#nice asks like this make me wag my tail (if I had one. flap my wings? something idk)

[arttsuka]

You don't have to draw all the requests sent your way! As you get more popular (and you will because your art is good) that will become literally impossible to do. I promise you not a single art blog answers every single ask.

But, but I HAVE to you don't understand :( the pressure is killing me, I don't want to disappoint people

[dootdootwriting]

Yooo, if you're open for requests and you feel like doing this one, could you write reader (possibly gn) comforting Zhongli and/or Thoma? Something both fluffy and hurt/comfort, hurts good kinda vibe.

Thanks in advance!

hurt/comfort my beloved.... anyway i made up some scenarios for this!! enjoy <3

pairing: zhongli, thoma x reader (separate) tw: theyre sad lol, mentions of past trauma in zhongli's type: hurt/comfort pronouns used: none! a/n: this took me three days and i had to rewrite it because i read the request wrong someone send help </3

ZHONGLI

being alive for so long will take its toll, especially on someone who's seen so much and been in the middle of so much war

normally zhongli is calm and collected, though there are times when he has to take a break and be by himself for a while

these are the days where he pretends to be sick and tags out of work

since he's met you, however, the memories eat away at him less and less

you're able to remind him to live in the present and enjoy the moments he's living through as he lives through them - especially now that he is for all thoughts and purposes a mortal

he still has his days, though, and since you're usually busy, he doesn't like to disturb you. by the time you get home, he's usually composed himself and is ready to receive you.

except for today.

commissions went quickly and you were feeling just a little bit lonely, so you decided to go home early

instead of tea brewing and zhongli intently reading the newspaper, or an empty foyer with a note reading "went out to watch the ships, be back soon," you found nothing.

and then you find zhongli sitting on the bed, head in hands, sobbing almost silently

your hand finds its way to his back, gently rubbing slow circles into the fabric of his shirt

when he finally turns his head to look at you, you expected to find him sad. instead, however, he mostly just seems very, very tired

and thankfully, you're exactly what he needs. after a few seconds, zhongli wordlessly places his head in the crook of your neck, allowing you to hold him

it's not often that you see him like this, and while it's a bit difficult to understand what to do, you figure he just needs some comfort

you stay holding him for a while before his breaths slow down, and he removes himself gently from your arms and kisses your forehead

"thank you, my dear... i apologize for the inconvenience. would you like to go make some tea?"

you tell him he doesn't have to apologize for anything, and he lets out a light huff and brings you in for a quick hug

tea turns out to be exactly the right thing.

THOMA

ah yes, inazuma's beloved fixer, always helping someone somewhere with some sort of issue

it seems that wherever he goes, someone has a problem in need of solving, and of course he is the one to ask

and he doesn't ask anything in return! thoma is Just That Kind, and unfortunately, this means people tend to take advantage of him.

it seems these days that he doesn't even have time to have his own problems

when you meet him for a nice dinner at the komore teahouse, taroumaru greets you eagerly, tail wagging as always. you expect to see your boyfriend in the same state, as he is usually.

however, when you enter the room where you're supposed to meet him, instead, you find him exhausted and slumped over his meal.

"hey, what's wrong? are you okay?"

and BOY DOES HE TELL YOU.

thoma erupts from his seat. his arms flail out from his torso and he rants for as long as he has the breath for

it's almost funny, the way he's frustrated with everything, his limbs flapping about wildly, but you can tell how much he'd had pent up inside, so instead of laughing, you pull him in for a hug

he sighs loudly and lets his head fall on your shoulder

"i just don't even have my own life anymore. i'm sorry for yelling. i'm not mad at you."

you reassure him you knew he wasn't angry with you, and pat his back, chuckling lightly

"how about we take a week off, okay? you can tell lord kamisato i have other plans with you."

"please," he says, and you can hear the relief in his voice.

you spend the night resting with him flopped on top of you, mumbling about the people he'd helped today

and you swear to yourself: if anyone even tries to ask him for something over his break, you were going to strangle them.

[tomorrowxtogether]

HUENINGKAI: “As the youngest member, I want to be a reassuring presence”

TOMORROW X TOGETHER 'minisode 2: Thursday’s Child' comeback interview

2022.05.17

HUENINGKAI flapped his arms as he talked about BEOMGYU’s pet, Toto, and answered each interview question enthusiastically between bursts of that characteristic laugh of his. Then, all at once, he calmly and quietly revealed what he’s most passionate about right now: “These days, what I’m most passionate about is getting ready for promotions.”

It seems like there’s a lot about this comeback that’s different from your past comebacks. You finally held an in-person fanlive event a little while back, for one.

HUENINGKAI: MOA still had to wear masks and weren’t allowed to cheer, but I had no trouble seeing the love they have for us in their eyes. There were more times in the past where we couldn’t see them than when we could. I went out onto the thrust stage at the fanlive to say hi to MOA and it made me feel like a singer again.

You were quite busy even before the comeback, weren’t you? You released a cover of “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne in February.

HUENINGKAI: Not only was I covering a song by a singer I liked when I was young, but it was also my dream because “Sk8er Boi” is one of the songs you have to do if you make a band. If I remember correctly, BEOMGYU performed the song when he was in a band, too. I thought it would be nice since we were about to do “Good Boy Gone Bad,” another rock-ish song.

That’s practically a spoiler about the genre of “Good Boy Gone Bad.” You dropped a spoiler for the new album at 2021 MMA [Melon Music Awards], too.

HUENINGKAI: We give different little spoilers for our upcoming albums at every awards ceremony. The dance break YEONJUN did at the 36th Golden Disc Awards that he also did for STUDIO CHOOM was a preview of what kind of feel the new album has, too. A young, innocent man finds inspiration somewhere and changes in a way that he wants to become a star, wants to be cooler, wants to be a kind of bad boy, which really suits the vibe of the whole album and the rock feel of the lead single. The reason I chose “Bad Man” out of all of RAIN’s songs to perform for KBS Song Festival was that it is a perfect fit for our album. And actually, as I recall, “Bad Man” and “Candy” were really well received, so I guess that was all part of the label’s big picture. (laughs)

​It made you seem more bad to go from blond hair on Song Festival to dark hair for the concept photos you released. (laughs)HUENINGKAI: Seeing as my hair’s still somewhat damaged, I’m going to use FAST shampoo to grow it out quickly and then cut it. (laughs) And for the END version, we had to wear white T-shirts and express ourselves with nothing but our faces, but I couldn’t quite grasp it and found it really difficult. I was so disappointed after the shoot that I asked if we could do it one more time. Luckily things worked out better that time and that’s the one they ended up using. I relaxed my eyes a little overall but turned my attention to the camera like I’m glowering at it and kept touching my lips with my thumb and index finger. With parts like, “You kept dumping me / My tail wagged at you that’s my past,” “Good Boy Gone Bad” sounds even darker not just because of the lyrics but also because of the way you sing it with a vocal fry, in a strained voice.HUENINGKAI: Fortunately I learned how to sing with a hoarse voice while practicing for “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You),” featuring Seori, so that turned out better than expected, but it sounded too smooth, so to really nail it I practiced pronouncing it very carefully while singing. I practiced with the intention of sounding out each and every syllable, but when it was too clear cut it sounded like I was reading a textbook out loud, so I found a happy medium. I’m always practicing for live shows, and when I’m dancing, I have to really push my body, which helps my voice to be stronger, too, so it’s actually easier. I focused more on figuring out my facial expressions instead. Even though I thought I should just look serious, I realized it wouldn’t be good if I’m only serious, based on how the song flows, so it actually looks cooler if I smile slightly. It’s similar to “PUMA,” but that song was more conceptual and had to really capture the sense of a puma, but this album is more grounded, so it’s different. For that one, we had to really make it feel like a puma, so we even decided to watch a puma documentary. (laughs) And I saw pumas hunting sloths. How did you feel about “Lonely Boy,” your first unit song?HUENINGKAI: That was the very first song we started recording, but I couldn’t figure out how to capture the tone, so it took me a long time to get the hang of it, and we ended up finishing it last. I just went for a typical tone at first, but the song wasn’t working, so the next time I tried it a bit less breathy but it sounded like I went too far. Even singing while imagining an image of myself as a lonely boy didn’t work (laughs) so I think the way I finally nailed the feeling was just singing it over and over. Repetition was the key to that song in the end.

​It feels like “repetition is key” is also the key to your musical growth, in a way.

HUENINGKAI:

Consistent hard work pays off. I think it’s a really good thing I’m working on other genres of songs, writing lyrics and music, and other pursuits, so I try to write lyrics or melodies because I think I should just try writing something, even though it might not work out. I feel like I’m discovering my own style.

You told your fans on Weverse that you’re slow at memorizing things, which has led you to worry, but that you’ll naturally become faster over time.

HUENINGKAI:

We had monthly evaluations as trainees and in the beginning it took me a whole month to memorize any choreography. But I brought that month down to three weeks, then two, then one, and now sometimes I can memorize choreography in just two days. Seeing how time helped me there makes me think there are things that you end up naturally acquiring when you never stop and keep doing them.

You also play the piano, isn’t that right? When you played it on V LIVE, you said, “There are so many things that are incomplete. Anyways, I wanted to give it a try.”

HUENINGKAI:

I still think about wanting to give a perfect performance, actually, but lately I feel it’s better just to try, even if I might fail. So I’m trying to think less about that because the fact that I’m trying something is already significant.

What do you do on the occasions you overthink things like that?

HUENINGKAI:

When I’m overwhelmed by thoughts, I go to a quiet place and let my thoughts flow freely, and if I have way too many, I just go to sleep. Things are usually better after a day, so if I can’t deal with it and start to think about what I should do or if I’m doing something the wrong way, I tell myself to just sleep, and by the time I wake up the next day I feel fine.

I get that vibe from you from your TikTok, too. For example, you did one video where you asked MOA not to compare themselves to others, and another where you did the “Eat with Me” challenge.

HUENINGKAI: I keep shooting those videos because I want to bring them comfort, first and foremost, and with the hope that they don’t have overly negative thoughts. I guess you could say it’s a simple thing, but I’m happy that I’m helping MOA find some comfort through it. And we were only ever showing ourselves on stage, but I’m sure once or twice MOA wondered what we do when we’re not on stage and what we do behind the stage. I thought it would be new if we showed a different side of ourselves or something closer to everyday life.

Maybe that’s why, in one X:TIME video, there was a clip where BEOMGYU told you that the dance lesson was canceled and you said you would still stay and practice. Did you really?

HUENINGKAI: No. (laughs) But that was in the middle of the dance lesson, so I practiced hard after that.

We’ve seen you wear those same clothes you wore in that video ever since you debuted.

HUENINGKAI: I like hoodies and comfortable pants, personally, and I usually wear the same pair of shoes for a pretty long time, so I wear a zip-up hoodie with workout clothes and those shoes. When I had to quarantine, MOA said, “I miss HUENINGKAI,” and posted a photo of a zip-up hoodie, track suits and shoes, and then when I came back home and I really was wearing exactly the same kind of clothes they said, “Nothing about him has changed.” (laughs)

You’re talking about the video where TAEHYUN welcomed you back, aren’t you? (laughs) You could feel how much you care about each other, even though it was a short video. When you were making gingerbread houses on TO DO X TXT and yours collapsed, TAEHYUN comforted you and said, “You always have a plan,” and YEONJUN made a car out of marshmallows for you.

HUENINGKAI: I can still see in my mind the four of them all making incredibly nice houses, while the instant I touched mine, it all came crumbling down, so I was like, What should I do? YEONJUN was sitting right next to me, and he suggested we try it another way, and then made that car for me. I’m so thankful for YEONJUN. He’s always helping me out. And the other members help me all the time, too. TAEHYUN is my roommate and gives me an answer to anything I’m curious about, and I also learned a lot about how to speak better from him—maybe because we did the radio show Youth Communication Project: Listen together. SOOBIN’s been there for me since we were trainees, and BEOMGYU did so much for me in Daegu, too.

Yes, you went to Daegu to BEOMGYU.

HUENINGKAI: BEOMGYU is from Daegu, so I was really curious what sort of place it was. I ate honey rice cakes and all the other foods they’re famous for and put on two kilograms. The other members tried lifting me up after that and said, “That was hard!” (laughs) And I met Toto, who helped wake us up with the sound he made by lightly flapping his wings.

Sometimes you look out for the other members as well. In the episode “Chef Kang’s Cooking Secrets,” when the other members were trying to get BEOMGYU to eat shrimp, you told him, “You don’t have to eat it if you don’t feel like it.”

HUENINGKAI: I don’t like Dippin’ Dots ice cream, for example. (laughs) It’s not something I really like to eat, since I got a stomachache from eating it before, so I think that’s why I said he didn’t need to eat it—because I know what it feels like.

SOOBIN has said you’re at your finest when you see one of the other members is feeling tired and worn out and you inch your way over to give them a hug.

HUENINGKAI: I feel sad whenever I see someone who’s tired or sleeping and I want to be able to at least do something for them. If someone’s sleeping on the sofa or in the green room, it’s a small but helpful act to cover them with a blanket—one that can help them sleep better, I think. Or, if one of them looks like they’re having a hard time, I pat their back or hug them. I really hope it’s comforting to them, even if just a little. And conversely, there’s lots of times where I’m the one who’s tired or asleep and the other members cover me with a blanket, and times where they pat me on the back, too.

Just like you said in your interview with Numéro TOKYO: You’re the “reliable, shining maknae.” (laughs)HUENINGKAI: Naturally, if you can rely on each other, you have a stronger connection and feel closer. As the youngest member, I want to be a reassuring presence that both the other members and MOA can have faith in and depend on. You display your reliable side, but sometimes you show your mischievous side as well.HUENINGKAI: The members play pranks and goof around with each other a lot, but since we’re so used to it now, it actually brings us closer together and keeps us amicable. We’re always goofing around in new and creative ways, so each and every day is its own joy. (laughs) At first I could fool the other members with my pranks, but now they know when I’m not telling the truth because they know me too well. One time we were supposed to finish with choreography at 10 at night, and I said to SOOBIN, “They said we’re finishing the choreography lesson at 11 tonight.” Then he went and asked the artist day-to-day team and came back and said, “You liar,” but if I tried that now, he would tell me right away to knock it off. (laughs) I guess since you’ve been with SOOBIN ever since you were in training, he can detect your pranks more easily. (laughs) I heard that, when you guys received harsh feedback during the monthly evaluations and there was a bad mood in the air, you two quickly brushed it off and just went looking for other people to share a late-night snack with.HUENINGKAI: If you latch onto one thing too strongly, it makes you feel terrible. I think you shouldn’t hold onto such feelings since it’s all old news anyway. You can just do better next time. I think when we had a tough morning I thought it would be nice to end the day on a high note, meaning we should brush it all off and just enjoy the rest of the day. On that same day, one fan also jokingly called you an otaku, to which you firmly responded, “It’s nothing bad to have passion for something.” That was quite impressive.HUENINGKAI: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being passionate about your hobbies. I think people seem to be at their happiest when they’re talking about their hobbies. They invest themselves more than anyone else from the bottom of their hearts because they love what they do, and I think it’s completely wrong to discount them for that. So what are you most passionate about right now, more than anyone else?HUENINGKAI: These days, what I’m most passionate about is getting ready for promotions. I usually start immersing myself in practicing for live shows and the dancing one month before promotions. Our comeback is on May 9. (laughs)

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Banner

Stab Me In The Front Part 2: Knives Out, Bitch.

Intro: Katie heads out to speak to Harlan, and encounters Ransom for the second time in as many days. It ends about as well as the first time…

Warnings: Bad language. SMUT (NSWFW)

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

A/N: I love these edits again. Well played, @angrybirdcr​

Part 1

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Katie groaned and fluffed up her hair in front of the floor length mirror. She’d chosen a simple long sleeved, turtle-necked grey woollen jersey dress teamed with a black belt, black tights and knee high tan boots wanting to appear smart yet casual for the setting at Harlan’s mansion. But for once it wasn’t her outfit or appearance that was causing her anguish.

“Have you decided if you’re gonna mention the whole Ransom thing?” Steve asked as he wandered back into the bedroom munching on another piece of toast from the tray of breakfast items they’d had delivered earlier.

Katie snorted and locked yes with him in the mirror. “Oh yeah, can you imagine? Mr Thrombey, your grandson is an asshole. In fact, he isn’t just an asshole he’s the asshole, he’s America’s asshole…”

Steve chuckled as he dropped onto the bed “You might not have a choice if he’s already told him what went down.”

“You mean how you threw him over the bar?” She raised an eyebrow as she leaned forward to check her make up. Steve dropped his head and sighed.

“I’m sorry but, well I’m not having anyone speak to you or about you like that.”

“Well, I think we both know your alpha male display turned me on just a little.” Katie smirked at him, and he grinned as he recalled how things had taken a very steamy turn when they’d gotten back to their room before he took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, I really hope I haven’t screwed anything up.”

“If Harlan had heard and was going to cancel he would have done it by now. I’ll just go and see what happens.” Katie turned round and stepped into the space between Steve’s legs and his hands gently gripped her hips.

“You sure you don’t want me to drive you?”

“No, I’m okay.” She smiled, dropping a kiss to his mouth, her hands resting on his shoulders. “I’ll text you when I’m there and then when we’re done.”

Steve smiled, he was pleased she was feeling happy enough to take herself, this was a big step in her healing process.

Even if he knew he’d be on tenterhooks the whole time she was gone…

“Alright.” He nodded. “I’m gonna go exploring, see the sights.” “Captain America playing tourist.”She grinned and he chuckled slightly, his hands sliding down to gently squeeze her ass.

“When in Rome.” he shrugged, “Or this case Boston. By the way sweetheart, your ass looks great in this dress.” “What is it you say to me?” she laughed, her hands sliding round to remove his from her rear, her fingers lacing into his “It’s all yours, baby.” “Damned right.” He practically growled as she turned and headed into the sitting room area of their suite. Steve followed her, leaning on the doorframe and simply watching as she shrugged on her pea jacket that was resting over the back of the sofa. She picked up her laptop, checked her bag and wrapped a scarf around her neck.

“Walk you down to the car?” Steve asked, and she turned to face him smiling.

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

****

The drive out to the Thrombey mansion was actually very pleasant. Katie enjoyed the scenery as she drove and soon enough was pulling up the large, tree lined drive and came to a halt.  She stepped out, grabbed her bag and took in the mansion in front of her, giving a low whistle. It appealed to her love of all things old fashioned and gothic. Old and red brick, surrounded by scenery and stone figurines it was exactly the kind of home one would expect a Crime author to own.

She text Steve to say she had arrived and was safe and as she made her way towards the door, two large German Shepherd dogs bounded towards her. She paused for a second, allowing them to sniff at her, their tails wagging and she bent down, scratching one behind the ears.

“Oh aren’t you handsome boys!” she grinned, as she continued to pet them.

“Excellent judges of character, too.” a female voice said. Katie looked up to see a dark haired woman stood on the steps by the front door.

“They’re gorgeous.” Katie beamed, straightening up. “I’d love a dog but, well, we don’t really have time for one.” “I can imagine your line of work is a little hectic.” the lady smiled as Katie approached “I’m Fran, Mr Thrombey’s house keeper.”

“It’s nice to meet you Fran, I’m Katie.”

Fran smiled and stepped back to allow Katie to step through the large, wooden doors which opened into a huge hallway, which was grandly decorated just like something straight out of one of Harlan’s books. Katie looked around, taking it all in, before Fran spoke to her again.

“Mr Thrombey is finishing off a call. Can I offer you a drink whilst you’re waiting?”

“I wouldn’t say no to a coffee.” Katie nodded, removing her scarf.  Fran took it from her, along with her coat and hung them up on a stand by the door before she gestured for Katie to follow her. They walked down a hallway which was lined with dark, panelled wood that opened up into a large, kitchen diner.

“How do you take it, Mrs Rogers?”

But before Katie could respond, the dogs outside began once more to bark, only this time Katie could tell they were agitated. Fran gave an audible sigh, and the source of her frustration was evident as the back door blustered open.

“Oh shut the fuck up!” a familiar drawl was yelling back over the grounds and Katie felt herself stiffen slightly. Ransom barrelled into the kitchen from the mud room, his open tan coat flapping behind him. There was a multi-coloured silk scarf hanging around his neck and he was wearing a blue sweater which was slightly frayed on the hem, a far contrast from the sharp suit he had been dressed in last night. He cast his eyes around and stopped dead, a snarl playing on his face.

“You?”

There was a pause and Katie sighed, summonsing every single bit of professionalism “Good morning Mr Drysdale.”

Ransom snorted “Mr Drysdale now, that’s not what you were calling me last night was it? I was a self-entitled dick, wasn’t I?”

Fran gave a snort which she hastily turned into a cough and Ransom shot her a glare.

“Well in my defence you did call me a hooker.” Katie shrugged, taking attention off the housekeeper.

There was a moment of silence before Ransom broke the stare he was giving her and turned back to Fran.

“You got my cookies, Franny?”

“In the usual cupboard Hugh.”

“Hugh?” Katie frowned. “I thought your name was Ransom.” “It is.” Ransom, or Hugh said as he made his way to a cupboard and pulling out a packet of Lotus Biscoff. He leaned against the counter and popped one in his mouth, eyeing Katie up and down. “Only the help call me Hugh.”

Katie couldn’t help the disdain that crept across her face at his tone. He really was an insufferable jerk.

“Really? Hugh to the help and Ransom to others?” She looked at him, “What do the dogs call you?”

“I dunno, go ask them. I mean you do speak dog don’t you, being one?”

“Wow did you think of that all by yourself?” Katie rolled her eyes at his childishness “Guess your time at Harvard really served you well.”

“How did you know I went to Harvard?” He frowned.

“Isn’t’ that where all the spoilt little, trust fund babies go?” She smiled at him. Truth be told she’d had FRIDAY look him up the previous night but she wasn’t about to admit that.

“Yeah and where was your brilliant education then?” He shoved another cookie in his mouth.

“Oxbridge.” She shot back. Ransom paused, arching an eyebrow.

“What are you doing here anyway?”  He said after a moment, clearly unable to think of anything smart to say about her choice of University.

“Mrs Rogers here is the Owner and CEO of Stark Independent Publishers and they’re going to be publishing The Colour of Revenge.” A deep voice said from the doorway. Katie turned to see Harlan walking into the kitchen, his eyes fixed on his grandson. “And whilst she is in this house on my invitation she is a guest, so you could do well to remember your manners.” Ransom looked at him, blinked, then threw his head back in a huge roar of laughter. “Wait. You have your own company, and you’re using another to publish your next book?”

“Yes Ransom, that’s correct.”

“Oh that…that is fucking priceless!” Ransom continued to laugh “I can’t wait for you to tell Walt.”

Now Katie was utterly confused. There was clearly some fucked-up family dynamic at play, and she was even more puzzled when Ransom stepped towards her, offering her a cookie from the packet.

“You poisoned them?” Katie looked at him, and he rolled his eyes.

“I’m eating them ain’t I?”

“Fair point.” She shrugged taking one “Thanks.” “You’re welcome, Sweetheart. Anyone that helps piss off my shit head family can share my food.” He said, and with that he blustered out in as dramatic a fashion as he’d entered, his laughter following him down the hall.

“You should be honoured.” Harlan turned to face Katie “He doesn’t normally give those out, they’re his favourites.”

“Yeah, without meaning to speak out of turn he doesn’t strike me as the type to share.”

Harlan chuckled and crossed the room, holding out his hand. Katie shook it, smiling. “It’s a pleasure to meet you finally Mrs Rogers.”

“And you too Mr Thrombey.”

“I told you on the phone, please, call me Harlan.”

“As long as you call me Katie.” she shot back and he nodded.

“Sure I can manage that, Fran, dear, we’ll take the drinks in my study.”

“Of course Mr Thrombey, I’ll bring them through.”

Katie followed Harlan out of the kitchen.

“I’m sorry about my grandson.” he looked back at her

“Don’t be. We err, we actually met last night. He was in my hotel bar…”

“Let me guess, you didn’t particularly get on then either.” “There were a few words traded, yes.” Katie nodded, before she sighed, deciding to be honest.  “Actually, there were more than words traded. Steve, my husband, kinda got in a bit of an altercation with him. I was a little worried you wouldn’t want to do business if you had heard about it.”

Harlan chuckled as he led her down the corridor and to the right. “If I refused to do business with everyone Ransom had pissed off I’d have a problem. But that aside, he hadn’t mentioned it. Although, I haven’t seen him since he stormed out of here yesterday after a disagreement with his mother and his cousin. He likes to flounce does Ransom, he has a flair for the dramatic. If you don’t mind me asking what did he say to you?” Katie explained as they walked, Harlan letting out a groan.

“On his behalf, I apologise.” He shook his head, opening a door and allowing her to step into the large study.

“It’s fine, I gave as good as I got.” She smiled and Harlan laughed.

“I don’t doubt that for a second Mrs Rogers” He closed the door. “Now, please take a seat and we can talk business.”

**** An hour later Katie was feeling a lot more at ease. Harlan was an easy man to talk to. He was firm, but fair, and as such had approved the cover designs, and accepted all but 6 of the amendments the Editing team had proposed to this manuscript. As a result, she was feeling a lot more confident about the pitch regarding her Charity idea, knowing full well that he wouldn’t simply dismiss the idea was spurring her on.

“So as we agreed Mr Thrombey.” Katie said, sliding the first piece of paper over to him “Your royalties on the print edition will be 9% of the cover price for the first 5,000 copies, 10% on the next 5,000 and 12% thereafter…and for the E-book edition 25% of the sales revenue. You can see from our forecasts what we anticipate this will bring you.”

Harlan took the paper and gave it a quick glance over before nodding “How have you come up with the forecast sales numbers?”

“We based it on your last 3 novels, plus the level of pre-orders we have had. And, without wanting to sound too big headed, SIP attracts a lot of attention given who…” she felt herself blush slightly “Who I am so we tend to make a lot of sales on the back of that, which to be fair in this case isn’t a bad thing.” “In this case?” Harlan frowned at her.

“Yes, errr.” She swallowed again, shifting slightly “SIP is donating 100% of its revenue on your book to charity, although we haven’t made that public yet. I wanted to talk to you about it before we release anything to the press.”

“Charity?” 

“Yes, several to be exact. We’re going to split it across organisations that help victims of sexual abuse, rape and other violent sexually motivated crimes.”

“That’s very commendable.” Harlan leaned back in his chair “And I take it that’s because of the subject matter?” “That’s one reason.” She nodded, hesitantly.

“And the other?” The old man pressed, his hands steeping together in front of his chin as his elbows rested on the large mahogany desk.

Katie hesitated, before she bit her lip and took a deep breath as she looked at the man who was studying her intently. For some reason, she felt she could trust him so decided to tell him the whole story. “It’s fairly well known that last year I was missing for a number of weeks but the circumstances were never revealed. In reality, Harlan, I was, erm, held captive.” She paused to clear her throat “I was taken by an organisation who thought by torturing me I’d reveal certain information to them, information I didn’t actually have. When the usual methods of interrogation failed, well, I’m sure you don’t need me to fill in the gaps.”

Harlan’s face softened and he let out a sigh. “I’m sorry to hear that, I truly am.” “So yeah, there’s an element of it being personal in there.” She swallowed. “I didn’t know myself that half of these support charities existed until a year ago and to me it’s more about the awareness, that people who find themselves in the position I did understand that there are people out there to help.”

Harlan nodded “How do you intend on using the book to do that?” “Well, with your permission, ”Katie said, turning her laptop round to face him, to show him the various mock ups she had produced, “I’d like to include a foreword in your book, a little bit about why we have chosen to do what we are doing, so that everyone who buys a copy sees it. You have a huge established audience Harlan, and that kind of publicity is just something that no amount of money can buy. I’d also like to include a tagline about how the proceeds will be helping people in the advertising material and on the front cover.” “Will you be writing the foreword?” Harlan looked at her.

Katie nodded. “You’ll of course be sent a copy before it is finalised to ensure you’re happy with it.”

“I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Harlan smiled “I’m happy to be part of it. And in light of what you’ve said, I’d also be happy to wave my royalties and also donate those to the cause.”

“Oh, no, that’s not…” Katie began to protest but Harlan shut her down.

“I don’t need the money.” he shook his head “All I ask is that you make it work. You clearly have a passion about this Katie, and for good reason. Frankly I’m blown away by the courage you’ve displayed here today by telling me this. There are a lot of people out there in privileged positions that could take a leaf out of your book my dear.”

Katie felt her eyes misting over and she blinked, looking away. Harlan passed her the box of tissues and she took one with a weak laugh.

“Sorry.” she smiled “I’ve just, well, no one knows what happened bar my inner circle so to speak.”

“It won’t go any further.” Harlan looked at her “I can assure you of that” Katie smiled, before she looked at the man, and her smile slid into a cheeky smirk. “Seeing as I’ve been honest with you, can you be honest with me?”

“Of course.”

“You have your own Publishing company, they’ve done all of your books for the last 25 years. Why have you chosen SIP for this one?”

Harlan sat back, sighing before he gave her a small smile “Because for the last 25 years my son has done nothing but ride on my tails. He likes to give Ransom a lot of stick for simply living off my money but he is no better. You see, I set the publishers up so he could make something of it, I didn’t expect him to simply sit there and use my books alone. Thought it was time he had a wake-up call.”

Katie gave a grin “I see now why Ransom was so amused.”

“Yeah, Walt won’t be best pleased…” Harlan said, “He’ll be even less so when he realises I’m giving my royalties away on this completely. Now, please permit me one last question before we finish.” “Sure.” “You’re the owner and CEO of SIP.” She nodded.

“Do you always visit potential authors or is this visit purely down to the fact this book means something personal to you?”

“There is that, and, well, honestly? I’m just a huge fan of your work.” she grinned “Owning and running your own business should have some self-indulgent perks after all, right?”

They spent 15 minutes or so tying up the final bits and pieces before Harlan walked her to the door, helping her into her coat.

“It’s been a pleasure.” He smiled, shaking her hand again.

“Same here.” she grinned “And thank you again. We’ll be in touch when we’re ready to go to press. It shouldn’t be too long. I’m hoping to hold the big launch early in November. Maybe hold some charity event, I’ll let you know.” “Of course, anything I can do to help…”

There was a pause as a loud engine sounded and they both turned to see a vintage silver BMW skid to a halt on the driveway driven by Ransom. He climbed out, his long legs stretching in front of him as he glanced over to the pair of them.

“I see he’s been out for his usual lunch appointment.” Harlan remarked. “Such a hard life.”

Katie laughed and with that she headed down the steps towards her car.

“Leaving so soon?” Ransom asked as she passed him.

“Work is done for the day so yeah,” she shrugged

“If you have all that money, why do you bother?” 

Katie stopped and turned to him. “Because I’ve never had it handed to me on a plate.” She replied, honestly “One thing my brother instilled into me was that you have to work for things in life. Yes, I’ve had opportunities that most people wouldn’t but I’m eternally grateful for those and do this to prove that.”

“And the Avenging?” He asked. “Humour me, I’m curious.”

“I like to help people. It is what it is.” She shrugged.

“Putting your life on the line to help people with no thanks.” He shook his head. “I don’t get it.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to.” she shook her head, “But, I just remind myself that for every one person that’s like you, there are a hundred other people who actually deserve it so…” “Eat shit.”  Ransom drawled, rolling his eyes.

“Fuck you.” Katie’s usual insult flew off her tongue easily, and she inwardly groaned knowing full well she’d given him an opening. And sure enough, the anticipated response came her way.

“If you’re offering.”

“Oh, believe me Mr Drysdale, I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last person on Earth.

“You wouldn’t be doing much sleeping.” he smirked, “And you’re forgetting something.”

“Oh pray, do enlighten me.” She said sarcastically. “You’re the one that mistook me for your husband, sweet cheeks. I’d say you must find something attractive about me.” “Don’t flatter yourself, you’re nothing like him.” she turned towards the car

“Oh, are we playing spot the difference?” Ransom chuckled and she gave a bark of a laugh and spun back to face him. “Your eyes are completely different, your jawline is nowhere near as square, your smile…well is it even a smile or are you suffering from trapped wind? I’m not sure and don’t even get me started on your hair.” She arched an eyebrow “Frankly my Stevie has more sexual appeal in his little finger than you have in your entire body and as for that lousy sweater you’re wearing…” “Ah, yes, you’re a sucker for spangly lycra…”

“It’s a mix of Tevlar and a patented material my brother developed actually, but that’s by the by.” Katie shrugged “When he fills it out as well as he does I can’t help but want to be a sucker if you get my drift.”

 “More than happy to help you out there darlin.” he winked. “I bet you’ve never kept a woman longer than a night have you?” Katie shook her head.

 “Sometimes they don’t even last the night.”

“Oh, I can believe that, I’d run too.” she nodded. “Why would anyone want a jumped up little trust fund baby like you when they could have a real man between their legs?”

Ransoms face instantly slid from the playful, teasing smirk into something slightly darker and much, much angrier.

“You jumped up little bitch.” He spat, his voice laced with venom as he moved closer to her. She held her ground, looking him up and down, simply raising an eyebrow as his voice grew in volume. “If I wanted you, I could have you. It’s that simple.” Katie felt her nostrils flare. After everything she’d just talked to his grandfather about, was this asshole seriously insinuating what she thought he was?

“You know what?” She stepped forward, glaring up at him.“That’s the problem with people like you. You think you can just take what you want without the consequences. Well I got news for you, Hugh, that isn’t how it works.”

“Oh get off your fucking high horse!” Ransom bit back, his voice loud as he shook his head “I’ve had enough of your sanctimonious I’m better than you bullshit.” “I am better than you. But then again, that’s not saying much as frankly I think you’re one of the most despicable people I’ve ever met, and trust me that’s saying something.”  She looked him up and down once more, giving her best contemptuous glare before she turned on her heel.

“Now you listen to me,” he said, grabbing at her arm. In a flash she had twisted out of his hold and swept his legs from under him, putting all her body weight behind the movement, spinning and throwing him straight over her shoulder in a move she had learnt years ago from Steve. With a hefty thud and a yell he hit the floor, landing on his back. She knelt on his chest, her knee digging into his sternum, heel of her palm pressed straight against his windpipe.

“When I said yesterday I’d taken down bigger men than you I meant it.” she glared at him “Touch me again, and I’ll kill you myself before Steve gets the chance.”

“Get..off..me…” he snarled, but she didn’t move, instead she pushed on his throat a little harder, causing him to gasp for air.

“They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree but in this case, well, you’re about as far removed from your granddad as you could get. How he ended up with such an appalling little shit like you as a grandson I’ll never know.”

With that she stood up, leaving him to take huge gasps of air as she turned to see the dogs careering down from the grassy banks surrounding the house, barking as they ran.

“Mother fucker!” she heard Ransom’s yelling as she picked up her bag her hands shaking slightly as she headed to her car. His yells were coming thick and fast as she walked, quickly. “Oh you son of a BITCH! You just pissed ON MY COAT!”

She turned to see Ransom aiming a kick at the dogs, missing them both completely. She couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of the man desperately trying to escape and get up off the floor. Something then caught her attention and she glanced up slightly to see Harlan was stood on the balcony of the house, a mug in his hand watching the scene play out. He raised the mug in her direction before taking a sip and strolling back in his house.

As she passed Ransom’s silver vintage BMW, which was parked by the Porsche SUV she had hired, she hesitated slightly before she reached down her boot and pulled out the small combat knife she had kept concealed there. With a quick flick of her wrist she sent it flying into the rear passenger’s side tyre of Ransom’s car.

“Knives out, bitch.” She grinned to herself before she unlocked her car, settled in the driver’s seat and pulled away.

****

“Baby, that’s amazing!” Steve said, looking at her across the table as she finished telling him all about her afternoon. She’d driven straight to the small Italian Steve had said he had found and they were enjoying an early dinner whilst Katie told him about her meeting. She’d been completely honest about everything, what she’d said, how she had felt…well, almost anyway. Ransom hadn’t cropped up in their discussions yet, thankfully.

“I know, it’s better than I could have hoped.” she smiled, chewing on her ravioli. “I mean, the amount of money and publicity it’s gonna generate is off the scale!”

“I’m proud of you.” he said gently. She beamed at his praise and took a sip of her wine. “I take it then the whole Ransom thing wasn’t an issue?”

Ah crap, there it was…

Something flickered across Katie’s face and Steve frowned. ”What?”

“He err, he was there.” She looked down at her food, pushing it around her plate a little “We had…words.”

“Words?” Steve pressed.

“Yeah, at first he was fine. Even gave me a cookie, long story.” She waved away his questioning glance “But er…well we had a bit of a heated discussion on the driveway as I was leaving. He grabbed my arm and…” “He did what?” Steve nearly exploded and the table next to them turned to look at him.

“Shhhh” She hissed “It was nothing, besides, I floored him with that nice little over shoulder drive you showed me. Then when he was down the dog pissed on his coat.”

Steve was torn between his desire to rage about the fact the man had dared to lay his fingers on her, and laughing at the image he had of Ransom’s coat being soaked in dog piss. Eventually the laughter won out as he gave a small chuckle and leaned back in his chair.

“Wish I’d seen that.”

“Oh and I left a knife in his tyre” she shrugged, taking another bite of her food. Steve’s eyebrow raised.

“A knife.”

“Yup.”

“You took a knife with you?”

“Down my boot.”

“You know, you scare me sometimes.” Steve arched his eyebrow, taking a drink of his beer.

“I scared him.” she laughed “You should have seen his face.” Steve changed the subject then, not wanting to discuss him anymore. Whilst he was still pissed about the asshole in general, he was beyond pleased to see that she wasn’t phased by it, in fact she seemed excited about the entire thing. The meeting had gone well, and that was the most important thing to him. That she’d gone in the first place, especially after being so frightened.

They talked about where Steve had been, the sights he’d taken in and he promised to show her a few of his sketches when they got back to the hotel room, except that kind of fell along the wayside as no sooner had they gotten into the room they were pawing at each other like a pair of hungry, horny school kids.

As a result, Steve was found himself led on his back on the bed, Katie’s lips trailing his skin, from his collar over to his neck. He let out a soft sigh and Katie grinned as she moved back to look at him. His eyes were dark, full of desire and he watched as her head moved down his body, her soft fingers pulling the waistband of his boxers down slightly as she kissed across the bottom of his stomach, just on the V of his abdomen, where the thin strip of hair that led from his belly button down to his groin lived. He was aroused, desperate to feel her mouth on him, but as she trailed her tongue across his skin, she got as low as she could without actually touching him there. He let out a groan, his hips bucking slightly and she stopped, glancing up at him.

“Want something, Soldier?” she smirked, repeating the words he had said to her the other morning and he looked down at her lidded eyes which were sparkling with mischief.

“You want me to beg?” he asked, his voice gravelly “Because I’m not above that.” She let out a grin and decided to take pity on him. As her hot mouth took him in he let out a hiss, his head falling back against the pillow. One hand fisted in the sheets besides him, the other settled in her hair, fingers tangling into her soft waves as her head moved. Her tongue swirled around his shaft, teeth grazing gently as she took him deeper, twirling her hand around the base of his cock.

“Fuck, sweetheart…” he keened and felt her smirking as she continued her ministrations. It was so good, it was almost torture, and every time his hips moved she stopped, giving him a warning look.

Fuck, he loved it when she took control like this.

Eventually, when he could feel his stomach starting to tighten he gently pulled on her hair. “Baby,” he groaned, “get up here. I’m gonna lose it if you keep doing that.”

With a grin she released him with a pop and crawled up his body, her breasts dragging against his naked skin before she straddled him, and lowered herself down, taking him in completely. Her head lolled back slightly as he bent his knees, allowing her to lean back against his thighs, hands resting on her hips as she began to move. With every roll she made, Steve was actively fighting his release, but it was becoming increasingly harder. His hand moved between her legs to stroke at her bud, and she let out a gasp, shuddering slightly.

“Don’t stop…” she cried, “Please, Stevie…”

His strokes became quicker, and with the hand that still grasped her hip he pulled her down onto him harder as he thrust upwards, driving into her as much as he could. He felt her shudder slightly before she gave a loud, broken moan as her orgasm swept her away, and he was right with her, his hips faltering as his eyes flickered shut, his entire body stiffening before he relaxed backwards and Katie felt forwards onto his chest. She gave a soft hum of satisfaction, her face burying into his neck as his fingers trailed up her spine gently.

“Okay?” He asked when he had finally caught his breath, she made a noise of affirmation unable to summon the power to speak at that point in time. Steve gave a chuckle and moved his head, nudging her face with his nose. She looked at him for a moment before she gave him a soft kiss.

“Stevie.” She hummed gently as he pulled away to look at her. “We left the restaurant without desert.”

He arched an eyebrow at her “Seriously, you’re thinking about food now?” “Yeah, I got a hankering for something sweet.” “I’m not sweet enough?” He pouted.

She laughed “Not unless you’re hiding a pecan pie somewhere…” “Room service?” 

She grinned and nodded, rolling off him. “Oh, and order a bottle of champagne.” “Pushing the boat out?” he said, shuffling onto his side so he could face her.

“When have I ever needed an excuse to drink fizz?” she looked at him.

“True.” he said, brushing her hair off her face before he leaned in for another lazy kiss.

“And then, when we’ve finished that I’ll let you draw me a bath.”

“Oh, you’ll let me draw you a bath?”

“Yup?”

“What’s in it for me?” “You can scrub my back.” She smirked, her hand sliding up his chest. “Oh well, when you put it like that, how could I possibly refuse?” He rolled his eyes as she laughed.

Steve grinned back at her. Frankly, the idea of spending the entire evening locked in the hotel room with her, drinking champagne, bathing, no doubt a bit more fooling around was fucking heaven in his eyes. Giving her one last, soft peck on the lips he reached over for the phone to ring in their order.

**** “You’ve done WHAT?”

Ransom smirked as his mother screeched across the room her almost unintelligible ramblings being punctuated by yells and protests from Walt. His grandfather had just revealed to them all that not only was he using a different publishers for his next book, he was also donating his royalties to charity after discussions with the Stark bitch, or Rogers bitch as she was called now. Naturally Meg thought it was a great idea, but then she would. Ransom didn’t give a shit either way. He just found watching them all arguing like they were doing utterly hilarious.

“Cookie?” he asked, offering the packet across the coffee table.

“No I don’t want a fucking cookie, you asshole!” Walt glared at him.

“Wow” Ransom mouthed, smirking.

“Ransom, enough.” His mother shot and he looked at her.

“What did I do?” He laughed.

“You’re being deliberately obtuse!”

“I haven’t said a word.” He sniggered “And I don’t plan on doing either. It’s the old man’s money. If he wants to give it away, so be it. I am curious though.” He leaned forward and looked at his grandfather. “What did she say to convince you to part with it?” “It wasn’t what she said so much as what she did.” Harlan answered after a moment’s thought, not wanting to betray her trust “Her company is donating their profits from what she openly admitted would be their biggest earning book to date. Says a lot about her don’t you think?” Ransom cocked his head to one side and shrugged, as the arguing once more began.

With a snort he stood up “Well this has been emotional, we should do this again sometime.” he said, “Grandfather…”

Harlan waved him away, none of the others paying him a blind bit of attention. He grabbed his dog-piss ruined coat from the chair he’d thrown it against, making a beeline for Fran in the kitchen, ordering her to get it dry cleaned as soon as she could. He then headed out to his car, and stopped dead as he noticed the rear tyre was flat.

Cursing he bet to take a closer look, and noticed the knife that was expertly placed right in the middle of the tread at near the bottom and despite himself he gave a low chuckle, shaking his head.

“Well played Mrs Rogers, well played.”

**** Part 3

**Original Posting**

[sleepyfaceandsnark]

Distant Lover, One Day I'll Hold You Like the Sun Holds the Moon

Summary:

When Steve leaves a letter for the new resident at the lake house he stayed at during the summer he doesn't expect to get a letter back, or such puzzling exchange that'll make him ask is this fate? Or is this just an expertly crafted practical joke?

AO3

January 4th 2012

Dear New Resident,

I hope you enjoy this quaint house as much as I did. May it feel you with many times of peace. Please if you receive any mail addressed to me to forward it to my current address listed at the bottom of this letter. The paw prints on the dock and the box in the attic were here when I got here. Not sure who the box belongs to.

Enjoy your stay,

Steve R

Steve leaves the letter in the mailbox and takes his last bag of luggage. He didn't so much lie in the letter it really was a nice, quaint place and it was very peaceful but regardless of those facts he couldn't wait to leave the lake house behind him. It wasn't the lake house's fault he had a bad break up and had to go back to shifts at the emergency room after his private practice lost their funding and he certainly didn't believe it was cursed so it was okay to omit his personal drama from the note. He takes one last look at the house, placed in the middle of a lake 5 miles wide with large windows being the only source of outside exterior walls. It gives the illusion just anyone could look in but there was no one around to do so, and even then by some technological advances of some kind Steve couldn't bother to remember, the glass reflects in a way that disables anyone from seeing in. The walkway from land to house is around 10 yards and narrow, leaving enough room for one person and maybe a dog Steve thinks as he rolls his eyes looking at the pawprints again. He finally jumps in his car and pulls away from the house with promise he'll be back to check on it soon.

February 3rd

Bucky Barnes drives his truck down the gravel road towards the secluded lake house he decided, on a whim, to rent. A stupid decision possibly, especially for a bartender, but a great place for him to get peace to write. He checks the mailbox and sees a letter written by the previous inhabitant. He slings his only bag back over his shoulder and slides his fingers though the flap of the envelope to open it as he walks up the walkway. He unfolds it as he puts the keys he was given in the lock, flicks the lights on by the door, and drops his bag down. He walks to the couch and starts reading.

Quaint? Definitely. He got that memo when he checked out the place. He glances quickly at the bottom to see the address he's supposed to forward the mail to and goes back up to reading.

Paw prints on the dock? Not sure he remembers seeing those unless he wasn't paying attention when he was shown the place, or even just now. He'll check in the morning.

Box? That could be interesting. Soon as he's settled and orders some food he'll find his way up to the attic.

He puts the letter down. Okay so no notion of anything be haunted. That's good. Except maybe the mysterious box.

His food comes and he puts on the tv, setting it up when he was waiting for the delivery. Of course setting up the tv took longer than the thought so he didn't have time to look in the attic for the mysterious box. He finishes his dinner, discarding the remnants in the trash. He sits back down to finish the episode of whatever mindless tv program he settled on to rid himself of scrolling through all of the channels. He already forgot the name of it but it was a rerun of some show about people jumping through impossible obstacles. Bucky sits back and wonder if he could do that, maybe even win there prize...if there even was a prize. Note to self look up how to apply to American obstacle course show or something...

He turns it off after the episode ends resisting the urge to let it go to the next one and decides now is a good time as any to look up at the attic.

He pulls the covering down, revealing a small latter, and climbs up. He peaks his head through the hole and notices how empty the room is. He climbs through regardless and walks around the room seeing a few pieces of furniture, some with sheets covering it some covered in dust. That's odd. Almost as if no one has been up here in years. He looks around some more but doesn't see anything resembling a box. Maybe the letter was old and not only did the other inhabitants paint over the paw prints but also got rid of the box (and never dusted). Shame he was curious.

He checks the letter again and there was no date besides the day and month. Maybe it was January 4th of another year?

Bucky sighs and goes back to the television, scrolling through again until he falls on some movie that was halfway done. He falls asleep on the couch. Next day he looks around the house, in daylight this time, and sees what could possibly be fixed. He doesn't notice much in the house besides some rusty hinges which wont be a huge project so he goes outside to look. He walks on the walkway still not seeing the paw prints that were supposedly there however he does notice the paint chipping, pieces of it coming of in his hand as he slides it down. Looks like he'll need a trip to the nearest hardware store for some paint. It'll probably be easiest to just match the black that's already on it as much as he'd like to try his hand at a bold color change.

Luckily the hardware store was nearby so about a half an hour later he has the paint, brushes, a roller (in case that's easier), and a tray to dump the paint in.

About an hour in, and not even halfway done, he hears something near the bushes on the other side of the road of the house. He hears something jump out of it and the light scratching of nails on the pavement. He's about to turn around and face whatever beast decided to intrude on his peaceful Lake House when he hears a playful bark. The best, or otherwise known as a Golden Retriever, gallops towards him tongue flopping in the wind. Bucky manages to dodge out of the dog's way but unfortunately the paint pan didn't make it. The dog's feet run through it, knocking the paint can over as well in the process, and continues to run down the walkway and towards the house. Bucky stops the dog as it's feet touch the front porch of the house, and thanks himself for closing the door.

"Hey, buddy. What're you doing?" Bucky asks the dog as if the dog will answer him back 'Oh nothing much just going for my mid day jog'.

Bucky laughs to himself . “Alright let me see if I can get you cleaned up,” he says to the dog. He put his hand on the door knob but stops himself. Oh right. House that’s technically not his, dog that’s definitely not his with paint on his paws. Probably wouldn’t make a good mixture.

“Umm…” Bucky turns back to the dog who is sitting patiently. “Stay,” he apprehensively orders, pointing to the ground. “Stay,” He repeats as he opens the door. “Stay.” He says again as he moves his body backwards into the door, not leaving room for the dog to come in. Besides extending his head to the door the dog stays still.

Bucky rushes to the kitchen and looks in the drawers for a dish towel of some kind. Nothing. God the previous people really didn’t leave shit. He sighs and takes the roll of paper towels he had got on his way back from the hardware store. He ripped some off and folded it as he wet it under the sink quickly. He walks back to the front door mostly expecting the dog to run off, which he actually did think it did until he opens the door fully and sees it laying down on the porch near the door.

“Well at least you’re a good listener,” Bucky says, lowering himself to the ground. He grabs a paw, darkened with paint. The dog lets him, wagging its tail as Bucky uses the cloth to wipe off some of the paint. “Even if you did ruin my walkway…” He looks past the dog to long cement connecting the house to land. “Wait a minute…” He gets up and sees the paw prints all the way from towards the road to his house. The walkway, the painted paw prints. He walks over and brushes his shoe over one. It’s already dry. Paw prints on the walkway just like the letter described.

He walks back over to the dog and finishes cleaning its paws. He wears a puzzled look on his face as he thinks, much to the dog’s displeasure. Bucky feels a light kick on his face as he notices the dog roll on his back, asking for a belly rub. This shakes Bucky out of his trance as he laughs again at his new friend and obliges. The dog’s paws are clean and Bucky packs up the remaining paint, he’ll finish tomorrow. He heads inside, this time not giving the dog any orders so he follows him inside. Bucky doesn’t mind. He grabs the letter from the table by the couch and rereads it. He shakes his head again, maybe this dog has done this before? Or any dog for that matter? He sighs, looks through one of his bags for a piece of paper and decides to write a letter back. Tomorrow, after getting the dog checked at the vet, he’ll pick up some envelopes and stamps.

[kelelamentia]

Dogs are a Ladybug’s best friend

Dogs are a Ladybug’s best friend

@ozmav

This came from @thebookwormfairy idea “What if Marinette had a Retired Police Dog as a Pet”

@realrandomposts and I discussed which Miraculous would be used and, while my initial thought was turtle, @realrandomposts was the one who came with the idea for the fox, and just fit better for this fic (And I want to tick Alya off), because Trixx would NEVER miss a chance to cause chaos via having a dog as a holder.

As for Trixx’s gender, the site basically told me it varied from translation to translation, so I flipped a coin; literally.

 At a Gotham hotel:

Marinette couldn’t believe Captain snuck himself on to the plane!  Actually, she could, he’s such a smart boy.  But, how did he get past all that security?  Never mind Trixx probably helped with that, he likes to cause chaos like that.

“Trixx, did you have a hand in getting Captain on the plane?” Marinette asked.

“Noooooooooo.” Trixx dragged out, trying and failing to look innocent.

Marinette sighed, running her hands through Captains fur.

“Besides he was going to miss you terribly so.” Trixx continued.

“And you would have missed him as well Marinette.” Tikki added.

“True…” Marinette agreed.

“And I know Captain never wants to leave his partner alone unless he has to.” Trixx said.

Marinette smiled, still petting Captain and him loving it, the Fox Miraculous; hidden by dog tags and a bandana, catching her eye.  Marinette remembered how this came to be.

*Flash back*

Marinette was having an awful week; Lila spread rumors around the school about her, her classmates have shown to be more like sheep than classmates, Adrien wanted her to continue being a doormat, and Chat could NOT take the hint at the last Akuma attack and left her alone to fight so he could throw a tantrum.

Thankfully, Captain has proven to be the best and most loyal friend she could ever hope for. Marinette knows he would never leave her in danger just because he didn’t like what she said, he never believe she was petty and jealous of a person with such FAKE tales, and he would never ask her not to stand just for justice; being a former police dog.

That’s when an idea hit Marinette.

“Tikki, I have an idea.”

Tikki tilted her head in confusion, watching Marinette look over at her dog.

“Come on Captain, I’m going to introduce you to Master Fu.” Marinette said.

The worst the Master could do was say no, right.

 With Master Fu:

“Greetings Marinette, Tikki” Fu welcomed.

“Hello Master Fu.” Tikki greeted.

“Hello Master, I hope you don’t mind but I brought my dog; Captain.” Marinette returned.

“I don’t mind Marinette; animals can be the best of companions and partners.” Fu smiled, holding out his hand for Captain to sniff.

Captain gave a cautious sniff, but accepted Fu; allowing him to give a single head pat.

“Why don’t we sit down, I feel we have much to discuss.” Fu offered.

“Thank you Master.”

Once they were seated at Fu’s low table, Fu began talking.

“What would you like to discuss Marinette?”

“Can a Miraculous be given to an animal?” Marinette asked.

Fu raised an eyebrow.

“May I ask what brought this on?”

Marinette steeled herself.

“First Chat Noir; he’s late or doesn’t show to battles, when he does he’s pretty much out of the fight immediately, he flirts at the worst times even though I’ve told him I’m not interested in him, he throws hissy hits on a regular basis, and he doesn’t see being a hero as a responsibility but as a game.”

“What of the other heroes?”

“The other heroes have proven that they see being a hero as game as well, they don’t look to see the truth went given no evidence, they like pretty words and offers of connections than working for it themselves and are unwilling to listen to reason when it’s something they don’t want to hear.”

Marinette looked Fu in the eye.

“I’m tired of fighting alone Master Fu.”

The last sentence bore a lot of weight behind it; and Fu heard it.

“I understand Marinette.”

Fu got up to retrieve the box, once he sat down again he started talking.

“You wish for Captain to stand beside you.”

“Yes Master.”

“Do you think he will be able to handle it?”

“Yes Master, he’s a former police dog, he probably has more training and experience than I do.” Marinette giggled.

Captain gave a small tail wag; he loved hearing his girl laugh.

Fu smile and nodded.

“Now it is possible for an animal to use a Miraculous, but the process is different.”

“How so Master?”

“Normally the Guardian would choose the hold, but in the case of animals; the Kwamii’s get to choose if they want to work with them or not, so I cannot guaranty anything Marinette.”

“I understand Master.” Marinette nodded.

“Good, first we must…”

Fu was cut off by a box shaking and jumping around until Trixx popped out.  Once he was out he grabbed Marinette’s hand and began to beg.

“Please, please, PLEASE let me team up with you and your dog! This looks like it’s going to cause chaos and so much confusion!  Please let me, I know how to speak canine, so I know when to transform and stuff, I get along really well with Tikki, my Miraculous can hang with his tags, and my charge up food is really easy.  Please, please, PLEASEEEEEEE!”

Marinette couldn’t help but laugh.

“I have no problem working with you Trixx, but let’s see what Captain thinks.”

Marinette turned to her dog, he liked Tikki, but that doesn’t mean he’d like Trixx.

Trixx flew over to Captain; Captain gave him a sniff.

“Hi Captain, do you want to team up with me to protect your girl?” Trixx asked.

Captain was quiet for a moment, but eventually gave a gentle woof in agreement.

“Yes!” Trixx cheered.

Marinette, Fu and Tikki laughed as Marinette clipped the Miraculous on Captain’s collar; behind the tags, but that laughter was cut short by screaming and crashing outside.

“AKUMA!!!!”

Fu turned to Marinette.

“Go.”

Marinette nodded her head.

“Alright Tikki; Spots on!”

Captain gave a stern bark.

Once the transformation light died down Marinette could see what Captain looked like.

Captain wore an orange, black and white vest that was modeled after a normal police dogs vest; it had the fox tail symbol, in white, on the back and a ladybug symbol on the front where a police badge would be.  Captain also had arm guards on his front legs that covered the top of his paws; they faded from orange to white, but Marinette’s favorite part was his mask.  It was just a normal orange, black and white mask, but just looked so cute.

“Well, I can’t call you Captain, no matter how common that name might be.” Marinette said, looking at her dog. “How about…Hunter?”

The newly christened Hunter gave a soft woof in agreement.

“Come on Hunter, we have an Akuma to fight.”

And then they were off.

“Good luck.” Fu said as they left.

 Where the Akuma was:

The fight with the Akuma, which Chat did not show up to, went smoothly. Hunter cast his illusion by howling and apparently, he could also sniff out the akumatized item, this made things so much easier.  Ladybug didn’t even need to cast Lucky charm! They even did a ‘Pound it’ where Hunter bumped his nose against her fist.

But once everything was fixed by the cure, Chat showed up.

“Hey Bug-a-boo.”

“You missed everything Chat.” Her voice was hard, causing Hunter to tense up.

“Aww, don’t be like that Love bug, it couldn’t have been bad.”

Chat reached out to grab Ladybug only to be blocked by a snarling Hunter.

“What the heck is that?!” Chat exclaimed, back away from the costumed dog.

Ladybug smiled sickly sweet smile at Chat.

“This is Hunter the new, and permanent, fox holder and my new partner.”

“But what about Rena Rouge?! And I’M your partner” Chat demanded.

“She has been retired, and don’t worry about the Guardian; he’s already agreed to this.  As for being my partner; tell me Chat when was the last time you showed up on time for a fight, didn’t get turned against me, or thrown a hissy fit and leave just because you didn’t get what you want?” Ladybug asked.

Chat couldn’t answer her, his mouth flapping uselessly.

“That’s what I thought.” Ladybug then turned to Hunter. “Come Hunter we should leave before your time runs out.”

Hunter gave a woof in return and jumped away with his girl, not before giving one last hard look at Chat.

*End flashback*

Trixx had been appalled by Chat’s attitude and was steaming while he ate his marshmallows, Tikki doing the same while eating cookies.  

Marinette smile as she remembered Alya’s outrage at being replaced, and by a dog at that.  But Hunter proved to the people of Paris how good he was and how great of a partner he was for Ladybug; Their ‘Pound it’ was all the rage in the internet and is now the most popular trick to teach your pet.

So here she was in Gotham with her super hero dog, which snuck aboard a plane, and two powerful little gods.

What was her life?

“Well, sulking around this hotel won’t do us any good; how about we go for a walk guys?” Marinette suggested.

Captain, Tikki and Trixx agreed; Tikki flying into Marinette’s bag and Trixx flew under Captain Bandana.

 At a nearby Park:

Marinette felt so much freer at the park, the only thing people would see was a girl and her dog.

She was just throwing the ball she got for Captain when another dog, a Great Dane, came up and began sniffing Captain.  Captain held still, ball in mouth, and let the other sniff; eventually Captain seemed to like the other dog and began leading them over to Marinette.

“Did you make a friend Captain?” Marinette asked, petting her dog.

Captain gave a slight wag of his tail and Great Dane’s tail was going so fast in was a blur. Marinette reached out her hand for the Dane, so they could get her scent; she was rewarded with a lick on her hand.

“Well aren’t you a sweet heart!  Let’s find out your name.” Marinette laughed, before reaching for the Dane’s tags. “Titus? Well it’s nice to meet you Titus!”

Titus barked his hello, trying to get closer to Marinette’s hands for petting.

“Alright buddy, you want to play fetch with me and Captain while you wait for your owner?”

Titus barked again, this time jumping around in excitement.

“Okay, okay,” Marinette laughed before winding up the ball. “FETCH!”

Marinette let the ball go and both dogs shot after it; tussling a bit to be the one to bring it back. This went on for a while before Marinette heard a voice shouting.

“TITUS!”

Titus responded to the call and ran over to a boy about her age, a very handsome boy.  Titus circled around the boy a couple times before running back to Marinette.  Marinette could only guess that this was Titus’ owner.  He made his way over to her.

“Hello Miss, I’m sorry if Titus caused you any trouble.” He greeted.

“Titus was no trouble at all; he was a real sweet heart.” Marinette assured. “My name is Marinette, and this is my dog Captain.”

“It’s lovely to meet you Marinette; my name is Damian, you’ve already met Titus.” Damian greeted, gently taking her hand and placing a kiss on the back; Marinette couldn’t help but blush.

Watching his girl blush at the new person caused Captain to step between the two, making both of blink.

“I’m sorry Damian; Captain doesn’t like strangers getting too close to me.”

“It’s fine Marinette; I should have introduced myself to your dog before invading your space. It’s understandable that he takes me as threat.” Damian said, slowly reaching out his hand for Captain.

Captain investigated the offered hand and gave Damian a hard stare.  There was a tense moment before Captain gave a snort and walked to Marinette’s side.

“I think you’ve been approved of Damian.” Marinette said surprised. “He usually doesn’t like a lot of people; really it’s just me and my parents.”

“A high honor then, I will do my best not to waste it.” Damian stated. “I would hate to ruin my chance at talking to a beautiful lady such as you.”

The blush returned to Marinette’s face.

“T-Thank you, but I’m not much.”

Damian just smirked at her, making her blush more.  Damian was going to say something when he noticed Titus sniffing at Captain’s Bandana. Marinette knew he was smelling Trixx.

“That is a very well made, where did you get this Marinette?” Damian asked.

“I made it myself; I couldn’t find anything in the stores that I liked.”

“Really?  Might I commission you to make one for Titus?”

“You can, but I don’t have a lot of my sewing supplies with me in Gotham, so it could take some time.”

“Where are visiting from Marinette?”

“I’m visiting with my class from Paris; we’re here mainly to see Wayne Enterprise.”  Marinette clarified.

“And they let you bring your dog?” Damian asked.

“They didn’t ‘Let me’.” Marinette looked over at Captain with a mock serious look. “Somehow, someone managed to trick the entire airport and sneak himself onto the plane.”

Damian gave a snort in amusement.

“Really?!”

“I know it sounds fake, but…”

Damian cut Marinette off.

“No, I believe you; I’ve seen animals be smarter than people before, but this very impressive.  Your classmates must have thought it funny.”

Marinette wilted a bit when Damian mentioned her classmates; he noticed.

“What’s wrong Marinette?”

“You won’t believe me…”

“I’ve been told I very good at telling who’s lying, so please tell me.”

“There’s a girl in my class who doesn’t like me, and she made it sound like I snuck Captain aboard the plane on purpose just to get attention.  I wouldn’t even know where to start on that!”

“It sounds like she’s done more than that Marinette.”

“She has…” Marinette sighed, she then gave a brief explanation to Damian about what was going on; he was not pleased.

“Your classmates are morons; large ones.”

“Yeah, they are.  Hey Damian, do you know much about Wayne Enterprise?” Marinette asked.

“I know enough.”

“Do you think they let Captain in?  I’d hate to leave him at the hotel tell all day.”

“I’m positive they will Marinette, the Wayne family is a very open-minded family.”

“Thank you, Damian,” Marinette smiled, before asking another question. “Do you know any nearby dog friendly restaurants are?”

“Of course, I’d be happy to show you.  Perhaps you would let me join you as well.”

“I’d like that Damian; it would be nice to talk to someone with common sense that isn’t Captain.”

Damian chuckled and held out his arm; which Marinette took, and began to guide her to the closest café their dogs trotting along with them.

While at the café Damian got Marinette to open up a bit more about her classmates; Marinette didn’t know why she did that, she was just comfortable with him.  And if Damian thought her classmates to be morons before, he though them to be outright imbeciles now.

“These people clearly have no brain cells Marinette.”

Marinette smiled at Damian, it was nice to have someone who can listen to reason.

Eventually Marinette and Captain did have to go back to the hotel, not before they exchanged number though.

“Can we do this again tomorrow; my class won’t be spending all day at Wayne Enterprise.” Marinette asked just before she left; surprising herself at her boldness.

Damian didn’t seem to have an issue with her request though.

“You took the request right out of my mouth Angel.”

“A-Angel?” Marinette stuttered.

“Certainly, you’ve shown your class kindness and patience when they don’t deserve it or you, so yes Angel; unless it makes you uncomfortable Marinette.”

“It’s fine Damian, just please; never call me Princess.” Marinette pleaded.

Damian clearly wanted to ask why but left it alone.

“Of course, Marinette; I will respect your wishes.” Damian nodded his head. “Now will you allow myself and Titus to walk yourself and Captain back to your hotel?”

“Sure Damian.”

The walk was made up of Marinette asking what Damian wanted the Bandana for Titus to look like.  Once they reached the hotel they said their goodbyes.

“It was wonderful meeting Damian, you too Titus.”  Marinette said.

“You as well Marinette, Captain.” Damian waved goodbye.

 The next morning:

Marinette, Captain and the class set off for Wayne Enterprise, Lila being Lie-le the entire time on the bus.

“The Wayne family just loves me; they always try and make sure I’m alright.” Lila boasted.

“Wow Lila, do you think you could introduce me?  I’d love to have an interview!” Alya questioned.

“Maybe Alya, they are a very busy family after all; we probably won’t even see them.” Lila redirected.

“Aww, that’s too bad.” Alya was disappointed.

Marinette, keeping a hand on Captain, resisted the urge to roll her eyes.  Last night before going to sleep, Marinette looked up the Wayne family; ignoring all the pictures she didn’t care about those and found many things. Like, if Alya wanted an interview she could just request one, yeah there would be some restrictions but Alya doesn’t care for doing her own research.

Adrien just kept quiet, just as always.

The class reached Wayne Enterprise; Marinette and Captain at the back of the group and were greeted by a surprise in the lobby.

“Hi everyone, I’m Dick Grayson and I’ll be the one giving you the tour around the building.”

The entire air shifted; Alya was ecstatic, Lila could get her an interview right away!  Lila was terrified, because this could go very south on her and she had no back up plans on being called out by one of the people she bragged about.  Marinette was confused, why were people getting excited?

Marinette was never good with icons outside fashion and music, so she didn’t know the Damian she spent time with the day before was the Damian Wayne.   So, when Damian got home he spoke with his family, telling them of a girl in the French tour would likely be using their names for gain.  Nobody liked the idea of being used, so if the topic came up they would shut it down; Damian figured out from Marinette’s descriptions that the topic would come up from one person or another.

Damian theory proved true when Alya; the pushy, rude, ‘always right’, Alya raised her hand.

“Go ahead.” Dick called on her.

“Hi, I’m Alya; I’m friends with your friend Lila Rossi!”

Lila froze at Alya’s exclamation; going very pale.

Dick frowned, now knowing who the liar in the group was; but was inwardly smirking at the chance to call them out.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve NEVER met a ‘Lila Rossi’ in my life; whoever that is lied to you.”

Alya looked like her world shattered with that one phrase.

Marinette realized Dick must be an important person Lila lied about; which one Marinette wasn’t sure they all sound the same after a point. Marinette looked over at Alya and saw the devastation on her face; Marinette really hoped her former friend would learn from this and start fact checking.

Marinette started running one her hands through Captain’s fur, the motion keeping her calm; watching more horror appear on her classmate’s faces as Dick continued.

"I hope she didn’t use our name to take advantage of people and she continues like this she will be hit with a lawsuit.”

Lila blanched, a lawsuit would really be bad, but she didn’t know how to backtrack from this lie; she didn’t think a Wayne would be the one conducting the tour.

“Well, now that that’s cleared up we can begin the tour.” Dick said, clapping his hands together.

But in a desperate attempt to get the negative focus off her Lila tried to get Marinette in trouble.

“Look Marinette brought her dog!  He can’t be here!”

Everyone turned to look at Marinette; Ms. Bustier was quick to say something.

“Marinette why in the world did you bring your dog?!”

“I didn’t want to leave Captain alone in hotel ALL day, what kind of pet owner would I be if I did that Ms. Bustier?  And how did you not see me bring him onto the bus?!”

Ms. Bustier opened her mouth to try and reprimand Marinette more but was cut off by Dick.

“This is perfectly fine Ms. Bustier; we were warned ahead of time that due to some strange events, there would be a dog in the group today.”

Ms. Bustier could only nod, not being able to argue with Dick, But Lila was outraged by this turn of events.

“Who could have possibly warned you about her dog?!”

Marinette; as much as she didn’t like Lila had to admit, that was a good question.

“I did.” Came a voice off from the side.

“Hey, Damian.” Dick greeted.

“Hello Grayson,” Damian nodded, before approaching Marinette; Titus at his side. “Hello again Marinette, Captain.”

“Damian! Titus!  I hadn’t thought you might work here!” Marinette said, “Which is silly looking back now, because you knew if Captain would allowed or not.”

“It’s fine Marinette.” Damian smiled at the sweet girl.

“Oh, hold on!  I was going to give this to you later, but since you’re here now.” Marinette said as she rummaged through her bag, pulling out a yellow piece of cloth.  “I managed to find some cloth and made Titus a Bandana, it’s nothing fancy but I wanted to see if he even liked it first.”

The Bandana was yellow with black thread spelling out ‘Titus’ in cursive.

“Its wonderful Marinette.”

“Thank you, Damian, can I put it on Titus now to see if he likes it?”

“Certainly.”

Marinette bent down to carefully tie it to Titus; who was holding still for her.

“There.” Marinette stood up.

Titus was then bouncing around her and Captain, braking and wagging his tail in happiness.  Making Damian and Marinette laugh, as Titus did his best to get Captain to play with him.

While they were in their own little world the people around them watched in awe; Damian Wayne could smile, he could laugh!

Dick was grinning ear to ear, being very thankful the lobby had cameras or else there would be no proof of this happening.  

Alya could decide between being hurt or confused; hurt by Lila’s lies or confused by the fact Marinette knew THE Damian Wayne.

Adrien was concerned; this was just going to cause more problems, why couldn’t Marinette just stay low?

Lila was seething, how is it that when she finally won over the class of idiots and turns them against Marinette, Marinette goes and somehow charms one of the riches and coldest people in the world!  This could not continue.  Lila slipped away; unknowingly catching Dick’s eye.

The rest of the class was just in awe of the sweet atmosphere around the two.

That atmosphere was broken when the sound of screaming and breaking began, a giant form comes busting into the lobby.

“Hello everyone, I am Arachnae and with no Ladybug or Chat Noir around, you all will be nothing but flies in my beautiful web.”

Arachnae was a human torso on a spider’s body, her entire form was covered in bright orange fuzz; head to the tip of each spidery leg.  The form was also very clearly Lila; she had her face and hair and the necklace she always wore, but the one thing different about Lila’s is that she now had 8 eyes.

Dick was the first to react.

“What the %&$@!”

Arachnae let out a hiss and shot webs from her hands; the strands aimed mostly at the class and Marinette.  The people that got hit were turned into little soulless puppets for Arachnae to play with and amuse herself.

Marinette jumped to dodge the web, hitting the ground running; looking for a place to hide, Captain at her side.

“Marinette!”

When Marinette dodged she threw herself away from Damian, causing him to worry, but his yell brought Arachnae’s attention to them.

“Ah yes Marinette, when I catch you I’m going to make you miserable!  And your little dog too!”

Arachnae charged at Marinette.

“Damian run!  She’s focused on me, go get help!” Marinette yelled, before she and Captain took off.

The chase began, with Arachnae destroying anything that got in her path.  As she ran Marinette began looking for a place to transform, counting on Captain to guild her around Arachnae’s attacks.  Eventually Arachnae ends up bringing the ceiling down and blocked herself from Marinette and Captain.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Arachnae screamed in rage. “FINE, I’LL JUST PLAY WITH MY NEW TOYS UNTIL YOU COME BACK! I KNOW YOU WILL YOU USELESS GIRL!”

Marinette looked around for a place without cameras and spotted a closet.

“This will have to do Captain.” Marinette said to Captain, as she closed them both inside. “Tikki? Trixx?”

“Ready!” They chimed together, flying from their hiding spots.

“Alright, now; Tikki Spots On!”

*Bark!*

With a flash of light Ladybug and Hunter were ready.  Looking around she saw some vents she and Hunter could crawl though, so the cameras didn’t see her.

 In the Lobby:

Arachnae had gotten most of the people in the lobby, except for three; Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, and Adrien, her biggest targets outside Marinette.

“Just surrender to me, it would make this all so much easier!” Arachnae hissed at the boys, sending more webs and puppet people at them.

Dick and Damian had managed to dodge webs, puppets and Arachnae; Adrien was hiding behind a plant behind Arachnae, but they were also trapped in the lobby and running out of options.  Titus was running around, unable to get to Damian and Dick.

*Bark, Bark, Bark*

“Shut up, you dumb mutt!” Arachnae hissed, raising one spider leg bring it down on Titus.

“Titus!” Damian yelled.

Just as the Arachnae’s leg was about to hit a string from a ceiling vent wrapped around it and pulled. Arachnae was pulled with such force she toppled over, and two figures fell out of the vents.

“I don’t know how you got Akumatized outside of Paris, but that doesn’t mean you’ll win.”

“Ladybug.” Arachnae snarled.

“What?  Not happy to see me?”

Arachnae gave a war cry and launch herself at the duo.  Ladybug and Hunter jumped out of the way, Ladybug in the opposite direction of the people, Hunter grabbing Titus and bring him over to Damian and Dick. After dropping Titus off Hunter went back to Ladybug’s side; who was dodging Arachnae’s webs and people puppets, and bit one of Arachnae’s spider legs.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH” Arachnae let loose a scream of pain, she turned to Hunter. “You God awful waste of space!”

While facing Hunter, Arachnae left herself for a hit; but the hit wasn’t from Ladybug.  A small black blur cut Arachnae across the arm.

Arachnae hissed at the contact, as Batman dropped down from another vent in the ceiling.

“Batman?!  What are you doing here!” Arachnae growled.

“Really Lila?!  We’re I Gotham, you’re causing trouble and you expect Batman not to show up?” Ladybug’s exasperated voice came.

“Shut-up! And it’s Arachnae!” Arachnae snarled, clearly humiliated.

Batman threw a few more baterangs that exploded into smoke bombs and ran over to Ladybug and Hunter.

“What’s going on?” Batman asked.

“That is Lila, she has been akumatized,” Ladybug started. “Not sure how outside Paris, but that’s worry for later, but we need to find the akumatized object and break it.  That will make her lose any power she has.”

“What’s the object?”

“The only thing it could be is the necklace, everything else is just orange fuzz, but getting close to her is dangerous.  If you get hit by her web, you’ll become her puppet and I rather not fight you Batman.”

“What are your names?”

“I’m Ladybug and this is my partner Hunter.”

*Woof*

The smoke was beginning to clear from Arachnae’s face.

“We better hurry before she…”

Ladybug was cut off by a voice.

“Don’t worry Milady I’ll help you!” Chat yelled, while trying to jump in, only to get hit by on of Arachnae’s webs.

“Not again Chat!” Ladybug cried.

“Does that happen often?” Batman asked, disappointed.

“More than I’ll ever truly admit to” Muttered Ladybug.

“Oh, this perfect! Or should I say purrfect?” Arachnae jeered, as Chat puppet now dangled at the end of her web.

Batman tried to cut the web by throwing some baterangs at it, but they just bounced off.  Arachnae then sent a swarm of people puppets at them. Ladybug then had an idea.

“Batman, I need you to throw more smoke bombs.”

He did as he was instructed.

“Hunter!” Ladybug called out.

Hunter let loose a howl.

Once Hunter’s howl was done Ladybug grabbed Batman and ran behind a pillar.  Once the smoke was cleared Batman carefully looked around the pillar and was stunned when he saw the figures of himself, Ladybug and hunter were still there; Moving, talking and just outright distracting Arachnae.

“How?” Batman was blunt in his question.

“Hunter can cast an illusion, but he can only cast it once before he’s on a time limit.” Ladybug explained.

“And you?”

“This; Lucky Charm!” Ladybug through her Yo-yo in the air and what came down was a bottle of peppermint extract.

Batman gave Ladybug a confused look.

“Lucky Charm only gives me what I need, not what I want.” Ladybug clarified looking around and spotted the sprinklers in the ceiling. “I have an idea; do you think you can cut the necklace off of her neck?”

“Yes.” Batman replied, catching on to her idea.

Arachnae just managed to destroy the illusion; disappearing in a puff of smoke, when Hunter and Batman dropped in front of her.

“Why won’t you do things MY way!” Arachnae screamed.

“Because your way is wrong.” Batman stated, throwing baterangs at her.

Hunter jumped at her spidery legs, barking and biting at them; because he was under her she couldn’t shoot webs at him, but his biting allowed enough distraction for Batman to try and target the necklace.

As the three battled, Ladybug made her way up to the sprinkler system; carefully hooking up the bottle.  Once it was secured Ladybug dropped to the floor and pulled the nearest fire alarm; causing the sprinkler system to go off.

Since Lila was currently part spider, and spiders don’t like peppermint, she started to scream and curl herself into a ball.

Batman saw the opening and accomplished cutting off the necklace; which Hunter caught and brought over to Ladybug.  

Ladybug broke the necklace and release the akuma, catching it with her Yo-yo and cleansing it.

“Bye, Bye butterfly.”

After she was done cleansing the butterfly, Ladybug turned to Hunter and held out her fist.

“Pound it.”

Hunter bumped his nose against her fist

As Lady was cleansing the akuma, and ‘Pounding it’ with Hunter, Batman turned off the sprinklers a brought back the Luck Charm.

“I’m sorry for the trouble.” Ladybug said taking the charm. “I really don’t understand how she did this.”

“Gotham’s use to damage.”

“It doesn’t make it okay, but don’t worry I have something for it.” Ladybug smiled, “Miraculous Ladybug!” Ladybug tossed the bottle in the air and it exploded into thousands of little sparkly pink ladybugs.

The ladybugs swarmed over everything, reversing all the damage, turning people back to normal and healing any injuries.

The barricade Dick, Damian and Titus were behind was cleaned up and put away, leaving two stunned people and a very happy dog; Titus bounced over to Hunter to say Hi.

“Holy Sh*t! How!?” Dick asked looking around.

“Magic!” Ladybug chirped.

A groan caught Ladybug’s attention; it was Lila.  Ladybug made her way over to her.

“So, here we are again Lila.” Ladybug said in a scolding tone.

Lila tried desperately to come up with an excuse.

“It wasn’t my Fault Ladybug! Hawkmoth…”

Ladybug cut her off.

“Hawkmoth doesn’t have the power to akumatize someone in another country, let alone one across an ocean, or he would have been doing it from the start.  Now how did you get akumatized Lila.”

“You can’t prove anything!” Lila tried.

“I can.” Batman said, pulling up some security feed on his computer gauntlet, he projected it for all to see.

The video was of Lila slipping into a hallway, clearly trying not to be seen by people, and when she was done double checking her surroundings; she pulled a little glass jar out of her bag.  That jar contained a purple butterfly.  Lila then opened the jar and let the akuma to fuse with her necklace; creating Arachnae.

The people from Paris gasped.

“I-it isn’t what it looks like…” Lila began.

“Really, because to me this looks like you are either helping a known terrorist or wanted the destructive power at your disposal for whenever you felt necessary.” Ladybug was disgusted, turned to Batman. “Gotham, America in general, are not my territory; how do you want to handle this?”

“The young lady is clearly a threat to people and has purposely tried to harm them; she will be facing justice.” Batman said pulling out a pair of hand cuffs.

“What?...No!  YOU CAN’T!  I’M THE DAUGHTER OF A DIPLOMAT! TWO OF THEM!” Lila tried to fight Batman off, but without the power of the akuma she had no chance.

Around this time the GPD showed up, Batman gave them a quick run down about what happened, and they took Lila away; Batman would be dropping by later with the evidence.  A few stayed behind to take statements.

A frantic beeping was heard.

“I’m sorry Batman; Hunter and I have to return to Paris, out time is almost up.”

“Before you go can you tell how you got here?”

“The horse miraculous can teleport,” Even more beeping, “Thank you for your help Batman, come on Hunter.”

*Bark*

With that Ladybug and Hunter were gone through the vent they entered, leaving Batman and a disoriented Chat behind.  Batman made his way over to Chat.

“How did you get here?” Batman asked, Chat clearly hadn’t come with Ladybug, so he needed to know.

“Uhhh…Got to go!” Chat just ran off.

Batman knew he was just going revert to civilian state somewhere in the building, he’ll look at the security feed later.

“Damian!” Marinette busted into the new repaired lobby with Captain right beside her.

“Marinette!” Damian yelled running over to her “Are you alright?”

“I should be asking you that!  You were the one trapped with her!”

Batman was shocked to see Damian be sweet with a girl, with anyone really, and subtlety glance at Dick. Dick smiled and mouthed ‘Future girlfriend’ to him.

As Damian and Marinette were connecting, Batman noticed a blond boy run into the lobby; from the same hallway Chat ran down.

“Marinette, what were you thinking?” the blond asked running over to her and Damian, interrupting them.

Just as Adrien was about to reach her Captain stepped in front of her in a protective stance; Titus joined him, causing him to stop short.

“Adrien, what are you talking about?” Marinatte asked, standing behind her furry guards.  Damian wrapping his arm around her for comfort.

“You caused Lila to be akumatized!”

“What!  No, I/she didn’t!” Marinette and Damian yelled.

“Yes, she did, if Marinette has just stayed low none of this would have happened.” Adrien insisted.

Batman intervened before Damian could break the boys jaw.

“Young man we have proof that Lila Rossi voluntarily did the ‘akumatization’ to herself.  This young lady had nothing to do with it.”

“B-But Batman; if Marinette hadn’t exposed Lila…” Adrien began, only to be cut off by Dick.

“Hey kid, I’m the one who called out that liar and are you insinuating that you KNEW that she was lying to her classmates?”

“W-Well she wasn’t hurting anyone.”

“Kid you need a lesson on toxic people; BADLY.” Dick shook his head at Adrien.

Adrien was about to say something when he felt a hand on his shoulder; he turned, it was Batman.

“Please return to your class, the police will take your statement.”

“What about Marinette?” Adrien tried, wanting the girl to came back with him and away from Damian and his dog; not that Captain would let him get close.

“I’ll be the one taking her statement, now please return to your class.” Batman stood firm in this.

“I’ll take him back Batman.” Dick offered, grabbing Adrien’s shoulder.

So Adrien shuffled away; being lead by Dick, continuedly glancing over his should at the group.

“Is this normal behaviour for him Angel?” Damian asked.

“When I don’t do what he wants, yes.” Marinette confirmed.

Damian made a face at her answer, but before they could farther into that talk Batman had a question.

“Miss can you tell me more about these ‘Akuma’ and what happened with Ms. Rossi.”

“Sure.” Marinette sighed, “But you’re going to need some back story as well.”

Batman nodded his assent and Marinette gave the entire rundown about what is happening in Paris and the amount of rolls Lila played as an Akuma.  When she was done Marinette was out of breath but looked like the world had been removed from her shoulders.  Damian had pulled her closer as she spoke, and Captain and Titus were trying to cuddle up to her.

There was a beat of silence before Batman spoke.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know how the League missed what was happening.”

“It’s fine Batman, I know the League would never let us flounder if they knew what was going on.” Marinette assured, “Honestly I think magic had something to do with that, but I’m not sure WHY the mayor didn’t contact you.”

“It will be investigated, thank you for your time.” Batman then walked off to talk to an officer.

Once he was gone Damian turned to Marinette; who was still in his arms.

“Are you sure you’re alright Angel?”

“I’m fine Damian, I promise, Captain and I hid in a closet.  Thank you for staying with me though, talking about akums and Lila just takes a lot out of me.”

“Consider what you told me yesterday and what you just told Batman, I think it’s a miracle that you were akumatized yourself.”

“I work hard not to be, but I should be allowed to feel bad without Hawkmoth trying to take advantage of me.” Marinette sighed.

A commotion of noise grabbed their attention, it was Marinette’s class; they were arguing amongst themselves.

“I really don’t wat to go back over there; that looks like pure drama.” Marinette groaned.

“Drama that could have been avoided if they had any common sense.” Damian commented, “Since you don’t wish to rejoin your class, and you’ve already given you statement, would you and Captain like to join Titus and I for lunch again?  We’ll still be in the building and I’ll let Grayson know what’s going on.”

“That sounds wonderful Damian.”

Captain gave a small tail wag and Titus was just happy to spend more time with Marinette and Captain.

“Then it is agreed.” Damian said, sending off a text to Dick and then holding out his arm to Marinette. “Shall we?”

Marinette giggled and took the arm.

“We shall.”

Damian began to lead Marinette and the dogs to the cafeteria.

“I hope the Wayne family isn’t too mad at the problems my class caused.” Marinette commented, making Damian freeze in his tracks.

“Damian?”

“Angel I should let you know; because I would hate you to think I lied to you, but I am Damian WAYNE son of Bruce Wayne.”

“Oh.” Marinette blinked, “Well I hope you and your family aren’t too mad at my class.”

Damian’s was stunned, Marinette saw the look.

“Damian, clearly your family is important, but that doesn’t matter to me; what matters is that you are a good person.  I’ve met other kids from important families, but they were terrible, and I wanted nothing to do with them.  You’ve already proven to be a great person and that’s all I need.”

Damian gave a soft smile.

“Thank you, Angel, you truly are treasure.”

“So, your family won’t be mad?” Marinette asked.

“Nope, Gotham sees more damage than any other place in America, so the problems Rossi caused wouldn’t raise any more attention.” Damian explained. “The fact is was repaired by a hero from Paris will actually draw more attention.”

“Oh.”

“Indeed, now shall we continue to lunch Angel?”

“Definitely.”

So, arm in arm Damian and Marinette went to lunch; Captain and Titus trotting along with them.

 End.

That was Dogs are a Ladybug’s best friend.

 Also

 Extra:

The Day after the Akuma attack:

Wayne Enterprise Employee - *Crying*

Bruce - *Very concerned* What’s wrong?!

WEE - *Still crying* N-Nothing.

Bruce – But you’re crying.

WEE- *Crying* I’m happy!

Bruce – Happy?

WEE - *Crying* Ladybug fixed everything!

Bruce - *Warry* Yes…

WEE - *Crying harder* We don’t need to redo all the paper work!  Or do the added paper work for the repairs!

Other Employees nearby - *Start crying in happiness as well* No extra paper work!

Bruce - *Has no idea how to respond*…

 Extra 2:

Before the trip to Gotham:

Alya – *On her phone* Ooooo a new interview with Ladybug

Alya clicks on the link

Interviewer – So Ladybug who is the new fox?

Alya - *Screaming* NEW FOX!

Ladybug – This is Hunter, he is the new and permanent fox.

Alya – PERMANENT?!

Interviewer – May ask what happen to the old fox?

Ladybug – You can ask, but I won’t give you an answer; I won’t let you take what happened and turn it into a hot topic.

Interviewer – I see…What can you tell us.

Ladybug – Hunter is my trusted partner, don’t be afraid he’s here to help you and me.  Please give him the same respect you would gave me.

Interviewer – Of course!  There has also been a talk about you and Hunter doing a ‘Pound it’ is it true?

Ladybug – This is true, would you like to see?

Interviewer – Yes!

Ladybug – Hunter!

Hunter - *Bark*

Alya – A DOG!!!!! I’VE BEEN REPLACED BY A DOG!!!!!

Ladybug - *Holding out her fist* Pound it!

Hunter - *Bumps nose against Ladybug’s fist*

Interviewer – Awwwwwwwwwww.

Ladybug - *Smiling* I’m sorry, but hunter and I have to go.

Interviewer - *Nodding their head* Thank you for your time Ladybug, Hunter.

Ladybug and Hunter leave.

Interviewer - *Facing the camera* Well there you have folks, we have a new fox!

Alya couldn’t watch the rest of the interview.

Alya – AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

 Extra 3:

Wayne House hold:

They were sitting down to dinner.

Bruce – So, Damian.

Damian – Yes Father.

Bruce – When will you be bringing Marinette over for dinner?

Damian - *Chokes on food* F-Father?!

Dick – Yeah little D, we need to meet your girlfriend properly!

Damian – Grayson!

Jason/Tim – GIRLFRIEND?????

Damian - *Turning red* She’s not my girlfriend!

Bruce - *Smiling* But you called her ‘Angel’.

Damian – FATHER!!!

Tim – When did this happen?!

Jason – What the h*ll did we miss?!

 Extra 4:

Batcave:

Bruce - *Looking at the security footage*

Damian – Father, what are you looking at?

Bruce – Take a look.

Damian sees the blonde boy (Adrien, if he recalled) hiding behind a plant arguing with the air, before he was surrounded by a green light and reappeared as Chat.

Damian - *Not impressed* So he’s a failure on all fronts.

Bruce – So it seems.

 Extra 5:

Adrien Hiding behind the plant when the Attack was going on:

Adrien – *Whispering* Plagg we need to do something!

Plagg – How do you plain on explaining how ‘Chat’ got here?

Adrien – No ones going to ask that.

Plagg – Yes, they will!

Adrien – No, they won’t.

Plagg – Your class may not, but there are others here that have more than one brain cell!

Adrien – Plagg! That was rude!

Ladybug and Hunter show up.

Adrien – *Dreamy sigh* Ladybug…

Plagg – And her PARTNER Hunter.

Adrien - *Not paying attention* Plagg I need to transform.

Plagg – Are you nuts! You can’t transform here!  People will see!

Adrien - *Still paying more attention to Ladybug* Alright Plagg let’s do this…

Plagg - *Beyond frustrated* Kid!

Adrien – Plagg; Claws out!

Plagg - *Is done and wants a new holder*

[pollenat]

SEVENTEEN and Late night talks

➛ A small experimental post. There are two (2) dirty jokes, and a whole lot of vomit-worthy fluff (ok, it’s super cheesy).

S.COUPS

“You looked really pretty today. You always do, but today just felt slightly different.”

“What do you like the most in me?” “Where’s that coming from?” “Just answer the question, please.” “Hmm, I love everything about you. I love your determination, your hair, your smile, your voice, your sweet words- Do you want me to go on? Yes? Well, I also love...”

“I have this theory...” “What theory?” “That I’m the most good-looking man on Earth. True or false?” “True. Your parents did an excellent job.” “Ahh, now I’m embarrassed.” “But you’re not embarrassed of asking me whether you are the most handsome man?” “I was just joking around! That’s different!”

“What? Are we not going to talk about the elephant in the room?” “Seungcheol...” “No, you can’t just watch such an eventful episode with me, and go to sleep straight after.” “You want to rub in my face that you were right about the traitor.” “But I was right, wasn’t I? My mind surprises me at times!”

“I love spending nights together. Thank you for being here.” “That sounds as if I was your hookup.” “What? I was being romantic!” “I know.” “You always get awkward whenever I flirt with you.” “Yes, and I don’t understand why you’re still torturing me.” “Because that’s cute.”

JEONGHAN

“Ah, you aren’t going to fall asleep on me, are you? You barely had time for me this week. Let’s talk. And don’t look at me like that. If you love me, you’ll stay awake and talk to me.” “That’s blackmailing.” “No, that’s a fact.”

“I know we aren’t on speaking terms, but I want to tell you something I just thought of.” “Hmm?” “You must face me first, I don’t want to talk to the back of your head.” “There are times when you don’t mind seeing my back.” “What are you- Ugh! You’re so dirty minded!”

“You didn’t take a shower today, hmm? Your armpits smell.” “Nobody told you to smell them.” “Hey! I didn’t say it’s bad. Don’t turn away from me!” “No. This way you won’t have to suffocate from my tragic smell.” “I was just messing around with you!”

“I want to eat beef.” “Jeonghan, it’s 2 AM.” “So? I want to eat beef anyway.” “Okay, I’ll buy you beef, but later.” “Now, that’s what I call dirty talking.” “Disgusting. Just go to sleep.” “Yeah, yeah. I know you enjoy it as much as I do.”

“I love you a whole lot. I hope you know that. Snore if you know.”

JOSHUA

“You know, you’ve got some death grip right there.” “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize I was holding your hand so tightly.” “It’s alright. You can grip it as tight as you want. Now tell me what’s on your mind.”

“We should go out tomorrow.” “What’s with the sudden date planning?” “Oh, so it will be a date?” “We’re literally dating.” “Okay, I like such straight-forward people.” “Joshua- Whatever.” “It was cute, and then you’ve ruined it. Why can’t you just play along?” “Goodnight.”

“I’m really happy to have you in my life.”

“Josh?” “Yes? What is it?” “Will you still love me when I’m old, wrinkly and slow?” “Why wouldn’t I? Of course I’ll still love you.” “Okay. Just needed to check.” “You shouldn’t check things like that.” “It didn’t hurt, did it?” “You’re making me feel bad.”

“I know I joke a lot with you, and we sometimes get angry at one another, but I honestly can’t go an hour without thinking about you. So don’t ever push me away. I want to know whether you think about me too.”

JUN

“Did you just turn away from me?” “Jun, let me sleep.” “No, hug me first. I need attention. And don’t *sigh* me!”

“Why is your head so heavy? Hmm? You’re asleep, aren’t you? Ah, of course you are.”

“Do you ever think about how people could have tails? I mean, we do have coccyx.” “You want to have a tail?” “I wouldn’t mind, I guess.” “Dude, your hybrid au bias is showing.” “But tails are cool!” “Yeah, you could flap flies away, like a cow.” “Or show my disapproval, like a cat.” “If I had it, I would wag it to enlighten you about my sarcasm.”

“You know that you have the cutest habits when you’re asleep?” “Is this a subtle way of telling me you prefer me when I’m unconscious?” “No, I’m just trying to compliment you. Take it or leave it.”

“Leave your phone and go to sleep. What are you even looking at? I’m right here. Shouldn’t you be paying attention to your boyfriend first and foremost?” “I’m just going to reply to a message- What are you doing? Why did you take my phone?” “Relax. I’m helping you fix your sleep schedule. Now come. Lie with me. I may even give you a forehead kiss!” “You know how to appeal.” “Obviously.”

HOSHI

“You know, we should try dyeing our hair the same color one day. Wouldn’t it be funny?” “Go to sleep, Soonyoung.” “But it would be funny, right? Say it.” “No.” “See? You say that, but I know you think the same as I do.”

“Okay, but I just thought of a really good joke. You’ve got to hear it!” “It’s not a pun, is it?” “What else were you expecting? Of course it’s a pun.” “Ugh, alright. Shoot. It better be good.”

“Do you think I’m talented?” “Of course! How dare you ask me something like that?” “I just felt like asking you. These days I don’t feel so good about myself.” “I understand. Everybody feels down at some point in their life.” “That sucks.” “It does. But that’s why you also need me - to make you feel better! And shower you in love!” “Mmm- Isn’t it too late for kisses?” “It’s never too late for kisses!” “Touché.”

“I’m the happiest when we’re together, like that. You don’t have to do anything. Just be for me.”

“The things I would do to you...” “Like what?” “Like give you a shirt to cover your chest, because it’s cold as hell, mister! Don’t you have any respect for your health?” “I thought we were going naughty.” “You are being naughty! Now dress up!”

WONWOO

“Hey, look out the window! There’s a shooting star! Make a wish.” “Mmm, I did.” “So what did you wish for?” “I’m not telling you, Wonwoo! Don’t you know how wishes work?” “I know. Just wanted to invalidate yours.” “Well, you shouldn’t, because it includes you.” “Really?”

“Baby...” “Say it again.” “Baby.” “Wow, Wonwoo. You really do know how to make a heart flutter.” “But it’s cringey.” “No, it’s not! It’s sweet!” “You have a weird taste. I feel like some sleazy guy when saying it.” “You know nothing. Now say it again!”

“You’re really precious to me. Even with your mouth open and drool coming out of it... Adorable.”

“Hard to believe nobody else decided to go on a walk this evening. The weather is so nice.” “It’s Thursday. People want to go to bed early.” “Well, yeah, but shouldn’t we use every occasion to unwind?” “We? Yes. Others? Not so much. I like going on walks with you when nobody is around.”

“I have a confession to make.” “In the middle of the night?” “Yes. I can’t sleep because of it.” “Then say it if you have to.” “I was the one that broke you favorite mug.” “...okay?” “You’re not angry?” “I knew it was you.” “And you said nothing?” “Well, apology would be nice to hear, but a mug is just a mug, right? What’s important is that you didn’t hurt yourself. And if you feel so bad, you can buy me a new one.”

WOOZI

“Hey, have you seen my black sweatshirt? I can’t find it.” “Which one?” “With red lyrics.” “Hmm, maybe it got mixed up with my laundry. Do you want me to check now?” “No. In the morning. I don’t want you up at this hour.”

“There are moments when you’re afraid to speak, but I love the sound of your voice and always look forward to hearing it. I wish you’d know that.”

“Would you rather be a rat or a mouse?” “Without a doubt, a mouse.” “Why?” “Rats are larger and scarier. If I was a mouse I would have bigger chances of survival, and people would be more likely to consider adopting me.” “I would adopt you, even if you were a rat.” “Thanks. That’s really nice of you.”

“Jihoon?” “Did I wake you up?” “N-no. But why are you out of bed?” “Couldn’t sleep.” “So you chose- 2 AM a proper hour to make yourself some instant soup?” “Well, I was hungry.” “You should watch out for what you put in yourself. This is unhealthy.” “I’m too tired to care about things like that.” “Wait, we still have some leftovers. I will warm it up for you.” “But-” “Shh, you’re not eating an instant soup for dinner. Not with me around.”

“Mm...” “What are you doing?” “I’m cold. Share some body heat.” “There.” “Ah.” “Better?” “Much. You’re so warm.” “Well- Thank you?”

DK

“Seokmin.” “Yes?” “Don’t touch me there, it tickles.” “Oh... Really?” ‘Seokmin, no.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “N-no, stop!”

“Tell me a bedtime story.” “What would you like to hear?” “Anything. But make us the main characters! Oh, and give it a happy ending! And a kissing scene! And a sword fight! And maybe a loyal dog companion! And a village named after us! And...”

“Do you ever wonder what would our lives be like, if we hadn’t met each other?” “Why would I? Do you?” “Normally, no. But it just came to me right now, and I honestly don’t see it.” “Aww! You can’t live without me?” “Well, I suppose I could, but I wouldn’t want to.” “I’m both flattered and offended, although you’re right.”

“Tomorrow, let’s stay in bed for the whole day. I don’t want to see anything other than you, and this room.”

“I hope you’re dreaming about me. But in a good way! But not too good! So you won’t be disappointed with my real self!” “Seok?” “Umm- Yes?” “I could never be disappointed with your real self.” “Oh, okay.”

MINGYU

“Hey, are you awake?” “Mmm, yes.” “Oh. Good, because I can’t fall asleep. Will you help me?” “How?” “I don’t know. You can just talk about your day.” “You’re making me do all the hard work?” “Please?” “You and your cute face- Stop pouting!”

“Do I snore?” “Where did that come from?” “ Don’t know, just curious.” “I haven’t caught you snoring yet. Are you satisfied?” “I guess? But do I make any sound? It’s important!” “You breathe, Mingyu. Rather quietly, but I can hear it.” “Does it bother you?” “Why would the sound of you breathing bother me? It’s nice. I know you’re close.”

“At times I have this strong urge to hear your laugh. But I shouldn’t wake you up just for that, right? It would make me a bad boyfriend.”

“Babe.” “Yes?” “You mean a lot to me.” “You mean a lot to me too.” “You also make me really really really happy.” “You also make me really really really happy too.” “Good.” “Gyu?” “Yes?” “I love you too.”

“Never have I ever... Kissed a guy named Mingyu.” “Now that’s cheating.” “Oh, is it? I wish I could kiss myself. Bet I’m excellent, huh?” “Ehh-” “What do you mean Ehh?” “I wouldn’t go with excellent-” “WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY EHH?!”

THE8

“What would you do if tomorrow was your last day on Earth?” “That’s tough... I would take you on a hike.” “I knew you would say that.” “Really? Why?” “We do that every other week, after all. And you love the artistry of nature. It would be symbolic, wouldn’t it?” “Yes. We would lie on the grass, surrounded by trees, and watch huge meteors fall from the sky.”

“Hey.” “Hmm?” “I think you had a bad dream, so I woke you up.” “I did. Thanks.” “You want to talk about it?” “Mmm... Not really?” “That’s okay. We can just lie together, alright?” “Yes, please. And Minghao?” “Yes?” “I love you a lot.” “And I love you a lot. Now come on, lie with me.”

“-and then he turned around, and left without another word! Was I wrong to point his mistake out?” “I totally understand why he got irritated, but you also had every right to speak of it. After all, you had no bad intentions behind it.” “Yes. I just hope he comes back to his senses.” “Don’t worry. You’re good friends. Earlier or later, things will work out.”

“My little sunshine.” “Stop! You’re calling me that only to get a reaction out of me!” “Maybe... But you’re too adorable when you’re embarrassed. How can I stop myself?”

“Sleep well, and spare me some good dreams, alright?”

SEUNGKWAN

“I can’t believe you! Stop stealing the duvet! It’s cold!” “You should’ve bought me a bigger one then.” “You’re shameless.” “Just cuddle me. Then we won’t need a bigger duvet.” “You and your smart solutions...” “I’m saving you money.” “Why can’t you just buy it for yourself?” “Because I’m your significant other and you should buy things for me!”

“Snoring, aren’t we? I should be mad, but honestly, you’re too cute for me to nag.”

“You know what? Maybe watching that movie wasn’t the wisest decision we’ve made. And I’m not scared, to clear things out, but I’m sure you are. So if you’re so disturbed by it, I guess we can cuddle tonight.” “Who said I’m-” “Shh, it’s okay, honey. Your Boo is here.”

“Sometimes I question reality.” “Um, okay?” “Like, what if we’re just puppets? Aliens are actually ruling over our lives, and when we fall asleep, they move to another part of the world to watch over other people’s minds?” “Honey. Baby. Sweetheart. Love of my life. I did not need to hear that, but you do need to go to sleep.” “Ah.” “But thinking about it, that may just be the alien speaking, instead of me!” “Right?”

“Let’s not fall asleep yet.” “Okay. What do you want to do instead?” “Just... Talk. I’m alright with talking.” “Then start the conversation.” “Why don’t you start instead? I’ve initiated it, you could help me out!” “But you’re the one that wanted to talk.” “I’m also your boyfriend who told you of his wish. You talk!” “We’re already talking in a sense?” “No, we’re arguing! I didn’t want to have an argument.”

VERNON

“Vernon, what are you doing?” “Huh?” “You were lying with your eyes wide open.” “Oh, I was just thinking.” “About?” “That song I once heard. I remember the melody, but not the lyrics.” “Hum it for me, maybe I know it.”

“Look, there are so many stars on the sky tonight.” “Mhm, I wonder how many of them are fake.” “Oh, shut up and don’t ruin this moment for me. Just enjoy the view.”

“Don’t worry about tomorrow. Whatever happens, things like that don’t define us. And I’ll be right here. Always.”

“Good job today.” “Thank you? Where is that coming form?” “Just thought you needed to hear it.” “Sometimes I theorize that you can read minds, and moments like these only prove me right.”

“I think we need to drop the late night snacks.” “Why?” “I just got my butt impaled on a nacho.” “That’s a lucky nacho! Eat it.” “Are you serious? What else am I supposed to do with it? Okay, it’s the last day. Starting tomorrow - no more late night snacks.”

CHAN

“I wonder when I’ll get to sleep on Mars.” “You want to sleep on Mars?” “Don’t you? I’m really curious.” “We’ve still got a lot of time. Maybe when we’re in our fifties, they’ll finish building a hotel on Mars.” “It’ll cost a lot, won’t it? I should probably start saving then.”

“When I said that we should listen to music, I didn’t mean for it to turn into a sad jamming session.” “It’s not my fault I forgot how sad this song is!” “Well- Hey! Are you really that moved?” “It’s a really sad song!” “You’re a baby. Come, I’ll warm you up with a hug.” “Thanks. You’re the best, Chan.” “You’re very welcome.”

“Goodnight. I love you.”

“You’re beautiful.” “Huh?” “You’re really beautiful.” “Where did that come from?” “I’m speaking my mind. I think you’re beautiful.” “Geez, you’re so cheesy.” “Don’t worry. Even embarrassed you is beautiful.”

“Shouldn’t you be asleep?” “Probably.” “Then why aren’t you?” “I can’t sleep. My head feels full.” “A lot to think about? Don’t worry. I’m right here. I know I can’t solve every single one of your problems, but I’ll do my best to cheer you up.”

➛ pollenat’s list of reactions

➛ pollenat’s list of shorts

[crystalirises]

The Final Answer (36 Questions AU 9/13)

Pain ;-;

Also robbed you guys of the line “I was speedrunning on a Tuesday night” for the previous chapter.

Ninth part.

REALITY

They settled back to their respective positions, their barely touched dinners left on the table as they curled up on the chair Dream had sat on. A momentary silence hung over the air, though it wasn’t as awkward or as tense as one might expect. They were both exhausted, their heads leaning against each other as they cherished the moment they had together. Their fingers were entangled, the warmth of their bodies mixing in with the other. It was a damning reminder of the cold they had both felt the first few days when they went to sleep, the other not by their side. Dream had gone to sleep the first night, hoping that when he awoke, Fundy would be curled into his arms. He held onto this moment. Fundy had gone to sleep the first night, tears in his eyes as he looked into a room that wasn’t his own. He clung to this moment. It was a fragile and loving peace, one they haven’t had in a long time. Not since the war began, and not since the war ended. Both of them feared to break it, but one of them had to. The tranquility had to end at some point.

“This is nice.” Fundy whispered, nuzzling his face to the crook of Dream’s neck. He felt the blonde shift beside him, a gentle arm wrapping around his form as Dream pulled him closer to his side. His heart pounded painfully in his chest, wishing that he could stop everything and remain in the blonde’s embrace for as long as he wanted. Thepitter-patter of rain echoed from beyond the safety of their little cabin, a world and time away from what they had then and there. Batry squeaked contentedly, flapping their wings on the small perch on the ceiling that they had settled on. Fundy missed the warmth of the home they shared. He missed the nights they used to spend together. He missed the lazy days where he would turn in bed to see a freckled face with beautiful forest green eyes that gazed at him as if he was the world. “I miss this. I miss us.”

“I miss you.” Dream buried his face in Fundy’s hair, laughing as a twitchy ear slapped him against his cheek. Fundy’s hair smelt like sunlight, bits of sand still stuck on the soft red strands. Dream really didn’t understand why Fundy would choose the desert of all places. He always thought that if Fundy ran away, he’d run towards the taiga lands. He had actually checked there first and almost got mauled by wolves. He hummed beneath his breath, content to hold his husband like this for the rest of the night.

Fundy sighed softly, knowing he would have to break the peace. “We should go back to the questions, huh?” He felt Dream tremble beside him.

“… If that’s what you want.”

“Isn’t that what we both want?” Fundy glanced up, nearly hitting his head on Dream’s jaw. He laughed softly, “You hunted me down to Dry Waters for that sole reason, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t hunt you down, Fundy.” Dream scoffed into his husband’s hair, pressing closer as if doing so would make him forget the situation they were both in. He felt a hand swat his shoulder, a playful gesture that Dream hoped didn’t harbor any resentment. He leaned towards Fundy, hoping that the fox hybrid wouldn’t pull away as soon as they resumed the questions. He liked the moment they were sharing. He didn’t want to let go. “I went to look for you… And it’s your turn to ask the next question.”

“Right.” Fundy’s gaze flickered over to the ceiling of the cabin. He recalled the hour before his first date with Dream, his mind had been a flurry of worry as he thought of how he could possibly make it a night to remember. As he paced the restaurant floor, a series of questions flew into his mind. The questions his father had asked his mother… at least that’s Wilbur said. Wilbur loved to change the narrative. “Question 12. ‘If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?’”

“It’s pretty hard to top admin magic.” Dream murmured beneath his breath, Fundy humming as if in confirmation. Dream wracked through his brain, wondering what he could possibly answer. He glanced around the room, at Fundy… the love of his life. “Maybe… if I could gain one quality, it would be … actually being normal for once.”

“Well, if I could have one ability, I would like invisibility.” Fundy felt Dream’s chest move, a wheeze echoing through the room. “What? It’ll be so much easier to scam and rob people that way. I wouldn’t have to worry about getting caught, ya know?”

"Of course you would pick invisibility. Why am I surprised?" Dream remembered the time he had given Fundy a taste of admin magic. The fox hybrid spent his entire day doing nothing but pranks to anyone who unfortunately got into the crossfire. He would have let him keep a bit of magic if it didn't mean chaos. "Question 13. 'If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?'"

"I'd definitely want to know why my family is the way it is. Like, you've seen how fucked it is right? I have a grandpa who's the 'Angel of Death' or some shit that I don't know about. I have an uncle who probably wants to murder me for being an orphan and another uncle who my ex-husband exiled to fuck knows where." Fundy rolled his eyes as he listed every member he could think of. He wasn't even going to mention the fridge – his supposed grandmother, according to his father. Speaking of, "Then I have a dad who's now a ghost and was probably a fish-fucker. Yeah! I want to know which deity cursed this fucked-up family tree. I love them, Dream you know that. But... I... I don't understand it. I don't know how any of that works."

Dream blinked, his mouth agape in surprise as he stared down at the fox hybrid. He'd never... Fish? Wilbur fucked a— "WHAT?!" Dream couldn't bring himself to even think about it. He pulled Fundy closer to his chest, hoping that he wouldn't wheeze himself to death as he thought about what type of family he was marrying himself into. He's heard about Phil and met his sons, but he didn't know any of them aside from Tommy and Wilbur. He let out a soft sigh, glad that Fundy had chosen to keep their wedding small... By not inviting his family because he didn't want to get murdered at the altar. "You know what, star? I'd have to say that as my answer because what the fuck was all of that?"

"I know, right?" Fundy chuckled, his breath ghosting against the skin on Dream's neck, the blonde shivering at the heat. Fundy couldn't begin to imagine how he'd ever introduce– He curled closer, pressing his face to Dream's neck that Dream nearly jumped. There won't be an introduction. How could he have forgotten? He felt his lips crease into a frown, his hands reaching out to hold onto Dream's waist. An embrace that the blonde melted into. Fundy wished they could stay like that. Fundy moved on, "Question 14. 'Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it?'"

"I want to spend one day of peace with you. No obligations. No responsibilities. No wars springing up out of the blue. Just you and me. In this cabin." He would do anything to have that. Dream only ever wanted peace in the Essempy, and he was close to having that. He needed to stick to his plan. He was doing it for everyone, this is what everyone needed. He wasn't doing this just for him and Fundy. It was for everyone. He just needed more time. He'll give everyone the peace and quiet they deserved. He smiled, pressing a chaste kiss on top of Fundy's head. The fox hybrid's tail began to wag. "With everything that's been going on, we never had the chance to do that. Someday, we'll be able to."

"I'd... Love that." Fundy winced at how bitter his voice came out, Dream's relaxed hands reached out to pull him further into the embrace, spooked at the tone in Fundy's voice. If Fundy didn't know any better he'd think the blonde was scared he'd run off. He wouldn't do that. They weren't done with the questions and Fundy wanted to finish what they'd begun. "If there's one thing I wished I could've done... That would be fishing with everyone I loved... Which isn't a long list of people but it would be perfect. You and my dad would get along, Tubbo and Tommy would probably end up drowning while Techno and Phil have their whispered conversations."

"Idyllic. Peaceful. Maybe one day we could all go fishing." Dream looked down into Fundy's beautiful brown eyes, a flicker of light dancing across the irises. There's a questioning look in them, a confusion that Dream couldn't solve quite yet. He reached up, ruffling Fundy's hair a bit. They'll cross that bridge when they get to it. Dream cleared his throat, smiling as he thought about the next few questions. They weren't as difficult. Easy. "Question 15. 'What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?'"

"I've created beings and worlds into existence. I don't think anything could ever top my level of expertise when it comes to creating and designing." As if to make a point, Fundy gestured to the cabin, raising a brow as if daring Dream to argue. They'd both seen the houses Dream makes, and Fundy insisted he built mostly everything in the cabin after seeing... Dream's creative side. Fundy wouldn't even let him into the cabin until it was done. "Can't beat me on that, babe." 

"My greatest accomplishment would be gaining admin powers." Dream looked down at his hands, his mind a haze of what he'd actually done to get his powers. George and Sapnap had refused to tell him, telling him it was better that he never knew. He couldn't help but feel worried. What did he do to get such magic? He shook the thought away. It wasn't important. This moment was important. Not that. He could worry about that later. "I don't remember how I got them and I swear to you Fundy, I'm not lying about that. I swear it! You have to believe me on that, I really don't remember how but I might have done something right."

"I get it, Dream. You don't have to explain that." Fundy sighed, knowing that would probably be one of many mysteries that even Dream himself couldn't answer. At least both of them were in the dark about it instead of it being Fundy... By himself. Alone in the dark. Dream might never find the answer to how he got his magic and... Fundy would accept that. "Question 16. 'What do you value most in a friendship?'"

"Loyalty." They both paused, bursting into wheezes and laughs. It was one of the many answers that didn't change. It was the same answer as the one they'd said on their first date. That didn't change at least... Except, this time Dream was alone and Fundy had more friends than he used to have. Funny how change works like that.

"Glad to see we both agree on that." Dream struggled to keep his wheezes in, hiding the pain he felt as he uttered that one word that shouldn't have meant so much to him. "Question 17. 'What is your most treasured memory?'"

"My mom." Fundy's tone was soft, a muffled whisper that almost sounded as if it was but a trickery of the wind. Fundy felt a smile tug at the corner of his lips. Wilbur didn't know but Fundy vaguely remembered what his mother looked like: the soft curls of red hair reaching down to her waist, a gentle voice that soothed his cries, a pair of kind brown eyes that looked at him as if he was a precious treasure to protect. He remembered so little and yet so much. "I remember a little bit of how she looked like. Wilbur refuses to tell me where she is or if she ran off or if she— I don't know. But I know she loved me."

"I would've loved to meet her, she sounds lovely." Dream caressed Fundy's hair, a gesture of comfort. He knew how badly Fundy wanted his mother to still be alive somewhere in the world. But Dream was still confused, was his mother-in-law a human or a fish? "My most cherished memory would have to be our wedding. If I close my eyes I could still remember the ceremony. My dress. Your suit." He doesn't tell Fundy of the nightmares that took over his mind the moment he ran away. The morphed images of a ruined wedding haunting the back of his mind as he so desperately clinged to the life he and Fundy had made together.

"The wedding was fantastic. I wished it was bigger but we couldn't risk my dad." Fundy shook his head, wishing he wouldn't have had to worry about that. "Question 18. What is your most terrible memory?'"

"Dying the first time was pretty terrible." They both shuddered at that, both having had the displeasure of facing Death and emerging back to life. It was an awful sensation, to feel your senses fall numb as the world around you fell into dust. It would be an endless void after a cacophony of noise that screamed into your very being until you suddenly woke up in the bed you'd slept in the day before you'd died. 

"Mine would have to be the entire Schlatt Administration. Those were the worst years of my life." Fundy stuck out his tongue, disgusted at the memories of what he had done just to survive in Manburg... Feeling guilty about the sword that was in his inventory.

"Schlatt... Was the worst." They both left it at that, the air tensing at the mere mention of that name. "Question 19. 'If you knew that in one year you would lose all your three lives - or remaining lives - would you change the way you are living now. Why?'"

"I suppose I'd try and get closer to my remaining relatives, it would be difficult seeing as how estranged we are." Fundy let out a tired sigh, "I don't even know how I'd be able to explain you to them without getting both of us killed on the spot."

"So there'd be a need to explain us?"

"What?"

"You'd have to explain to your family why we're married?" Dream glanced down, Fundy struggling against his hold all of a sudden. He let go. "So, we... You and I, we can work this out? We have a chance to work this out?"

"... That isn't the question, Dream." Fundy got up from the chair, backing off into the hall. He heard footsteps follow after him. "You don't have to follow—"

"It's the only question! This is exactly why we're here in the first place!"

"We have 36 Questions left to answer, Dream!" Fundy wanted to tear his hair out. Why the fuck did he accidentally say that? They were getting through everything just fine but of course Fundy found a way to fuck it up. Of course he did.

"Well most of these you already know my answer for!"

"No, I don't Dream! I don't know anything about you anymore! How can I when you’re wreaking havoc to everyone right now?! When you’re out there terrorizing people for Deities’ know what?! And you won’t even tell me what you’re doing..." Fundy began to storm off, pulling the door open as a blast of cool wind entered the room. "Just give me a minute, I need to calm down."

"I told you to trust me! I need you to trust me, star! I just don't know when you'll finally forgive me for this, Funds!" Dream groaned into his hands. He wanted this to be over. He managed to get Fundy home and now he was trying to run away again. "You're leaving again, aren't you?"

"Wha—?!" Fundy looked at him, the rain splattering against his hair as he took a step outside. Dream followed him out, both of them immediately soaked in rainwater. "I'm not running away, I just need a moment to collect my thoughts!"

"What is there to even think about? Will you ever forgive me or not, Fundy?"

"NO!"

They both froze, the word hanging in the air.

Fundy breathed, trying to keep himself calm. "No, Dream. I... I can't forgive you. Not after everything. Do you really think I could ever trust you again? Did you actually think we had a shot here? Dream, we can't—"

"You kissed me."

"What?"

"You. Kissed. Me." Dream couldn't keep the hurt out of his voice. "You kissed me and now you say we never had a chance."

"Dream—"

"We have a chance here, Fundy. Just give me one last—"

"Dream. We can't. I can't." Fundy rummaged through his inventory, taking out the trident he had brought along with him. Dream looked at it, surprised in his forest green eyes. "I wasn't supposed to give you a chance, Dream. I’m sorry I kissed you, that was wrong. I should have never let you into my house. I shouldn’t have led you on like this. I’m sorry."

"Fundy—"

"I'm leaving. Batry can stay until the morning. I'll come back to get him."

"Fundy—"

"Enough, Dream!" Fundy shivered underneath the cool rain. "That's enough."

"We could have our old lives back, Fundy. Don't you want that?" Dream tried to reach for him, his voice cracking beneath the weight of his emotions. “Don’t you want me? Don’t you love me?”

Fundy turned away, a pained smile on his face.

"I have to leave you behind. I know that sounds harsh…” He felt the trickle of rain at the back of his neck, the salty taste of tears clinging to his lips. The trident in his hands felt heavy, beads of water tracing the edges of his fingertips. Fundy closed his face, felt the harsh wind caressing his cheek as Dream's pleas rang throughout the desolate night. His heart ached, a semblance of nostalgia begging him to return to the want embrace of the man he once loved. He wanted to return to the warmth of their home, the light casting shadows down onto the cobblestone stairway. “…but that's the reality. I wish we had our old life.”

A searing pain tore through his insides, a burning want that he needed to quell if he wanted to escape the fire unscathed. "But that shit's impossible. That's just reality." He bit back the sobs that threatened to rise from his throat, tremors running down his spine. He spared a glance at the blonde, a whimper slipping past his lips as those forest green eyes he'd love so much begged him to stay. "I should have told you the minute you came, but you sounded distraught standing out in the rain."

He knew what he had done, presented a silver lining of hope in a whirlwind that would end in demise. He forced himself back, further into the consuming darkness of the night. "And I wanted to let you in, swallow your pain, because that's what I always do." They both needed the closure... But why did it hurt him to leave? To tear himself away from a life he promised himself was dead? He gripped at his chest, knowing he had lied to both of them. "But I made a pact with my friends, under no circumstance..."

He heard the hitch in Dream's breath, the realization of what Fundy had done casted into the unforgiving air. "...should I ever hear out Dream. Unlike you I keep my word." He knew how the story ended, knew it the moment he'd open the door. He felt the shadows cling to his form, beckoning him to make his escape. They were done here. He should go. But he can't. Not like this. He stepped closer despite himself.  "And promises I make become my reality. You like to live your life blurring the lines."

Dream did what he wanted, without the thought of what others needed. It was a bitter truth that needed to be said, "Bending the rules to make yourself look better. But all that I wanted was something concrete." Al he had wanted was a life with the man he had fallen in love with. He reached up a hand, the tear-stained cheek cold against his hold. Dream clung to his wrist, a desperation in his eyes that Fundy knew would haunt him until his final moments. "And to know for a fact you are real. What I know is..."

He felt a sorrowful and bittersweet smile form on his lips, agony tearing at his heart, "I still love you!"

Tears rolled down Dream's cheek, his mouth open in silent protest. He couldn't say anything. "That's my reality."

He felt their bodies press close together, their shared heat against the storm made his mind muddled and hazy, "You know..."

He leaned his face closer, his heart thumping loudly in his chest. They shouldn't be doing this. He shouldn't be doing this. But he wanted to. "I'd give anything to wake up with you next to me. You and I spent these years of our lives lost in your lies." He could feel the ghost of the other's breath, their lips a few inches apart. Dream pulled him closer, and for a moment Fundy let him. "Far from reality. And it felt like a dream..." Their lips met, a long and desperate kiss mixed with the taste of salt, lime, and orange.

He pulled away, "'Cause it was"

He felt those shaking and slender fingers try to pull him back, but he was leaving the embrace. The cold stinging the sides of his arms as he finally let go. "Why do I always give in? That is on me to change." He turned around. It was done. They were done. There were hands clinging onto the back of his shirt, not pulling, but there. He knew what Dream wanted to do, pull him into an inescapable embrace until his resolve melts away. He took a shaky step forward, his foot nearly slipping at the cobblestone stairs that led away from their home. He can’t turn around. Not if he wanted to leave. "That's my reality. I can't do this to myself again."

They needed to move on. No matter how much it stung. "I deserve someone who accepts reality."

He felt the cold chill of the rain mix in with his tears, the world engulfed in a monochrome hue without the presence of the celestial lights. What a fitting way to end. Fundy took another hesitant step, raising the trident in his hand. "I can't imagine rebuilding my life with you, constantly on the edge of what I know is true." He could feel Dream’s hold on his back. If he didn’t leave now, he never would. Why did Dream have to make it so difficult? All they needed to do was let go. It was time to let go. "And you would string me along like you always do..."

Fundy laughed, a bitter cry of anguish. He wished he could scream and let the whole world know what they had lost. What’s done is done. It’s over. "Knowing I will never let go."

He turned to pry Dream’s fingers off him, a hollow stare in the blonde’s eyes as their gazes met.

“Fundy…” Dream tried to reach for him again. Fundy shook his head, a goodbye. He raised the trident.

And with a flick of his wrist, he was gone. “FUNDY!”

‘I’m sorry.’

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[vannahfanfics]

Last one, I promise! 😜 I’d like to request an Alucard/Seras fanfic with “Swans.” Maybe have Alucard compare Seras to swans because of how beautiful, yet vicious they are? (Swans are mean in real life. 😭) It’s a dumb idea of mine, so you don’t have to use it. I’ll take anything as long as it’s romantic AluSeras. 😊 - Gaanon 🌵🏜🤎

It’s not a dumb idea at all, Gaanon! I really enjoyed the premise, and also finally getting to write for Hellsing and my best girl Seras Victoria! (P.S., if you request some Pip/Seras from me, I will literally die of happiness. OTP.) I hope you enjoy it, Gaanon, and thanks for participating in the event! <3

Pretty and Fierce

Category: Mild Romantic Fluff

Fandom: Hellsing

Characters: Alucard, Seras Victoria

Requested by: Anonymous User

Seras’ eyes sparkled with delight as she trotted down the small hill leading into one of the many picturesque parks tucked away in the London sprawl. Her shoes crunched on the little bits of gray gravel making up the winding path that branched in three directions to disappear into groves of luscious trees. Seras paused at the bottom of the hill to suck in a deep breath, enjoying the scent of earth and grass and aromatic flowers tickling her nose. Then, with an excited squeal, she threw her arms in the air. 

“This park is absolutely beautiful! Oh, it’s so good to get back to nature every once and a while; don’t you agree, Master?” she asked while glancing over her shoulder. She immediately balked, for it seemed her master Alucard did not share the sentiment. Though the powerful vampires were invulnerable to the sunlight— unlike their lesser kin that had been stalking Britain of late— Alucard apparently still preferred the dank dark of his dungeon; he was wrapped up tight in his burgundy cloak with the brim of his hat pulled down over his eyes. Seras pouted at his complete lack of enthusiasm. Thankfully, Integra shared her zeal for the rejuvenating outdoors. 

“Don’t mind him, Seras,” the sophisticated platinum-blonde hummed as she strode down the path. “You are quite right. There is simply something refreshing about a nice trip to the local park, isn’t there, Walter?” 

“Oh, yes,” the butler agreed as he scrubbed pollen off his monocle. “This venture was a lovely idea, Sir Integra.” 

“‘Refreshing’ and ‘lovely,’ my ass,” Alucard grumbled. “It’s a waste of time. Why did you drag me out here when I could be doing something more useful?” 

“There’s more to life than maiming your enemies, Alucard,” Integra tutted as she sauntered past Seras, wagging a gloved finger at the disgruntled vampire lord. “As a centuries-old being, I would have thought you’d have figured that out by now. Besides, look how excited our dear police girl is; do you really want to break her heart by dragging her back to the manor when her little adventure has just begun?” 

Alucard winced as the wily woman used his adorable subordinate against him. To accentuate Integra’s ploy, Seras batted her lashes in the best rendition of puppy-dog eyes she could muster, completing the pleading look with a pitiful pout. 

“Please, Master? I grew up in the countryside, you know, and I do so miss it sometimes.” 

Alucard grumbled something unintelligible and sunk further within the recesses of his thick clothes. When Seras meekly inquired as to what he said, his red eyes flashed within the darkness as he barked, “Fine! But don’t blame me if I get antsy and snack on a civilian or two.” 

“Attack anyone here and I’ll cut your head off, Alucard,” Integra sniffed before looping her arm daintily with Seras’. “Now, police girl. Would you like to accompany me to the pond?” 

“There’s a pond?!” 

Chuckling at the vampiress’ simply adorable zeal, the refined head-of-household for the Hellsing family led her down one of the small paths towards the center of the park. The gravel road then bifurcated, stretching on in a wide circle to ring a large pond. Wood-and-iron benches were spaced out evenly along the pathway every few yards; it seemed this was a popular area, as nearly all of the benches were currently occupied. Seras spotted a young mother watching her children splash in the shallows, a businessman enjoying a coffee break as he read the newspaper, and an old woman tossing dried corn to a family of ducks. Seras scampered closer to observe the fluffy yellow ducklings as they hobbled around their mother’s dappled brown bulk to peck at the little yellow niblets. 

“Ahhhh!” she admired and glanced fervently at Walter. “Look! Aren’t they adorable?” 

“Oh, yes,” the butler appreciated, adjusting his monocle to closely inspect the ducklings as they curiously wobbled over to Seras to peck at her shoes, apparently mistaking the material for sustenance. He smiled warmly as Seras giggled and enjoyed the wee birds waddling around her in a circle, their tiny tail flittering all the while. “Now that I think of it, we have a small pond on the grounds. Perhaps we should invest in a small flock of ducks to liven up the place, eh, Sir Integra?” 

“Oh, I’m sure they would make quite a home of the gardens. However, I’d be concerned about our guard dog getting a little peckish,” she joked with a sidelong sneer at Alucard. The vampire growled, which caused the old lady to release a shocked gasp and hurriedly take her leave. Seras whined as the ducks realized there was no more food to be had and trekked the short distance down into the pond, hopping in to glide gracefully among the reeds and lilies. 

“Master! You scared them away!” she sulked and stomped over to beat on his arm a little. “Why must you be so grumpy? Surely even your cold, dead heart can enjoy something as cute as a duckling, right?” 

“Why has this trip turned into a competition to see who can insult me the most?” the vampire huffed, pulling away from his discontented aide to flop down on the bench. He stretched his arms out over the back, crossed his long legs, and tipped back his head, peering disinterestedly at the rippling surface of the pond through his unkempt bangs. After a minute, he quirked a brow. “I prefer the swans, actually.” 

“Swans?” Seras gasped. She whipped her head around so fast that a few of her vertebrae popped; it was a good thing that she was undead because she really could have broken her neck with how vigorously she whirled about. She keened in bliss as she spotted the poised, long-necked birds drifting serenely across the pond toward them. “Oh, I’ve never seen a swan before!” she gushed, picking her way down to the water’s edge to get a close a look as possible. 

Seras’s sky-blue eyes glittered with wonder as she remained still, watching the sleek white birds slowly approach. Integra and Walter, apparently not charmed by the swans, wandered further down the path discussing what café they should visit on the way home for afternoon tea. Alucard remained on the bench, regarding the young vampire as she slowly sank into a crouch. Seras stuck out her hand to the swans, who stopped swimming to inspect her with suspicious black eyes. She clicked her tongue to entice them over, trying not to vibrate with excitement as one of them decided it was safe enough to venture within her vicinity. 

“Yes… That’s it…” Seras crooned as the swan tentatively encroached, zig-zagging a little as it deliberated how close it wanted to come within the woman’s touch. “I won’t hurt you, pretty thing!” 

She waited with bated breath as the swan timidly grew closer. The rippling water kissed the tips of Seras’s shoes as she knelt among the reeds, stretching as much as she could to try and reach the gorgeous white bird. The swan stopped mere inches from her fingertips, cocking her head as it eyed Seras curiously. The vampiress whimpered and stretched her arm impossibly more, her neat nails just barely skimming the orange-and-black beak of the pond-dweller. 

With an affronted honk, the swan chomped down on Seras’ fingers. 

“Aiiiiiieeeeeeeee!” she wailed, free arm flapping in duress and snapping the reed stalks in half. The swan clamped further down on her hand, mimicking her actions by flapping its wings angrily. “Master, Master, help me!” she sobbed, looking back at him with tearful eyes, only to find him cackling like a maniac on the bench. After some vigorous tugging, Seras yanked her hand out of the swan’s beak and shimmied up the shore, cradling her injured hand and sniffling. 

The swan, however, was not pleased with Seras’ retreat. Still honking and beating its wings, it charged up the small slope, nipping at her bottom as she ran around in circles trying to escape. Her pleads for aid fell on deaf ears, as Alucard was still howling with laughter, holding his belly with his other hand over his face. Curious passersby watched the grown woman flee from the irritated swan, her pigtails bouncing wildly as she jumped the bird’s snaps at her uniform skirt. 

“I’m sorry I disturbed your afternoon! Please, Mr. or Mrs. Swan, I beg you to leave me be!” 

The bird stopped chasing Seras, contented by her apology. The vampire trotted to a stop, hunching over slightly as she fought for breath. The swan ruffled its feathers haughtily before waddling back the pond, tail wiggling as it swam back to its comrade who had watched the entire exchange with interest. Once her assailant was a safe distance away, Seras sank down to her knees with her legs splayed out on either side of her, sobbing petulantly. 

“So mean… I thought swans were supposed to be regal, graceful creatures… It damn near took my hand off and then went for my bum!” she lamented, tipping back her head as tears of embarrassment and disappointment streamed down her cheeks. She heard the distinct crunch of boots on gravel and turned to see Alucard leering over her, arms crossed and smirking amusedly. 

“Now you see why I prefer the swans,” he joked. Seras pouted up at him and smacked his leg, making him chuckle with that deep, rumbling voice of his. “Oh, don’t be like that. It was quite entertaining.” 

“For you! I thought I was going to die!” 

“Seras, you’re an immortal. A swan can’t kill you.” 

“Are you kidding? That swan had murder in its eyes, I’m telling you!” she insisted, crossing her arms with a huff and looking back to the lake. The swan was now serenely gliding over to some young children throwing dried corn into the water as if it hadn’t just tried to take a bite out of Seras’ rump just a minute before. Seras’ bottom lip wobbled as her fantastical illusion of swans crumbled before her. “How can something so pretty be so cruel?” 

“I’m sure some ghouls could ask the same thing about you,” Alucard snorted. Seras’ back straightened like a rod, and a pink blush shot up from her neck to paint her face all the way to the roots of her hair. Alucard was gazing at the swans with a wry smile. “Some of the most beautiful things on Earth are some of the most deadly.” 

“Come now, Master… Don’t tease me…” Seras groaned, hanging her head as she anticipated the inevitable punchline. However, the tall vampire only leaned down to gently pat her atop the head; as his gloved fingers nestled into her fluffy blonde hair, she felt a shiver of excitement crawl through her body. She peered up at him through her lashes to find him smiling, a rare true smile that she seldom got to see. 

“Me, tease? I would never dream of it,” he hummed before turning and heading back to the bench. Seras picked herself up, brushed the first off her stockings and skirt, and trotted over to him as he settled himself back on the bench. He tipped his hat forward to block the harsh rays of the sun, just his crooked smile poking out from underneath the brim. As Seras sat down beside him, hands pressed between her thighs, she gave him a bashful smile. 

“Do you really think I’m like a swan, Master?” 

“I wouldn’t have said it if I hadn’t meant it,” Alucard replied in a low voice laced with drowsiness. He stifled a yawn before tilting his head, his glowing red eye twinkling at her among his shadowy mess of dark hair. “It rather reminded me of you, running around a building screaming and flapping your arms as you hunt down ghouls…” 

“Master! You’re so mean!” she gasped and slapped his shoulder while he laughed heartily. Seras slumped into the bench, cheeks puffed out in a pout and shoulders hunched as she watched the swans. Maybe they were kind of mean, but they really did look so pretty sailing over the water and shining in the sun. “I suppose there’s nothing wrong with being pretty and fierce,” she smiled with a satisfied wiggle. Alucard grunted in agreement, dozing off beside her. 

Similarly, Seras reclined against the hot wood of the bench and closed her eyes, enjoying the kiss of the sun against her pale, undead skin. Just as she was drifting off into sleep, she recalled a line from a play she had read in grade school. 

“Though she be but little, she is fierce,” she recited sleepily. Now that she thought about it, the line served as an appropriate motto for Seras. She had always been small, the underdog in many situations, but she had always maintained a determined ferocity— for better or for worse. Like a graceful swan circling the pond of life, she was ready to meet any and all perceived threats with undaunting intemperance. A smile spread across her face as the verse continued to echo in her head and she drifted into the pleasant twilight of half-sleep. 

Though she never would have imagined she would end up like this, a servant of the strongest vampire in the world, Seras couldn’t say she regretted her choice. Though she be but little, she was fierce, and she would face even the legions of Hell to protect this beautiful little space where they could safely doze in the sun, if only for a little while.

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to peruse my Table of Contents!

[illusionsofdreaming]

Liquid Courage

Prompt: Drunk confessions

Notes: So it’s my birthday and I thought as a gift, I’d finish this prompt I’ve been looking forward to for a while. Fun fact: I don’t really drink much and I absolutely HATE dealing with drunk people but it was incredibly fun to write this nonetheless.

FT: Saizo, Gaius

Saizo: “You drink too much.” He growled as he steadied you from nearly tripping again. His eye narrowed and he took a deep breath to contain his withering patience when you giggled. He did not find the situation funny at all.

It wasn’t that Saizo didn’t understand or was immune to the desire to let loose from time to time, after all, he was known to enjoy the occasional cup of sake but he also knew when to stop. He hated clouding his senses, anything that might impede his judgement could lead to deaths.

But there was also one disadvantage in being the most sober one in a group of idiots. Babysitting duties.

“Stop. Stop!” He pulled on your shoulder, halting another fall. With an aggravated sigh he swooped to carry you in his arms. You clearly hadn’t expected to be manhandled so suddenly and had struggled against the new arrangement. “P-put me down! I can walk!”

“Stop squirming!” He hissed, tightening his hold under your knees before you could flail yourself off. He was surprised when you actually listened, settling down with nothing more than a laughable attempt at a petulant glare. He rolled his eyes. Small mercies.

He did not focus on the heat of your skin through the thin material of his uniform, the same way he did not focus on the way your breath tickled his neck. After this night Saizo was going to his lord to petition for all consumption of alcohol to be banned until the war’s over.

He flinched involuntarily when he felt something touch his neck and looked down to find you nuzzling like a kitten.

“Stop that!” He snapped, patience thinning as his hackles rose, a chill ran down his spine when you did it again.

“You smell nice.” You whined.

He glowered, face heating up as you did it again. “Stop that or I will drop you.” he growled as if for some reason, his threats would mean anything to you in your current state.

You stared at him and he stared back. “You won’t.”

His expression darkened. “I will.” He loosened his grip but you only tightened your arms around his neck, your legs clamped around him as you clung to him.

“You won’t.” You glared, your gaze surprisingly clear for one so clearly drunk out of their mind.  “Because you’re nice.”

Saizo halted in his steps, he met your daring gaze with bewilderment like you had grown two heads. Saizo has been called many things in life, none of them flattering, but nice was definitely not one of them.

“You know nothing about me.” he snorted resuming his journey, his arms unconsciously returned to their previous positions, supporting your weight without much thought.

“Yes I do!” You argued. “You’re a jerk, a meanie, a brick wall, a jerk, a... a...!”

There, were the familiar insults on his person.

“A big softie!”

“I am not a soft-“ he bit down on his words, angry, because he didn’t need to defend himself, especially not to you.

“You are!” You wailed. He glanced down in horror. Dragons are you tearing up?!

“You are! You’re a big, stupid, softie!” your fist thumped his chest in emphasis. “I know because I don’t like meanies and I like you!”

He nearly dropped you out of shock. “What?”

“You’re a meanie!” you grabbed his face. “You!”

“Whet gwo oph muai faef!” You’re crazy. Saizo decided. Absolutely mental. He reared back to free himself from your grip but you were hellbent on making his night worse it seemed. In his fight to drop you (damnit he’s had enough) and your determination not to get dropped, gravity swooped in at the last minute and won. The two of you fell down in a heap of limbs. When the dust cleared, somehow you ended up on top of him, pinning and straddling his chest.

There were tears on your lashes framing your eyes as you hiccuped and if it were any other situation, perhaps Saizo would’ve found it endearing. “Stop this nonsense and get off of me-“

“I’m lonely.” you hiccuped.

He froze.

“You hate me. You probably think I’m evil, or weird, or…. weird.” you emphasised the word with a wave of your hand like it made a difference. “You watch over me because I’m the eneh… enemmem… nenemey..” you frowned, and Saizo watched in morbid fascination as even more tears welled up in your large eyes. “..not friend. You hate me.”

He watched as you scrubbed at the tears on your face, missing most as they continued to bloom at the corners, a seemingly unending flow. He knew his actions are often interpreted as malicious but he never bothered correcting any assumptions. After all, he’s not obligated to explain anything to anyone but his lord. His job was his life’s mission and what others thought of him never bothered him.

But it seems things aren’t ever that simple. “…I don’t hate you.” He sighed. This was why he stayed away from others. People can find surprisingly complex ways to hurt themselves over nothing.

“No?” You whimpered.

It was true that when you first joined he had been suspicious of your true intents, but it’s hard to say when that skepticism changed into grudging respect. You dream of peace and unity and he had scoffed at your naivety. In his eyes you were nothing but sheltered royalty, spouting idealistic dreams founded within the security of four walls as you knew nothing of the true horrors of the world. Even if you weren’t planning on betraying them, he had expected you to fold upon realising the truth of war. That the realisation of pretty words such as ‘peace’ and ‘unity’ can’t be supported by dreams and vision alone.

Except, you didn’t.

Instead of despairing at the blood you must shed, you agreed and understood the necessity of sacrifices and paved the path, dragging everyone else along in your tailwinds, towards your vision. Such vague and faraway notions of unity and peace - things he believed could only be brought to fruition by the strengths and efforts of his lord - suddenly, he believed you could do it too.

“No.” Saizo doesn’t hate you and something in his chest twisted painfully when your face brightened immediately. Really now? He averted his eyes and ignored how his heart raced. “Get off, you’re heavy.” He grumbled.

“Mmmkay..” you giggled, and he rolled his eyes at how quickly your moods fluctuated. You paused awkwardly halfway through moving though and your next statement immediately drained all the heat from his face. “…I don’t feel so well.”

“No wait-“ He sat up as fast as he could- “Dragons! Not down the front of my-!!”

Gaius: “Who’d knew you’d be such a lightweight Bubbles.” Gaius chuckled as he guided you back to your tent.

“I’m not usually..mmm..” you were having a hard time keeping your head up and relied mostly on your companion to lead you the right way. “..mmaybe I had too much tonight..” you grinned and he laughed in response.

“Maybe.” Gaius agreed as he pushed aside the tent flaps. He eased you onto your bed and steadied your swaying by your shoulders. “You alright now?” He raised an eyebrow in amusement.

“Mmmmm Yeah?.. yeah.. of course.. thanks.. Gaius.” You mumbled and bent over to undo your shoes but your fingers were having a hard time finding the strings until gentle hands batted yours away.

“Don’t hurt yourself Bubbles.” the thief laughed as he helped you unlace your boots. “In your current state you probably won’t recognize your own name.”

“_____________.”

He glanced up in surprise, not expecting you to actually respond to his jest. Your cheeks were flushed from the drinks but the look in your eyes was somber.

“It’s _____________.” You whispered. “The one thing I had even when I forgot everything else.”

“Right, of course.” He swallowed past the lump in his throat, forcing out a laugh. “Cheer up Bubbles, it just means you get to rediscover the joys of finding your favourites again.”

“Hmmm really?” You sounded dubious and he flicked your nose lightly.

“Yeah like your favourite animal?”

“Dogs.”

He grinned at your instant reply. “Favourite pie?”

“…Chicken?”

“Are you asking me?” he laughed at your confusion. “I’m more of a dessert pie guy.” He  set aside your boots. “Favourite color?”

It was a habit of yours to nibble on your lip when you’re puzzling through a particular difficult problem and Gaius found it charming in a way, that such a simple question in your current state would trigger your unconscious habit. Your eyes strayed around your vicinity searching for a clue and he knew you found it when your eyes brightened and your lips twitched in a satisfied smile.

“I think it’s red.”

“You think huh?”

“Yeah..” you mumbled and your fingers reached out and patted his head. “Red.”

“I ain’t gonna wag my tail for you Bubbles.” He laughed brushing off your hand which had begun twisting strands of his hair distractedly. Your pleasantly buzzed expression wasn’t a common sight and Gaius made sure to remember the details of this moment - for blackmail purposes of course. It wasn’t often one got to witness Ylissean’s all famous tactician let down their guards, for once free of the stress and burdens of war. You’ll probably answer anything at this point. A devious grin slipped onto his face.

“Say Bubbles,” He drawled lazily, catching your attention. “You wouldn’t happen to know where Lissa stashes her honey cakes?”

Your smile was equally lazy with contentment, and this, he decided was definitely an improvement from the pitiful expression you wore earlier. “Yeah... it’s in the condiments box...within the ugly green sugar tin,” your nose scrunched as if the memory brought a bad taste to your mouth. “.. a removable partition underneath.”

Jackpot! Gaius couldn’t keep the victorious smile from his face as he patted your head in reward. “Thanks Bubbles. Lifesaver you are.”

“Save me some?” You pouted and Naga would strike him down should he refused those puppy eyes.

“Alright,” he acquiesced, “Teamwork and all that right?” He secretly wondered if you’ll remember this deal come morning. He decided to distract you.

“You’ve got a crush on anyone Bubbles?”

“Mmmm….yes.”

“Oh?” he grinned, “Someone caught your fancy eh? Who is it?”

You glanced at him blearily, your smile stretched into a wobbly grin as you giggled. Cute. “Something on my face?” Gaius smiled, eyes half lidded with fondness.

“I like..” you smiled.

“You like…?” he prompted.

“..I liiiiike..”

“Yeeeees?”

In a surprising feat of agility you leaped at him and although startled, Gauis reacted instantly, lurching forwards with wide eyes to catch you. His knee knocked on the bed post but he barely registered the pain when your next words, muffled in his shirt set off ringing in his ears. “..you, silly!”

He righted you immediately - and felt a little guilty when you looked a little green from the abrupt movement - but he couldn’t ignore the panic that clutched his heart at that moment. He must’ve misheard. Surely you meant someone else- he had expected to hear Blue’s name, or kind hearted Padre, perhaps even the women fearing swordsman from Ferox- but him-

His heart was galloping like he’d just consumed a bit too much sugar and the ringing in his ears were deafening. “You,” his voice faltered and he tried again, firmly this time. “You shouldn’t like bad guys Bubbles.”

“Don’t you dare insult him!” You kicked out and it connected with his shin, Gaius doubled over with a yelp.

“He’s a good man! A real good man! Not like you, you villain!”

“You just contradicted yourself there..” Gaius groaned as he rubbed his offended limb.

“I will not have you slander him.” You huffed and Gaius snorted. Boy, if only you knew the colorful names others had for people like him.

“What’s there to like about a criminal Bubbles?” He challenged, a bit miffed because for being the smartest person in the army you sure have dubious taste in men. “There are better people out there worth your attention.”

“It’s bad to judge someone by their past.” You declared. “I’m Plegian does that mean I’m scary and plotting the fall of Ylisse?”

“You’re plenty scary as is.” He barely avoided another kick to the shins. Right, you’re not in your right mind right now. If only his filter would remember.

“Everyone has something in their past they want to keep secret and nothing’s wrong with that. He might be cunning and sneaky and a trickster, but at the end of the day, he’s the one who’s taking the jobs no one wants.“ There’s a glimmer of tears in your eyes and they truly have come full circle now. “He’s the kindest, gentlest one in the army and I like him.”

Gaius wilted, truly torn. For someone trying to convince you find someone better (because there’s always someone better, someone without a scarred record, someone who isn’t guilty and bore physical mark of their crimes) for your own good, he was feeling like scum doing so.

“You really do don’t you?” he sighed, reaching out ruffle your hair. Silly fool.

“He smells really nice too.” You added as an afterthought.

“Why do I get the feeling the latter matters the most to you?” He asked wryly and couldn’t help but grin despite himself when you blushed.

“Alright, I give.” he grumbled but it had no heat as he flicked your forehead. “He’s the nicest and coolest, like a cuddly teddy or something.” A cuddly teddy with knives on its body and well versed on the ways to end a life from the shadows. Villain. He nudged your shoulder lightly and that was all it took for you to tilt over and flop sideways on your bed.

“Yeah, pretty squishy.” You agreed with a sleepy murmur, you were barely keeping your eyes open at this point.

His eyebrows rose, “I’ll have you know I’m fighting fit. Not even one bit of squishy on me.” He tucked you in and grinned as he watched you snuggle deeper into the warmth.

“…suuree…” you murmured. “..not.. one.. biiiit…”

He watched as your breathing slowed and the slight crease between your eyebrows loosened. “____________?” He tested softly. When no reply came he finally allowed himself to relax and lean back, settling his weight on his haunches as he ran fingers through his hair.

“Guess what?” He mumbled softly, “I like you too.” Even though he’s the last person who should. Even though he doesn’t deserve happily ever afters.

But after all he’s heard this night… He stood up slowly and stretched his body. “I’ll give it a shot Bubbles. Work to become the man you think I am..” How could he not at least try?

He brushed your hair back gently before turning and leaving your tent. “Sleep well ________.”

[katcadecascade]

A Late Atlas Ball prompt fic

Title: They Dance Across the Darling Rooftop Wreck

Summary: An Atlas ball isn't something Qrow is prepared for. He wants to go to spend time with his kids and Clover, really he does.It's just that none of his wardrobe is fancy-schmancy due to the fact all his shirts have an opening cut in the back.Cause yah know, wings and all that jazz.

Ao3

Chapter One: everything you do

When James announced that they’ll have a ball to celebrate the Amity satellite’s completion, Qrow honestly thought he was joking. But no, good old Jimmy doesn’t joke about coordinated events at Atlas’ elite standards.

The kids’ high enthusiasm and giddiness is expected, immediately making plans to get new outfits but Qrow can’t quite share their feelings.

He’s a bit of a mess of anxiety as he tries to move away from his kids’ happiness filling up their lounge and media room. The furthest couch seemed like the best place for Qrow to just huddle into his wings and quietly sip his tea, wallow in a festering scramble of thoughts believing that this dance will be terrible idea for him.

Before more misery could snatch his will, the couch’s weight dipped as Clover sits next to him.

“Hey,” he begins gently, “I don’t think your tea’s doing its job right. May I?”

Already he reads Qrow too well, something that Qrow actually appreciates. Qrow sets his mug on the side table and scoots closer to his boyfriend, arranging his large wings carefully. Much to his embarrassment, Clover ends up wrapping his muscly arms around Qrow’s small waist to bring him into his lap.

After a bit of shifting to get comfortable, Qrow leans his head against Clover’s face.

“What’s wrong, baby bird?”

“I don’t really do dances or balls,” he admits.

Sure there were a few Beacon dances but back then his wings were smaller, easier to manage under his cape but unfortunately these feathery appendages decided to get bigger. It was hard enough to constantly alter his shirts to have a gap for his wing bones back then.

His huntsman outfits were always specially tailored to protect his back while also leaving an opening for his wings. Yet that detail is also prioritized for the sake of him being in the field. Off missions, it was always up to Qrow to patch up casual shirts or go bare.

Since this is Solitas, the second option isn’t recommended. Well only for Clover in their bedroom but aside from that Qrow’s been wearing shirts where the buttons line up his back. It’s simple and practical but not at all the standard for a ballroom.

So it’s understandable that Qrow does not own any sort of fancy ass outfit that takes account of his faunus traits.

Black feathers ruffle at the thought, basically projecting the root of his issues to Clover.

“Dances can be lame,” Clover assured. His warm hands soothing Qrow’s lower back. “Don’t tell James but the last party he hosted wasn’t too smooth.”

“Then it’s a good thing that Weiss and Winter are in charge,” he mumbled, letting himself relax into Clover. His wings fold inwards, reminding Qrow of what’s been clouding his mind. “I don’t really have anything to wear compared to whatever they got.”

One of Clover’s hands travels up to trace at Qrow’s jaw, “You don’t have to force yourself to go.”

“I know but,” his eyes flicker over to the kids and their commotion, “I want to be there with them. It would be nice right?”

His hesitation rang out with the tiny budding hope inside of him. For years he missed out on Ruby’s and Yang’s childhood for missions or hangovers. Now with a few months of sobriety under his belt, Qrow has a better conscious to make efforts in spending time with his family.

He prefers video game nights or cooking lessons over ballroom dances but still, it sounds like a good time.

“It will be,” Clover promises, “and maybe I can even sweep you off your feet.”

Qrow flicks Clover’ ear and tried not to scoff or laugh, “In your dreams, lucky charm.”

That only makes Clover hold onto Qrow tighter, brushing his fingers through his dark hair, “Too late, you’ve already stepped out of my dreams and into my life. No way am I letting you go.”

The way Clover trails kisses down Qrow’s neck sends his feather fluffing uncontrollably.

“Sap,” he huffed before digging his hands underneath Clover’s shirt, wandering his nails across the taunt skin.

Right as Qrow kissed the crown of soft brown hair, one of his kids shout, “Really? Right in front of my salad?”

“Nora, this is my salad.”

Nora rephrases, “Really? Right in front of Blake’s salad?”

“Alright we get it,” Clover got a secure grip on Qrow’s back and his thigh before he stood up.

Qrow had to loop his arms around Clover’s neck and warp his legs around the torso too. “Geeze, give me a warning, Cloves.”

His wings flapped once to regain balance but Clover had practice on picking up Qrow by now.

Clover winked, “I told you, Qrow, I wanted to sweep you off your feet.” As he carefully walks them out, Clover whispers to his ear, “I also look forward to dancing with you too.”

Dancing, right, that’s something that happens in a ballroom.

Oh gods, what has Qrow signed up for?

That night he decides to procrastinate on thinking on solutions or dwelling on failure. Clover is a helpful distraction, the best by how tenderly he holds Qrow, how intense his lips and devoted words are. It’s all something Qrow never thought he’d ever want, passion without consequences, commitment without pity.

It’s just Qrow and Clover and he will do whatever he can to keep each other.

And that includes going to some dance.  

He still doesn’t have a plan on what to wear so Qrow doesn’t know what to think when Marrow shows up at his door later in the week and announces, “Come on Qrow, we’re going shopping.”

There was no time to argue because Marrow was giving him puppy dog eyes.

It wasn’t as effective as Ruby’s but the results were the same. Qrow was helpless against bright eyed kiddos.

Marrow takes them down the humble business streets of midtown Mantle. The entire place has been newly constructed after the Grimm invasions that preluded the elections.

Long story short and one corrupted elitist CEO arrested later, Robyn got her council seat and finally got a real talk with James to truly fix the issues between Mantle and Atlas. Sure there’s still a shit ton of problems that can’t be solved in a few days but apparently this ball is to celebrate the achievements so far.

Qrow still can’t imagine Robyn agreeing to this. Flaunting money doesn’t seem like her style. Then again, it’s a party where the doors of Atlas academy are open to everyone in Atlas and Mantle. Maybe this is more than a dance, a peace offering or proof that things are changing here for the better.

Perhaps Qrow’s issues are minor to it all, that his silly worries are nothing to the whole political agenda or whatever.

“Are you okay?” He snaps his faraway attention off of the sidewalk to Marrow. The younger man gives him a nostalgic smile, “Your wings are drooping.”

Just like with Marrow, Qrow’s faunus traits would often emote what he’s really feeling. He quickly flexes his shoulder blades, fixing the wings back up.

“I’m just…” Qrow doesn’t want to admit something so blatantly obvious but he has to ask, “This ball is going to be a big deal, isn’t it?”

Marrow blinks at Qrow like he’s dumb, “Well duh, everyone wants it to be real.”

Now that wording makes Qrow even more confuse, “Be real?”

“Yeah,” he nods, “We all need something big and finite to finally get that this is really happening.”

“Okay, so this dance is big and finite.”

Marrow rolls his eyes, “Atlas loves a good party.”

“You’re right about that.”

The dog faunus huffed, “It was the best way to supplicate the masses, yah know?” Something serious and thoughtful eludes from Marrow, his past sarcasm or immaturity gone as he says, “Smile big for the cameras, really show off that things are alright now and that we won’t fall apart because we are finally in a better place than ever before.”

Qrow’s lack of response makes the silence deflate whatever energy Marrow had just now. He buries his face in his scarf out of embarrassment for venting.

“Wow kid,” Qrow manages to say, “You’re right.”

A smile peeks out of the brown scarf, “I know.”

“Were you always so…”

“Sage like? Wise? Academic?” All suggestions and baits for his ego by the looks of his wagging tail.

“I was going to say worried,” Qrow shrugged, “but yeah, all those things too.”

Marrow scratched his neck, “I try not to worry too much but it comes with this life doesn’t it?”

He’s not talking about his career, Qrow instantly knows.

Life as a faunus in a high end society is nothing to brag or shrug about. Qrow only got his popularity through his huntsman skill and even his teaching job if that’s not hard to believe. But that was in Beacon where Qrow had his sister and friends and even Ozpin.

Here in both Atlas and Mantle, it must have been a wild story for Marrow to become an Ace Operative. Constantly observed in and out of the uniform and with a faunus trait he can’t hide, Marrow must have dealt with a lot of scrutiny in his years.

Unintentionally or not, Qrow walked Marrow’s pace and brushed his wing against Marrow’s back. Where words fail him, he hopes that this gesture would be a comfort.

Marrow sends him a wryly grin, far too similar to Clover’s. “Huh, you do have your cute, touching moments.”

A wing flap aimed at Marrow’s head.

“Hey!”

“Oops.”

“Ugh, whatever,” Marrow waves off, “We’re here.”

They stopped at a store front decorated with reds, whites, and greens. On the glass windows reads the shop’s name, Northern Hyrule Designs and Seamstress.

Upon entering with the door’s little bell, Qrow tries not to groan at the sight of a fancy dress and suit shop. One side has racks of dresses, the other suits, the back is an entrance way leading to the dressing rooms where Qrow sees a three paneled mirror in the back. But smacked dap in the middle of the shop is a raised circle platform he hopes he doesn’t end up modeling on.

So far there’s only one employee in attendant or behind a door labeled for the staff.

“Hello, welcome!” A woman behind the front register greets them. She waves a clawed hand, sharp black talons matching the feathers blanketing her forearm. Near her elbow, the feathers have an orange hue.

“Hi Pito,” Marrow greeted and then whipped his head around the room searchingly, “Is Maddie here?”

As if summoned, a blur of pink and black jumps out of a circular clothing rack to latch onto Marrow’s leg, tugging at his winter coat.

“Mar!” A little girl chirped, her shiny grey beak nuzzles against the young man’s knee.

“Hey, Maddie,” he pats her brown hair, careful for the pink bow framing her face. It’s pretty cute how it matches her dress. “You dressed up for a party?”

“No, felt like being pretty in pink,” she trills and easily slides her hands into Marrow’s big ones. The kid has no personal space as she stands on his boots to physically walk her over to Pito.

The woman has a loving and aspirating look that only a parent has, something too relatable to Qrow, as she claps her talons, “Madeleine, you can’t tackle all of our clients.”

Maddie’s shoulders slumped, “Okay Mama.” She then peers up to Qrow and shouts, “Uncle!”

An undignified squawk betrays his composure while Marrow laughs sharply.

“Hah,” Pito smiles reassuringly, “my brother also has wings, greyer but that doesn’t stop Madeleine now does it?”

“Uncle,” she insists again, moving over with grabby hands but her mother guides her off that path, likely used to this habit.

“Maddie, sometimes you can’t surprise someone with a hug,” Pito lectured. She turns to Qrow with an offered claw, “Hi, I’m Pitohui and this is my daughter, Madeleine.”

“I’m Qrow,” he shakes her hand, “so, um, I’m guessing Marrow brought me here for your expertise?”

Qrow glanced over to some of the models at the window, noticing all had a defining faunus trait and wore a classy outfit.

The seamstress begins to explain, “I design and make alternations for outfits according to any faunus’ needs. Personally half of my business profits from my brother’s vanity but I make it a goal to make every faunus in Mantle feel as glamorous as any other Atlesian.”

“That’s a nice goal.”

Madeleine exclaims, “My goal is to sing like my uncle!” She looks to Qrow expectedly, batting her eyelashes.

Geeze, too many kids are good at melting his heart.

Qrow quirks a smile, “I’m sure you’ll be the best singer in Atlas.”

“I’m telling Weiss you said that,” Marrow teased.

“She won’t believe you.”

“So,” Pito cuts in, as a parental authority tends to do before two idiots start bicker, “what are you both looking for?”

“We’re here to get some new suits,” Marrow answered, already sliding hangers on their racks to examine the suits.

“Speak for yourself,” Qrow said, “I think a dress would be better for me.”

The younger man stared at him for a few seconds before confirming, “You’re not joking.”

“Nope.”

“In that case,” Pito has a kind smile as she leads Qrow to a rack of dresses, “let’s get started.”

They spend a good while looking around. Qrow would occasionally look at the suits but truly a dress is more to his preferences. Marrow sticks to the suits but sometimes Qrow would catch him peeking over to the prettiness of the skirts.

Eventually it occurs to Qrow that some of these clothes are pricy. Right, this is a business aimed towards fancy events.

“How are we paying for this?” He asks and ties to do math in his head regarding his paychecks.

“Oh right, the General saw me this morning,” Marrow reaches into his coat and hands Qrow an envelope. “This is for you.”

Flipping it open, what falls into his hand is a credit card under James’ name.

Huh, he could get used to getting spoiled with money but right now he’s not. Qrow was never a big spender, only got the bare necessities since he had to travel light. The tiny card feels too golden and clean to be in his hands.

“Don’t worry,” Pito winks at him, “I’ll give you a family discount.”

“Uncle!” Agreed Madeleine.

The little bird girl has an armful of suits and takes Marrow’s hand to pull him to the dressing rooms. That just leaves him and Pito to talk shop.

It’s kind of obvious that whatever Qrow’s going to wear it’s gonna be backless.

Cause yah know, wings and that jazz.

Plus, Qrow looks good in a backless dress.

He tries on a few different styles, from gown-like to modern. Because of he’s seeking professional help Pito had him on the raised platform and rolled over a full body mirror.

With each dress, Qrow gets more and more comfortable to seeing his reflection.

If clothes make the person then Qrow is practically ethereal and awing even to his own eyes. The skirts he wore in Beacon are child’s play compared to Pitohui’s designs. Each one is soothing to the touch, quickly adjusted for his wings and all are beautiful in their own right.

This current dress in particular is a bright shade of red that goes more into Ruby’s palette than Qrow’s but all over there are black threads weaving in looping designs into the fabric.

The collar is snug against his neck, thankfully not itchy like he hoped. The material is soft to the touch, connected to the collar and it dips over his chest in a pentagon-like shape. It wraps around his back to tie a large ribbon underneath the base of his wings. As for the skirt part, it’s a slanted cut to show off his left leg thigh and its ends nearly touch the floor.

Half of his mind is wondering what’s gonna be Clover’s reaction. Likely praises and kisses. Okay now more than half of his mind is thinking about that.

Qrow is unintentionally successful at making his cheeks match the dress.

“Ooh,” Pito cooed, “I take it that this is the one?”

He finds himself nodding before a chance to reconsider but he doesn’t dare to have second thoughts.

“Well,” he ends up saying, holding up the tail end the dress, “Can you shorten this part? I don’t want to risk tripping over it.”

“No problem.”

Marrow exits a dressing stall, a flattering blue suit vest emphases his waistline but he keeps fixing the rolled sleeves of the white undercoat.

He hums an impressed tune to the bird, “Wow, I honestly didn’t think you’d look good in a dress. I just never thought it would work.”

“What kind of teacher would I be if I didn’t make you learn new things,” Qrow said. He studied his figure in the mirror as Pito worked with a measuring tape for the skirt.

The red dress shows off his silhouette, curves and dips in a smooth wave that he vaguely acknowledged with his regular clothes. His muscles add to his features, a strong contrast that brings a depth of both beauty and power in him.

His wings flair out and he can’t help but shift around, see the different angles on how the large things work with the dress. Everything looks too good to be true, elegant even or graceful. Qrow spent years not caring too much on his appearance, just shucked on whatever shirt he could around his wings. Now in this dress, it feels more than okay around his wings because it was literally made with people like him in mind.

It’s kind of refreshing to dress up like this.

Marrow’s curious gaze gets Qrow thinking out loud, “Wait, did the others not tell you about when Jaune wore a dress?”

Blinking, Marrow asked, “He did what?”

“Yeah, did it to cheer up a friend.” That’s one way to describe a memory coated with both joy and grief.

“Huh.”

A dazed off look enters Marrow’s eyes until they wander off to the dress section. His hesitant feet leads them over to the frills and silk and lace. Little Madeleine is instantly by his side, piling dresses in her arms. Qrow picks up the wary curiosity in the unsure movement in the younger man.

Taking a page out of Clover’s book, he says, “You don’t have to force yourself to do this, Marrow.”

“I’m just trying stuff out,” Marrow said, more for himself.

The guy does look a little clueless. After all, simply picking a dress and wearing it is not as easy as it sounds. For skirts, that’s only a matter of hipbones or whatever. As for dresses, Qrow knows from experience how most dresses are designed for slimmer bodies or narrow shoulders.

Thankfully Madeleine is here with a keen eye. She double-checks on the sizes for each dress from hem line to sleeves before handing Marrow the appropriate size. The kid gives him a thumb’s up in approval, assuring Marrow as he goes back to the dressing stall.

“Maddie knows what she’s doing,” Pito proudly states, “she loves helping everyone with their dresses.”

“So I’m not the only guy around here that likes dressing up?” Qrow meant for a lighthearted tone but apparently Pito got a faraway look as she smiled at the sight of her daughter reorganizing the clothing racks.

She needed a stepstool but nonetheless, Madeleine worked diligently.  

“My little girl wants to make the world be as pretty as she believes it to be,” Pito said.

There was a small hitch in her throat at the ‘little girl’ part. It paired with the watery eyes Pito attempted to brush away.

“She sounds a lot like my kids,” Qrow shared.

The mother sends him a knowing look, something that Summer once had when the girls were cradled in her arms. That sweet security and peace and Qrow is slowly learning that feeling too.

They wrap things up. Qrow returns to his regular clothes, an overcoat where the entire back section is gone so that his wings don’t have any troubles.

Marrow hasn’t come out when Qrow finishes paying. Pito has a worried look but Qrow gestures to let him handle this.

Knocking gently on the door, he calls out, “Hey, Marrow, how’re you doing?”

“Okay,” is said too fast, too caught off guard but Marrow tries again with a calmer tone, “They actually do fit, well most of them I think but…”

“I’m not asking about the clothes, kid.”

There a pause and while Qrow is worrying, he also realizes that oh.

So this is what’s like to be Clover in these conversations. But Marrow is not Qrow. Perhaps they have similar experiences, but the dog faunus eventually opens up.

“I’ve never really wore anything that was for me. It was always a uniform and that was safe because at first glance, I belonged to a group.”

“I get that, kid,” he said, “Blake too.”

“I know that,” Marrow’s voice is a bit muffled but a twinge of exhaustion is there. “I just want to be confident in all of me. Like how you wear dresses or like how Blake cut her hair.” His words get softer but they make it through the door, “And May… You’re all so proud being yourselves.”

Again, words fail him. Qrow has those old gut instincts to argue against Marrow’s claim. The rooted knots in his stomach would actually hurt at someone else’s belief in him.

But those tangled threads aren’t holding strength as Qrow thinks of his pride.

Sure he has pride in his skill, in earning the two month chip of his sobriety, and most of all, pride in his kids.

As for self-pride, huh, is that’s what Qrow’s been walking with? Has that been intertwining with his acceptance and eagerness to be happy again?

Unfortunately now is not the time to have a revelation or self-reflection, Marrow is spiraling and Qrow doesn’t have much familiarity on this. He always thought as Marrow as a faunus with a strong sense of identity but Qrow should’ve know better, after all he hid behind thinly veiled self-loathing thoughts.

Qrow can’t get another word out, any idea of comforting Marrow is unsure when he hears the shop’s entrance chime.

It must be luck, good or bad, it doesn’t matter because guess who’s here.

Fiona Thyme is occupied with talking to Pito while May Marigold meets his gaze.

‘And May,’ Marrow had trailed off with, as if she’s the most important person to think about.

Without a second thought, Qrow walks up to the ladies.

“Hi Qrow,” begins Fiona. She’s the most familiar with him sense they’re the ones who had to keep Robyn and Clover from sassing each other when they meet up. She tilts her head, reading into his quiet turmoil, “Is something wrong?”

His frown isn’t reassuring as he turns to May, “Marrow’s in there.”

All he did was point to the dressing rooms and then May was already speed walking there, a panicked and vulnerable expression on her face.

The shop may have that idle instrumental music playing lowly in the background but he hears May gently say, “Marrow, it’s me, will you let me in?”

Five seconds of stasis and holding their breaths, the door opens and May is let in.

Qrow usually doesn’t look too deep into his kids’ relationships, usually because none of them are subtle about their fluffy affection or bad pickup lines. But for Marrow, he was Clover’s kid so Qrow had that innate urge to get on the good side of his boyfriend’s friends.

The other Ace Operatives still claim their acquaintances at best but that’s an utterly proven wrong at the end of the day. Each one of them cares about Clover in their own way and expressed their varying degree of enthusiasm and care for the Beacon hunters.

As for the rookie, Marrow got quite comfortable with Qrow’s flock, specifically Jaune. That is what Qrow is trying to wrap up to, Marrow and Jaune had that coffee thing and then suddenly Marrow’s joining them in game night.

So in shorter words, Qrow cares about Marrow but also wondering what the kid’s gonna do about his feelings for two people. Well according to Fiona who’s here to pick up her dress, the Happy Huntresses are all going so Marrow’s gonna be in a room with two of his crushes.

Just a normal day in Atlas.

They spend an hour longer in the shop helping Marrow decide on an outfit. Well, mostly May and Madeleine because the dog faunus trusts them. Although if Qrow guided the little bird away from the red dresses then that’s the least he can do to prevent Jaune from getting bittersweet flashbacks.

Actually, now that he thinks about it, Jaune wouldn’t be the only one reminiscing about the fallen warrior of reds and golds.  

By the time they finish shopping and thanking James’ credit card that either May or Fiona tried to steal, the two huntsmen were back at the academy as the sun sinks into the horizon.

Marrow wasn’t too elated to hang out with anyone so he retreated to his room hugging his garment bag tightly, a relieved smile on his face.

That leaves Qrow to handle his usual amount of rambunctious kids who demand his attention.

The moment they spy the garment bag carefully tucked under his arm, they turned into vultures.

“You got an outfit? Put it on, put it on!” Ruby demanded, bouncing in her feet and just like Madeleine, made grabby hands at him.

Weiss, the opposite of childish joy, pouted, “We were all supposed to go to my tailor together!”

“But we did that other day,” Jaune complained, slumped over the couch with Nora. He’s on warren duty, keeping the thunderbolt out of the kitchen while Ren and Oscar prepare dinner.

“It’s called final fittings.”

“Is that what you call taking three hours making sure your gear is lit free?” Blake teases.

Her eyes are still glued to her book as her fuzzy socked feet are swung over the couch’s arm. Her toes tap the air, meaning she’s at a good part. Blake’s head is rested upon Yang’s lap whose idly combing her hands in the cat faunus’ hair while Yang watches the superhero movie marathon Jaune has been raving about.

“Ha, nice one,” Nora grinned and while Jaune is snickering, she tries to escape his hold.

Nora could easily threaten to hurt Jaune or actually hurt Jaune but she loves handholding too much to do that to her leader. That and Qrow has given her the parental disapproving lecture about throwing threats around.

So far her escape plan is to slitter away but from pure instinct or insight, Ren looks away from his work to just stare at her with a raised brow. Nora sinks back to the couch, just in time to watch the superhero with slow motion powers use his powers for the greater good.

“Food’s almost ready,” Oscar announces and turns off the stove, “I don’t think Qrow should risk his suit against the curry.”

“Dress actually,” he corrects, walking pass his starry eyed niece and his grinning niece and a bunch of other children that have decided to look up to him. “You four,” he points to the couch potatoes, “go set the table.”

He feels a little vindicated when they listen.

Only Weiss and Ruby follow him to his room, the one originally assigned to him but some of his clothes have migrated to Clover’s room. Still, it’s nice to have a place close to the kids. It was also a hassle to be too near to the kids’ dorms simply due to how they are in the mornings.

The two coffee machines and one tea kettle are not enough for the eight youths.

Qrow gently places the dress bag in his closet, Weiss and Ruby instantly drawn to it while he searches for some more casual clothes. Look, Nora can be a messy eater, there’s a good chance curry will be flying thanks to his semblance.

When he’s trying to find a matching set of socks, a futile mission, he hears his niece and her girlfriend unzip the bag and start to wow about his dress.

“It’s so pretty!”

“Definitely a lot more tasteful than I expected.”

“You’re just jealous that your dress doesn’t have this much detail.”

“I’ve worn countless of dresses, Ruby, and a good number of them are up to this quality. I am not jealous.”

“Nice to hear your approval then,” Qrow said. Weiss quirks a smile at him, glad that her intentions are known. “Hey, can you help me with this thing too?”

His left wing hasn’t been feeling great against the cold evening air. Maybe a feather or two were misaligned during his dressing and left a patch of rough wing skin exposed to the chills. The wing wasn’t cooperating when he tried to remove his coat.

“Of course,” Weiss stepped behind him. The first time he asked for her help, her hands shook a bit, too nervous to mess up but determined to do the task. This time there isn’t any jitter or nerves, just helpful and careful.

Once the heavy coat is off, he reaches over to find the ruffled feathers.

“Thanks,” he said to the ice princess who ironically has a soft expression that’s melting his heart.

“You’re welcome, Uncle Qrow,” Weiss replies.

A high pitch squeal exits Ruby’s mouth despite the fact that her hands are clasped over, like that can tamper her excitement. The giddiness radiating off of her matches the squishiness in Qrow.

That squishy feeling always happens whenever his kids, aside from Yang and Ruby, call him uncle.

The first time each one said it was a total shock and it’s even more heartfelt knowing they still continue to do so.

Weiss rolls her eyes, like that can downplay the emotional impact she caused to the family.

“Come on Ruby,” she reminds, “there’s dinner waiting for us.”

She grabs Ruby’s hand and whisks her away. Ruby gives her uncle a parting thumb’s up.

“Clover’s going to love it!”

…oh boy, Qrow needs to mentally prepare for that.

[ask-the-brighter-side-crew]

It's Time To Begin The Fun

The screen was pitch dark with no sound surrounding it and it seemed like that for awhile until there was a click a sudden buzzing noise

"Is...Is it-" "on? I don't-" "know maybe we have-" "To wait?"

The voice's of two young kids started to be heard making the silence disappeared slowly

A chuckle was followed

"Yes Re yes Ro just wait a minute and it'll be one in no time" "Oooooo I can't wait! I can't wait I can't wait! We've been waiting for so long!"

Another chuckle

"We know Pat. We're also excited we just gotta wait a minute"

The voice's quickly drowned out the the silence with their excitement and softness as they spoke

Suddenly color start to fill the screen as the voices got more excited. "It's on it's on it's on it's on it's on it's on it's on it's on it's on!"

"Alright hand it over you three". The screen went into blurry movement for a moment before a person with Square glasses, a black polo shirt appeared on the screen

"Hello and welcome. I know from the title and everything you can see what this is all about though I will repeat it. This is our ask blog where you can ask us anything and everything! Of course there are limits but we'll get there for now it is time for introductions!". The person gestured to himself. "I am Lo. Commonly known as logic and sometimes Logan though I go with Lo because it's a funner and easier name to say. Now on to Pat"

The screen moved and suddenly a bubbly person bouncing will circle glasses. He wore a light blue shoulder showing shirt. "Hello! I'm Pat also known as morality and Patton! I can't wait to get to know about all of you lovely people! See you around! Okay Vee you're turn!" "Do I have to?" "Yes! If you don't then they won't know who you are!" "Fine fine"

The screen switched and a person with light glittery eyeshadow and a purple shirt appeared. "Sup my name is Vee/Virgil and my job is anxiety though I'm chill most of the time I really got nothing to worry about. And I'm done. Who's turn is it now?" "Oh! Oh!-" "It's ours! It's ou-" "rs!" Vee chuckled. "Okay okay"

The screen flipped around to show two very young kids bouncing. They had necklaces and almost matching sweaters that were the opposite of eachother. "Hel-" "lo!" "My name is Roman! Ro for short!" "And I'm Remus! Re for short!" "And we're the creativity twins!!!". The little Twins suddenly hugged eachother. "We're the youngest in the group because we are 7 years old!" "That also means you're the cutest" "Awwwww! Look at them! Their bright red and green!"

Lo chuckled. "Alright everyone that's enough everyone. We still have two more introductions and the limits to go over before this can all start". The sound of giggles rang out as the screen moved again before it was suddenly going up

What was then revealed was a small person wearing an over sized sweater that fell from his shoulders and the sleeves completely covered his arms and hands. "Oooooo what's that?" "It's a video thingy! We're starting the blog today so introduce yourself!" "Oh! Oh my gosh I didn't know it was today!". The small person bounced. "Well! My name is Thomas! Though you can call me any nickname that works better for you as long as you're comfortable with it! Oh! And also before you ask no I am not a kid. I'm 25 years old the only thing is that I'm really small. Though if you do mistake me as a kid it's okay! I won't be mad. Annnnd I think that's all about me!"

Vee chuckled as kneeled down and hugged Thomas who immediately hugged back. "You did a good job Thomas" "Thank you Vee!" "Of course anytime Thomas...Now guess what time it is?". As Vee spoke he held Thomas closer who quickly gasped and flapped his sleeves. "It was a trap! A comfy trap!"

The Twins giggled as they moved the screen. Re held the camera while Ro quickly sank out. "Now here is the last one who needs to be introduced before we can start the blog!". As Re finished speaking Ro sank up and was holding something. "Everyone. Meet Dee!". Re flipped the screen to reveal Ro proudly holding up a bleping yellow snake with a chocker that had a red and green heart. "Hissss!" "We found him in the forest all alone!" "And he was the only snake we have ever seen" "So we knew we just had to take him in and give-" "Him a nice warm and comfy home!" "And now he's our pet! He has a nice big tank with everything he needs including multiple heating pads!" "And he can come out and explore the house as much as he wants!" "Oh! Oh! He always get a lot of cuddles from everyone!" "And he's really really cute and adorable!" "And-!"

Logan stepped in. "Alright you two that's enough. That list is never going to end and you're flustering to poor guy". He pointed to Dee who was wagging his tail and gave flustered hisses. "As you can see" "oh my-" "gosh! Sorry Dee!". Logan chuckled. "I'm sure he forgives you. Now. Introductions are completed it is time to end this with some things that are off limits. Okay?" "Okie!". Re handed the screen over to Lo and went over to his brother and hugged him

Lo smiled before he looked at the screen. "Okay so I will currently a short list of things that should not be asked due to many reasons so please listen carefully

-No Nsfw ask or inappropriate asks please as there are two kids

-No making the characters die or put them in a situation where on is dead. You can put them in pretend situations but not real ones

-Don't be gross please

-If you don't like the blog please do not leave an ask about it. Just move on

-Do not try to get any of the characters change something about their personality

-No creepy asks

And that would seem to conclude the list for now. If needed more things will be added to make sure this is a safe and good place". Lo looked at the others. "Are we ready to end this?" "Seems like it" "let's do it!" "Let's get this over with Thomas needs his nap" "We're-" "Ready!"

Lo smiled and he put the screen on a stand before walked back over to the others who immediately pulled him close as the all squished together in a group hug

"Hope you all enjoy the blog and we hope to see you next time! Bye bye!" "Hisssssss!!!"

The group all smiled together as the screen cut to black again and the silence returned once more

✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧

Asks are now open!

[jordswriteswords]

Clextober19: Vampires and Werewolves

“I hate you!” Madi screamed, slamming the door shut in her mother’s face.

Tears formed in Clarke’s eyes as she gaped at the white door. Her daughter had never said those words before, and although knowing that one day her child would utter them, the reality of it still stung like a fresh wound.

Clarke turned around and did what she always did when she needed to think - she painted.

Lexa left her to it, knowing her wife needed some space, but she worried, hovering by the door of her wife’s art studio with a warm cup of tea in her hands an hour later.

“I know you’re there,” Clarke breathed out sadly. “You don’t need to hover.”

“You know she doesn’t mean it.”

“She’s only six,” Clarke said, eyes watering again. “Our six year old hates me.”

Lexa wrapped her arms around her wife’s shoulders, pulling her into her chest for comfort. “She doesn’t hate you.”

“She turned Finn Jr. Into a fish,” Clarke laughed at. “It’s funny, but fish can’t live outside of water, Lexa. She nearly killed the boy. Ms. Niylah had to keep him in a glass until you showed up. Sometimes your magic sucks,” Clarke said with a sad chuckle. 

Lexa chuckles as well. “I just wish she’d tell us why she did it.”

***

“You can’t say those things to your mom, Mads,” Lexa leaned against the frame of her daughter’s door, speaking gently to her daughter as she furiously threw things about her room.

“Well, I do!” Madi announced, hands on her hips. “She’s always telling me I can’t do magic and I’m always getting into trouble and you do magic all. the. time. and you don’t get into any trouble at all.”

“Your mother and I don’t want you using magic at school because you’re still learning how to control it. You’re a half-ling, baby, it’s different for you. It’s just going to take a little more practice, and until then, we want you safe.”

“Well, I hate you too, then. I hate both of you!”

“Madi,” Lexa warned, green eyes sharp with frustration. “Enough. Get your jammies on, it’s bedtime.”

Madi crossed her arms and huffed at her mama, puffs of smoke pluming from her nostrils as her face reddened.

Ignoring the tantrum, Lexa said, “I’ll be back in ten minutes to tuck you in.”

***

“That didn’t go as well as planned, she officially hates me, too,” Lexa said, dropping down onto the couch next to Clarke.

“It’s so hard for her,” Clarke let her head rest on her wife’s shoulder, brooding over what to do.

“You’re a great mom, Clarke,” Lexa said. “And a great wife.” She placed a soft kiss to her temple and wrapped her arms around her waist.

“Ditto,” Clarke replied. “Let’s tuck her in together. Tell her we love her even though she’s mad at us.”

***

“Madi?” Clarke asked, knocking lightly on the open door. “Honey, can we come in?”

At the lack of response, Clarke and Lexa moved into their daughter’s room. The closet was a mess, and they couldn’t see their daughter anywhere.

“Madi?” Lexa asked. She stepped back out into the hallway and checked the bathroom. “Madi? – Clarke, is she hiding under her bed?”

“No,” Clarke responded, and her voice shaky with fear. “She’s not here, Lexa!”

***

Madi whistled as she walked along the pathway, dragging her suitcase filled with her most prize possessions behind her. 

Madi was so angry with her mother’s that she ended up crying. She couldn’t understand her own emotions, and the tears came pouring out out of reflex. She sniffed and poofed herself and her luggage to another part of the city. She didn’t care that it was dark and she was so obviously lost, she was just glad to be out of that house with all those rules.

A low grumble from the nearby bush startled her from her thoughts. They shifted with a creature’s shadow. Madi swallowed thickly, looking around for an adult that could save her. The grumble turned into a growl, and Madi fell backwards in fright, toppling over her luggage. 

The growl grew louder as the figure emerged from the bushes - white fangs and massive amounts of fur and yellow eyes. The giant wolf stalked towards the fallen girl, her blue eyes wide as she struggled to move her long brown hair out of her face to see it more clearly. 

“Oh, a puppy!” Madi exclaimed. 

The wolf paused in it’s step, head cocked to the side at her exuberance. 

“You’re not afraid of me?”

“You can talk?” Madi asked. “Hi, puppy!” Madi waved. “You’re so fluffy!”

The wolf took a step back, sitting on its hind legs and looking at the girl. 

“You can hear me?”

“Yup. What’s your name? I’m Madi.” Madi asked.

“Lincoln.“

“Nice to meet you, Lincoln. That’s a strange name for a dog.”

A loud screech sounded and a bat flew down towards Madi. The wolf barked and growled, and the bat flapped its wings, settling on the wolf’s back instead.

“You have a bat?” Madi asked with excitement.

“She can hear you?” The bat asked Lincoln.

Madi gasped. “You have a talking bat?" 

The wolf sat back on his heels again and shook his fur until the bat flew off, landing on the earth beside him.

“Octavia, this is Madi. She can hear us.”

The bat extended its wings and flew into the air, fluttering around Madi’s head. “She’s small. How old are you?”

"I’m six-and-three-months.”

Madi could swear she saw a hint of a smile on the bat;s face. “And what is a six-and-three-month year old doing out here so late? The bat asked. Where are your parents?”

Madi shrugged. “I ran away.”

“Why?”

“My mommies are mean.”

The bat flapped its wings wildly, taking itself to sit on top of Lincoln’s head.

“Really?” He asked, his big snout directed towards the bat.

“I’m comfy,” Octavia replied. She turned to Madi and asked, “Why are your mommies mean, little one?”

“My mommy doesn’t like that I’m a witch and I have powers and I should be able to use them whenever I want, and my mama is a witch and she gets to use hers all the time but she won’t let me and it’s not fair because the only reason I even used my powers is because Finn Jr. said that I’m weird for having two mommies. He said that his daddy was going to take my mommy from my mama because they used to hold hands when they were in school, and I don’t want my mommy to not love my mama anymore, and I don’t want to be weird because I have two mommies!” Madi sniffed and her luggage opened, violently throwing out her stuffed griffon and stuffed raccoon. 

“Do you think I’m weird because I’m a wolf?” Lincoln asked. “And for having wolf parents?”

Madi shook her head, wiping her nose with her sleeve. Another toy flew from her suitcase and landed in front of Lincoln. “No, ‘cause everyone has different mommies and daddies, and some of them are witches and some are elves and some are humans like my other mommy so it doesn’t matter what your mommies and daddies are and who they hold hands with.”

“I think you were very brave to try and protect your mommies, Octavia said. “Did you tell them what happened?”

Madi shook her head again. “It would make them sad, and I hate when they’re sad.”

“Don’t you think they’re going to be sad when they realize you’re not home?”

Madi opened her mouth to retort, but snapped it shut as she realized the truth behind Octavia’s words. “Do you think they’ll be mad?”

The bat flew up into the air and landed in Madi’s shoulder. She wrapped one of her wings around Madi’s neck. “I doubt it. I have a strong feeling they’ll just be happy you’re home. And then you can talk about what happened today.”

“I don’t know how to get home,” Madi said, her chin quivering as she became more upset. “I can’t control my magic and I acci - acci - accidenenenally came here.”

“Hop on,” Lincoln said, bowing down so that Madi could crawl on his back. “Just don’t grab the fur too hard.”

Madi did just as asked, and got on his back. “Wait!” She cried. “What about my suitcase?”

Octavia flew off her shoulder and landed on the handle of the bag.”I’ll take it.” She flew forward, hardly making the case budge. Try as she might, the little bat couldn’t get the luggage to move. Lincoln nudged it with his nose to get the wheels started, and the bat flapped feverishly to keep the momentum.

“Okay, let’s go home to my mommies,” Madi said.

***

“Madi!” Clarke yelled, racing down the steps to meet her. “Madi, Madi!” She dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around her six year old daughter. “Don’t you ever do that again!” Clarke sobbed into her daughter’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Mommy.”

“Madi!” Lexa yelled, running out of the house. Raven and Anya were close behind as well. Lexa crashed into her wife and daughter, her arms coming around them both in a tight hug.

“I’m sorry Mama, I didn’t mean to run away, I just got so mad and then I ended up somewhere else.”

Clarke and Lexa pressed kisses to her face and brushed her hair out of her eyes. “Are you alright?” Lexa asked. “We were so worried.”

“How did you get home?” Clarke added.

A bark from a few feet away caught their attention, and both Clarke and Lexa turned to see the wolf sitting on his hind legs, his tail wagging behind him, and the tiny bat fluttering around his head.

“Lincoln?” Lexa asked. 

The wolf barked again and his tail wag picked up speed.

“O?” Clarke added.

The wolf howled and the bat screeched, and with a puff of smoke, Lexa’s cousin, the tall, dark, and handsome Lincoln Birch, and Clarke’s longtime friend, Octavia, stood before them.

“You’re people?” Madi asked, completely dumbfounded.

“You’re back from Romania?” Lexa asked, standing slowly, Madi still wrapped around her neck and her hip. Clarke had her arm across Madi’s and Lexa’s back.

“Looks like,” Octavia said, stepping towards them and kissing their cheeks. She booped Madi’s nose, making the six year old giggle. “I’m a vampire, and Lincoln is a werewolf. We’re also your aunt and uncle.”

Madi smiled brightly up at Octavia and Lincoln.

“She’s got your hair,” Lincoln nodded to his cousin.

“And your eyes,” Octavia said to her best friend. "But, on our trip back, someone told us she wants to talk to you about what happened today.“

Madi tucked her neck back into her Mama’s neck and mumbled, "Finn waff beduff nadhuff a mass.”

“Can you look at us, baby?” Clarke cooed. “We’re not mad at you, but we can’t understand what you’re saying with your face in mama’s neck.”

“Finn Jr. Said I was weird for having two mommies. And he said that you weren’t gonna love Mama anymore because his daddy was gonna take you back.”

“First of all,” Clarke said, cheeks turning a deep red from her anger. Lexa’s hand stroked her back to calm her. She breathed out a sigh. “Madi, I love you and your mama more than you could ever imagine. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing. No matter what Finn Jr. said. It’s you, me, and mama forever, okay?”

Lexa nodded, then added, “And even if he scared or upset you, you shouldn’t be using your magic to hurt people. It’s not nice and you know that. And you need to tell us if someone’s bothering you, okay?”

Madi nodded, thoroughly scolded by her parents, but snuggled into her parents hug, happy that they loved her anyway. “I’m not weird?”

“No, baby, we love you,” Clarke said.

“No, you’re definitely not weird,” Lexa added. “You’re special.”

[artnerd1123]

A Familiar World

Spring Sirensong  ——————————————

Outings in the seaside town were cold for Seraph’s first months of life. One can imagine her joy when it starts warming up. Of course, warmth isn’t the only thing awaiting her today... 

The masterpost for AFW can be found here. The chapter post for AFW can be found here.

——————————————

I wrote this entirely in one day! Wild. I think this is the most productive I’ve been on a chapter since... ever slkjfd Anywho! It’s some fluff with ser, in which she makes some very important friends. Hope y’all enjoy ;3c

                                                    ————

The past handful of months had been... interesting. For one thing, the shop was still in its beta stages. Turns out running a shop is hard for newbies. Evangel struggled to get stock to sell, much less show off her repair abilities. It wasn’t odd that her familiar stepped up. Seraph might not have had much experience in anything, but she was gonna do her darndest to help. While Evangel fretted with displays, Seraph got people to come in and look around. As the tailor worried over fulfilling orders, Seraph got customers to make them. Even while Evangel figured out an organization system for her creations and the shop, Seraph made sure their living space was put together. The kitchen was gonna look nice whether Evangel could cook or not! All in all, Seraph thought they were a good team. A great team! All they really needed was… more progress. More customers. More solid business plans, and less making things up as they went. Evangel was the one handling money. Seraph couldn’t help with the budget yet. She’d get there some day! She was working really hard to make it happen! But there was only so much she could do. After all, she was only five months old. Young even for a familiar. Made sense that she’d take breaks to play around.

Today, a break came in the form of a walk. Seraph was ecstatic to be heading out. Usually, she had to get all bundled up to go outdoors!!! But it was getting warmer. That meant she could slip outside in just a cute little sundress. Evangel might not be happy with warmer weather, but Seraph was loving it. She hummed happily as she skipped along, wings fluttering excitedly behind her.  “Thanks for takin me with you, mama!” she chirped. Her eyes shone in the new spring light. Her first spring!!! She’d never seen so much green before. She couldn’t get enough of it. “It’s so pretty out today!!!” “O-oh… its alright, I guess…” Evangel sighed. “Hopefully there’ll be something good for spring designs…” The sorceress had a clipboard clutched tightly in her hand. One of her special design work ones, if Seraph was remembering right. She was already eager to see the final products. “Maybe there’ll be flowers!!!” Seraph gasped excitedly. She hadn’t seen those growing since October! “Flowers come with spring, right??? You could draw some of those!!! And use them for dresses!!!” “Mmm… maybe…” Evangel fidgeted with her hood, eyes on the sidewalk. “But will floral patterns even be in this year…?” Seraph paused. Seeing mama sad made her sad. Being sad wasn’t fun! She didn’t want any sad on this nice day!!! Time to work some of her newfound magic. She stopped her skipping to reach for Evangel’s hand. She gave her a smile, patting her hand gently. “They will if you like em!” the hybrid said simply. “I know they will, mama! You’re the best at everything when it comes to clothes!!!” “Oh… thats so sweet, ser,” Evangel smiled, waving a hand. “Thank you…” Seraph just beamed back. Yes! There was that smile. It made her happy. It meant she was doing a good job. “You’re welcome!!!” she giggled. “I can’t wait to see what you make!!!” “Well, I’ve got to sketch first!” Evangel chuckled softly. The two continued on in contented silence. Past the shops, past the apartments, past the taverns and restaurants… all the way to the edge of town. Near the end of the main road, Evangel stopped. Seraph stopped too, looking up curiously. “What’s wrong, mama?” she asked. Evangel glanced at her. Sighing, she held out a hand. “We’re going up to the sea cliffs, sweetie,” Evangel reminded her. “They can be very dangerous. Take my hand, alright? That means you stay with me until I say we can stop.” “Oh!!! Right!!!” Seraph nodded eagerly. Her little hoof fit snugly into Evangel’s hand. Hopping from foot to foot, her feathery tail wagged in time with her wings’ excited flapping. “I’m gonna be right here, mama! Don’t worry!” “That’s my little doll,” Evangel smiled. Together, they started off towards the cliffs. Originator and familiar, off to enjoy the view. What more could anyone want?

The sound of laughter and singing joined the crash of waves. Evangel was off in a patch of budding wildflowers, sketching to her heart’s content. She’d told Seraph to go play. As long as she could see her mama, Seraph knew she could go where she wanted. So! She was having fun! Singing nursery rhymes at the top of her lungs was amazing. They echoed all around!!! Tumbling down the incline was just as fun. Her sundress could wash- she wanted to feel the grass and dirt on her skin! The little hybrid giggled to herself as she flopped backwards. Her wings spread wide on the ground, she hummed happily in the sun.  I wonder what other stuff I’ll see in spring, she wondered eagerly. Would she see more animals? More cool monsters? More neighbors? Or- or maybe she could start a garden! Evangel needed flowers to observe, right? And they were so pretty! I should bring some back for her!!! As she scrambled to her feet, though, something caught her attention. A sound. A low, melodic crooning. Like the breeze, or the sound a pan flute makes. But… different. It had this echo to it, swirling the sound into something she’d never heard before. As if the ocean itself were weaving through the air. It froze the little familiar in place. “Wh… what’s…? What’s that…?” she whispered. As she listened, it rose and fell in pitch. She could hear some sort of voice in there. Was this... singing? Her eyes widened in realization. It was singing. Absolutely beautiful singing. She knew immediately that she had to meet the person responsible. She had to. “Is… is someone there?” She called. Nobody answered. The song, however, kept going. Her ears flicked forwards as she looked for the source. It had to be close! How could she hear it so well otherwise? Sure enough, she determined it was coming from the cliffs behind her. So close!!! Her face lit up with joy, and she took a step towards them- -only to stop a moment later. … didn’t mama say the cliffs were dangerous….? Her mind twittered nervously. Seraph glanced over her shoulder. Evangel was still sitting in the patch of wildflowers. Sketching quietly. Back facing her familiar. She didn’t seem to hear the voice at all. Seraph took a peek at the cliff top again. It wasn’t too far away. She could get up there in minutes. And Evangel could still see her from there, right? So, technically… this wouldn’t break any rules. It would be fine to go up there, she thought, turning back to the cliffs. Just this once… Slowly, steadily, Seraph made her way to the cliff top. The song got louder as she approached. Sound and desire drew her forward. The grass went all the way up to the edge. It was a little weird to see it end so abruptly. She stopped before the very edge, of course. No need to stand somewhere so risky. Especially when she didn’t know how to fly.  She settled on her hands and knees, figuring she could take a peek this way. The haunting melody caressed her ears as she leaned forward. Just one peek at the singer… that’s all she wanted… just… one… peek… Seraph gasped loudly. Eyes sparkling, she stared down at the waves below. Something was sitting on the rocks. Or rather, someone. Someone with beautifully shiny fins, and glistening scales. Someone in soft, pretty shades of green and blue. Someone with little spots of pink and yellow along her back, and lovely stripes down her tail. Somehow, seraph knew exactly what she was looking at. A siren. And she was singing. Seraph couldn’t move from the spot. A siren! A real, living, breathing siren! Right there! She’d only seen mention of them in books at the library. The mention of their singing had made her feel warm inside. Like finding someone else who dedicated themself to your passion. Yes, they were dangerous. But she still loved them. She loved them a lot. Evangel had only ever taken home books about clothes, but music- and sirens- had been on Seraph’s mind since she learned how to read. She’d read all she could about them while they were at the library. And now… there was a siren. Right in front of her. She was absolutely spellbound. Setting her head on her hands, Seraph made herself comfortable. She was gonna stay there for as long as she could. The siren, meanwhile, seemed to know she had an audience. She’d sat up straighter, sending her song rolling far along the waves. One can imagine seraph’s sheer delight when a few more sirens surfaced. There were two of them now! No, three- four- five! Five sirens! All of them clustered on the rocks below. A blissful hum drifted from the familiar as they all began to sing. Their sound mixed perfectly… her own private symphony… … were they looking at her? Seraph blinked. Hastily sitting up, she hid herself in her wings. Peeking through her feathers, stared back in shock. They were! The sirens were looking up at her! They were too far away for her to make out expressions, but their song had changed. It was less wandering, and more… inviting. Encouraging. Welcoming. …. Are they… singing to me…? Quiet surprise continued as the sirens gathered closer. They were all such pretty colors, but varying ones, too. Like a bouquet of musical flowers. She just watched as they wove a song together. In the midst of their enchanting tune, the first started singing something new. It took Seraph a minute to recognize. When she did, she jumped a bit. Her nursery rhymes! She was singing her nursery rhymes! That meant- that meant they’d heard her singing up here! A siren is singing my songs to me, she thought, awestruck. A siren and her friends… they’re… they’re singing my songs to me… If heaven could come early, Seraph believed she’d found it. She shut her eyes, smiling softly. Just letting the music and joy wash over her. When the sirens’ song turned inviting again, Seraph found herself drawn to sing. She was small. She hadn’t been around for long. She could only manage to carry a simple tune so far. There were sirens singing down there. But, nonetheless… she let her voice join theirs. Just a little familiar, singing songs with sirens. In the moment… there was nowhere she’d rather be.

But, of course, it could only last so long. 

“SERAPH, GET DOWN FROM THERE!” a voice shouted. Seraph startled so badly, she nearly rolled off the cliff. Her wings slapped against the dirt as she scrambled to her feet.  The sirens below her quit singing, hopping off their rock. The familiar let out a cry of dismay as they disappeared under the water. Her new friends! Oh no! Glancing around fearfully, her eyes fell on the source of the yelling. Evangel was running up towards her. From the look on her face, she wasn’t too happy about where her familiar had gone. Seraph’s ears drooped anxiously as she approached. Oh no- mama’s so mad at me, she thought guiltily. “Seraph!” Evangel called again, once she got close enough. “What were you thinking, coming up here?! I told you it was dangerous!” “I-I- um- I-I’m sorry mama- I’m sorry-” seraph stammered, looking anywhere but her originator. She cowered away as Evangel got closer. But Evangel just scooped her up into a hug. A very tight, very worried hug. “Don’t you do that again,” Evangel murmured. “I thought you’d left me. Or fallen over the side. Don’t do that to me.” “I-I won’t, mama,” seraph sniffled, hugging her back. She buried her face in Evangel’s shoulder. “‘M s-sorry…” “I forgive you, sweetie…” Evangel sighed. Turning away from the cliff, the sorceress started back towards the flower patch. “Why did you go up there, anyways? What made you want to do that?” “I… um… h-heard a pretty song…” seraph mumbled. She pulled back to look at Evangel. Guilt was clear on her face. “I w-wanted to see wh-who was singing…” Evangel’s distressed expression seemed to soften at Seraph’s face. Or at least shifted to one of discomfort. “... oh… you mean the… sirens…?” She asked haltingly. Seraph nodded. “... ah.” Evangel shifted Seraph to her hip as they reached the flowers. Crouching down to grab her clipboard, she continued. “Yes, there are sirens by the cliff. But you need not worry. The cliffs are enchanted to keep their strange songs from bewitching people.” Seraph felt her face grow a bit hot. Strange songs? She fidgeted with her paws timidly. “W-well... i thought they were nice…” she whispered. Evangel hesitated a moment. Yeah, that was clear discomfort on her face. Seraph vaguely recalled she made that face a lot. Especially whenever her familiar wasn’t happy. “... mmm… perhaps…” the sorceress admitted. She tucked her clipboard under her free arm. “... did you… really like them…?” She inquired.. Seraph just nodded again shyly. Evangel was silent for a moment. Considering something. “... you know… there’s no harm in coming down to listen, sometimes,” Evangel ventured uncertainly. “As long as you don’t… you know… move too close to the edge…” Seraph’s eyes widened. Was she hearing this right? “S-so… I can come back?” She asked softly. “Hmm… yes. You can,” Evangel nodded. “Just be careful, alright?” Seraph’s face positively lit up. Beaming, she hugged Evangel again. “Thank you so so so much mama!!!” she bleated. “I swear I’ll be careful!!! Really! Cross my heart and everything!!!” Evangel chuckled awkwardly, giving seraph a pat. “Y-yes, well, I’m glad to hear it, but it’ll be later. We have to go get lunch now.” “That’s ok!!! I’m plenty ready for food!” Seraph chirped. She felt like she was riding on a cloud. As long as she could come back to that beautiful singing sometime, she didn’t care what she had to do. She leaned on Evangel happily, humming shreds of sirensong. 

The walk back from the cliffs was filled with quiet music. It may have been the first sirensong of spring, but it was certainly not the last.

[razieltwelve]

Secret Santa

Here is a little Christmas present for all of you. The characters in this snippet are from The Unconventional Heroes Series.

X     X     X

“Why do I have to be Santa?” Gerald asked.

Timmy patted the bureaucrat on the shoulder and gazed off into the distance. “Think of the children, Gerald. Think of how happy they’ll be to receive gifts. Think of how their smiles will light up their faces.”

“But why me?” Gerald really didn’t want to be the centre of attention, and playing the part of Santa would ensure that he was.

“It’s pretty simple. Santa is supposed to carry all of his gifts around in a giant sack. For obvious reasons, carrying around a sack big enough to carry gifts for all of the children in the world would be impossible, so Santa has to be using magic to do it.” Timmy smirked. “And guess whose magic fits the description?”

“Oh.” Gerald made a face. “Mine.”

“Exactly.” Timmy pointed to where the rats were filling a sack with a random assortment of bits and pieces. “Whenever you’re about to give a child a gift, you’re going to reach into that sack before using your magic to pull out a suitable gift via your magic. It will look like you’ve got a bottomless sack, just like Santa.”

“But can’t you just use one of the sacks you got from Mike the Corpse Dealer?” Gerald asked. “Those are pretty big.”

“Sadly, they’re not big enough. Since I still haven’t cracked how he makes them yet, it’s up to you to be Santa.” He patted Gerald on the shoulder again. “Relax, we’ll be right there backing you up. It’s not like we’re going to throw you at a bunch of excited children on your own.”

“I guess.” Gerald took a deep breath. “For the children.”

“Exactly,” Timmy said. “For the children – and my future status as the legal ruler of this area. After all, what better way to secure the loyalty of the villagers than by building them schools, giving them access to clean water and proper medical care, and maybe throwing a few gifts their way. Hopefully, they’ll remember this the next time someone suggests grabbing some stakes and pitchforks.”

“I knew there had to be an ulterior motive.”

“Gerald, there’s an ulterior motive behind everything.” Timmy grinned. “Now, go with Bramante.” The rat waved. “He’s in charge of getting you fitted for a fat suit and fake beard.”

X     X     X

Avraniel stared at her dragon. “What are you doing?”

Spot wagged his tail happily and then held still as Katie attached a pair of what looked to be fake antlers to his head. I’m a reindeer.

“No,” Avraniel said slowly. “You’re a dragon.”

“We’re going to visit the villagers for Christmas,” Katie explained. “And hand out some gifts. It’s part of my master’s public relations campaign. When Spot found out that Gerald would be dressing up as Santa, he asked if he could be a reindeer.”

A flying reindeer. Spot flapped his wings and grinned. Who helps Santa give gifts to good boys and girls… and eats bandits and stuff.

“I’m fairly sure that none of Santa’s reindeer eat bandits,” Katie replied. “Although I’m sure the bandits don’t get gifts either.”

“Fine.” Avraniel shrugged. “Let me know when you guys get back, so I can join all of you for Christmas dinner.” She smirked. “Your master might be an idiot sometimes, but he knows how to put together a good spread.”

“Actually,” Katie said lifting a costume up into the air with her shadows. “My master and I were hoping you could help. You see, Santa is supposed to have elves for assistants and you are the only elf in the castle, so…”

“No. Not happening.”

At Avraniel’s words, Katie nodded gravely. “I see. Well, as my master would say, it’s a good thing I prepared a backup plan.” She nudged Spot.

“What?” Avraniel laughed. “You think Spot can force me to help? Good luck with…” She trailed off as the dragon looked at her with puppy dog eyes. When she continued to scowl back, he merely increased the power of his puppy dog eyes until they began to reach truly epic levels. Finally, when even that failed, Chomp trotted over and added his own puppy dog eyes to the mix, all six of them since he had three heads.

“Fine!” Avraniel snapped. “Just give me the damn costume.”

X     X     X

Old Man raised one eyebrow as he eyed the contraption that Gerald would be riding in. “Are you sure that’s safe?”

Daerin put his hands on his hips and smirked. “That, my friend, is the latest in dwarf engineering! It might look a little cumbersome, but that sled is perfectly capable of hovering in mid-air thanks to an assortment of runes, seals, enchantments, and other technology. Of course, it’s not like it can move around on its own, but that’s what the others are for.”

Attached to the sled were Spot and an assortment of zombies, the largest of whom was Roger. The gigantic zombie shark-hydra-drake towered over everything and gave off a truly menacing aura.

“The villagers may well assume that they’re under attack.” Old Man paused. “And are those giant fake antlers on Roger?”

“I made those,” Katie said, smiling sunnily. “Isn’t he adorable?”

“I’m not sure that adorable is the word I would use,” the swordsman replied.

“It should be fine.” Amanda had joined them. She was wearing an outfit not unlike the one Avraniel was wearing except the vampire also sported some fake elf ears. “And the villagers are already used to Roger. They see him whenever they going fishing at the lake.”

“Ah, of course.” Old Man nodded. “That’s true.”

“All right,” Timmy said, striding out into the courtyard in his own outfit. “Is everything ready?” An assortment of ninja rats chorused their agreement. “And has someone strapped a parachute to Gerald? We can’t having Santa accidentally falling to his death in front of the children.” The rats pointed to where a parachute had indeed been strapped onto Gerald. “In that case, let’s get going.” He nodded at the others. “Everyone climb aboard. It’s time to do our good deed for the day.”

X     X     X

Katie watched with a small smile on her face as Gerald handed out gift after gift. Somehow, each child got exactly what they wanted. It was really quite remarkable unless…

“Master,” she murmured. “Did you ask the ninja rats to spy on people, so you’d know what to get them?”

He shrugged. “If the ninja rats just so happened to be wandering nearby when people were talking about what they would like for Christmas, that’s simply a happy coincidence.”

Almost as popular as Santa were the two elves he’d brought along. Katie bit back a laugh as she watched Avraniel do her best to keep a smile on her face as the children swarmed around her, eager for a chance to talk to one of Santa’s elves. Amanda handled the excited youngsters with more aplomb.

Not far away, Spot was trotting alongside Tabitha. Apparently, Spot had saved the little girl and her brother from wolves some time ago, and they’d become friends.

“I’m glad you could visit, Spot!” Tabitha said, hugging the dragon.

I’m not Spot. I’m a reindeer. Spot had decided to stick to his story despite his scales, his wings, and his incredibly sharp teeth and claws.

“Okay.” Tabitha giggled. “That makes you my favourite reindeer.”

Spot preened.

“This isn’t just about public relations, is it, master?” Katie asked quietly. The smile on her master’s face was far too genuine for that to be the case.

He said nothing for a long moment before replying. “Christmas with my family wasn’t a big deal. We never had all that much, but, well, it was nice. When I became my master’s apprentice, Christmas became a survival exercise.” He chuckled softly. “We’ve done very well this year, Katie, far better than I could ever have hoped. War… war is tough on villagers and other common folk. When Everton goes to war, they’ll be asked to fight, and they don’t have powerful magic or excellent equipment like us. If I can give them something to smile about before things take a turn for the worse, then I’ll do it.”

“You’re a big softie, aren’t you?” she teased.

Her master ruffled her hair. “Don’t get too confident. You need at least another ten years of training before you can even think of overthrowing me.”

X     X     X

Timmy chuckled as Avraniel sauntered into the dining room. After hours of dealing with excited children, the elf was ready for a good meal, and he’d made sure not to disappoint. The dining room was set with a feast, and from the way she was practically drooling, she approved. Beside her Spot, hurried to shrug off his antlers. With the arrival of good food, his days as a reindeer were done.

“This is what I’m talking about,” Avraniel crowed. “Not bad.”

“Aye,” Daerin said. “It is a feast fit for a dwarf.”

Timmy waved them forward. “Go ahead. Get started.” He grinned at Amanda. “And, yes, I did have some suitable blood brought in too. We wouldn’t want you to feel left out.”

The vampire smiled. “You have my thanks.”

Timmy waited until things had begun to wind down a little before revealing the last trick up his sleeve. “Now, I know today has been very busy. You’ve all been kind enough to help me with the villagers, so I thought I should pay you back. If you look under your chairs, I think you’ll find something interesting.”

Attached to the underside of each person’s chair was a present.

“It’s that ancient tome I’ve been looking for!” Katie cried.

It’s honey-baked drake meat! Spot cheered.

One by one, each of the others opened their present to reveal that, yes, Timmy really did know what to get people for Christmas. Later, as everyone prepare to go to bed with a full stomach and a smile, Katie approached him.

“Master, how did you know where we would all sit?” His apprentice’s brows were adorably furrowed. “The layout of the dining table was different from usual because of all the extra food.”

“Katie, the layout might have been different, but I know all of your preferences. Avraniel likes sitting where she can keep an eye on the doors and windows, Amanda likes sitting where she can avoid any light coming through the windows, Old Man usually takes a seat where he can challenge anyone coming through the door, Gerald likes to sit as far from any of the doors and windows as possible, and Daerin likes to sit near the fireplace. As for you… well… I cheated a little. Given the choice, I knew you’d pick the pink chair.”

Katie’s eye twitched. “Of course, you did.” She looked about furtively to make sure no one else was looking before reaching out and hugging him. “Thanks, master. Merry Christmas.”

He ruffled her hair. “Merry Christmas, Katie.” He paused and nodded at Rembrandt. “And Merry Christmas to you too, Rembrandt.” The rat, who was perched on Katie’s shoulder, nodded back.

“But when did you attach the gifts?” Katie asked. “The rats have been around you all day, and none of them saw you do it.”

He grinned. “I have my ways, Katie.”

Later, once everyone else was already asleep, Timmy headed for the kitchen with a cake. As he’d expected, Sam was already there waiting for him. The protoplasmic horror had readied several slices of cake, and he pushed one toward Timmy.

“Thanks, buddy.” Timmy handed Sam the cake. “And this is for you. Thanks for helping me out with the gifts earlier. It helps having a friend who can phase through solid matter.”

Sam signalled his gratitude, and the two of them sat down to enjoy some cake. His very first Christmas after his master’s death had been just like this: just him and Sam and some cake. He smiled. There were still two more gifts to give. They should be arriving at their destinations any second now.

X     X     X

James’s eye twitched. A lump of coal. Someone had put a lump of coal in his stocking. He had no proof, but he knew who exactly to blame.

“Timmy…”

X     X     X

Vicky looked at the invitation to Boxing Day lunch. She’d already had Christmas dinner with her family. Spending Boxing Day with Timmy and the others would be a welcome change. There was even a small gift attached. Opening it, she smiled.

Timmy always gave the best gifts.

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This year has had its ups and downs, but it’s been a pretty good one overall. I hope the next one is even better.

And if you’re looking for a little bit of extra good cheer, please do check out The Unconventional Heroes Series if you haven’t already. The fourth part Two Necromancers, a Dwarf Kingdom, and a Sky City came out last month.

[aweebwrites]

Celestial Influence 6

Three months have passed since the disappearance of the ninja and Ninjago has been prospering- that is until villains realised there was no ninja to stop them and attacks all across the continent happened daily. Certainly the other elemental masters stepped in, some doing so reluctantly but as great as their fighting skills and powers were, they weren't the ninja's level and only hot the villain half the time. The only fighter out there that almost always got the villain was Samurai X but Pixal was only one person and the villains were many. People were torn. They still thought that they were better off without the ninja but others were tired of the high risks and damages. Without Ninjago's heros around, things became… Difficult. People lost hope. There were many who tried to find the ninja, tried to convince their old Sensei to bring them back but he couldn't help them, even if he wanted to. The ninja's locations were unknown to all but themselves. But he had confidence they would return when they were ready.

He had to.

_____________

"Ready boy?" Kai asked as he held a large ball of semi cooled lava in hand, grinning at the dragon no bigger than him that was made of red fire, scales looking like fine cracks along his skin.

Said dragon gave an affirmative growl, flicking his tail side to side as he crouched, horned wings spread wide.

"Alright." The fire elemental grinned then tossed the ball hard, leaving it to rocket into the Forest of Tranquillity.

Flare was quick to dart after it, his wings flapping quickly, leaving a trail of red fire as he caught up to the lava ball. He opened his maw, ready to catch it- when a blur of orange snatched it. Flare gave a confused sound as he looked around, hovering in place. He looked back to the Temple of Fire then noticed the orange form of his sister flying back with the ball in paw and Flare gave a protesting whine.

"Oh boy." Kai chuckled as Spark flew before him, dropping the ball then dropped on all fours, her tail wiggling eagerly as she looked at her creator, wanting praise. "That wasn't very nice Spark." He says as Flare landed then rushed over to him, burying his face into Kai's abdomen as he chittered and whined.

"See? You've made Flare upset now." Kai says, stroking the red dragon's scales, between the bumps on his head that suggested growing horns.

Spark's wings drooped at being reprimanded and seeing her brother's unhappiness. She looked down at the ball then took it up in her maw and nudged the red dragon. Flare looked back at the orange dragon then blinked once she dropped and nudged the ball towards him. Flare turned away from his creator then hesitantly turned to her. She settled on her stomach with her wings pressed flat to the ground, showing she meant no harm. He then looked at the ball then at her before walking over and sniffing at the ball. He then moved passed it and nuzzled his sister with a soft, forgiving croon that Spark eagerly returned, her tail wagging happily. Flare then picked up the ball and turned to Kai now, tail wagging eagerly, making the fire elemental chuckle.

"Good job." He praised then looked over to Spark. "You too Spark. Both of you can keep playing but don't go too far- and try not to set the forest on fire again." He told them and they chirped then took air, Flare tossing the basketball sized ball at Spark who wacked it with her tail and they both flew off to get it.

Kai shook his head fondly then walked off the bridge into the temple he's called home these past three months. He's done some renovations so it actually looked like a temple. It was one big space because walls were choresome, especially when he had no affinity for earth. The only reason he could slightly manipulate lava was because of the heat it held. He walked towards the high platform and up the golden steps there towards his bed. It was more of a very cozy nest if he were to be honest. It took a while to get the soft materials to not catch fire just from the heat of the temple but he managed. He made four separate nests at the base of the platform for the creation of his fire, his dragons. They were made when he spent his first week on his own messing around with his new powers, undergoing trial and error. His intentions were to just make fire shaped dragons, not actual dragons but he had them now and he loved them to bits. Speaking of…

"Heath, Solaris really?" Kai sighed at the blue and almost golden looking dragons that laid sprawled out in their large nest.

Solaris made a curious sound as Heath only grumbled.

"Your nests are just as big." Kai says, putting his hands on his hips. "Go on, shoo." He fanned them off, golden bracelets glinting as he did.

They grumbled but moved, climbing down into their own nests. Kai flopped down into his with a sigh, staring up at the sky through the open skylight directly over all of their nests. Rain wasn't a problem. It always evaporated before getting anywhere remotely close to the temple. The heat was that intense. Not that Kai minded or could even tell. He just knew that the volcano the temple was attached to was quite happy with his presence. It has erupted once or twice but it shows no sign of sleeping. The sky was getting darker. The sun was setting. Today was the day. Each week, they all reserved one day to give a sign that they were ok. They… His friends. The ninja.

Could they even call themselves that anymore? He didn't know. But he missed them all. He reached a hand up towards the sky, focusing his powers to send fire streaking lightly across the sky once the time was right. Then he waited. He doesn't think he'd ever get over the consequences that came with earning this power but he does know that he's willing to work towards at least trying to make it up to everyone.

A small smile tugged his lips once he notices the flashes in the sky from Jay. It was nice to know that he was alright. But he couldn't help but wonder if he really was. He was hit harder than all of them after all. He watched as the moon slowly peeked over the skylight growing full as it shone down over him. Zane was alive and well. Good. He missed the Nindroids logic and wit. Yes, he was a little upset that he hid it from them, the fact that they've taken lives but… He understood why. The full rainbow appearing around the moon brought relief to his heart. Nya was also ok. He wasn't used to being away from her for so long but they both needed a break, needed time alone. He knows that he's kinda overprotective but you can't really blame him. Not when they grew up alone. Ah… They should really check in on their parents...

The low rumble of thunder filled his ears, a clear sign Cole was thriving. He liked to imagine that wherever Cole was taking a break had cake available 24/7 but the chances of that is unlikely. He was pretty sure none of them were near any city, village or anywhere with a population. The bright aurora travel across the sky made him smile a little. Lloyd's alright too. Good. He was glad. He really didn't want to leave him alone. He was just as much of a brother to him as Nya was his sister. He sighs softly as he watched the brilliant streams of light dance on then ebb away. He missed them. He blinked once he spotted Flare out of the corner of his eyes, looking at him with big golden eyes. He turned over, looking at all four of them as they gave him large eyes before he sighed.

"Fine. You can sleep with me for the night." He caved then found himself in the middle of a dragon pipe, all four of them nuzzling him, purring happily. "Yeah, yeah. You're welcome." He smiled, stroking their snouts.

Heath lifted his head then growled, covering his body with his intense blue flames and Kai sat up, frowning as the other three followed suit, glaring at the space behind them, at the passageway below that lead to the empty back of the temple he hadn't figured out what to do with yet.

"Woah, easy. I'm a friend, not a foe." Kai gasped at the familiar voice then pushed his way forward, past his overprotective dragons.

"Cole?!" He gasped, seeing the Earth ninja standing there with two skulkin behind him.

"Kai?!" He gasped, eyes wide before he grinned. "Kai!" He yelled, running towards the fire ninja as said ninja hopped out of his nest, floating down to meet him halfway.

"Cole! Boy am I glad to see you!" Kai laughed as they hugged tightly.

"You took the words right out of my mouth! So how've yah been?" Cole asked with a grin as he pulled back to look at his friend.

"Not bad, not bad. How'd you find me though?" Kai couldn't help but ask.

"Coincidence! I use the old passageway between Ninjago and the Underworld every once in a while. I ended up there, the skulkin kinda immediately declared me their leader and I rolled with it." Cole shrugged, gesturing to his two generals Kruncha and Nukal. "They mentioned something about Garmadon but eh." He shrugged.

"The Underworld? Not bad. I forgot about that old passage. At least I know what to do with the area now. I've been living here the whole time with these guys." He says, gesturing to his dragons as all four approached, their flames low but they were still wary of the newcomers. "This is Flare, Spark, Solaris and Heath." He introduced and Cole looked over the multicolored dragons with an impressed look.

"Nice. I didn't know that more dragons lived in Ninjago." Cole says, crossing his arms.

"There aren't. I sorta made them with my powers." Kai shrugged, a grin on his face.

"Really." Cole says, intrigued. "That's pretty cool. So you're dragon king now?" He asked, gesturing to his clothes.

Kai looked down at his shirtless form with gold bracelets on his upper arms and wrists, at his dragonscale necklace, at his red ripped jeans tucked into high black boots. He adorned gold earrings and a thin circlet just under his bangs that dipped down to the middle of his forehead in a V shape. All that combined with the fur lined cape must have given him that impression.

"Er. Not exactly. I found an old mine in the forest full of gold and lava. I messed around and kinda just… Made these. Then the dragons eat animals and brought this pelt back so i thought why not? Solaris burned my shirt on accident while figuring out her powers so yeah." Kai shrugged then eyed Cole.

"So what about you Mr. Grim Reaper?" He asked with crossed arms and an arched brow.

"I thought why not go with the flow." Cole shrugged.

He adorned a black cloak that had the hood down as well as a black tank top and black skinny jeans that held several chains and glinting metal with matching combat boots to top it all off.

"I'm in the Underworld, I have a Scythe so why no dress up for the fun of it?" Cole grinned and Kai laughed.

"Good point." Kai nods. "Come on. We have a lot to catch up on." Kai gestured to a nearby stone bench and both males walked over to it.

___________

"... You should visit sometimes." Cole smiled after telling him all about his time in the Underworld.

"Probably. Spykors still give me the creeps. Especially with how big they can get." He says with a grimace stroking Heath's head as he laid his head in his lap.

"They won't bother you as long as I'm in charge, don't worry." Cole smiled, stroking the ever excitable Sparks' head, leaving her purring happily.

"Man, I still can't believe I missed you using the passageway." Kai chuckled as he leaned back against the bench.

"Well you weren't always the sharpest tool in the box." Cole chuckled.

"You didn't notice me this whole time either." Kai pointed out and Cole laughed.

"Fair point." He hummed then sat back, a comfortable silence settling between them.

That silence gave way to a mutual thought.

"I've been thinking…" Kai spoke quietly.

"That we should check up on the others?" Cole asked and Kai grinned and nodded.

"Yeah! Exactly!" He says eagerly then took Heath's face in his hands, nuzzling the dragon's snout with his nose. "I mean, three months is enough time to at least visit, right?" Kai asked, looking to Cole as Heath watched Kai unimpressed.

"I think so. The real quest would be finding everyone." Cole says, and Kai nods.

"I think the only place Zane would go is his pop's old place." Kai says, thinking aloud.

"I wanna say Jay's at his parents' junkyard but I don't think he would be there. I mean, I'm pretty sure this whole mess killed everything between me and my dad after all." Cole says sadly.

"I doubt it. If he really thinks any of what happened was willing and intensional then I'll 'talk' some sense into him." Kai says determinedly and Cole shot him a thankful smile. "Lloyd's the one we need to find. Once we do, he'll find everyone else." He told Cole who nodded.

"We can use the Aurora to find him." He told the fire nin who then frowned.

"But that means waiting a week." Kai pointed out and Cole frowned, rubbing his lightly stubbled chin.

"How about we use the week to try and find the others. If we don't then we'll find Lloyd instead." Cole suggested.

"Sounds like a plan." Kai grinned then grimaced when Heath licked his face with a forked tongue, just to be an asshole. "Heath!" He yelled as Cole laughed.

_____________

"Alright. I'll be gone for about a week but I'll be back. Heath, you're in charge." Kai told his dragons eat the next day, all but Heath looking sad to hear he was leaving. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon. Until then, don't leave the forest. There's plenty of animals in the forest for you all to eat. Stay safe, ok?" He says, stroking them all, pausing once he came to Heath, smiling at the blue dragon.

"Don't worry Heath. I know you'll miss me, no need to show it." Kai chuckled, stroking his smooth scales.

He wasn't very comfortable with leaving them alone. They were babies when he first created them and they still are, only learning how to fly a month back. He gave them all a lingering look and a heartfelt goodbye before turning to Cole.

"Let's go find Zane." He says and Kai nodded, both of them taking air.

Kai heard the goodbye calls of his dragons and felt his heart clench. Here's to getting this all done in a week.

____________

"Nice to know this place hasn't changed." Kai says, his breath coming out as fog as he and Cole walked through the Birch forest, their boots crunching in the fresh looking snow.

"Yeah." Cole agrees, keeping his ears open. "There it is." He spoke up, spotting the thicker tree.

"What's that?" Kai asked, noticing something white dart by up ahead.

"I didn't hear anything. I hope it's not those pesky treehorns again." Cole says, looking around warily.

"No. It looked like some kind of bird…" Kai says with a friend as they came to a stop before the tree house.

"My Falcon to be exact." They whirled around once an awfully familiar voice spoke then gasped, seeing Zane smiling shyly behind them in a full suit of white, his trench coat holding white fur around the hood that matched the tops of his shoes.

"Zane!" Both males yelled, rushing over to hug their friend.

Zane couldn't help his smile as he hugged them back, missing them so.

"It is good to see you friends. I had feared…" He trailed off as his smile fell.

"Ah ah! None of that crap. You're our friend and you always will be." Kai huffed but grinned as the white falcon landed on Zane's shoulder, looking like he originally did- but white with ever glowing blue eyes. "I have a feeling we have a lot to catch up on." He says lightly and the Nindroid smiled hopefully.

___________

"So wait- am I the only one who hasn't been testing out my powers?!" Cole asked as they all sat in the trunk's hollow, sipping hot cocoa.

"It appears so." Zane mused with a small smile as the Falcon sat comfortably in his nest not too far away, preening its white feathers.

"But I don't get it. No offense Zane on what I'm about to say but it's the best way I can express what I mean." Kai forewarned and Zane nods his permission. "The Falcon was just a piece of machinery on your bike. A tool even. How did it go from transformer bird to- well… Realistic bird?" He asked, confused as he set his empty cup aside.

"I can't provide you with the specifics unfortunately. I had started to feel… Lonely after a few days so I had gone to the Samurai X cave and retrieved my friend. It only reminded me that I am not particularly fond of its new design. I was hesitant to attempt to use my powers on him but I wanted him to feel like I did. To feel…" Zane struggled a moment to find the right word, meeting their eyes as he did. "Alive." He whispered with awe and both Kai and Cole shared a look, minds thinking the same thing.

They hadn't stopped to think of the physical changes their new powers may have caused though they should have. After all, Lloyd had horns when he activated his powers. Zane still looked like a Nindroid but he felt… Different, alive. They didn't feel any different. Although… Now that the topic crossed their mind, ever since Kai had unlocked these powers, there's been a warmth that has settled itself into his chest. It felt alive, flickering like flames but it was subtle enough to be easily forgotten. Cole had also felt more solid than ever. It made him feel almost invincible.

"I took that feeling and channeled it into my Falcon and it became like this." Zane finished and they smiled, happy for him at least.

"That's really cool." Cole smiled as he set his empty mug down. "I didn't think you'd have food items around being a Nindroid and all." He commented, noticing the plates neatly stacked away.

"About that… While it still isn't necessary to eat, it appears that I have somehow regained my previous abilities to consume food items. I discovered this during an internal assessment." Zane told them as he stood, taking up the cups as he stood then walked over the small sink to rinse them. "I'm curious to learn what changes these powers have brought forward in each of you physically. Certainly Lloyd has horns but something tells me the changes are much more subtle. Perhaps we could find out once we're all in one place again." He suggested and Kai grinned.

"Funny you should mention the others. We're planning on finding everyone. It'll be just a checkup but if we're all in agreement, we can be a team again." He shrugged and Zane looked hopeful.

"To be honest, I… I have missed you all. I'd very much like to be a team once more… If everyone else is in agreement…" He says with a one shouldered shrug, not very confident they would want him with them still.

Not after how he had lied…

"Heck yeah!"

"Of course!" Were Kai and Cole's immediate responses, a grin adorning both of their faces.

"We just need to find the others. Nya and Jay. We'll find Lloyd whenever he uses his aurora again." Cole says, resting his cheek in his hand.

"Nya and Jay…" Zane says in consideration. "I doubt Jay would stay at his parent's place but it's the only place I could think of. I'm positive he wouldn't be anywhere near New Ninjago City." He says and Kai nods.

"We were thinking that too. Doesn't hurt to check…" He shrugged and Zane nodded.

"But first, I should get us something to eat. I hope you don't mind. I've picked up hunting a little for meals." He pointed out and Kai grinned, showing off sharp fangs Zane didn't miss.

"Well what do you know? So have I…" He hummed, summoning one of his sword.

____________

"Mmm! I won't lie, I've missed your cooking Zane." Cole grinned as he leaned back, stomach pleasantly full.

"And I won't lie. I missed cooking for my friends." Zane smiled as his Falcon preened itself from his own meal.

He seems to like the fact he's able to function and eat like a true bird of prey. He enjoys hunting a lot and often spares Zane from hunting by bringing back ninja rabbits and more.

"We might as well hunker down for the night. We'll go out looking for Jay and Nya tomorrow." Kai says, taking the plates to the small kitchenette on reflex.

He was always after Zane in the plate duties.

"Uh. I'm not sure the bed can hold." Cole says, looking down at the bed they were using as a couch.

"Oh I don't sleep up here." Zane says and they turned to look at him.

"Up here?" Both Cole and Kai asked him at the same time.

The Falcon squawked as it flew out from his perch then landed on the ground in the middle of the room. It then pecked the ground and a circular piece of the floor sunk down before the ground began to collapse down into a spiral staircase supported by ice.

"Woah." Cole says as he stood then headed down, awing at the huge room filled with ice and crystals.

There was a work table at one corner, a small library in the other, a sort of living space everywhere else and two different sets of birch doors on opposite sides of the walls.

"The door to the right leads to the bathroom and the one to the left leads to the sleeping areas." Zane informed Cole as he came down the steps, Cole looking around in awe.

"This place is way cool…" Cole says in awe as he walked over to the large white couch that had a light gray fur blanket thrown over the back. "How did you even afford all of this?" He asked Zane, looking to the Nindroid who only smiled secretively.

"I have my ways." He says lightly.

"Woah. This is epic. Makes my Fire Temple look like nothing!" Kai says as he came down as well, drying his hands still.

"Actually, I'd say your fire temple would be slightly above Zane's place here but only because of the gold and red scheme." Cole says lightly, flopping down on the couch. "What are the chances of you having a TV?" Cole asked, sitting in an actual couch making him realise how much he missed the device.

"It's certain." Zane says, picking up the remote from the ice table before it and pressing a button.

A panel in the ground shifted back and the flat screen tv came up, turning on once it was fully out.

"No seriously. Where do you get the money for this?" Kai asked, flopping down next to Cole as he accepted the remote.

"Well…" Zane says, thinking back to when he first arrived, distraught to see the forest with barely an inch of snow.

He had rectified that immediately with a snowstorm but the lack of thick snow revealed bits of valuable rock crystals he broke from the soil and stone…

"Let's just say I got lucky." He says, walking past them to pick up the small piece he kept for himself then tossed it towards them.

Cole caught it without looking then brought it into his line of sight.

"Oh. Nice." He says, looking over the clear crystal with Kai and Zane smiles.

____________

"See if you can find the others." Zane told his Falcon the next day and the ivory bird of prey squawked then flew off from Zane's arm, taking air and flying far.

"With the Falcon, we should be able to find everyone quicker." Cole says as he and Kai walked over. "Who knows? Maybe he'll find Lloyd." He grinned.

"For some reason, I don't think finding Lloyd will be that easy." Kai says and Zane nodded his agreement.

"We should get going. We have a long journey ahead of us." Zane says and they nod, taking flight themselves.

____________

"Ah. Now that I'm here, I'm kinda nervous…" Cole says as they walked towards the junkyard.

"I know what you mean." Kai says with a weak laugh.

"All we can do is put our faith in their understanding." Zane says, being the pillar they needed as support, despite his unstableness.

He too feared how they would react, feared even more Jay wouldn't be as forgiving as Kai and Cole.

"Let's get this over with." Kai says, lifting his chin stubbornly and Cole nods, all of them quickening their steps as they walked into the junkyard.

The first thing he noticed was Edna seated outside knitting as Ed worked on something close by. Edna lifted her head then saw them and gasped, all hut scrambling out of her chair towards them, startling the three.

"Where is he? Where's my Jay?!" She asked them urgently and their spirits fell, realising that he really wasn't there.

"Actually, we were hoping you could tell us. We're looking for him ourselves." Cole says quietly, wincing once tears welled up in Edna's eyes.

"Oh Edna…" Ed says as he walked over, pulling her into a hug as she cries into his shoulder. "He hasn't stopped by. We've been hoping he would after everything that happened but…" The elderman gave a sigh.

"He will visit." Zane spoke up and they all looked to him. "If not on his own then we'll bring him. We'll find him and bring him back to you." He reassured, walking forward to rest a comforting hand on Ed's free shoulder.

"You-" Edna paused to hiccup. "You will?" She asked him hopefully.

"It's a promise." Kai says before Zane could and they all nodded their agreement.

"When you do find him, tell him…" Ed says then took a breath. "Tell him we know. But he isn't to blame." He says quietly and Cole's back stiffened at his sincere words.

"It's none of your faults. You're all ninja. You would never have let what happened happen if you had control over it." Edna says and Ed nodded. "It may not mean much from us but… You're all still the ninja we know and love." She managed a smile, brushing stray tears away.

"You know it!" Ed grinned but their words really did impact all three of them hard.

They didn't believe it. Won't for a very long time if ever but… Having two persons that believed in them still was...

"It means more than you think." Cole says, managing a smile. "Thank you. We'll bring Jay back. Don't worry." He reassured them and the elderly couple nodded, smiles bright and full of hope.

With that, the three took off again to continue their search. They may not have the slightest clue to where Jay was but that won't stop them from fulfilling their promise.

__________

An entire day had passed with no signs of anyone but they didn't stop searching, going anywhere with a remote chance that any member from the other half of their team would be. They did run into a familiar two in a remote village however.

"Hold it." Ash says, appearing before the three. "Cole, Zane, Kai." He immediately identified and they looked at him wide eyed.

Despite their hoods being down and despite the hat Kai snatched along the way, they were still easily spotted.

"Oh? Interesting to see you three here." Shade commenting, appearing from the shadows himself. "What are your plans now? Rip the village apart with your earth powers? Freeze it? Burn it to the ground?" He all but accused and all of them looked hurt at that.

"Look pal. We didn't do any of that on purpose. You don't even know our side of the story!" Kai huffed, glaring Shade down.

"Defensive aren't we?" Shade says, lifting a brow.

"So what? You accidentally ripped Ninjago apart and caused continent wide destruction?" Ash snarked and Cole tried not to let his words hit him too deep but it was hard…

A low rumble echoed as a slight tremor passed through, alarming the other two elementals and putting them on edge.

"Watch it Cole, we'll put you down if we have to." Shade says, narrowing his eyes.

"You've already put me down." Cole says, half-heartedly glaring at him.

"Look. Clearly this village hasn't seen hide not tail of the others. Let's go before I do something I'll regret." Kai ssys, shooting the element masters a glare.

"We aren't intentional enemies. Right now, we just want our friends back." Zane says quietly before they took off, soaring through the sky with their cloak, cape and coat fluttering behind them.

"Ugh of course they'd think we did this all on purpose. They won't even consider things from our side!" Kai growled, frustratedly as he began to glow red with his anger and hurt.

"We can't let them get to us Kai. We know the truth. It may not be much but we have each other to lean on, even if all of Ninjago turns its back on us." Zane says, looking at them both.

"Yeah…" Cole says softly, keeping his eyes ahead. "It's not much but…"

He looked across at his friends, his brothers and managed a genuine smile.

"It's enough." He whispered.

___________

"Where else can we look?" Cole asked later on as they took a break for a snack as the sunset.

"I'm not sure." Zane says, frowning. "We've checked everywhere we could think of that they would most likely and unlikely to be. Despite our powers, tracking down one of our own is not an easy task." He says, leaning back as Cole and Jay slurped their noodles.

"Tell me about it." Kai says after swallowing. "If o-" Kai cut himself off once he noticed rain starting to fall.

"Oh? But there's no cloud in the sky." Zane says with a frown, reaching a hand out to touch the rain seeming to fall around them.

"Wait a minute…" Cole says as Kai's eyes widened.

"Nya?!" Kai asked eagerly, looking around to see if she was there.

"Who?" A guy asked as he paused in his walk by the cliff on the outskirts of Hiroshi's Labyrinth, holding an umbrella.

"Oh. Sorry, not you." Cole apologised, as disappointed as Zane was.

Kai on the other hand looked at the figure carefully then smirked.

"You'll have to try harder than that to fool me Nya." He huffed, confusing his friends.

The male chuckled, his voice rising in pitch and becoming feminine, clearly belonging to Nya.

"I should have known you'd see through me big brother." She says, shifting back to her true looks.

She adorned a close fitting dark blue bodysuit that only had one sleeve and a semi-transparent lighter blue material over it that parted at her covered stomach, extending backwards as a short trail. The bodysuit ended mid thigh on her body as she wore blue matching slippers that criss crossed up her strong calves. She even added several small but colourful seashells to her clothes as well as her hair.

"Nya!" Kai grinned, scrambling to his feet to hug his sister.

"Long time no see." Nya grinned, hugging him back.

"Indeed. But, how did you find us?" Zane asked as he and Cole approached the duo.

"A little birdie gave me a tip. White looks good on the little fella." Nya says as she and Kai pulled back.

"Here's to hoping he finds Jay along the way." Cole says, hugging her too and she smiled then paused.

"You haven't found Jay? Are you trying to get everyone back together?" She asked them.

"No, we haven't found him as yet. Locating everyone is a means of checking up… And an opportunity to become ninja again if we're all willing." Zane told her and Nya frowned.

"That's strange. I thought out of all of us, he'd be the easiest to find." She says then frowned, recalling the moment they split. "Then again…" She whispered to herself.

"We'll find him. Then we'll find Lloyd and we'll all be a unit again." Kai reassures her and she smiled at him.

"... Still gold crazy I see." She says dryly and Kai sputtered.

"It's a very compliant metal." He huffed defensively and she laughed along with the others.

"It's dark. We should probably find somewhere to settle down for the night." Zane spoke as he looked towards the sea where the sun had disappeared.

"You guys can stay with me." Nya says, intriguing them. "Follow me." She urged, taking flight.

__________

"I'd never even consider here." Cole says as Nya lead them inside her humble cave-esque abode at the Spirit Coves.

"Exactly." She says then flicked the lights on.

Naturally the massive underground sea carved cave looked like the Samurai X cave but noticeably homier. To one side of the cave, there was completed vehicles and gadgets, at another was blueprints, tools and half finished projects and at the final corner had a cozy living space with a couch set, TV, kitchen and a discreet bedroom hidden by curtains, all placed around pools of seawater that no doubt lead out to the sea. The shells and sea plants made it more appealing to the eye however.

"I don't have spare beds but the couches are big enough and comfortable enough to hold you guys." She says as she headed towards the living space to her right.

"Forget that! Are those new mechs?!" Kai says, leaping over the large pool of water to land on the display platform of the uncoloured mech.

"Yeah. But they aren't for us. We don't need them. Not with these powers." Nya says, changing course to head over to where he was, Zane and Cole following her.

"Then… Who are they for?" Cole asked her as they all stood before the mech.

"The other elementals." She says quietly. "They had to take our place and I've seen first hand that it isn't easy. So I thought I'd use my skills to help them instead." She shrugged and Kai gave her shoulder a squeeze, giving her a proud smile she returned.

"That's a great idea Nya. Once we round Jay and Lloyd up, you bet we'll help you and them out too." Kai says, grinning at his friends when they agreed.

"Anyone up for seafood?" She asked after a moment.

"I thought you'd never ask." Cole grinned and they all laughed.

___________

Three days have passed with the four looking everywhere they could for Jay and even with Nya's help gadget wise, they were out of luck. They couldn't find any signs of Jay. It was as if he had fallen off the map. It made them… Worried. But they never gave up. They started each day with determination. Kai, Cole and Zane made a promise to his parents they intended to keep.

"Ok, so he's not at the lightning farm. Where else haven't we checked?" Cole asked them.

"We've already covered the entire northern half of the continent with no success. The southern remains." Zane informed him and Cole only nods, refusing to let frustration take him.

"Alright. While Lloyd would probably be able to find him quickly, let's not give up. His parents are still waiting to see him after all and I'll be damned if I break my promise to them." Kai says determinedly.

"If we split up, we-"

"Hold on." Zane says, cutting Nya off as his eyes glowed even brighter.

They watched him as he remained quiet and assessing before finally speaking.

"My Falcon found him." He says and they gasped.

"Well what are we waiting for?! Let's go!" Cole says, lifting off his feet.

"Right. Keep your eyes sky bound. He's resting on a cloud over central Ninjago, just a few short miles away." Zane says, taking flight as well, leading the way.

______

Jay yawned as he laid on a beanbag sized cloud, his legs and arms hanging off but he doesn't really care. He ran out of things to do and explore quick. He's been drifting around on random clouds just because, switching to another whenever the original dissipates. He pushed back his curly hair from his face as he passed under a slightly higher cloud, really appreciating the coolness that passed over him.

I should probably wear sunscreen…

Though he knew he didn't have to. He's been floating around on clouds for about a month now and the sun hadn't changed his skin tone or burned him in anyway. Sure with his outfit; a blue sleeveless turtleneck shirt pulled over slightly darker blue leggings with a waist cape and blue combat boots, coveted him plenty but his arms were still pretty much exposed. He knew he didn't have to but it was a sort of reflex thought for him.

Once the cloud passed, he blinked, realising there was a tiny white cloud circling him from above. No. Wait. That's a bird. Weird. Why was it circling him? He sat up then stood on the cloud, frowning as he looked up at it. He blinked once it swooped down, letting out a very familiar squawk.

"... The Falcon?" Jay whispered but shook his head.

That can't be right. The Falcon isn't white and it looked far more… Mecha than that. But it really does look like it. Is it? He stuck his arm out, blinking once the falcon landed on it, looking at him with a tilted head, eyes unnaturally blue and mechanical upon closer view. Oh yeah. It's the Falcon.

"Hey buddy! Woah! You sure did get an upgrade!" Jay says, looking him over and the Falcon puffed its feathers up proudly.

Jay laughed then stroked the soft feathers of its head- then blinked as something came to mind.

"Hey. If you're here, then-"

"Jay!" He blinked then turned around- only to be tackled into a hug, a startled yelp leaving him. "Oh man! I was actually getting worried we wouldn't find you!" Cole laughed as Jay gathered his bearings from his crushing hug.

"Cole?! What are you doing here?!" Jay finally managed to sputter out.

"Looking for you obviously." Kai huffed with a grin and Jay looked over Cole's shoulder to see him, Zane and Nya floating over.

"You guys… But… I don't get it. What are you doing here?" He asked as Cole finally let him go.

"We wanted to check in on you." Kai says, pulling him into a hug and Jay blinked but hugged back.

"You're surprisingly hard to find, you know that, right?" Nya says, hugging him as well.

"Not intentionally." Jay says sheepishly, shock giving away to happiness. "Man, I missed you guys." He admitted, not even realizing how lonely he was until now.

"Missed you too yah nerd." Cole laughed as they all came in for a group hug.

"We also came to fulfil a promise we made." Zane spoke up and Jay looked to him curiously.

"Yeah." Kai nods. "You see, while we were looking for you, we checked in with your parents to see if they would know…" His voice tuned out to Jay as mortification filled him.

"I can't!" Jay says, cutting off Kai's explanation. "I can't see them! Are you crazy?! Not when I've- I've-!" He sputtered then gripped his arm tightly as he looked away. 

The group shared a concerned look.

"It's not like that Jay." Cole says softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "They know, of course they do but they know it's not your fault. That it's not any of our faults." He told him but Jay scoffed, not believing that.

'When you do find him, tell him…' Jay's head jolted up to hear his father's voice.

He looked to Zane, watching as he projected a hologram of his parents before them. He noticed his mother, Edna and how sad she looked. How sad they both looked. It squeezed his heart painfully.

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Pt2