#never had friends because shes a prickle pear

[basileusdraws]

Finally making friends

[patandpran]

Keeping it Quiet - An OhmFong fic

Finally filled this ‘secret dating’ prompt for the anon! I am still not over this pairing so.. enjoy!

Summary: Four times Ohm and Fong almost revealed that they were dating in secret and one time that they did…. 

Featuring a wise Earn, a drunk Phuak, a clueless Tine, love bites and a kissing booth.

1.

It was Phuak’s going away party and Ohm and Fong had been dating officially for about a month. They had always been an inevitability but since it was so new to both of them, they wanted to keep their relationship to themselves for the time being.

They were meant to be celebrating Phuak’s departure for his studying abroad trip but Ohm couldn’t help but bring along a monthversary gift for Fong as well. It was something small so he was able to conceal it quite easily until he and Fong finally had a moment alone.

At the height of the party, Ohm dragged Fong into Phuak’s bedroom and closed the door behind them. Fong gave him a questioning look but followed anyway, unsure of where he was being led. Once they were sure that they were alone, Ohm pulled out a small wrapped parcel and handed it to Fong.

“What is this?” Fong wondered and looked up at Ohm with wide eyes. “Is this something for Phuak?”

“Nope. It’s for you.” Ohm muttered shyly. “Today marks a month of us being together.”

“Ohm, you are ridiculously sappy.” Fong accused with a grin on his lips. “I love it.”

“Open it.” Ohm urged, eyeing the present anxiously.

Fong obeyed Ohm’s order and gingerly unwrapped the package, being sure not to rip the wrapping paper. Ohm bit his lip in anticipation as Fong opened up the box that held the necklace that he had purchased for Fong. It was a simple silver chain with a dangling bar that read ‘F+O’ on the side that would face Fong’s heart.

Upon reading the inscription, Fong whispered, “I love it, Ohm. Thank you so much. Can you help me put it on?”

Fong turned and Ohm helped to put the chain around Fong’s neck. Fong tucked it under his t-shirt and turned back to face Ohm. “I feel guilty that I didn’t get you anything.”

“Knowing you are wearing that is the perfect gift.” Ohm hummed with satisfaction. He was about to lean down to kiss Fong when someone came barging into the room.

“What are you two doing in here?” Phuak slurred as he stumbled into the room.

Though it was not as if they were being caught in the act, both Ohm and Fong froze as Phuak approached them and threw his arms around both of their shoulders. He was completely drunk and Phuak was not exactly perceptive on a good day so it didn’t seem like he had any sense that something was going on between Ohm and Fong.

“We were just, uh, reminiscing.” Fong responded lamely and Phuak seemed satisfied with the answer.

He nodded before pressing a sloppy kiss to both Ohm and Fong’s cheeks. “I love you guys. I’m going to miss you so much… are you guys going to be okay without me?”

“We love you too, man.” Ohm reached behind Phuak and squeezed Fong’s wrist with a fond look in his eyes. “As much as I think we’re going to miss you, I think we’re going to be just fine.”

2.

The whole gang was at a CtrlS concert when Sarawat winked at Tine from the stage. Everyone was dancing and having a great time and Tine waved back at his boyfriend. Fong saw this and felt a bit jealous about the fact that Sarawat and Tine could be so open about their affection while he and Ohm were still choosing to keep their relationship under wraps fro the time being. They wanted to see where things would go but Fong could not wait to be able to hold Ohm’s hand in public without worrying about his friends noticing.

Ohm looked at Fong and could tell that Fong was deeply thinking through something as Fong’s brow was furrowed in thought. Tine, Man and Boss were in the throws of an epic dance party so he felt emboldened enough to reach over and squeeze Fong’s hand with his own. It was over before it even started but the look of relief from Fong was well worth the risk.

“You know that I am ready to tell everyone whenever you are.” Ohm shared and Fong nodded appreciatively.

“Tell everyone what?”

Ohm and Fong prickled when they heard the question come from behind them. Green had posed the question and Dim was standing there with an arched brow as well. Ohm and Fong exchanged a look before Fong blurted, “Uh, tell them how ridiculous they look dancing like that!”

Green narrowed his eyes, clearly suspicious but Dim shrugged it off, convinced. Dim wandered off to join the dance circle and Green followed behind shortly but not before giving them another suspicious look before joining the rest of the group.

As soon as they were left alone, Ohm gave Fong an apologetic look and Fong gave him an understanding look. They were going to have to decide sooner rather than later to tell the group because keeping a secret like this was starting to weigh on the pair of them.

3.

“So, have long have you and Ohm been together?” Earn asked casually one night at L C Hol.

Fong turned to her immediately and whispered, “How did you know? We haven’t exactly told anyone.”

Earn’s eyes widened in surprise at this. She never really understood why people decided to keep things like relationship a secret but she obviously respected her friends enough not to blow it. She looked over at Ohm who was sitting further down the table and he smiled back at her and  Fong.

“Sorry.” Earn answered, keeping her tone lowered. “I don’t mean this to be rude or anything but.. it’s kind of obvious that you guys are together, at least to me. You can tell by the way that the two of you look at each other. It’s the same as how I look at Pear.”

“You and Pear are a thing?” Fong sputtered, completely thrown off by Earn’s words.

Earn chuckled at how oblivious Fong was. “Yeah, we’ve been girlfriends for almost a year. I guess you’re about as perceptive as Boss because he tried to ask her out a few months ago. Needless to say, we set him straight about the viability of that endeavour. I guess maybe you don’t have to worry about any of the guys finding out if you all are like this…”

“As much of an insult as that is, it’s kind of a relief to hear.” Fong relaxed slightly. “We’ll tell people when we’re ready.”

“There’s no rush.” Earn shared supportively, putting one hand on Fong’s shoulder in a comforting gesture.

“When did you know that you and Pear were ready to tell people?” Fong wondered, feeling a bit self-conscious but still wanting to know the answer.

Earn considered this for a moment before responding, “I think you will just know. It won’t feel like you need to hide it anymore and second guess anything. But, honestly, it’s nobody’s business who you are dating and if you two aren’t ready, then keep it to yourselves. Being in a relationship is such a personal thing. You don’t owe it to the world to the share every last part of yourself. Do what you need to do to feel happy with the person that you love. Nobody is going to judge you for taking your time to share it with others.”

“Thank you, Earn.” Fong shared and wanted to hug her with all his might.

“You look like you could use a hug.” Earn opened her arms wide.

Fong accepted the hug without a second thought and couldn’t wait to tell Ohm later that night about what had happened.

4.

“I don’t want to go to class.” Ohm complained, his head resting on Fong’s chest as they both lounged on Fong’s bed.

“Well, no boyfriend of mine is not going to be a slacker.” Fong shared, trying to sit up but the weight of Ohm’s head kept his pinned to the bed.

Ohm flipped himself so he could look at Fong and wrapped his arms around Fong, trapping him even more. “It’s just one class. Come on, let’s just stay here for a few more minutes. Pleaaaaaaaase?”

As tempting as it was to spend the rest of the afternoon lying in bed with Ohm, they had a project due that day and Tine was relying on them to show up. Fong flailed around and tried to wriggle out of Ohm’s grasp but Ohm just tightened his hold on Fong.

“Ohhhhhmmmm! Let me go!” Fong cried out in protest. “Don’t make me bite you.”

“Go ahead.” Ohm shared casually. “Maybe I’ll be into it. It’s never too late to discover a new kink.”

“Seriously, how old are you?” Fong rolled his eyes and Ohm laughed fondly at the reaction.

Ohm pressed a kiss to Fong’s cheek and nuzzled his face into the crook of Fong’s neck, dropping kisses there as well. As much as it was difficult to resist Ohm’s kisses, Fong’s need to keep a perfect attendance record outweighed the current situation. Fong poked Ohm in the side which caused Ohm’s arms to release enough for Fong to make his escape.

Fong immediately ran from the bed an slipped on his shoes, slinging his book bag over his shoulder. Ohm chased after him, laughing all the way until they were running through the halls of the dorm to make their way to class, Ohm hot on Fong’s heels.

Once they got to class, both of them looked ridiculously dishevelled. Tine gave them a relieved look when he saw that they had made it. He remarked, “Took you two idiots long enough. I thought I was going to have to do this presentation alone.”

Ohm and Fong shrugged apologetically. Tine narrowed his eyes at Fong and asked, “Do you have a love bite on your neck?”

Fong’s hand flew up to his neck and he pulled his collar up, hie cheeks burning with a blush. Ohm just smirked and said, “That’s why we were late. Fong got attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes so we had to run to the store to get some medication before class.”

“Oh…” Tine answered, although he did not seem thoroughly convinced with the answer.

Thankfully, Tine did not have time to question it any further as the professor walked in to start the class. Fong elbowed Ohm in the ribs but Ohm just continued to grin proudly.

5.

The music club was hosting a fundraiser carnival and everyone had pitched in to help set it up the booths. Tine, as the secretary, had enlisted Ohm and Fong to set up and run the kissing booth. There was a list of freshmen who were signed up in shifts to be the ‘kissers’ so all that Ohm and Fong had to do was take the tickets.

Aside from the screaming girls, the booth was running smoothly until one of the freshmen did not show up for their shift. Fong, in a panic at the ever-growing mob of angry people who were expecting a kiss, called Tine over to figure out what to do.

“What the hell should we do? One of your volunteers didn’t show up.” Fong muttered to Tine, trying to be discrete as Ohm attempted to satiate the frustration of the people in line. “It looks they’re about to revolt if we don’t do something quick.”

Tine checked through the schedule on his clipboard and frowned, “Everyone else is busy right now. Ohm or you will have to jump in for the time being until I can figure someone else to jump in. You guys are both single so it won’t be an issue, right?”

The idea of someone else kissing his boyfriend made Fong feel ill. He assumed that Ohm would feel the same way but he didn’t feel like it was the right time to tell Tine about their relationship without at least consulting Ohm first.

“N-no.” Fong stammered. “That’s fine.”

“Sorry, Fong. I’ve got to run. Green just set fire to the barbecue.” Tine rushed away before Fong could object. “I’ll send someone over as soon I can!”

Fong groaned before returning to the booth and leaning in to whisper to Ohm. “One of us has to step in…. I can do it if you want…”

“Ohm’s eyes widened in surprise before he stood up to his feet and walked to inside the kissing booth, plopping himself down on the stool. “I’ve got it.”

The entire line cheered with excitement as Fong felt a wave of nausea roll through him. He hated the idea of a complete stranger kissing his boyfriend but, without outing their relationship, there was nothing he could do. He knew Ohm was doing it because he didn’t want Fong to so Fong forgave him as he took the first ticket from an extremely excited girl.

Fong watched as she approached Ohm and sat on the stool across from him. She closed her eyes and began to lean in. Ohm looked at Fong and mouthed ‘sorry’ before turning his attention back to the girl.

Before he registered what was happening, Fong found himself standing between the girl and Ohm. The girl was no kissing his stomach and he was sure it made for a bizarre image to any outsiders. Ohm gave him an amused look and the girl pulled back in surprise.

“Uh, sorry.” Fong muttered, “But I can’t let you kiss him.”

The girl furrowed her brow, “Why? I paid the money. Shouldn’t I get the kiss?”

“He’s taken.” Fong explained and turned toward Ohm who was looking at him with a steady gaze.

“By who?” The girl protested, growing more and more upset by the situation.

“Me. Actually.” Fong shared and the girl stood up and countered, “I don’t believe you. Kiss him if he’s actually your boyfriend.”

Without missing a beat, Ohm stood up, directed Fong’s shoulders to face him and pulled Fong in for a kiss. The girl stumbled back in surprise but Fong and Ohm were too wrapped up in the kiss to give it a second thought.

They both melted into the kiss and were somewhat exhilarated by the fact that they were display their love for each other so publicly. Finally they could be themselves without constantly worrying about what others thought and might read into their every interaction. It was incredibly freeing.

When they finally separated after what felt like an eternity, they heard a small crowd cheering in support of them. Ohm and Fong turned out to see Tine, Wat, Earn, Pear, Dim, Green, Man, and Boss cheering them on. Some of them look surprised by the kiss but most of them just looked extremely happy for Ohm and Fong.

Ohm took Fong’s hand and turned to the girl, “Sorry, uh, there will probably be someone here soon that you can kiss.”

“You two are so sweet. Sorry for giving you trouble.” She responded before rushing back to the front of the line where her friends were gushing with excitement.

Ohm and Fong approached their group of friends. Earn was beaming at Ohm and Fong proudly and Tine was looking a little dejected, “Why didn’t you guys tell us sooner?”

Pear elbowed Tine in the ribs and he winced. She scolded, “This is NOT about you, Tine. They needed to take their time and so, they did.”

“Thanks, Pear. Yah, we just wanted to keep things between us for a while as we figured it out.” Fong explained, squeezing Ohm’s hand.

“Sorry for making it about me.” Tine stated. “I think you make a great pair. It kind of just makes sense.”

“You guys look great together.” Sarawat chimed in with a small smile.

Fong blushed deeply and Ohm slung his arm around his boyfriend’s shoulder, proud that they could be so open with their relationship now. Ohm responded, “Thanks.”

“We still need someone to be in the kissing booth.” Tine piped up, flipping through his schedule again to see if anyone was free. “The only single person here is Boss and he is… already in the kissing booth working his ‘magic’.”

The group all turned to see Boss making kissy faces at the lineup as he sat in the booth, waiting for his first victim. Everyone shared a laugh at this and Ohm and Fong were just happy how normal everything felt.

Nothing had changed… In the best possible way.

[amuseoffyre]

Crossing Paths - 370AD – Thagaste

Notes: Yesterday I posted a St. Augustine-based chapter, but then I had a read through the confessions of the man himself and realised that I had fluffed significant things such as his age (16, not 14), the town he was in (Thagaste not Madaurus) and the time the incident happened (night, not midday). So I deleted it and now, I have written the more historically-accurate version :)

370AD – Thagaste

The crescent moon was high in the star-smeared sky and the streets were deserted.

The silence was broken by a crash of pottery, echoed by raucous laughter.

“Out!”

A door opened onto the street, a slice of lamplight pouring out onto the pale flagstones. Four young men piled out through the doorway, a tangle of brown, olive and pale limbs, all of them flushed with drink and mirth.

“You lose valuable customers, Gaius!” One of the young men bellowed, swaying where he stood. He considered the clay cup in his hand, then hurled it to explode on the doorframe, dregs of wine dripping down the pale stone. His friends burst into fits of laughter.

The innkeeper appeared in the doorway, face black as thunder. “You son of a sow!”

The young man clasped his hand proudly to his chest. “And the finest sow in all Thagaste she is too! Unlike yours!”

When the innkeeper stormed towards them, cudgel in his hand, the young man’s friends tugged him, still jeering, and they reeled off down the street.

From the shadow of an insula doorway, Crowley watched them, grinning. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy his work, but it didn’t hurt when it took no effort at all and young Augustinus of house Aurelius was about to give him the easiest night of work imaginable.

He slipped out onto the silver-painted flagstones, winding his way after them as the four boys tottered onwards, singing filthy songs about some random woman’s breasts.

“What now?” The red-haired lad in the group demanded, leaning heavily into Augustinus’s side.

Augustinus threw his arms wide, his friend staggering. “More wine!”

“No more taverns,” the olive-skinned boy complained.

Augustinus’s dark face creased in annoyance. “Futuo!” He swung around. “My house has wine. We can get wine there.”

Crowley meandered after them. “Why limit it to your house?” he asked the young man as they wandered out of the town and towards the house of the Aurelius family. He felt the prickle of speculation in the lad, barely more than a boy. “It’s not like anyone could stop you, is it?”

“We could have grapes,” the fourth of their group said. He was a round-face boy, pink-cheeked. “Can we have grapes?”

The vineyards spread across the fields flanking the road, leaves and fruit shining in the moonlight. Augustinus considered them. “They’re not ripe yet.” He waved grandly. “But one day, we will make the best wine with them.”

“Fah.” The red-head snorted. “Not wine yet.”

Crowley glanced around, then chuckled to himself. Sometimes, the classic temptations were the best. “What about that?” He nudged Augustinus’s attention to the wall on the other side of the road. A tree was visible over the lip of the wall. “Looks ripe to me.”

The young man turned, looking up.

The leaves rustled in the warm evening breeze, whispering around the plump swells of fruit that hung heavily on the branches. It wasn’t quite the lush red of the apples of Eden, but you worked with whatever material you had and right now, Crowley had pears.

“Bet they’d hate if you took them.” He coiled around the boy, his voice low and enticing. “Can you imagine the look on his face? And if you’re sneaky, he’ll never know it was you.”

Augustinus’s dark eyes glittered. “We could have pears, Marcus.”

The round-faced boy squinted at him. “From a vineyard?”

Augustinus answered by veering over towards the wall. “Pears,” he replied, waving upwards.

The trio exchanged hazy, drink-addled looks. “But… but that’s not your house,” Rufus said, swaying gently.

“So?” Crowley prompted with a serpent smile. “Pompous old man. Why should he tell you what to do?” He leaned a hair’s breadth closer. “Wouldn’t it be fun?”

“It’s probably bad,” Marcus added, though he was staring wistfully up at the pears.

“So? I think we should have pears!” Augustinus laughed, groping for the cracks between the rocks of the wall, hauling himself unsteadily upwards. His sandaled feet skittered on the stone and two of his friends hurried forward, boosting him up, encouraged by his boldness.

It wasn’t the highest wall in the world, but for a sixteen year old several jugs into his cups, it probably felt like scaling Everest. Crowley watched as he finally flopped, hanging like a folded cloth, over the top of the wall, his legs dangling down.

“Can you get them?” Rufus demanded in what he must have assumed was a whisper.

“Ngh.” Augustinus’s legs kicked feebly and there was the wet sound of someone being sick on the far side of the wall.

“Eugh! Augustinus!”

“Missed the pears!” The boy’s voice floated back, sounding considerably damper. It took him a few more minutes and some kicking and flailing to haul himself up onto the wall. He swung one leg over and sat, swaying in the moonlight.

“Where are the pears?” Marcus demanded petulantly. “I want one!”

Augustinus peered down at his friend, then reached out and grabbed a pear, tugging it off the branch. He considered it solemnly, then twisted on the wall and lobbed it straight at Marcus’s head, with surprisingly good aim for someone who was almost cross-eyed with drink.

“Ow!”

“You wanted it!” Augustinus crowed. He leaned down, offering his hand to Rufus. “Come on. There are too many for me to get on my own.”

His friend reached up and grabbed his wrist, scrambling up the wall to join him. “How many are we taking?”

Augustinus grinned, a flash of brilliant white in his dark face. “All of them.”

Crowley chuckled, leaning back to watch as one little temptation blossomed, turning four rude young men into thieves and vandals.

 __________________________________

 It was a lovely night, but one wouldn’t have thought so by the state of the poor woman, kneeling before the makeshift altar.

The beads of her rosary rattled through her fingers, her eyes closed, tears spilling down her cheeks as she recited her prayers, the beacon of her faith glowing fiercely. She was well-reputed already for her piety, but Heaven had far greater things in mind for her.

Aziraphale approached, reaching out to lay his hand lightly upon her head.

The blessing cast a divine glow around her and her prayers stuttered, almost as if she felt it. Her tears dried and a rapturous smile spread across her handsome dark-skinned face. Her name would be remembered, her piety and faith rewarded.

One day, eventually, she would be a Saint.

Aziraphale smiled, watching her, the bliss of the blessing washing away a little of her fear and grief. The seeds were there already. He had just offered them a little light to help them grow.

Silently, he withdrew from the house, slipping unseen by the other humans. Most of them were asleep, but there was a guard sitting at the door, a lamp beside him and a surly look on his face. Not keeping dangers out, Aziraphale realised, but waiting for someone.

Technically, he could have carried himself back to the centre of the town on a whim, but it really was a very lovely night. The stars speckled the sky, barely a cloud in sight to obscure them, and the air was warm and clear.

“No harm in walking a little,” he murmured, as he slipped through the gate and set off down the shining silver road that led back into Thagaste.

Around him, the landscape rolled in gentle slopes, the hillsides woven with vines. It was a shame it was too early in the season. The budding clusters of grapes were only small, but there was promise of a generous harvest. He scanned the broad expanse of the fields. A few weeks more, and if he happened to pass by in time to try them while bringing another blessing or–

Or Crowley?

Just a little way to the side of reality, the demon was sitting on a rock beside the road, sprawled back and gazing up at the sky.

“Coo-ee! Crowley!”

Crowley whipped around, momentary panic written on his face. He spotted Aziraphale and huffed with relief, a grin curling his lips. “Angel!” He sat up a little straighter on the rock. “What brings you all the way out here?”

Aziraphale waved a hand in the direction of the Aurelius house. “Just a blessing. You?”

“Not much.” Crowley shrugged expressively, rucking up his toga – it was awfully like the one he wore in Rome, which seemed very inconvenient so far out in the empire. Aziraphale had elected a simpler tunic, though he added a rather nice cape. It was very stylish, he thought.

“What do you mean not much?” he inquired.

The demon waved a hand dismissively. “You know. Temptation here, temptation there.” He flashed his widest grin. “Maybe I was just following you around to see what damage I could do when you were finished?”

Aziraphale gave him a mostly patient look. “Oh, really. You’re doing no such thing. I saw you stargazing.”

Crowley made a face at him. “S’not a crime.”

“Well, no.” The angel fiddled with his fingers. “Are you heading back into the–”

A stifled but very human grunt made him turn, puzzled.

As far as he could see, there was no one but him and Crowley.

“What do you suppose…” He looked back at the demon, who was staring up at the high wall behind him. Aziraphale followed his line of sight and spotted a pair of bony brown hands appear over the top of a wall on the opposite side of the road. The hands were followed by a black-haired, dark-eyed face and Aziraphale stared in dismay. Oh he knew that little one. Just as he’d visited Monica before, he had seen the boy too. “Oh, Crowley, you didn’t!”

“Didn’t what?” Crowley said, looking wounded. “Just because some daft human is climbing walls in the middle of the night doesn’t mean it’s anything to do with me.”

Aziraphale opened his mouth to comment, but above them, the head and shoulders tipped over the top of the wall, then the young man gave an alarmed yelp as the brick he was leaning on gave way and he dropped – headfirst – towards the rocky ground.

Aziraphale’s hand moved before he could think, cushioning the impact and saving the boy from a nasty head injury. “Oh my dear!” He brushed by Crowley, bustling towards the boy. “Are you all right? That was quite a tumble.”

The young man rubbed his bruised head and squinted up at him. “OH HELLO GOOD MAN! IT IS VERY LATE FOR YOU TO BE ABOUT! I DID NOT EXPECT TO SEE YOU.”

Aziraphale blinked. Perhaps he hadn’t been fast enough. “There’s no need to shout, dear boy,” he said, gently helping the young man to his feet. He glanced anxiously at Crowley, who was muffling laughter in his hand. “It’s not funny, Crowley! He might have hurt himself!”

“He’s a teenager, angel,” Crowley choked out. “S’what they do. Bloody stupid, reckless things. Might have knocked some sense into him.”

The angel glowered at him. “You are such a terrible person.”

Young Augustinus swayed against his hands and Aziraphale recognised the scent of more than one kind of wine. No wonder his blessed mother was praying again, if he had been out and misbehaving. Honestly, sometimes it made you wonder if all the work was going to be worth it in the long run. Free will made no guarantees, even for one elected for divine influence. “Ah. A little too much to drink?”

Augustinus gave him the look of a young man very resolutely sure that he did not seem drunk. “I am quite well, thank you very much, good sir.” He bobbed his head. “Thank you for your concern. It is very… er… good.” He groped about in a pouch on his belt. “Let me give you a gift of thanks.”

“Oh, really, that’s not necess–”

Augustinus shoved a plump, ripe, golden-green pear in front of his nose. “A pear!” he declared, then beamed. “For you, my helpful friend.”

“How generous,” Crowley gasped out. He seemed to find the drunk boy unreasonably entertaining, even though the boy didn’t even seem to notice him.

It was quite a lovely pear as well, freshly picked from the look of it. “I oughtn’t.”

“You ought,” Augustinus insisted, pushing it into his hands. “For your journey home.” He flashed that luminous smile again. “And I will definitely be going home too and not falling off walls or taking anymore pears or anything.”

Aziraphale looked down at the pear in his hands, then back at the boy. “Well, if you’re sure. I do like pears.”

Augustinus nodded, then glanced up and flapped a hand urgently.

“What is–?” Aziraphale started to raise his head.

“Probably nothing,” Crowley wheezed, bracing a hand against the wall.

“Moth! Big one!” Augustinus insisted. “That’s all. Not anything.” He caught Aziraphale by the arm, steering him towards the road. “It’s very late, good sir. Have a safe journey.”  

“I think that’s a hint,” Crowley said, finally gathering himself enough to wander after them, though his mouth was still twitching. “Want some company back to the town?”

Aziraphale eyed the young man, who stared back at him earnestly, his hands clasped in front of him, the picture of drunken virtue. “Do you think he’ll be able to get home safely?” he asked the demon, beyond the human’s hearing.

“Yeah,” Crowley knocked the boy on the shoulder as he passed. “Hasn’t got far to go, has he? I don’t think he’ll be climbing any more walls, do you?”

“I suppose not,” Aziraphale agreed. He gave the boy a smile. “Thank you for the pear, young man. It was very kind of you.”

Augustinus raised a hand in something halfway between a wave and a salute. “S’all good, sir. Very good.” He beamed, showing all his teeth. “Have a good night, sir.”

Crowley chuckled. “Come on, angel,” he said. “Let’s leave his lordship to stagger home.” He set off down the road and Aziraphale gave the boy one last careful look before turning and trotting after him, his pear held snugly in his hand.

“He seemed a very polite young man, didn’t he? I mean, aside from the inebriation.”

“Mm.” Crowley’s lips were twitching again. “He had his moments.”

“And we can hardly be the ones to criticise him, I suppose,” Aziraphale added.

After all, they certainly indulged themselves often enough. Speaking of which…

“You don’t happen to have a knife, do you, Crowley?”

The demon gave him a wary look. “Why?”

Aziraphale smiled. “I thought we could share the young man’s gift. If you would like?”

The expression on the demon’s face softened. “It’s not a very big pear, angel.”

“Well,” Aziraphale said firmly, “I didn’t even have a small pear until now, so even half of this is more than I had before, which means it’s only fair that we both get a share.”

The demon laughed. “You are such an angel sometimes,” he said, but he still produced a knife from somewhere on his person. “Go on then.”

And as they walked back to Thagaste in the moonlight, they shared the fruit between them.

[yukiwrites]

Morgan, Comparing

Thank you for the support as always, @xpegasusuniverse! This one was so much fun to write askdjlkasd Morgan will be the death of those three someday!

Summary: Morgan, now Linfan, has gotten used to travelling with the people from this Valla world, already considering them her companions. Even so, or perhaps because of that, she couldn’t help but feel as though she were meeting some of the same people of Ylisse in this world, but in another form entirely...

Commission info HERE and HERE!

_______________________________

Morgan had already felt at home amidst her newest companions during the war against the invisble-y, purple-y things -- they were something related to something that Azura tried her best to explain at least five times, but it honestly all went over Morgan's head.

Of course, she would most likely understand if she actually applied herself to it; or if her Father were the one to explain it to her, but as it stands, she just wanted to take things on her own pace. She had found her brother and pulled his ear like their Mother wanted, so there would be no problem in enjoying herself for a bit, right?

She was way too excited to be around so many new people and fighting such interesting enemies! All of that alongside her brother and her friends, as well! New and old!

Think about it! A male manakete (although Nowi did mention knowing one or two, but since Morgan had never met them, they didn't exist to her) with short ears and wriggly fingers in dragon form, able to stop a dragon-slaying sword. A water-controling dancer with next to no magical ability who uses the power of a floating pendant to instill her comrades to fight harder on the battlefield.

Not only one but three legendary swords wielded by a grumpier, blonde and royal Frederick, a shorter and hairier version of Walhart and the male manakete! Not to mention a legendary tome and a bow! This world was AMAZING in every sense of the word!

On her way to deliver her daily report to Corrin's tent regarding her patrol of the perimeter, Linfan wore huge grin on her face by just thinking about all of the awesome stuff this world had to offer. Her mind in the clouds, she bumped into something oddly fluffy right at the entrance of Corrin's tent: a... cleavage?

"Whoops! Lady Camilla! Thanks for the save." Linfan giggled after the nohrian princess caught her lest she fell on the ground after their bumping. "Visiting Lord Corrin?"

"You are very welcome, darling," the eldest princess smiled softly, lingering one hand over Linfan's shoulder. "And yes, I am... Though I must admit I am rather worried..." she took her free hand to her cheek, a dark cloud shadowing her brow. "Say... is that the report of your patrol, my dear?"

Oh, I wonder what this nagging feeling is...? Where did i see that dark look before... Linfan squinted at the beautiful princess' face, trying to discern what was it that bothered her.

Noticing how the young woman had once again flew into her own mind while gazing upon herself, Camilla giggled then patted Linfan's shoulder so as to guide her away from Corrin's tent. "My dear, why don't we have this conversation over there? I do not wish for my darling Corrin to be disturbed more than necessary..."

"Huh?" Linfan blinked as she saw the report she had been carrying slipped out of her hands into Camilla's -- smoothly so! How did she DO that? Was she secretly a ninja? Wow, that world had to be the best thing ever! But, wait- "uh, but he asked me to give it to him even if there were nothing out of ordinary-"

Camilla took her index finger to her lips, "that will be our little secret, hm? Dear Corrin has been much too stressed lately and only just now I managed to coax him to take a little nap." She giggled adorably, but her eyes were covered in a dark shadow. "Truly regrettable that I had to resort to a... calming kind of tea for that to happen."

Nagging feeling, nagging feeling, nagging feeling... Morgan couldn't hide her surprised yet scrutinizing expression, her brain working at its full capacity to be able to discern the origin of that insistent prickling at the back of her mind to think about where Lady Camilla was taking her to.

From a nearby corner, Laslow had just about finished helping a maid carry some supplies into a tent -- let us not mention how he was drenched in cold water due to the maid's... vehement refusal of his advances -- and caught a glimpse of Morgan being led through camp by none other than princess Camilla herself.

"Linfan?" He raised one eyebrow, taking it upon himself to tail the unusual duo.

Somehow, the air around Lady Camilla at that moment made the retainer unable to approach as he normally did -- and to think that Morgan was (happily?) chatting with her despite all that only meant that his childhood friend was still as oblivious as always to the world around her. Following from behind tents and barrels, Laslow watched how Camilla never lost her grip on Linfan's shoulder, a somehow uneasy feeling grasping his chest. He felt the visceral urge to go grab Odin immediately, but was afraid to lose sight of the two of them while he did so.

What to do... what to do...

"Oh, they went inside the- huh? The mess hall?" He whispered to himself, popping his head out of the flying banner he had badly concealed himself against. "No, wait, they went into the kitchen attached to it... Must follow!"

"Ugh, creeper, much? What're you doing following people by attempting to hide as lamely as that?" Selena scoffed beside him, as though she had been there the whole time.

"WAUGH!" Laslow jumped out of his skin. "Selena! D-don't scare me like that, I almost- wait, no time to waste, come with me!" He pulled his friend by the arm, tip-toeing as fast as he could towards the mess tent.

"Wh- hey, I didn't agree to-"

"Lady Camilla just took Linfan here!" He whispered-yelled, making a shushing gesture.

Selena slapped one hand over her mouth lest she gasped loudly in surprise. "What does Lady Camilla want with Linfan-"

"Let's find out-" Laslow whispered back, peeking inside the tent.

"What're looking for again, Lady Camilla?" Morgan asked joyfully, scavenging sacks and barrels alike, mostly for the fun of it since she didn't know what the thing Camilla wanted look like.

"It is a pear-shaped, grape-sized vegetable, my dear. You are a treasure for volunteering to help me look for it." Camilla's voice sounded a bit distant for the observing duo right outside, but they could feel the lack of mirth coming from it, which made them shiver.

Linfan frowned slightly, stopping her search to look up in wonder. "Huh? Did I volunteer...?" She searched her memory for the exact time that happened, but then shrugged. "Oh, well! I'm here helping now, and that's what matters! Pear-shaped, grape-sized, got it!"

"Don't go helping people without asking what it's for, you dimwit!" Selena said behind her teeth from outside. "If I remember correctly, that vegetable..."

"... Is used in a lot of soups, yeah." Odin replied, kneeling beside their friends as though he had always been there.

Selena's twintails and the entirety of Laslow's hair went up in surprise, but they managed to only yell inside their minds. "Odin?! Since when-"

"I saw you two sneaking about and thought it'd be fun to join, but then I saw it was about Linfan so I just stayed quiet." He replied with a serious expression, oblivious to the dark air around the nohrian princess right inside. "What's going on?"

Laslow opened his mouth to reply, but Selena slapped it shut for Morgan had started to speak.

"There! Is this it, Lady Camilla? The box was squashed under a big sack; no wonder you couldn't find it!" Linfan raised a medium-sized chest overhead, twirling around to the princess.

Camilla's mood shifted so quickly it was as though the cloud had never been there. "You are a treasure, dear Linfan! That is exactly it!" She smiled gracefully, taking the chest with rather ease from Linfan's hands. "Thank you so much for your help, my dear! Now I can finally cook up an invigorating soup for my darling Corrin. I will beat down his exhaustion by nurturing him in every way possible!"

Realization hit Linfan as strong and sudden as a slap on the face. "AHA!" She unabashedly pointed at Camilla after doing the 'I see' gesture. "That's what's been bothering me all the time! How could I have been so blind?!"

"Whatever do you mean, my dear?" Camilla placed the chest over a nearby crate, tilting her head to the side. Linfan placed her hands akimbo, proud at her discovery.

"That alluring cleavage; carefully cared-for hairstyle, the use of mixtures for the sake of others... And that care for your prince's health and well-being... The dark femininity of Tharja and devotion of Frederick! It's like someone mashed them together, put them on a wyvern and gave them a crown: Ta-da, princess Camilla!"

"F-FATHER?!" Laslow tripped over Odin, falling inside the tent.

"You idi-wahh!" Tangling her limbs on both fallen comrades, Selena rolled atop of them both, making the situation similar to a human rockslide.

"Heehee! What an amusing bunch you four are! Selena, my dear, are you quite alright?" Camilla threw her head back in laughter, extending one hand to help her retainer up. "Are those the characters from a story you three are well-acquainted with, dear?" She asked Linfan without even turning to her.

"Huh? No, they're from bac-mmmph!" She lifted her index to explain, but Odin had managed to tackle his sister in time, slamming her mouth shut with his hand.

"HOW PERCEPTIVE OF MY LADY! HAHA! That it exactly it! No wonder you are the cleverest, most beautiful and adored first princess of Nohr! None could compare! Now, if you’ll excuse us!" He laughed loudly, taking a step towards the exit with each word.

"Hold it, dearies."

Three words out of Camilla's mouth and the entire tent froze over, almost literally.

"Now, you four will help me with this soup, will you not? I need it done before Corrin wakes up from his little nap..."

Odin, Selena and Laslow breathed out in relief. Linfan struggled to speak under her brother's grip. What was that about? She was complimenting Camilla, you know! The beauty and shrewdness of one coupled with the strength and loyalty of the other! The perfect mash!

[wonderlandmind4]

Delicate Stages Drabbles 15

Feeling That You Get

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x OFC

Summary: Drabbles following Delicate Stages. Looking into the life of Bucky and Ana.

Warnings: Language. Fluff. Implied smut.

Words: 4.7k

A/N:  Finally! Sorry it took so long for this one, as it tends to set up the next drabbles to follow, which will be the endgame now (See what I did there :D )(Do not read unless you’ve read Delicate Stages first)

Five Months Later:

Bucky is doubled over laughing, has been laughing for the past five minutes and he swears he hasn’t cried from laughing in decades. Honestly, he is not shocked in the slightest with how this scenario turned out. The minute Bucky got a call from a blocked number he knew who it was. He was relieved. It had been six weeks since they got the news before Steve finally contacted him, but Ana, she was nothing but sass.

“Wow, glad to see that dinosaur knows how to use a phone!” She said loud enough for her voice to be heard.

Bucky leveled her with a look, but all she did was shrug.

“Six weeks, and you’ve had this annoyed and worried tick in your jaw, that no matter how hard I rode your face, it just wouldn’t go away.”

Bucky’s eye went wide with shock, followed by a loud cackle and Steve’s stammering response on the line. He caught his wife’s arm before she could walk away, pulled her in for a searing kiss and muttered against her lips:

“Maybe you gotta try one more time, darlin’, just to be sure.”

Steve hung up, only to call back two hours later.

Now, Bucky is getting the entertainment of his life. Both him and Ana were by the lake enjoying a nice lunch, when they were surprised by someone neither of them were expecting to see. That’s when Ana began throwing rocks made of dirt at him.

“Buck! Get your wife!” Steve shouts behind his makeshift shield, which happens to be an empty bucket of feed.

“He can’t help you, Rogers!” Ana yells, pelting clumps of clay at the man.

“Bucky!” 

A bigger dirt clump explodes as it hits his shoulder, Steve’s left side of his face sprinkled with clay. Bucky tries to contain his laughter, tries to take deep breaths so he can speak. However, his wife’s aim has always been spot on and he won’t step in to stop her when she’s in a rage. A very entertaining, protective rage. 

“Bet you’re regretting leaving your shield now, pal” Bucky quips, earning a glare from Steve.

“Say you’re sorry!” Ana demands, throwing the last rock.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Now will you stop? I’m getting dirt in my mouth!”

When Ana finally ceases her attack and Steve’s blue shirt is colored with orange-brown spots, they invite him into their hut. Bucky gave him a lecture that brought on a feeling of déjà vu, as if he was scolding his friend back in a Brooklyn alley once more. Steve had explained his side of what happened with the portal and the team breaking up. It’s not something either of them wanted to hear, but at least everyone who is on the run seems to be safe and well hidden. With the exception of Clint and Scott Lang, who both had families to think about and made a plea bargain instead.

Bucky feels a strange wave of emotions radiating from Ana as he sits next to her. Their arms are touching, skin to skin, and it feels like cold prickles seeping through his pores. He briefly wonders if this is what his wife feels all the time, and how second nature it is to her now. He stretches his pinkie finger over hers, offering her comfort.

“Vision went to meet up with Wanda?” Bucky doubles checks. He’d be concerned for the girl if she was hiding from the government alone. He knows exactly how that feels, and Wanda is still a kid to him; just 21.

“He took off in the middle of the night, so he wouldn’t be followed,” Steve confirms.

“So,” Ana finally speaks up since Steve started talking. “It’s just Rhodes then? Technically Peter, but since he’s underage and not an official Avenger, the Accords don’t apply to him. Nor do they actually know his identity.”

“Correct,” Steve answers solemnly. Bucky sees his eyes squint as he pauses. He meets his gaze fleetingly, both coming to the same conclusion. “Tony isn’t alone, Ana.”

“Doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel like he is,” She mutters bitterly. “Pepper’s been out of town too.”

The sigh Steve exhales sounds heavy with remorse. However, Bucky knows him down to his core, and though his friend might be feeling guilty over the fact that his friendship with Tony is now strained, Steve still believes he did the right thing.

“I sent him a burner phone, in case he ever needs me,” Steve informs Ana. “I’ll always be there,” He pauses once more. “Just not where the government is involved.”

Bucky swipes his pinkie finger over his wife’s several times. He’s watching her carefully as silence stretches between the three of them. Finally, she nods in understanding, Steve sending her an appreciative smile. He kicks his foot out to nudge against her own, until she returns the teasing gesture. Bucky sags with relief. This entire Accords situation has not put Ana in a good mood during those first two months.

Numerous times she had snapped at Bucky or grumbled about how stupid heroes could be. He just took it, allowing her to lash out at him, until Ana caught herself. She told him he shouldn’t allow her to do that, that her anger and disappointment is misdirected, but it’s not an excuse. Bucky had told her he didn’t mind one bit, that he would rather have her lash out then bottle it up. Ana insisted that he stopped her the next time it happened, and when it did, he spoke up. He told her it wasn’t fair, and she agreed.

Since then, Ana hasn’t snapped at him once, and they have talked it through together. He helped her accept that what happened was the others decision, and the fallout was something they would have to handle. Ana wasn’t a part of it, so her strange guilt was moot. She had also accepted the Healers of Wakanda’s advice to begin mediating; Bucky thinks it helps better than anything. He also thinks the make-up sex has plenty to do with that too.

He blinks back to the present, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. She leans into him, and out of the corner of his eye, he sees Steve’s expression soften into a smile.

“Maybe this is good in the long run,” Steve speaks up, his voice airy, light. Bucky narrows his eyes suspiciously. “Maybe it’ll give Tony and Pepper time to start a family.”

Ana perks up next to Bucky. “Maybe! I know Tony wants kids.”

Bucky narrows his eyes at his best friend. He has a feeling he knows where this is going. Steve’s eyes flash, a sign of mischief he has seen since he met the little skinny kid on the playground.

“You know,” He begins, “you seem to be glowing, Ana.”

Bucky shakes his head at the lame attempt, laughing under his breath. When he catches Ana’s gaze, she looks confused. Which last for three seconds before she looks back at Steve, then to him once more. Suddenly he sees it click in her beautiful brown eyes, rolling them towards Steve.

 “Yeah,” She states. “It’s called being happily married…with a healthy dose of mind-blowing orgasms.”

Steve drops his blushing face into his hands. Bucky makes an indigent noise.

“Not what you were expecting? Because I’m not expecting,” Ana laughs brightly. “Although, we do have a lot of se-“

“Alright, Шалунья, enough out of you,” Bucky scolds playfully, wrapping his right arm around her shoulder to cover her mouth with his hand. She promptly licks his skin, as if it would bother him.

“I’m sorry I implied anything,” Steve mumbles behind his hands.

“Actually,” Ana’s word is muffled by his hand. Instead of removing it, she bites the fleshy part of his palm. Bucky inhales sharply, glaring at his wife as he lowers his hand. He swallows thickly. He’ll get her back for that.

“I think it’s to do with my abilities?” She questions at the end as Steve uncovers his face. “It’s been shimmering lately. Could be due these rings Shuri made. They help regulate the energy without the exhausting affects, and it’s always been tied with my emotions. So, the happier or angrier I am, it starts to glow.”

“She has been extremely happy, well and angry,” Bucky supplies. He feels Ana squeeze his hand, offering him an apologetic smile. He shakes his head, since all has been forgiven during those rough weeks.

“That’s interesting,” Steve muses.

Before either of them can say anything else, the little Kimoyo beads Shuri gave Ana as a necklace glows against her chest. Bucky carefully plucks it off the bead, holding it flat in his palm, a small holographic screen popping up. Shuri’s cheerful, youthful face takes up most of the frame, but she frowns when she sees Bucky instead of Ana.

“Nice to see you too, kid,” Bucky greets flatly.

“Stop stealing her beads,” She laughs, twisting as if she can see Ana. “I’m not summoning you on her bead, genius.”

Ana presses her cheek against his, leaning into him. “He’s just jealous he doesn’t get a personal one. Do you need me to come to the Lab?”

Shuri nods excitedly. “There was a breakthrough with the psychiatric healing devices!”

“On my way!” Ana grabs the bead from Bucky’s hand as the screen vanishes. “I’ll be back, you boys have fun! Stay out of trouble and don’t feed Rosa anymore treats, she’s had enough pears today!”

Then she’s taking off, waving her goodbye in the air. Bucky can’t help the fondness washing over him as she disappears over the hill.

“She’s still the same as ever,” Steve voices softly.

“Stubborn and fierce to the core,” He agrees. “I like her.”

“Good thing she’s your wife.”

Bucky wraps his arm around Steve’s shoulder, tighten his grip firmly. “Don’t you ever go that long without checking in again, you hear me Rogers?”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, mom.”

 *

An hour goes by, filled with Bucky putting Steve to work for a bit, then taking him around the village. He has visited before, but he never wondered outside of the palace or lab. He meets the village people and children, some of the other tribes, and takes him to the lake Bucky is fond of.

“This is where you purposed?” Steve questions, gazing out over the lake.

“Yup, and the spot you’re standing on is where I dropped the ring, twice. Because I was so damn nervous,” Bucky laughs at the memory.

“So,” He drawls out, “you haven’t discussed children yet?”

Bucky snorts, running his fingers through his hair. “She mentioned starting a family before we got married, but we haven’t really brought it up since.”

“Any particular reason?”

He doesn’t answer right away. The possibility of having kids with Ana makes Bucky’s heart sore. However, it also leaves a bitter taste of self-loathing in his mouth. Could he even be a good father? Would he be enough? He keeps those doubts and fears to himself for now.

“We’ve just been enjoying our time as husband and wife,” He finally answers. “It’s only been eight months. There’s no rush.”

He sees Steve nod from the corner of his eye. “How are those energy rings holding up for her? Do they make the connect you both have stronger?”

“No, I don’t think. That was all Ana herself when she connected our energies. It’s incredible, Stevie. I can feel her all the time, like her life energy is this infinite sunlight around me. It’s subtle, but powerful.”

A firm hand squeezes his shoulder, and when Bucky meets Steve’s eyes, he sees nothing but happiness there. Along with a teasing eyebrow wiggle, to which Bucky playfully nudges his friend off him.

“The rings are ingenious,” He continues. “Shuri, that girl’s mind is a masterpiece. She keeps improving my arm too, and the rings, and the technology she comes up with is-“ He breaks off shaking his head in wonderment. “This place is amazing.”

“Incredible,” Steve agrees. “It’s beautiful here.”

“Ya know, you can stay here if you need a home.”

“I know that option is always open, Buck. From you and the King, but my place is still out there in the world. There’s a lot of underground issues at hand.”

“Still picking fights with things bigger than you.”

“You know it, pal.”

“Still a scrappy little punk forever.”

Steve laughs brightly, wrapping his arm around Bucky’s neck in a headlock.

*

The trek from the lab to their hut by the lake is just over a mile on foot. Ana sometimes takes the long route to and from, enjoying the serene landscape and warm breeze. Sporadically, she will find a stray goat or pig that has wondered off and coaxes it to follow her back. Other times, she and Bucky take the small journey together, fingers laced.

As Ana makes her way over the final, small hill she spots her husband and Steve, each petting the goats. She hears Bucky introducing the newest additions that race around Steve’s legs, knocking into him here and there. She can’t help but chuckle at the scene when she reaches them, bending to pick up one of the kids that exhausted themselves.

“Having fun?” Ana teases, offering the sleepy goat to Steve. He fumbles briefly, until he gets his large arms securely around the young goat’s body.

“They’re very cute,” He states, cradling the animal. “Bit of a handful.”

“That they are. Hey Bucky,” She turns to address her spouse as he lays down a fresh bill of hay. “Shuri requests your presence. Said she just finished some improvements to the new arm she’s been working on.”

Bucky’s eyes light up, an excited smile on his lips. Walking up to Ana, he gently cups the back of her head, pressing a tender kiss above her eyebrow. In return, she rests her hands on his hips, eyes fluttering at the sensation of adoration washing over her spine.

“Did you peek?” He murmurs against her skin, his left hand drawing circles over the side of her stomach with is thumb.

“No, I know better.”

His huffing laugh warms her skin before he leans back. “Meet you guys back at the apartment?”

Ana nods, placing a quick peck to his mouth. Bucky’s fingers scratch the base of her skull three times, before he steps around her, biding Steve a quick wave as he heads off. Ana catches the Captain’s fond look, clearly having witness their moment. Naturally, she sticks her tongue out at him.

“You haven’t seen our place, have you? In the city.”

Steve carefully lowers the now sleeping goat on a thicker part of the grass. He brushes his hands against his jeans, shaking his head. “Not yet.”

“Come on then!”

 *

They have been walking for a good twenty minutes, taking the scenic route as well, when Ana decides to bring up something that has been on her mind for the past few months. At first, it was just a fleeting thought, a quick feeling, something so minuscule, it didn’t need attention. As the days passed into weeks, and weeks into months, it has now gnawed at the back of her brain. Rather, it’s been pressing against her energy, making little ripples against the positive vibes in the air.

“Steve,” She speaks up casually, “Can I talk to you about something, uh, with me?”

The worried expression flits over his face fleeting. “Anything, Ana, you know that.”

She nods, fiddling with her wedding rings. “I’ve been…having this strange feeling. It never feels urgent, but it’s weird, almost like it’s scratching at something I don’t know is there.”

“With you two?”

“No, no, we’re fine. It feels more like, when you can sense a storm coming, the wind shifts a little, but it isn’t on a grand scale,” She pauses, trying to collect her thoughts. “I’m not explaining it right.”

Ana halts her steps, Steve following suit. “I got upset when I heard about what happened with you guys, so my energy was a little out of control. However, I’ve been doing a lot of mediation, and working with the healers here to connect my energy to an element that’s more grounding.”

“Grounding. As in the earth’s energy?” Steve inquires thoughtfully.

“In a way, the earth is a solid foundation, strong. It embodies energy of life all around in many forms. The healers allow me to visit one of the sacred places with them so I can mediate without interruption. It helps steady it, plus the rings regulate this ability more so. I’ve been doing it for over two months now, and I think maybe that’s why I can feel it?”

“Feel what, exactly?”

Waving her hands around her, she answers, “A strange, vitality, settling over the earth. Is that weird? It’s probably weird, since it’s never happened before. It’s not quite, ominous. The atmosphere here is mainly happy, positive vibes, and Bucky is-“ She breaks off, smiling softly at the mention of her husband. “He’s been great, and he feels great, and I can feel him, you know?”

“Yeah, he mentioned that. Says you feel like sunshine to him,” Steve smirks, but his eyes are soft, clearly happy for them both. “It’s cute. Romantic.”

“Well,” Ana rubs her warming cheek briefly. “It’s true. Anyway, because of all that this new feeling is foreign to me. It makes my empathy feel off at times.”

“Do you feel like it affects you in any way? Physically? Emotionally?”

“No, that’s the thing. If it’s a darker energy or feeling, it normally would affect me. This is just, there. It fades in and out, but it’s there.” She bites her lips nervously, rubbing her fingers over her collarbones. “What do you think?”

Steve doesn’t answer immediately. He’s pensive, blue eye appraising her. Ana fiddles with her rings again, waiting for a response and hoping she doesn’t sound crazy. She had an almost identically feeling way back at the compound when they still lived there. It kept building and building until it exploded into the fallout that ultimately led her and Bucky being separate for nearly a year. Before she can give her herself a panic attack, Steve finally speaks.

“You’ve been getting stronger over time,” He states, voice low as he thinks. “I think the more you were opening yourself up to Bucky at the time, the stronger you became. It wasn’t just him though, your abilities grew, what you did to Woods-“ He stops short, shaking his head. “We never truly trained with you or got see how far your abilities developed. Maybe now, with how your life is, a constant source of happiness, of peace, comfort, it’s a safe place to not hold back. You can use your powers without resistance.”

Taking her own time to process his words, Ana carefully twists the rings on her middle fingers. The thin sheen of the energy shield encases her body like another layer of skin. She holds her hands out in front of her, twisting around to see the shield shimmer. It even looks brighter, or maybe it’s just the sun reflecting off it.

“Do you and Shuri run tests with that?” Steve asks, leaning as close as he can without touching. “Because the last time I saw you use these, it wasn’t this visible. Although, it was through a video screen.”

“We run tests bi-weekly,” She informs him, twisting the rings off. “I don’t think much has changed though.”

“Does it feel like a threat?”

“N-“ She pauses. She doesn’t know why, but the word just died on her tongue. She shakes her head. “No. Not…yet. Do you think it could be? I can feel threats from a distance?”

Steve shrugs as he picks up her hand to examine the ring closer. “We can’t rule out any possibility, right? Wanda grew stronger the more she trained and experimented herself.”

“Yeah, but Steve, if I can actually feel threats at a great distance…that’s insane! I’m not that strong. That’s something else entirely. Right?”

“Anything is possible, Ana. You know that,” He says softly. Then he taps her wedding rings. “Have you talked to Bucky about this?”

Ana frowns. “No. I don’t want him worrying over something that could be, well, could be nothing. It didn’t feel pressing and honestly, I would forget until I felt it again.”

“This isn’t me teasing you again, but are you sure you’re not pregnant? Maybe that could throw it off as well?”

“I am one hundred percent sure, but that would be a good theory. The alchemy is off when I get sick too.”

“Were you sick recently?”

“No, just emotional with…” She trails off, shrugging.

“Yeah,” Steve drops her hand, crossing his arms and dropping his head. “I really am sorry, Ana. Going off the grid like that. It wasn’t fair to both of you. Either was lying to you.”

“Steve,” Ana places her hands on his solid biceps. “I shouldn’t have gotten as angry as I did. As long as you’re all safe.”

“We are. Now we are. There were some serious injuries-“

“Colonel Rhodes,” She nods solemnly.

“How is he?” The concern in Steve’s voice is thick.

“Tony made this walking contraption for him. After some intense therapy, he’s walking fairly well with it. He’s okay. He keeps telling Tony he didn’t blame anyone, but he stands by what he believes.”

“Sounds just like him.”

“Yeah, just like someone else I know,” She smiles pointedly at him.

Silence settles between them, with the colorful arrays of the setting sun on the horizon. Ana gets lost in her thoughts, as she assumes Steve does too, with the looming caress of that strange energy. She will talk it over with Bucky later, but for now, she just pushes it aside once more. She taps her friends’ elbow, jerking her head to the side.

“C’mon, it’s just another ten minutes from here.”

***

Weeks and months pass, and in between it, Ana visits New York and even California a few times. She keeps under the radar, especially when Bucky goes with her to see Pepper and Tony. The issues of the Accords and Avengers aren’t brought up, but she can tell it’s taken a bit of a toll on Tony.

Ana distracts him by showing off her rings, although she keeps the technology behind it a secret. Bucky distracts Tony with his vibranium arm as the genius himself marvels at the teenager’s piece. She takes great enjoyment when she watches Tony try to figure out the inner workings of the arm.

Ana and Bucky go from deeply in love newlyweds, to deeply in love established marriage as the year passes. The strange feeling of that particular energy still whispers up her spine once in a while, and when she did tell Bucky, he convinced her to report it to T’Challa and Shuri if it ever grew stronger. Reassured her that he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to her, even if that means unknown, seemingly harmless negative energy. Both agree to monitor it, just in case, writing down when Ana feels it ad if Bucky can see a change in her.

She continues to work in the lab as Bucky works on the farm and helps the village people with manual labor tasks. Nothing grows or changes with the feeling, and they focus more on each other, their lives together, and the little stray Black-Footed cat that had wondered into their hut one night with an injured leg. The cat stuck around after they nursed back to health, seeming to enjoy chasing the goats around.

“How about Eliza?” Ana offers as the small cat pounces on the large goat.

“For a cat?”

“Hey, Ezra was named after a poet- “

“Ezra is a lazy domestic cat. Not a wild and free creature like this spitfire.”

“Fine. Then I’m naming her Cat like I mentioned the first time. That way, she technically has a name, but she technically doesn’t because is she actually a cat. A cat named Cat because she’s a cat.”

“You mind never ceases to amaze me,” Bucky mumbles, as he pulls her in by her waist.

“You love me for it,” Ana teases, brushing her nose against his.

“Every day for the rest of my life, Annie Doll.”

Then he kisses her with a searing passion, and they leave the cat name Cat to lay with the goats as the disappear inside the hut.

***

They visit again during the holidays, staying in a cabin Tony had bought recently and renovated in upstate New York. The surroundings were beautiful, frozen streams and frosted trees, glittering powered snow as flakes whirl through the freezing air.

It’s the first actual Christmas Ana and Bucky have together, and she knows, she feels, how much Bucky seems to dislike the winter. The cold. He’s had enough of it in his life. She makes it her mission to show him that the bitter cold and wet snow don’t always have to be negative or tied to Hydra memories.

She thinks she makes progress when she nails Bucky in the back with a perfectly made snowball. She hides behind a tree, barely has time to take a breath before her husband finds her, wrapping his arms around her waist and tumbling onto the snowy ground.

They laugh breathlessly, as she takes a handful of snow and smashes it against his head. Bucky retaliates by attacking her lips, the kiss passionate and heated enough to melt the flakes around them. Until he sneakily presses snow against her neck. Ana squeals from the ice, making him roll over. She stands up, then proceeds to ran away from him.

When Bucky catches her once more, his blue eyes reflect the glimmer of the snow crystals against the light. He looks happy, playful, any signs of lingering, horrible memories gone. And when they go inside to warm up and dry off, something shifts between them.

They snuggle up in front of the cozy, cackling fire in the living room, with thick fuzzy blankets and hot chocolate. There’s a tall Christmas tree in the corner, twinkling with different colored lights, the branches making the room smell of balsam. Pepper is in the kitchen, quietly making dinner as Tony pretends to help her. Ana is pressed against Bucky’s side, both watching the snow falling through the large windows. Then he speaks.

“This place is beautiful,” He says softly. “Would be a nice place to bring a family to for the holidays.”

Ana is glad she just finished taking another sip of her hot chocolate. She carefully places the mug down, tilting her head to see his eyes. He’s staring straight at the fireplace. She smiles, then kisses his scruffy jaw.

“A family, huh?” She confirms, her heart fluttering in her chest at the thought.

Bucky’s soft chuckle makes her heart flutter. “Yeah, whenever those two decide to have kids.” There’s a short pause. “Or us.”

“Is that your way of saying something, Winter Flurry?”

She feels his chest rise and fall with a slow breath. “Yes.”

“You want to start a family?” Ana questions seriously, sitting up a little straighter.

He slowly meets her eyes. “Someday. I think,” He exhales shakily, wringing his hands together. “I won’t lie, Annie. I have some self-doubts about it, fears, but,” he pauses to look at her. “We’ll do it together. Obviously.”

Ana laughs. “Obviously,” She takes his hands, lacing their fingers together. “One day. A family. You’ll be an amazing father, just so you know.”

Bucky softly kisses her nose as she scrunches it up.

“I’m good with just you right now though,” She whispers when he pulls back.

“Me too, love.”

She closes the space between them, pressing her lips to her husband’s warm, slightly chapped ones. She feels every ounce of his excitement and fear, but overall, love. They both know they just want to spend time being married, there is no rush for them to have children, and they’re willing to wait for it. For now, they snuggle closer together, listening to the cackling fire, the soft voices in the kitchen and the snowfall outside.

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

Tags: @thecreatiivecorner @kat-lives @stressedasalways @watchoutforfrostbite @justreadingfics @keldachick

Drabbles: Fourteen   Drabbles: Sixteen

[eledritch]

Since you mentioned that Altea Creek slowly becomes a ghost town in one ask, which buildings are still standing for tourists and ghost hunters to snoop around in? Are there any urban legends like how people can hear the sounds of horses racing in the night, how a woman with white hair appears in the windows of the old brothel, or how people who get lost in the desert find a shack surrounded by corn stalks to stay in for the night, only to wake up in the old sherrif's office come morning?

ok fine i admit it i love the btsats universe...please send me more fun prompts for it!

ARIZONA; AUGUST 13th, 2017

She’s heard the tales they tell about this place. 

She never put any stock in them, of course - at nineteen, she’s way too old to believe in old wives’ tales anymore. Her grandma Dolores, who married some cowboy up in Page after her grandpa died five years ago, always has some new yarn to spin at family reunions in Sedona. She thinks the sun is probably getting to Dolores’s husband’s head when he tells her about the huge wildcat prowling the outer reaches of his ranch at sunrise, followed by a young man on a red horse. Makes no damn sense, and that’s not even the craziest of it. 

They say this town is haunted by a woman with long white hair and piercing blue eyes, by a herd of phantom mustangs no one can ever catch but a few swear they’ve seen, by a huge creature with horns and yellow eyes, and, perhaps strangest of all if only because of its comparative normalcy, by a lean boy with shaggy black hair, or sometimes white hair; no one can seem to agree.

Altea Creek, the town was called, or at least that’s what the faded wooden sign says. It’s not even big enough to warrant an actual road sign, one of those green highway signs with blocky white letters, and that makes her real nervous. It means this place is really and truly in the middle of nowhere, and therefore she is in the middle of nowhere, and it’s in the middle of desert nowhere, which makes it even worse. At least when people go missing in forests and mountains and swamps and things, people go looking for them. But she’s never heard of people braving the Sonoran to find a teenage girl who was left behind at a midnight bonfire that was supposed to be fun. 

It was fun, she thinks sullenly, at least until she’d woken up hungover to the rising sun and all her so-called friends gone. Serves her right, for thinking Arizona State frat bros and sorority girls would actually look out for a scrawny NAU freshman. Then again, her NAU sisters had been there, too...ugh. Sororities are dumb, anyway. Sisters definitely aren’t supposed to accidentally leave each other passed out in the stupid cave Josh Whats-His-Face had declared was, Like, Totally The Perfect Hookup Place, C’mon, It’ll Be Sooooo Fun Oh My God Lighten Up, Will You?

“Fuck you, Josh,” she says to a passing tumbleweed, and then feels bad, because tumbleweeds are really pathetic-looking as it is; they don’t need her harsh words, too. 

She stops walking. She really doesn’t want to go into that creepy little ghost town. But she also doesn’t want to get heat stroke and die. Ghosts, or horrible agonizing death? Tough choice. 

Dolores and her husband have so many weird stories about this area, though. It doesn’t just stop at wildcats. Apparently random cornstalks just...grow out here, sometimes. And, well, she doesn’t know much about corn, but she does know that it’s dry as shit out here, and not much more ever grows except cacti and weird stunted trees. So corn seems pretty unlikely. But Dolores swears there’s corn. And also, rabbits. Like, tons of rabbits. Rabbits with glowing eyes. Who look at you like they know you.

Grandma Dolores is clearly off her rocker.

She resolutely does not think about the darker stories - the stories of mangled bodies showing up beside the highway, and sure, maybe they had all been probable child molesters with a plethora of witnesses testifying against them, but she still doesn’t love the idea of a violent vigilante roaming the desert with intent to kill. 

Nervously, she tugs her shirt closer, not that it does much good - it’s August, and she’s only got her short shorts and a faded Stranger Things tanktop. She can feel her shoulders getting crispy already. How long has she been wandering out here? A hour, two? The sun looks way higher in the sky than it was before. Yet the town seems no closer...it shimmers in the distance, just out of reach. Mirage, she thinks, hazily. But she was so sure it was right in front of her...

She wracks her brain for what to do. Her dad gave her a bunch of weird survival books, back in the day, despite the fact that they lived in the middle of Phoenix and she wasn’t exactly in danger of getting lost in the desert. But oh, how the tables have turned. 

Prickly pears...she thinks they have water in them, or maybe that’s barrel cacti. Or maybe she’s completely fucked. All she knows is that her throat has never been this dry, and her lips are so chapped they’re bleeding when she bites at them, and she’s suddenly terrified. She doesn’t want to die out here, all alone where no one will ever find her. She feels tears prickle at her eyes and blinks them back hastily - she has to conserve water, she can’t cry, even if it’s saltwater, how the hell does that work, anyway -

There’s a black cat standing in front of her.

She blinks down at it stupidly. “Hi,” she croaks. The cat is fluffy, with a white splotch on its head and a ouchie looking scar over its muzzle. It’s missing its front right paw, and she scrunches up her face in sympathy. “Guess you’re having a rough time out here too, huh?”

The cat meows and winds around her ankles, rubbing its head against her bare calf and staring up with wide grayish eyes. She smiles tiredly and kneels down to pet it, and as she kneels she’s struck with the awful realization that now she and this cat are going to die out here, and she can’t even do anything to help!

She bursts into tears and the cat looks distinctly alarmed as she hiccups out between sobs, “I’m so - I’m so sorry, kitty, you’re...you should go run off somewhere else, ‘kay, find someone with water who can take care of you ‘cause I, I can’t, I can’t watch you die, too -!”

She’s falling onto the ground; her head is swimming and she’s feverish, shaking as a firm hand presses to her brow and a shadow falls over her. The cat paws gently at her cheek and gives her sweaty, clammy skin a soft lick. “Heat exhaustion,” a woman’s voice says, floating through the air like a blessedly cool breeze. “She’s very dehydrated; another two hours and she’d be gone.”

Another voice, this one deeper, male; she feels it as if from the earth. “Hmph. City girl, huh?”

She doesn’t understand when a third, even deeper voice joins them, this one coming from the cat, which is staring sternly upward at the man she can’t see. “Keith, don’t be rude, she got lost and panicked. She’s young and afraid; can’t be much older than you were.”

The second voice makes a thoughtful sound. “I know. But look, she’s burnt bad. Allura, you still have that aloe?”

“Of course.” The cool hand on her brow sweeps back her hair; the woman’s touch is comforting, like a lullaby; it reminds her terribly of her mother. “Come now, let’s get her inside.”

She has no strength left in her body when they lift her up - the woman is carrying her, and when she looks up blearily she sees long white hair and piercing blue eyes, though there is no malice in the woman’s steady gaze. The cat is curled up warm and soft atop her chest, in her limply folded arms, and purrs when she pets it clumsily. “Good kitty,” she mumbles, and the second voice, Keith, chuckles. 

“Fishing for compliments, I see,” Keith says.

“She likes cats,” the cat replies primly. “And I like being petted. It all works out nicely.”

She passes out.

*

When she awakes, she is in an unfamiliar little house, in a cozy bed, and there is a lean boy with shaggy black hair polishing a knife at the kitchen table. She sits up, confused, and he turns to look at her, calm and quizzical. 

“Hello,” he says. “Sleep well?”

“Where am I?” she says. 

“Safe,” he says, and for some reason, she absolutely believes him.

He puts down the knife. It is a strange knife, she thinks, shiny and black. Obsidian? “I like your knife,” she blurts, and flushes when he shoots her a small, lopsided smile. 

“Thank you,” he says. “It was a gift.” He tilts his head. “What do you remember?”

She tells him about her friends leaving her. He frowns, and tells her to get new friends. She agrees. She cannot stop looking at him. There is something...other, about this boy. He is serene, radiant in a way she cannot quite describe, and she has never felt so at peace in her life. 

Then she says, “And there was a cat.” She furrows her brow. “At least, I think there was a cat...”

“Oh, yes,” the boy says, and nods to the fluffy black heap at the end of the bed. The cat is sleeping soundly, and rolls happily onto its back when she reaches out and scratches its little chin. The boy grins, oddly amused by the exchange. “He likes you.”

“What’s his name?” she asks, enchanted. The cat sneezes and blinks sleepily up at her. 

The boy hesitates, then says, “Shiro. His name is Shiro.”

“Shirooo,” she coos, and is disappointed when the cat butts its head against her palm once before hopping off the bed, padding off into the house and around the corner. “Oh. There he goes.”

“You ought to go, too,” the boy says, standing up and offering her a hand. She takes it; his hand is warm and calloused, with a faint white scar across his palm as he lets go. “I’ll take you back home.”

“Home?” she says, and shakes her head. “I don’t live around here.”

“But you live in this desert, don’t you?” he asks. She nods slowly, and he smiles. “It’s our desert,” he tells her, quietly, like a secret. “We can take you home.”

“Do you need an address?” she asks, although deep down she knows he doesn’t.

Sure enough, he shakes his head, and touches her face, carefully, the barest brush of fingertips. 

“Goodbye, Katie,” he says, and in the blink of an eye the boy is gone, and she is standing in her childhood bedroom, breathless and believing.

“Goodbye,” she whispers, but she knows they will never really leave.

[rainythefox]

Reap What You Sow-Chapter 1

A Far Cry 5 fanfiction

Summary: After transferring to Hope County, Junior Deputy Allie hopes arresting The Father helps her find her brother that's been missing for 3 years. But nothing goes as planned. Now she must help the Resistance against Eden's Gate as she searches. All the while, getting caught up in a game of cat and mouse with John Seed, who may have different plans for her than what his brother wants.

Disclaimer: I do not own the FarCry series, its characters, or Ubisoft. This is simply a work of fiction for fans of the game. Enjoy! This is mostly a JohnxFemJD story, but might have other pairings. Also, will be slight AU, I will stay true to most part of the story on the game, but some things will change :3

Chapter 1: Gone is Faith

"Kid, you there?"

Allie paused her chewing of the pear she was snacking on, looking to her walky-talky on the table. She reached for it, hitting the call-back button. "Yeah?"

Sheriff Earl Whitehorse sounded relieved when he replied back. "Haven't heard from ya in a while. How're you doin'?"

She wondered if he meant sickness from coming off from the Bliss or the guilt she felt over Marshal Cameron Burke's death. Maybe both.

"I'm doing better. Been over in Holland Valley helping Mary May and Jerome with their Resistance. Haven't got much of anywhere though. How are you guys holding up?"

There was a long pause, and she waited, nerves prickling. Faith Seed was dead, but some of the cult still remained in the Henbane River region, riled up like a kicked hornet's nest.

"Doin' alright, all things considered. Cougars are pushin' the rest of the peggies out of the region. As soon as I can, I'll get over there and help you."

Allie glanced to the sleeping dog at her feet. "You do what you have to, Sheriff. We got numbers here, and a lot less of that Bliss shit. I don't think John will be half the trouble Faith was."

There was a strange sound on the other end of the walky-talky, and she couldn't tell if Whitehorse had laughed or coughed. "Rook, I'm not sure what you've heard…but don't ever judge a book by its cover. I regret not giving you a briefing on each of the Seed brothers. I should kick myself in the ass…thinkin' we were just gonna waltz in there and arrest Joseph Seed and this all be over."

"I've heard stories," she replied, keeping the radio close to her lips.

"Stories are one thing…facts another, kid," Whitehorse said. "John may not look it, but he's an absolute goddamn monster. You'd best be careful."

"Roger that."

"Also…just wanted to let ya know…it wasn't your fault. Faith killed Burke and Virgil…not you. There was no way you could've stopped it. Don't let it eat at you…I would know."

She closed her eyes, tapping the radio to her forehead. "Thanks, Sheriff."

"Try and get some sleep, Rook. We'll talk more tomorrow."

The walky-talky went silent. Allie sat it down on the picnic table. She looked up to the night sky, the stars brilliantly lit on a black canvas. Fall's End was quiet out on the streets, only the mild lingering of the bar music travelling from the Spread Eagle. Most of the shops were closed, houses were boarded up and dark. A few Resistance fighters patrolled the area, watching for any cultists that dared to come into town.

Boomer paid no mind, having fallen asleep on her feet after a long day. She and the Australian Cattle Dog had become fast friends in the aftermath of saving him from the cult. She had found a few friends within the week she almost drowned and awoke in Dutch's bunker. She had some here, she had more in the Henbane River region.

Allie had gone to Henbane River first, after finding out that Whitehorse was alive and Burke was captured and held by Faith. She thought they would be her best bet in getting Hudson and Pratt back, and finishing what they had started. She was wrong, though. She had defeated Faith sure, but she barely made it back from the Bliss herself.

"What the fuck did I get myself into," she whispered to no one.

Allie had transferred to Montana from Colorado. People called her a rookie, and although she was a rookie deputy here, she had grown up in law enforcement. Her father was a police officer, her mother a Game and Fish officer…though they were both dead now, had been for a while.

She was 27, had been in law enforcement for nearly three years, been around it much longer. She thought back on her previous years. She realized exactly how out of her element she really was here. Her career never prepared her for doomsday cultists, drug inducing flowers, or men that believed that had God chosen them to be some sort of twisted Messiah.

The worst thing of all, she had transferred here because she had heard of The Project at Eden's Gate before. Allie had hoped arresting Joseph Seed would set things in motion for her to find her younger brother, who had joined Eden's Gate almost three years prior. She hadn't seen him since. The cult had grown way more than she could've ever imagined it. And now she feared she would never find her brother, that he would be just another brainwashed zealot that would cause harm to innocent people. All for the "Will of the Father."

Allie had demanded answers from Faith, asked her where she could find Aiden. She never got an answer. And now she was tasked with taking out the Seed family, to stop all the madness that engulfed Hope County. A task that would undoubtedly get her killed in the end.

Something dreadful ate at her from within. Allie swallowed hard, remembering the Father's words to her just before she cuffed him at his church.

Sometimes it's better to leave well enough alone…

Maybe he was right. But she was torn. Allie felt it was her duty to protect these people that were smothered by the crazed cultists, to find her brother. But she knew that not all of the "peggies" were bad people, and she didn't want to hurt any innocents, no matter what side they stood on.

"Hello, Deputy. What're you doing out here all by yourself?"

The voice startled her from her thoughts. Allie turned to look who had approached the picnic table. Boomer stirred, ear twitching from the approaching steps, but he must've known it was a friend because he closed his eyes once more.

Pastor Jerome Jeffries stood there, looking to her in concern. He wore his usually preacher suit, holding his bible under one arm. Allie couldn't tell if he had come from his church or was on his way there.

"Oh, hi Father Jerome. I'm just…thinking."

"May I?"

Allie nodded and Jerome sat down on the opposite side of her at the table. They were both quiet for a moment, the only sound was a huff from the cattle dog down below. A mild wind brushed by, bringing the scent of pine and freshly mowed grass.

"Something troubles you. What is it?"

She shook her head. "Too many things to list. But if I had to sum it all up, I guess it would be that I feel way in over my head."

Jerome chuckled. "I think we can all agree to that. But…we're all in this together. I believe we can stop all of this. I believe that…we can win."

Allie smiled at his enthusiasm, although she would call it folly at the moment. "I need to get Hudson back. She's here in Holland Valley…with John Seed. I came here after killing Faith because I figured John would be the easiest of the brothers, but I keep hearing stories. I know I've only been here a couple days in this region, but all my pokin' around and I haven't found any clues to where I can find them. Maybe I should go to the Whitetails for now? See if I can get clues on how to find Pratt?"

She heaved an aggravated sigh.

Jerome was quiet for a moment, having sat his bible down on the table. He smoothed his calloused hands over its face, thinking.

"John and Jacob are two entirely different demons. We will help you in any way we can to save Miss Hudson. But you will never be able to get to John…you'll have to get his attention first."

"Oh yeah?"

Jerome nodded. "But therein lies the problem. Once you gain his interest, there's no turning back…if he gets his hooks into you…well…it turns into a dangerous game. Mary May can tell you all about that."

Allie weakly shrugged. "Not afraid of him."

The words sounded hollow, and she realized that could've been a lie. She had said the same thing about the Father, but when she faced Joseph Seed in person, there was something triggered within her. When his eyes landed on hers in that dusty, dim church, she felt a lot of emotions…fear, awe, hate, love, it was all so very haunting.

"John is feared for good reason…you'll see."

Allie nodded. "I'm sure I will. It's just that…Jacob seems more intimidating, more dangerous…from what I know anyway. Didn't get any kind of briefing on the Seed family…guess that was my first mistake."

"A common perception," Jerome replied. "It isn't what's on the outside that makes John dangerous, it's what's in here."

She saw the pastor tap his forehead.

"I'll remember that," she stated.

After a moment, the pastor heaved a sigh. "We should get some rest. There's so much to do. You still staying with Mary May?"

Allie nodded, watching as he stood and collected his bible.

"Meet me at my church in the morning. We can get to work on how we're going to liberate Holland Valley…and find Deputy Hudson."

Allie watched him go, her eyes lowering to the ground. She wondered about her two captured co-workers. She hoped they were okay, and would be, until she could find a way to rescue them. She had only known them for a few weeks when she got transferred. Joey Hudson and her got along well right in the beginning, they had a lot in common. Staci Pratt, although quirky with some of his behaviors, was always sweet and friendly with her. Hudson had even popped off about him "flirting" with her too much.

She wished the National Guard would get called in, that help would come sort this mess. But that wasn't going to be the case apparently. They were alone here in Hope County, saturated by Eden's Gate and its poisonous beliefs.

Allie got to her feet, whistling for Boomer. He woke up, getting to his paws and shaking off the dust. With a wagging tail, the cattle dog bounded alongside her towards the Spread Eagle. Allie had so many sleepless nights, still plagued by Burke's death, by what she went through fighting Faith Seed. Yet, after her talk with Jerome and Whitehorse, she had a chilling feeling she hadn't seen nothing yet.

The convoy of white trucks marked with the insignia of Eden's Gate pulled into the compound, headlights flashing through several white houses and the eyes of onlookers. Brakes hissed on mud as the vehicles came to a stop. There weren't many cultists out at this time of night, most in the comfort of their little white shacks. Dogs barked in the background, a bonfire was burning on the other side of a row of houses, gospel songs echoing within smoke and embers.

John Seed had so much on his mind, and it put a strain on his jaw as he assorted certain thoughts. His driver turned to him when he hadn't moved to get out of the passenger door. The cult lawyer paid no attention to him, his blue eyes going to the lapping flames of the bonfire.

Faith had died only a couple days ago, and yet Joseph still mourned in his church. John had so many things going on at once, he didn't have time to play hide-and-seek with the "Deputy" that had been causing so much mayhem within their regions. He had heard Jacob offered to hunt them for Joseph, to bring them to their knees in front of the Father for punishment, but Joseph wasn't having it. Not yet, anyway.

"Brother John? Everything alright?"

John's eyes left the fire, and he looked upon his driver. The rest of the convoy had exited their vehicles, standing around with guns in hand.

"I'm fine," John said.

The simple statement made the driver nod his head and say nothing more. John closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath, a hand absently at his eyes as he worked himself up to get out of the truck.

A tapping sound scraped on the passenger window. It wasn't fingers. The distinct grind of metal on glass, making John wince. He looked to the window, seeing Jacob there with the blade of his knife on the window. John clenched his jaw, knowing that piercing look all too well. You're taking too long.

John opened the door, and his oldest brother stepped away from the vehicle. He wore his usual attire, old combat boots and a dirtied Army jacket and jeans with a grey shirt. His red hair and beard seemed to glow within the light of the nearby fire. Jacob had many scars, rashes, and burns on his body, hands, and even face. The leftovers of war and survival. He nodded towards Joseph's church and started walking.

John walked at his side. The brothers were silent at first as they walked through the compound. Passing cultists blessed them and greeted them with joyous words, but neither of them paid no mind to them.

"You find her?" John asked simply, tucking his key under his blue shirt.

Jacob dipped his head. "My hunters gave me a report a few hours ago. Seems she's hiding out in your region."

"Then consider her dead," John said.

Jacob's chuckle was barely heard, but he grabbed John by the arm, turning him to face him. They had reached the church and stood before the entrance. Jacob stared down into John's eyes.

Jacob held a rough, scarred hand up to John's cheek, as if he were still a child. Jacob fiddled with a part of John's shirt collar, fixing it for him.

"It's not the will of the Father," Jacob sighed. "You're not to kill this one, understand?"

He said it so precisely, as if Jacob was saying a line from a play, one he had rehearsed a thousand times.

"Do what you do best, alright?" Jacob said, keeping his stare. "No more straying."

"I haven't strayed," John growled, and turned to enter the church. He was sure Jacob was going to grab his arm again, scold him, but he didn't. The taller, ex-veteran walked in behind him into the dim-lit church.

The pews were empty, only candles lighting a path to the pulpit. Joseph was sitting there on the floor of the pulpit, his back against the lectern. He was shirtless, wearing dark grey jeans and his boots. His blue eyes were to the floor, and he mumbled to himself.

As they stepped up closer to the middle brother, they realized he was singing to himself, an old gospel tune that was weak as it came off his lips while he stared into nothingness.

John kneeled in front of his brother. Jacob remained standing behind him. The Father felt the touch to his arm, and his eyes came back and he looked into John's eyes. Relief spilled there, and a faint smile came to his lips.

"Oh John," Joseph said. "You missed it. We had a beautiful reception for Faith this morning. Such a beautiful celebration of life and love."

John swallowed hard but didn't look away. "Forgive me, Joseph."

The Father rose to his feet and stepped off the pulpit. He grabbed John's shoulders, his touch cool. He brought their foreheads together for a moment, and then Joseph pulled back and looked into John as if searching.

"There is nothing to be forgiven for, dear brother. The Lord knoweth of your hard work and devotion. He knows that you wanted to be here, and you were, through here."

Joseph put his hand on John's chest, just over his heart. He let it linger there before he pulled back.

"Our sweet Faith. I hope you realize how much you meant to her," the Father said.

John tensed, his eyes flashing to Jacob who stood like a statue to the side, arms crossed. "I know…and she to me."

Joseph's smile seemed to grow at John's words, but soon it fell away, and the scowl that formed across his face was dark.

"I must fight my anger…the Lord taketh. The woman who killed our dear Faith, who is uprooting what we have so diligently planted…she must be atoned. She must confess, John. She must be cleansed so she can see! Can you do that for me, brother?"

John dipped his head. "Anything for you."

Joseph looked relieved. "She mustn't be killed. Make her atone…bring her to me afterwards. I see a fire within her, one we can breathe anew. Jacob will take her after that."

"We'll find her," John said.

The Father breathed out slowly, as if releasing all the tension from his body. He walked back over to the pulpit sitting back down.

"Good. Now go. I must finish my grieving."

Joseph bent over, his head going to his chest and looking as though he collapsed. He became quiet to them. John turned, walking past Jacob for the doors of the church. He got a few strides past his oldest brother before he heard the connection of his heavy boots on the wooden floor.

Once back outside, a cold wind swept through the compound. John smelled rain in the air, but nothing came down as darkening clouds swallowed the stars. Jacob whistled at him, and he stopped just before he could reach the truck. He turned around, looking to his oldest brother.

Jacob closed the gap between them.

"Why did you really not come?" he asked.

John knew what he was talking about and clicked his tongue. "She wasn't blood. And she was the third one who took that name. We'll get another."

Jacob shook his head, as though he was disappointed but John caught the slight smirk on his chapped lips before it disappeared. They were dangerous words to say, but John and Jacob often told each other things that the Father wouldn't approve of. Their confiding in one another were sometimes the only thing that kept them sane for the day.

"I suppose you're right," Jacob drawled. "But your brother needed you here."

John shook his head. "No. Not me. He's fine as long as you're around. Now, if you'll excuse me, brother, I have a Deputy to catch."

John turned, opened up the truck door and got in. The convoy was loading up, having been waiting on him. His driver had remained in his seat across from the cult lawyer. He barely had shut the door before the tapping of a blade on the glass came once more.

John clenched his jaw, rolling the window down and glaring at Jacob, not caring how close the blade of that knife was to his cheek.

"Yes?" John purred.

"Don't take it too far…not like the last time," Jacob warned just loud enough for John to hear. He slipped him a folder from inside his jacket.

Without another word Jacob stepped away. John rolled the window up and nodded at his driver. Just as droplets of rain started to cast down from the black sky, the convoy rolled out just as quietly as it had come in.

Always the black sheep of his flock. Always the one to struggle the most with his sins. Always the one to stray. Always the one who had to be led back.

He let out his frustration on the dashboard of the truck, his tattooed hands making hard contact several times to where they almost bled. The driver tensed but remained silent, his eyes on the road. For good reason. John was more feared than loved. And deep down, John preferred it that way.

He opened the folder that Jacob had handed him through the window of the truck. It was the profile on the deputy he would be looking for…hunting for. She had been the one to escape that night when the deputies, Sheriff, and Marshal came to arrest the Father. She had been the one to tear through the Henbane River region with their resistance, and she had been the one to kill Faith.

He knew exactly who she would go to if she had plans to start yet another conquest through his region. He took in her picture. She was a beautiful woman, thin, athletic built. She had green eyes and blonde hair that fell just past her shoulders.

Allison Lucas

John grinned wickedly.

A/N: Had some ideas for a FarCry 5 fanfiction so figured I better roll with it. This is going to be a JohnxFemJD story over all, but hey I might throw other pairings and elements in there. :P Also note that this story will have some really dark, controversial moments. I will be sure to warn you when the chapters contain such content. So viewer (err reader) discretion is advised! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Read the rest of the story here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12917971/1/Reap-What-You-Sow