betting woman, she’d put money down saying that Mon-El is quivering in a corner looking like a kicked puppy right now. She’s not entirely sure what she saw in him before. Sure, he was kind of like having an excitable border collie around. Cute at times but so energetic and chaotic, he leaves nothing but damage in his wake. Unfortunately, what she saw was his potential to serve the herd. The herd being the people of Earth.

“Let me go apologize to her.” She hears him say, sadness coating his words.

“She does deserve an apology, but you’ve kept her up long enough with your bullshit. Move into another room away from here where you’re bothering her and let her rest. She needs to sleep and recover, not listen to you acting like you know best for everyone around you.”

“But—”

“No buts, get your ass up and get out of here. I don’t care where you go, but you’re not going anywhere near either Kara or Lena unless you have my permission. Understand?”

A silence follows that makes Kara nervous, anxiety bubbling in her chest.

Alex clears her throat. “Understand?”

“I got it.”

“Good.”

Footsteps echo as the three of them filter out of the room and further away from her until she can’t hear them at all. She kind of wishes that her powers weren’t still gone. Clearly, the kryptonite caused a lot of damage if she solar flared, but she’s kind of grateful. There’s no impending crisis right now, which means she has to be on edge without them. She can just enjoy the moment without overthinking it too much. That’s something she doesn’t get to have often, and she intends on basking in the glow of not having the pressure of the world sitting heavy on her shoulders.

She lets her eyes slip closed, but just as she starts drifting off with the warmth of the sunlamps keeping her nice and toasty, she hears footsteps return and with those footsteps comes dread. She knows those footsteps.

“Kara?”

She keeps her eyes closed, praying he’ll get the hint and leave her alone.

“Psst, Kara.” He tries again.

Still, she makes a conscious effort to keep her face relaxed to not give away the fact that she’s awake.

Then her shoulder is grasped and she’s being shaken hard enough to make her gasp out in pain, her eyes finally popping open.

“Ah, fuck!” She grabs at her wounds, now thoroughly pissed and in pain. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I just need to talk to you.”

“Like fuck you do.” Lena’s sharp voice comes from the doorway. “I don’t know what was running through your obviously pea-sized brain, probably nothing of substance, but you’ve got some wires crossed. You just hurt her and woke her up for no good reason when I know that Alex just kicked you out of this part of the Tower.”

“With all due respect, this is between Kara and me.”

“Kara and I.”

“What?”

“It’s Kara and I, not Kara and me. If you’re going to start talking shit, at least be grammatically correct about it.”

Mon-El’s fists clench, and he turns fully towards her, standing directly between Kara and Lena. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you? You’re just like him, and you’re only going to hurt her.”

Lena’s eyebrow raises, her face nothing short of icy. “Like you just did?”

“You didn’t see what happened. She’s not hurt because of me.”

“So she just yelped in pain from what? Just lying there?”

“Must have done.”

Lena shakes her head as she lets out a short laugh. This guy is a piece of work. She takes a step back and turns her head towards the door. “Alex!” She shouts at the top of her voice.

Just like that, Mon-El turns white. He might be a lot stronger than the average human, but if there’s one person he’s scared of, it’s Alex, and he just went behind her back to do exactly what he’d been told not to do.

Lena can hear Alex’s hurried footsteps getting louder and louder as she approaches, drawing closer rapidly as Mon-El gets visibly more anxious with each step, his hands gripped into tight fists. At the same time, his eyes dart around the room in an attempt to find a way to escape.

Alex storms into the room, not knowing what’s waiting for her but intuitive enough to know that whatever it is, it’s not good.

She spots Mon-El facing off with Lena and knows right then and there that this isn’t going to be a pretty fight. “Who wants to tell me what in the actual fuck is going on?”

Lena clenches her jaw, remaining silent. She wants to see what kind of shit this complete and utter asshole is about to spout.

Mon-El does something Lena wasn’t expecting. He squares up to Alex, his shoulder back, his spine straightening and his fists held firm at his sides as he glares down at the redhead. “She’s dangerous and Kara’s not safe around her. I was doing what I had to in order to keep her safe. She can’t be here if you’re allowing someone like that to be around her. Look at what her brother just did; she could kill her at any moment, and the only one to blame would be you because you let it happen.”

Alex doesn’t hesitate to react. Using her Hand of the soldier, she summons up a boxing glove lined with lead and hits him squarely in the face, knocking him back and right onto his ass.

He cries out in anguish when blood starts to pour from his nose, not broken, unfortunately. “What the fuck, Alex?”

“Stay the hell away from us, Mon-El. I told you to stay away, and yet here you are, coming back where you’re not welcome to accuse someone you don’t know of something they’re incapable of doing. You’re a mess. You’re dangerous. Get the fuck out.”

“You’re not going to ask her what happened?” He throws his hands in the air. “You don’t want to ask her what she did? You seem to like attacking me, but you haven’t even got the full story.”

Alex sighs, dematerializes the boxing glove and folds her arms before turning to Lena. “Is there more to the story, Lena?”

“Yes, he grabbed her and hurt her.”

Alex’s eyes darken instantaneously. “Brainy!”

The Coluan comes scuttling in quickly. “How can I help?”

“Get this piece of shit out of the Tower now before I kill him.”

There’s the barest hint of a nod before Brainy pulls Mon-El off the floor and ushers him to the door.

The Daxamite doesn’t go easily though, pushing back against Brainy’s hands to turn back. “I was getting her out of here because you’re not keeping her safe.”

“I suggest you leave very quickly because I estimate that the next weapon Alex materializes won’t be a boxing glove.”

Mon-El snarls before huffing his way out the door, barely turning his head to spit out one last line as he leaves. “You’re going to regret this when she turns out to be exactly like her brother, just you wait.”

Lena shakes her head at the man, infuriated by his saviour complex and need to villainize her when he doesn’t know a single thing about her other than her last name.

Her gaze meets the side of Alex’s face and she’s shocked by the amount of pure rage she sees there before she remembers that she just told her that he hurt Kara. Kara, who she needs to check on. She turns quickly, rushing to Kara’s side, panicking as she finds the woman on her side, her back to the door. She’s curled in on herself, her hands thrown over her ears protectively and her knees to her chest.

“Kara?” Lena round the bed, crouching next to her so her eyes are in line with Kara’s closed ones. They’re shut so tightly little lines are spreading across her face from the force.

She reaches out carefully, her fingertips just barely brushing against the cowering woman’s wrist. The tiniest bit of pressure causes her to rear back and pretty much fling herself off the bed, landing on the floor in a pile of useless limbs.

“Kara!” Lena cries out, rushing to get to her side. Her eyes instantly rake over Kara’s body in search of injuries. “Are you ok?”

Kara’s hands remain over her ears, but now her eyes are wide open, looking like they might pop right out of her skull at any moment.

“Kara, you’re ok. I promise you, you’re ok.” Lena creeps closer, afraid to touch her in case she reacts badly again.

Alex sprints into the room, and it takes Lena a second to realize that she must have made sure that Mon-El really left this time, or else she would have been in here with them a lot sooner.

“Alex, I don’t know what’s happening. She was on the bed, but when I touched her wrist she threw herself off the other side to get away from me. I don’t know what to do.”

Alex holds her hands out in front of Kara, moving slowly so she can clearly see her intentions. Her hands slowly descend to land on Kara’s forearms, and Lena watches with rapt attention.

Alex’s eyes flicker between Kara’s and Lena’s for a second before she addresses Lena whilst looking deeply into Kara’s eyes. “She’s alright, Lena. She’s going to be just fine. She’s just panicking and overwhelmed.”

Kara stares back at Alex, unblinking and seemingly frozen. Lena can’t help but find it a little odd. Her breathing appears normal, if not a little deeper than usual, but she’s not gasping for breath, not struggling against whatever is happening. She’s just embracing it and riding her way through it.

“What’s happening, Alex?” Lena whispers.

“She’s fine,” Alex responds in a hushed voice, carefully prying her hands down and away from her ears. “She’s just fine.”

“Alex?” Kara whimpers.

“I’m here,” Alex reassures, taking that as her cue to pull her sister into a hug. “Both me and Lena are here and we’re not going anywhere. I promise.”

Lena nods despite the fact that Kara can’t see her face. “We’re not leaving, Kara.”

Tentatively, she reaches out to press her hand to the centre of Kara’s back and lets out a heavy breath of relief when she doesn’t shy away.

They sit like that for several long minutes. Alex holds her tightly while Lena strokes her hand up and down the centre of her back in a slow, purposeful rhythm, completely predictable. Then, Kara leans back, sniffling a little and wiping her eyes before tears can fall. “Thanks.”

“Are you ok?” Lena murmurs.

Kara nods shakily. “Yeah, sorry. It just…I was…I don’t know.”

“You don’t have to know,” Alex says, standing up and pulling Kara with her, urging her to get back on the bed. “Lie down. I’m going to have to check you over.”

“I’m good.”

“I’m sure you are, but I’m not going to stop worrying until I’ve seen it for myself, so just humour me, alright?”

“Ok.” Kara doesn’t put up a fight, and it’s clear that she isn’t in the right state of mind to be able to for some time yet. “That’s ok. Lena, will you stay with me?”

Lena moves to her side, taking her hand. “Yeah, I’m here.”

Kara hums. “Can you stay with me tonight? I don’t want to stay here alone, and I don’t think Alex will let me out of here yet.”

Lena had to stop herself from agreeing, guilt already building up in her chest, heavy and uncomfortable. “I can’t, I’m sorry.”

A heavy silence fills the room.

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry, Sam called and she can’t put off everything going on with Luthor Corp any longer. I have to go or else the company could fall into my mother’s hands, and she’s just as bad as my brother.”

Kara blinks slowly before tightening her grip on Lena’s hand. “You have to go then. I’ll be fine, don’t worry. Just call me?”

Lena’s eyebrows pinch together in worry. “I’m sorry, Kara. If I could stay, I would. I don’t even want to go. If I could just leave it and not have anything to do with Luthor Corp or anything to do with the Luthor name at all, I would. I really would.”

“I know.” Kara forces a smile, one that both Alex and Lena can see through.

“I’ll look after her and stay with her.” Alex squeezes Lena’s arm, seeing the conflicting emotions hiding behind emerald eyes. “You do what you have to do and then come back to us, alright?”

Lena hums her agreeance and raises Kara’s hand up, kissing the back of it softly. “I promise I’ll be as quick as I can. This is my home now. National City is my home and I don’t really want to leave.”

Kara holds their joined hands on her belly, her free hand holding onto Lena’s wrist, preventing her from leaving, and Lena’s not about to pull away. Sam can wait a while longer.

Inevitably, she’ll have to go, but she’s happy to stay for as long as she can in the meantime.

Check out more chapters of JTS on my Patreon here!

[tpwkwriter]

could u pls pls do one where anxious reader calls harry having a panic attack but its from his pov and kinda tells how it worries him that shes like that and would do anything for her????

First off thank you for the request! How cute would Harry be omg<3

Warnings: mentions of anxiety, panic attacks, worries, slight cursing and mentions of lot ending 😭

————————‘Half the world away’———————

As ‘love on tour’ was halting to an end a lot more of Harry’s time was being taken up, perfecting each rehearsal, each song, making sure each outfit was correct, putting the band to practice, these next few days were gonna be hectic no doubt, and with LOT coming to an end Harry wanted to ensure it had a bloody good send off.

However balancing work, fame and a relationship could be tricky. Y/n has such an amazing sense of understanding and patience Harry wasn’t sure she was real, whenever Harry would be out late or have to leave for periods of time y/n would always put a brave face on and late him go no matter how reluctant she was.

It was a hot July in Italy, Harry had rented out a gorgeous luxury b&b for there stay, the plan was to stay out in Italy after the tour to finally bask in some quality time under the Italian sunshine.

Y/n knew Harry loved his job, despite the judgemental public, the paparazzi, and certain interviewers he loved his job, and seeing her love celebrate his winnings and travel the world preforming to thousands and millions each night was truly a sight to y/n’s eyes.

However sometimes y/n just wanted her Harry to herself, she hated how selfish that sounded but it was true, she often wanted mornings just to themselves or evenings where they could cuddle up in there bed, but with Harry’s tight schedule this rarely happened at the moment.

“Baby v’gotta go” Harry quietly told y/n who still lay on the bed.

“M’kay” she hummed.

“Y’alrigh?” Harry asked.

“Mmm”

“I’ll be back for lunch alrigh?” He says softly smiling, seeing there clearly was something up.

“Okay”

‘She might just be sleepy’ he thought to himself.

“Okay baby, I love you” he said leaning down to kiss her forehead.

“Mm, love you” she said closing her eyes after his lips left her body.

It was safe to say he left feeling like an absolute arsehole, she was clearly not happy or her usual self and he couldn’t out his finger on why.

————Harry’s pov————

The instrumental to ‘music for a sushi restaurant’ blared through the speakers of the empty arena, nothing went right this morning, this was the 3rd try of trying to get through ‘MFASR’ without a technical difficulty.

“Fuck sake” I muttered under my breath after the 4th time of the sound not working.

“Harry let’s take a break, sounds gone bust” Mitch said from my side, while taking his guitar off.

“Yeah yeah” I mumbled.

The last show of the entire tour was slowly approaching and I want this show to be my best, as a thank you from me to everyone who’s ever attended my shows and a goodbye for a while, it was a bittersweet moment.

Backstage of the arena I saw the loveband sit on sofas and vanity desks al sat around having conversations about his knows what.

“Harry don’t be so stressed man” Pauli called as soon as I walked in.

“M’trying mate” I smiled, plopping down on the empty seat next to nyoh.

“I want this show to be good” I stressed.

“And it will be, and even if something goes wrong we can laugh about it” Mitch pipes up from the corner.

“Your fans wouldn’t care H, there definitely bright people” nyoh adds

“Mmm” I hum, suppose they are right.

“I’m just, I don’t know, worried about y/n”

“Y/n?” Pauli asks concern on all the members face now, y/n was practically a little sister to them.

“I thinks she’s mad at me pauli, no idea what I’ve done” I calmly state putting my head in my hands.

“You Need to check on her Harry” nyoh warns

“It’s Not an Easy Lifestyle sometimes” she adds.

“I know I know, she shrugs my questions off, I know somethings not right”

“Harry! Where’s Harry!” We suddenly heard.

“Sarah?” Mitch called opening the door.

“Harry” she continues, while making a direct beeline for me

“Harry it’s y/n” she claims hastily passing me her phone which happens to be a call.

“Y/n?” I whisper before taking the phone from her hand.

“Harry?” I hear a familiar sniffle, fuck.

“Baby, Baby it’s me shit what’s happening” I immediately ask as I go an excuse my self from the rest of the band and shut myself into the dressing room.

“Baby I need you to breathe what’s going on hmm?” I ask trying to keep my voice quiet and calm.

All I can hear from the line is sniffles and quick breathing from my girl, my minds made up.

“Give me 5 minutes tops and I’ll be with you my love fuck I’m coming, I love you and stay exactly where you are”

With a quick confirmation of “ok” I swiftly hang up and pass Sarah’s phone back and explain what’s going on and run out of the door.

—————————

Harry wastes no time getting into the rented house, searching top to bottom of where she could be, luckily there shared en-suite was open.

Harry entered the room the see his y/n sitting in the shower with just a top and his boxers on.

‘Fuck this was a panic attack’ he knew this because the feel of cold water normally helped regulate the girls feelings.

“Oh baby” he’s fast to throw his jacket on the floor and toe his shoes off and join her, he switches the shower off and sits next to her leaning his head against the glass shower wall.

“Darling” he said wrapping his arm over her shoulder.

Immediately she fell into him, she moved herself to sit on his lap and bury her face into his chest and made herself as small as she could on his lap, he put one arm around her head as he leaned his chin on top of her head and the other arm around her legs almost holding her as if she was a baby.

“I feel silly” she breathily mumbled.

“No, absolutely no need too” he said into her hair, pressing a kiss there too.

“I miss you Harry” she honestly admitted.

“Baby-“

“I really can’t go without you” she cries, causing him to hold her even tighter.

It had just clicked in his head what’s going on, he hasn’t been very attentive these few days, he admittedly had been prioritising work, a flood of guilt and shame filled his veins.

“Fuck, fuck. fuck” he mutters

“Baby im so fucking sorry fuck” he says, truly meaning every word he said.

“You don’t know how much you mean to me, you mean the fucking world to me, I love you so fucking much it hurts me baby fuck” he says voice cracking towards the end.

That’s all y/n wanted to hear, she wasn’t often insecure or upset but she now knows she really can’t go without Harry.

“I love you Harry, M’sorry” she says more tears falling at the idea of her making him feel shitty.

“Got nothing to be sorry for, fuck”

“After this tour, m’all yours I’ll always be yours, your stuck with me love, we can go away, we can go home, absolutely anything fuck, as-long as I’m with you” he pleaded, now pressing kisses all over the girls head.

“I like that, I like a lot” she nods.

“M’sorry H I’m never normally this, clingy or crazy but, I miss you I miss your arms, and scent, having meals together, feeling you close to me” she admits absolutely emotional now.

“Hey, hey, darling y’gonna breathe for me hey?” He said pushing his fingers on her chin so she can look up him.

They then started breathing slowly together, and endured a moment of silence, nearly forgetting they where they were.

“Think we needed this” she mumbled.

“Mmm me too lovie”

“Y’ready to get out hmm? We can get comfy and into bed for a while” he adds

“What about rehearsals?”

“Fuck em we got all week”

A smirk formed on the girls lips after he said that.

“All mine, mine mine mine” the girl whined pressing further into his chest.

“That y’are, I’d do anything for you love, shit, I love you so bloody much”

——————————————————————————

Hope this is okay!

[oneshotnewbie]

A oneshot where B!D gets really bad anxiety whenever one of her sisters are mad at her. She’s always worried they’ll never forgive her and there relationship will be forever ruined. Even though that never happens.

ᕚ---ᕘ

The cold winter air came through the open balcony doors and slowly made the room freeze as a tense air spread between Alex and you. You, with a lump in your throat, felt the redhead's words cutting through the air like sharp daggers, ready to leave deep wounds in your heart.

Alex stood there, teeth clenched and eyes blazing with anger. "How can you be so ignorant? It's unbelievable how selfish you are!"

You, with a shiver running down your spine, tried in vain to hold back the tears. You never wanted it to turn into an argument. But Alex's words were like an uncontrollable fire that ate through your relationship, leaving you with no options to explain to her why you had taken the larger sum of money out of your shared bank account.

"Alex, let me explain. I just wanted to..." you started, but your voice was drowned in a sob. You knew you couldn't continue to defend yourself without spilling the beans about the birthday surprise. Those words wouldn't be heard anyway. Not in this frenzy of rage the redhead was currently in.

The eldest Danvers snorted and shook her head. "That's typical of you. Always ready with an excuse. You're just immature and incapable of taking responsibility for finances!"

The pain in your chest was almost unbearable. You just wanted peace again. You wanted everything to go back to how it was a few hours ago when you were laughing together and teasing each other. But this strife seemed unstoppable, a relentless storm that destroyed everything in its path.

Alex turned away abruptly, her hands balled into fists. "I can't take this anymore. I'm going to work." She spoke and you could only stand there silently, unable to act as your sister left the apartment, slamming the door behind her. Tears flowed freely down your cheeks as you stood in the silence of the deserted living room, surrounded by an endless feeling of loneliness.

A short while later, Kara flew into her apartment, her eyes wide in shock as she saw you. "What happened here? Are you okay?" she asked worriedly. You didn't say a word. Instead, you collapsed under the face of your own emotions. All you wanted was for this nightmare to end and for you to feel safe and loved again. But the pain you faced was too deep, and the wounds of the words said would take a long time to heal.

The blonde looked at her younger sister, your shaking body sitting on the floor, surrounded by a sea of tears. Her heart ached when she saw the look of despair on your face. "Come here, little one." Kara whispered softly as she knelt down and wrapped her arms around you. You sank into the embrace without resistance, clinging to Kara as if she were the only constant in a stormy sea.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” you sobbed quietly, your voice barely above an audible whisper. "Why can't I control myself when there is an argument?"

Kara stroked your back soothingly and placed a few kisses on the top of your head. "It's okay, sweetie. Sometimes our emotions are overwhelming, and that's completely normal. Plus, it shows that Alex means a lot to you."

You raised your head, tears shining in your eyes. "But why does this always happen? Why can't I just be strong and overlook it?"

Kara sighed quietly. She had asked herself this question many times in the last few months about why you always reacted so emotionally to arguments, but she didn't know the answer. She carefully brushed a strand of your hair out of your face and looked deeply into your eyes. "Perhaps there are reasons that lie deeper. Reasons that you may not yet understand."

You swallowed hard, a look of realization crossing your face. "I think I'm scared. Scared that I'll lose one of you as soon as an argument arises. That eventually none of you will forgive me and that I'll ruin my relationship with you forever."

The blonde felt a pang in her own heart when she heard the words come out of your mouth. She knew your fears were deep-rooted and wouldn't just go away. But she was also determined to help you and show you that you were loved and accepted, despite some arguments. "Arguments are normal for siblings, my sweet girl," she whispered softly. "Neither of us is going to push you away or anything. I'm going to have a chat with Alex and we'll find a way to deal with it together, okay?"

You nodded at her and she pulled you up. Together you had a cozy day on the couch, where she looked after you and tried to calm you down.

A few hours later, the door opened and Alex hesitantly entered the apartment, her eyes downcast and her face marked with regret. She felt the weight of the silence filling the room and knew she had a lot of explaining to do to make things right with you.

Kara slowly got up from her spot next to you, while you were still clinging to her, and walked towards the redhead. "It's good that you're back," she said calmly, but with a stern tone. "We need to talk. Urgently."

Alex swallowed hard and nodded, her eyes meeting yours and she could see the pain in them. "I'm sorry, Kara. I'm so sorry for what I said. It was unfair and unforgivable to y/n." She spoke and the blonde took her in his arms, surprised by her openness.

"It's okay. We all make mistakes. But we need to talk about it so we can understand what happened." the person addressed hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I spoke to Lena and she told me something that finally made me understand. She's afraid that if we fight, our relationship will be ruined forever because her real parents fought all the time before they split up and put her in a children's home."

Kara sighed and nodded slowly. "Yes, y/n told me that too. It's hard for her to deal with these fears."

Alex looked at her sister seriously before biting her lip and briefly looking at you on the couch. You had now moved into a lying position, the blanket wrapped thickly around you. "We have to show her that she is wrong. That we love her and that we will always be there for her no matter what."

The blonde smiled softly and put her arm around the redhead's shoulder. "We will, Alex. We will show her that she will never be alone and that she always has a place in our family."

They walked over to you arm in arm and took you into their midst. They hugged you tightly, united in their determination to put the fight over money behind them. You all spent the next few hours talking it out, listening to each other, and reassuring each other that you would be there for each other no matter what happened.

And as night fell and you felt tired but relieved, you all knew that you had emerged from each crisis stronger, ready to walk together on a path full of love and forgiveness.

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Hello! I was wondering if you could do a mage (this is a type of powerful wizard) reader with the strawhat crew!

She is believed to be the last of her kind which often makes her a target of the marine and many of the warlords and emperors

Some want her as a weapon others want her as a wife for either themselves or as a wife for a member of their crew.

But the last thing the strawhats do is to give up on a friend theres no way in hell that they're gonna let anything happen to you.

Please and thank you if thats alright!

-You yawned as you stretched your back slightly, shifting in your bed before you cuddled Chopper who was slowly waking up himself.

-Greetings were passed as you patted his head, smiling softly, “Thanks for being my nightmare buddy, Chopper.” He just beamed, as you had been being plagued with nightmares of the memories of your country’s destruction so many years ago.

-Your home island had been destroyed in a single night, marines and pirates attacking on both sides, after finding the location, wanting mages to use for their own selfish needs.

-It ended with a Buster Call, due to the mages killing several Celestial Dragons, wiping out everyone on the island, except for you, as your mother managed to trap you in a magic bubble and sent you to the Mermaid Kingdom, where you lived until you were grown enough to leave, after harnessing your abilities.

-As soon as word got out, you immediately became the most desired person in the world, marines and nobles wanting to use you for their own selfish needs, pirates wanting you to join their crew to be a weapon, but a lot of it changed once your bounty poster had been released when you were an adult.

-You were stunning!! Your poster was so highly sought after because of how gorgeous you were! Now everyone wanted you not only for your power and abilities, but for your stunning good looks as well.

-You were in luck however, because you found safety in one of the strongest crews out there, the Straw Hat Pirates. You had met Luffy and the others shortly after Alabasta, joining right after Robin, and without knowing your true power, Luffy invited you to join his crew because he thought it was cool to have a mage in his crew.

-You had all become like family, working together, protecting one another, forming close bonds, and you were willing to risk your life for any one of them.

-Chopper was one you were closest with, mainly because he was helping you with your emotional trauma by being there for you when you have nightmares, becoming your nighttime cuddle buddy.

-This is something Sanji hates however, as he wants to be your cuddle buddy, and everyone in the crew has vetoed everyone except for the girls, Chopper, and Luffy, as you trust him and you know he only has feelings for you like a brother would and you adore him dearly for it and your trust in Luffy will never waver, unless if you leave a piece of cake out for you and tell him not to eat it. You will always return with a second slice of cake for yourself as you knew he would eat the slice you left in front of him.

-Zoro was your grumpy, reluctant big brother whom you loved to tease, but he would tease you back, calling you short and stealing your hat, but you evened the odds with your broom, flying above him so you were taller!

-Nami and Robin were both quite protective of you as well as territorial, not liking when they had to share with the boys of the crew. Nami would always steal you away to go shopping and has learned not to ask for treasure hunting spells, mainly because you don’t know any but she doesn’t want to use you like others would. Robin is definitely like your big sister, guiding, kind, funny, wouldn’t hesitate to tease you but also would never turn down a chance to cuddle with you. Any given day you could be found sleeping on top of Robin in her hammock while she reads and she won’t hesitate to punish others who would wake you up.

-Usopp was initially scared of you, thinking you were like an evil witch from fairy tales, which, to be fair, you did tease him with, before you became very close friends, bonding over plants, you making medicines and potions and him making weapons and he never fails to make you laugh.

-Sanji, just like Robin and Nami, was head over heels for you and treated you differently compared to the men, making sure the three of you had the prettiest of desserts and wouldn’t hesitate to turn himself into a living shield to protect any one of you. You’re the only one of the girls who trusts Sanji enough to give him a lap pillow, for a short while at least.

-Franky was the best big brother you could have asked for, he’s funny, loves your vibe and style, and loves to come up with inventions based on your magic, to make you even more powerful. Franky is one of the few that you can relax completely around, because you know he will keep you safe.

-You adored Brook to pieces, when you first met him your eyes were so sparkly, seeing a walking, talking skeleton, that you almost missed his first words to you, “Beautiful young lady, may I see your panties?” After that one hiccup, you and Brook were almost always together, as he was the only one, besides Chopper, who was light enough to carry on your broom with you, which made you a deadly death-from-above pair.

-You met Jinbei when you were a child, as he had been the one to find you and brought you to the king and queen, so you would be safe, so you were very close to him, even calling him Boss from time to time which always made him grin. Having grown up with Jinbei always close by, he became a fatherly figure to you, and he wouldn’t hesitate to fight anyone to keep you safe.

-You’ve met plenty of other crews, Law’s was your favorite only because you loved Bepo to pieces, finding the fluffy polar bear so cute.

-Those you called allies were glad you were on their side, after showing your immense power, taking out a whole marine fleet by yourself, but even as allies, that didn’t stop several of them, Shanks being one of the worst, from flirting with you and trying to convince you to join their crews, but you knew at least Shanks was mostly joking.

-Your bounty was on par with the strongest in Luffy’s crew, wanted alive only because the World Government wanted you for themselves, to use your power for their own gains.

-However, that just made you all fight harder, you weren’t leaving your crew- your family, and they weren’t going to let anyone take you.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | forest // seventy-four

| @sani-sims | @maladi777

next / previous / beginning

EVE: Your Grace! KYRIE: Mm, I thought we were on a first name basis. EVE: laughs What a terrible time to joke. KYRIE: I think it’s the best time. What happened? EVE: You collapsed. I’d thought the curse had overcome you. KYRIE: No, at least, not yet. It was my fault, getting all worked up over… Indryr warned me it’d get worse before it got better. EVE: An admission like Taiyo’s would be hard for anyone to hear. Even without what you’d done for him figuring into the equation. He’s only just left now, I can go and fetch him— KYRIE: Don’t trouble yourself. If he wants to come in his own time, that’s for him to decide. EVE: I would rather you rest comfortably, but I feel it’d be wrong for me not tell you— HIGH PRIESTESS: Kyrie. KYRIE: Well, if it isn’t the other shoe. HIGH PRIESTESS: You told me you’d alert me as soon as he was conscious. That was our arrangement. EVE: He’s only just awoke. At least give him a moment to think, if not breathe. HIGH PRIESTESS: Yes, well, he is awake now. You’re free to leave. EVE: I’d rather stay to make certain he’s well— HIGH PRIESTESS: I can make certain myself, or will you not allow me a moment with my son? KYRIE: laughs Oh, stars above. The gods are full of jokes these days. If I’m alive at all, it’s because of Eve’s consideration and skill. You could do her the honor of showing at least a modicum of respect. HIGH PRIESTESS: I am endlessly grateful for your contributions, My Lady. Now, please. A moment. EVE: scoffs Very well. KYRIE: Is this the sort of behavior you would show to one of your precious Chosen? It’s incredible you can’t even fake civility in the face of this ceremony you profess to care so much about. HIGH PRIESTESS: Don’t patronize me, Kyrie. While you lay here like some negligent child. You asked me to trust you once again, and here we are. The sheer scope of your irresponsibility is truly astounding. KYRIE: Why should I have to live long enough to hear you lecture me a thousandth time? If I had one wish at all its that this curse would kill me quicker. HIGH PRIESTESS: Do not speak so recklessly. KYRIE: I’ll speak as I wish, if only because my voice is the one part of me you can’t control. HIGH PRIESTESS: And what will your sister say when she returns? KYRIE: Don’t threaten me with my own sister! For all you know, Alphanei is dead. And maybe you do know it, Gods be certain you’d never tell me the truth. There must be a reason she’s beyond my sight. And maybe I’m glad of it. If the last month has taught me anything, it’s that being Chosen of the Moon is nothing but a prison. If this is how you treated her all these years and I stood idly by, oblivious to what she endured, then I wish you would have neither of us. HIGH PRIESTESS: Your sickness has made you delusional. You’ve grown up inside these very walls. Tell me what have you wanted for? Nothing. I have done everything in my power to protect you both. To keep you safe— even from yourselves. But you have always been the troublesome one. Ever since you were a child. Caught in your own head, selfish and stubborn. HIGH PRIESTESS: Do you know how many mages I have sent north? How many elven knights have traveled out to retrieve Her Grace? Do you know how many have died in that pursuit? No, Kyrie. I spared you those details so you did not have to live with guilt of just how important you really are. KYRIE: As tools. But not as people. Regardless, now that too is on my conscience. We never asked for this role. We never had that choice. And because of this city’s insistence on a corrupt ritual, hundreds have been subjected to needless slaughter. If I could end it all by forfeit of my life, I would not wait a moment longer. HIGH PRIESTESS: Always a fool. I’ll send for the King’s clerics. And after you are cured of this, we will a find more suitable way to proceed. ASTER: Your Grace, heard you were awa— Oh. Am I interrupting something? KYRIE: Not at all. Mother was just leaving. HIGH PRIESTESS: Hmph.

[feyhunter78]

Chapter Eight - You've escaped the restaurant with Miguel, and now you sit in a fast food parking lot discussing the night's events.

Ch 9

You sit in Miguel’s passenger seat, burger in hand, fries balanced between your thighs and your vanilla milkshake in the cupholder, and he loves it. Loves how domestic it feels, how you happily eat your food, visibly relaxing into the leather seat.

“So, how did you meet Kasey?” You ask him, fiddling with the air conditioning vent in front of you.

“You’ll hate me.” Miguel says, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Never.” You say, smiling mischievously at him, intrigue emanating from you.

He knows you, knows you love hearing about any sort of drama as long as you’re not a part of it.

“One-night stand, she was hitting on my brother at first, then Mina stepped in, tried to fight her, so I convinced Kasey it would be better to ride me instead of a stretcher to the hospital.”

Your hand flies to your mouth. “You did not say that to her.”

He groans and gives you a guilty smile. “I did.”

“And she went home with you?”

Kasey is...spontaneous, an adrenaline junkie with an addictive personality and a desire to experience all life has to offer before she has to settle down. Which according to their last conversation would be soon. She’d just been promoted, a new position which would send her out to Vermont. She’d already bought a house, planned to move her dogs there, to reconnect with her sister, and nieces who lived only ten minutes down the road from her new place.

But for all her planning though she was still Kasey, she still wanted a few last moments of fun and Miguel was her favorite place to get them. “She’s obsessed with me.”

Your eyes are wide, shining with amused shock. “You literally said the words, ‘it would be better to ride me than a stretcher to the hospital,’ to her face?”

Miguel takes a calculated risk. “I think my exact words were, you’re a pretty girl and my sister-in-law can fight. So, why don’t we save you a trip to the hospital, and you ride my cock instead of a stretcher?”

Your scent changes, you shift in your seat, gorgeous thighs rubbing against each other. He basks in it, wants to go further, feel that save wave of arousal rolling off you that he did back in the restaurant when he called you a good girl.

“Yeah…maybe we don’t double-date anymore.” You say, dipping a fry in your milkshake, attempting to act entirely unfazed.

“Maybe not.” Miguel agrees. No need to double-date, soon Todd will be gone, Kasey will be gone, and it’ll just be us for all eternity.

He could sit here forever, music playing softly, the hum of the neon sign, your perfume filling the car, the cool night air weaving through the open windows.

After a while, you speak up. “Also, I’m sorry about Todd, he’s…” You trail off, staring at the night sky blankly.

“Kind of a dick?” Miguel fills in for you.

You snort, “yeah, kinda, but seriously he can be so nice sometimes.”

“Sometimes? Y/N he should always be nice to you, you’re amazing.” He wants to shake you, to tell you that Todd is the same as he’s always been, a cruel, selfish, and uncaring man.

It took everything in him to not lunge across the table and sink his fangs into Todd, to tear out his throat and leave him breathless and gurgling, blood staining that ridiculous outfit he wore.

You lean your head back against the headrest and Miguel admires the curve of your neck, how your hair falls back delicately, the steady beating of your pulse, the blood flowing through your veins. “I know…but I just…we’ve been together for a while now, and I always self-sabotage, so I never know if I’m making the flaws up in my head or not.”

“You’re not.” He says, taking a long drink of his own strawberry milkshake. He’ll be throwing it up later tonight, but it’s worth it.

You roll your head to look at him. “Really? How do you know?”

He shrugs, “I just do.”

You close your eyes and let out a long sigh. “I don’t know, I like him, and he doesn’t treat me terribly.”

“He thinks your job is worthless, and that your choices are made without thought, that much was clear.”

Your face scrunches up, eyes still closed. “He’s just so obsessed with money, and don’t get me wrong I want to be rich too, but not at the expense of living my life and doing things I actually enjoy.”

“A life without passions is not worth living.” He says, focusing on the horizon.

You’re quiet, he can hear your thoughts whirling around in your head, a jumbled mess of emotions threatening to tumble out and spill over.

“I just…” Your voice is strained, wobbly, and breaks in the middle.

Miguel glances over at you to see tears glistening as they slip down your cheeks. “Hey, hey, y/n, mi dulce, please don’t cry.” He reaches for your hand, capturing it between his own.

“I’m just so embarrassed, and mad, and tired and I…” You dissolve into sobs, your free hand covering your eyes, your body bending forward in the seat.

“No, no, don’t be embarrassed, why are you embarrassed?” He soothes, his thumb stroking the skin of your inner wrist.

“My fucking boyfriend asked your fuckbuddy for sex tips, and they didn’t even fucking work, but I know you’re good at sex because everyone raves about it, and now you know that I’m…”

Broken? A freak? Stuck laying under a guy who treats me like an object, makes me feel worthless?

Your thoughts are pouring into him, a rushing waterfall of doubt and insecurity.

He can’t sit by anymore, he releases your hand and cups your face, lifting it, so your eyes meet his. “Y/N, I know nothing except what you wish to tell me, I am not judging you, I am judging him, but not you, never you. You are—you deserve so much more than him, and I’m sorry if you feel like I’m overstepping, but I have to say something. You are a good person y/n, sweet, smart, funny, beautiful, dedicated, passionate, caring, and he—he is a wet chihuahua barking because he has nothing better to do.”

He can feel your internal battle, how desperately you want to believe him, how frightened you are of leaving Todd, because what if Miguel doesn’t feel the same as you? He knows you fear risking everything for a chance at nothing. So, he pulls back, you have to make this jump on your own, no matter how badly he wants to carry you.

“As your friend, I would be doing you a disservice by not telling you the truth.” He feels the pang in your heart echoing in his.

Friend, just friends.

You nod, tears slowly drying. “Yeah, you’re right, thank you. It means a lot to me that you care so much.”

He brushes back a lock of your hair, admiring you in the glow of the streetlights. “No tienes idea de lo fácil que es amarte. Essentially, you make it very easy to care about you.” Trsl: You have no idea how easy it is to love you.

You smile at him, and your smile is like the sun blooming over the horizon, like his first breath of air after clawing out of his grave, it is you, you, you, you. “You’re so sweet, thank you.”

“You are easy to be sweet to.” He says, fighting the impulse to lean forward and connect your lips.

You bite back a laugh. “A wet chihuahua?”

He chuckles, caressing your face once more before forcing himself to let go. “It seemed an apt comparison, he’s so small compared to me.”

“Everyone is small compared to you, you’re a giant.”

There you are, his girl, smiling and teasing him, the light returning to your eyes. “I am not.”

“You are! Have you seen yourself? I swear your biceps are bigger than my head. And you’re so broad? Tell me right now, be honest, are you taking steroids?” He busts out laughing and you slap his shoulder. “Miguel, I’m serious, that can’t be natural.”

“I’m not taking steroids; I have good genetics and I work out regularly.” He explains. “It’s all about your diet.”

And I’m an immortal being with enhanced abilities, and physicality.

“Todd will never believe that he swears up and down that steroids are the only way to get really buff.”

“Does he want to gain muscle?” Todd wasn’t weak looking per se, but Miguel wouldn’t say he was “buff.”

You look down at your hands, mumbling. “I like guys with muscles.”

“What was that, dulce? I couldn’t hear you.” Miguel prods. His enhanced hearing of course caught your words, but he wants to hear you say it again.

You scrunch up your nose. “I like guys with muscles okay, I’m a bicep girl, I like having something to hold onto.”

“You like what you like.” Miguel flexes, casually reaching to turn down the music, but he can feel your eyes following his every movement.

“Yeah…but Todd says his ‘genetic makeup isn’t built for bulking’ so I guess that’s that.” You say, a hint of longing in your tone, when he reaches behind his seat to stretch out his shoulders.

Miguel wants to pounce. To take you in the backseat of his car and show you what his strength can do, let you sink your teeth into his biceps, scratch your nails down his back and shoulders, mark him, claim him.

“I hope he sleeps with Kasey.” Your words rip him from his thoughts.

TL: @obi-mom-kenobi, @poutysprouty, @oharasfilipinawife, @laysmt, @cicithemess, @unabashedcroissanttreefan, @lynxslokley, @thedevax, @generalkenobitrash, @keiva1000

[w0rmb]

Short Byler one shot! A little angsty, and probably ass because I haven’t written in years but I can’t get them out of my head. I don’t have an AO3 account and I didn’t want to post this on Wattpad so I’m putting it here! Enjoy the 10 people who read fanfics on tumblr!

It takes place some time after the end of season 4. Probably beginning of season 5. Will dealing with the battle of wanting to make his best friend happy and sister but hating what that entails. Will you are in the worst love triangle ever I’m so sorry. 😢

Mike was trying to make it not painfully obvious he was looking at Eleven. He wasn’t trying to stare but he was. The boy had a lot on his mind at the moment. Should he go up to her? Ask how they were? Even though he said that four letter word, yelled it to her. She still hadn’t spoken to him since. If he did go up to her, what would he even say? Should he keep it casual? It’s killing him inside to have so many questions but no answers. He meant what he told her during their fight, he did care. He cares so much about her, worried about what happened to her while they were trying to find her. I mean- she had her hair shaved off! Not just the old haircut but her old powers again?

At this rate, the Wheeler was going to be just staring for a while. Will had walked up beside his friend without him even noticing. Didn’t take long for him to understand what Mike was thinking about. Even if he hadn’t been eyeing her up. Will just could read his best friend so easily.

“You should go talk to her,” Mike’s train of thought broke. He looked over to where Will’s voice was coming from on his left. The teenager frowned and continued his staring streak.

“You think so?” His voice full of uncertainty.

Will replied softly, “yeah.” If Mike had been looking he would have seen how somber his face had been. But Mike blew off the weird feeling he was getting, thinking it was nerves. He had a habit of doing that to Will didn’t he? Yet here his best friend was. Accepting being blown off, trying to help him anyways.

Will pushed Mike forward, “go on!”

“Okay! Jesus!” Wheeler shot over a glare.

Once his eyes went back to El it took him about three steps for him to lose the momentum. He looked back at his friend to him giving him a thumbs up with a lopsided smile. Even Will knew this was gonna suck.

Then another three steps and Elevens head was turning before she could have even gotten the chance to meet his eyes Mike turned around so quick.

Oh god nope I can’t do it. Mike gave up before he even tried. But wait where was Will?

—————————

Even though Will hated himself for leaving his friend to deal with this conversation alone. If his friend asked why he left so soon, he could say “I knew it wasn’t gonna be pretty” or “I thought you would want some space for that.” Though that wasn’t the real reason. Even though he was helping his friend with his girlfriend. Will couldn’t stay to watch as it actually happens. To see his guidance actually work.

God, when did he become so selfish?

He was trying to be a good best friend. A good brother for El. Mike wanted El. So Will was going to make sure they stayed together if it was the last thing he’ll do. Yet if that was the case… That he wanted them to stay together. Then why was it so hard to even think about it happening? No matter how hard Byers tried to make himself feel the opposite. Happy. Excited. Supportive. He was selfish. That’s it. He’s selfish and stupid. Why did a part of his heart get crushed at watching Mike be happy? He wants her. If Will really-…loves him he shouldn’t be crying like an idiot in a bathroom about this. It’s not like El is a bad person for Mike. That’s his sister. She’s one of the sweetest people ever and she’d treat Mike well.

All the same his heart was still breaking. Tears still running, chest still burning. At least he made it to the bathroom in time. This is a battle for him and himself alone. That selfish feeling is always there when watching the two be together but the fact it was Will keeping them together this time. Made it really come out. Made him cry because he wished -the idiot he was wished- that he was in El’s shoes. He’s so selfish he really would go through the life El’s gone through if it just meant Mike wanted him…

What was he thinking?

No he doesn’t think any of that. Well yes he did, despite that he knows it’s wrong. It’s all so wrong. Will’s head felt like it had so much pressure getting built up. He was so stupid. Selfish and stupid. Thinking all these crazy thoughts. That’s all they were. Crazy thoughts, that he swore didn’t define him. He got to be Mike’s best friend and if he really loved him he’d be okay with just that.

—————————

Alright where did Will go? If he had just gone to the bathroom he would have been out by now. Wait had he even checked the bathroom yet? Mike went over and before he knocked he heard something. Soft nearly silent sobs. It didn’t take him long to recognize it being his best friend’s.

He knocked, “Will?” Suddenly the only thought of El in his mind was him thanking himself he hadn’t spoken to her. The sobs stopped. He knocked again, “Will is something wrong?”

Will looked in the mirror, he looked a mess. He turned on the sink. “No, I-i’m good!” He bent over to splash some water on his face.

Mike didn’t believe that for a second. “Then can I come in?”

“Uhhh-“ Before Will could respond Mike creaked the door open. He quickly turned the sink off and tried to dry his face. “Mike what the hell? What if I was peeing?”

Mike was going to reply but he saw Will’s state. Mike knows how Will’s eyes look after he had been crying. Slightly red and he knew that the boy was hiding something by the way his lip was trembling. Mike stepped in and closed the bathroom door behind him.

“Will, what’s wrong?” Will’s bangs were wet and sticking again his forehead. Will opened his mouth to say something but he couldn’t get anything out. Mike saw his eyes and saw…fear?

“Did you see something?” Mike’s voice softened.

“N-no!” Will replied to quickly. “Mike, I’m okay. Nothing like that.”

“Oh, okay good.” Mike smiled for a moment. Though it didn’t mean he would stop being worried. “Then, what’s happening?”

Will turned from him, “Nothing is Mike I-“ He bit his lip. He turned his head down looking at his hands on the counter. Mike stepped closer to him. Will turned his head to look at him hesitantly. Met with Mike’s eyes, full of worry. Oh that feeling that made him so stupid came back.

Mike felt like fall. Perfect temperature, with a cool breeze. Fun, games, life before he got taken. When life was normal. When their biggest fear was not being able to continue their campaign that night. Before he was reminded of how terrifyingly mortal he was because in those days Mike was always there and it wouldn’t have been the same without him.

Stupid selfish feeling of warmth in his chest when he saw Mike look at him like that. Will had to look back away from him because that warmth had moved to his face. Though he didn’t escape him for long because Mike put his hand on his.

“Will I know it’s been a long time since the last time you trusted me with something but…” Mike’s voice a little desperate with a hint of self hatred from thinking about how long it has been because of himself. “I’m here for you okay? And I want to be.” His hand was warm on top of Will’s. “Please trust me.” Mike’s head racing quickly translated to his voice as he raced. “I know it’s been so long and I’ve been a douche and it’s understandable if you don’t want to but I-“

“Mike.” Will said softly with a smile on his face. “I know.” Mike looked at him with wide worried eyes.

“Sorry… I just think I’m antsy cause of how long it’s been.” Mike smile was a little twisted.

“Antsy?” Will poked. Mike was going to quickly reply with something to try to over explain it but Will stopped him before he got the chance. “Me too. I think everyone is.”

Everyone? Mike thought. No it couldn’t be everyone because the feeling Mike was feeling was just with Will. But maybe it would be better to let Will think it’s whatever he thinks Mike meant.

“I appreciate it Mike.” Will looked up at Mike and his friend mirrored him. Will’s eyes went to their hands. “I’m sorry I worried you, I just was stuck in my head. Thinking crazy thoughts.”

Mike smiled, “well you remember what I said?” Will looked up confused. “If we go crazy, at least we’ll go crazy together.” Will eyes widened, Mike didn’t even know what he just did to Will’s heart. Will flipped his hand over and intertwined their fingers.

Mike let him. “Yeah,” he said with a smile. “I remember.” The two looked at an each other for a moment. Then Mike noticed the tears in his friend’s eyes.

“Hey but please don’t do this again. This is what Vecna wants, us to be split apart with our worst feelings. It’s dangerous.” Mike’s hand tightened. Will’s heart was racing, Mike always is looking out for him. “I get you might not want to talk to me, that’s okay. But at least sit with someone, if not with me at least someone.”

Byers’ thumb rubbed against his friend hand. “I think you’re the only person I’d want to be with when I’m like this.” Will laughed and rubbed his eyes.

Now it wasn’t just Will’s chest feeling something. That funny feeling in Mike’s chest, different from the one that came with El started to warm up his chest. The black-haired boy smiled brightly. “Cool.”

“Cool.” Suddenly the two liked this bathroom. Didn’t mind staying in it for a little while longer.

[marymary-diva17]

Switch places

female lo'ak and big brother neteyam

Death was something that everyone was told about at very young age on pandora, but even due learning about death was something about life experience the death of loved one is always hurtful. The sully family had always been strong and fortress as they always had each other, a family ski but it soon become a family of five. The death of eldest sully child who had sacrificed everything for the well-being of his siblings doing what all older siblings had done. The death of the eldest had greatly effected everyone and his lost never, made anything the same.

lani " neteyam I'm sorry so sorry" it had been a month since her older brother death and it still didn't feel like it was real. Her family hadn't been the same and either was the clan as well, neteyam was loved by everyone and now he was gone.

lani " payakan why does it still hurt after all this long" lani had been with payakan as life at home and the village was very uncomfortable, lani had a feeling everyone blamed her. She had went out to go save payakan from danger and in the ended she lost her brother, and now her family is not the same and is no longer a fortress.

payakan " because he is your brother you will always miss him, and love him no matter what happens"

lani " yes but I wish he was still alive and here with us I miss him and I want him back"

payakan " oh lani"

lani " I feel like everyone blames me not only neteyam life had been lost many other as well, and I put so many lives on the line as well I have always been selfish"

payakan " you are not selfish lani you are just a child no one should be blaming you, and your brother did what he did along with other to save you and many other from the evil humans"

lani " I know but just wish he was here I really need him right now" lani had spent the rest of the day with payakan, she was feeling a bit better but she still felt sad about everything.

later on that night

lani " ......" lani had finally arrived back home and it seems like everyone expect warriors were at home right now or the healer hut.

navi women " there the demon girl she finally come home to curse the village"

navi women 2 " it all because of her we lost our future leader and that many lives have been lost"

navi men " she dont has only be the result of many death but many people lives have been ruined"

navi men 2 " she a shame to her family and clan she shame to be a child of eywa"

lani " ....." nai was not going to say the last time she didn't a fight had started and she got scolded by Jake. She soon arrived home her parents and sisters seem to be happy and laughing, but that all ended when she came into the home.

lani " hello sorry for being late I didn't mean to interrupt anything"

tuk " welcome home lani"

lani " thank you" lani soon joined her family at the meal but it had become very quite in the home.

Jake " where have you been all day young lady"

y/n " I was with payakan dad ... I mean sir"

Jake " with the outcast again hasn't there been enough damage done"

y/n " I just want to see him as I haven't seen him after the battle that much, and we talked"

tuk " what did you talk about"

y/n " we talked about neteyam"

The sound of bowl breaking had gotten everyone attention, as they looked at neytiri.

Neytiri “ don’t you dare speak of him with the creature, your brother dead chasing after you for the dangerous creature”

Lani “ mom I …..”

Neytiri “ my son is dead my precious son is gone all because of those demons, and many other lives as well why couldn’t it be anyone else why did it have to be him”

Lani “ mom I’m sorry I didn’t”

Neytiri “ don’t touch me” neytiri soon got up and left the room, storming into the room she shared with Jake.

Jake “ young lady you have a lot to think about”

Lani “ dad”

Jake “ sir remember”

Lani “ yes sir”Jake soon ran after his wife leaving the kids alone.

Kiri “ why do you alway have to speak before your talk”

Lani “ Kiri”

Kiri “ you know spider blames himself for all of this but none of this would of happened, because of you all because of you”

Lani “ sister I’m sorry”

Kiri “ I don’t care for you sorry I’m leaving to go have dinner with spider and his family, why did you have to be come home”Kiri soon left leaving the two sister alone. 

Tuk “ Kiri … lani …”

Lani “ go be with her Tuk I will be okay” 

tuk " I love you lani" tuk had hugged lani before running after kiri lani was standing there by herself.

neytiri " ever time I look at her I remember that day of losing neteyam... I blame her at times as she killed him"

Jake " neytiri we all think about that day and chose could, of been made better by her but ... I don't know I miss him do he was so special to the family he was our fortress" lani soon left the home and started wondering around.

????? " lani"

lani " oh hey tsireyo"

tsireyo " hey I was going to check on you and your family ... oh lani what the mater"

lani " I miss my brother my family hasn't been the same without him, we are no longer the sully or fortress" tsireyo soon brought lani into a hug as she cried on his shoulder.

tsireyo " I'm sorry lani for everything"

????? " tsireyo" the teens had broke apart as they looked and saw ronal coming their way.

ronal " get your demon blood hands off my son you awful girl"

tsireyo " mother"

ronal " no I will no longer have you defending her she is to blame for all the misery within our clans and lands, she the reason her clan had to leave their home and come here ... she had ruined many lives and now many lives have been lost because of her"

tsireyo " mother"

ronal " she to blame for this all she is to blame for everything"

????? " what going on her" aonung and rotxo soon shown themselves as they walked over to the tiro.

aonung " how dare you upset my mother during this time"

lani " i didn't mean to"

ronal " children stay away form her you can be with her sister but stay away from her"

aonung " come on mom lets get you home" the group soon left tsreyo had looked back but was soon dragged off by his brother, lani could feel all eyes on her from the others. She soon ran off towards a far away beach to be alone.

lani " i will give anythin to switch places with my brother great mother... I will do anything and give up anything to have my brother home with my family .... I need him no the need him everyone needs him I will make any type of sacrifice" tears were falling down lani face, she had decided to stand in the water a bit. She was looking out to where neteyam was bared and soon swam out there, she was looking at the sport. Tears falling down her face and she reach out her hand she would switch places him in heart beat, she will do anything to have her big brother live again.

lani " ......" soon a bright glower bright then the glow that was already there, had soon over come lani when she opened her eyes she was laying in rock.

lani " oh it day time how long was I asleep did I sleep here last night"

lani " I should get home and prep myself for lectures and the cold shoulder, maybe I can ask grandma if I can stay with her for long time" lani had swam back to the shore she was stretching and minding her own business.

????? " hey lani there you are"

lani " neteyam" lani ahd heard neteyam voice when she looked to where the voice was coming from, she saw him walking over to her.

lani " neteyam brother"

neteyam " yes that me I came to see where my little sister had gotten off to" lani had soon hugged neteyam when he got closer she was happy to see him, how was this possible it had to be dream right.

neteyam " hey I love your hugs is everything okay" lani soon felt neteyam hug her back, making her realize that is true her brother was really here.

neteyam " hey you are crying what the matter I swear if aonung said anything to you ...."

lani " no I just happy to see you that all"

neteyam " well I'm happy to see you as well now come on the others are waiting"

lani " yes" lani had followed neteyam to where everyone else was at the moment.

kiri " hey sis there you are ... hey have you been crying aonung what did you do"

tsireyo " aonung"

aonung " it was not me"

lani " yes I'm just happy to see you all it been hard lately"

tuk " well we are happy to see you"

rotox " come on let have some fun" the group had fun lani had learned she was in the future for some reason, that means her prays had been heard. Soon in a couple days she will be losing her brother again and she didn't want that to happen.

days later

lani " payakan do you believe in second chances in life or having time to redo mistakes made"

payakan " well yes you helped me gain my second chance with the tulkun had have helped us, with the rda"

lani " well I think you might think I'm crazy but I was given a second chance, in one future my brother is dead but he alive here but I might lose him again and I don't want to do that"

payakan " I had a feeling you have a new glow to you"

lani " payakan whatever happens tomorrow please help my sibling, friends, and the clans here please keep up the good fight for me if I'm no here"

payakan " yes I will I will spreed the words and we will be waiting for you when and if you come back to us ... lani"

lani " yes"

payakan " what you are doing is every mature of you and te great mother has blessed you"

lani " thank you my friend" soon lani heard warrior calls. she got off payakan fast.

lani '" you need to leave fast of they will be mad at you I will be okay this needs to be done"

payakan " okay" payakan soon dove under water and swam away leaving the girl alone, as she soon came face to face with some warriors and by the looks on their faces it was bad new. She was soon brought home and towards a gather of olo'eythans and her father.

tonowari " lani you have been called here for a special reason"

lani " yes sir"

tonowari : reports have told me and your father along with others, that you have disobey me and kept on see the outcast and now you and outcast are helping the tulkun fight back"

olo'eythan " disobey our rules by being near the outcast"

olo'eythan 2 " is a a daughter of toruk makto but acts of shameful being friends with an outcast and breaking our clans rules, is also bring shame to her clan and the other forest clans"

tonowari " enough let the girl speak so lani is true"

lani " yes it true sir I have been socialize with payakan"

Jake " young lady what have I told you"

lani " i not ashamed of my actions he saved my life and became my friend I see the truth about him, and it breaks my heart I will not let anymore tulkun become prey to the RDA ... these old rules at times need to be changed and looked over the tulkun and everyone else here has a right to live and we have to help them"

tonowari " Herę I thought you were like your father and mother"

lani " I'm their daughter I fight for what right and this what I'm fighting for with all respect to you tonowari and everyone here, but I wont flee and leave innocent lives in danger"

olo'eythan 3 " you girl have put out lives in danger by getting the rda attention and having us come and hide here, now we all endanger more lives because of you ... shameful girl you are no navi and will never be navi"

lani " I'm navi even due I don't act like you all or look that same I still navi"

olo'eythan 4 " toruk makto you allowed this of your daughter to speak to us in this tone"

Jake " no I don't sir and she bring shame to my family and myself, I thought I raised you to be better then you but I seems like I was wrong ... at times I wonder where I and her mother went wrong ... there are times when I wish she was like her siblings or other kids"

lani " i will never be like them dad"

Jake " why are you like this I said enough of breaking the rules but you can't seem to that now it effecting everyone life here, you are so selfish lani and many other things ... now you are rubbing off on your sibling and other kids around you, sometime I wonder if I should call you my daughter"

lani " ....."

Jake " once again you bring shame to my and your mother for once in your life can you make us proud"

lani " when you see me"

Jake " the wya you are going I might never see you now or ever"

lani " can I go sir do I have to stay here"

Jake " just leave you have done enough damage to our family and our clan" lani didn't say anything else as she soon left saying nothing else, this was not the first time hearing she was shame or disappointment to her family and clan. it still found ways to hurt her when she heard towards words.

lani " ....." lani had been crying alone what she had sone soon speed around the village, and now she was more in trouble with everyone.

???? " hey may I sit here with you"

lani " neteyam shouldn't you be with dad and all the other future leaders, and other talking"

neteyam " yes but I came for more important matter you I heard what happened"

lani " I'm guessing you are ashamed of me as well now join the team I have more spots open"

neteyam " No I'm proud of you for what you have been doing, you are alway doing stuff that unlike everyone else"

lani " thank you"

neteyam " I see you lanI and I will always be proud of you no matter what happens"

lani " ......" lani soon started crying as she soon was brought into a hug by her brother. She was so happy to have neteyam back and she will make sure the dark future that happen will not take place.

lani " hey I need to talk with you all" everyone looked at lani as she got their attention.

tisreyo " sure"

lani " I need you all to give payakan a chance there more to him then you know"

kiri " okay"

lani " thank you" she had made a group hug with them everyone was laughing and smiling. Lani only knew of what will be coming for them tomorrow but she had a plan.

the day of the battle

lani " ........" Tension had risen the day of the battle all the ocean and reef navi were done with the RDA, had almsot killed some tulkun and burned down to many village along with destroy enough stuff as well.

neteyam " don't worry everyone everything will be fine" the group had bene caught all of them and now they were being, held hostage on rda ship.

tuk " dad" soon the parents had come along with help from many other oloeythans and their warriors. In a matter of second the battle had began everyone was fighting. While the solider had been distracted lani had freed herself.

lani " ahhh" she had attack some soliders knocking them down to the metal floor.

neteyam " lani"

lani "I'm good ..... payakan " payakan had jumped out form the water and landed on some of the rda. Lani had started freeing everyone from their cuffs.

aonung " nice move there"

lani " thanks but we can talk and praise each other later we need to get off of this ship"

spider " on it come on everyone we can jump from here"

lani " someone stay with tuk"

kiri " okay" everyone was moving when the recoms came along with the rda.

lani " get out of here everyone now" everyone was jumping into the water with all the chaos.

spider " hey let me go" lani had seen one of mecsuits grab him she soon stabbed the suit in the robot arm.

rda " hey your blue brat"

lani " keeping going and if payakan not fighting go to him and he will help"

Lyle " hey stop there right now" it was lyle the man who or had killed her brother, he was firing off his weapon as the kids ran to jump off the ship.

lani " keeping going we will be okay"

neteyam " on it" a the remaining of the group jumped off lani had made sure no one else was hit, but she soon did feel the sharp pain as she was hit.She had made eye contact with the rda and recoms dead silence had bene heard, but lani didactic give up she ran the rets of the way and jumped off into the water.

neteyam " great we are all everyone else went to the village we can follow after"

aonung " that was amazing and scary"

spider ' lani are you okay"

lani " I' .... I'm good" the four boys soon saw blood in the water and looked at each other and soon themselves and saw, they are good but lani was not.

neteyam " no no no"

aonung " my IIu"

neteyam " here we got you we are here"

lani " okay it will be okay it will be okay" the boys had gotten onto aonung and rotxo Iiu heaidng toward the rocks where everyone was wait.

neteyam " dad dad do you hear me something bad has happened we need your help"

Jake " neteyam what happened"

neteyam " someone is hurt and we need your help we are going towards the rocks"

Jake " I will be there with everyone shortly" the group soon reach the area as the brought lani body onto the rocks.

spider "I will call my dads for help as well"

neteyam " good where are the others" soon the sound of IIu had gotten everyone attention as the other three and shown up, seeing lani hurt like that.

Kiri “ lani no please no"

tuk " lani" the two sisters gather around lani as kiri and neteyam started doing what their dad taught them.

tsireyo " lani we are here we are going to make sure nothing bad happens"

lani " it okay I don't fear see the great mother I'm not scared"

kiri " don't speak like that"

neteyam " yes it will be good we are going to save you my sister, you save us and we are going to help you"

rotxo " where could they be where could they be"

spider " it hard to tell"

lani " it okay..... I need to protect ....my family and friends"

lani " I wanted to keep our family, friends, and clans ... safe so we can go home so we can all go home"

neteyam " we are all going home okay mom and dad are going to come and save you ... they will be here to save us and you then it will be good"

lani " I .... love dad and I .... love mom as well ... and all my siblings"

neteyam " we love you too"

kiri " yes we do sister we are going to head home"

tuk " then we can make flower crowns again"

lani " promise to make one ... for me please" her sister had nodded her head.

spider " lani I''m sorry if I didn't ...."

lani " you are one of people ... spider and my best friend I need to save you as you had saved others as well"

tsireyo " please don't go we still need you ....you can't just yet"

aonoung " please lani stay we are going to make sure everything okay"

rotox " yes maybe if we go out there and find someone ..."

lani " no it ... not safe it still danger and the rda mad even more now, we cant ... have any lives lost here today" the kids are near lani as they had a bad feeling.

lani " thank you all for ... making life so fun and enjoyable ... I love you all"

neteyam " we love you too lani"

lani " tell mom and ... dad along with grandmother that I love them and I'm sorry"

kiri " you can tell them when you are better .. lani okay"

tuk " yeah"

lani " home ... I wish to go home one last time ... I miss home"

neteyam " we will go home all of us I promises"

lani " I'm ...going home I love you ... all see you at home ..." lani soon stopped moving at all as she laid there, her siblings held her tight as they started crying she wad gone lani was gone. The metkayian kids and spider joined them, as they all watched lani leave them she had saved them but couldn't make it back home. She had done what she need to make sure her family and clan are safe and sound, they didn't need the dark future that she had come from and she had made sure that didn't happen. Lani had thought is was the end of her chapter as she did everything, to rewrite so many wrongs that had been done to her family and her people she will do it again for them over and over just to make sure everyone was happy in the end.

[mi-rae07]

Park Seonghwa : Memory (Part 4/4)

Pairing : Park Seonghwa (Ateez) and named character (Yoon Si-yeol)

_____________

Sihyun : I knew this would happen someday. It's all going to get worse now, seonghwa.

Seonghwa was sitting limp against the hospital chair outside the room the doctors had taken siyeol into, his eyes once again blank. Seonghwa had no idea how to feel, scared? Maybe worried? Hurt? Whatever it was, he could only feel numb at the moment.

Sihyun : seonghwa, are you even listening?

Seonghwa : I want to meet her when she wakes up. Even if it's for the last time, I want to see her again. Alone.

Sihyun : are you sure you want that?

Seonghwa nodded, his hands clenched. He needed to face this, he had to stop running away from this. Sihyun nodded, letting out a sigh as he said

Sihyun : fine. But if I hear something that causes worry, I will let myself in.

Seonghwa looked up as the door to siyeol's room opened, doctors stepping out of it. Seonghwa stood up, walking up towards them as he asked

Seonghwa : she's fine…right?

Doctor : very. She's gotten her memories back, at last.

Seonghwa let out a shaky breath, looking away in part relief.

Sihyun : go in then, seonghwa. See my sister.

Seonghwa looked at sihyun as he gave him one last nod before stepping away with the doctors to talk about technical matters. Seonghwa let out a breath and opened the door to her room, stepping inside as his eyes landed on siyeol who was sitting up on her hospital bed while looking at the window. As soon as she heard the door opening her head turned, her widened eyes staring at seonghwa.

Siyeol : n-no.

Seonghwa : siyeol.

Siyeol : I don't want to see you.

Seonghwa stepped forward, trying not to break down at the look she was giving him.

Siyeol : why the hell are you here? You lied to me, you took advantage of me when I was at my lowest, seonghwa!

Seonghwa : I came here to apologize, for everything I've done.

Siyeol scoffed, looking away.

Seonghwa : I was being selfish. No matter what, I shouldn't have treated you the way I did before the accident happened. I should've given you the love you deserved, and repaid the things you did for me. But I didn't, I was terrible to you. And even after you lost your memories, I should've stayed away from you. It is all my fault, and I'm sorry for it.

Siyeol stared at seonghwa as he stepped forward, bringing his hands to the back of his neck before removing the necklace that hung around his neck. The necklace that siyeol had given him for their first anniversary, almost a decade ago. A necklace siyeol thought seonghwa had forgotten about.

Seonghwa placed it onto siyeol's hand with his trembling ones, looking at it as he said

Seonghwa : you said I was your curse, that you wanted me to go away. Now I will. The past few months, I stayed because I thought I should try to correct the countless mistakes that I had made in the past. But not anymore.

Seonghwa looked up at siyeol with teary eyes, giving her a small smile before saying

Seonghwa : whether you believe it or not, you were everything to me, yoon siyeol. There has never been a moment in my life that I haven't thought of you. I loved you, I love you, and I always will.

Seonghwa turned around and left before siyeol could say anything, tears streaming down his cheeks as he rushed out of the hospital.

_______________________

Siyeol : he's left me again, hyun-ah.

Sihyun looked up as siyeol stared at the food in front of her with unhappy eyes, the glow all gone now. Just as seonghwa was.

Sihyun : didn't you want him to leave, noona?

Siyeol : he didn’t even listen to what I had to say before leaving. Yes, I didn’t want to see him at that particular point of time but I didn’t say I never wanted to see him ever again, did I? he never listens.

Sihyun : so? Are you going to go after him?

Siyeol sighed, leaning back against her hospital bed before saying

Siyeol : he was a completely different person to me after my accident, sihyun-ah. What if…what if that's the real him?

Sihyun : and what if it isn't?

Siyeol : then I guess I'll just have to find out.

_______________________

2 days later :

Siyeol was just checking to see if she had left any of her items behind in her hospital room when a nurse stepped inside, bowing at siyeol.

Siyeol : yes?

??? : if you do not mind, can we talk for a few minutes?

Siyeol nodded, standing straight as she looked at the nurse.

??? : park seonghwa-shi, he's your boyfriend, right?

Siyeol blinked her eyes, not really knowing herself whether that was the label seonghwa had in her life.

??? : boyfriend or not, I understand you have complications between you. But I wanted you to know this, when…the day you were brought in to this same hospital the night of your accident, that man was in complete ruins. I cannot even begin to explain the effect your accident had on him for the first two weeks, miss. He was…I've never seen someone so broken in my living of 55 years.

Siyeol looked away, small tears in her eyes.

??? : do you know you saved him from death the moment you opened your eyes?

Siyeol looked up at the nurse with wide eyes, shocked. The nurse sighed as she said

??? : he was about to jump off the roof, thinking that maybe if he died you'd come back to life.

Tears streamed down siyeol's eyes, his necklace held tight in her hands as she felt it's edge press onto her palm painfully.

??? : he loves you, miss. And I hope you could, if anything, tell him that his life is worth more than what he thinks it is.

The nurse smiled as she stepped forward, patting siyeol's shoulder before saying

??? : you are lucky to have someone like him, just as he is lucky to have you.

________________________

3 weeks later :

Siyeol drove her car faster towards the place she knew seonghwa would've gone to, desperate to find him. It had been 3 weeks since she got discharged from the hospital, 3 weeks since she'd been trying to find seonghwa. She had gone to his house, his other house, his parent's house, his old friend's house, and seonghwa had been nowhere. Then she went around hotels, trying to see whether he was there. He wasn't. and then siyeol had finally gone to the airport, to ask whether anyone by the name of Park Seonghwa had booked a flight. And sure enough, he had. To Busan.

And so siyeol was now going to an estate she knew that seonghwa owned here, one that had been passed down to him by his father. Seonghwa had only told her about this place briefly, she had never actually gone there.

But she knew where it was located, and that was more than enough.

Siyeol soon parked her car next to his estate, stepping out of it as she looked around the huge manor that was a few feets away from her, a huge garden surrounding it. This place was beautiful, why had seonghwa never brought her here?

Siyeol stepped into the estate since the gate was already open, walking towards the huge main door before finally ringing the bell. Siyeol waited for at least 5 minutes before the door finally opened, revealing a…was this really seonghwa?

His hair seemed to have grown a lot within the past month, his eyes swollen and his lips chapped. He looked like a mess. Seonghwa stepped back as he realized who was standing in front of him, a gasp falling from his lips.

Seonghwa : si-siyeol?

Siyeol : seonghwa, are you alright?

Seonghwa quickly stepped forward, trying to close the door. But siyeol put her foot in between before he could, blocking seonghwa.

Seonghwa : no, you have to leave.

Siyeol : hear me out first-

Seonghwa : no we ended things, siyeol!

Siyeol finally managed to push herself inside, the door banging shut behind her. Seonghwa stared at her while breathing heavily, his eyes already glossy.

Seonghwa : why do you wish to keep torturing me? Have I been that bad? For you to keep beating me up like this, IT HURTS SIYEOL! I…I can't keep doing-

Siyeol : please, listen to me. You've never once listened to me, seonghwa. At least do it now.

Seonghwa looked away, his lips pressed together.

Siyeol : this isn’t all your fault, seonghwa, you have to stop blaming yourself like this.

Seonghwa chuckled dryly, shaking his head before saying

Seonghwa : don't sympathize with me now, siyeol.

Siyeol : this isn't sympathy, this is love.

Seonghwa : love? What love? You said I was a curse to you, a nightmare. And now you're saying you love me?

Siyeol : I said all that in that moment of anger, seonghwa. I never meant them.

Seonghwa : well you were right, then. Which is why you need to stay away from me.

Siyeol : I'm not going to do that any longer. You can keep pushing me away, keep running from me, but I will chase you down until the end of time. Until you understand that I love you.

Seonghwa : you're sure about that? That you will love me no matter what happens?

Siyeol nodded firmly. Seonghwa let out a breath, bringing his hands to the buttons of his shirt before tearing them apart. Siyeol flinched, her eyes widening as it ran along the scars littered through seonghwa's body. Burnt marks, scratches, cigarette burns, she couldn't even understand where a few of them had come from.

Siyeol : o-oh my god.

Seonghwa looked at siyeol with teary eyes, his lips trembling.

Seonghwa : this is what I am. This is what I've been trying to hide since the beginning.

Siyeol was going to kill the person who did this to him.

Siyeol : no. who did this to you.

Seonghwa : does it matter? Would you really wanna be with a man that is scarred like this? Is this what you wanna live with for the rest of your life, siyeol?

Siyeol : you think a few scars are going to change my love for you, seonghwa? Do you think of me as that shallow?

Seonghwa : GOD, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU YOON SIYEOL!

Siyeol : I LOVE YOU, SEONGHWA! AND I DO NOT CARE IF YOUR ENTIRE BODY IS COVERED IN THESE MARKS, I WILL ALWAYS FUCKING LOVE YOU.

Seonghwa sobbed, stepping back as his hands came up to his face. Siyeol stepped forward as she said

Siyeol : who did this to you, I'm going to kill them.

Seonghwa shook his head, there was no use.

Seonghwa : it's in the past.

Siyeol : you are my past, my present and my future. Anyone that hurt you, deserves to be punished for it, seonghwa. So tell me who it is.

Seonghwa : stop doing this.

Siyeol brought her hand forward, making seonghwa flinch as he shook his head and stepped back.

Siyeol : let me touch you.

Seonghwa : no.

Siyeol : please, seonghwa. Why won’t you trust me?

Seonghwa : I can’t do this again, not when you're going to leave-

Siyeol : I will not leave. Have I ever left you before? Wasn't it always you who left me? While we were dating in the beginning, after the accident, and even a few weeks ago, you're the one who kept leaving me.

Seonghwa : then why are you still here!

Siyeol : because I refuse to give up on you.

Seonghwa let out an exasperated breath, his hands clenching as he looked away in pain. Siyeol stepped closer to him, holding her hand out before whispering

Siyeol : please, let me.

Seonghwa stared at siyeol before taking her hand in his, pulling her towards him and hugging her. He cried against her shoulders, his entire body crumbling under her.

Seonghwa : please save me. I can't…I can't even sleep anymore, yeol-ah. I don’t know how to live anymore, please help me.

Siyeol sniffled before running her hands along seonghwa's greasy hair, not caring one bit about anything except him.

Siyeol : it's okay, I've got you now. Everything's going to be fine, love.

Seonghwa held onto her tighter, nuzzling his head into her neck.

Siyeol : your scars are perfect to me, hwa. It's proof of how much you've gone through, how strong you are. You went through all of that alone, despite having people beside you. And that I can understand, wanting to go through pain alone so that you don't affect your loved one's happiness. But I'm here for you whenever you need me, baby. You don't ever have to hide yourself from me because I'll always love you for who you are.

Seonghwa pulled back as siyeol smiled and moved his long bangs away from his teary face, kissing his cheek softly.

Siyeol : you're mine to love, mine to protect. And all the pain that you have, I'll take it any day any time.

Seonghwa : you'll never leave me, then?

Siyeol : if you promise to never leave me.

Seonghwa gave her a small smile, nodding his head. Siyeol looked around the manor, it's largeness almost shocking her. But the more she looked around, the more she came to a decision.

Siyeol : shall we live here now?

Seonghwa looked at siyeol in confusion.

Siyeol : seoul has been painful for the both of us, it's been a hard chapter. But this place, this home, it's devoid of any emotions. It has space that we can fill with new memories. It's a wonderful estate, and Busan will be a fresh start for the both of us. Shall we move in here, hwa?

Seonghwa smiled, looking around the place as he hummed

Seonghwa : wherever you go, I will follow happily, yeol-ie.

Siyeol chuckled, leaning forward and pecking seonghwa's lips before whispering

Siyeol : I rather like your long hair, let it stay.

Seonghwa giggled, feeling free for the first time since years.

Siyeol : however, I need to get you cleaned. I love you, but you smell terrible right now.

Seonghwa : whatever you say, my lady.

__________________________

[tinyinvadr]

New chapter!!!

Psychoborrower 2

Chapter 12

The next page displayed a picture of Mom sitting with Gus under a tree. Though, they looked noticeably concerned about something. I climbed into the photo, walking in on their conversation.

“Mom and Dad said we’re running low on food.”

“Oh… Do they want us to leave?”

“What? No! Never! It’ll just be hard to split up the portions for a while, that’s all.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. Dad says the Gzar’s hoarding all the money for his family. That’s why he and Mom go out to protest every day.”

“Do you think it’s working?”

“I’m not sure. But things can’t stay bad forever, right?”

The two of them didn’t notice when a man crept around the corner, sneaking up on them.

“My, what a pretty doll you have there.”

Gus immediately shielded Mom, scooting back to distance himself from the man.

“Oh, um… thanks.”

“I’m sure Gzar Theodore would love to have a doll like that for his little boy. I bet he would pay a lot for her.”

Gus stood up, about to run off, but the man blocked his path.

“Now, I won’t beat around the bush. I’d like to buy that doll from you. I’ll sell her to the Maliks, and split the profit with your family. We’ll be set for life!”

“No… you can’t have her!”

The man glared at him. “What a selfish boy. You’d let your family starve just so you can keep a little toy. I suggest you change your mind. Otherwise, you’re going to regret it.”

Gus shoved him aside and ran. I used my Thought Bubble to follow him back to the Aquatos’ caravan. Once we were inside, he slammed the door behind him, taking quick and heavy breaths. After he calmed down, he opened his hands to check on Mom, who had been reduced to tears.

“That man wanted to… buy me?”

“I won’t let him. I promise.”

“Gus, I’m scared.”

He gently hugged her to his chest, running his thumb along her long dark braid.

���It’ll be okay. My family promised to protect yours, remember? We just won’t go outside for a while, until he gives up.”

I was sent back to the scrapbook, feeling disgusted. Seeing that man talk about Mom like she was some kind of toy made me sick. I turned the page to see Mom and Gus hiding while they eavesdropped on an argument that Raz’s grandparents were having.

“Marona, please, you have to listen to me. Lucrecia warned me not to attend the next protest. I don’t like how she’s been acting recently. That no-good Gzar Theodore is corrupting her.”

“She’s still my sister, Lazlo. Even if she’s working for him, she would never harm anyone. I’m sure it’s just the Gzar trying to scare us off. We can’t back down, not while we’re in poverty!”

“I know… but what if something happens? What about Augustus, and the Lanterns?”

“We won’t be able to provide for them if we sit around and allow the Maliks to continue their hoarding. I know it’s taking a while, but we can’t give up. We have to stand firm on this, or change is never going to come.”

Lazarus glanced off to the side, noticing Mom and Gus listening in. He let out a sigh.

“Alright, you can come out now, kids. I know you’re there.”

I returned to the scrapbook, left to process that Lucrecia was Raz’s great aunt. It didn’t match up with what he’d told me before. To be fair, the story was a bit confusing.

Maligula was the one who killed Lazarus and cursed the family, and she came from a rival psychic family. Which meant that Raz was a descendant of the family that cursed the Aquatos. Confusing, but it also somehow made sense. It also explained Frazie’s talent in Hydrokinesis.

I turned to the next page, which displayed an image of Mom and my grandparents in the caravan with Gus. He was standing by the window, looking out endlessly.

“I’m sure your parents will be home soon, sweetie.”

“But they aren’t usually gone this long.”

He kept watch, but ducked below the window as he saw an unfamiliar figure approaching. After a minute, there was a knock on the door.

“Is there an Augustus Aquato here?”

He looked to my grandparents for guidance, and Nana shook her head.

“Don’t answer that, Gus. We don’t know who it is.”

The man knocked again.

“It’s about your parents. There was a flood at the protest, and they didn’t survive. I’m here to escort you to the orphanage.”

At that, Gus couldn’t keep quiet.

“W-What?! They died?!”

He pulled the door open, faced with the unknown man standing solemnly outside.

“I’m very sorry. We’ll do what we can to provide for you until we can find you a new home. Now, come with me. The orphanage is far, so we have to leave immediately.”

Gus glanced back into the caravan, tears in his eyes.

“Can I go get something first?”

“There’s no time. The orphanage has everything you’ll need. We have to go now.”

“But-”

The man grabbed his wrist and pulled him outside. Grandma and Nana watched in horror as he was taken away, both unsure what to do. Mom tried to run off after them, but Grandma held her back.

“No! They can’t take him!”

“Sibi, be quiet. Someone might-”

Just as the first man left with Gus, another entered the caravan. He was the same person that tried to buy Mom before.

“Well then… It looks like I got more than I bargained for.”

Before they could escape, he threw Mom and my grandparents into a birdcage, then left with them.

It didn’t make sense. Raz’s grandmother was still alive. She was at the campsite with the rest of his family. But Mom remembered her dying in the flood, and Augustus being taken away to an orphanage.

This story only became more confusing the further I looked into it, and it was also heartbreaking. What right did that guy think he had to treat my family like objects?

On the next page, I saw Mom and my grandparents, still trapped in the cage. Though, this time, they were in the Gzar’s palace. Mom paced the floor of the cage, furious.

“I hate this place! I hate these people! Who do they think they are?!”

“Sibilia, please, not so loud. You have every right to be angry, but we don’t know what they might do to us if we offend them.”

Suddenly, a boy walked into the room. It had to be the Gzar’s son. He opened the cage door and reached in for Mom, but Grandma nudged her aside and let him grab her instead.

The boy turned her around in his hands and toyed with her arms as if she were a doll.

“Don’t you do anything? The man Father bought you from said you used to play with a dirty peasant boy all the time.”

At that, Mom snapped, unintentionally releasing a PSI-Blast.

“Don’t call him that!”

“Ow!” The boy rubbed his forehead. “Did you just attack me? You do realize I’m the future Gzar of Grulovia, don’t you? I could have you imprisoned!”

Mom scoffed. “You mean more than we already are?”

Before things could escalate, Gzar Theodore came running in with his wife.

“Gristol! Come quickly! We have to evacuate immediately!”

“What? Why?”

“There’s no time!”

Theodore took his hand and dragged him down the hall. His wife followed after him, but stopped for a second to look over her shoulder. She looked at Mom and Nana in the cage with pity, then quickly ran back to get the cage and take them with her.

While they escaped, Gristol was still holding Grandma. But before they left the palace, he dropped her. He didn’t seem to care or even notice that she was gone by the time they made it out. She was just another lost toy to him.

That was the final page of the scrapbook. The blend of intense emotions I felt towards everything I’d seen had culminated into a bleak, empty feeling. She lost everything. Her family, her best friend, all torn away from her when she was just a child. I hated how the Maliks and everyone involved with them treated her, and I was hopelessly lost on what happened to Augustus.

Sensing my confusion, Mom appeared behind me.

“I… I just don’t understand. You remember Lucrecia as Raz’s great aunt, and she killed his grandmother. Then Augustus was taken to an orphanage. But both of them are at the campgrounds right now. It doesn’t make any sense.”

She sighed. “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure what happened to them. But the one thing I know for sure is that their minds have been altered. I tried to talk to them while you were away, and neither of them remember me. It’s as if I’ve been erased from their memories. Only a highly trained psychic could have done that. Only… a Psychonaut.”

“But… what reason would the Psychonauts have to erase their memories?”

“I don’t know, Flint. But Gus is gone. The one that knew me, at least. I can’t get him to remember. We can’t stay here. Not only is it dangerous, it… it hurts too much to see him like this.”

She took a seat, unable to hold back her tears anymore. I sat next to her and hugged her, and she hugged me back.

“I never should’ve gotten so attached.”

“Mom… You have good memories with him. I saw them at the start of the scrapbook. That’s still worth something. Even if things can’t go back to the way they were, at least those good times happened in the first place.”

We both sat in silence for a while. I could tell she’d been bottling up all of this trauma for a long time. But it was amazing how strong she was. How she carried on through everything when it seemed like all of the cards were stacked against her.

It was then that I knew what I had to do.

“I’m gonna try and restore his memories.”

“Huh? But… I just told you, those memories are gone.”

I stood up, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet.

“These past few days, Raz and I helped asylum patients, a traumatized coach, a lobotomized dentist, and members of THE Psychic Six. I know we’ve still got a lot to learn, and we might’ve screwed up a couple times before, but I know we can do this.”

Before I knew it, we were back in the physical world.

“I know you can too, Flint. Now, go find Raz.”

I said goodbye to her and Dad, and ran off to meet up with Raz. I didn’t have to go far. He and Ford were right by the campgrounds, hiding behind some bushes.

“Good, you’re here! Raz, I just learned something about your dad. He-”

“Got his mind altered by Ford. Yeah. Already got that part.”

“Wait, what?”

I turned to Ford, who sighed with regret.

“Yes… I’ll explain everything on the way. We need to find Lucrecia.”

“Lucrecia? Wait, as in, ‘Maligula’ Lucrecia?!”

“Not so loud, Flint. The wrong person might hear. Now, follow me.”

Ford walked on ahead, while Raz stayed back and glared at him. I was missing some vital pieces to the story, but I could tell that both of them had just gone through something intense.

Maybe I wanted to offer any support I could. Maybe I was still processing what I’d seen in Mom’s mind. Either way, I grabbed onto his ankle and hugged it tight.

Raz stood still for a second, then he crouched down to give me a light pat on my head before picking me up.

“Thanks, Flint.”

[spare-stories-archive]

Tales of the Hat

~~~~~~~

“The Forgotten Princess”

Welcome! Welcome traveler! Come! Sit at my table! Take off your hat, though don’t get used to the feeling, as you might soon bare another! Let me guess, you’re here for a tale, correct? Ah yes, I can tell, you’re here for a tale.

What? Oh! No no! I will not be telling this tale to you! That is not my job, and I’ve never had the knack for it really. No, the tale will be told, by The Hat. Yes! The Hat! Here, here! Put it on, why don’t you? Just know, each tale holds a price.

What? You’re SOUL!? What is this, the middle ages? No! Take a story, leave a story. These kids today, “Oh will the story cost my soul? My life? My first born?” Oye… The Hat will take a story from you, one it does not have, and if you do not have one… well, everyone has a story my dear. And all are unique, even if they are told a hundred times over.

Now… relax, and let the tale unfold…

~~~~~~~

Once upon a time, there lived a little princess in a castle. She had an older sister, a mother, and a father. 

Her mother and father were very busy people, as they were the King and the Queen! So they had many duties to attend to. So she didn’t bother them much.

Her sister was sweet, but had so many lessons and things to learn. So she didn’t bother her much either.

The little princess was very often alone, and very often lonely. No friends to play with, no pets to cuddle, even her guard seemed to ignore her presence.

She tried to speak with her parents a few times, but they would ignore her, or speak over her, as though she were never there.

She tried to speak with her sister, and they did talk! Those were very happy moments. But if someone else more interesting was around, her sister would ignore her as well.

This made the little princess feel even littler than she already was.

One day, she vowed never to speak unless spoken to. Not by anyone for any reason.

But as the days wore on, and as time passed, no one ever spoke to her. They certainly spoke at her, but no one spoke to her.

No one asked about her day, no one talked to her about her interests and hobbies, no one really seemed to care much about her. 

The rare times someone did seem to speak to her, it was over quickly. Overshadowed again by someone or something more interesting than her.

“Is it me?” she asked herself, “Am I simply too bothersome? Too boring? Am I just… ignorable?”

Perhaps… Said a voice in her head. Perhaps you are. But what are you to do? You have not asked about anyone else’s interests or hobbies, you have not asked about anyone else’s day. 

You have been a horrible, and selfish little princess.

“Oh no!” she cried, “Is it true? Have I truly been so bad? I-I have tried in the past! I asked questions, I gave ideas, I tried to be interesting! I truly did!”

It’s not enough! You will never be interesting for more than a moment, others will always be better than you are. You lazy, forgetful, selfish thing! I can barely stand the sight of you! Be gone! Out of my sight!

The little princess ran to her room, throwing herself onto her bed to cry. The voice was right! She was a boring, selfish thing! What was she to do? She didn’t want to be stuck as the ignorable one! The one other talk at! She wanted to be interesting, and for her ideas to be heard, and cared about! She wanted people to ask her questions, and to show they cared like she did!

Did she truly care though? Or did she only talk to people, in the hopes they’d talk back? Did she talk because she cared, or because she wanted others to care? Would she even know how to act if someone did show interest in her?

She didn’t know… Maybe she never would…

~~~~~~~

Hm? Oh yes, that’s the end.

What? What do you mean you were expecting a happy ending? I never said these tales were happy ones. Yes, some are, but not all. Some stories have no endings, some have sad ones, some simply are what they are.

Maybe you can give her a happy ending, hm? This is a story after all, they are meant to be told and shared. Maybe give her a different ending when you tell it, hm?

Now get out, I don’t like guests for long.

[the-chosen-fanfiction]

Gentile. | Chapter 32

Atticus reveals why he came to see you and Joanna sees something she ought not have. During the banquet, a strange man shows up and calls you out on your behaviour, but upon further investigation, you find out that he might just be the key between you and the Preacher.

Chapter list

The air between the two of you crackles with affection in the afterglow of your intimacy. Atticus’ lips brush against your bare shoulder whilst you exhaustedly croon against him, covers sticking to your naked skin, no inch left unkissed. 

“Thank you for letting me see you,” he earnestly whispers with a face that twists into solemnity. “I love you, (Y/n). You take my breath away…” You thumb through his stubble and smile. “Why the sour face? We will be together soon, no?”

The solemn shimmer makes place for a confused frown. “What do you mean, love? I thought you weren’t going to ask your brother about fleeing Quintus…”

Swallowing thickly, you realise you have barely exchanged a word with him ever since he set foot over the threshold. “I meant to tell you,” you say, “But… We got carried away doing other things.”

Atticus cannot help but chuckle at that and he shifts his arm so that you can nuzzle comfortably into him. “We kind of did,” he huffs, burying his face into your neck and kissing you under your ear, inhaling deeply. “By Juno, you smell delicious… I could sit like this all night and day. But please explain, for what I’m hearing sounds like music to my ears.”

You smile but it soon falls into worry. “Ah… It is only due to something tragic, though, so I’m conflicted.”

The marshall knits his brow together in confusion. “Darling?” Only now, you realise that there are tears shivering on the brims of your eyes and you blink them away, scooting impossibly closer into Atticus’ naked form, seeking comfort as you start talking. His skin upon yours is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.

“My sister-in-law was ill for a long time. Whilst we were there, Lucius promised to not say anything about the affair to Quintus after I opened up to him about it. But… Valeria, that’s her name, she got very bad one night. Got called out of bed to pray and care for my niece. There was so much blood, and…” 

A sob leaves your throat and your hand goes to your belly out of instinct. You didn’t mean to burst the bubble of the afterglow, but you cannot stop the tears. Atticus does not pressure you, holding you gently as your bottom lip shivers, his breath intermingling with yours, slightly calming your sorrow. “She didn’t make it,” you whimper, “I… I saw her die, I saw how it broke my brother. The baby made it but is vulnerable and sickly.” You sniffle, “I cannot imagine the pain Lucius and Aurelia are going through.”

Atticus hums and cradles your stomach. “I’m deeply sorry to hear that, my love. You’ve got my condolences. I wish there was something I could say to take away that pain, but I fear that I don’t know the right words.”

“You don’t need to,” you whisper. “Sometimes, it is better to feel the pain and learn to live with it rather than to pretend it is not there. But there is light at the end of this all. I had a heart to heart with my brother after the cremation.”

The cohorte’s eyes find yours when your gaze grows determined. “Lucius promised that we only need to say the word. He will take his girls and flee Rome so that Quintus cannot find them. I… I brought forth the point that I don’t want to be selfish, but he said that I needed to hold onto what I have with you, that I should cherish it and not take it for granted.”

Atticus’ face relaxes and he closes his eyes in relief. “I… Can barely believe my ears, love. I don’t know what to say.”

You cannot keep yourself from grinning, letting out a small giggle. “We’ll find a way. I cannot travel too far right now so I propose to wait until after the baby is born, but we will figure it out.”

He takes your hand and kisses the tips of your fingers, eyes glittering in the light of the oil lamp on your nightstand. “I love you, (Y/n). I have never felt this way ever before.”

“Neither have I.” you breathe, gut swirling with butterflies, and he moves to press his mouth against the nape of your neck, drawing a soft whimper from you, but you gasp “Wait,” as Atticus snakes his fingers over your thighs, which deserves you a questioning hum. His hair tickles against your skin as he pulls away and you smooth it out with your palm before speaking up

“I’m curious what has brought you here,” you murmur, “Other than just… This…” You caress his upper arm and he huffs a tender laugh, kissing you briefly. 

“Very well,” he muses, “I’ve… Happened to investigate a Zealot who was planning to assassinate a Roman magistrate in Jerusalem. I aimed to kill him in the act, but something happened. He… He stumbled upon his brother who used to be paralysed from a very young age.”

“Used to?” you query, and Atticus nods. 

“I went to speak to the Zealot’s brother. Turns out, he ran into a Man Whom he claimed has healed him, and that he thinks He is the Messiah. Afterwards, I sought out the Zealot, who was now in pursuit of that Messiah, and what do you know? It’s that Teacher you’ve been taking an interest in.”

You sit up slightly, leaning onto your elbow, looking at him in slight shock. “What, really?”

Nodding, Atticus traces his fingers up and down your hip. “Yes. However, I’ve heard that your husband is searching for an audience with Him. I’m not sure if he likes Jesus’ activity at all.”

Letting out a noise, you roll your eyes. “That would be an understatement. Right after we returned from Rome, he immediately went back to work. He seemed keen about me leaving for a few days only so that he can focus on his responsibilities without having to worry about me.”

Atticus clicks his tongue and shakes his head. “He makes it very clear where his priorities lay.”

Sighing, you relax against the cohorte again. “So, what did you need to see me for, then?”

“I’m going to seek out Jesus of Nazareth.” 

Your eyes widen. “What?”

“I’m… Curious to see what He will do when coming face to face with Quintus. More specifically, how He will react to being taken captive.”

“What?! You can’t do that, Quintus will–”

Atticus puts a hand on your shoulder. “I know you’d say that. Darling, please, do not meddle in this. I’m just interested to see what will happen.”

Sudden anger coils within you. “Your search for intel does not justify taking an innocent Man captive!” 

“How can you know that, my love?” Atticus mutters, “That He is innocent? What do you know about Him?”

For a second, you stare at the marshall, dumbfounded, until you realise that he is right. “Nothing.” you say. “I know nothing about Him.”

With a gentle brush of his fingers against your jaw, Atticus smiles. “So, make sure you’re there when Quintus questions Him. See what you can find. I know you’re just as curious about Him as I am. See it as an opportunity to get to meet Him.”

You accept his outreached hand and your fingers intertwine, and you play with the rings on his fingers. “Can you promise me that nothing bad will happen to Him?” you whisper. 

“That part of His fate is out of my hands. But I thought I’d let you know about my plans so that you can perhaps learn a bit more about Him.”

The pair of you look at one another for a long moment, the silent moment only broken when you exhale softly and smile. “Thank you,” you murmur.

“Of course,” Atticus says, “Any time. And… It means that I will be around Capernaum soon. Although I’m not sure for how long I will stay yet, you may seek me out at the market square or on the roof, or in any dark alleyway. I won’t be far.”

Grinning, you snake an arm around his waist, bringing your face in front of his. “Oh? What should I seek you out for, then?” 

An amused huff leaves his lips and he rubs his nose against yours, pressing his knee between your legs. “Need a reminder?” he huskily whispers, and you gasp when he rolls you over so that your back is against his front, his body warm against you. 

“Please,” you giggle, wincing softly when he nibbles the part where neck and shoulder meet, and he gladly ignites these memories within you.

_ 

It is barely the crack of dawn when you awake from shifting on the other side of the bed, but when you reach out, the pillow is unpleasantly cold. 

Bleary-eyed, you find the shape of the cohorte sitting at the edge where he laces up his sandals, already fully dressed. A pang of disappointment shunts through you and you let out a soft sound, which causes him to look at you. 

“Where are you going?” you croak.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” he whispers, “I’m sorry, love. I’ve got no time to stay.”

You sit up slightly and Atticus cannot help but let his eyes go to the marred skin that falls exposed upon the covers sliding off of you. He chews his bottom lip and gives you an apologetic look.

“But the banquet!” you protest meekly, still half-asleep. 

Atticus leans over the disturbed covers to put a hand on your leg and sighs. “I did not come here for the banquet.” His flirtatious tone is enough to halt your objections, “It’s time for me to go to Capernaum.”

You give him a small pout and arch your body towards him. “You don’t even have time to say a proper goodbye, then?”

A charming grin tugs his lip upwards. “I didn’t say that I would leave you like this. As I mentioned, I didn’t mean to wake you, but I was going to. In a different way than making noise, that is.” He crawls over the bed as your mouth falls ajar at the notion, and he presses a lingering kiss against your knee, a flush colouring your cheeks bright red. “Let us make the best of these moments” he whispers, “Even though we will see one another again sooner than we think.”

And although that is true, you cannot refuse such an offer when murmured so convincingly.

Once done, it is quite early in the morning when Atticus wipes you clean and smears a royal amount of aloe cream on your stretch marks before he truly has to leave. He kisses you longingly at his departure, gently cradling your face. 

“My love,” he whispers, “We will find a way to be together. I will see you soon. Please, stay safe here.”

“You, too,” you mutter, “Be mindful about Quintus, even though I know that you will. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” he sighs, and presses one lingering kiss to your lips. You have to resist the urge to chase after him once pulls away and steps back and you watch, still entangled in the sheets, how he heads for the door, casting one final look over his shoulder before he unlocks it.

However, the moment it swings open, a loud gasp is heard. Joanna, in the process of knocking, stands in the doorframe with her hand raised up slightly. With her jaw agape, she stares at Atticus, then at you, and you rapidly pull something over your body to cover your naked form. With rosy cheeks, you stare at her wide-eyed.

Atticus clears his throat. “Excuse me.” he gives you one last look and winks before he walks past her, leaving both of you in a state of shock. 

Joanna casts a glance into the hallway to watch the cloaked cohorte walk off before rushing into your chambers, slamming the door behind her and locking it up tightly. 

“(Y/n)! What did I just walk into?!” Her face is pink, but so is yours, and embarrassment claws at your throat. Quickly grabbing your robe, you pull it over your shoulders, but it is barely enough to hide everything. Still, you get up on your feet, albeit with slight discomfort both from your tummy and how sore you are.

A wide grin spreads over Joanna’s face as she approaches you. “What did I walk into?” she questions again, this time with amusement lacing through her tone, “(Y/n), talk to me!”

You find your voice at last and you let out a shy laugh at her enthusiasm, covering your lips to fight it. “Ah, he paid me a surprise visit after I withdrew to my room last night. I didn’t know that he’d come, but… He left again. He only came to see me.”

She raises an eyebrow and chuckles. “Well, not just to see you, friend. I heard the servants whispering about strange noises coming from your bedroom last night, and I thought they were just nightmares. As it turns out, you haven’t been sleeping much at all.”

You let out a noise of embarrassment and cover your face with your hands, which prompts a fit of laughter from your close friend. “Oh, don’t worry about it, (Y/n). My lips are sealed and I’m nothing but happy for you that you’ve met someone like him.” 

She sits down on the edge of the bed and you dare to look at her from the corner of your eye, giving her a small smile. Joanna leans her arm against yours, giving you a challenging look. 

“You and I had an appointment to go to the bathhouse today, hm? Think you can walk?”

Clicking your tongue, you slap her arm playfully with an abashed: “Jo!” Under her cackles, you stand to dress yourself as well as wash your face, and you feel like a hopeless teenager besotted with her first real crush. 

“Not sure if you should show up there fully nude with all these marks on your skin–”

“Joanna!” you cry out, splashing water from your basin her way, but she covers herself and bursts into a fit of laughter. 

“I can’t help myself, friend! This is way too hilarious.”

Letting out a noise of feigned indignation, you continue making yourself look presentable and clothe yourself in a thin tunic paired with a palla that matches its colour. Once ready to go, Joanna stands to head out for breakfast.

Once done with the first meal of the day, you go to the bathhouse at last. With the guests for the banquet pouring in, it is busier than last time, and to your dismay, there isn’t anyone available to give you a massage, although your back has been killing you.

Joanna and you slip into the warm water and your annoyance regarding the lack of backrubs immediately washes away the moment you feel the support it gives your heavy belly. “I hadn’t even noticed my baby has grown this heavy,” you breathe in delight, “It feels so different right now. I can barely remember what it felt like to not have a huge bump on the front of my body, weighing me down.” 

Your friend smiles and wades up next to you. “I have no trouble believing that, my friend. It must be tough to carry that around all day.”

With a brush of your hand over your stomach, you nod in agreement. “It isn’t easy, but I’m sure it will be worth it.”

Joanna raises an eyebrow and smiles. “You will have to write to me more often. I need all the details on the baby, and of course about your… Plans.” 

You hum pleasantly. Despite the grief you’re still going through when it comes to Valeria, things finally seem to be somewhat going better for you. Not only do you have the chance to flee with Atticus, the man in question might be waiting for you in Capernaum already. You wonder what he is up to, why he needs to seek out Quintus and what will come of the planned arrest of Jesus. Something akin to guilt sparks within your gut, but you are too curious about Him to let it grow.

Relishing in your momentary weightlessness, you float in the water for a while whilst Joanna talks your ear off about her current projects. With an occasional hum to reassure her that you’re listening to her, you sometimes let your mind wander to Atticus, who you plan on seeing the moment you return home. But first, you think to yourself, it is time to relax and enjoy the banquet that is at hand, if not for the food, then for your welcome company.

At last, a servant is available to give you a massage, but since the tables aren’t meant for pregnant women, she offers to take care of your feet and shoulders instead, so that you can sit in a chair whilst she works. You agree to this whilst Joanna has the luxury of laying down on her stomach, enjoying the attention her muscles receive in that way.

“I really should try to convince Quintus to start working here,” you murmur in amusement even though you’ve got no intentions of staying with him for long. If all goes well, you’ll be away from him as soon as the baby has been born. 

“Hm, I can ask Chuza to convince him.”

“Please do. I can live with massages like these every day for the rest of my life.”

Alas, way too soon, it is time to prepare for the banquet. Even though you aren’t very hungry and don’t particularly like most of the foods served, you doll up for a fun night regardless. Clad in shahtoosh you find yourself reeking of perfume, your eyes lined with kohl, and you wonder why you’re even trying so hard to look pretty. After all, the very person you’d ever attempt to impress has left this morning whispering a promise you’d rather take him up on right away. 

Tetrarch Herod Antipas enters under much upheaval with on his arm his bride-to-be. Joanna whispers in your ear that it is the former wife of his brother, which is a scandal you’d thought only ever happened in your romance novels. It is not like you are too much of a saint yourself when it comes to matters of the heart – and the flesh – but marrying your sibling’s spouse is a whole other thing.

Herodias, you learn her name, flaunts her expensive dress as she floats around the room to mingle with guests, and you stand a little awkwardly by as Joanna converses with someone you have not yet met before, but it turns out to be an important asset within the court, for the topic soon shifts to business instead of leisure. With a hand wrapped around a goblet containing lukewarm wine that you don’t even like the smell of, you look around the room, the air heavy with drink and perfume.

“Didn’t think I’d see you again. Where’s Quintus?”

The voice of Silvius Gemelius is suddenly so close to your ear that you nearly jump out of your skin. You turn to glare at the man in question, whose gaze falls upon your tummy almost immediately, and his smug grin falls. 

“Praetor Quintus is not here,” you say, planting a hand on your hip, and Silvius clears his throat, a little flustered. 

“You’re having a child, then?” 

“Obviously.” you reply dryly. You take a sip of wine even though you loathe the flavour. 

Silvius hums. “Congratulations, I suppose. Where is he, if I may ask?”

“Back home. He had more important matters to attend to.”

The envoy tilts his head and huffs. “Right.” he says, “I still find it quite odd that he’d send you here like this on your own.”

“I’m not on my own,” you state, “I’ve got my friend Joanna who keeps me company. It’s better than sitting at home all day.”

Narrowing his eyes, Silvius downs his goblet of wine in a long gulp and looks around in search of an immediate refill. “Well, enjoy your evening,” he says quickly, and before you can respond, he leaves you behind, something akin to embarrassment on his features. 

The fact that you’re here whilst pregnant, you suddenly realise, is a gigantic increment regarding Quintus’ reputation. Seeing that your relationship has – on the surface – proven fertile to bring forth offspring, people will speak of him differently, whispering about an upcoming heir that might one way inherit his position within the Roman Empire and perhaps even climb higher up that ladder. Even though Quintus was as much a pawn to Rome as anyone else, the rank of Praetor is decently desirable. 

Certainly, your husband has sent you here to visit your friend and leave him more room to tie up loose ends back in Capernaum without having your presence around him constantly, but he has also done it to improve his own image. You aren’t used to anything different from him, though.

Joanna appears next to you and smiles, putting a hand on your arm. 

“Have you met my husband yet?” 

Behind her stands a man that you’ve seen walk by a few times but had never spoken to before.

“I don’t think so.”

Joanna gestures from you to her husband. “Chuza, this is (Y/n), wife of Praetor Quintus of Capernaum.” He takes your hand and kisses the back of it, something that takes you aback for you aren’t necessarily appreciative of it, “And (Y/n), this is my husband Chuza, who fulfils an important role in Herod’s court.”

You curtsy at him in greeting and force a smile on your face. “It is good to meet you, Chuza.”

“Pleasure is all mine, my lady,” Joanna’s husband says, “It’s good to finally put a face to the stories Joanna has told—”

The words die on his tongue as a loud cry draws the immediate attention of everyone in the room. A few men are shouting after something – or rather someone – barging into the room like he owns it. Confusion unfolds and causes a complete shift in dynamic. 

A man no firmer than skin and bones halts in the middle of the room where everyone can see him. Messy, with long hair and an unkempt beard, wearing naught but animal hides stands a man whose skin has seen better days. Chuza rushes away from his wife towards the soldiers in the room, perhaps to ask what is going on.

“Woe is you, Herod Antipas, who delights in his own sin!” the man shouts, the tetrarch in question standing at once and narrowing his eyes, “You filth, who dares to promote such an adulterous, abominable agenda! To marry the very wife of your own brother, what corrupt dregs of the underworld you resemble! Do you not see the consequence of your own sin? All of you will have to answer before God!”

The strange man now turns to the audience and your breath stutters inside your chest, whilst a few soldiers are looking at one another in confusion, awaiting further orders. “And woe are you, blinded by your own sin, who take satisfaction in your earthly pleasures and suppress the morality the Creator of the universe has put within your hearts, and woe is you who reject Him!” 

There is something about him that makes your heart slam against your chest, as if you are drawn to what he speaks of, but you aren’t sure how to respond. Joanna stares at him all the same, taking in every word with widened eyes, and the guards move forward at the behest of Herod.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! This is chastisement as much as it is a warning, for there is still mercy to be found in these days!” The dishevelled man’s eyes contain a fire that you cannot quite identify. He is either possessed or spurred on by an external force that you have never witnessed before. “You, who think you are doing the right thing yet feels conflicted, so close yet so far away from Truth, find the One who is the only one Who can save you!” The second he locks eyes with you, something stirs within you, as if you suddenly realise that the words might be meant for you, “Caught in your own world and your confusion, caught in a battle between your heart and your mind, step into the light!”

He is drawn from your field of view when the guards finally take a hold of him at Herod’s behest, who roars at the preacher that he will regret ever setting foot into the fortress. The scruffy stranger simply smiles, allowing himself to be dragged away by soldiers. 

You turn to Joanna, who is looking at how he is escorted out with a thoughtful look on her face, and as the room starts to continue their festivities around you, neither you nor your friend seem to be ready to do so yet. Instead, Joanna grabs your arm and deeply frowns at you. “I need to speak to that strange man.” she says.  

With your heart skipping a beat, you stare at her. “Really? Why?”

Her gaze is pleading. “Come with me. Please.” 

Your lips part slightly as you try to come up with the right words, but you simply stutter: “Okay.”

“Let’s wait a few minutes.” Joanna says, making herself appear busy by grabbing two pastries from a platter and handing one to you, “We can pretend that we are going to take a walk. I will explain then.”

You nod and sink your teeth into the dough of the strangely crispy food, not certain if you like it or not. Regardless, you polish it off whilst your mind runs rampant with the thought as to why Joanna could possibly want to see this man – and why he had delivered a message to you specifically as well.

Was it that visible in your demeanour, that you were confused and unsure of your future? Did you display such strange behaviour that anyone who would ever cast a glance your way could see your entire struggle within a mere glimpse? Had he caught sight of Atticus slipping out of your room whilst in the knowledge you were married to another?

The minutes that pass seem to last hours, but finally, Joanna grabs your arm to guide you towards the dungeons under the premise of needing some fresh air. The unrest that occurs every time a new prisoner is thrown into one of the cold and uncomfortable cells has died down and you head down the staircase, the cold air chilling you to the bone. You shiver involuntarily and adjust the drape around your shoulders to cover a bit more skin, for goosebumps appear all over. 

Men whine and wallow, reaching through the bars of their cells in an attempt to touch you, and you cower away in both disgust and fear, much to the hilarity of the prisoners. “Don’t mind them,” Joanna whispers, “They’ll be like that. Whatever they say, don’t pay attention to it.”

With a heavy coin purse in hand, your best friend tells the soldier guarding the latest addition to the prison that the two of you were never here. He understands the message and lets you through, giving you some privacy by leaving you be. 

Joanna goes in front as you slowly approach the unkempt stranger, who still seems to be full of adrenaline, widely grinning and muttering something to the sky, and as she clears her throat, the man immediately whips his head towards the two of you. 

“Who are you?” Joanna inquires. 

Instead of the snide remark you had expected, he smiles. “My name is John.”

“Your words, John,” Joanna presses immediately, “What do they mean? Why didn’t you mention that my husband–”

“Wait just one second.” the dishevelled, odd man bearing the name John interrupts, and his gaze shifts to you. “You. You have seen Him, haven’t you? The Spirit draws me to you.”

Narrowing your eyes in confusion, you shake your head slightly. “What? I… I don’t get it, know Whom?”

John breathes the Name, and the moment he does, you feel yourself gasp. 

“Jesus of Nazareth.”

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