#oh man past me has made a momentary reappearance for this moment

[fantasyoverreality98]

[notgonnarememberthis]

today (of all days) - pt. 3

Hello!! I’m not gonna lie this chapter was a,,, problem. I struggled with ideas for so long but I finally landed on something I like!! This hiatus has been killer on my inspiration for writing but I’m determined to finish this! Hope y’all enjoy!

Gil is barely home for 5 minutes when a knock resounds through the apartment. After a couple of drinking celebrating his promotion to lieutenant, he’s feeling a bit fuzzy headed when he pulls the door open. Jessica stands in the center a bottle in hand and a dazzling smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Surprise!” She squeals. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the actual celebration, Ainsley practically hugged my leg refusing to let me leave until I read to her.” Gil smiles despite the obvious lie. He knows the truth, that she can’t be around all those officers. Looks of suspicion or pity on their faces as they stare at her. 

“That’s alright Jess.” He chuckles stepping aside for her to come in. She sweeps in with all the grace she can, immediately stepping into his kitchen and retrieving the glasses. She knows where they are by now, that should make him laugh but when he sees the bottle again after she sets it on the counter he stops in his tracks.

“Oh, Malcolm wants to go out with you to celebrate your promotion too. I thought it’d be nice for it to just be the two of you and Ainsley and I could have a mommy daughter day.”

“I’d like that.” He says, only half paying attention to what she’s saying. He can see it now, the way her shoulders are knotted, like an invisible string is the only thing keeping her upright. Her flowing steps are more controlled than usual, extra precautions taken to not see her even stumble.

He follows her to the couch where he pours them both a drink. She doesn’t down the first like she normally would on nights like these. He wonders if this is her first drink. “Are you listening?”

He blinks, caught in his analysis. “No, sorry.”

“Ainsley has her first competition of the season in three weeks. You’ll make it right?”

“Of course. How can I miss New York’s most promising young figure skater?” He sees the spark in her eye just before it fades. A momentary happiness before being drowned out by whatever is on her mind.

“Good because she hasn’t stopped talking about showing off the new spiral she learned.” She doesn’t meet his eyes as she’s speaking. It’s a rambling sort, where she’s saying literally anything that’s on her mind rather than getting to the heart of the issue. It takes until he finishes this drink to bring himself to stop her.

“Jess, what’s wrong?”

“What do you mean?” She smiles, the one she saves for reporters and on her worse days, her children.

“You haven’t even been able to look at me for the past fifteen minutes.” 

“That’s not true.” “Then look at me.” She purses her lips, tilting her head before she finally meets his gaze. Almost immediately her mask falls apart, tears building in her eyes as she struggles to hold eye contact. “What happened?”

“Nothing. It’s ridiculous.”

“Not to me.” She drops her head into her free hand, eyes settling on the amber liquid in her glass. “Jessica, talk to me.”

She sighs, but relents, “I ran into an old friend.”

“Oh?”

“His name is Thomas, we grew up together basically. Gave our parents hell in the way only two children of stupidly wealthy families can.”

“Hard to imagine you being rowdy.”

“Oh, I had a whole rebel faze in high school.” She laughs and he joins in. “We would sneak out, drink on the hood of his car, act gloriously stupid.”

“Jess,”

“He’s different. We both are. He took over his father’s business, would’ve been my parent’s dream match for me. Maybe that’s why I was excited to see him again.” She places her glass at the table frantically wiping her eyes before the tears fell. “I could’ve made it right.”

“It’s not your job to make it right.”

“I know.” She sighs. “It just felt like a sign? When I talked to him it was just like old times. He didn’t treat me like-”

“Like the Surgeon’s ex-wife.”

“Exactly.” She picks up her drink again, maybe just for something to cling to. “Well, Adolpho did some digging. Turns out Thomas has an exclusive deal with Barbara Walters.”

“She was using him to get a story.” She nods her head tilted down as her shoulders begin to shake. “I’m so sorry Jess.”

“I just” She sniffs trying to take a deep breath to control the tears. “I thought this was different. Someone finally taking interest in me, not the Whitlys.” She spits the name with a venom she hadn’t before. Long ago she explained why she kept the last name. Now he wonders if she regrets her choice. “Feels stupid now.”

“It wasn’t stupid Jess.” He puts his drink down, reaching to her slowly. He places his hands on her arms.

“Most days I’m fine. I have all I need in my life with Malcolm and Ainsley and-” Her eyes dart away at the almost confession. He tries not to hope that she was going to finish that sentence with you. “But I’m so lonely. But nobody wants to be with the ex-wife of a serial killer.”

“That’s not all you are.”

“That’s all they see me as.”

“Not to me.” She stops, her eyes going wide for a second. 

She takes a deep, shaky breath. Her voice is so quiet it's like she’s afraid to ask. “What do you see?”

He runs his hands down her arms scooting closer. “I see an amazing mother. One who gives up everything to make sure her kids are happy. One who hunted down therapist after therapist for one Malcolm felt comfortable with and never gave up. One who talks about her kids for half an hour before even thinking about herself.” She smiles, a soft broken smile. “I see someone who’s resilient and strong. Hell, I still keep the mental image of when you punched the journalist who tried to talk to Malcolm.”

“Not my best moment.”

“I beg to differ.” He chuckles. “I see your passion. You want to help people, even if they don’t want your help. You’re a good person Jess.”

“Tell that to Barbara Walters.”

“She doesn’t know you. Not like we do. You are tough as hell, and beautiful too.” Her breath catches in her throat at that. He wonders how long it’s been since anyone has called her beautiful. A heavy silence falls over the room. He opens his mouth again but before he can continue her lips are on his.

It feels like his entire mind short circuits for a second. He’d thought of kissing her about a hundred times but never could he think of acting on it. He wishes he could catalogue every feeling but she pulls away too soon.

Her eyes are wide and guilty. A fresh sort of shame washes over him as well, thinking maybe she regrets it. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“It’s ok Jess.” “You’re a good man and for a second I just wanted to pretend like I could ever deserve someone like you.”

“Jess.”

“You are so good to my family. Malcolm thinks of you like a father and god how could I jeopardize that?”

“Jessica.”

“I’m so sorry can we-” He cuts her off by cupping her face with both hands and pulling her to him. She tenses when her lips touch his, hands hovering in between them. She relaxes when his thumb runs gently over her cheekbone and she knots her fingers into the front of his turtleneck.

He thinks he could stay there forever, just kissing her. Relishing in the feeling of her nails combing through his hair. She deepens the kiss pulling a groan from the depth of his chest. He feels her smile and laugh against his mouth and he moves a hand to her hip to pull her even closer.

She seems to have a better idea when she pulls away, only for a second to swing her leg over his lap straddling him. He doesn’t even have time to react before she’s kissing him again. He runs his fingers through her curls, they’re as soft as he thought they would be. When her tongue swipes across his he can taste the bourbon and a hint of vodka on her lips.

The confirmation of what he thought earlier is like being doused in freezing water. He pulls away but she immediately goes to attack his neck instead. “Jess.” He runs his hands over her back trying to get her attention. She only makes an inquisitive sound in response. “We’re drunk.” She hums in confirmation as if that was the most obvious thing. “Jess, stop.”

She pulls away and he watches the guilt appear again. “You’re right.”

“No, listen.” He brushes back the hair that fell in front of her face. “I want this, but I want you to want this when you’re sober.”

“I do.”

“Then we will try this again later. Why don’t you take my bed again tonight?” 

“Only if you come with.” He tilts his head in disapproval as she stands, slightly uneven on her feet. She raises her hands sticking on her bottom lip. “No funny business, I promise.” Her expression changes, growing more serious. “I just don’t want to be alone tonight.”

“Fine.” He relents and her smile reappears. “But no funny business.”

“I promise.”

When they settle into bed Jessica is once again wearing one of his shirts. He’s beginning to wonder if she doesn’t bring spare clothes for the purpose of stealing his t-shirts on nights they get drunk. He decides he doesn’t mind when she turns, placing her head on his chest listening to his heart until it lulls her to sleep.

The next morning when he wakes up she’s already gone. He spies the note on his nightstand with her careful swirling handwriting.

Belluci’s, tonight at 8. Wear something nice.

XO, Jessica

[swanqueeneverafter]

Before All Hell Breaks Loose.

The Underworld. (Surrounded by the Sea of Lost Souls, two men sit at a table opposite each other playing a game.) Hades: (Moving his piece across the board:) "And I believe that's checkmate." Facilier: (Slamming his fist on the table:) "Damn! Let's play again." Hades: (Chuckles:) "When will you learn, Facilier. You can't defeat me." Facilier: "I will find a way, believe me." Hades: "You forget who you're talking to. I know all your tricks. Why I bet I can predict what your next move will be before you've even thought of it." Facilier: "I would not be so sure, Lord Hades." Hades: "Oh have it your way. (Waves his hand and resets the board:) Just remember, Facilier, you cannot cheat death." Facilier: “I’ll bear that in mind.” Evil Queen: (Striding towards them:) “As will I.” (Rising quickly from his high-backed chair, Hades turns to face the Evil Queen as she leads a legion of former Dark Ones into his chamber.) Hades: "Well well, if it isn't the Evil Queen. At last we meet." Evil Queen: "Clearly my reputation proceeds me." Hades: "Oh you have no idea. (Looking beyond her:) And I see you've not come alone. Nimue. Zoso. Dark Ones all. It's my honour to welcome you all to my kingdom." Evil Queen: "And you are?" Hades: (Smiles:) "I am Hades, Lord of the Underworld." Evil Queen: "Charmed." Facilier: (Clears his throat:) "Lord Hades. What about our game?" Hades: "Come now, Facilier, where are your manners? Can't you see I’ve suddenly become quite busy. Besides, you've had enough humiliation for one evening. Leave us. (Facilier stands, picks up his hat from the table and exits the chamber, making sure to steer clear of the Dark Ones:) Now, where were we? Ah yes. Seeing as there are so many of you, perhaps it would be best if I saw you all in small groups. Would you care to take a seat, Your Majesty?"

Storybrooke. Granny's Diner. (While Regina talks with Henry and Violet, Emma sits alone at a booth when Zelena approaches.) Emma: (With Zelena glaring at her:) "Do we have a problem?" Zelena: (Scoffs:) "Don't you have something to say to me?" Emma: (Looks down:) "Zelena if there was anyway I could undo what I did then-" Zelena: "Oh save it, Emma. All I want from you is an apology." Emma: (Nods:) "I-I'm sorry, Zelena, I truly am." Zelena: "Thank you." Emma: "If there's ever anything I can do to-" Zelena: "Actually, there is something." (Overhearing the conversation, the Charmings move closer towards them.) Emma: (Stiffly:) "All right." Zelena: (Spares the Charmings a smile then returns her attention to Emma:) "I'm going to find my daughter and bring her home with me. All I need you to do is keep Regina off my back." Emma: "What do you mean?" Zelena: (Rolls her eyes:) "Regina and Robin made me promise that I would only be able to see my baby girl when either of them were present. I want you to convince them that's no longer necessary." Mary Margaret: "Zelena, this isn't the way to build trust. What if-" Emma: (Cutting in:) "I'll do it." Zelena: (Smiles:) "That's all I needed to hear." (With that, Zelena waves her hand and disappears in a cloud of green smoke.) David: "Emma, are you sure that's the right thing to do?" Emma: "I'll handle it." Regina: (Walking over:) "Handle what?" Emma: (Smiles:) "Nothing that can't wait." Regina: (Returning the smile:) "Good. (Taking Emma's hands in her own:) Time to go home." Emma: (Glancing over at their son:) "What about Henry?" Regina: "He's going to stay and talk with Violet for awhile." Emma: "And you're okay with that?" Regina: "I think it's fair they say their goodbyes before they're both grounded." Emma: "Regina-" Regina: "Shh. That's a conversation for another time. For now, I'm taking you home." (Emma sees the earnest look on Regina's face and nods before they're both enveloped in their own cloud of smoke.)  

Mills House. (Reappearing outside on the door step, Regina leans in and gives Emma a soft, chaste kiss before turning and unlocking the front door. Allowing herself to be led inside, Emma's momentary confusion at arriving outside the Mayor’s mansion is replaced with understanding as they make their way silently up the long winding staircase. With each step, Emma feels herself being welcomed back home. Her suspicions are confirmed when upon reaching the bedroom door, Regina places another chaste kiss upon her lips. Moving over to the bed, Regina motions for Emma to take a seat. Slowly, Regina kneels and carefully removes each of Emma's boots, placing them neatly at the foot of the bed. When Emma reaches for her, Regina kisses her once more before heading swiftly towards the bathroom. Laying back on the bed, Emma listens as the sound of running water is heard. Before too long, Regina reappears in the doorway and beckons Emma over with a wave of her hand. With the gentlest of touches and the utmost care, Regina proceeds to remove the rest of Emma's clothing before helping her into the bath. Lowering herself into the water, Emma gives Regina a questioning look but Regina merely rolls up her sleeves, kneels beside the tub and begins to wash Emma's hair. Not knowing what else to do, Emma closes her eyes and surrenders to the sensation of being truly cared for and loved, unconditionally. All too soon, the bath is over and Emma finds herself being reverently toweled dry by Regina who still has yet to speak since they entered the Mayor’s mansion. Returning to the bedroom, Emma perches herself on the bed and watches while Regina removes her own clothing. Then, reclined on the bed together, they share soft, delicate kisses before Regina begins to move slowly down Emma's body. Feeling utterly loved and relaxed, Emma absentmindedly asks a question that has clearly been on her mind for awhile.) Emma: "Were you smart in school?" Regina: (Lifts her head from Emma's chest:) "What?" Emma: "Did you even have school in the Enchanted Forest?" Regina: (Confused by this line of questioning:) "I... had a tutor growing up. My father would often sit in during my lessons and watch quietly in the corner." Emma: "Yeah?" Regina: (Nods:) "I remember whenever I would glance back at him he would always give me the most brilliant smile." (Regina shifts her weight to lean on her elbow beside Emma.) Emma: (Smiling:) "What was your best subject?" Regina: "I was good at everything." Emma: (Laughs:) "Of course you were." Regina: "I do remember doing very well at spelling and seeing my father cry tears of joy whenever I managed to spell a difficult word." Emma: "That's nice. I wish I could've met him. What was he like?" Regina: "My father? (Emma nods:) He was the sweetest man I ever met. He was probably too sweet. Humble. Loving. He grew up a prince and so we had land and position, but... he was soft. Just too sensitive and he couldn't really handle my mother." (Regina rolls onto her back and stares at the ceiling.) Emma: "And your mom?" Regina: (Smiles:) "Mother was very beautiful. Very motivated and ambitious, often to the detriment of those around her. She was very smart. But cold." Emma: "I didn't get to spend much time with Cora and none of it was what I'd call pleasant. But I could tell she loved you very much, in her own way." Regina: (Nods:) "She did. There are times when I miss them both so much. When I was little and couldn't sleep, I'd always ask my father if I could sleep with him and he never refused." Emma: "I know you haven't been sleeping. (When Regina looks at her:) Henry told me he caught you in the kitchen more than once cooking long past midnight." Regina: (Shakes her head:) "I couldn't sleep. Not when you were out there alone, because of me." Emma: "Regina, I chose to save you and I would do it again, without hesitation." Regina: "I know you would, but that doesn't make it any easier. When the Darkness took you away... it was just like losing my father all over again." Emma: "Hey, you and I just destroyed the Darkness together. You will never lose me, because I'm not going anywhere, you got that?" Regina: (Smiles:) "Loud and clear." Emma: "Good. Now I think we both could use some sleep." Regina: "Mm. Agreed." Emma: (Snuggles in close and kisses her deeply:) "I love you, Regina." Regina: "I love you, Emma." (While Emma settles down beside her, placing a protective hand across her chest, Regina stares at the ceiling for a few moments more lost in thought, before closing her eyes and finally falling asleep.) The Underworld. Hades' Chamber. (Hades and the Evil Queen are seated, discussing how she came to be in his domain.) Evil Queen: "So, with the help of Snow White of all people, Regina injected herself with this serum she purchased from the Dragon and our souls split right down the middle." Hades: "How awful. And she claims to be the hero?" Evil Queen: (Scoffs:) "Let her. If Regina thinks she's seen the last of me, she has another thing coming." Hades: (Smiles:) "Well, that all really depends on what you have to offer me, my dear. I don't just send people back to the land of the living on a whim. After all, what's a God without followers, hm?" Evil Queen: "Believe me, Hades, I am not worth the trouble I would cause if you decided to keep me down here. I neither worship or follow. I lead." Hades: "Yes, I'm a big fan of your work. We're really quite similar when you think about it. You cast a curse to force people to your will, and I am cursed to rule a kingdom whose inhabitants have no choice but to obey me." Evil Queen: "Ah, but every person I cursed still had free will." Hades: "As do the members of my flock. They can choose to fall in line or spend eternity as part of the River of Lost Souls." Evil Queen: (Glancing at the river flowing beside them:) "You drive a hard bargain." Hades: "Coming from the final Dark One, I'll take that as a compliment. Now, enough stalling, what is it you wish to offer me?" Evil Queen: "A gift." (The Queen stands, conjuring Excalibur into her outstretched hands and offering it to Hades. Rising to his feet, Hades takes a cautious step towards the blade.) Hades: "You realise of course that I am already a God. Powerful enough to control anyone within my kingdom with a mere snap of my fingers." Evil Queen: "Maybe so, but if there's one thing I've learned from dealing with men like you... it's that you can never have enough power." Hades: "You would give up the Darkness in exchange for me returning you to life?" Evil Queen: "Oh please, cut the crap. You and I both know I'm not dead. If I were I wouldn’t have been able to conjure Excalibur just now." Hades: "You've known this whole time?" Evil Queen: "I had my suspicions, which you just confirmed. For some reason I am still breathing yet still tethered here by this. (Raises Excalibur once more:) Use your powers to free me and the Darkness is yours.” (Opening his hands to lay palms up, Hades allows the Queen to place Excalibur upon them.) Hades: "You know I could just kill you and have both?" Evil Queen: (Conjures a fireball in her hand:) "You're welcome to try." Hades: (Smiles:) "Perhaps you'll allow me some time to consider your offer?" Evil Queen: "Fine. (Extinguishes the fireball:) Just don't take too long." (With that, the Queen turns and exits Hades' chamber. When she passes along the darkened corridor, Facilier steps out from the shadows, having heard every word.)

Mills House. The Next Morning. (Emma lays on the bed watching Regina get ready for work.) Emma: "I'm not saying I do a full day, just go in for the morning see what's up then bail after lunch." Regina: "No, you’re not going into work today. David's got it covered and you need your rest." Emma: "So do you." Regina: "Actually I've not felt this good in a long, long time. Truly, I feel as though a weight has been lifted." Emma: "Mm. Well I still don't see why you have to go in." Regina: "Because I'm the Mayor and I have to smooth the way for your return. The Dark Swan did a number on a lot of people." Emma: (Waves this off:) "They'll get over it. You cursed them for 30 years and yet you're still Mayor. What the hell am I supposed to do here all day alone?" Regina: "Relax? Catch up on some sleep? (Emma screws up her face:) Some housework?" Emma: (Feigns a yawn:) "Now that you mention it, I am feeling kinda tired." Regina: (Beams:) "Uh huh. (Leans down and kisses her:) I'll be home before you know it." Underworld. Hades' Chamber. (The Lord of the Underworld is now speaking with the first Dark One, Nimue.) Nimue: "You can't seriously be considering the Evil Queen's offer." Hades: "Oh, and why not?" Nimue: "Legend has it that no one has ever escaped Lord Hades' kingdom. You rule with an iron fist. Allowing the Evil Queen to return to the land of the living untethered from the Darkness would set a very dangerous precedent." Hades: "True. But on the other hand it would give me full control of the Darkness, not to mention control of every single Dark One in history." Nimue: "The Darkness does you no good here. Why not use Excalibur to kill the Queen, become the Dark One and return us all to the land of the living?" Hades: "You mean trade one prison for another? Believe it or not, Nimue, becoming the Dark One would be a step down for me. Besides, the Darkness no longer belongs in that world. Regina and her Saviour banished it down here forever along with all of you." Nimue: "Then why untether the Evil Queen at all if there is no hope of harnessing the power of the Darkness?" Hades: "Because the living do not belong in my kingdom. No matter how formidable I may be, I still have limited power over those who live and breathe." Nimue: (Moving closer to him:) "And you believe you wield power over me?" Hades: "Don't test me, Nimue. I'm a reasonable guy but this unrelenting heat can make me absolutely crazy. (Suddenly, blue flames erupt out of the top of Hades' head:) Now I suggest you and your dream team of Dark Ones leave me in peace before I do something you really won't approve of." Abandoned Amusement Park. (Emma opens her eyes and finds herself sitting in her bug, not knowing where she is.) Neal: (Sits up in the back of the bug:) “Hey, Emma.” Emma: (Gasps:) “Neal?” Neal: “Yeah.” Emma: “It's really great to see you. Where are we? Am I dreaming?” Neal: “No. If this were a dream, there'd be, like, talking doughnuts or something weird like that. (Gets out of the car, before getting back into the passenger seat:) Think of this as a long-distance call from an old friend.”

Emma: “It's really you.” Neal: “How's Henry?” Emma: “Great. He... misses his dad. He's growing up.” Neal: “I bet.” Emma: “Where are we? I was asleep at home.” Neal: “You mean the Mayor’s Mansion?” Emma: (Smiles:) “It’s home.” Neal: (Nods:) “I’m glad you found your happiness. That's kind of why I'm here. It’s not over, Emma. The forces you sought to destroy are still out there.” Emma: “You mean the Darkness?” Neal: “And others.” Emma: “Others? What do you mean?” Neal: “I’m not really supposed to say. I’m breaking all kinds of rules just by being here, but trust me on this. Don’t let your guard down just yet.” Emma: “Where are you, Neal? The Underworld?” Neal: (Shakes his head:) “The Underworld's for people with unfinished business, and that isn't me. That's why I'm not there.” Emma: “Then where...” Neal: “Someplace. Someplace where I'm happy. I only came here because I care about you, Emma. Do whatever you can to prepare yourself and the people you care about before it's too late.” Emma: “All right, enough with being cryptic. What is it, what’s coming?” Neal: (Breathes sharply:) “I love you, Emma. I always have, and I always will.” (Kisses her forehead, before getting out of the car and walking away.) Emma: “Neal?” (When Emma reaches for the car door she awakens from her dream.) Mills House. Living Room. (Emma is laying on the couch when she jolts herself awake. She stares up at the ceiling and after a few moments, sits up, looking confused, before standing.)  Mr. & Mrs. Gold’s House.  (Mr. Gold finishes getting dressed, while Belle is still asleep in bed. His phone goes off and it's a text from Emma which reads, "Meet me at your shop, now.")   Mr. Gold’s Shop.   (Emma waits at the counter in Gold's shop, when the door opens and Mr. Gold enters, closing the door behind him.) Mr. Gold: “Now, you see. This isn't the library or Granny's or some bus station, Miss Swan. This is my shop. (He walks towards her and stands behind the counter:) Unless the sign says "open"... you're not invited.”   Emma: “I just had a vision.” Mr. Gold: (Non-plussed:) “Really.” Emma: “From Neal. He warned me that things weren’t over and that I should prepare myself and the people I love for what’s to come.” Mr. Gold: “And what is coming?” Emma: “He wouldn’t say.” Mr. Gold: (Nods:) “Of course not.”

Emma: “You don’t believe me?” Mr. Gold: “Oh I believe you, Miss Swan. Back when I was in my coma, Bae and I had a great many conversations just like yours.” Emma: “You saw him too?” Mr. Gold: “Indeed. It was because of those conversations that I was reminded of the promise I made to Bae after he died. He told me that my family was in trouble and that when the time came, I should do whatever it took to save them.” Emma: “That’s why you were ready to sacrifice yourself in New York?” Mr. Gold: “Yes. I was prepared to do the right thing when Belle arrived to save me once again. I cannot reward my wife’s faith in me by endangering her. So if what Baelfire says is true then I must do right by Belle and take her as far from here as possible.” Emma: “You’re leaving?” Mr. Gold: “Belle has always wanted to travel. The world beyond the town line can be a scary place, but I’d rather take my chances out there than stay here and face what’s yet to come.” (Mr. Gold walks back around the counter, heading for the door when Emma grabs his arm.) Emma: “Gold. You know the Darkness better than anyone, do you really think it can come back?” Mr. Gold: (Sighs:) “All I know, Miss Swan, is Merlin believed that killing the vessel that contained Darkness would destroy it. If that is proved false and the Darkness is about to return... then no one is safe.” The Underworld. (Agitated by her earlier meeting with Hades, Nimue leads the rest of the former Dark Ones along a darkened corridor when they come upon Dr. Facilier, who blocks their path.) Facilier: "A tip of the hat from Dr. Facilier. (Nimue says nothing, merely inclining her head to stare curiously at the man:) Friends, I know I'm a stranger to you all, but it seems to me that we share a common agenda. To see the Darkness return to the land of the living and continue its glorious reign over those lesser mortals. Therefore I propose an alliance. (Facilier produces a talisman from his pocket and holds it out for all to see:) I need your generous assistance in making this stone powerful enough to return me to the land of the living. (Nimue and the others glare at him:) Hahaha, I hear you. Now, what's in it for you? Well... As soon as I dispose of the traitorous Evil Queen, then I'm gonna run this town they call Storybrooke. I'll have the entire populace in the palm of my hand. And you'll have all the wayward souls your dark little hearts desire. (Smiles, noticing that this has piqued the Dark Ones collective interest:) You all love that, don't you? So, we got ourselves a deal? (Several of the hooded figures step forward and allow their souls to be drawn inside the talisman, causing it to glow brightly for a long moment before returning to its inky blackness:) Hahaha! Now we're cooking!”

Storybrooke. Blanchard Apartment. (Regina, Henry, The Charmings and Robin Hood are gathered to hear what Emma has to say.) Mary Margaret: "It's coming back?" Emma: "Maybe." David: "Well it either is or it isn't." Emma: "Neal didn't specify what was coming, only that it was bad." Regina: "Which could mean absolutely anything." Robin Hood: "If it's the Darkness or not, there's only so much preparation that can be made for an unknown enemy." Henry: (To Regina:) "Mom, think. Are there any other people from your past who may want revenge?" Regina: "Not that I can think of, no." David: "To be fair, there must be hundreds to choose from." Emma: (Chiding:) "Dad." David: (Holds up his hands:) "I'm just saying." Mary Margaret: "Regardless of who or what it is, we have to let the town know what's going on." Regina: "And what do you suggest, that I post a notice on the bulletin board? 'Dear people of Storybrooke, while Emma Swan is no longer a threat, please standby for something worse. Details to follow'?" Robin Hood: "Well I for one am not ready to face Zelena again to tell her the bad news. I barely dodged the last fireball she hurled at me." Regina: "Speaking of which, did you really agree to support Zelena?" Emma: (Hesitates:) "Let's stay focused on the problem at hand, all right?" (The room fills with voices while everyone talks over each other, trying to decide what threat could possibly be headed their way next.) The Underworld. (Hades is pacing back and forth considering his options.) Hades: "Seemingly since the beginning of time, I have been cursed to rule over this kingdom. I have played host to the greatest heroes and villains mankind has ever known. For centuries I was given the task of deciding who would go on to spend eternity in the Elysian Fields or remain to suffer forever in Tartarus. And were my efforts recognised in any way? Of course not. (Stops pacing and heads towards the figure trapped in the pillory to whom he's been speaking:) A man can only take so much before he is pushed too far. (Leans down to be eye level with the man:) And so that is why I've redirected my efforts into making sure each and every soul that enters my kingdom suffers just as greatly as I have."

Pan: "You're doing an excellent job, Lord Hades." Hades: (Tilts his head and smiles:) "Thank you. (Stands and resumes his pacing:) However, with the arrival of the Darkness into my domain, it does present me with quite the opportunity. You see, I grow weary of torturing those who are already dead. Like any respectable deity, I long to expand my flock. For far too long I have been shackled by my curse, allowed only too briefly to enter my brother's kingdom and feel fresh air upon my face. To listen to the birdsong and to be in the presence of my heart's truest desire. (Pan raises his head at this, intrigued:) Using the Darkness I shall bring my kingdom to the land of the living, forging a bridge between both realms." Pan: "What then, Lord Hades?"     Hades: (Laughs:) "What then? Oh, my dear Peter. Then the real fun begins." Elsewhere In The Underworld. (The Evil Queen is making her way back to Hades' chamber when she rounds a corner to find Facilier waiting for her.) Evil Queen: (Scoffs:) "And who are you supposed to be?" Facilier: "I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced, I am-" Evil Queen: "You were the one eavesdropping outside Hades' chamber. My, your lord won't appreciate that." Facilier: "There's a great deal that Hades and I do not agree on, but we both have an eye for talent." Evil Queen: (Laughs:) "Really. Is that what you are, a talent scout?" Facilier: "In a manner of speaking. Back when I was alive, I was quite the practitioner of dark magic myself. But I was nothing compared to Rumplestiltskin's greatest student." Evil Queen: (Eyes him suspiciously:) "You want something. What is it?" Facilier: "To learn from the best of course. Seeing you walk through those doors in all your magnificence, I could hardly believe my eyes. I never thought I would have the opportunity of meeting someone who's very name strikes fear into the hearts of many through countless realms." Evil Queen: (Rolls her eyes:) "Flattery aside, I'm not the teaching kind." (The Queen continues on her way.) Facilier: (Calling after her:) "And I'm not the kind of man who misses an opportunity." Evil Queen: (Stops walking, allowing Facilier to catch up to her:) "If I were to teach you, what would I-" Facilier: "Get out of it? (Smiles:) Besides an eager student, you would have an ally. Something the Evil Queen is in short supply of these days. (Producing the talisman from his pocket and holding it out:) Here, take this. Carry it with you and I shall be by your side. If you ever tire of me then simply throw it into a body of water and I shall return here to the Underworld." Evil Queen: (Considers:) "Hm. It has been a while since I had my own personal lap dog." Facilier: (Smiling as the Queen takes the talisman:) "Just call me your Shadow Man." Storybrooke. Mills House. (Emma reclines on the bed staring at the ceiling. Her mind racing with possibilities as to what the threat that's coming to Storybrooke could be. Despite this, Emma soon finds her eyelids becoming heavier before they close and she drifts off to sleep.)

Downstairs. (Meanwhile in the living room, Regina is staring into the fireplace when Henry calls out to her.) Henry: “Mom? Why are you sitting down here by yourself?” Regina: (Sighs:) “I’m just... thinking.” Henry: (Sitting beside her:) “About...? (Regina gives him a look:) Mom you know whatever the threat is that we can defeat it, right?” Regina: “What makes you so sure?” Henry: “Because we always have. And because what I choose to believe in is faith... hope that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we will meet them head on, together.” Regina: “You sound so much like your Grandmother.” Henry: “Cora said that?” Regina: “Ha. Ha.” Henry: “Listen, I know right now your feeling like there’s just one thing after another and there’s never a moment’s peace. But what we have here, the three of us, and our family... that’s the stuff that is always worth the struggle.” Regina: (Smiles, tears in her eyes:) “You’re definitely spending too much time with your Grandparents. How did you get to be so smart, huh?” Henry: (Shrugs:) “I figure someone’s gotta be around here.” Regina: “Hey! (Ruffles his hair and pulls him in close for a hug:) I love you so much, Henry.” Henry: “I love you too, Mom. You know we’re gonna be ready for whatever comes our way, right?” Regina: (Nods, her head against his shoulder:) “I hope so.” Storybrooke. Main Street. Night. (The clinking of blades. Emma appears to be battling against an unknown, cloaked assailant. As the fighting intensifies, the visions become shorter and shorter before, suddenly, Emma awakens.) Mayor’s Mansion. Morning. (Breathing heavily, Emma looks wide eyed down at her hand which is now shaking. She turns when the bedroom door opens to see a concerned looking Regina enter the room.) Emma: “It’s nothing, I’m fine.” Regina: “Well, you may be fine, but our town isn’t. Look.” (Regina goes to the window and opens the curtains. Glancing out the window, Emma sees that the sky is now tinged red.) Emma: “What is that?” Regina: “I don’t know, but I have a feeling it isn’t good.”

The End.

[nocturne-inuyasha-ff]

Nocturne - Reluctant Longing

Nocturne - Chapter Three: Reluctant Longing

Rated - M (for suggestive adult themes, references to some violence, and coarse language)

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Kagome had rushed home in time to avoid Inuyasha strolling through the doorway. She had folded the hankimono up and hidden it within one of her modern bags she knew Inuyasha never rummaged through. Quickly, she'd changed into her usual miko garb and had even enough time to brew tea before he arrived.

To anyone else, her guilt may have been obvious, but Inuyasha was again oblivious to her inner thoughts, only thinking that her silence indicated how angry she still felt. Inside, she shook with fear. Any moment now, he would smell the scent of another male on her and blow up. He would have every right to, she told herself. Instead, he seemed to take the blame from their fight the night before.

He approached her from behind while she was readying a cup. His arms wrapped around her and she let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. Tears filled her eyes.

"Inuyasha, I'm-I'm sorry...about...about last night," she choked out.

"No, I'm sorry…" he whispered into the curve of her neck. "I should've been more…" he paused and searched for a word he'd heard her use before, "sensitive to your mood."

Any other day, Kagome would have retaliated to that statement.

'Her mood?!'

Because she was just so touchy these days. But instead, she let it go, her shame eating at her. She could not help but feel sad.

Here she was, dirty from a night with Inuyasha's elder brother, no less, and now in his arms as if nothing had happened. It crushed her soul to lie, but she knew that Inuyasha would never understand. She'd been enchanted. But why had she wanted it so badly? A part of herself knew she could have purged herself from the spell that had been cast on her. Why did she let it run its course?

Inuyasha was feeling very apologetic, and Kagome was feeling very guilty. When he began to plant light kisses down her neck, she moaned despite herself. He pulled her around, and their lips met with practiced ease. She wrapped her hands around his neck, twining her fingers through his hair. Despite herself, she wondered if Sesshomaru's locks felt as soft as his brothers or his lips as tender?

With some mental gumption, she was able to dismiss those thoughts and let Inuyasha's skilled hands work down her body, bringing her to life and back to the present. She buried the events from last night deep down and promised herself she would never bring it up again.

A couple of months passed with no incident. The crazy night where Kagome and Sesshomaru had met in the cave, deep in the forest had been put aside, and life went on as usual.

The days had turned from chilly to bitterly cold. Winter had arrived in full force, bringing wet snow and glacial, unforgiving ice. It was times like these where Kagome yearned for amenities from the future like space heaters or insulation. She had just come from a family that had fallen victim to smallpox. She had guessed what the illness was based on the sores seen all over the skin.

The lesions were mostly on the face and then spread down the appendages. But there was no way for her to tell for sure. It was a thankful thing that she'd brought some things back with her before the well had closed up, one being scores of books. Otherwise, she may have to rely on her own rudimentary knowledge of the illnesses and diseases which was entirely lacking since many of them had been eradicated in her time.

Still, since this particular disease was no longer around in the present, she was not vaccinated against it and had to take special precautions. Those special precautions being that she couldn't go near or touch those infected. Seclusion for the family was all she could do outside of leave instructions to make them comfortable. The sad fact of the matter was that these people had to recover on their own.

There was nothing she could do, and it ate at her. She found solace in that this was the only family to exhibit symptoms, and they were able to quarantine the family before it spread and killed. No other village in Sengoku Jidai could boast such knowledge.

She left the quarantined house and made her way back to Kaede's home. The older woman, who had mentored Kagome in healing, herbs, and other miko duties, did not get out much anymore. Kaede had developed arthritis in her joints, and it was increasingly painful for her to move about. She had a difficult time accepting her limited mobility, becoming somewhat cantankerous from being cooped up.

Kagome had brought some herbs from her own garden to brew in a tea that would soothe the inflammation that plagued the elderly woman. Her thoughts were somber as she approached Kaede's hut. She saw that Rin was just arriving as well. The young woman gave a friendly wave before disappearing inside.

Seeing Rin always made guilt blossom in the back of her mind. Rin had been Sesshomaru's ward before the well had closed six years ago and before Kagome's reappearance, he had deposited her here with Kaede to learn more about humans.

Every time that Kagome saw Rin, her heart fluttered with anticipation. Sesshomaru had come to pay Rin visits occasionally. Often to bring her gifts of some sort. Things he thought befitted a young human woman. Those visits were relatively short and uneventful. In fact, Sesshomaru was usually quiet, allowing Rin to do most of the talking. Still, he had not been to visit since before that night, and Kagome felt dread over the inevitable.

How long would it be before he came back? What would she do? How would she react? The thoughts raced through Kagome's mind, and she felt her breath hitch in her chest. Quite suddenly, she began to feel faint, her head started to spin, and her world faded to black.

"Kagome?!" a light, distorted voice called out. "Kagome, are you okay?!"

Kagome's eyes fluttered. Moisture from the condensation-soaked grass seeped through her clothes and helped to bring her back into consciousness. Rin leaned over her, concern warping her warm brown eyes.

"Are you okay?" Rin repeated.

Kagome pushed herself up and looked around.

"You fainted," Rin supplied. She held out her hand to Kagome and helped her up.

"Thank you. I-I'm not sure." Kagome brushed off her skirts despite them not being soiled. "I didn't eat breakfast today," she speculated.

Rin smiled and guided Kagome inside Kaede's house, one arm behind Kagome's back just in case there was another spell.

"It's well past lunch. You work yourself too hard, you know."

Kagome gave a half-smile. It was true that she had poured herself into her work. She needed something to pass the time and keep her from doing a tail-spin into her own guilt. Besides that, with Kaede out of commission and Rin an acolyte, her workload had doubled. The number of people who needed help and the influx of disease kept her on her toes.

"Thank you, Rin. I just need to sit, I think."

Once inside, Rin guided Kagome in front of the hearth. Kaede sat opposite, propped up against pillows and other items to keep her comfortable.

"Kagome, child, ye look pale," Kaede said.

"I'm fine. I just felt a little dizzy and lost my balance," Kagome explained.

Her head still swam, and she grabbed the sides of her head to keep the room from spinning. Out of the corner of her vision, she could see Rin moving about, and the motion was making her feel queasy. Kagome closed her eyes. The momentary pull of darkness was soothing.

Rin touched her shoulder. "Tea?"

She offered down a cup of some steaming herbal concoction. Kagome opened her eyes and took up the proffered cup.

"Thank you, Rin." She sipped on the tea, noting its bitterness but relishing the warmth that cut through her.

"Better?" Rin asked and sat down beside Kaede to watch Kagome.

She nodded and smiled. "Yes, much."

Finishing the cup, she felt much better. Her fainting spell had definitely been attributed to dehydration.

"Oh, before I forget, I brought some herbs for you Kaede. they can help with the pain." She pulled the herbs from a hidden pocket and passed it to Rin.

"Bless ye child," Kaede said. She looked at Rin. "Do ye mind, Rin?" she asked.

"Not at all," Rin said with a smile. She began to hum a tuneless song and set to prepping the tea.

Kagome watched as Rin picked up a tea kettle and steeped the dried herbs in hot water. She noted how Rin had grown into such a lovely young woman. She was still as chatty as ever, her time with Sesshomaru had not diminished her vocality. Again her thoughts drifted to him. Rin was a constant reminder.

"So, Rin...It has been a while since he's visited," Kagome said aloud. She broke under the pressure of her own curiosity.

Rin did not turn around, not thinking anything of the inquiry. "Yes. Lord Sesshomaru has been busy of late. He has had more frequent troubles with local warring states."

Kagome nodded with unfeigned interest. "Oh?"

"Jaken told me that some local lords were rallying and amassing near Lord Sesshomaru's lands. But he can handle that rabble no problem," Rin explained.

That explained why he had not visited in a while, Kagome consoled herself. Why did that make her feel better? This should not have made her feel anything at all. Yet her she sat, thinking about a man like some school girl. She shook the thoughts from her head.

Kagome spent another hour with Kaede and Rin, speaking about mundane things before she had to leave. Making some polite goodbyes, she exited the house. She had gotten several steps away before Rin ran out calling after her.

"Kagome, wait! I forgot to give you this." She held out her hand.

When Kagome gave her a confused look, she added, "For your pains."

"Oh, thank you," Kagome said. She took the cloth pouch from Rin.

"Sure, see you tomorrow!"

Kagome watcher her duck back inside the house, and she looked down at the pouch in her hands. She took steadying breaths and pocketed the bag before walking away. Her thoughts raced right along with her heart. She tried to match the speed of her pace with the adrenaline pumping through her.

She arrived at her house, and her head spun with something different than dizziness. The day was still young, so Inuyasha was not here. He actually was not due back for a while. He had left with Miroku to visit a neighboring village that was being plagued by a ghost. Kagome never knew how long they would be gone, the time spent away was highly dependent on unknown circumstances.

The home they shared was empty, and Kagome had some free time on her hands before she made her rounds through the village. She walked over to her bookshelf and pulled out a worn novel. Of the items she had brought back from the future, these tomes were something she did not want to part with. Inuyasha had not understood why she would want to keep such things, though she did catch him leafing through the pages from time to time.

The pages of her book were worn from use, creased, oiled from her fingers, and folded on themselves to mark specific places for future reference. The book she held now was on human anatomy and biology, markedly the female anatomy. She flipped to one such page on menstruation cycles. It was easier to understand how to treat ailments when one realized precisely why they occurred.

The dried herbs that Rin had given to Kagome were to help with monthly pains. She put a finger and began to hunt. Her finger guided her through the text. There was nothing. Nothing to be done now anyway. Snapping the book shut she stashed it away. It was time for her to return to reality.

Kagome made her rounds but was eventually called outside the village perimeter. A man had fallen and broken his leg while hunting. Usually, such an injury would be brought to her, but this case was severe enough to warrant her personal presence. A young man, a companion of the injured, had sought her out to bring her. His face was ashen when he had finally found her and urged her to make haste.

They arrived in short order, and Kagome found the man crying out in pain. His leg splayed out before him, and a bone protruded out at a sickening angle. No wonder his companion did not want to move him. She hurried to his side and knelt down.

"What is your name?" She asked while looking at the wound.

"Masa-Masahide," he grunted out through clenched teeth.

"Tell me, Masahide, what happened?" Though she was asking him questions, she really only did so to distract him while she put pressure on the wound. He cried out again, louder this time.

"Masahide, how did you come across such a wound?" She asked again. She had to stop the bleeding and splint the wound to move him. There was little she could do out here in the woods with few supplies. And even less she could do for such an injury to bring about a full recovery.

Kagome was able to splint the wound enough to where the young man did not scream out in pain when they made to move him. It took all of their strength to support the man's dead weight. He wasn't much help as he staggered between them, putting all of his weight on their shoulders with each step. Slowly but surely they made it back to the village. He was brought to his home, which he shared with a young wife.

Kagome felt tinged with pity for the young couple. Even though she had cleansed the wound to the best of her ability, the odds of him ever having use of his leg again were slim. Kagome left his wife instructions on how to care for his wound. She was thanked profusely before departing into the night.

It had grown late while she attended to the man. She sighed, resigned to the loss of the day. She had wanted to visit her friend Sango this evening, but she was sure the circumstances would be understood. She made her way back to her house on the outskirts of the village and stopped. No light shown from within meaning that Inuyasha had not returned.

Kagome quickly made something to eat before pulling out her futon. Stoking the flames from the hearth, she finished any lingering household chores and prepared to sleep and awake to another day.

The darkness folded in upon her, bringing with it the evening sounds of crickets and other fauna. The screech of an owl pierced the area near the wall and brought Kagome back into full consciousness. She sat up and looked around the room, trying to gauge the time. The bitter cold had set in through the walls and the doorway. The black night had found its way into her abode, marked by the fire that had been snuffed out. She let out a long breath through her nose and pushed aside the blankets that trapped in her body heat. Icy air met her exposed skin, sending a shiver through her as she tended to the fire.

Her head snapped up when she heard footsteps outside. She waited several moments, poised to attack. Defenseless was not a word that could be used to describe her. When the well had closed off, sealing her in her own time, she had sworn to never feel powerless again.

Kagome had taken up several extracurricular classes to assist in keeping her busy. She had not expected the well within her family's shrine to ever work again, but something told her the knowledge would become useful somewhere along the line.

As the seconds ticked by, nothing happened, and Kagome gave one last glance around the room before finishing with the hearth. The flames soared to life and settled back down to a steady roar. The heat from the flames was soothing as much as they were hypnotizing. Staring into the flames, she settled on the changing colors leaping from the logs. The Blues, greens, yellows, and oranges all melding together made her feel drowsy. Thankfully, the warmth had begun to fill the room, and she was able to climb back under her blankets and settle into sleep.

The sound of footsteps resounded through the small domicile. Kagome heard it in her dreams, but consciousness was just outside of her grasp. She felt as though she were wading through molasses when her eyes cracked open barely wide enough to take in some of the light from the middle of the room. There was another creak, and a flash of silver floated past her vision.

'Inuyasha?' she wondered.

Her head rose up a fraction, and once she'd confirmed that nothing was amiss, she returned back to her dreams.

She had fallen into a deep slumber, her breathing deep and relaxed when he had arrived. Why had he come here? He wasn't quite sure. He had come to the village to check in on Rin. She was as radiant as ever. Her time in the human town had done her well, and he was pleased that he had made the decision to deposit her here among her own kind. The life of a yokai was no place for a delicate mortal girl.

But why had he come here, to the outskirts of the village, to a place where his younger brother resided with his mortal woman? It surely was not to catch up with her. He had barely gotten over the derision he felt for the half breed and could barely palate time spent near humans aside from Rin. They were just inferior. Not worth his time and beneath him in every way. Yet, why was he outside listening to her gentle snores?

His lip lifted up into a sneer, and he made to leave. He must purge himself of such ridiculous thoughts. He had convinced himself that the magic of that night was all that had tethered him to the woman. Seeing her or scenting her plain human smell would drive all longing from him. First, he would have to admit to himself that he felt longing. He was above longing. Besides, he'd barely had any interaction with the woman. There was nothing to draw him to her outside of magic.

Something stopped him from leaving, planting him in place. He could hear his name muttered with a sleepy, muffled tone, "Sessho…"

So, she dreamed of him. The thought made him feel pleased until he caught himself and expelled the breath through his nose quickly. This would not do at all. The great Lord Sesshomaru could not - would not - be enthralled to a human woman. No, he had other, more pressing matters to attend to. Without a second glance behind him, he left before he had the opportunity to change his mind.

[the-pan-ace-writings]

Chapter 9 A dead end

   First Previous Masterlist

  A/N:  Hey! so I wanted to apologize for the late uploading, i've finally fixed my computer and with my time in the airport yesterday ive wrote two chapters, so we can expect another update soon! I do want to preface this chapter though that if descriptive violence isnt your thing I would be careful reading this chapter, it is a fight scene and arguably one of the more gruesome and gorey ones ive written. regardless I hope you enjoy this one and I can promise the next chapter will be a bit fluffier

   Once she threw the door open, a turret dropped down from the ceiling, laser rounds almost taking her out immediately, She dropped down to the ground and rolled out of the way so. A rifle round fired behind her and the turret clattered to the ground. She struggled to collect the helmet she had strapped onto her ruck, but once she secured it around her head she took off, mask glowing a glaring red. 

   She encountered the first set of synths, they looked clean but inhuman, only mimicking a skeletal build. Her sword buzzing with electricity made quick work of the synths dropping them in seconds before they could let off enough rounds into the hallway. She heard Nicks pistol firing behind her, she hadn't noticed that the hall split when she had rushed in and noticed even less when another squad of synths entered the hall and she was shoved into the wall, the butt end of a rifle slamming into the bridge of the mask, crushing it against her nose which she felt give and warmth spreading.   With a snarl she kicked the synth away from her and to the ground, boot connecting with the chest plate of the synth crushing it below her, landing her other foot she crouched low her blade swinging and catching multiple synths near their center, a shot stuck her chest plate and she stumbled backwards into the wall again helmet bouncing off the concrete. She could taste the copper in her mouth, her head was buzzing and vision was blurred momentarily, She could she the last synth in the squad raise its rifle at her and she tried to raise her self from the wall, could hear the metal scraping against it, and she reached for her pistol strapped to her hip but before she could bring it up another shot rang out from down the hall.    The Synth collapsed like a ragdoll, a rifle round through the forehead. She was struggling to rise all the way. Dogmeat had reached her first and nearly knocked her over again barreling into her legs but MacCready had pulled her up from her elbow.     “Thank you” Her modulated voice and mostly covered face made it extremely difficult for MacCready or Nick to tell if she was okay. He had opened his mouth to scold her for running off without them but a voice on the overhead had called out to them egging Riona on.     “Now there she is, the most determined woman of the commonwealth.”    ��End of the line! Kellogg! Its time you’ve died and I get my son back!” She shouted towards his disembodied voice.    “Who? Oh, that bratty kid? What was it? Shaun? Oh lady you're in for a real surprise!” He was half cackling taunting her. Her face twisted up underneath her visor, teeth bared and her voice came out harsh when she spoke again.    “Where is my son you bastard!” Her voice was clattering into the empty halls, reverberating and in a way it felt as if her own voice was taunting her.    “Why don't you come find out huh?” It was a clear trap, and it was obvious he didn't think she would survive to reach him.    Whatever control that had remained in Riona quickly vanish as she snarled at tried to barrel down the rest of the hall, but MacCready’s grasp on her elbow pulled her back.    “Now you get control of yourself, can't go off in here by yourself you’ll get yourself killed.” Nick was gruff with her.    “Plus you can't destroy turrets on the ceiling with that sword” MacCready tightened his grip on her elbow tugging her a bit towards him.    “I could get close enough.” She pulled her visor off with her free hand to spit the pooling blood from her mouth.    “Like hell you could,” Both Nick and MacCready spoke in tandem.    “You'll need a sharpshooter like before, we’ll get him Riona but you gotta live to get their first” MacCready let go of her arm and she shook her head.    “Then let's go.” She wiped her nose on her hand and clicked her visor into place. Dogmeat took the lead with Riona following behind, MacCready had his rifle raised to take out any turrets before they activated, and with Nick’s help took out the majority of squads that they encountered before Riona went barreling in outnumbered.    They had reached a large office after roaming the halls, it had a sealed door connecting it which even Riona couldn't get unlocked, much to her anger. Kellogg's voice filtered down from the overhead    “It's not too late to stop! You can go home, not a lot of people could say that!”    “You and I both know that's not happening! Open the door, you coward!”    “Okay! My synths are standing down, why don't we just have a chat huh?”    The doors swung open and Riona was seething, MacCready could clearly read it in how she held herself, Dogmeat was snarling hackles raised as high as they could go and he was couched down at her feet, she burst into the room quickly assessing it.    It had multiple synths lining the room, and the man that was in the Vault stood in the middle of the room, he looked more rugged and tired than when she had seen him through the haze of the cryopod.    The moment she entered the room, it was like a chill fell over it, she stood square in the doorway, and it was obvious her patients were nonexistent at this point.    “Tell me where he is.” it was calm, collected and deadly. Kellogg smiled    “Well now if it isn't my friend the TV Din-”    “Tell me where he is damn it!” She cut him off bringing her sword back into view in front of her, her thumb fingering the switch to electrify it.    “Fine, I guess you’ve earned that much. Shaun's in a good place, where he is safe, comfortable and loved. A place he calls home, A place called the institute.”    She pointed her sword at him from afar, emphasizing her words as she spoke.    “Fuck you, Kellogg, where is he really? Huh? You gotta baby locked up in here?”    “Let him go! Your time is done. Your son ain't even a baby! Your son is exactly where he belongs.” She stepped towards him reaching the edge of the platform, MacCready and Nick had readied their respective weapons, the synths in the room still passive but it was clear they were still as dangerous as before and guaranteed to strike if she was any more aggressive.    “Then you’re going to take me to him.”    “Take you to him?” he was laughing “Lady I can’t even bring you to him if I wanted to. It's the institute. Don't you get it? That place is untouchable, nobody gets there unless they want you there.”    “Well if you don't have him, then I guess you serve no purpose to me anymore.” Riona took the step down, her boots landed with a resounding thud, the room was silent until she flicked the battery connected to her sword back on.    She raised the blade and brought it down on where he was standing, but in the moments it took her to ready the blade he has disappeared with an electronic hum.    “The fuck?” she was boiling over, she crouched low searching the room for him, she didn't understand what had happened, or where he went. “You were right fucking here” she swung out wildly and decimated a synth that had escaped from Nick and MacCready.    “It's a stealth boy! He's invisible” MacCready called out to her momentarily breaking from attacking the synth guards.    She felt something slam into the back of her head, she stumbled forwards losing balance. Dogmeat rushed past her and collided with something it looked like he was trying to grab the air. It took her a moment but she started to see the rippling outline of a figure momentary struggling with the dog before a yelp had it released.    Got you now. Her blade connected with something and there was a clatter as an electronic tumbled to the floor. Kellogg reappeared in front of her. He struck her across the face with his pistol before she had a chance to gut him, Her head was buzzing and her vision was starting to blur together at the edges, she grunted and brought the pommel of her sword into his jaw. He threw himself into her knocking them both down, He was tearing at her visor as she grappled with him, she could feel blood leaking down her forehead from where his pistol stuck her.    He tore the visor off of her face and tossed it away, he was practically sitting on her his thumbs edging closer to her eyes, he grabbed the lapels of the coat that covered her chest plate and brought his fist down into her, helmet coming off. She swore as she in a last ditch attempt rolled him over so that she was on top, and that was the end of Kellogg. She snarled and watched pure fear twist his face as she grabbed the collar of his shirt and slammed him into the concrete floor, once, twice, three times, she didn't stop until it there was no more gunfire, and his brain and other gray matter painted the floor and her face.    When she stood up she took his pistol and fired into his chest, emptying the cartridge. When she looked up, both of her companions were staring, Nick clearly looked disturbed and MacCready just looked astonished, Dogmeat was cowering under a desk.     To MacCready she looked like a war goddess, enraged and bloody, gore and sweat mixing together. An Aura of strength and rage filled the room when he looked her in the eyes. She was clearly battered and was having a difficult time breathing, she turned away from him first.    She picked up her helmet and visor from the ground, she looked over at Dogmeat who was slowly coming out from under the table. Her face momentarily crumpled at the sight of him afraid, she regretted losing control in here, in front of her companions, she had no idea if any of them would want to assist or follow her after this, it was clear that she could be wildly dangerous.    Shaking her head she pushed her way past them and out into the office, collapsing on one of the couches in here. She heard MacCready saying he’d search the room.    She was dizzy, her head felt like it was spinning and her stomach was turning, she had emptied the contents of her stomach into an empty container near her and sprawled out onto the couch clutching her head in an attempt to keep the room from spinning anymore than it was. Riona didn't know how long it took them to search the room when they came out, but once they did they immediately started talking at her.    “This might have gotten easier.” Nick held up what looked like an implant.”Kellogg had some modifications and with decent luck and the help of the memory den in Goodneighbor we should be able to get some more information.”    She didn't respond to him and instead sat up, planting her feet on the ground leaning onto her elbows on her knees.    “If Shaun really is in the hands of the institute I have to find that place and rescue him. But I'm going to need help if y'all are up to it.” She spoke more to her boots than she did to them, she was mildly surprised when she felt MacCready’s hand close around her shoulders.    “I'm still game” He smiled when she looked up at him, her eyes big it was clear she expected him to leave after this.    “You'll want to talk to Doctor Amari when you get to Goodneighbor, but I think we’re all going to need to rest up before we head off.”    MacCready raised his hand to Riona to help her up off the couch and keep her steady.    “We found an elevator to leave” He slung her arm over his shoulder and pulled her closer to him placing his arm around her waist, supporting her so that she wouldn't collapse, Dogmeat trailed behind with Nick as they entered the elevator.    When they exited the elevator on the roof they were met with a horrible cacophony of engine sound, vertibirds and a blimp started to cross the sky. The ominous airship and vertibirds darkened the sky as they crossed. She couldn't make out the paint on them but heard MacCready huff. When she turned to look at him, it was clear that this sight wasn't a good thing.    “The Brotherhood has arrived.”    The dread in his voice was clear and it sent a shiver down her spine, it seems like this already poor day just got worse.

Next

[jolienjoyswriting]

Bloody Knuckles, Ch. II

Chapter II of "Bloody Knuckles", another Essence of Ragnarok story.

Because, I like Jessie. More than you will ever know.

Word count: 6,995 – Character count: 39,846 Originally written: February 20th, 2017 Revised on: September 6th, 2017

After an intense training session, Jessica meets with Joseph for an experience he never expected.

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    “C’mon!  I know yer agile but’cha need’a start swingin’!”

    It was the last session of Joseph’s boxing lessons.  Though it had been a long and grueling path, Jessica’s teachings really seemed to be paying off!  The fox felt faster-than-ever and even a bit stronger, too!  On top of that, his breathing had improved and he even lost a few pounds from his midsection… only to have them reappear as muscle, elsewhere.  Despite all of that, however, it still seemed like he was no match for the bat with the red gloves.

    “It’s like I’ve been saying– whoa!”  Joseph dodged out of the way of a controlled, quick swing aimed at his head.  “You’re a lot faster than you look…”     “I ain’t that fast!” she laughed as she danced her way toward him.  “S’like that one puzzle game, kiddo!  Gotta wait fer th’ right opportunity t’ use th’ right piece, slide it in, an’ bam!”     “I know, I know…” he said with a sigh.  “You’re just so… unpredictable!”     “S’what I do best, babydoll!  Now, c’mere so’s I can clobber ya!”     “Hah!  No.  I’m not that bad.  Anymore,” he quietly added.

    As the sparring session rolled on, Joseph found that, as always, Jessica was full of energy and never seemed to tire.  It probably helped that she was smart enough to back off after a failed heavy attack… and, the fact that she was using her wings to back away in a hurry certainly skewed things, in her favor… but, he was fine with that, knowing she was just using them to add a bit more challenge.  At least… that’s what he’d been telling himself, for those eight weeks…

    “C’mon, boy’o!” she mocked, hopping to his left and missing a jab.  “Fight me!”     “You’re really enjoying this…” the fox mused as he failed to land a blow to her midsection, “aren’t you?”     “Hoo, yeah!”  Jessica gave a laugh, at that.  “But, I’d be enjoyin’ it a lot more if ya’d actually hit me!  So, stop tryin’ t hit me ’n hit me!”

    The smirk she wore as she said that annoyed Joseph… but, he remained cool, being very familiar with her mind games, by that point.  He shuffled to the left, rocking back and forth as he watched her watch him.  Meanwhile, Jessica gave a couple of fake jabs and flashed a grin at her opponent, her wings flickering and feet dancing on the mat.  Her eyes looked out from behind her silver frames and leaf nose, peering at the bouncing fox…  She knew he was going to make a mistake, at some point… and, when he did, it’d be all over, for him!

    “Hah!”

    Joseph took a wild swing at her head!  She easily weaved away and drew back, throwing a punch of her own… only to find that the fox wasn’t there, anymore.  The next thing she noticed was… a sharp thump, at her stomach, which knocked the air from her lungs… followed by several more quick jabs.  She gave a hiss and spread her wings, pulling them hard and flapping away from her opponent, coming to rest on the ropes with an unsettling sort of grin.

    “Shit, son!” she laughed.  “Looket you, bein’ all crafty ‘n stuff!”     Joseph pointed his glove her way with a grin of his own.     “And, you can bet that, if you hadn’t pulled back, I would’ve chopped you down-to-size.”     “Well done, well done!” she called as she held her midsection.  “Really felt it, that time!”     “Did I hit you too hard?” he asked, showing genuine concern.     “Naaah.”  The orange-haired bat brightly smiled.  “Ya jus’ did what I tol’ja t’ do!”     “Well… I still haven’t knocked you down…”     “I wouldn’ feel too bad, ‘bout that.”  Jessica gave a wink with her right eye.  “I keep cheatin’, so…”     “Heh.  That, you do…”

    “Anyways,” the bat said as she looked beyond the fox, “clock says we’re done here, fer th’ night.”     “Has it been two hours, already?”  Joseph rubbed the back of his head with a glove.  “Time sure does fly, when you’re working out…”     “Ain’ it th’ truth!”     Jessica pulled one glove off, then the other, before tying them together and stringing them around her shoulders.     “Why don’cha hit th’ steam room whilst I clean up, out here?  Ya know, get those impurities outta yer system now that’cher already sweaty, already!”     “I think I might just do that, Jessie…”     He removed his gloves and gave a light sigh, wiping his brow.     “You certainly know how to tire a guy out.”     “I get that a lot… but, not usually in th’ ring,” she replied with a knowing smirk.  That caused Joseph to blink… then, he folded his ears, wearing a faint blush.     “Jus’ messin’ wi’cha,” she said with a wink.  “Go grab a drink ‘n hit th’ sauna, Goldie.  You’ve earned it.”     “Rrright…”

    After discarding his training gear, Joseph walked to the rear of the gym’s first floor.  He was really looking forward to flopping back in the sauna and letting his body relax…  That last session with Jessica seemed a lot more intense than the others.  Of course, he knew why…     She really wanted to give me my money’s worth, since that was my last session, he thought as he entered the male locker room.  End things on a high note and all that.     He hummed to himself as he disrobed, collecting a towel and wrapping it around his waist, a moment later.     She’s been a really good instructor, the fox mused as he checked the temperature and humidity of the sauna.  Weird… but, good, just like Carlos said.  Hmm… I wonder if I should keep at it?  I don’t want to become a musclehead, like him… but, I kind of like the benefits of all this twice-weekly cardio and the other stuff she has me do.     Joseph hummed a second time… then, he gave a shrug.     I’ll worry about that later, I guess, he told himself as he entered the sauna.

    “Ah, dang it…”

    The fox chuckled to himself as the contrasting warm air immediately made his glasses steam up.  After wiping them on his towel, he walked over to the middle of the room and reached down, retrieving a ladle from a tin bucket filled with water.  He then put the water onto nearby heated rocks, causing it to evaporate into humidifying steam.     “There we go,” he said aloud before putting the ladle back.  “That should get the room a bit more balanced…”     With that settled, he walked over to a slatted bench in the corner and sat down, relaxing as he started to enjoy the semi-wet warmth of the room.

    Mindy’s Gym had a sauna which was not unlike many others.  The room was built to let air escape but not let outside air in.  The door also had a very good seal and was designed to latch tightly… but, seemingly never lock, due to some past incidents involving some “pranksters.”  A number of symmetrical, evenly-spaced, wooden boards comprised both the walls and the seating of the room and in the middle of the area was the heating mechanism.  It sat surrounded by more wooden slats and had a large pile of molten rocks resting on top which not only allowed for bursts of steam to be added to the atmosphere but also had a light, earthy fragrance that Joseph liked.  All and all, it was a mighty fine sauna – as least as far as he was concerned.

    “This is the life…” he said to himself as he laid down on his bench, resting his head against the angled slats in the corner.  “A nice, intense workout… followed by a relaxing, steamy cool-down period…  Now, if only my glasses wouldn’t keep fogging up on me…”     “Ya could a’ways take ‘em off.”

    The fox jolted at the sound of another voice.  He quickly sat up and looked towards the door, his ears folding back at what he saw.  Standing near that exit was the familiar shape of his boxing instructor, Jessica… but, she looked much different than he’d ever seen her.     For one, there was a severe lack of clothing on her thin frame… though she wasn’t exactly naked.  She wore one towel tied around her neck, casually draped down her front side, while another towel stayed wrapped around her waist, keeping the first in place.  There was technically a bit more cloth on her body, then, compared to her workout clothes… but, for some reason, seeing her in towels and knowing that she was probably wearing just as little underneath as he was placed an odd, somewhat risqué… and, distracting thought into the male fox’s curious head.

    “Room fer one more, Josey?” she asked with a grin.     “I…” was all he managed to say.  He seemed at a momentary loss for words.     “S’just me, man!” she laughed, walking over toward him.  “Cool yer jets!”     “Ah–”  The fox’s ears perked back up…  She was right.  “Sorry…  I just–”     “S’fine,” the bat-girl said as she sat down on the same bench where he was.  “Figured a quick steam might do me some good, too… though, I a’so kinda wanted t’ hit’cha up fer some talky-talk, too, since ya seem pretty sociable on th’ mat ‘r off.”     Joseph tilted his head.  “Really?”     “Yup!”     “Oh.”  He gave a blink from behind his fogging glasses.  “I see.”     “Really now?  ‘cause…”  He gave another blink as she reached over and wiped his lenses clear of moisture.  “I couldn’t see nothin’, ‘f I was you!”     “Well, I…”  He paused, noticing her smile… then, he gave a chuckle.  “Heh, yeah.”

    “So, how ya enjoyin’ th’ gym so far, Mr. Trial Member?” she casually asked.     “Honestly?”  He smiled, his tail giving a wag.  “This place is pretty great.  The equipment is easy to use, the people and staff are pretty nice – present company included…”     The bat’s smile brightened, at hearing that.     “And, really, I can’t find anything to complain about.  Except…”     “‘cept?” she curiously repeated.     “Well… it’s a bit of a drive, from where I live, see.”     “Oh?”  The girl gestured with one hand.  “Where’s’at?”     “You’re the one that filled out my paperwork,” was the fox’s smart reply.  “You should know as well as I do.”     “You expect me t’ r’member that’cha live in Eastern Masamune City?” she replied without missing a beat.  “C’mon, Josey…  I gots so many customers, it’s hard t’ keep track!”     This got a chuckle out of the fox… which, in turn, made her chuckle, as well.

    “So, anyway…” he continued, “Like you said, I live pretty far east of here.  It’s quite a bit of a drive, even just twice weekly… or, ya know, whenever I get bored.”     “Right?” the bat said with a nod.     “So… I mean… I guess I can’t complain about this place at all… but, I certainly don’t like the drive, very much.  But, I guess, at the same time… it’s kind of worth it, too.”     “Oh, yeah?”     Joseph gave a chuckle as he nodded.  “Good equipment, good services, good people…  It really kind of goes against what I’ve heard about Muramasa City, in a way.”     “An’… jus’ what have you heard ‘bout my hometown, then, Goldie?”     The fox gave a blink.  Jessica was giving him an intense stare… but, she was also kind of smirking at him, too.     “I just, uh…”     He gave another blink as she reached over and ruffled his bangs.  Once again, her face returned to a casual sort of smile.

    “We Muramasans gotta bit of a rep, I know,” she started to explain.  “‘specially when it comes t’ ya hoity-toity Masamuners.”     The fox was taken aback, by that statement.  “Excuse me?”     “Yeah!  You guys think yer so cool jus’ ‘cause’a that freakin’ tower!  Well, guess what?”  Her grin returned.  “Ain’t no one impressed by that rottin’, hollowed-out heap’a junk you call a ‘college!’”     Joseph paused for a moment… then found himself smiling.     “You went to Muramasa Technical University, didn’t you?”     “MTU pride, bitch!” she cheered with a bright smile.     “I should’ve figured as much…”  His smile turned to a grin…  “You MTU losers all have such huge egos, it’s a wonder you can fit inside that rinky-dink little campus.”     Jessica found herself stunned into silence.  Her mouth was moving but… no words were coming out.  After a couple of moments, however…

    “Oh get th’ fuck outta here!”

    The two burst into laughter, Jessica pushing the fox at his shoulder while Joseph just kind of let her.  Clearly, neither of them seemed to believe the other was so dedicated that it would affect their personal or professional relationships.

    “Whew… man…”     Jessica removed her fake glasses after a couple of moments, wiping tears from her eyes and brightly smiling to her companion.     “Haven’t laughed like that inna while, babe…  Thanks.”     “You’re welcome.”  He paused… then added, “Sweetheart.”     “Eh?”  The bat’s ears perked… and then, she offered a grin.  “Well look’et you, bein’ all cozy wid yer boxin’ instructor, huh?  Ya know, in some places, that could be grounds fer a sexual harassment ‘suit, Goldie…”     “Is this one of those places?” the fox asked with a grin of his own.     “I’mma sue th’ pants off ya in court, friend!”     “Wouldn’t that be sexual harassment, too?” he further queried, much to her amusement.  “Besides… I’m not wearing any pants right now.”     “Then, I’ll sue th’ towel off ya!” she teased, giving him another nudge.     “Why don’t we settle out of court,” he offered, “and I just hand it to you, right now?”     The two shared a quiet grin, after that question.  A moment later, Jessica looked away, her hands fidgeting in her lap.  The fox tilted his head, his ears folding a little as a pang of guilt suddenly hit him…

    “I uh…  I’m– I’m sorry,” he apologized.     “Yo, hey, don’t worry ‘bout it, a’right?” the bat said as she turned back, giving him a lighter nudge.  “I started it ‘n you finished.  Ya know?”     “Still, though… if that was a little much for your comfort level…”     “Listen, hun…” she said with a smile, “I’ve got a pretty big comfort level with people I like.  ‘n you?  I like.  So, uh… ya know… it’s just… I guess I… wasn’ expectin’ it?”     Joseph gave a blink…  Jessica was speaking a little oddly.  It was almost as if she were the one feeling embarrassed by her behavior.     “Hey uh, Jessie?  I–”     He had to blink, again, as he found himself silenced by a finger to his lips.  The bat was giving him an odd look… her eyes half-closed and a warm smile on her face.     “Don’t worry ‘bout it,” she said as she withdrew her finger.  “I ain’ offended.  S’all in good fun, ain’ it?  ’sides, it’s like boxin’…”     She looked away with a soft chuckle.     “I should be able t’ take what I dish out – ‘should’ bein’ th’ operative word.”

    Joseph stared at the bat as she sat there, awkwardly looking away and playing with the towel around her waist.  As he watched, he started to wonder if maybe he had taken things a bit too far…  He really didn’t know that much about her… and, outside of their scheduled workout sessions, they’d never really socialized.  Still, though… he couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of comfort in talking with her like he had been, a moment prior…  There was just something about her general attitude that lent itself to being so casual, around her… something he hadn’t really noticed in the ring or on the exercise equipment.

    “You’re a really casual kind of lady, aren’t you?” he suddenly asked.     “Hey… what can I say?”  She turned back toward the fox with an almost shy sort of smile.  “When I like a person, I like a person.  An’, when I like a person, I get real r’laxed ‘round ‘em.  So, ya know…”     “I can relate, to that.”     It was her turn to blink, then.     “Yeah?” she asked, perking up and smiling more confidently.     “Yeah,” was his answer.  “I’m a pretty casual kind of guy, myself… so, when I get to know someone… or, sometimes, when I just feel comfortable around someone, I just kinda… let loose.  I mean, I generally know what’s appropriate and what’s not, as far as casual conversation topics… but, the more comfortable I am around a person… the more likely it is that I’ll be jokey… or talk about just about anything with them.  Does… that make sense?”     Jessica chuckled before giving a nod.  “Only a lot.”     “Ah, well!”  The fox smiled, his tail wagging.  “There ya go, then!”     She smiled in return… but turned her attention down toward the floor.  After a couple of seconds, however, she turned back his way, warmly smiling.

    “So, tell me about yerself, Josey!” she suddenly suggested.  “What’s Mr. Trial Member do on ‘is days ‘way from ‘is dominatrix?”     He was about to answer… then paused.  “What?”     “Ya know, ‘cause I like beatin’ ya up ‘n workin’ ya hard!”     “That…”  He had to scratch his head.  “Alright.  Strange way of putting it…”     Jessica offered an unsure chuckle… then, she smiled once she noticed he was smiling.     “In any case,” the fox began, “when I’m not here, I guess I just do whatever I feel like doing.  You know… going to the park or sitting on the roof and thinking about things…  Going to the arcade and playing games or hanging out with friends…  The usual stuff, I suppose.”     “What’cha do fer money?” she nonchalantly asked.     “Eh?  Oh, I compose music for various game companies and the occasional low-budget production.”     “Anythin’ I’d be familiar with?”     “Well,” he said with a gesture, “do you play video games?”     “Sometimes!” was her reply as she suddenly got up.  The fox watched as she walked over to the heating element and put more water on the rocks.  For some reason, he found himself looking at her backside… and, more specifically, her wings.  Seeing the one towel tied around her neck made him realize something…

    “You starin’ at my ass, Goldie?”     Joseph jolted, shaking his head and snapping out of his thoughts.  Jessica had looked at him from over her shoulder.  She was wearing a pretty wide smirk, too…     “What?  No.  Sorry,” he suddenly said.  “I was just thinking about your wings, actually.”     “My wings?”  She tilted her head, spreading them open and giving one a stroke.  “What about ‘em?”     “Well, firstly… I really like them.”     “Aww, ain’t you sweet?” she said with a laugh.     “But, secondly, I think I just realized something…”

    Jessica folded her wings as she walked back toward the fox, taking a seat next to him again.  She had a curious look on her face as well as an attentive smile, seeming interested in what he had to say about her wings.     “I just kind of realized…” he said after she was settled, “you probably couldn’t wear normal tops without serious alterations, can you?”     “What?”  She gave a blink… then, she nodded.  “Heh, yeah.  I gotta either buy special types’a tops ‘r have ‘em altered t’ suit my sexy bod.”     “Well, I also realized something else,” he said as he ignored the latter-most remark.  “As neat at those wings are… they’re probably really annoying to deal with, on a day-to-day basis – maybe even more annoying than something like my tail.”     “How so?” she asked, looking curiously at him again.     “Well, my tail can be wrapped around my waist or legs if I need to ‘tuck it away,’ so to speak.  But, like… I don’t guess you can do anything like that, with your wings.”     “Nope…” was her reply.  “I can do somethin’ neater!”     “Huh?”

    Joseph tilted his head, his ears perking as he watched the bat stand back up.  Once again, she extended her wings outward.  He watched with great interest as she casually closed them, again… only to have them curl around her body like a leather cloak.

    “I can give myself a hug!” she cheerfully exclaimed, a bright smile on her face.     “Wha–”  The fox had to pause, at that.  After a moment, though, he smiled and said, “Okay, that is pretty cool.”     “Gets cooler, though!”     Joseph’s ears perked again as she opened her wings just a little.  His fur bristled as she suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him up… then, his body tensed as she pulled him tight to her own body before encasing him in the wings.     “I can give people a double hug!” she said with child-like excitement before giving a girlish giggle.     “O-oh… I…” was all the fox could say as he stood far closer to Jessica than he ever had, before.  Just like she’d said, she was giving him a tight hug with not only her arms… but, her wings, as well… and, he wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about it.

    “Say…”     He tensed as Jessica spoke again.     “Yer really soft…” she said in a quiet tone.  He swallowed as he noticed… her eyes were half-closed and she had the softest of smiles on her lips.     “Cuddly, too…” she continued, letting her fingers run through his fur.  He knew he had to have been blushing pretty badly by that point…     “Hey, Josey?  Can I ask ya somethin’ pers’nal?”     “I-uh-sure,” he stiffly replied without thinking.     “You got a girlfriend?  Or a boyfriend?” was her question.  “‘cause, if so, I hope they know what they got in you.  Yer so soooft ‘n waaarm…!  And’ja smell pretty good, fer bein’ so sweaty, too…  ‘specially right heeere…”

    Joseph tensed further as he heard the bat give him a little sniff.  When he’d felt her grip tighten around him, he got the impression that she wasn’t giving him just a casual, friendly sort of hug, anymore…  It seemed like Jessica… his boxing instructor… might have been interested in more than his boxing skills or hobbies, at that point…  He briefly recalled their playful banter about sexual harassment from earlier… and, he nervously laughed.

    “What’s so funny, Josey…?” he heard the bat ask in a sweet tone.  He was about to answer… but, when he felt her nose brush against his shoulder, it made him lose focus, again.     “Yer so tense…” she whispered, giving him another nuzzle.  “You should relax more, Josey…  Wouldn’t wanna get yer blood flowin’ too awful much…”     His heart skipped a beat as he heard… and felt… the familiar smack of a kiss on his neck.     “Don’cha trust yer boxin’ instructor?  Just relax… let’cher mind wander…  Ain’ no one gonna bother us here…”     He found himself panting as he suddenly felt something warm and wet caress his neck.  It didn’t take him long to realize… she’d just licked him.     “It’s jus’ you… an’ me…” she repeated in an almost sensual murmur.

    Between the sudden affections and the humid warmth of the room, Joseph found his head swimming in a mix of confusing feelings.  He’d be the first to admit that he liked what Jessica was doing… holding him close… whispering sweet words into his ear… grooming him…  It wasn’t like he had a serious girlfriend, anyway…  But, for some reason, he just couldn’t relax, like she’d wanted him to.  Something about the situation… maybe the suddenness or maybe the sheer randomness… made him cautious about reciprocating, much less reacting…

    “Ah–!!”

    His heart began pumping as he suddenly felt a new sensation.  His eyes opened wide, his body stayed tense, his fur bristled, and his ears perked high.  There had been a sharp, painful pinch at his neck as he stood there contemplating… followed by that familiar licking sensation.  He found his breath coming in short pants as the licking continued… then gave a brief yelp as that sting came back a second time.  The sensation, combined with the fact that Jessica’s grip on his body had tightened further, put an odd thought into his head…     She’s… she’s not…  No, she couldn’t be…  She wouldn’t be…     He paused, shivering as she slowly lapped at his shoulder.     But… but, what if she is…?

    The fox swallowed hard, nervousness keeping him from making a move.  He had a funny feeling he knew what Jessica was doing… but, for some reason, he couldn’t let himself believe that it was actually happening, to him.  It was like something out of a weird movie… something that… he was starting to realize… he kind of liked.

    Jessica perked for a moment.  She’d felt something touch her backside…  She opened her wings a little, peering down without moving her head too much… and, quickly became amused by what she saw.  At least one of Joseph’s arms had curled around her midsection… and, it didn’t seem to be a defensive sort of action.  She mentally smiled to herself and gave him a light hug, in return, before closing her wings and continuing her actions…

    Joseph wasn’t sure how much time had actually passed before Jessica leaned back… but, he knew one thing for certain.  He felt really really mellow… almost a little too mellow.  He was really glad the bat-girl was there to help him sit back down then.  For whatever reason, he leaned against her and closed his eyes, giving a contented sigh.  A second later, he felt something gently brushing his head.  A lazy glance up revealed it to be her hand…  He smiled at that realization.     “Ain’t gonna lie, Josey…” she said as she softly petted him, “I wasn’t expectin’ ya t’ be so receptive t’ what I was doin’…”     “What… were you… doing?” he groggily asked.     “Oh, I think you know…”     He took a moment to think about it… then, he slowly sat up, giving her a funny look.

    The girl was giving him a soft, friendly, almost contented sort of smile… but she was also licking her lips – or, rather, seemed to be licking a sharp-looking fang on either side of her mouth, now-and-then.  He took a moment to blink… then, he brought his left hand to his right shoulder, feeling down through the fur for something.  His ears perked and golden eyes widened at what he felt… but, indeed, the very thing he was looking for… was right there.     “Are these…?”     “Bite marks,” Jessica casually answered with a slight grin.     “Then, you…”     “I did… and…”  She looked down, suddenly seeming bashful.  “I know I shouldn’a done it… but, honestly, I’m kinda glad I did.  More glad you were okay with it, though…”     She shyly looked up.     “It ain’t every day I meet some’n who lets me feed off ‘em…”     Joseph brightly blushed, his body tensing and his fur bristling, again.  It was like all the clues suddenly came together in his head at the same time!  Finally, he had to ask…     “You… fed off me?”     She gave a soft nod…  “Thanks, by th’ way…”     For the first time ever, the fox noticed a blush find its way on to his instructor’s face.     “Yer pretty tasty…”

    Joseph had to take another moment to compose himself.  On the one hand, he’d just become the unwilling participant of something he’d previously only read about in fiction and tabloids.  He genuinely had no idea such people existed, in the world…  But, on the other hand… he really wasn’t sure he had been so “unwilling…”  In fact, once he’d realized what was going on, it was almost like…     “I… kind of… liked it…”     Jessica perked, blinking her dual-colored eyes.  “Hm?”     “I kind of liked being fed off of…” the fox repeated, nervously rubbing his neck.  “I mean… is… is that weird?”     “Ah… maybe?  But, I ain’ one t’ judge!”  The bat gave a laugh before adding, “‘sides… it’s preferable t’ th’ usual reaction…”

    The two went quiet, after that, Joseph just sort of staring at her while Jessica just gave him a reassuring smile.  That moment they shared was awkward… but, in a way, it was kind of intimate, too…

    “You’re a… vampire?”

    Jessica perked, again, hearing the fox suddenly speak.  She shyly looked away, then, before giving a nod.     “Maybe a li’l…” was her quiet reply.     “I’m… interested, in this.  But, are you really a vampire?” he asked again, sounding genuinely curious.  “Or… are you just one of those blood fetishists?”     “A li’l from column A, a li’l from column B,” she responded, still staying quiet.     “Oh.”  He paused.  “Wait, what?”

    “So… okay!” the bat-girl said in her normal tone, sitting up and looking at him with a neutral expression.  “A couple years ago, I had a run-in wid this guy what tried t’ have ‘is way with me, right?  An’, I mean, like, vamp-style; hypnosis, neck-fangs, all that stuff!  So… I snap outta it halfway through ‘n what do I do?  I bite ‘im, back!  Like, hardcore!  I pro’ly would’a ripped out ‘is jugular if ‘e ‘adn’t pulled me off, when ‘e did!  I was pissed!”     “I, uh… wow.  Alright,” was all Joseph could say.     “Now, uh, turns out I did a dumb.”  Jessica crossed her legs at the knee and gestured with her hand before continuing.  “Apparently… when a vampire and a normie swap blood ‘n spit, th’ normie becomes that vampire’s uh… ‘protege?’  ‘Minion?’  Whatevs.  Point is, since ‘e bit me ’n I bit ’im back, I kinda got a sniff of his power… and… a bit of his… weaknesses.”     “Now… when you say ‘spit…’” Joseph started to ask.     “Oh!”  She gestured again.  “In th’… blood.  Ya know, licky-licks ‘n whatnot.”     “Wait… so that guy was–”     “A full-fledged vampire!” she finished.  “An’, by bitin’ ‘im back, like I did, I kinda completed th’ circle of servitude.  Sorta…

    “See now, I didn’t actually drink his blood, like ‘e did wid me… or, I did wi’chu,” she added with a grin.  “I spit most’a it right back out!  So, since I did that, I didn’ get th’ full package; I only got a li’l bit’a his power ‘n vamp’ric traits!  But, wid those traits came th’ usual vampire malarkey, too; blood cravin’s, sun sickness, apparently some kinda weakness t’ silver… an’, most frustratin’, some kinda freakin’ garlic allergy!!”     She gave a slight hiss, after that exclamation.     “D’ya know how pissed I was, th’ first time I tried some’a my fave taco sauce?  I love taco sauce ‘n hot sauce but since that day, I had’a keep an eye out fer what’s innit ’cause, lo ’n behold, I get sick t’ my stomach from garlic!  Hmph!”     Joseph gave a deep frown, at that.  He couldn’t imagine life without his own beloved hot sauces… and, judging from her outrage, Jessica loved spicy food as much as he did.

    “Iiin any case… yeah,” the bat-girl said with a smile.  “I’mma vamp.  An’, I suuucked yourll blaaad, bleeeeeh!”     He couldn’t help but chuckle at the silly accent she put on for that tired old quote.  After a moment, though, he wondered…

    “I’m not going to turn into a vampire… am I?”     “What?  Naw,” she said with a wave of her hand.  “I could suck on ya as much as I want ‘n th’ only thing you’d get is iron deficiency!”     He stifled a chuckle at the unintentional innuendo.     “It’s only if ya fed back that that’d happen… but, I ain’t even sure ‘bout that.  I’m only a li’l bit vamp, after all!”     “So… I’m probably fine, then?”     “I mean, yer pro’ly gonna be a li’l wobbly, fer a bit… like if ya gave blood at a blood bank!  But, it ain’t nothin’ some sweetie-sweets or a granola bar won’t fix, ya know?”     The fox gave a hum… then, he smiled to the bat, remembering something.

    “So what’s this thing about you being a blood fetishist?” he asked.     “Oh!  Uh… well…”     His smile turned to a grin as Jessica rubbed her arm and turned her eyes away.     “I kinda… I, ya know… I like…”  She blushed a little before finally saying, “I’m a biter.”     “I can tell,” was the fox’s casual response.     “Well, no, I mean, like…  I… like… I’ll… y–”  She gave an impatient sigh.  “Stop givin’ me that look!  S’hard enough t’ explain, as it is!”     “I can’t help it, though.  You’re a biter… and…”  His grin turned back into a smile as he admitted, “I like being bitten.  So…”     She had to blink at that.  “W… really?”     The fox blushed ever-so-slightly… but, he was happy to nod, still smiling at her.     “Huh…  Well, ain’t that somethin’?”     The bat leaned over and gently tapped him on the nose, a bright smile showing itself.

    “A’right, so… blaaahd,” she started again.  “Now… I like drawin’ blood… but, I also have this weird idea ‘bout like… I dunno…  I’m kinda…”     “If you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to,” Joseph offered with a patient smile.  “But, I’m all ears, if you want to talk about it.”     “Bloodbath,” she suddenly stated without context.     “Bloodbath?” he repeated.     “I kinda… want one.”     The fox’s brow furrowed for a moment as he thought about that.     “You mean… you want to literally bathe in blood?”     “It’s… a kink,” was all she offered as an explanation.     “Huh…  Well, that’s not the worst thing I’ve ever heard.”     “Eh?”     “I mean, you could be one of those ‘scat’ people…”     The bat’s face turned sour at that.  “I could be… but, I ain’t!”

    “So, I mean…” he continued with a chuckle, “I just get this picture of you in a tub filled with blood, just kind of lavishing and letting it get everywhere.”     “Warm, sticky blood clingin’ t’ my body ‘n turnin’ my fur red…” she dreamily sighed.     “Right!  And, actually, the way you describe it… well…”     She gave a grin as she noticed… his tail was wagging.     “Sounds nice, don’t it?”     “Um… well… it doesn’t sound bad…” he admitted.  “But, I mean, it would take a lot of blood.  And, ya know… not trying to dissuade you… but, there’s stuff that’s like blood, that you could bathe in, instead.”     “Oh, I know…”  The bat offered a wide grin.  “But, there’s jus’ somethin’ absolutely sensual ‘bout th’ thought of bathin’ in blood… ‘specially if it’s blood from someone ya like…”     “Eh?  You’re not one of those ‘bathe in the blood of my enemies’ types?”     “What?  No!”  She shot him a confused, suspicious sort of glare.  “Why would– that’s just weird.  Why would I wanna bathe in th’ blood of people I hate?”     “Well, why would you want to bathe in the blood of someone you like?”     “Silly fox…”  She grinned, poking his nose again.  “So’s I can be even closer, to ‘em…”     “What.”     Jessica gave a weird sort of giggle before she continued.

    “Ever wanted to be completely one with someone, b’fore?  Well, imagine soakin’ in a pool of their very life essence… th’ thing what keeps ‘em alive…”     She shivered, setting her leg back down and giving herself a hug with her arms.     “All that warm, rich, life essence soakin’ inta yer ever pore… f’rever makin’ that person ya like a part’a yer own bein’… inside an’ out…  No matter how many times ya scrub n’ scour yerself, you’d never be able t’ get rid of every trace of ‘em…  They’d be a part’a yer very genetic makeup!  Even after they were long gone… they’d a’ways be a part’a you… one that you could take to th’ graaave…”

    “I’m not going to lie, Jessie…”     She perked a little, giving a blink as she noticed the odd look on Joseph’s face.     “That’s a little creepy.”     The bat looked away when she heard that.     “But, ya know what?  We all have our oddities.”     “R… really?”  She perked, again, curiously looking to him.  “What’s yours?”     “Well…  It’s not quite that extreme… but, my not-girlfriend is an android.”     She tilted her head at that.  “Yer what?”     “Oh, sorry,” he chuckled.  “What I mean is that she and I are… kind of in a relationship but kind of not?  I mean, I love her and she loves me… but, it’s not…”     “This one’a those ‘multi-partner’ whosits?”     “Uuuhh… well…”     “‘cause, I can dig it.”     Joseph gave a blink.  Jessica was smiling at him.

    “A robot, though, huh?” she asked a moment later.     “Android.”     “You make ‘er, yerself?”     “No.”  He offered a grin.  “That would be weird.”     The bat-girl chuckled, at that.     “Actually, no one knows where she came from or who made her.  She just sort of appeared, one day.”     “An’… what?  Didn’t she have any maker’s marks ‘r stamps?  No data ‘bout ‘er previous owner?  Nothin’ like that?”     “Uh, well… that’s it exactly, actually.  For all intents and purposes, she apparently had… ‘amnesia?’  And, well, since Carlos and his friends found her, she’s been kind of been ‘one of the gang,’ in our circle of friends.”     “An’ a bit more, when it comes t’ you, huh?”     “Heh…”  He blushed a little.  “Well…”

    “So, goin’ back t’ way earlier t’night…”     Joseph perked, his ears flicking as Jessica changed the topic.     “No girlfriend?  I mean, no dedicated one?”     “I don’t… I mean, no, but…”     “But’cha got some prospects?”     “Not even that, I don’t guess…” he admitted, rubbing the back of his head.  “I mean, I have relationships… but as far as my love life goes?  It’s kind of…”     “An ‘open’ relationship?”     “For lack of better terms, I guess?”     “Wanna hit th’ town sometime?”     Joseph gave a couple of blinks, shaking his head.  “I’m sorry, what?”     Jessica gestured with one hand, giving a warm smile as she spoke.

    “Ya seem like a mighty nice guy an’, truth be told, I ain’ got no one t’ go home to ‘cept a goofy half-sister… so, I was thinkin’ that, maybe, I could show ya ‘round Muramasa City, sometime?  It doesn’t have t’ be a date-date…” she said with a grin, “but, I wouldn’t mind bein’ on th’ arm of a cutie, like you.”     Upon hearing that, the fox felt himself blush, again.     “You think I’m cute?” he asked before he could stop himself.     “Sweetie, I think yer freakin’ adorable!” was Jessica’s response as she reached over and tussled his hair.  “But, like I said, ya also seem like a mighty nice guy.  Yer friendly, too.  Pluuus… I think I kinda owe ya dinner… since ya let me have you, fer dinner!”     He gave another blink as she shot a playful wink his way.

    “So whaddya say, Josey?  Wanna hit th’ town with th’ sexiest blood-suckin’ batty-bat in th’ tri-city area, sometime?”     “I…”  He paused… then, he gave a smile.  “I’d be crazy to turn down that kind of offer.”     “Dang right, ya would!” she said, giving his nose yet another poke.  “‘cause, I would’a had’a mess ya up, elsewise!”     Joseph gave a nervous laugh at that, causing her to give him a reassuring pat.

    “But, it’s a date, then!” she said a moment later.  “Or… a not-date!  Whatevs!  We’ll keep it totes cas’, either way!  Wear anythin’ more formal than a biz-cas’ button-up ’n I’ll beat’cha up!  You can bet’cher bippy I’mma wear somethin’ cute ’n sexy, myself!  But, no cocktail dress!”     She paused…     “You don’t wear no cocktail dress, either!  Can’t have m’ date lookin’ better ’n me, eh?”     The fox couldn’t help but laugh, suddenly reminded of something from years ago.  However, he just gave a nod, at the suggestion.     “I’ll give ya a ring whenever I get a good night fer it, a’right?  When’s good fer you?”     “Oh, don’t worry about that…” he said with a grin.  “Unless Carlos kidnaps, again, I’m probably good just about any night.”     “Good, good…  An’ Josey?”     He gave a blink as the bat leaned over and pulled him into a hug.  The fox was happy to return the favor, giving her a quick squeeze in the process.     “Thanks, fer not gettin’ sore I fed off’a ya,” Jessica said as she leaned back.     “Well, thank you for not getting sore when I got weirded-out by your ‘bloodbath’ idea.”     “Hey, live ‘n let live, right?  ‘sides, that was just an idea…  This, though…”     The fox tilted his head as she reached over and gently rubbed his neck wound.     “This actually happened, so…”     “Kind of felt like a dream, to be honest…”     She gave a girlish sort of giggle.  “You sweet thing, you…”

    Jessica moved her hand up to his cheek, brushing his fur with her thumb and fondly smiling.  A minute later, she took her leave from the sauna and, not long after, Joseph returned to the locker room, himself.  A quick shower removed the lingering sweat and a vigorous toweling mostly dried his fur.  Soon enough, he was headed out and into the front area of the gym.

    “Excuse me, miss?” he called as he got to the front desk.     “Yes?” answered a white rabbit standing behind the counter.     “Who would I talk to about my gym membership?”  The fox placed his gym membership card on the counter.  “My trial membership’s expiring… but, I really like this place, so…”     “We offer different payment plans for each of these tiers,” she immediately said, turning a nearby computer monitor his way.  Apparently, she’d had the data handy.  Joseph took a moment to read the info before settling on one.     “The 3-month Silver package should be fine, for me,” he said as he pointed to the monitor.  “Everything I need is on the first floor, anyway.”     “Great!  Let me just upgrade you here…”

    After getting his gym membership upgraded, Joseph bid farewell to the lady at the desk – who, as he found out during the exchange, was actually the namesake of the gym, “Mindy.”  He then headed outside and to his car and headed out.  As he drove away from the gym, though, he found himself thinking about Jessica…     She’s really nice… he thought.  Kind of weird… but, I already knew that.  Who knew she was a real, live vampire, though?  That’s pretty interesting…  And, she… she even fed off of me, a little…  Gosh, it felt nice…  Far nicer than I would have guessed…     He reached up to his neck wound, lightly blushing as he thought…     I wonder if I can get her to do it, again, sometime…?