#please see above about them being my terrible terrible children

[strawberryblondebutch]

It's come to my attention there are a bunch of baby Badgers fans out there and it feels like my solemn duty to warn them all that come autumn, I will be extremely mentally ill about my terrible children

[buttercuparry]

HELP ALAA ACHIEVE €6,000 IN THE NEXT 2 DAYS!

THIS IS URGENT! Please have a look at this fundraiser. It belongs to Alaa Amsee ( @alaakh99 ) who is a loving mother to two beautiful children named Maria and Hamza. 

Alaa has had her tumblr account terminated for the SECOND TIME, resulting in her being unable to continue her efforts to campaign for herself and her children at a VERY  crucial time. It should infuriate you to see this happen, especially in light of the recent smear campaign against palestinian gfms. We can assume now that many of the Palestinian blogs have been deactivated, because of baseless reports of being scams.   

THE LAST DONATION CAME IN 23 HOURS AGO. PRIOR TO THAT, SOME DONATIONS CAME IN 2 DAYS AGO!!

We CANNOT  let this fundraiser be stagnant.  Alaa and her two children are suffering from hepatitis, and malnutrition. Their lives are on the line and they need medical care ASAP! 

Her life wasn't always like this! Before October 7, Alaa led a peaceful life  with her family which consisted of her children, husband, in-laws and immediate family, but soon the nightmare began and came to a head on October 28, when her neighborhood got bombed in its entirety. 

Alaa escaped certain death that night as her house collapsed and trapped her family in. Debris choked them all, and they had to be rescued from under the rubble and shattered glass. Alaa describes what she witnessed that night as "unimaginable"- death, corpses and blood, surrounded the family. 

Even after this tragedy, the pain did not let up and chased them to the Rimal neighborhood. The bombing continued and Alaa had to put wet masks on Maria and Hamza, so that the children could endure the terrible smoke and burning smell. Things got so bad throughout the next few months that Hamza who is only 3 years old, now talks only of bombings, rockets and tanks. 

I want to remind you that Maria, Alaa's little daughter, has contracted hepatitis after being displaced for the third time, where they had to flee to Rafah. Being overcrowded, one can only access shared bathrooms which are primary causes of such viral infections. The children have suffered from epidemics and skin diseases, and the little tent Alaa has managed to acquire can barely sustain life in summer heat 

On top of that, there is hardly any nutritious food and clean drinking water- which means that at one point, the family had to survive on weeds and bread made from animal feed. I cannot tell you how horrible this is! How Alaa and her children still suffer even now. In fact, at the moment of writing this post, Alaa  messaged me about her tent shaking due to bombings nearby. 

So I urge you not to ignore her, please, and help her reach her short term goal of 6K within the next 2 days !!

Her fundraiser  has been up since May and has only reached €4543 which is a little above 4% of her end goal! Please donate and share! I also request you to follow Alaa ( @alaakh99 ) and help her save her children from this genocide!

( verified by 90-ghost )

[janovavalen]

okay i apologize if you need specific prompts because i am TERRIBLE at those but grover underwood hurt/comfort?? I ADORE YOUR WRITING BTW AND I AM ECSTATIC THAT YOU WRITE FOR GROVER 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 TY FOR DOING THIS REQUEST IF YOU DO!!!!!

a/n: hii!! n ofc omg yes i’m writing for my bby grover i don’t see enough of him so ofc IMMA BE THE ONE TO STEP UP! but nah lemme stop THANK YOUUU ILL PUBLISH THIS LITERALLY SO FAST OKAY!?

✧HERE FOR YOU || grover underwood x fem!reader

summary: one morning when y/n woke up she remembers it’s the anniversary of her father’s disappearance and grover can’t sit around and endure her pain any longer.

word count: 1242!

warnings: hurt/grief, family lose, sad reader for a bit, fluff and comfort because grover is such a a pure baby AHHH

the day had fallen to darkened as the camp was well off to sleep, the cabins shut and closed with the half blood resting behind doors.

grover himself being one of them, he slept peacefully in his the with his blanket pulled over his head to hide his body and face from the world outside of this comfortable bed. snoring a he dreamed of endless things, grover suddenly held his body being softly shaken.

opening his eyes to be met with darkness he suddenly heard—‘grover?’ the soft and slightly shaky voice mumbled. he hurried to take the blanket from up and over his head as he saw y/n, someone who had just recently been let into camp half blood and so happens to be in cabin ten, daughter of persephone.

grover learned that y/n was very quiet, reserved, always on end and very beautiful…not to be oblivious—all of the aphrodite’s children were beautiful. but y/n had a different type of beauty, one that seemed to only speak to him, only for him to cherish and understand.

sitting up in a hurry he was quick to softly grab onto y/n’s hand that was left behind on his blanket—‘y/n? what’s the matter? why are you awake so late? is everything okay?’ he rushed to asked. he found himself rushing to check her form and face for any marks and bruises and was relieved when he saw none.

she was also quick to sooth his worries—‘yes everything is okay, it’s just…i can’t sleep and i—i just wanted to talk to someone…i had a nightmare and i know it’s sounds stupid but—‘

‘no, no, never. i promise you, anything you think and say is not stupid so please don’t think of yourself like that…what is it? what’s the matter?’ he sat up and out of his bed. grover held onto y/n’s softer hand into his own. his usually tamed curls now wild from his previous sleeping state.

‘can we take a walk please?’ she looked down at his brown eyes as she found herself chewing onto her thumb nail, her rings decorating her fingers that shined in the dark room around them.

‘yes, yes of course’ grover was quick and ready to stand by her side as she gave him a soft smile, pulling him with her, he followed close behind.

ㆍ୨୧ㆍ

as the two of them walked into the darkness of the forest that was glistening and glowing from the light of the moon that laid right above the trees, grover and y/n’s hand never left one another as they walked together.

grover would occasionally move his thumb in a soothing and general manner to hope and help further ease her once tense state that she showed back in the cabin.

grover was probably one to admit himself that he was utterly hopelessly devoted to y/n with no denial and no doubt. he found himself hooked to her the second she flashed that beautiful smile of hers and her joyful laugh that rang throughout the camp itself. nobody had a laugh like that in all of his years of living, and none of them could compare to hers.

the moon had perfectly shined down onto her figure as they walked hand in hand. her mother must have known she was out and about right now and blessed her with her presence. the moonlight perfectly shapes itself around y/n’s hair and body. the light of the moon prompting her face features he found alluring.

once they finally found a nice patch of grass to sit and rest, y/n pulled him down slowly to sit across from her as he watched her every move. she gave him a small smile and looked off to the distance where was shown an open view of the lake and rocks below.

‘so…beautiful night right?’ he mumbled trying to uplift to quiet but comfortable atmosphere.

y/n smiled and nodded—‘yes very. it may have been a sign to why i couldn’t sleep tonight.’ she quieted down once more and looked grover into his eyes.

he scooted husnelf closer to her and cleared his throat—‘so..what was it you wanted to tell me back there? i don’t mean to produce, of course! you don’t need to tell me anything i just…y’know. want to know your okay’ he tried to execute his seemingly pushy tone and attitude but she only smiled and shook her head.

‘no i know, and it’s not like that—you're not like that. but yeah uhm…i had a nightmare’ she looked down at the grass while she picked it with worry and he took this as a sign to grab her hand in comfort and hold it.

y/n gave a shaky breath and continued—‘in the nightmare…it was my dad, again. he was drowning or something and he looked like he was in pain? he looked like he couldn’t breath…and when i tried to get to him he just…vanished? i don’t know? i swam and swam to get to him. i tried and tried but i couldn’t breath. then someone came into my dream and told me to give up on things that i can’t have ... .and i just, woke up.’

she felt her eyes swell and tears grow to the brim, y/n let out another shaky breath before looking away from grover as she shook her head in denial.

‘grover what could that mean? y’know? what…what if what that thing said in my dream was tellin me nothing is for me? what if the thing is telling me that people i know and love will somehow disappear forever? what if i never find my dad? i—‘

‘hey, hey hey wait—slow down okay? breath…just breath’ he instructed y/n who was hyperventilating as quick as her words. her voice shaky and her tears dropping from her eyes. shaking her head she felt herself cry a bit more and he immediately embraced her, his arms locked around her as she held him just as tight.

‘it’s okay, it’s okay…just breath.’ he told her once more. his breath low and comforting. she did as he told and she felt her heart slow down to its original rhythm, the close proximity of the two of them gave her the ability to feel his own heart but feeling it wasn’t enough.

pushing her brody closer to his making him fall back a bit but accepting the way she moved, he saw what she was aiming for and was quick to let her press her ear and cheek against his chest. listening to his heart, she found comfort in this and locked her arms around his frame.

grover, holding her with his own arms and smiling a bit down at her.

‘it’s okay’ he said once more. y/n felt a small tear drop form her eyes as she accepted and nodded to what he said.

‘we’ll find your dad…and i’m not going anywhere. i’m here for you y/n, see?’ he placed his hand on her face and she looked up at his brown eyes that were looking down at her already. her smile became prominent.

‘i’m here’ he said once more. she leaned up and kissed his lips with a soft manner and he felt his face flush with warmth.

‘thank you grover’ she numbed to him. the soft vibrations of his body being felt against her face and chest he mumbled—‘always’

[tongue-like-a-razor]

Hey my family out the Christmas decorations up today and it made me think of a cute little request for roosters brood? Like one where the kids tell the squad that they say mommy kissing Santa thought it would just be funny and cute 🥰

Aww that is super cute! I’m totally getting into the holiday spirit despite it being my busiest season, work-wise 😫 Hope you like this little drabble which may or may not have somehow turned into a Hannix thing.. I don't even know haha I've just been in a Jake mood lately 😅

The Secret

Rooster x Wife!Reader

Summary: One of your children confides in Hangman after he sees you locking lips with Ol' Saint Nick.

CW: just a tiny drabble, fluff, Christmas, kids, hints of Hannix

WC: 400+

“Guess what?” you hear your son say excitedly as he pulls on Jake’s pantleg while the latter is hanging a string of lights above your window.

“Chicken butt,” Jake responds without looking down.

“No!” Your son cackles. “I have a secret!”

Jake glances at him with a smirk. “Let me guess,” he says. “You’re not planning on keeping it.”

“Keeping what?” the boy asks in confusion.

Jake’s grin widens and he steps down from the stool to sit on it instead. He leans forward and gives your son his undivided attention. “Alright, go ahead.”

Your son brings his face to Jake’s ear and starts saying something when Jake jerks away from him. “Buddy!” he exclaims. “When you’re talking into my ear, whisper. You’re gonna burst my damn eardrum.”

“Bagman!” Phoenix tosses a garland at his back. “Language.”

“Phoenix!” he responds, glancing over his shoulder at her. “Can you save the violence for when we’re alone?”

Natasha’s eyes widen and her mouth curves into an outraged grin. She goes back to her poinsettia arrangement in silence.

Jake returns his attention to your son, who starts whispering feverishly into his ear.

“Oh, really?” Jake says, his mouth stretching into a wide smirk. He glances up at you with a roguish smile.

“You can’t tell daddy,” your son warns.

Jake nods, still watching you. “I agree.”

…

“What was that about?” you ask Jake later that evening after Bradley goes to put the kids to bed.

Jake turns to you with a laugh. “Apparently, you’re on the naughty list.”

“What?”

“Little Pete –”

“It was Nick,” Natasha interrupts Jake, rolling her eyes.

“Whatever, they’re practically the same person.” Jake waves his hand. “Little Nick saw mommy kissing Santa Clause.”

You clap a hand over your mouth, gasping. “Oh no!”

“What happened?” Bradley asks, coming down the stairs.

“Bradley was trying on the new Santa costume he bought,” you say with a slight whine. “I can’t believe they saw us!”

“I don’t know what’s worse,” Natasha muses. “Finding out that Santa isn’t real or thinking that your mom’s having an affair with old Saint Nick.”

You cringe. “Both are terrible!”

Bradley makes a face. “Someone saw us?”

Jake nods. “Yeah, Pete –”

“Nick,” Natasha corrects him again.

Jake sighs in exasperation. “How can you even tell them apart?”

Natasha shrugs. “Pete is shorter.”

Bradley chuckles, taking you by the waist and kissing your cheek. “Don’t worry, darling,” he mutters. “We’ll just tell the kids that Santa kisses everybody.”

Jake glances at the two of you sourly and then reaches over to take Natasha by the arm. He pulls her toward him possessively. “As long as Santa doesn’t demonstrate it,” he comments with a grimace.

Rooster Tag List:

Please feel free to let me know if you no longer wish to be tagged in my Rooster fics <3 Sorry if I've missed anyone who has asked to be tagged!

@simp-for-fictional-people

@ollyoxenfrees

@iamabeautifulperson18

@living-in-my-imagination88

@wintercap89

@mavrellover91

@gingerbreadandpaper

@lonelywitchv2

@cashwheelersgirl89

@callsign-jupiter

@kindablackenedsuperhero

@everything-i-love-in-life

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@dracosluvbot

@peoniarose

@annedub

[mangekyuou]

ROLLS IN

HIIII it’s me again!!! I hope you well, it’s nice seeing you!!

I was hoping to get headcannons for Franky and Jinbei if they were dads to a girl?? Like a teenager (14-17) joins the crew and they act as like, fatherly figure?? I hope that makes sense!!

LOVE YOU POOKIE BE SURE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF /P

✩༄  headcanons ,  being a father figure to a teen crewmate !

☆ — characters! . . . franky. jinbei.

☆ — cw(s)! . . . platonic. implied teen f!reader. no pronouns used. not proofread.

☆ — notes! . . . YOUR MIND !! i literally have a dad!jinbei au in my drafts because i have so many thoughts. plus im a sucker for healthy father-daughter dynamics. so when i saw this request I GOT SO EXCITED !! thank you so much for requesting this !! LOVE YOU TOO AND YOU BE SURE TO DO THE SAME AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF !! <3333

franky has this unexplainable soft spot for children and those younger than him

so when you showed up seemingly out of nowhere, he was attached to you immediately

he is the embodiment of “i’ve only known them for a day and a half, but if anything happened to them, i would kill everyone in this room and then myself”

he is the terrible influence father

he encourages nearly everything you do

you wanna run around blasting the canons into the water just to see if they explode ?? he’s right there beside you, helping you shoot

you wanna take the brachio tank v out for a spend on the prairie ?? go ahead and take the keys. just make sure you bring it back all in one piece

he surprises you with aloha shirts so the two of you can match each other !! he even gets them personalized with your names on them and everything :,)

he will throw a fit if you don’t want to match with him at least once. he is not above giving you the silent treatment

but he can never stay mad at you long. the second you give him puppy eyes or start to cry, he gets all about it

he hates when you’re sad, it makes his heart wrench. especially if he caused it ?? he can never forgive himself

now franky is no walking bank by any means. but for you ?? he will happily go broke. whatever you want, he’ll buy it for you

those expensive clothes in the window of that shop that you were looking at ?? he’s already got them in the cart

he loves when you help him out in his workshop. whether you’re acting hands-on working on a project or just passing him the tools he needs

you always get first dibs on testing the gadgets he makes, much to the dismay of luffy, usopp, and chopper

having daughter privilege sure does have its perks

is also an embarrassing dad

he definitely wants you to do his signature pose with him. he’ll literally hold it for an embarrassingly long time…in public, until you join him and say “super!” like you mean it

you have said “dad…please stop” more times than you can count

jinbei absolutely adores children so much. he’s already such a dad. he wants his own so bad

but with the life he’s lived up to this point, he knows it would be dangerous to bring a child into this world

that is where you, his lovely adoptive daughter, come in to add some sunshine to his life

when you first join the crew, jinbei is quite quiet. outside of his usual good mornings, good nights, and making a bit of small talk with you, he doesn’t say much

but it doesn’t take long for him to become fond of you. it starts to show when he unconsciously guards you when there is an enemy nearby

he knows you’re more than capable to take care of yourself, but he doesn’t want to take any chances

he realizes he thinks of you as a daughter after you join in on one of his meditation sessions, where you struggled to focus

watching you struggle, he gave some very helpful tips that you applied to your technique

your eyes were closed so you couldn’t see, but his eyes were wide open, looking at you with the proudest dad smile the world has ever seen

jinbei teaches you some basics in fishman karate, should you ever need them. he would be THRILLED to teach you more if you want to

he’s so happy inside being able to share his techniques with you

he becomes even more protective of you. he keeps you in his sight usually, worried that if you slip off you could be in danger

such as the one time you left his eyesight for five seconds and followed luffy off to a house rooftop and NEARLY FELL

he has never experienced such panic in his life. he was screaming, crying, a second away from throwing up

when you turned around to give him a thumbs up that you were okay, he sighed in relief. you almost gave him a heart attack that day

his heart melts when you fall asleep on his shoulder. he will not move because he does not want to wake you. he’ll stay there for hours if he has to

he likes to pick up pretty seashells and bring them back to give to you

if you ever turn any of them into a necklace or a bracelet, he’ll cry tears of joy

if you ever refer to him as your dad to other people, he’ll sob a little

he’s so precious and he loves you so much :,)

© MANGEKYUOU — do not copy, repost, or translate my works.

[charliedawn]

Hi Charlie, your stories are good and I wanted to ask you without bothering you what would happen if the reader who took care of the slashers would take care of the children of the Laika studio Coraline, Norman, Eggs, Kubo and Prue (it would be nice to see the reaction of Kevin or Brahms)

(Thank you for the idea ! I had to change a few things, but I hope you’ll still enjoy it !)

Agatha Prenderghast and the Penny Brothers:

It was not long after Penny was born. The witches trials were still common and a lot of people suffered from the unfairness of the world controlled by fear. Many people died, but the Penny Brothers didn’t care about any of them. They could eat their fill while enjoying the show with malicious satisfaction…until one day.

"AGATHA PRENDERGHAST ! YOU HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF WITCHCRAFT AND HAVE BEEN THEREBY SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING !"

Both the Penny Brothers looked up at the gallows—grinning at the familiar scent of fear and impeding death. But then…they saw a small child advance forth. Her eyes were filled with tears and she was shaking as the people of the town pushed her forward with nothing but loathing and contempt in their eyes as a cord was bound around her neck. She looked up at the dark sky above and started praying.

"…Please, god. I do not want to die." Her prayer echoed across the merciless assembly who started throwing rotten vegetables and eggs at her. But, she stood straight with her eyes fixed towards the sky. If she was to die, she found consolation about soon being with her mother. However, both Penny Brothers could feel that the child was different—special. They could sense the power emanating from her in waves.

Such a powerful child was sure to be a feast for them both once ripe…They looked at each other and grinned in silent understanding. They agreed. That child was to live. Aggie closed her eyes just as she was about to be hung…But reopened them almost immediately as she heard loud screams and desperate pleading and prayers unanswered as the townspeople were devoured by two horrifying monsters who ripped them to shreds in a matter of seconds. They tear through flesh like mere butter and drank their blood as if it was of the most exquisite wine—their eyes gleaming ominously in the darkness.

…And then, there was nothing but dead silence.

Agatha saw the two…beasts…approach her. They stood in front of her and Agatha’s breath hitched. Was it her turn ? She closed her eyes and prayed for a quick and painless death.

But…

She was shocked when one of the monsters cut the cord that held her in place and she fell onto her knees before them. She looked up at them and her lips trembled as she uttered a pitiful thank you. But both clowns only laughed mockingly at her misplaced expression of gratitude. Her eyes widened at their hellish laughters and she fell back—terror gripping her heart. She could now see that it wasn’t their mercy who had saved her…

"W-Who are you ?" She finally asked—terrified.

They both offered her a bloody smile who spoke for themselves of dark and terrible intentions.

"We have many names, Aggie. But you—child—will call us…god."

Eggs and Winnie/Bo and Freddy:

Freddy and Bo didn’t know how they had ended up in this weird town on top of a mountain, but they had nonetheless suddenly found themselves falling from the sky straight into piles of garbage. Bo was impaled by two old and rusty poles while Freddy landed on a pile of nailed wooden boxes. Both got stuck.

Freddy: "Get me outta those damn boxes, bitch !"

Bo *groans in annoyance* : "I’ve got a stick up my shoulder and another shoved up my ass—wait a damn second."

Freddy: "Hurry the fuck up and come help me then, you dumbass !"

Bo: "I said hold the fuck up, or I’m leavin’ ya here !"

They started bickering loudly and Eggs as well as his friend Winnie found them.

Winnie: "Who are those two ?"

Eggs: "Hum…I don’t know."

Winnie: "Isn’t that one a boxtroll ?"

Eggs: "Which one ?"

Winnie: "The short, red and angry-looking one ?"

Eggs *shakes his head negatively*: "Nuh-huh. Boxtrolls don’t swear that much."

Winnie *hesitates* : "…Should we help them ?"

Eggs *looks at the two men* : "I…am not sure."

Finally, they heard people coming and had no choice but to help the two men to get out of the garbage. Then the both of them who followed the kids—pursued by an angry mob who started throwing stones at them. But then, an infernal machine came out of nowhere with a man riding it—Snatcher as the kids called him. Snatcher started laughing before capturing the box trolls and the two kids who had helped Freddy and Bo.

Bo: "A’right ! Enough of this shit ! Release the kids, or am gonna pierce ya with so many holes that they gonna call ya swiss cheese, ugly !"

Snatcher *laughs harder* : "Try it ! I dare you !"

Bo—who had had enough of all this and couldn’t stand the guy—grabbed his rifle and started shooting at him while Freddy used his sharp blades to free the box trolls and the kids who had helped them.

Freddy *grabs the kids and runs away with the boxtrolls* : "I HATE THIS FUCKIN’ TOWN !"

Jason and Brahms/Kubo:

Both Jason and Brahms appeared during Kubo’s long journey to find a way to stop the Moon King. They followed him and helped him as well as protected him along his long and perilous journey with Kubo’s parents in exchange for something that both Jason and Brahms loved most—stories.

In the middle of the battle of Kubo with his grandfather the Moon King and his aunts, they saw the boy fighting and had no choice but to help him. They didn’t have the time to think too much about what to do. They saw the kid facing monsters and Brahms acted first. He didn’t want anything bad to happen to Kubo and immediately thought *new friend* and *must protect*. He grabbed the boy and ran away with him. The aunts of Kubo tried to follow them, but Jason took the two of them by the legs and threw them to the ground and before either of them could protest or fight back, he brought down his machete mercilessly on them until they were but two piles of mush on the ground.

Kubo who had witnessed the massacre gulped and didn’t know if he should thank the giant or be terrified of him. Surely both.

Finally, the Moon King arrived and Kubo managed to defeat him. At the end, he thanked Brahms and Jason before the village threw a feast in their honour. Kubo then started telling a story…about two giants who helped the hero defeat the Moon King and bring back peace throughout the land.

Michael Myers and Coraline:

Coraline was walking around the Other House in search of the ghost children’s eyes when she found something that didn’t seem to belong…a pair of legs sticking out of a bush. She didn’t know what it was and thought it was a scarecrow at first. She decided to get it upright and was surprised to find that it was a man. A large, tall and very strong man.

They both seemed as surprised as each other as to this rather odd encounter and Coraline narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him.

"Who are you ? Are you one of the Other Mother’s goons ?"

Michael didn’t answer and only tilted his head questioningly at her.

"…Are you a mute ?" Coraline asked and Michael nodded. She sighed before looking around the garden with a triangular green stone in her hand to keep searching for the ghost children’s eyes. Michael—who had nothing better to do—followed her. They started looking around together and Michael decided to protect Coraline as murderous plants and other crazy creatures tried to kill her.

And when they had collected the ghost children’s eyes, Michael saw the Other Mother about to attack Coraline and didn’t think twice before grabbing her and tearing her limb from limb—literally. He started pulling apart her arms and numerous legs as if she was nothing but a weak spider. He was covered with dark blood while the Other Mother was screaming, screeching and wailing in agonising pain in her own spiderweb…When he was finished, he started climbing up the spiderweb—but the Other Mother managed to bite his leg as he was climbing up. He groaned in pain before the Other Mother pulled him back down. He then proceeded to tear the Other Mother’s head off and crush it.

When he looked up, he expected the girl to have already left and closed the door behind her…but his eyes widened as he saw Coraline waiting for him. She held out a hand towards him and smiled.

"Come on. Let’s get out of here."

He grabbed her hand and they proceeded to get out of the Other World together. (Even though Michael had trouble going through the small door…)

[girl-in-a-bubbl3]

Glamrock Bonnie(FNAF) x Reader Part 2

Not enough sassy Bonnie fanfic so here we go...I'll try to upload at least once a week.

Notes:

AU Fanfic/NonCanon

Bonnie is terrible but he likes you

5 greenrooms on RSR (we include Monty)

Sun/Moon are the same animatronic

Moon has a lil touch of the virus

Will probably be some spicy parts so...18+

You smiled nervously up at the abnormally tall blue bunny and quietly introduced yourself. "Hi. I'm Y/n L/n! I'm the new mechan-"

"I know who you are," Bonnie sneered back at you, "that wasn't my question."

Rude.

Did all of the animatronics have this terrible attitude? And if so, then why? Weren't they supposed to be programed to be happy and helpful and kind? You cleared your throat and stood a little taller. The bite in his voice stirred something inside you.

"If you know who I am, then you know I'm here to check your programming or do any needed repairs."

Bonnie's ear twitched which led your eye to a few stray wires that had come loose between his steel joints.

"And from here, it's obvious that you need at least one of those thing."

Maybe both if that attitude happens to be a bug or something...

Bonnie stared you down for a moment. It was like you could see the gears turning in his head. You silently laughed to yourself over the robotic pun you made. Bonnie's quiet chuckle snapped you back to reality. His magenta eyes shining behind his star shaped glasses.

"Not interested."

Swoosh.

And there went the door again.

You blinked once. Twice. Three times. He did not just slam that door in my face. Tell me he did not. You asked no one but yourself. You stood there contemplating your next move. Use your keycard and storm in or just suck it up and move on to the next room?

Deciding that it may not be smart to trigger an oversized, robotic bunny just in case his AI is bugged, you stomped off to the next room. The light above the door glowed a warm orange. This was Freddy's room, someone you hoped was considerably kinder than the first Glamrock you happened to meet.

You knocked twice and waited for Freddy to come to his door. You had a keycard that unlocked all of the greenroom doors but you preferred to knock and wait for them instead. Just barging in felt...strange, no matter if they were robot or human.

The door opened and before you stood Freddy Fazbear himself.

"Hi Freddy! I'm y/n! I figured I'd dive right in to seeing how everyone was doing tonight. Everything okay with you? Any repairs?"

You were rambling but Freddy's blue irises just twinkled. "Why hello, Superstar! It's so nice to meet you! Please come in. I don't think there's anything to report with me tonight but there's never any harm in a second opinion!"

You cheerily followed Freddy into his room, slowing to admire the colors and the detail to the Freddy theme. The walls were a warm, rose color with beautifully bright orange neon signs around the room. There were posters of Freddy with plenty of fan art surrounding them as well. It was inviting and cozy, just like Freddy.

"Thank you for being so inviting Freddy. I've only had one other experience besides you and it...didn't go so well."

You hooked up your tablet to Freddy's programming port and started your scan. He looked over at you, troubled. "Oh I am so sorry, Superstar. May I ask who gave you trouble?"

"It was Bonnie, actually. He really does need repairs but he won't let me do them. He shut the door in my face."

You noticed Freddy nervously fiddling with his fingers. "I apologize again. Bonnie hasn't had the best experience with other mechanics in the past. He's so talented and so great with the children but the adults..." Freddy looked at you and then at the floor, "he's not as good."

You chuckled. No kidding.

"Don't give up on him, Superstar. He'll come around. Bonnie can be difficult at first, but he is a stellar friend."

Freddy's smile and optimism were both contagious. You chatted a bit more about the job and your plans for the night before you cleared Freddy and proceeded to do checks with all of the other Glamrocks. Chica and Roxy needed a few things. Chica had to have some wires cleaned after a night rummaging through trash and Roxy had a kink in the wire running through her neck joints. Both easily fixable. Monty wasn't in his greenroom. You figured you'd go by Gator Golf later and see if you could find him there. According to the notes on your task list, he was in a foul mood tonight so he was probably off skulking somewhere.

A few hours later you had crossed off a few more things from your task list: checking some sound equipment (which you were not at all qualified for), tweaking a few things with the atrium stage, etc. etc. After everything else was done, you only had one task left: repair Bonnie.

You sighed and headed towards Bonnie Bowl. You didn't think he'd be in there, but you did love bowling so if he wasn't in there, it was an excuse you could give yourself to play a few games. You weren't quite ready to face him again anyway. You had to prepare your witty comebacks.

You cautiously walked into Bonnie Bowl and started looking around. "Hey Bonnie?"

You called out his name a few more times but no response. You sighed in relief. You had the bowling alley all to yourself.

It wasn't hard to bypass the staff bot and start a game for yourself. You loved the design of Bonnie Bowl. The bright, neon stars on the ceiling were mesmerizing and the floors were perfectly waxed to reflect them. Every time you stopped and actually looked at something in the Plex, your inner child was dazzled every time. It truly was amazing.

After the first few rounds you quickly realized that your bowling skills were pretty rusty. When the 10th, and final, round came, you were determined to get a strike. You knew you could do it. You did a little better each round so you had faith in yourself.

You grabbed a pink and blue ball off the wrack with Chica's face on it. It was one of the prettier designs. You lined yourself up with the lane and narrowed your eyes. Focus focus focus. Doing a few strokes with your arm you reared back and released the ball, letting it glide across the lane towards the pins. It was like time had slowed. You watched the ball roll down the center, reflecting the dazzling neons that flashed around the room. As it neared the pins, you thought you saw it start to veer towards the left. Your excitement waned but it was quickly brought back with full force as the ball corrected itself and slammed into the front pin, sending all 9 other pins flying as well.

It was a strike. You had got a strike.

You hooped and hollered in victory, doing a little dance and punching the air. You laughed to yourself and as you went to do another little spin, you stopped dead in your tracks once you saw who was sitting in the seat directly behind you.

Of course, it was Bonnie.

He had the biggest smirk on his face as he used one clawed finger to push his star shaped glasses further up.

"If your mechanical skills are as good as your bowling, then I'm better off in a scrapyard."

You rolled your eyes and didn't give him a response, you just started walking towards the empty ice cream parlor that was attached to Bonnie Bowl. You felt like you earned a treat.

"Hey I was talkin' to you!" Bonnie called out as he started following behind you.

"Yeah, well, I was talking to you earlier and you shut the door in my face."

"You startled me. I was leaving my room to go get some fresh air and I was surprised by your sudden chattiness. Very overwhelming."

His voice dripped with sarcasm and he chuckled as you shot him a look over your shoulder.

"You're going to be surprised by your room catching on fire because of that exposed wire in your ear."

Bonnie rolled his eyes. "Dramatic much?"

You hopped the counter and shrugged, turning back to look at his shocked expression from what you just did. "It could happen. Also, don't look at me like that. I really want some ice cream."

You grabbed all of the necessary things to make yourself a cup of ice cream. You surveyed all of your options. You giggled at the last ice cream flavor. Chunky Bonnie. What a flavor name. Because of the ridiculous name, of course that's the flavor you picked.

While getting and preparing your ice cream, you abruptly noticed how quiet it had become. You were wondering if Bonnie was still stuck in that same spot. You had a brief panic that it was the made up bug you kept telling yourself he might have.

You quickly spun around to check when you almost ran right into a tall, blue metal wall.

But it wasn't a wall at all.

Your eyes drifted upwards and saw the face of an amused robotic bunny. His bright magenta eyes staring down at you with that signature smirk on his face. Your breath caught in your throat. How did he do that? You never heard anything at all. How could he be so quiet?

"What about me, peeps? Do I get ice cream too?"

To be continued...

Authors notes:

Ahhh it's warming uppp. Feel free to give me feedback or leave comments! They encourage me ;-; And feel free to drop suggestions on other fics for me to write!! Can be FNAF related or not. Much love! <3

[twdgwritings]

Character Discussion;

Marlon

Something I experienced while being in the fandom is a lot of a backlash for liking Marlon. Now I’m not saying anybody has to like him or agree with me, but I don’t think he is just a black and white character that most believe. I don’t think it’s true at all, he has many shades to him. In this post I’m going to deep dive into Marlon, the things he has done, overall opinions and stuff like that. I might even do this with other characters if y’all would be interested in hearing my thoughts.

Also my power was out for a few days, so that really set me back with writings and other stuff. So please be patient with me!

Warnings: typos, talk of parental abuse/neglect, children dying, kidnapping, accidental murder, violence, other stuff probably?, spoilers

1. Marlon’s Past

While we don’t know his past for sure, I think it’s important to consider what we do know or could influence his current behavior. I’ve headcanoned, since the first time I played, that Marlon was abused as a child. Given his problem with authority figures (adults, the headmaster, Lily and Abel), anger issues and the need to be in control I believe this is a strong point. Acting out from his terrible home life is probably what landed him in a troubled youth school, especially since we can assume his parents were possibly tired of dealing with him. Of course this isn’t canon, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibilities. Regardless, I think it’s important to keep a troubled past in mind when discussing a questionable character.

We know it’s been about eight or nine years-ish since the apocalypse started. (Clem was 8 when it started, and she was 11 when AJ was born. AJ is now 6 in the final season and Clem is 17.) Marlon is clearly older and confirmed 18-19, so he was 10-11 years old when the world went to hell. Imagine yourself at that age and no adult to help guide you because as we know they all but the nurse abandoned these kids. So a little kid stepped up to take care of many other kids when the adults left, and some kids died under his care and protection. (Not his fault though) As said a few times in the game there used to be a lot more of them, which means a lot of them died. Which that stress and trauma added onto Marlon’s mental issues.

2. The Twins

Let me say this; I don’t like what happened with Sophie and Minnie, but was there a choice? No. There was no right answer in this situation, the world is killed or be killed. Morals are out the window, only survival. I think Marlon caved to Lily and Able because of his trauma and fears, because of his past as mentioned above. He either said no and they all got kidnapped or killed, or he could give up two people to save the rest. Why didn’t they fight back like they did in the game? Because, as much as I love Marlon, he could never lead them and organize a battle like Clementine did. They NEEDED her, without her NONE of them would have made it. Why didn’t they go save him? Again they probably couldn’t do it without Clem, and as Marlon said he was afraid. He could die, they could all die or they could all get taken. Marlon thought he was doing the right thing. He should have told the truth of the fate of the twins, that they were kidnapped (because they were). Marlon is a coward, I’m not even going to pretend he isn’t, he knows he is. Marlon’s fear of losing his friends/family is what lead him to make the mistakes he did. He feared being casted out, them becoming angry at him, or even death(them and him).

I think it would have been interesting to see in the game Marlon witnessing what Minnie became, what he had done. To realize even more how badly he fucked up. Though unfortunately he didn’t get to see what he had done, nor was he given the chance to try to atone his mistakes; to make it up to everyone, or redeem himself.

3. Brody + Trading Aj and Clem

“He killed Brody!” “He hit/hurt Brody!” I KNOW. I’m not happy with what happened between Marlon and Brody either. We know Marlon has anger issues. We know when he gets scared he gets mad (As Brody told us) But, we also know her death was accidental. As soon as Marlon hits her he instantly regrets it and feels remorse, so much so he even goes into denial that he can save her. I fully believe he did not go into the basement with intent of hurting or killing Brody, he never wanted to hurt anyone. “He was going to trade Clem and Aj!” I doubt he saved them with an intent to trade them, I don’t think it even crossed his mind until the run in with Abel. I don’t blame him either, why give up friends you’ve known for years when you can give up two strangers.

4. Marlon’s Death + Alt choices

Obviously his death was supposed to leave an unfinished business kinda vibe, which is dumb as hell in my opinion. I also think it’s very random of Aj to automatically shoot Marlon but not Abel? Like if he was going to kill anyone without warning it should have been the guy who was armed the entire time, not the dude who dropped the gun and was no longer a problem. It goes against everything Clementine taught Aj, and it just feels really rushed and unnecessary. I know Marlon’s death is what pushed the plot forward, but I think there were other ways to go about it. Like if you chose to kick him out, Clem and Louis/Violet could escort him out (like Violet and Louis did to Clem and Aj) and that’s when they have the run in with Lily and Abel. Obviously different out comes for what yoy decided to do with Marlon, so his death wasn’t necessary. The writers would have just had to taken more creative liberties and shit.

I think it would have been more impactful for Aj’s character is Marlon lived. It would be an opportunity to teach him that some people can change, that sometimes people can be redeemed. Marlon wasn’t a monster that deserved to be gunned down after being disarmed, something I think Aj could learn. (Lily’s situation was vastly different. Lily would always be a threat, she would have come back for revenge and needed to die). It would have been interesting to see Marlon during the battle against the raiders (probably after being coaxed to fight by the player) and maybe he was one of the people to get kidnapped. (As I stated before him seeing what Minnie became would be intriguing.) Once aboard the ship Marlon refuses to leave the cell, believing he deserves this. Then the player can talk him out of leaving or chose to leave him in the cell. Or at least give Marlon a better death, dying a hero to atone for his mistakes. Maybe instead of Louis/Violet at the bridge, it was Marlon who throws Tenn across and sacrifices himself to the walkers or tries to stop Minerva.

Final Thoughts.

Is Marlon a perfect character? No. Absolutely not. He made mistakes, stupid decisions and has flaws, that’s what makes him such a well rounded character. I always dive deep into characters, never taking them at face value which is something I think more people should do. I just find it a little strange people will beat down Marlon, but turn around and defend Minerva when she wanted to kill her own little brother(I don’t hate Minnie either). Marlon feels like wasted potential and I wish we could have gotten more development around him and his character.

I appreciate everyone who read this post and I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions! I hope you all have a great day/night!

What are your thoughts on Marlon?

What would you do if you were in his position, would you trade the twins away?

What would you want to happen if Marlon lived?

[bellarosethefangirl]

“To Mend Your Heart, Valentine”

Bully! Haruno Shiobana x Female Reader

Summary: Takes place around Valentines. Haruno is known around school for being a bully. He’s part of the Yakuza as are his other delinquent buddies. You were childhood friends with him but reuniting with him has been terrible. He no longer treats you as though your childhood friends. You crush on your new friend who happens to be the most popular guy at school. Meanwhile Haruno notices and tries to mend his relationship with you at all costs.

This fic is a bit late but I got a bit busy. It’s also a bit of a comfort fic for me so I hope it’s enjoyable for others too. Thanks for the read, sweethearts 🌹 Pretty please Reblog 💋

Taglist:

@syntheticseraton1n @shxftxng @noaltbruh @danielle-marie

Special thanks to @strawmariee for giving me some suggestions for this fic. If anyone is interested in being part of my taglist please inform me.

Due to his title he makes sure he is known as a leader and doesn’t take any ounce of disrespect. He is very feared by everyone on campus, aside from his fan club. They admire him seeing as he holds above standard attractiveness and is covered in tattoos. He isn’t afraid to remove his school uniform jacket to prevent it from getting torn or covered in his enemies blood.

Due to his title he makes sure he is known as a leader and doesn’t take any ounce of disrespect. He is very feared by everyone on campus, aside from his fan club. They admire him seeing as he holds above standard attractiveness and is covered in tattoos. He isn’t afraid to remove his school uniform jacket to prevent it from getting torn or covered in his enemies blood.

Unfortunately the school you attend is filled with violence from gangs of rival schools. Haruno and his gang protect the school grounds but do so in a very less than ethical means. Everyone on campus knows them from all the commotion surrounding them. They make it clear no drugs or violence is allowed. People answer to Haruno if they break his rules. He may mean well but he justifies his own violence with his personal morals. He doesn’t want anyone suffering at the hands of other yakuza.

Some respect him and many fear him for this reason. As for you, you’re association with the yakuza leader is much more personal. You’ve known him since you were children. It was a friendship built from your love of animals. You would play with frogs in a lake and you met Haruno who would do the same. He would closely observe you. His big eyes peering at you from under his bangs to his bowl cut hairstyle. Being the friendly child you were, you invited him to join you and it cemented your friendship with him at the time. It would be a short lived friendship as children and was the best time of your life. You two would play everyday having mini adventures and doing plenty of activities together. You taught each other valuable lessons and your friendship taught you both a bit about love. Unfortunately you had to move to another city and you haven’t seen him until you attended a different high school for your second year.

It was a new setting for you and you grew to understand this school very well. It filled you with curiosity. So many rumors and warnings about the yakuza scared you. Then, one day, Haruno ends up recognizing you. You didn’t know it but to him you looked ever more beautiful. Your smile could still make his heart quiver as it did when he was seven years old.

He didn’t allow himself to smile on the outside. He has an important reputation to uphold. It’s different now that he became an important part to the gang. He is a leader now. It’s as he has always wanted ever since he was nine years of age. It happened after you left. Months of bullying from other kids until the faithful day he became acquainted with the Yakuza member that aspired him to follow his footsteps.

The brunette had much to think about regarding you. Did you forget about him? What if you didn’t care? Haruno would know it wouldn’t be the truth if he hadn’t still harbored feelings for you. You filled a special place in his heart. It was your friendship that filled the void in his heart. You taught him empathy, loyalty, understanding, and most importantly, love. He wouldn’t be where he is without you. He wouldn’t have such an understanding of friendship. His world would’ve still been a dark place.

As he walked up to you his stride was loud. Many students evacuated the area leaving you by your lonesome. Haruno was used to it but you felt incredibly worried. It felt as if you were being watched in a horror movie. When you finally noticed his presence there was much going through your mind about the stranger. He has short neatly combed dark brown hair with thin messy bangs. His eyes are a piercing turquoise paired with such serious dark eyebrows. They certainly intimidate you. His outfit is a navy blue school uniform but you notice a heart shaped cut to his jacket with his pale skin hinting golden tattoos.

Your legs felt so heavy and your eyes filled with fear. His tattoos and harsh gaze led you to your conclusion. He’s part of the Yakuza. His thick lips are in a straight line while his eyes stare at you with quite a stoic expression. If he wasn’t so intimidating you’d think about how good looking he is.

“There isn’t any need to be frightened of me.” He addressed you by your first name.

You only became more frightened. Haruno thought back to your younger self. He missed you so much. Your fear had saddened him a bit but he knew you’d remember him.

“Your legs are shaking, dear. I won’t harm you. I was hoping you’d remember me.”

His calm voice was so soothing yet lightly playful. His voice suited him well. An attractive voice for a handsome guy such as him was very fitting.

“Remember you?”

“Why yes. Don’t I look familiar?”

Your eyes fill with confusion. You couldn’t link him to your beloved childhood friend. The bowl cut and friendly eyes weren’t the eyes you could pair with right now. Haruno’s eyes didn’t fill with the same light they did when you two last saw each other. His hardships as a Yakuza member were the cause of it. He’s seen death and even killed before. Though he killed in self defense and the worst scum to exist on this planet, it did change him. The light in his eyes went along with him all those years ago.

The stoic expression you’re faced with is that of an average sized yakuza. Not a long time childhood friend you’ve longed to see. You didn’t recognize him. Such a revelation broke his heart. Had he not mattered to you? His turquoise eyes fill with despair and rage. How could you forget him? Was he forgettable? Was he truly the scum of the earth as he believed he was back when you moved? It was without your companionship he was truly at his lowest.

He frowned and his teeth clench from frustration. Betrayal filled his veins until you look closely at him. It was then you figured out who he was however it wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear from you.

“I think I know you now. Yeah everyone has been talking about you. Especially my classmate, Narancia. You’re the leader of the yakuza group aren’t you? I promise not to break your rules and to stay out of your way.”

He became stunned. His eyes widen and his anger boils more. Along with anger was his feeling of dread. You hurt him and he couldn’t let it be. You’ve forgotten him. As he lets you walk away he glares at you. He won’t let you forget so easily.

Later on that same school day you noticed him fighting someone. It was after school and his opponent was no match for him. It was hard watching him punch his opponent so many times. Not far from him you saw his group of fangirls cheering him on.

You felt awkward because he noticed you. He glared at you while wiping blood off his hand onto his dark navy pants. His fan club didn’t like the attention you received but you didn’t mind them. They needn’t fear, for the guy doesn’t seem to care for you. He walked up to you swinging his jacket over his shoulder. His pale muscles on display for you and the others. His tattoos show a golden dragon and some magenta or blue floral designs as well as black vines. Many in his little fan club cheered him on or complimented him.

He ignored them as he had observed you. You didn’t know what to do or say. You’re frozen in fear. You hear him, “tsk” as he passed you with frustration. You realize it might’ve been his opponent to put him in such a bad mood. Unfortunately for you he’s hurt you don’t remember him.

The following week you did your best to avoid him since he looked so angry whenever he was in your presence. You don’t want to be on the bad side of a student such as himself. When you finally did run into him it wasn’t good. In fact it was terrible. It happened before the final bell rang. You were let out twenty minutes before the bell rings. You saw the brunette in the hallway. He was surprised to see you.

“You..” Your eye’s widened.

You gulp walking the other way in a sweat but he grabs your arm. His grip wasn’t rough but enough pressure to stop you. You hope he wasn’t going to stir trouble with you. He said your name firmly.

“Do you remember my name? Or my face?”

You look over to him in wonder. You didn’t get a close look at his face since he intimidates you so much. Your hands feel sweaty as you observe him. His angry expression further confused you. Of course you didn’t see your dear friend Haruno in him.

“How could you not remember me?”

“We’ve met before?”

Your question angered him but it did make his heart shatter. His scowl wasn’t what you expected. Suddenly two of his friends called him over. It was Bruno and Fugo. Two other students with bad reputations you knew very well. They too had modifications to their blue uniform and more so than Haruno.

“We got work to do, Haruno.” Bruno said, addressing him with respect. Though they’re in a gang he’s a close friend to him.

“It’s important too.” Fugo said with an expression twice as intimidating at Haruno.

“Your name is Haruno?” Your eyes widened in disbelief.

He said not a word to you as he knew his friends words meant there was a drug trade in the area. He quickly left with them. Your shock really settled in your mind after he left. You finally understood his words. He was none other than Haruno Shiobana. Though his name is feminine you link it with your childhood friend.

Haruno was your world all those years ago. Of course you’d never forget him. It would be the next day you’d want to rekindle such a friendship with him again. Unfortunately the following day there was a massive fight due to gang violence. The school didn’t care so the students did as they pleased. Haruno fought off so many gang members easily as did his best friend Bruno. It wasn’t like anything you’ve seen before.

All the blood and violence caused you to go elsewhere. As you sat by yourself at lunch you soon noticed Haruno drinking from the water fountain. Eager to talk to him you run up to him. He still looks angry but you try giving him a reassuring smile.

“Haruno, I didn’t recognize you at first. How come you didn’t tell me?”

“I thought you would recognize me without the need for me to.” He looked over to you.

“You look so different now. I never thought you’d join the yakuza.”

“Many changes have come to my life. If for not my allies and myself this school would be in shambles. As would the streets be more dangerous.”

“I see.. I think I understand. It’s not like anyone else would do anything.”

“You’re correct.” Haruno simply said.

You tried asking him how he came to be part of the yakuza but he didn’t want to talk about it so he became quiet. His glare was so piercing. The thoughts for the hug you wanted to give him disappeared. He doesn’t seem like a touchy guy.

“Haruno...” You said with a forlorn expression.

“Been a while since someone outside my gang addressed me so lightly. Do be careful. I need to continue protecting the streets.” He walked off without another word.

His blue eyes were filled with different emotions you couldn’t read. He was hurt but not showing it to you. His demeanor around you changed so drastically since that conversation. He wouldn’t glare as harshly in your direction but he wouldn’t look happy seeing you either. It would stay this way for a while.

When you would decide to try talking to him he’d become so rude to you. He’d address you in such embarrassing nicknames or would laugh when his fangirls would make fun of your clumsiness however he didn’t look pleased when they’d insult your fashion. Your fashion was different from everyone in the wacky school so you didn’t fit in.

It would now be you who’d become so hurt by Haruno. You held onto your friendship you had with him in the past. You’d forever cherish it. He didn’t seem affected by your hurt expressions. Deep down he would but he couldn’t see you as the same person anymore. He felt as though you didn’t care for him. However he still had feelings for you but displayed it with teasing or playful insults that would make you blush. His favorite line was telling you how your lucky he finds your clumsiness cute or you’d have a hard time finding a boyfriend. Picking on you or continuing with nicknames. Yes he’s a tsundere but you wouldn’t know it yet.

It would be the rest of the first semester you received such treatment from him. You didn’t receive special treatment aside from the nicknames since he was known as the school bully. At the start of the second semester he started wrapping his arm around your shoulder wondering why you’re avoiding him. Of course he knew why but he liked teasing you. He missed his little song bird and wanted you to speak to him.

You grew tired of his treatment and avoided him at all costs. His violent background as a Yakuza also scared you away from him. He didn’t threaten you but he did make jokes about it. So here you are now running to class before he finds you. You managed to avoid him for three weeks now. Thankful you hadn’t seen him much this January.

After class he was waiting for you outside your classroom. His arms crossed with a pleasant smile but his eyes weren’t as pleased with you. He knew you started avoiding him. Your lip quivered lightly but he wrapped his arm around your shoulders as he always did. He memorized your schedule by now so he walked you to your next class with his arm around you.

“No need to be so scared little songbird. I missed you. After all I don’t get to see that lovely smile of yours.”

“You did?”

He laughs but continues the conversation.

“Yes I do need you. I’m your Haruno, remember? Or did you forget again?”

“No Haruno of course not-”

“I hope not. I’m always reminding you aren’t I?”

“You are?”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.” He said firmly.

You timidly nod.

“Repeating myself is useless. I’m sure you’ll learn eventually. Silly girl.”

He stopped in front of your other class finally removing his arm from you. He gives you a mocking bow before heading off. You sigh with relief. He’s still a Yakuza so you’re too scared of him. You ended up seeing him looking for you at lunch time. It was due to his association with you, you had no friends. Everyone fears the powerful bully, Shiobana. He warns others to leave you alone but he still picks on you a bit.

You decide to eat lunch elsewhere. You soon find a small class of students but you decide to sit outside. Who would want to be your friend? Not with Haruno around you. It would be the student body council who notice you. They understood your circumstances regarding Haruno. The class president took it upon himself to greet you.

“Good day to you. Would you like to eat with us?”

You couldn’t believe who’s speaking to you. Ritsu is the most popular guy at school. He’s a model student but also a good friend to everyone he’s around. It’s no wonder he easily became the school President. He’s so social and kind to everyone. Not to mention he’s incredibly handsome. His blonde hair and bright eyes could make any girl fall for him. It was in those bright hazel green eyes you see such kindness and a welcoming aura to him.

“Yes thank you Ritsu.”

You shyly follow but he makes sure you’re comfortable as he has you seated next to him. He introduced you to rest of the student council. He also expressed to sit with them if you’d like to.

“Thank you so much, President!”

“Please call me Ritsu! I’m only a third year.” He laughed knowing you’re a second year. “I see the others avoid you because of that Shiobana. I know he means well but do be careful with him. There’s a reason the school fears him.”

“Yes I know his title very well..”

“Does he pick on you?”

“Yes...”

“He does? Don’t worry I won’t allow any harm come to you. Most importantly that Shiobana can be a bully. I don’t like seeing him pick on others. We often butt heads.”

“You do?”

“All the time. Shiobana doesn’t hurt me but because he understands I don’t like seeing others mistreated unless they’re yakuza.”

“I see. Thank you Ritsu.”

It would be several weeks you’re around the student council and you befriended the secretary, Trish Una. She is also popular due to her lead singing in the school choir. She’s also a beauty many students fawn over.

Haruno hadn’t seen you much but he wanted to change this. He knew he had to mend his relationship with you. You’re so scared of him now. It hurt him seeing you so scared of him. You don’t even look at him. Today he’ll make a first attempt at talking to you.

He found you walking to class with Trish Una. It was surprising for him to see you as you are right now. Your hair and makeup was done so magnificently. It seemed Trish gave you a bit of a makeover, not that you required it to be pretty. You’re always looking so angelic to him. You’re the prettiest without any need for cosmetic products but it did bring out your eyes and lips. He wished he could hug you. Trish left to her choir class and you head off to class. Haruno stepped in front of your path to greet you. You gulp but he’s gentle.

“I haven’t seen you, my songbird. Did you think you could avoid me for so long without seeing me, baka (idiot)?”

“No of course not Haruno.”

“It’s not like I missed you but I did want to make sure you’re okay.”

“You did?” Your eyes widened displaying how long your lashes are to him.

“Yes you’re my songbird..” He replied carefully as he hid his blush easily. Your eyes certainly had an affect on him.

“I’m your songbird..? Why call me your songbird?”

“Could be because I’ve heard your singing..”

“I thought it was because you think I’m a bird brain.”

He laughed with a light sweat to his face. Could it be he felt guilt? His concern for your well being made you smile bashfully. Such a smile made his heart melt. He calmed his heart but his blush didn’t escape you.

“I appreciate the concern. Haruno I wish you’d talk to me more.”

He looked sad. His eyes drifting up to you in guilt. He placed his hand over his heart.

“Of course.. I believe I have so much more to tell you. I'm sorry.. I was hurt you didn’t remember me. I thought I didn’t matter to you.”

“Of course I do. I’d never forget you. It’s why I’ve forgiven you. You have a lot of making up to do.”

“Promise.” He crosses his heart to his exposed chest.

The heart shaped window displayed such a promise to you with his determined action. His eyes fill with determination as well.

“I Haruno Shiobana intend to earn your forgiveness.”

“Very well Haruno I’m looking forward to it.”

You pass him and he watches with a light smile. It would be later during lunch he looked for you again. He saved his favorite pudding for you. He hopes you two can also have a deep discussion. He goes to the rooftop with the use of his stand, golden wind. The growing tree branches aid in him climbing. As he continues looking for you he noticed you with the student council.

He was happy to see you with Trish Una. A good acquaintance of his. She’s a good friend of Narancia and Mista. Two of his closest friends. However when his eyes landed on you and Ritsu he became angered. You befriended the President? Why him of all people? He’s always attempting to break up fights he has with gang members who happen to be students of other schools. He tends to jump to conclusions about Haruno.

He noticed you hugging Ritsu before he left with a group of students. Ritsu is well liked by the entire school. He’s loved by both teachers and students. There isn’t many he doesn’t get along with. Haruno wondered if his love for you would be enough for you to return his feelings. Could Ritsu be the type of guy you’re into? You looked so happy around him.

He climbed down the building towards you. The pudding given to you after he greeted you. You remembered how much he adored pudding. The smile on your face certainly made his day.

“Thank you Haruno. I remember how much you loved these.”

“You remember?”

“Of course! We used to share them with each other.”

“Means a lot you remember sharing them.”

“Yes Haruno. How I could not? You used to smile so much eating them.”

“Thank you..” It was small but very meaningful to him.

Haruno’s smile surprised you but it was welcomed. He was happy sharing with you. His actions today proving to surprise your further. He thought back to his actions toward you and apologized.

“I’m sorry.. I shouldn’t have assumed so poorly of you.” He admits with a sad expression.

“I understand you must’ve been through so many hardships. It was a misunderstanding but do remember your promise.”

He laughed crossing his chest with a finger. You nod as you enjoy the pudding cup. He hopes he’s able to repair his relationship with you. It’s times such these he cherishes your company and knows his feelings for you haven’t changed. He knows deep down you’ve always meant the world to him. The teasing and nicknames stemmed from his feelings for you. He may have picked on you but he sees now how his actions have been so unfair to you.

He’s thankful for your understanding. Afterall bullies do stem from insecurity. For Haruno it was because everyone treated him like scum growing up. He had thought the friendship meant nothing to you if you’ve forgotten about him. He understands he has changed so much since then which is why you no longer recognized him.

As the school days passed he noticed your relationship with Ritsu more and more. He was well aware of your crush on the student council President. Your bashfulness made it a bit obvious but Haruno found out from your sketches in your spiral notebook. He noticed doodles of hearts with Ritsu’s name. His ever observant eyes aiding him now than ever before.

Haruno soon passed a group of girls discussing Ritsu. All about how charming they think he is and he’s the most attractive student at school. The yakuza member pondered to himself. Looks don’t matter but he would try to put more effort into his appearance as he tried to earn your love.

The next day Haruno wore a new cologne and had a set of piercings on. He got them pierced the previous day. His earrings are blue studs. They add to his beautiful piercing blue eyes.

He would smile at your compliment to his new piercings. His charm was displayed so effortlessly as he made you blush with his light flirting. A feat he could easily do as he called you angel or darling. He made the extra effort by handing you a single rose. They were different colors each time too.

“Your smile flatters me, darling. I look forward to seeing it at lunch if you don’t mind.”

“Sure Haruno. Thanks for the rose. This one is white. Any reason why?”

“But of course. It reminds me of you. You represent the white rose.”

“How so, Haruno?”

“It’s effortlessly beautiful and pure.”

“Aww Haruno you’re too sweet.” You laughed. “I better head off to class. See you during lunch.”

Unfortunately you wouldn’t see Haruno until your next couple classes after lunch. You have one period with him. During lunch Haruno ran into leaky eyed Luka. The brunette had been bullying Haruno for months on end ever since their fight during the beginning of the school year. Luka is a drug dealer and always butts heads with Haruno. The two are always fighting. Today was no different however he confronted Haruno with a shovel instead of his fists.

A huge fight between the two occurred when Luka knocked out Bruno on the head with his shovel. Haruno wouldn’t allow such treatment to his best friend happen without consequence. Haruno has enough of Luka’s medelling with innocent people and his awful drug dealing. He ended up using his stand on Luka by creating a frog to distract him. Golden wind ensued punches on Luka but after he didn’t hold back when he hit Haruno.

Haruno was badly injured by Luka. His opponent was also part of the yakuza but he was from a different gang. Haruno had no intentions of leaving without giving Luka the proper punishment. Luka ended up falling head first onto his shovel, causing him to faint. Haruno made sure to make an example of him in front of others by kicking his ass in public so no one would sell drugs in his territory.

He showed up to class nearly shirtless with his top torn from his fight. His forehead and abdomen had cuts and bruises. He was bleeding from his head and arms but not too much. You became concerned from what you saw in the back of the class. Everyone can see the tattoo and star shaped birthmark on his shoulder. Everyone was intimidated aside from his fan girls who offered to clean him up or give back rubs. He refused any of their offers.

When you look over to him you notice his handsome smile. It was small and he did so when he knew no one was looking. You smile back awkwardly remembering the compliments he gave you earlier. The teacher said not a word to Haruno as this wasn’t the first time he arrived to class beaten up.

There would be twenty minutes of class left until the bell rings. Ritsu arrived to class so he could make a few announcements. They’re hosting a Valentines dance soon. Everyone wondered about the rose bouquet he held in his arms until he looked directly at you. Haruno became incredibly annoyed at such a confident look Ritsu had given you. He couldn’t hide such an expression. His eyes became incredibly cold. His classmates beside him became scared of his presence. Not Ritsu as he walks up to your desk.

Your eyes widen as he hands you the bouquet. You became speechless at his nexts words. His expression was so tender and his charming smile made every girl in the room very jealous. Their jealousy wouldn’t match Haruno’s as the air around him filled with rage.

“I do hope for Valentines you consider going to the dance with me. I’d be honored.” He held his hand to his chest.

Since Ritsu is so popular he had almost everyone’s support including the teacher. Everyone cheered him on or applauded before he bid everyone a goodbye then a wink your way. Haruno couldn't allow Ritsu to take you away from him. He thought deeply about his next move until he overheard his fangirls talking about Ritsu. They kept talking about his blonde hair and popularity. Haruno had a couple ideas brewing in his mind until class was over.

Ritsu was a crush of yours but ever since you started talking to your childhood friend again you developed a bit of feelings for him too. You've forgiven Haruno but you're unsure how to feel. You would think hard about your decision until the next day at school.

Haruno decided to impress you. Perhaps a new change to his look. He knows you care not for his looks but it would add to his charm. Blondes did have an affect on you from what his observant eyes have seen. At night he looked over his hair and used golden wind to grow his hair longer. He dyes it blonde afterwards. Anything his rival can do, he can do better. He experimented with hairstyles and chose a braid.

At school you noticed everyone crowding a student. It happened to be Haruno's fangirl's but you didn't think much of it until you heard his name getting called by all the dozens of students around him. You heard gossips about it but this was nothing new for him. You froze upon hearing his voice.

"No thank you. I appreciate the invite but go away."

The girls all became so sad as they walked off. You couldn’t believe your eyes. His new hair style suited him very well. He almost looked like a completely new person. He even dyed his eyebrows too. It all really brought out his turquoise eyes. He walks up to you taking note of how bashful and cute you are around him. He greets you with such a charming smile, you feel the temperature in your face heat up.

“You’re Haruno? No way... you look so handsome with blonde hair. I almost don't recognize you."

"You flatter me, my dear.” He kissed your hand.

You stutter out why he changed his look much to his delight.

“I simply desired a change. I’m happy you like it.”

“I do. You look so cute.”

“Is that so?” He chuckled. “I hadn’t any idea you thought I was cute, darling.” He holds up a small bunch of carnations for you. “I believe these are for you.”

You accept the pink and white carnations with a sweet smile. Haruno knew he would have an upper hand over Ritsu with the chemistry you have with him. Your expression was loving. He knew in his heart your love is meant to be.

“I hope to see you during lunch, my songbird. I’ll miss you.”

“It won’t be long, Haruno. Don’t be silly!” You laugh.

“To me it will.” He chuckles.

Later on at lunch Haruno waited for you outside your class. He greeted you, offering his arm to you. You accept with grace. Walking with Haruno around school. He kept getting you to blush with his effortless charm. He paid for your lunch and wouldn't allow you to hold your own tray. You felt like a princess.

You promised to meet him afterschool but before you did you told Ritsu how you wouldn't be going with him to the dance since you have feelings for someone else. Spending lunch with Haruno cemented your feelings for him. You two could be yourselves around each other and have fun. The school President would understand but be a bit disheartened. You ran into Haruno who offered his arm to you again. He walked you home.

"Fair well, darling. I'll miss you." He bowed as if he were a prince.

"You'll see me tomorrow." You giggled.

"Too long I'm afraid."

"It wouldn't happen to be because it's Valentine's. Am I correct Haruno Shiobana?" You tease him.

"I don't suppose you want me to propose?"

Your eyes widen as you stutter in embarrassment knowing he is teasing you as well. He chuckles, kissing your forehead before leaving.

"You're very cute, darling. Have a good rest of your evening."

"Bye darling.." You repeat bashfully.

It would be his turn to blush a bit but he isn't surprised. You're the only girl who could make such a feeling rise to his handsome face. Your beloved Haruno would surprise you tomorrow with a handwritten haiku and a huge bouquet of pink and red roses he grew using golden wind.

You read it during class. It was a romantic poem about how he’s in love with you. You wished you could speak to him during lunch but he was busy fighting Luka again. Leaky eyed Luka got into a fight with Narancia and Fugo. All three aggressively butting heads maliciously. Narancia ended up taking Fugo to the nurse while Haruno was left to be on the receiving end of Luka’s awful mood. He didn’t like the attention Haruno was receiving from his fangirls. Everyone of them had chocolate for the blonde much to Luka’s chagrin.

“Don’t get cocky because of our last fight, Shiobana. I’ll kill you.”

“One dealing out a death sentence must be prepared to die.” Haruno said without a second thought.

“You don’t scare me. Last time was an accident. You got lucky. Don’t think these girls actually have feelings for you. Once I’m done with you they won’t recognize you.” Luka said with a dark look in his eyes.

Haruno wasn’t affected by his words. He fought off Luka the entire lunch period. You cheered on Haruno much to the annoyance of his fan club. He didn’t respond since he didn’t want Luka to go after you.

“Shut the hell up!” Luka shouted at the crowd of girls who got spooked and gasped.

You’re too busy worrying about Haruno. You knew he must be injured from all the hits he received from Luka’s shovel. The fight lasted a while it ended in a tie. Haruno told you to meet him after school during class.

The entire school was decorated in a Valentines theme since the dance would be today. Many couples and confessions littered the school. It made you wonder what Haruno would tell you. You look forward to seeing Haruno but wonder about his poem he wrote you. It was a romantic side you’ve never seen from him.

So after school you waited and waited until it was taking too long. Half an hour passed so you went looking for Haruno through the hallways. The decorations were so cute especially the red and pink heart shaped balloons. Must be in preparation to the dance. In the baseball field you found him but he was in poor condition this time. Luka had a pocket knife and was about to use his shovel to hit poor Haruno laying on the dirt. You remember a closet nearby and grab a bat.

Luka didn’t notice you since he was too busy cussing out Haruno about his revenge. You went behind Luka hitting his back. You never imagined you’d stand up to a bully but Haruno meant a lot to you. His strength is one of his admirable traits and from it you’ve learned to defend others as well. He’s earned respect for defending those in the community who can’t do so for themselves from other Yakuza. Luka fell to the ground in pain. When he stood back up to figure out who hit him you struck his head really hard. He fainted thankfully but your worries about Haruno remained.

“Haruno!” You lay his head on your lap after checking over his injuries.

He woke up shortly after but with a large bump to his head. He had a bruises to his chin and body. You noticed a giant bruise on his chest through his chest window. You're sure he had plenty more injuries' under his navy blue school shirt didn’t. Luka had been attacking him with his pocket knife.

Eventually Haruno’s blue eyes open. He is surprised to see you but is concerned about Luka. He can barely sit up but he uses his stand to heal himself as he talks to you.

“I knocked him out with a bat. We need to get you out of here.”

“I appreciate your concern.” He chuckles looking at the huge bump Luka has on his head. “It seems he should be worried about you instead.”

“Haruno...” You say worriedly.

“I didn’t think you would defend me.” His eyes reveal to be thankful for you.

“If not me. Who else? I can’t let him hurt someone so precious to me.”

“I’m precious to you?” His smile became smug but you playfully smack his chest. His holds your hand to his chest.

“Haruno your wounds are gone!”

“It seems they’ve disappeared. Let’s not worry about it. We both better leave.” He stood up but wouldn’t allow you to help him. He didn’t want to burden you.

“Haruno you piece of shit! I’ll kill you!” Luka shouts with blood dripping down his face.

He wasn’t phased by the threat to his life. Haruno simply turned toward his opponent with a glare. He vows to himself to defeat Luka hurriedly so he can finally take you on the date he planned.

“...Muda Muda.” He simply said.

“What?! You calling me useless?! Fight me Shiobana!!”

Haruno went on to summon his stand to defeat Luka. Golden wind went on to punch Luka several times. You hadn’t any idea how Haruno was defeating Luka but it didn’t matter to you. Golden wind didn’t hold back as he unleashed a flurry of punches as he’s always done to opposing yakuza in his territory.

Your eyes widened at Luka’s body landing across the baseball field. Haruno acted as though nothing happened as he led you back to the front gates of the school. You caught up to him looking over his injuries.

“There isn’t any need. All my wounds are healed.”

“That’s impossible. There’s no need to hide them. I want to help you.”

“Your concern means the world to me, my dear but I assure you they’ve healed. See for yourself.” He unzipped his jacket to show off to you.

You’re stunned for multiple reasons but his bold actions made you bashful. His torso was on full display for you. Tattoos tracing from his back up to his pecs and shoulders. You ignore it in favor of looking for his wounds. It appears he had told you the truth. It didn’t make any sense to you, much like the fight you observed earlier.

“How did they heal? You were bleeding!”

“I suppose it was magic.” He laughed. “You don’t need to be so shy. You can look as you please.”

“Not funny Haruno! I’m truly worried here.”

“I can see for myself. You’re incredibly sweet. It’s no wonder I’ve fallen for you, darling.”

His light eyes show he meant the truth. They’re so caring and fill with an emotion only shown for you. He tried giving you a hug but you get too embarrassed since he’s shirtless. He laughs offering his jacket to you.

“Care to dress me?”

“Not funny Haruno!” Your face turns beet red.

“My apologies. A gentleman offers his jacket to a fair maiden. It was only natural I did.”

“You’re too much at times Haruno Shiobana.” You giggle.

He zips his school jacket back on and offers his arm to you. You accept hooking your own arm with his.

“Where are we going?”

“I have somewhere special to show you. I take it you received the gift I left in your locker.”

“How did you do it?”

“My friends happen to be good at lock picking but I assure you we only use such skills on those who deserve it.”

“I understand Haruno. You and your men do a lot for this town. I hope it’s the same in the city too but right now I want to thank you for such a poem.”

He looks directly into your magnificent eyes. “I meant every word. You mean the world to me.” He admitted.

“Haruno do I really?” You asked with hopeful eyes.

“Yes, darling.” He nods but looks else where. “It’s why I have a date planned for us.”

“I look forward to it.” You lean your head against him.

He takes you behind an abandoned house. The backyard however has a huge garden. It’s so full of life. The rose garden hadn’t been what you expected. You wonder if this is where he picks your daily roses for you. Truth be told he spent the day prior growing such a garden with golden wind. He even set up a beautiful outdoor table and chairs for the both of you.

“Haruno this is so beautiful. I’m speechless.”

“This is how I feel when I’m around you. Endlessly feeling loved and in the presence of beauty.”

“Haruno..”

“I love you. I’ve been in love with you ever since we were children. It took me a while to realize I harbored such feelings for you. I was unsure about such feelings since I’ve never experienced love before. It’s because your heart is so endlessly beautiful I was able to harbor these feelings for you. I continue to learn so much about my emotions thanks to your compassion and understanding. It’s a beauty to never fail me.” His hand reaches out to your own.

You step closer to him and hold his hand. You didn’t know what to say at first. It wasn’t necessary for Haruno understood your feelings from your loving expression. You’re no doubt his sweetheart. He knows in his heart you are. He lifts his other hand towards your chin to give you a little caress.

“You yourself are enchantingly beautiful. You’re so lovely and I’m so lucky to have met you.” His blue eyes look to you with such emotion you’ve never seen before.

You understand this moment to be so precious with someone such as Haruno. He’s always been closed off from others. It takes time for someone such as him to truly open up. His abuse from his childhood caused him so much pain and neglect. Learning how to love took him several more steps and you know you created such a bridge for him to cross for his love to became so natural to him. Haruno understands he’s in love and expresses it so beautifully to you.

“Haruno I’m so happy you have such feelings for me. I’m honored to have been there for you. My relationship with you has always been meaningful to me.” You seat yourself on a chair while Haruno goes on a knee holding your hand to his cheek while he lays his head against your knee.

“It appears our feelings for each other are mutual. If you would become my Valentine and my beloved girlfriend I’ll forever cherish you.” He looks up to you with hopeful blue eyes. You can see fear as well.

You lift his chin to kiss him. He returns it while holding your hand that lays against his sharp jawline.

“Of course Haruno. I love you too.”

“You’ve made it clear.” He stood up holding your hand with his ever sweet smile your direction. You could look at his charming smile all day long.

He guides you through the garden picking roses for you. You accept them. Smelling the bunch of roses. He appreciates your beauty as you do.

“Would you like ice cream? There’s a shop I'm familiar with in the area.”

“Sounds lovely.” Your eyes light up.

At the ice cream shop he orders two scoops. One chocolate and the other pistachio. You order a scoop of your favorite flavor with one or two toppings. As he was about to pay, the owner laughed and told him they’re on the house. When you asked him why the shop owner did so while you two were outside Haruno explained he protects them from theft.

“I’m not surprised my boyfriend would protect others. That shop keeper was so happy seeing you.”

He was eager to hear such a title bestowed upon him from you. You pointed out ice cream on his nose and cheek. He gets embarrassed but twice as much when you wipe it off for him. His eyes widen noticing your handkerchief you pulled from your skirt pocket. The perfume scented handkerchief made him a bit dizzy. As he’s enjoying himself you caress his jawline then his chin. When he looks directly at you he feels a light peck to his lips. The teasing kiss happened so fast he barely blinked as he realized what happened. His heart melts and the smile given to you is so rewarding.

“I love you, my dear. Only you can turn me to such a lovesick fool.”

[dany-is-my-queen]

You’re Not On Your Own

Alicent Hightower x Fem! Reader

Alicent Hightower and Y/N Baratheon have always been proximate, ever since teens. Princess Rhaenyra was also a dear friend of yours, but with the auburn-haired you shared something unique.

Being Lord Bormund Baratheon’s younger daughter allowed you to spend almost your entire life in court, whilst your older brother Borros prepared to be the Lord of Storm’s End, you indulged in King’s Landing and met her.

You dreamed of getting married one day, even so when you realized in an early age that you your preferences were towards women.

You stayed in the Red Keep all throughout the years. Watched her bore King Visery’s children, knowing well that she was forced to wed him. And when her friendship with Rhaenyra was utterly fractured, came to a sad and tragic end, Y/N was the one to stood by Alicent’s side through thick and thin, through her darkest times Y/N looked after her and her kids. They’ve grown attached to Y/N since they were babes, considered her kind of a second mother, and Y/N was beyond happy to attend to them everytime they reached out to her.

Rhaenyra has been absent for quite a long time, six years to be accurate. The King was in a terrible state as of late, all the while you and Alicent have spent moments behind close doors loving each other. An open secret really, one Aegon, Aemond and Haelena weren’t strangers about. Haelena once told her that she was delighted. Her mother deserved happiness in her life. “Mother, you… in a dress of bronze, and her… in a dress of green. Isn’t that a glamorous match?” Aemond was disquiet at the beginning, “After what you have endured, mother. You should not withdraw yourself from your true feelings.” He would say this to her cause he sensed Alicent had her doubts about Lady Y/N, believing she’s a sinner and trying to shove them off a hundred times. And Aegon, oh her troublesome Aegon, he was the less aware of her closest companion. He didn’t mind though, too busy drowning in his cups anyway.

Alicent wished to remain loyal to her husband, uphold the law and all that. However, for the first time she put herself above duty and gave in in her desires to pursue her heart regarding lady Y/N.

“Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the dinner we’re having tonight, my darling?” The Queen inquired softly to her lover. You were braiding her hair into a simple yet fancy ponytail.

“Would it be appropriate, my love?” You weren’t certain his father would approve. The Hand of the King was always an observer man. He did suspect about your relation yet decided not to confront her daughter on the matter. As long as she kept playing her role on the Game of Thrones.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” She retorted. You finished her hair and wrap your arms around her neck. “You’re a lady of a high house, I do not spot the problem in it.”

“I…-“ You hesitated, Alicent shushed your further objections with a swift kiss on your lips, then she added;

“I would be pleased if you obeyed your Queen, lady Y/N. The children adore you. And I’m sure the Princess and her family won’t blink an eye if they see you there. Leave my father to me, he will dare not comment about it, he’s more concerned with the King’s health and other issues. So, put on a pretty gown. You’ll be joining us, dear. I’ll feel better if you’re with me.” She left you with no choice, so you obliged and later that day you were heading to the hall to meet the rest of the Targaryens.

*********

“Princess Rhaenyra, Prince Daemon.” You greeted politely as soon as you sat. Rhaenyra had a small smile creeping her features when she caught a glimpse of the way you pulled Alicent’s chair.

“Ah, Lady Y/N. How lovely you’re here. How have you been then.”

“I’ve been good. The city does wonders to me. Glad to see you home with all your boys.” She resumed her chat with Daemon and after a while toasts were made, a few words were exchanged between Alicent and Rhaenyra. Sincere apologies, you could tell.

Aemond made a disrespectful comment about Rhaenyra sons, things were starting to heat and Alicent couldn’t help but to grab your hand from under the table, you squeezed it gently. Alicent always gets way too uncomfortable in these situations, her anxiety gets the best of her and you want nothing but to assure her she’s not alone.

“My Prince, please return to your chambers. Don’t make a bigger scandal. I beg of you.” Mayhaps you were overstepping, and somebody could misread it as you being out of place but since you literally helped Alicent raised her sons, no one breathed a word about it. Aemond didn’t even look yours or Alicent���s way before taking his leave. You sighed in relief. A pair of curious eyes set on the Queen and yourself.

“Thank you, lady Baratheon” Alicent muttered in a quiet tone, one that didn’t go unnoticed by Otto and Rhaenyra. He had a face of disapproval of course, but the soon-to-be queen gaze upon you with an subtle smirk.

“Would you prefer to retire to your own quarters, Your Grace?” Alicent was already standing, unsure if she should follow her lover or stay with the guests. Jacaerys stormed out of the room with Daemon trailing behind him after sharing a sweet dance with Haelena, Lucerys retreating as well with Baela and Rhaena.

“Excuse us, Princess.”

The Queen apologized then nodded at you and left the Hall with you holding her fingers protectively, ignoring completely the others.

In the silent path to her rooms, she began to sob quietly, you halted for a minute to calm her nerves and muffled cries. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“Aemond ruined it. He embarrassed me in front of everyone… I stood there without the proper reprimand. It was supposed to be a peaceful evening, I’m a horrible mother.” And that broke your heart. She was not, not when all she’s been trying to do was to keep them safe.

“You are doing your best, Alicent. I’m sorry if I forgot myself. You can speak to with him in the marrow, just bear in mind this. I love you for the woman you have become. You are not fragile, my love. You are a beautiful person with a tender soul. The words you stated to the princess, I know in my bones they were genuine. She knows it too. I’m here for you, and you’re certainly not a horrible mother.” You caressed her cheek and she leaned into your touch under the torches in the walls.

“I love you, Y/N. So much, so so much my heart aches. In a good way.” You chuckled, she cracked a smile.

“That smile of yours is going to be the dead of me. By the Gods I swear it. I love you. You don’t have to be afraid. I got you. Always.”

You turned to both corners and made sure no one was walking your way, Alicent beat you to it and gave you a warm kiss, you sealed the affection with one on her forehead and held her inside your arms. You stayed in that position for a prolonged instant before resuming your pace. Hand in hand, Rhaenyra contemplate the moment with a warm emotion flooding over her. Despite of breaking her vows, and being somewhat a hypocrite, she knew all along that you harbor strong feeling for the other ever since you were fourteen. She was satisfied with the fact that her former friends were finally together.

[thebigqueer]

"A Blade Where His Heart Is" - Valgrace - One-Shot

Summary: part of my arcane au snippet series. leo & jason have an epic homoerotic fight scene. for more information about my arcane au, please read the series notes. Word Count: 5064 TW: GRAPHIC depictions of violence, knives, blood, nausea, swearing, slightly sensual but not sexual. Read on AO3

Being back home hasn’t been an entirely terrible experience for Jason so far. Sure, he did get beat up twice yesterday, and he had to sleep on the broken couch because Thalia didn’t want to risk Leo getting pissed off again. But right now the house is quiet, with Piper, Reyna, and Thalia all gone, and Leo hiding somewhere, maybe in his lab. Jason can finally allow himself to soak in the familiarity of his home. 

He takes some relief in the fact that it’s stayed more or less the same in the time he’s been gone. It has new decorations and less people than it used to, but for the most part, everything’s where it should be. The musky scent of smoke still emanates throughout all the rooms, and the scratches that he and Thalia left on the walls when they fought as children still stand out against the walls. The floorboards on the basement staircase still scream in agony every time he takes a step. The house didn’t drastically change, and he’s grateful for that - at least something is still the same.

He thinks about all this as he trudges down the stairs, trying to find his way to the training room. It used to be one of the only places he could go to get his feelings out, punching the bags and sparring with Leo or Piper. It was where some of his favorite memories played out - the time he had finally, finally beat Thalia in a brawl; the first time he and Leo and Piper had gotten drunk together and had to face the wrath of Emmie and Jo when they found out the next morning; the place he had his very first kiss. 

It’s the one place where Jason can think about the alternate universe where he didn’t just fuck everything up. 

Jason turns down several flights of stairs, and by the time he gets to the very bottom, he’s practically panting. He doesn’t remember the training room being so far underground… or maybe he just hasn’t been here in a long time.

He was expecting to find the place dark and quiet, but when he looks around, he realizes all the lights are on and the machines are whirring. For a flash of a second, he starts wondering if maybe someone had followed him here and was just waiting to jump him - someone from Topside? Someone who knew about his and Reyna’s plans and was ready to take him out? 

But when he looks around and finds Leo at the back of the room, he decides that maybe it would’ve been better if there was an enemy. 

He and Leo haven’t been alone since he arrived yesterday afternoon, and that itself was a trainwreck. The moment they made eye contact, Leo charged towards him and punched him until his cheeks bruised and his eyes blackened. Jason’s face pulses with pain at the sight of him, and he winces. He doesn’t know if being in the training room, where Leo has a lot more weapons at his disposal, is a good choice, and he considers just turning around and running back upstairs. But for some reason he’s glued to the floor, mesmerized by Leo’s presence. 

It’s been a minute since he’s gotten to actually see him. Most of Leo is the same - the same raging curls that fly with every punch he throws; the same crazed glimmer in his eyes as he fights with his punching bag. But from this far, Jason can’t help but to notice the changes, too - he’s gotten taller, almost Jason’s height, and his arms - all open and bare, thanks to Leo’s muscle shirt - have undoubtedly become more defined, the lines of his muscles flexing with every punch. His hair’s grown a little longer, falling over his eyes and curling over his ears, and Jason thinks he spots new piercings twinkling around them. A window above Leo lets a little light seep through, and it drapes over him, turning his skin into gleaming bronze. 

Jason’s breath hitches at the sight. Even sweating, even out of breath, he’s more beautiful than Jason remembers.

Then Leo turns to him, and all of Jason’s admiration gives way to pure terror. 

Leo’s eyes, which were sparking with energy just seconds ago, now blaze with a raging fire as he locks onto Jason. He throws his hands up in a defensive position and snarls, “What are you doing here?”

Jason throws his hands up, too, but only as a manner of surrendering. “I promise I’m not here to start anything. I just wanted to work out, I swear.”

Leo holds Jason’s gaze for a good moment, his eyes lighting hot sparks against Jason’s own, and Jason squirms. Then he rolls his eyes and turns away from him, opting instead to straighten his punching bag. For a few moments, only the sound of Leo’s pummeling echoes around the training room, but Jason feels far from relieved. He can only stand frozen in his spot, his heart shivering in his ribcage. He’s sure that if he moves even a little, Leo might just pounce on him, like a snake to its prey. 

He’s so caught up in his own thoughts that when Leo stops his workout again and spits out, “Your idea of working out is just standing there?” Jason flinches in surprise.

“Sorry.” A flush drowns over Jason’s cheeks as he looks around the room, trying to find something to do, something to stop looking like such an idiot. His gaze lands on a machine behind Leo. 

He starts walking towards it, and he can feel Leo’s eyes following him, burning a hole right through the back of Jason’s head, pouring his scorching fury over him and letting it burn all the way through his heart. Jason has to fight not to clutch his chest in pain. 

When Jason arrives at the machine, he realizes how close he is to Leo - just a mere three feet away. From here, Jason can truly feel the waves of hatred rolling off his body. Leo’s eyebrows are scrunched together, and his dark eyes consume all the light out of the room, drain Jason of all his energy and fill him only with a lingering sense of dread. 

“You know what?” Jason finally says, starting to turn on his heels. “Maybe I can just—”

“Why are you even here, Jason?” Leo crosses his arms across his chest. “What made you suddenly decide that you were good enough to pop back into this place you apparently hated so much?”

Jason takes a deep breath, trying to gather all his energy. He probably needs it for whatever fight Leo wants to give him now. Maybe this is better than yesterday - at least Leo’s finally talking to him - but Jason realizes he might just prefer being beat up instead.

“What makes you think I hate the Undercity?” Jason asks carefully.

“Who doesn’t?”

“Then why does it matter whether I hate it?”

This must be the wrong thing to say, because Leo’s glare turns even sharper. “I don’t know why I bothered asking.”

“I’m sorry,” Jason murmurs, and shame forces him to bow his head. “I- I’m here for an investigation.” 

Leo’s eyebrows raise, but Jason gets the sense he’s not impressed; the opposite, in fact. “So now not only are you turning your back on your family, but the entirety of the Undercity, too? Conspiring with the same people that would have restrained you for even just talking shit?” Leo’s mouth curls. “Was it worth it, Jason? Becoming the very monster that ruins our lives?”

“You don’t even know what I’m here to investigate,” Jason says, frowning. “How do you know it’s not for the better for the Undercity?”

“Does it matter? You Topsiders somehow manage to find a way to fuck us up anyway, even when you’re not trying.” 

You Topsiders. Jason never thought the day would come that he would be lumped in with the very people that would storm down and bully him and Thalia as kids for playing with the trash; the ones that would laugh at him and Leo as they made their way back home from their job at the pawn shop, chuckling about their ratchety clothes and cheap toys; the ones that would do involuntary raids on all the bars around them. Yet here he is, officially a Topsider, according to Leo. 

Jason shakes his head quickly. “I’m not them, Leo. I’m not an Enforcer. I’m not a Topsider. I just… reside there.” 

Leo snorts, and for a second his humor looks genuine. Jason can almost convince himself they’re sixteen again, and Leo’s laughing at him for falling prey to his stupid pranks. 

But then Leo’s eyes harden, and only disgust sizzles around their edges. His gaze roves over Jason, eyes scaling his body like a knife carving against meat, turning his skin raw and bloody, and it takes all of Jason’s willpower not to cry out in pain. “‘Reside,’” he mocks. “You sound idiotic.” 

Jason’s cheeks heat and he pries his gaze away. He considers just turning around and leaving, but before he can even find the strength to move, Leo steps closer to him, a question blazing over his eyes. “What’s it like up there?” he asks, his voice as piercing as a shining blade. “Was it everything we ever dreamed of, Jason?”

He said “we,” Jason thinks, turning the word over in his head. We, like they shared a world together, once. We, like they were inseparable.

We, like they used to be one. 

“I’m not sure,” Jason mutters. “I didn’t get the chance to really explore.” 

Leo’s eyebrows rise over his forehead, high and proud, and his eyes glimmer with harsh amusement. “Look at that,” he sneers. “He goes up to Topside to get a better life for himself, and he doesn’t even get to enjoy it. It’s almost like some people warned you.” 

Jason narrows his eyes at Leo. “I didn’t go up there just to get a better life. I didn’t do it for me.” 

“I don’t care why you did it.” Now Leo steps in front of him, his face contorting into a scowl. “I don’t care about your excuses.” 

“Fine. But not everything is what it seems, Leo.” 

“Why does it matter at this point? Even if you tell me the sob story about how you were just a poor little boy who made poor little choices, that won’t fix where we are now. If anything, it’ll make things worse.” 

“For me?” Jason tilts his head. “Or for you? Are you afraid you’ll feel bad for me, Leo?”

Jason relishes the pride that floods his chest when Leo’s jaw drops open in shock. But just as quickly a wave of guilt washes over him, because why should he be proud? Leo has every right to be upset. Jason was the one who left; Jason was the one who decided to take a chance on something he knew might have been too good to be true. Why is he trying to prove Leo wrong?

Leo gives Jason another once-over, but this time a new acceptance molds over his eyes. “While you were gone,” he murmurs, taking another step closer, “I kept trying to swear to myself you wouldn’t change. I mean, how could you? You’d spent all your life here, living through all the things those assholes did to us. I was mad at you for leaving, but I never stopped believing - not for a second - that you wouldn’t forget yourself.” Leo huffs a laugh, but no humor trails after it. “I was stupid for believing in you, Jason. You proved it to me once, and here you are, proving it to me again.”

Suddenly all the dignity that Jason had gathered up scatters away, and he can feel all the resolve he built toppling over. “I’m sorry,” he breathes, trying to push all his sorrow and regret into his eyes so that Leo believes it. “I shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t mean it.” 

“You don’t mean a lot of things, don’t you?” Leo finally steps back, but the way his shoulders square and his feet plant into the ground, Jason has a feeling he doesn’t plan on leaving. 

“I’m sorry,” Jason says again. “I don’t know how to show you how sorry I am, but I’m willing to do anything.” 

Leo tilts his head. “And what are you sorry for, exactly?”

Jason shrugs defeatedly. “For leaving you behind. For barely giving any of you time to process it. For making you put up with that heartache for so long.” 

Leo is quiet for a moment, but this silence is different - it’s heavier, ladened by all the unsaid things between them. His eyes narrow on Jason, peel back all his layers, cut through his heart. Jason winces. 

Then Leo pulls his gaze out, and for the first time since they’ve come across each other, Leo looks sad. Not angry, not annoyed - sad. His eyebrows knit together in the middle and his eyes glaze over in despair. 

“It’s so unfair, Jason,” he spits, shaking his head. “It’s so unfair that you can just come back here and tell me you’re sorry and somehow - somehow - I just want to believe you.” He hangs his head. “I spent these past two years trying to build up my courage to push you out. But you come right back in, and I’m just fucking pathetic. I never learn.” 

Jason’s shoulders sag. “Leo,” he begins, but what is he supposed to say? That he’s sorry? How many times has he said that in just the past twenty-four hours? How many times has it actually worked? 

The rage returns to Leo’s eyes, this time burning hotter and brighter than any flame Jason’s ever seen, and he physically flinches in fear. “I loved you,” Leo growls, jabbing a finger into his chest. “I fucking loved you. And you… you threw it all away like it meant nothing to you.” 

Jason’s throat aches at the sight of Leo’s desperation. “I love you, too,” he swears. He tries to reach out, but Leo just swats his hand away. 

“No.” Leo steps back. “Loved. Not love.” 

Jason shakes his head. “I still love you. I never stopped.”  

“That makes one of us.” 

Leo says it so confidently, so casually that Jason’s heart tumbles to a stop. He knows he should have expected this, considering how long he’d been gone and how much Leo had screamed at him the day he found out he was leaving. He knows it was his fault that Leo’s stopped loving him, but somehow, hearing the very words he’d been fearing for so long come out of his mouth, all he can think about is how he’s failed.

He tried to do something good. He tried to build a life where he and the people he loved could live better lives. But he trusted the wrong people, and now look where he is - a basement where the love of his life is telling him he’s dead to him.

How could he ever have been so gullible?

Leo just shakes his head, and now the rage in his eyes dims to a painful indifference that turns Jason’s heart over in his chest. He takes a step forward, holding his chin up high so that he can look Jason dead in the eyes.

“I have an idea.” Leo stretches his arms in front of him, cracking out his knuckles, and Jason has to hold himself back from staring right at the way his muscles tighten. “Why don’t we spar like we used to?”

“Why?” Jason asks. “You already beat my ass yesterday. You already know you can win.” 

Now Leo smirks, and Jason’s heart speeds up at the sight of it. It reminds him of when they were seventeen, finding market stalls to rob or giggling as they found the nearest couch to make out or locking the bedroom door behind them as they ripped each others’ clothes off. It reminds him of that Leo he loved, the one he’d gladly get into any sort of trouble with, as long as it was with him.

“You weren’t ready,” Leo admits, shrugging. “I took you by surprise, and by the looks of it, it seemed like you’d already been fucked with once. I want to know I can beat you in a real fight.” He raises an eyebrow. “Show me what Topside taught you.”

Jason sighs again. “I don’t want to fight you, Leo. This is not going to be helpful.” 

Leo tilts his head. “You said you wanted to do anything to prove how sorry you were? Start with this.” 

Jason has to fight the urge to make a sound of disbelief. He doesn’t understand how this would even be his way of proving he’s sorry - if anything, it just feels like Leo wants a reason to beat him up. Then Jason realizes that is probably exactly why he’s suggesting it at all. 

Leo sweeps his hand as a gesture of invitation. “I’ll even let you throw the first punch,” he offers. 

“Look, Leo,” Jason says, stepping back. “I get you’re mad at me, and that you want to show me that you’re super strong and whatever, but I don’t think that’s going to do anything. I already know you just want to get back at me, and that’s fine, but I think we both know you’re going to win.”

“It’s not about winning,” Leo snaps, and he stalks forward. “Show me that there’s still you in there, Jason. That there’s a part of you that still fights, that doesn’t just do whatever it is Topside tells you to do.” 

Jason sighs exasperatedly. “I don’t want to fight you anymore, Leo.”

Lightning strikes against Leo’s dark eyes, and he yanks Jason forward by the collar of his T-shirt, pulling him to eye-level. Jason has to pretend his heart doesn't skip a beat - whether from being so close to Leo again, or from being pulled forward like this, he’s not sure.

“Well,” Leo grits, “I do.”

And then he punches Jason across the jaw.

Jason cries out and stumbles on his feet, his hand immediately grasping for the place where Leo’s knuckles collided with his face. The bone underneath his skin pulses painfully, and the inside of his cheek burns from where he’s pretty sure he just bit a piece of it off. He stares in astonishment at Leo, his nerves curling in a newfound rage. 

“What the hell?” Jason growls. “I told you I didn’t want a fight!” 

Leo shifts his weight into a fighter’s stance and tilts his head. “Then don’t fight.”

Then Leo charges him.

But this time Jason’s prepared. When Leo thrusts his fist out for another punch, Jason drives his arm under Leo’s armpit, locks his bicep between his forearm and elbow, and twists his arm so that Leo spins a full 180 degrees and his back slams against Jason’s chest. Before Leo can react, Jason yanks his arm and pins it behind him, making him cry out. Leo writhes in Jason’s grip, but Jason throws his other arm around his waist so that he’s held tighter against his chest. 

“There,” Jason hisses, trying his hardest to keep his arms around Leo. “Happy now?”

Leo stops moving in Jason’s arms, and for a brief second, Jason thinks he’s about to give up. He’s about to release his hold - only to be shoved back when Leo rears his leg and strikes his shin. Jason yelps in surprise when Leo’s foot connects with his knee, and he thuds to the ground, his eyes flashing each time his knee throbs. 

“Not even close,” Leo spits back, turning on him. A revitalized rage flickers behind his eyes, and he towers above Jason now, blocking the light from above him. “You’ve only gotten softer up there.” 

Jason knows he should be worried, with Leo standing over him like that. He could do anything from this position - kick his face and break his nose, punch him across the jaw again, hit his chest and break a rib. But as Jason looks up at him, he can’t help but to notice how the light above them haloes around his curls, makes him tall and divine, even with all that rage flickering over his features.

Like a god, Jason thinks, gazing up at him.

Leo blows another kick, this time to the stomach, and sends Jason sprawling on his back. His head bounces off the floor and then lands again, and his stomach explodes with pain. He groans, trying to fight off the nausea clawing up his throat. 

A few beats of silence pass - blissful, heavenly silence, where Leo finally decides to give him mercy. In the meantime, Leo keeps his gaze on him, his eyes back to their indifferent annoyance, and Jason suddenly feels the anger and frustration wash out of him. Only shame rings in his bones. Shame for losing to Leo, and losing Leo. Shame for hurting him so terribly.

Shame for failing him, in every sense of the word.

Leo rolls his eyes and bends over Jason, glaring. “The old Jason would never have been afraid to fight me,” he mutters. “Pathetic.” 

Jason doesn’t know what exactly it is that does it. Maybe it’s the sheer rage at being pushed around - by someone he loves, no less. Maybe it’s his guilt at seeing the disappointment and betrayal in Leo’s eyes. Or maybe it’s his sickening desire to put Leo in just as much pain as he’s putting Jason through right now. 

A new rush of adrenaline courses through his veins as he looks up at Leo. He waits a second, and then, as Leo leans ever closer, contempt fuzzing over his irises, Jason thrusts forward and shoves Leo down by the shoulders, pinning him to the ground. Jason pretends he doesn’t hear the sickening conk of Leo’s head against the floor.

Leo’s eyes widen in surprise underneath Jason, and for a few seconds, Jason can see the gears whirring in his head, trying to come to terms with the fact that Jason finally, finally got something over him. Pride floods through Jason as it’s his turn to look down on Leo, with his legs pinning Leo’s waist on either side and his hands pressing down on his shoulders. 

“What is your fucking problem, Leo?” Jason grits out. “You’re right, I am weak. I’ve changed. Whatever. Why does it matter so much to you if you hate me so much?”

Jason’s victory is short-lived. It barely takes a minute for Leo to pounce back, harder and stronger than before. The shock in his eyes quickly melts away and hardens into utter hate and anger, and before Jason even knows what’s happening, Leo jabs his knee into Jason’s groin. 

That about does it. Jason knows he’s lost the minute his scream pierces the air, the minute a white hot light flashes across his eyes and his stomach throbs with nausea, the minute Leo rolls on top of him and pins his knee into Jason’s hip to keep him down. 

And he knows he’s done when Leo pulls out a pocket knife from his back pocket and presses it just barely a hair’s breadth away from Jason’s neck. 

All of Jason’s original adrenaline disintegrates, replaced by a parasitic fear and a shell of pain. He knows Leo’s angry, but there’s no telling how far he’s willing to go to prove just how angry he is.

Breathing hard, his mouth curled by pure disgust, Leo pries Jason’s jaw further up so that his neck is even more exposed. Jason can’t tell what hurts more - the thought of the knife piercing his skin, the grip that Leo has on his face, or his dick from when Leo first struck him. 

Leo leans in closer, so close that Jason can feel his heartbeat pounding under his shirt,  and if they were under any other circumstance right now, Jason might have found this romantic. But Leo’s eyes burn against Jason’s, his dark eyes swirling with contempt, and all Jason can feel is a pain so pure it pierces his soul.

“Look at what they did to you,” Leo seethes, his voice so sharp he might as well be carving Jason with the knife already. “I don’t know what they do up there, but in case you’ve forgotten, we fight to show just how hard we can go down here. We don’t stop fighting.” Leo shakes his head. “But you’ve let them strip you of your dignity. You won’t fight to prove me wrong. You’ve lost your fucking pride, Jason.”

He presses the knife closer, so close Jason can practically feel the metal threatening the first layer of his skin. 

“I’ve hurt you enough,” Jason dares to say, closing his eyes to brace against the cold metal of the knife. He knows that if he says even one syllable too far, he might be threatening a slash to his throat, but he needs Leo to hear him. “I don’t want to hurt you anymore. You don’t deserve that.”

“Then consider this payback.” 

Jason can feel the knife now dig through that first layer of papery skin, like a slight tug, like a warning: Brace yourself. Leo’s hand shivers against Jason’s throat, and Jason tries to mentally prepare himself for the piercing pain that’s about to come. 

He waits. And he waits. And he waits. 

But Leo sighs. And he pulls his hand back. 

Shivering, Jason forces his gaze to lock into Leo’s, if only to give him something to ground his mind. Leo’s dark eyes, once filled with concern and admiration, are now only brimming with loathing. But Jason, somehow, only feels the opposite. He just wants to brush his fingers against the pale scars across Leo’s jaw, the ones he used to love kissing. He just wants to press his nose against those heart-stopping curls, take in Leo’s familiar scent of flames and wood. He just wants to run his lips against that bronze neck, gleaming under the fluorescent lights. 

“What do you want, Leo?” Jason groans, but no fire licks at his words. He can’t find it in him to be angry. “You’ve won. You’ve hurt me back. Are you really getting any satisfaction from this?”

Leo’s knee digs deeper into Jason’s hip, and Jason hisses. But despite the rage burning in his eyes, Jason can feel Leo shivering against him

“No,” Leo mutters, “I’m not.”

“Then why are you doing this?”

Leo’s eyes narrow into daggers just as sharp as his knife. “I wanted to know what it would feel like to hurt you. I wanted to know if I could get satisfaction.”

Jason’s heart drops into his ribcage at Leo’s words. He knows that maybe he does deserve some sort of payback for all the hell he put Leo through, but it still hurts hearing Leo admit that he wants to hurt him back. That he’s doing this all intentionally, just to get back at him for the pain he never meant to cause. 

Maybe Jason was the one to light this flame of violence. But is Leo any better for trying to make it bigger?

Jason knows he should be more concerned, seeing as Leo is still holding a knife and he could very well jab him. But for everything Leo’s said, Jason doesn’t think he’ll actually cut him anymore. He just wants to scare him - and he’s successfully done that.

After what feels like ages, Leo lets out a deep, heart-shaking sigh and sits back on his knees, his shoulders sagging in despair. His eyes flood with what looks like regret, and he lets the knife clatter to the floor. 

Jason dares to release a breath. His shoulders loosen and he lets himself relax, thankful to not be on the brink of decapitation anymore. 

“Forget it,” Leo mutters, shaking his head. “I don’t think there’s anything I can do to make it hurt less.”

Jason stares at him for a moment. Then he closes his eyes, if only to avoid the death glare he’s certain Leo’s going to throw at him. “That wasn’t fair,” he breathes. “You know that wasn’t fair.” 

For a second, Jason’s certain Leo’s just going to give in and bash his head against the floor. That might be preferred, though - at least then he’d be put out of his misery. But Leo only stares at him, eyes roving over his eyes, his bruised face, his lips. 

Then he brushes his thumb against the spot he first punched Jason. A jab of pain shoots up Jason’s nerves, but he barely moves; Leo’s touch feels so warm, so familiar that Jason barely acknowledges the discomfort. Despite himself, Jason leans into his touch. He wants to put his hands on Leo’s cheeks and tell him it’s okay; he wants to brush the scars on his face and tell him he forgives him. He just wants to hold Leo again. 

So he tries. He presses a hand to the back of the one that Leo has on his jaw, hoping that maybe it’ll keep him there longer.

Leo’s eyes widen ever so slightly, but he quickly hides his surprise. And even then, he doesn’t move his hand. 

“I hate you,” Leo whispers. But his words sound so sad, so broken that Jason almost feels like he means it as an apology, an explanation. He’s almost convinced it was his own fault he got beat up in the first place

“I just wanted you to know what it felt like.” Leo looks away. “But you’re not even fighting back, which just makes me cruel.”

Then, to Jason’s despair, Leo climbs off him and gets to his feet.

He doesn’t offer Jason a hand. He doesn’t help him to stand. He just looks down on him, his eyes now pooling with shame, and shakes his head. And Jason realizes this might be the closest thing to an apology he’ll get from Leo.

And yet, even knowing this, Jason isn’t angry. He wants to tell him to stay, to just wait a minute and talk, to just sit with him and let him explain. 

But all he can do is close his eyes as Leo trudges away. 

[ciaossu-imagines]

So, for day 17 of the event, I used Pragma #5 from prompt 1 for Tou Handa from The Vampire Dies in No Time! It’s a new fandom that I’m writing for here on the blog and I hope any fans of the series will enjoy 😊

What importance or value does the character attach to marriage?

I think Handa does definitely plan on getting married in his future. It’s not something he wants to do right away; even dating isn’t high on his current priority list, where his career, his mother, and taking down Ronaldo are his primary goals and priorities. Once he does start to date though, I do think he’d be someone who only has occasional hook-ups, but largely dates with the end goal of it all being marriage. However, I don’t think that the importance he places on marriages is something that is a personal and deeply felt conviction of his own, but rather something he wants to do to please his mother, who has hinted that she looks forward to having a child-in-law and future grandchildren.

Do they believe that it is important to make a public statement of commitment to another person (or persons)?

Because the person Tou marries will gain not only the Handa name but become someone important for not just him, but for his darling mother, he views the act of marrying them into his family to be a huge public statement. He’s very finicky about who he lets close to him, and that’s just in terms of friendship. He’s even more cautious, almost paranoid, of who he introduces to his family, so for him to be making someone a part of that family and to allow someone so intimately and completely into his life, to him it will signify his high level of trust and respect for that person. In Handa’s mind, marrying someone is tantamount to saying ‘yes, this person is the worthiest person I could ever find; this is a truly good person who makes my life better, almost lives up to the glory that is my mother, and is someone worthy of my love and respect and who is going to help me carry on the Handa name.’

Or are they more concerned about inheritance rights and security for their family?

I do not think inheritances or money really factor into Handa’s considerations for marriage. Not only are we living in modern times, where such things aren’t as big a deal, but Handa will have his own life financially very secure before he considers marriage, and I don’t see him marrying someone who is terrible at handling their own finances. He can be judgmental about a lot of things and financial literacy is one of them. He might splurge himself here and there, but he knows how to manage his money, budget, and manage to save every month. Someone who just throws their money around willy-nilly, who is broke at the end of every paycheck because of splurges or gambling or anything like that…Handa would never be able to get serious with someone like that. He will choose someone with the same values and opinions towards money as he has, and both their family and his family will be able to be supported without it needing to be a major contribution to thoughts of marriage. However, as mentioned above, Handa really only does consider marriage to be important to continue on his family and their lineage. His mother’s desire to see him married someday and to have children is a huge driving factor in why he would even want to get married, so the security of his family in that way is a major factor in his thoughts about marriage.

Or do they not see marriage as a necessary signifier of commitment and loyalty?

Handa does have a strong moral compass and his own code of honor. To him, marriage is most definitely a signal of commitment and loyalty to one another. He believes fully and means every marriage vow he takes, and he would never consider being disloyal to his family, which his new spouse is now a part of. He would rather die first. Cheating, talking badly about them behind their back, disrespecting them in any way? It’s just not something Handa could bring himself to do.

[wqintraining]

NEW X-MEN: THE ANIMATED SERIES - SEASON 3, EPISODE 5

We open in the Egyptian desert in the middle of the night, holding on the barren sand and night sky. 

Suddenly, a gust of wind blows the sand in every which direction as someone flies over it. 

That someone is revealed to be a light-skinned Sofia in a hospital gown, scared out of her mind. 

Chasing after her, with a smug look and engulfed in his aura, is Exodus. Fast as Sofia is, the Omega is faster and gets in front of her. 

EXODUS: "Quit this foolishness at once, Wind Dancer. Lord Apocalypse has graciously returned to you your lost weapon. Submit. And serve."

SOFIA, sneering back: "I learned about Apocalypse in school. Not a very nice man." 

Sofia blows a sandstorm at Exodus, and while it's one he can easily deflect with his telekinesis… 

SOFIA: "A sandstorm is a terrible disaster…and not the only kind I can create."

Exodus screams as, well preoccupied with the sandstorm, a tornado forms around him. He screams as it carries him away. 

Sofia doesn't stick around for him to get out, and flies off.

SOFIA, panting: "Okay…now…where am I?"  

In the headmasters' office, Hellion has been sat down in front of Scott and Emma, appearing not to care about what he's being told. 

SCOTT, irritated: "Julian, are you listening?" 

Julian, in a grouchy mood, tells him that yeah, yeah he's listening. So his grades have fallen a bit. So what? 

EMMA: "Your grades, my little Hellion, have fallen below Noriko's." 

SCOTT: "You agreed to the same deal Laura and Surge did. If you want to stay on the team, you have to maintain a C-average."

JULIAN: "I can't believe we're even talking about this right now. I helped save the world last month, and now you want to bench me because I'm failing algebra?! And Laura? Laura's not here anymore! I should be out there looking for her!"

EMMA: "You mean like you've been looking for Sofia?"

Julian slumps over. Emma commends him for his dedication to his friends, but he needs to focus on himself. Whether he accepts it or not, his grades, and being a normal student, are important. He can't keep flying off instead of studying. 

JULIAN: "So I should just give up on them? I'm not giving up on Sofia. She isn't dead!" 

"I certainly hope so." 

Julian, Emma and Scott are all shocked as they see who's standing in the doorway: a perfectly normal looking Sofia. 

SOFIA: "That would make me standing here pretty weird." 

Emma and Scott turn to each other in confusion, knowing what Quentin said about her, but still unsure how he knew about any of this. Julian's face meanwhile lights up like he's seeing an angel. 

JULIAN: "Beautiful?"

SOFIA, smiling back at him: "Hello, Julian." 

Julian speeds across the room and hugs her, holding her right. She gently hugs him back. 

JULIAN, eyes shut: "I never gave up hope. I heard you were dead, but I knew you'd be back." Scott and Emma are even more surprised. "I promise, I'm never letting you go again, and I will find a way to get your powers back." 

Emma, amused: "Umm…Julian." 

Julian opens his eyes and sees he and Sofia are hovering above the floor, not through telekinesis, but through wind. 

Julian laughs with happiness as Sofia sets them down. How is this possible? 

SOFIA: "I don't know. The last few months are all a blur." She turns to Scott and Emma, her face becoming more serious. "But I think it has something to do with Apocalypse." 

Scott, Emma, and Julian all grimace at that name. 

We cut to a Jewish deli, where Magneto is not in costume, but still completely overdressed in a three-piece suit. Erik impatiently checks his watch and eats some bread as he waits in a booth for the rest of his party to arrive. 

A waiter comes up to him and asks him if he’s ready to order. Erik politely tells him that he’s actually waiting on his children. It is at this exact moment that Pietro speeds in, putting an arm around that shocked and terrified waiter. 

PIETRO: “That group tragically includes me. Moscato, please.” 

The terrified waiter runs off. 

PIETRO, sitting down: “I don’t care if he’s afraid, but I hope he still gets me that drink. Hello, Father.” 

Erik sighs. 

ERIK: “Pietro. I trust you’ve been well.” 

PIETRO: “As well as one can when they had their own prosperous country and now spend their days putting up with the Avengers.” His tone becomes more mocking. “You and your “X-Men” took Cannonball so they needed a new fast guy.” 

ERIK, a little amused: “The X-Men carry Genosha’s torch. We had our own country and, one day, we may again. But for right now, continuing the fight and enjoying life’s small pleasures is all we can do.” 

PIETRO: “Easy for you to say when you weren’t the one who had to pick up the pieces.” 

“Pietro, be nice.” 

A mystical portal opens up and out steps, the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff, making her first proper appearance. 

WANDA, kissing Erik on the cheek: “We can at least try to act like a family, can’t we?” 

Pietro rolls his eyes as Magneto’s lovingly smiles in response to Wanda’s arrival. Erik tells Wanda that she looks well, with Wanda sitting down and saying she’s actually pretty tired. Some outer gods were just trying to break into the multiverse and she had to stick the trashcan lid back on them. 

WANDA: “I love Betsy, but I wish she was capable of aiding me with these types of threats, and not just those from within the multiverse.” 

PIETRO: “Yes, maybe then you’d be able to use that god-like power of yours to actually help us for a change.” 

WANDA: “You’re not dropping the attitude, are you?” 

PIETRO: “I see no reason to.” 

“Maybe so we can actually enjoy yourselves.” 

Dramatic music plays as a normal looking Lorna approaches the table. 

LORNA: “Sorry I’m late.” 

 We cut to the snowy Canadian wilderness. Laura has isolated herself here, and she can handle the harsh elements, but she’s hungry. Sniffing around, she finds what she’s looking for. She dashes into the trees, staying above ground to go unnoticed, until she finds a bear. She’s going to jump down at it with the element of surprise and make it a clean kill, but the brand she’s on snaps under her weight. 

Laura falls to the ground, and the very angry-looking bear notices her. 

LAURA: “Uh…hi?” 

The bear jumps at her, prompting Laura to wrestle with the beast. 

LAURA: “Sorry. Tried to make this painless.” 

The bear manages to bite off a chunk of her before she gouges its eyes out, sticking her claws through its eyesockets and brain. 

Laura falls back, rubbing her half-bitten off shoulder. 

LAURA: “Never eaten bear before. Hope you’re tasty.” 

Laura picks up the bear’s corpse overhead, and as she turns around, sees a normal looking Japanese man, who the audience recognizes as Death, standing there, all bundled up in hiking gear, with a shocked look on his face. 

LAURA: “Um. I. Um…” 

DEATH: “You down to share that? I’ve got wood, but I’m so lost.” 

Laura casts her eyes up at her lunch, then back down at the stranger. 

LAURA: “Make the fire quick.” 

DEATH, unpacking his bag: “Thank you SO much. My name’s Ken by the way. Yours?” 

LAURA, dropping the bear next to where the fire is being started: “X-23.” 

DEATH: “No way. Really? Huh. I’d hate to have your parents.” 

Laura grimaces, as Death mugs for the camera. 

Back in the school’s common area, Cessily and Roxy squeal at the surprise the gang has been assembled for, running up to and hugging Sofia. They can’t believe this! 

SOFIA, hugging them back: “Believe it. I am back.” She shows off her returned powers with a light breeze through Cessily’s hair. “And I am here to stay.” 

Cessily and Roxy groan in pain as they pull back. Sofia asks if they’re alright and they hesitantly confirm, yes, they’re still just recovering from something that happened recently. 

Sofia smiles and promises now that she’s back, she won’t let anyone hurt them again. 

BRIAN, coming over to high-five his returned friend: “That mean you’re back on the X-Men too?” 

SOFIA, casually high-fiving Brian hard enough to hurt his wrist: “I hope so.” 

As Sofia hugs Sooraya, Soo mentioning that she prayed for this, she turns her attention to the newcomers: the Cuckoos and Quentin. Sofia is happy for the Cuckoos making nice with everyone, as she knows that couldn’t have been easy for them. The Cuckoos are happy to see her too, though Celeste does question if the rule about Sofia not being allowed to win queen at this year’s dance is still in place, hoping to win herself. 

As for Quentin…

SOFIA: “I can’t say I ever expected to see you in the group, or dressed like that, but I hope we can be friends.” 

QUENTIN, leaning intentionally dramatically against a piano: “Am I the only one here without short-term memory loss? You’re all cheering on and hugging a girl who spent two months spreading anti-Mutant propaganda. With her following, do you think that didn’t get *anyone* hurt?” 

The mood sours at that, everyone having, indeed, momentarily forgotten about that. 

SOFIA, distraught: “I…there is no excuse for that. For any of what I put out there. I was alone and in a dark place, but that didn't warrant such an awful response. I'm so sorry. I hope you can all forgive me.” 

To her relief, none of her friends are mad. Cessily knows Sofia would never really want to hurt anyone, Sooraya is a general believer in forgiveness, Roxy snarks that everyone here is seemingly bound to do something extremely shitty eventually, the Cuckoos have no room to judge, and Brian is just weirdly quiet. Quentin rolls her eyes. 

Sofia thanks them all. She won't let them down again. 

SOFIA: “Now, where are Nori and Laura?”

Cess, scratching the back of her head, somberly tells Sofia that Laura is gone; ran off just like her. And Nori…um…

Quentin cackles. 

We cut to Noriko and Julian panicking in a broom closet. 

NORI: “I am so happy she's back and alive and that that War bitch was full of shit, but we are SO screwed!”

JULIAN: “Already talked to Ms. Frost. She told everyone not to say anything so we could come up with something ourselves.”

NORIKO: “What are we supposed to do? We just started dating for real, and I don't wanna quit again, but also I'd rather kill you with my bare hands than hurt her.”

JULIAN: “Same! We haven't even done it yet.” 

Julian freezes. Noriko is confused why. Julian explains he was kinda expecting her to slap him or taze him again. 

NORIKO: “Eww, no. I'm your girlfriend, not your fuckbuddy; I'm not gonna hit you anymore.” 

JULIAN: “I…okay. So what do we do?” BEAT. “Would you be down for me dating you both?”

NORIKO: “Do you WANT me to go back to hitting?”

There's a banging on the door to the closet, freaking the two out. But, on the other side, it's just Redneck. 

REDNECK: “Hey! Some of us need brooms around here. Can you open up?”

HELLION AND SURGE: “No!”

Redneck sighs as he walks off. 

Redneck: “Freaking X-Men thinking the world revolves around them.” 

Julian and Noriko shrug their shoulders, still in complete uncertainty. 

Back at the deli, Erik puts in orders for the full table, ordering a laundry list of food for himself, Pietro, and Wanda, and finishing off with “and a house salad for my youngest.” 

LORNA, as the waiter walks away: “Thank you, Father.” 

ERIK, pleased with himself: “I remembered all your favorites.” 

PIETRO, mockingly: “You see that? What’s 35 years of neglect and manipulation and attempting to mold us into supervillains next to remembering our preferred brunch orders?” 

ERIK: “I am trying here.” 

PIETRO: “You could have tried harder when we needed you most. Or did a space birdie render the mighty Magneto completely helpless?” 

The tension between the two men is palpable, and Wanda elects to simply sidestep it for the time being by putting on a big smile and asking how Lorna has been. 

WANDA: “I haven’t seen you since the memorial.” 

LORNA: “I’m surviving. The same as any of us. I went to see Alex–” Her father and siblings all groan in disgust. “I know. I know. The Goblin Queen was equally unhappy about this. She told me to warn you she was coming for you soon, sister.” 

WANDA: “Charming.” 

LORNA: “Since then, I’ve just been back in school. A PhD program may not be as glamorous as being a princess was, but looking at and thinking about rocks all day is a better way to avoid thinking about what we lost and those we failed than the alternatives.” 

Wanda tells Lorna she’s glad she’s looking after herself like that; she’s sure she’ll be a great doctor when she’s done. Erik agrees, and is proud of her for continuing to pursue greater heights, in spite of the hardships she faced. 

ERIK, toward Pietro: “Unlike some people.” 

Pietro sneers back. 

Lorna thinks that that’s what they should all be doing. Reaching for new horizons and taking care of themselves. With that in mind…

LORNA: “I am feeling refreshed, Father is home and has regained his bearings, and Wanda is more powerful than ever.” She smirks evily. “I believe it’s time for the House of M to rise again.” 

The others look at her with concern, as a purple gleam passes over her eyes. 

 Out in the wilderness, Laura and “Ken” sit around the campfire cooking the bear Laura killed. Laura is staring into the fire, angsting, and idly wondering if she’d even feel it if she stuck her hand in the flames, while Ken is being obnoxiously upbeat, bouncing on the log he’s sitting on and whistling show tunes. 

This goes on for a little bit, until Ken notes that the meat looks like it’s almost done. And it smells delicious! 

KEN: “So what are you doing out here, X-23? I’m guessing this is a Mutant thing? No offense, but you clearly are one.” 

LAURA: “Don’t wanna talk.” 

KEN, as Laura reaches for the meat: “Come on…” 

KEN, the camera focused on his lips: “...I insist.” 

Laura’s headaches. As she prepares the meat, she tells Ken everything, giving her whole backstory, and explaining why she came out here to be alone. 

LAURA: “Huh. Felt good saying that.” 

KEN: “It’s a Hell of a story! I hope it has a happy ending.” 

The two dig into their meal. Both hum over how good it is. It’s gamey, but they both like that. 

LAURA: “What about you?” 

KEN: “Ah! A good question. I’m actually out here looking for something. My lady wants it, so my lady will have it.” 

Laura isn’t sure what he could be looking out here; she specifically chose the middle of nowhere. Ken says that’s true, but rare treasures can be found anywhere. 

LAURA: “Must love her a lot to be willing to deal with the cold.” 

KEN: “I’m not sure love is the right word. But I’d do anything she asked of me.” 

Laura actually cracks a smile as she snorts. 

LAURA: “You sound like a friend of mine. Guy named Hellion.” 

KEN: “Really? I wonder if our ladies also have anything in common.” 

The two eat in silence for a few moments. 

Death smirks evily as he hangs his head. 

DEATH: “X-23, could you please stand up, turn around and pace five steps forward?” 

Laura’s head spins as she complies without argument. 

LAURA: “Who…who are you?” 

DEATH, stripping: “I told you my name is Ken. It’s actually short for an old, annoying nickname. Sorry about that. I couldn’t be sure if your father had ever told you my birth name.” 

As the music swells, Laura is jumped from behind and tackled to the ground. 

DEATH, with Laura pinned, only wearing  shorts, and with tattoos all over him: “And I couldn’t just tell you my real name is Death.” 

Laura sneers as Death grins. 

In the Mission Room, Dani welcomes Sofia home with a big hug, Kitty pats Sofia on the head, telling her it wasn’t the same without her. Sofia’s happy to see them both as well; she’s sure she’ll need their help getting the hang of her powers again. 

Scott and Emma are also present, as are the Cuckoos. The headmasters explain those powers are something they’re concerned about. They need to know everything Sofia knows about how she got them, and about Apocalypse. 

EMMA: “For instance, were you aware that Apocalypse nearly succeeded in wiping out humanity last month?” 

CYCLOPS: “Or that his Horsemen murdered Archangel, depowered Storm, and massacred the Morlocks?” 

SOFIA: “No! Of course not! You stopped him, right?” 

KITTY: “We did, but his Horsemen are still out there. We don’t even know who three of them are. Only one we do know is–” 

SOFIA, haunted: “Exodus.” Everyone nervously stares at her. “I don’t have any memories of the last six months. The last thing I remember is waking up in some creepy lair, and him telling me my powers had been restored so that I could serve Apocalypse. I managed to escape and came here as fast as I could but…he’s a telepath, isn’t he? Could he have stolen my memories?” 

Emma confirms that’s a possibility and that that’s also why she’s called her girls here. She wants their assistance in traveling inside her mind; anything she knows, they’ll know. 

The Cuckoos giggle to themselves with curiosity over finding out Sofia’s deepest, darkest secrets, while Dani stands her ground and tells Emma…

DANI: “Hell no! A scan is one thing, but you’re not playing inside her head!” 

SCOTT: “I’m not a fan either, but what choice do we have? Leaving aside that there must be a reason Exodus wiped her memory, possibly pertaining to the identities of the other horsemen, well…” 

SOFIA, hanging her head: “...I showed up suddenly after 8 months of no contact with my powers restored, after having turned against Mutantkind and in possession of knowledge of our enemies.” 

EMMA: “Yes. That. And I’m afraid the story you’ve told us doesn’t quite work for me. You are remarkably talented, but you claim to have escaped Exodus. I find that difficult to swallow.” 

Sofia nods and tells Dani it’s fine. She consents to Emma and the Cuckoos going in her mind; she just hopes they don’t judge her for some of the terrible thoughts she had immediately after losing her powers. 

Emma assures her she understands being in a dark place, and thanks her for her cooperation. 

Just as Emma and the Cuckoos are about to start, Surge races in. 

NORIKO: “Hey, Princess!” 

SOFIA, face lighting up: “Noriko!” 

The besties hug and reunite, Nori calling her a pain in the ass for making her worried and look all around the world for her, with Sofia shooting back that all that traveling at least gave her chances to find a boyfriend. 

SOFIA: “Wait, are you dating anyone? I haven’t been online since I woke up.” She looks mortified. “I haven’t been unplugged this long since I came to America.” 

Before Nori is forced to answer that question, Scott offers an “Ech hem”, and reminds them that they’re in the middle of something. With Kitty pulling Nori away for a moment, Sofia braces herself for her mind-guests. 

At the deli, a concerned Erik asks Lorna what she’s talking about. Lorna explains that they’ve all been taking care of themselves, and that’s a good thing, but their family is meant for more. 

LORNA: “At this moment, the only thing we need to do to ensure Mutantkind’s future, not just its survival, but its ability to thrive, is to ally ourselves with the Horsemen of Apocalypse.” 

Wanda shows concern for her sister, while Pietro sneers. 

ERIK, sitting up straight to evoke confidence: “I know times have been hard, but I also know that their ends are not something you’d ever desire.” 

LORNA: “You don’t know what their “ends” are. You defeated Apocalypse, and with what he tried to do, I’m glad you did, but they’re under new leadership now. Lady Akabba’s goals are entirely different.” 

PIETRO: “And how would you know that?” 

WANDA: “Have you been speaking with them?” 

LORNA: “Yes…but I’ve done more than just talk .” Lorna’s skin turns blue, shocking her family. “I’ve already taken the step forward and joined them.” 

Lorna asks them all to please not freak out and just listen. They actually all feel comfortable doing that, easing up and resuming eating their bread and coleslaw, assured in the knowledge that any one of them could take Lorna down, should the need arise. 

Right now, without Father, the X-Men are weak. They only number six outside the ones with training wheels on. No Jean, no Storm. Their biggest gun is the second dumbest man she’s ever dated. 

WANDA, crunching a picking in her teeth: “Haven’t you only ever dated the two?” She frowns. “Eww. Sour.” 

LORNA: “That’s not the point.” 

PIETRO, buttering bread: “You hear Bobby’s gay now?” 

LORNA: “He sent me the virtual card. It was very cute. The point is that no man, mutant, or machine on Earth could stand against the seven of us. There would be conquest, it would be bloody, but needless suffering is not what we seek; only salvation. It would be like what you once sought after, Father, but with the strength needed to nip all opposition in the bud. If you cannot see the difference between that and Apocalypse’s desires, then I cannot help you.” 

The other three members of the family think about this carefully, Wanda and Pietro still chewing on their food as they do so. Eventually, Magneto speaks. 

ERIK: “It is different, yes. But I have already chosen where I stand. And I will move no further. I believe in the X-Men. I believe that we can make my old friend’s dream come true.” 

With Pietro and Wanda still uncertain, Lorna groans as she sits back in her seat. 

LORNA: “That sucks. Without him, even if you two did join us, I couldn’t count on you not backing out. Ugh.” 

Wanda is about to open her mouth, but before she can say anything, Lorna perks up, grinning manically, and takes her hands. 

LORNA: “Actually, we did have one more idea. One even quicker and more painless than Apocalypse’s, with none of the drawbacks. And all we need for it to work, Wanda…is you.” 

Wanda’s face morphs from concerned to battle-ready as Lorna grins manically into her eyes. 

In the school’s foyer, the gang, minus Quentin, is being let outside by Sofia. She’s relieved that Ms. Frost and the Cuckoos didn’t find one weird thing in her head, just the same blankness she has, and she wants to celebrate returning to the school and the return of her powers, with a return to the Grindstone - her treat. 

Everyone cheers. Julian squirms uncomfortably and forces a smile as Sofia gently takes his hand. 

Sofia giggles, before belting out a ghastly shriek. She grips her head and bends over. Through a static filter, Sofia sees herself being gutted like a trout by Apocalypse, blasted into the desert sand by Exodus and Polaris, and screaming at the top of her lungs, bleeding from cracks all over her body as she sits inside Celestial tech. 

Sofia returns to reality, catching her breath, and Julian has caught her in his arms. Everyone wants to know if she’s okay. 

SOFIA: “Yes. Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” Sofia turns around and squints at the Cuckoos. “You girls didn’t bump into or break anything in my mind, right?” 

The other four Cuckoos all turn their glares toward Mindee. 

MINDEE: “Oh this is SO typical.” 

Noriko hooks Sofia’s arm around her own and leads her further down the path, and away from Julian. They can talk to Ms. Frost about that later. Right now, they have so much to tell her! 

Sofia perks back up. Julian takes a deep breath. Over with the Cuckoos…

MINDEE, telepathically: “I really didn’t do anything wrong. I swear.” 

SOPHIE: “I believe you. Stay quiet and observe.” 

In the wilderness, Death laughs as he squeezes Laura’s wrists cracking them, keeping her pinned on the ground. 

DEATH, skin turning blue: “I have waited so long for this…Sister.”

Laura throws Death off of her, growling, leaps up to her feet and draws her claws. 

LAURA: “Horseman. What do you mean, “sister?”

DEATH: “Ask Father.” Death draws his own, much larger claws. “Tell him Akihiro says hi.”

Akihiro dashes at Laura, fast enough to catch her by surprise. The two fight, with Laura clearly at a disadvantage, as she's immediately forced to give it all she got, while Akihiro looks like he's barely even trying. Akihiro soon manages to deliver a fierce kick to Laura’s face, knocking her away. 

Aki laughs. Is that all she's got? No wonder War defeated her so easily. 

Laura picks herself back up, snapping her chin back into place.

LAURA: “Tell me.”

AKI: “About what? Who I am? Who she is?”

LAURA: “No. I don't care. Tell me if she lied to me. Did she really kill Sofia Mantega?” 

Akihiro laughs. Laura clenches her fists. 

AKIHIRO: “No. No, she was just manipulating you. It's what she's best at, bless her tiny, black heart. That little bitch just escaped us, actually.” Laura’s eyes widen and her heart pounds. “But Famine is working to correct that.” Aki notices the change in Laura’s face. “You wish to see her? She's back at your school. All you have to do to see your friend again is get through me.” 

Laura doesn't even let him finish that sentence as she rushes in to take Death down. 

The gang arrives at The Grindstone and is welcomed in by Luna, who offers an extra welcome to Sofia, happy to see her again. 

CESSILY, whispering teasingly in Julian’s ear: “You two ever tell her you almost chose to let her die?” 

SOFIA, whispering: “You did WHAT?” 

Julian nervously laughs, as Noriko says they’ll tell her the full story, but the important thing is they *didn’t* do that in the end. 

As the gang sits down in their booth, Julian is about to sit down next to Sofia, but Noriko gets in between them first. He glares at her, getting a little annoyed by this. 

Sofia’s missed this place but for more reasons than just nostalgia. She was working as a waitress while she was gone, and the people were great, but the diner wasn’t nearly as nice as this place. 

NORIKO, ready to laugh: “YOU were a waitress?” 

BRIAN: “What, did being a racist grifter not pay?” 

Everyone laughs and Sofia smiles and nods along; she deserves that. 

SOFIA: “Enough about that embarrassing chapter of my life. What have you all been doing?” She smiles at Julian and Noriko. “I already know about you two.” 

The two nearly have conniptions as they stutter over their rapid words before Sofia elaborates that she’s so proud of both of them for becoming X-Men. 

NORIKO, still mildly panicking “Ah! Yeah!” 

JULIAN, the same: “You knew it was only a matter of time.” 

Sofia’s glad they were able to fill in for her. Cyclops and Ms. Frost still need to speak with Magneto, but they said since things are looking alright in her mind, she should be able to fight alongside them as an X-Man. 

SOFIA: “Do we LIKE Magneto?” 

Everyone groans, “Ehhhh” with one exception. 

BRIAN: “He’s been doing this longer than anyone. Knows what he’s talking about.” 

Sofia turns to Brian and asks about him. 

BRIAN: “Nothing new with me. Same old, same old.” 

SOORAYA: “He has a crush on Quentin.” 

EVERYONE ELSE: “Ooooh.” 

BRIAN, embarrassed: “Soo, why?” 

Sooraya shrugs. 

Julian tells Brian he’s too good for that geek, and he should be trying to steal Dallas or Victor, with the Cuckoos jumping in to point out that Quentin is hardly a geek anymore. 

SOPHIE: “HIs transformation has been…most impressive.” 

Brian shoots a stink-eye at Sophie, wondering if she may actually reciprocate Quentin’s feelings now. 

Sofia moves on to the other girls. Bling! Immediately jumps to hyping up Mercury. Yeah, they got kidnapped and tortured, and her parents are paying for a very good therapist for them both, and what happened to Laura was even more awful, BUT Mercury totally managed to beat Laura and it was awesome. Cessily blushes, trying to be modest, and point out it wasn’t really “Laura” she fought, and Roxy figured out what she needed to do, but no one accepts that and Sofia tells her she isn’t even surprised. 

Luna brings water over to everyone, and asks if they know what they want. The Cuckoos elect to save time by reading everyone’s minds and beaming their orders into her head. 

PHOEBE: “And make it snappy.” 

Luna is frazzled by the info dumb and attitude. 

LUNA: “Do…NOT do that again.” 

Luna walks off, still shaken. The Cuckoos giggle. They stop as everyone else glares at them. 

SOPHIE: “She is literally dating a telepath. She shouldn’t have a problem!” 

Noriko tells the Cuckoos that she thinks they need to have another talk about boundaries, while Sofia whispers flirtatiously over the wind, asking Julian if she can talk to him alone, outside. 

Julian looks at Noriko nervously, before turning to Sofia, who’s smiling seductively at him. He can’t help but grin back and fly off with her, Sofia telling everyone they’ll be back in just a minute. 

Suddenly, no one cares about what the Cuckoos were doing, and all eyes are on Noriko. Cessily and Roxy are worried about her, while the Cuckoos are enjoying the show. 

SOORAYA: “She wants her boyfriend back.” 

NORI: “I got that, Soo!” 

Sooraya shrugs again. 

Behind the coffee shop, Julian nervously asks what Sofia wants to talk about. Sofia doesn't actually let him finish asking, however, as she blows them both against the brick wall, and makes out with him. 

Sofia pulls back, both of them grinning. 

SOFIA: “I am sorry. I should have asked but…I figured it was best if we just skipped the “will we/won't” dance again. I'm a little sick of it.” 

JULIAN, laughing: “Yeah. Same.” 

Sofia slides her hands down Julian’s chest, as he tries to say there's something he needs to tell her, but he's too enraptured by her to spit it out. Sofia takes his hands. 

SOFIA: “Fly with me?”

JULIAN, knowing what he SHOULD be saying: “Always.”

Carried by their respective methods of flight, the two soar into the sky. With Sofia taking the lead, the two use their abilities to make their flight into a zero-gravity dance, twirling and flying around one another. Eventually, Sofia winds up back in Julian’s arms. 

JULIAN, Sofia’s head against his chest: “What Cess said before was true. Nori and I really did almost help end humanity.” 

SOFIA, concerned: “You were killing people?”

JULIAN: “No. Apocalypse had this plague we needed to stop, and we thought it might not be a bad idea to let him use it. Just because we were so tired of humans…baselines and their crap. Ms. Pryde talked sense into us, but we almost messed up big time.” Julian pulls back and holds Sofia’s hands. “I could never hold what you did against you. Our lives are messed up, and we can't blame ourselves for every bad thought.” 

Sofia wells up with joy, holding his metal hands tight. 

SOFIA: “I don't think I ever got to say how much I liked these.”  She grins. “So…we’re together? Finally?” 

 JULIAN: “Y-yeah! Of course we–!”

Julian is cut off as he's hit by a pink telekinetic blast and sent crashing toward the ground. 

SOFIA: “Julian!”

Sofia isn't able to go save him, as her throat is gripped by a large hand. 

EXODUS: “You shouldn't have run, Wind Dancer.” He laughs at her terror. “It's time for us to return home. Do not worry about your friends. They're being tended to.” 

In a van outside the Grindhouse, we see a woman who comic fans will recognize as Trinary. Inside the coffee shop, the kids’ phones short circuit and the Cuckoos’ minds ache as the front door bursts open. 

Firefist, Random, and Avalanche stomp in, led by a face only briefly seen before: Frenzy. 

Luna, her staff, and all of the human customers start panicking, Sooraya checks on the Cuckoos to ask what's going on, and, without hesitation, Surge leaps to her feet, ready to fight. 

Frenzy looks around at the Mutant kids and all the human employees and patrons. 

FRENZY: “Kill em all.” 

Back at the deli, Wanda hesitantly asks what Lorna’s idea involving her is. Pietro slaps Lorna’s hands off of Wanda. 

LORNA, rubbing her hands: “Professor Xavier put you on his “Omega List” because he doesn’t understand you. Your hex blasts are impressive, but your true strength? That’s all the chaos force, all magic. You beat back elder gods before brunch and reshape worlds around you with a flick of a wrist. I do not understand anything about the ancient technology that Apocalypse had access to, but I know that Lady Akkaba does, and I know just how powerful it is. If you were to be enhanced by it like us, you could transform the entire world; you could make the world what it should be.” 

ERIK, not about to put up with this: “A world dominated by the strong?” 

LORNA: “A world dominated by Mutants. No killing whatsoever. Just a paradigm shift to put us on top, and humans at our feet where they belong.”

ERIK: “Enough! Not one more word of this. I am sorry that I was not present to help you through your grief, but succumbing to hate and rage is not the answer. You will tell us at once where the Horsemen are based so that we stomp them out and return you to your normal self. Am I clear?” 

Lorna mockingly curls her lips at Erik before turning to Wanda. 

LORNA: “Does he speak for you? You aren’t his clone or his puppet.” 

WANDA, squinting her eyes: “No. I’m not. I was a hero long before he was.” 

Wanda quick draws and catches Polaris by surprise, hitting her with a hex blast. WIth an additional wave of her arm, Lorna doesn’t fly into other customers, but through a portal. 

Polaris lands on a stone island surrounded by pulsing red energy. Scarlet Witch, Magneto, and Quicksilver emerge from another portal. 

WANDA: “And I know my sister.” 

Lorna, on her knees, looks up at her family, shocked that they’d attack her….before at long last dropping the bit. Lorna cackles manically in a voice not her own, as her eyes turn purple. 

“POLARIS”: “You know I had a feeling I was slipping, but a girl can only keep up a performance that boring for so long.” She cackles again as she stands up. “My master calls me Pestillence. But you may call me Malice.” 

In the wilderness, Laura fights her hardest against Akihiro, but there isn’t even the appearance of this being any kind of fair fight, as Death just wails on her, kicking her around and slashing her up. 

AKIHIRO: “My turn to ask you a question: aren’t you supposed to be the ultimate killing machine? I know what happened at the Facility, I know what happened with you and your friends, but if you’re going to be emotionally weak and give in to what Kimura said about you, then you should at least have the physical strength to back it up. Otherwise, what good are you?” He shrugs. “Just something to think about from your big brother.” 

LAURA, shaking with rage, her priorities once again not where Aki would expect: “You were with Kimura. You helped her torture Mercury and Bling!”

AKI, finding her attitude curious: “Yes, I did. It was unsightly, not nearly as fun to watch as you squirming, but they’ll thank me for it one day.” He laughs. “I’m sorry, I was just expecting some more personal heat here, but all your fire is just about those friends of yours.” Laura stands firm, not saying anything. Aki laughs and quietly whispers. “I see why she likes you.” Akihiro picks his head up. “Alright! Let’s just finish this then!” 

Akihiro retracts his claws and starts coughing. It’s a disturbing sight, and one Laura is confused by, but Death coughs up his sword, pulling it out of his mouth. 

AKIHIRO: “Behold my sword…Muramasa.” 

Laura, staring down this clearly strange blade, and knowing she has to do something different, thinks about the friends she’s worried about. About Sofia and Cessily and Roxy. And she thinks back to them all dancing without a care. 

Laura retracts her claws, and takes a stance that makes it look more like she’s ready to dance than fight. Aki licks his lips. 

In the sky above NYC, Exodus strangles Sofia.

EXODUS: “I know I shouldn't be saying this, but you truly have no idea how much I'm going to enjoy this.” 

Sofia gasps, asking him what he's talking about. Exodus responds by telepathically assaulting her. Sofia screams. 

Through a static filter, she has more visions. This time, she sees herself sword dueling with Apocalypse, killing someone, unseen, with a knife, with blood splattering all over her, and herself, in her War armor but her face exposed, sitting on Apocalypse’s lap on his throne, with a sultry smirk on her face and her arms stretched out with her hands behind Apocalypse’s neck. 

In reality, Exodus lets go of Sofia and ceases her assault. Sofia’s eyes are wide in terror. 

SOFIA: “What…what was that? I don't understand.” 

EXODUS: “How could you? You aren't even real.” 

Exodus reaches out to her again, with Sofia slowly backing away in fear. Before Exodus can grab her again, Hellion, screaming and surrounded in his aura, body checks Exodus to knock him away. 

Sofia is relieved to see him okay, but notices that his right arm has been completely mangled. 

JULIAN: “It's fine. I don't care what fancy title he gives himself. If I've got you, I only need one arm to beat this creep.”

Exodus laughs. This just got even better. 

In the coffee shop, Surge stares down Frenzy and her men, standing between them and everyone else. 

Surge lights herself up, and tells the crowd not to worry; she’s an X-Man. They may continue talking crap about her and her friends behind their backs once she’s saved them. 

Random laughs. He's so been looking forward to getting another shot at her. 

SURGE: “You really think it'll go any different? Aren't you guys supposed to be in SHIELD cells?”

FRENZY: “They were. As was I. Lord Apocalypse liberated us.”

Surge is annoyed. Summers and Frost never tell her anything. 

Frenzy tells Surge that Lady Akkaba has ordered them to kill her and her friends. Surge, however, is distracted by the flashing green and pink lights shining through the window. 

Checking her dead phone, seeing Luna and everyone else scared, and the Cuckoos heads being messed with, she's at least able to smile as Dust, Tag, Mercury, and Bling! come to her side. 

ROXY: “No way we’re letting you fight all these goons alone.” 

AVALANCHE: “Enough talking!” 

Avalanche starts lightly shaking the ground, building up to a full quale. Surge smirks, before turning her head to Tag. 

SURGE: “Brian!”

Brian tags himself and disrupts the tremors, as Frenzy and her men are telepathically compelled to runaway from the Grindstone. 

The crowd is a mix of cheers, and people telling them to scram next. 

Nori elects to ignore that, and tells Roxy that, actually, they're the ones fighting them alone. 

The non-X-Men are confused, but Surge points out that Exodus is here, and fighting Hellion and Wind Dancer. This monster beat Storm and Iceman, and they've cut off their ways of contacting the team. She has to go help them herself. 

She super speeds over to the Cuckoos and electrocutes them, getting them out of their funk while also making their hair stand up. 

SURGE: “And I need you all to come with me so we don't all die the second he decides to stop playing around and break our minds.” 

SOPHIE, groaning: “Thank you, Surge. Yes, we will help.” 

PHOEBE: “Thank you for clearing our heads. We should try actual shock therapy.”

ESME: “I still feel gross.”

MINDEE: “Wait, oh god…”

CELESTE: “Our hair! 

Nori rolls her eyes at them. 

SURGE: “Dust!” Sooraya is caught off guard. “I'm counting on you here. I know you can't like getting orders from your favorite idiot, but you've been holding back as long as I've known you. Time to show out.” 

Sooraya’s eyes are afraid in the face of this responsibility, but they quickly fill with confidence. 

DUST: “I won't fail.”

Surge continues to smirk, as she and the Cuckoos hold hands. 

SURGE: “Don't any of you assholes die in me!”

Surge and the Cuckoos disappear in the blur. Dust nods with confidence at her three remaining teammates. 

In Wanda’s pocket dimension, Magneto demands to know who “Malice” is and what she’s done with his daughter. 

MALICE: “I’m sure she’d be thrilled to know that you care. It’s a few months late, but that’s actually pretty good time for you.” Wanda, getting pissed, engulfs Malice is red energy that pains her. “And, as for what I’ve done with her, isn’t it clear? She didn’t want to live in her head anymore, so she graciously gave it to me.” 

Malice cackles. Wanda increases the amount of pain she’s putting Malice through, demanding that whoever, or whatever, she is, she leaves Polaris’ body immediately. 

WANDA: “However you came to be in control of her body, I will not allow you to use her in the name of her atrocities. It is true that, with external aid, I could rewrite the laws of reality. But even if I wished to, the risk is too great for anyone to try.” 

Malice just mocks her by repeating the last thing Wanda said in a squeaky voice. She’s no fool. Lorna’s family isn’t going to do anything to actually hurt her. 

MALICE: “Truth be told, I wasn’t a fan of Apocalypse and I’m even less a fan of his successor, but I will get what I deserve.” 

A stern Magneto asks Wanda if she has enough of an understanding of what’s happened to separate Lorna from Malice. Pietro jumps in to add to ask if she can do it safely. They don’t know if Malice can jump bodies casually, and they cannot risk her taking Wanda. 

Erik asks Wanda what she thinks, and isn’t sure. She can definitely feel that there are two minds, two souls in Lorna’s body, but they’re so entangled, and she isn’t a telepath. She wants to bring Betsy in to help, but Malice tells her not to do that. Truth is, she’s a Mutant. One without a body to call her own. And one who can fry the brains of any body she inhabits with a thought, at no harm to herself. 

 She goes on to mock Magneto specifically as the two men grow more and more frustrated. Why does he even care so much? Did failing to save Genosha make him decide to finally start giving a damn about his family? 

ERIK: “I have always cared! My children ruled Genosha alongside me!” 

MALICE: “Yes! The polished prince and princess perfect for your image. Tell me, how many times did you speak outside of work? How much time did you spend with them? Wanda, Pietro? Don’t bother actually answering. I already know the answer. And it’s embarrassing.” 

Wanda’s face falls and Pietro sneers at Magneto. 

Erik shoots back that his children are all adults.  They all had their responsibilities. 

PIETRO: “And what about when we were all children, hmm? What responsibilities did we have then?” 

MALICE: “Yes! Exactly! Thank you, Quicksilver. The one person to stand by Lorna!” She pauses for effect. “Except for when she was alone and grieving and needed you most. She was used to being abandoned by her father and sister, but you? What even were you even doing?” Pietro vibrates furiously. “With family like you, it’s no wonder she was on the verge of drinking herself to death. With family like you, it’s no mystery why she so willingly gave herself over to me. It may have also helped that I told her it would be painless. Oh, such a nasty lie.” 

Magneto and Quicksilver both snap and attack her, knocking her out of Wanda’s grip. This was just what Malice wanted as now that she’s free, and the family is all out of step, she’s able to unveil the power of Pestillence. A red eye grows on the palm of her hand and she shoots an arrow out of it. One that hits Wanda dead on. 

MAGNETO AND QUICKSILVER: “No!” 

Wanda falls, her skin turning gray, as her pocket dimension disappears around them, leaving them back in the middle of the deli. Malice immediately uses Polaris’ powers to devastate the restaurant and hit the distracted Erik and Pietro in the heads with tables, before blasting a hole in the ceiling. 

MALICE: “Please try taking better care of that daughter than you did of this one. We’ll still be needing her.” 

Malice flies off, as a scared Erik and Pietro huddle over Wanda’s sickly body. 

Out in the wilderness, Akihiro and Laura pace around each other. Aki asks if she really doesn’t care at all about who he is, what his story is, and how they’re connected. 

LAURA: “You’re a Horseman. I’m an X-Man. That’s all that matters.” 

AKIHIRO: “An X-Man? I thought you were X-23?” 

LAURA: “Maybe I am. But acceptance can wait till my friends are safe.” 

Akihiro laughs, before roaring as she charges at Laura once more. Laura, flashing back to Sofia and Cessily dancing in combat, closes her eyes and mimics their movements to dodge the Muramasa blade. 

Laura cracks half a smile as she continues to dance, thinking back to good memories with her friends and positive moments she’s had as a hero. 

Waiting for and finding the perfect moment to strike, Laura sees an opening, pops her claws back out and aims for Akihiro’s face…

…only to be bisected as the waist, cut in half as easily as a chunk of butter by the Muramasa blade. 

Laura, just a head, a torso, and arms, gasps for air as Akihiro stands over her. 

AKIHIRO: “If it were up to me, I’d finish the job. But I’ll just have to save that for dear old dad.” 

Aki, not caring at all about anything left at the campfire, begins walking off. 

AKI: “Go back to school, Laura. You little teketeke. We’ll save you all, soon enough.” 

Laura, still refusing to lose, tries crawling after Death, but she doesn’t get far. She pounds the snow with her fists. 

In the sky above New York, Hellion, already cut, bruised, filthy, and bleeding all-over fires off a massive, one-handed tk blast at Exodus, but it fails to do anything against his TK shielding. Exodus tells him to give it up. There isn’t a single thing this boy can do with his powers that can touch him. Now, maybe with a few more decades under his belt and some tutelage from a true telekinetic…

EXODUS, looking at the also badly beaten Sofia: “You can bring him if you wish. He may join the rest of our servants.” 

SOFIA: “I am not going with you!” Wind Dancer raises an arm, bypassing Exodus’ shield by popping the air inside his ears. “I make my own decisions! No one will ever control me again!” 

Exodus bends over, writing in pain. Before the thick-headed Hellion can question if that move seems at all familiar, someone even more thick-headed shows up, as Surge kicks the distracted Exodus in the face. It doesn’t do much much piss him off though. 

SURGE, propelling herself in the air with electricity: “One of you steady me?” 

Wind Dancer nods, but it’s Hellion who uses his TK to keep her airborne. 

Noriko tells them how, unless the other X-Men spot them, they’re on their own. No problem for them. Julian asks about the others in the gang, with Noriko telling him the Horsemen have pals. Including jerks they’ve already beaten like Random. 

HELLION: “You wanted to put me on that same level as that chump? You are so dead.” 

Exodus, recomposed, scoffs. He doesn’t have time for bronze medals. He attempts to telepathically assault Noriko, but she’s covered as, on a nearby rooftop, the Cuckoos are once again providing telepathic shielding for their friends. It clearly isn’t easy for them though. 

SOPHIE: “Why is it…”

CELESTE: “Every time we fight with you…”

ESME: “It’s against one of the half dozen telepaths on Earth…” 

PHOEBE: “Actually stronger than us!” 

MINDEE: “So annoying!” BEAT. “Our hair is looking better at least, right?” 

Exodus sneers, as Surge, Hellion, and Wind Dancer exchange smirks, the old big 3 ready to put down the first horseman. 

On the streets below, the other kids battle Lady Akabba’s minions. 

First, Bling! Vs Avalanche. Roxy is firing off diamond shards at him, but none of them can hit him because of the seismic energy he’s applying around them, sending them off track. Bling! questions if this guy wasn’t one of Magneto’s lackeys. Shouldn’t he be working with the X-Men now? Dominikos proclaims that he serves only the Mutant cause. 

AVALANCHE: “And, also, Mystique told me to join up.” 

Next, Mercury vs Random. The two shapeshifts cycle their arms through various forms, including swords, hammers, and guns (the latter of which Cessily has never tried before, but finds she can pull off just like Random), as they clash. A pissed Random tells her he may have lost to the baby X-Men, but he’s not about to lose to just any random baby Mutant. 

MERCURY, unafraid: “Heh. Is that all you think I am?” 

Tag vs Firefist! 

This being Brian’s first time in a real fight, he is nervous and shaky. However, that isn’t enough to hold him back, as all the time he’s spent on hand-to-hand combat training has paid off, as he’s able to dodge and perform impressive flips around Firefist’s attacks. 

FIREFIST: “That trick before. Making us run. Was that all you’ve got?” 

TAG, continuing to dodge: “So what if it was?” 

Firefist looks at the other battles going on, particularly up at the sky battle. He laughs. 

FIREFIST: “You really need to jump ship.” 

TAG: “Say what?” 

FIREFIST: “In Lady Akabba’s world, all Mutants besides herself and her horsemen will be equal above humanity. The X-Men somehow win and you’re still with them? A loser like you will be dropped just as quickly as I was.” 

Brian falls over as he screws up a flip and burns himself. 

TAG: “You…you were an X-Man?” 

Finally, Dust vs Frenzy. 

Dust attempts to push Frenzy back with sandblasts from her hands, but Frenzy is strong enough to run right through them. She attempts to knock Sooraya’s head off, only to learn that Soo can’t be killed like that, as her head just disintegrates into sand on impact. While Frenzy is off-guard, the rest of Soo’s body turns to sand, as it circles Frenzy and solidifies around her, entombing her, as Dust forms a new body for herself. 

DUST: “Who are you? Why do you seek to hurt so many people?” 

FRENZY: “My friends call me Frenzy. And honestly? You’re the last person I’d think I’d need to tell that.” 

Back in the sky, all protected by Hellion’s personal forefields, he, Surge, and Wind Dancer power up their auras and face Exodus. Nori tries to rush in and take him hand to hand, but even with both her own power and the boost from Julian, punching Exodus a hundred times in a second isn’t enough to break through his forcefield before he tosses her aside. 

Hellion and Wind Dancer attempt a team attack, Julian firing off a concentrated beam and Sofia giving it a spin with her winds to give it extra speed and power. It nearly catches Exodus off-guard, but he enhances his shielding at the last second. He is caught by surprise, however, by Surge, who hits him from behind with a full-power blast. It doesn’t do much but singe him a little and mess up his coiffed hair, but it’s still the most damage anyone’s done yet. The assault isn’t done yet, as the Cuckoos take this moment of weakness on Exodus to strike back at him psychically. 

The Cuckoos giggle. 

SOPHIE: “When your hair is as bad as his…” 

PHOEBE: “A bad hair day is even worse.” 

ESME: “Take that, @#$%^&!” The others all glare at her. “Oh, don’t get all sensitive on me just cause we’re playing hero.” 

Exodus has had just about enough of this. As the three X-Men regroup to hit him all together, Exodus roars, shutting down and knocking out the Cuckoos telepathically, and lighting up the entire sky in pink energy to blast the three X-Men away, with no hope of dodging, The last thing we see as the three kids scream, before we cut away, is each of the girls taking hold of one of Julian’s hands. 

Back on the ground, Bling! knows she needs to change tactics, so she stops firing projectiles and races toward Avalanche. He tells her that’s a bad idea as he shifts his tectonic waves toward the ground. But as everything shakes..

BLING!: “Baby, switch with me!” 

Random tries to smash Cessily with an anvil-arm, but she shields herself while also putting on a perky smile.  

MERCURY: “Sorry, gonna have to leave kicking your butt  to my girl.” 

Bling! Is tripped over by Avalanche’s tremors, but falls right onto Mercury who’s melted herself down and stretched herself as a path across the street. Before she’s shaken away by the tremors, she delivers a surprise punch from the goop to Avalanche’s balls, as she rolls herself back up like a fruit roll-up, Roxy inside. Random shouts at Mercury to re-form and fight him, only for Bling! to pop out of Mercury, coated in armor made of her, uppercutting him as Mercury does the same to Avalanche, knocking out both villains. 

Cessily starts to re-form over by Bling!, with Roxy unable to wait to kiss her before she’s done. 

Firefist picks Tag up. He tells him that used to be part of a team called the X-Terminators. Trained by Cyclops, just like him. 

FIREFIST: “There were five of us. Me, Skids, Wiz-Kid, Boom Boom, and Rictor. Those two last they might have actually told you about. They got to be real X-Men.” Firefist tosses Brian back on the ground. “But they never told you about me! And I bet they never told you about the ones they let die.” He lights his hands aflame, ready to kill Brian. “If you survive, but still won’t join us, then at least remember: you cannot trust them.” 

Brian is left wide-eyed and frozen as Firefist moves in for the kill. However, while Tag braces for death, he’s saved at the last second by Dust, who still has a struggling Frenzy trapped, and puts out Firefist’s flames, and knocks him out, with a single blast. 

BRIAN, his life having just flashed before his eyes: “Thanks, Dust.” 

SOO: “Do not mention it.” 

Dust turns back to Frenzy and tells her that she of course understands the evils of humanity. As well as the evils of Mutants. It is merely her job to keep people safe. And it is the job of someone far, far more powerful to pass final judgment and punishment. 

Frenzy thinks Dust is full of it. Lady Akabba told her her story. Their first kills were the same. Defending themselves from evil men, and losing control. Only she didn’t have Cyclops and Wolverine to come to her rescue. She was left all alone, with nothing but her strength . 

FRENZY: “You may think being a “hero” is enough, but a time’s gonna come when you learn how the real world works. And when you do? We’ll be waiting.” 

Dust takes a moment to respond, before telling Frenzy she pities her. That sets Frenzy off, who busts free from Dust’s prison and tries to hit her again, but Dust just travels down her throat momentarily to knock her out via suffocation. 

Soo says a quick prayer in Arabic for her. 

On a high floor of an office building, civilians stand around, worried about the three teenagers who just crashed through their window - and by whatever put them through it. 

Hellion’s force fields around the three flicker away. He and Surge are conscious, but just barely, the two firmly holding onto each other’s hands. Wind Dancer, meanwhile, finds the strength to stand. Exodus floats outside the shattered window, prompting all of the office workers to run away. 

EXODUS: “Your last chance, Wind Dancer. Come with me, and I will spare them.” 

Sofia takes a fighting stance with clenched fists. Exodus smirks, pleased by this final resistance. Exodus charges up another attack, ready to finish them, but as he fires it off, Sofia gets one last hazy vision through static. This time, she sees herself sparring with Apocalypse and Akihiro, dancing around attacks fired off by Exodus and Malice, and killing Archangel. 

Sofia, her body moving ahead of her mind, steps forward into Exodus’ attack and blows it apart with her winds, splitting it down the middle and shooting the two half-blasts through the side walls. In one swift motion, she keeps racing toward Exodus after deflecting his attack and leaps at him to fight hand-to-hand. 

Wind Dancer and Exodus fight evenly, with Sofia’s punches actually hurting Bennett. Exodus questions how that’s possible, when he still has a forcefield around himself. 

SOFIA: “I…don’t know.” 

Exodus backhands her, knocking her down. 

EXODUS: “That was a rhetorical question, little girl.” 

With a telepathic wave, he finally knocks out Julian and Noriko, before stomping on Sofia. She struggles, and tries to blow him away, but she can’t. 

SOFIA: “What did you mean before?! When you said I’m not real.” 

EXODUS, grinning, turning to make sure no one else has shown up, before looking back down: “A Mutant is their immortal soul, not their body. I know the face of your true soul. It is one I loathe. You? You’re nothing but a husk. A tool.” 

Sofia is shaken to her core, trembling and unable to move, as Exodus picks his leg back, charging it and ready to go in for the kill…but then he doesn’t. 

Exodus laughs. 

EXODUS: “I will see you again soon…my lady.” 

Exodus laughs maniacally as he flies away. Sofia curls up into a ball on the floor, crying and having a panic attack. 

SOFIA: “I’m real.” She sees herself kneeling before Apocalypse, his hand on her head. “I’m real.” 

Back at the school, Magneto and Quicksilver stand in a spare bedroom, Wanda still looking sickly and laid out in bed. 

Magneto solemnly reports that the good news is that, according to Danger, Wanda is in no danger of dying. However, she also has no records of any sickness like this, so that could change with time, and, worse, she has no idea how to cure her, or even wake her up. 

QUICKSILVER: “This is your fault!” 

Pietro shoves his father. Erik tells him now is not the time for blame, and, if it were, that would fall on Malice, Apocalypse, and the External’s heir. Pietro disagrees. 

PIETRO: “Everything Pestillence said was true. You have never been there for us when we needed you, but you’ve always expected us to drop everything, everyone, when our presence was convenient. Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Genosha, it’s always the same story. If you’d ever actually tried being a father, Lorna wouldn’t have fallen to the point of giving over her body, and you wouldn’t have been attempting today’s pathetic attempt at normalcy.” 

Erik keeps his head held high. Pietro is right. But he won’t insult him with an apology. No words can make up for how he’s failed them all. Pietro snorts, approaching Wanda and gently brushing her hair out of her face. They know the Horsemen’s new plan needs her, and while this school has a tendency of getting blown up, it’s still the most fortified location to protect her. 

PIETRO: “I know it will be hard for you, but try not to fail her again.” 

Pietro starts walking away. Magneto tells him he should stay here and help protect her, but Pietro says he can’t do that. 

BEAT 

As Pietro puts his hand on the doorknob, Magneto asks something. 

MAGNETO: “It’s her, isn’t it?” Quicksilver cringes. “The reason your time was divided. The reason you weren’t able to be there for her. It was her.” 

PIETRO, taking a deep breath: “My loyalties don’t just belong to Mutantkind. Or this family. They can’t.” 

Pietro speeds off. Magneto falls to his knees, taking Wanda’s limp hand.

MAGNETO: “I’m sorry.” 

In the headmasters’ office, Cyclops and Emma congratulate Dust, Mercury, Bling!, and Tag. They’re sorry they weren’t there to help, Emma believes Exodus was blocking their perception of the attack, but they’re nontheless proud of the training squad for stepping up. Mercury and Bling! have both shown immense progress in their recent battles, Tag failed to win his own fight, but was still able to get his feet wet, and, in both attitude and power, Dust is clearly almost ready to join the X-Men. 

DUST, muttering to herself in annoyance: “Almost?” 

EMMA: “A shame Quentin couldn’t join you, but his presence was required elsewhere.” 

Brian gulps. 

DUST, still mumbling to herself: “Do you think I’m less impressive because I don’t scream my head off?” 

Cessily asks if the others are doing okay. Scott confirms that, thankfully, they all survived Exodus’ attack. Hopefully once they’re up and about, they’ll be able to get an answer as to how - preferably from Sofia. 

In the medical bay, Sofia lays awake in bed, haunted eyes on the ceiling. She’s at least able to smile with relief as Hellion and Surge wake up, although the Cuckoos are all still down. 

SOFIA: “You’re awake!” 

SURGE, rubbing her eye: “And more importantly, alive.” BEAT. “How are we still alive?” 

Sofia tells them it wasn’t easy, but just like before, she was able to fend Exodus off. Apocalypse must have given her more power than ever. Not that she’d ever want to thank him, but it came in handy. 

Julian laughs. That’s his girl! 

Julian and Sofia make googly eyes at each other. And Noriko’s had just about enough of this. 

NORIKO: “Julian and I are dating!”

Sofia’s face falls as Julian cringes. 

SOFIA: “what.”

Nori tells her she’s sorry, she’s sorry to Julian too, but she needed to know. Sofia softly asks Julian if this is true. All he can say is a pained, “Yeah.” 

As a breeze carries through the room, Nori tries to tell her that they never wanted to hurt her, and they both spent so much time looking for her while she was gone, but they didn’t know if they’d ever see her again. The two of them got closer, and they couldn’t wait forever. 

Sofia feels like an idiot. This is why the two weren’t fighting all day like normal. 

She goes quiet. Julian asks her if she’s okay. 

SOFIA: “I thought you were my best friend. I thought you loved me.” 

NORI/JULIAN: “I am!/I do!” 

SOFIA: “Then break up! Break up, and let things return to normal.” 

It kills them, but Surge and Hellion can’t just do that. Sofia doesn’t like that. 

SOFIA, blowing equipment over with the wind: “You backstabbing traitors! Is there anything else you haven’t told me?!” 

Right on unfortunate cue, Danger enters, pleased to see three of the children awake. Julian and Noriko both cringe as they realize they neglected to tell Sofia about her, as well. Sofia, terrified, asks what “that monster” is doing here. Danger says it’s a long story, but she works for the school now, Cyclops having resolved things between them peacefully, helping the children like she always has. She’s so sorry about what happened to Sofia, and hopes she can– 

Danger doesn’t get to finish that though. Sofia’s winds intensify and blow everyone and everything away. 

SOFIA: “Traitors! All of you!” 

Sofia flies off, not listening at all as the others tell her to wait. She flies through the halls, blowing everyone she flies past against the walls, until she makes it outside. She flies above the school and curls up into a ball. 

SOFIA: “Julian doesn’t care. Noriko doesn’t care. Laura is gone. The X-Men trust the monster who broke me more than me.” Her eyes appear cold and empty. “I hope I’m not real. I have nothing.” 

Sofia’s eyes jolt open wide as memories flood her mind. 

Some time ago in Lady Akabba’s throneroom, Sofia, on her throne, speaks to Exodus, Malice, and Akihiro. Since meeting Selene, she has been thinking. She was right. The X-Men defy the principles that govern the world; no matter how many times the X-Men face opponents who should have them completely outmatched, such as Lord Apocalypse, they always win. They cannot defeat them by being stronger than them. To defeat them, they must break the X-Men apart. 

SOFIA: “Selene asked me what made me special. And the answer…is me.” 

Sofia Mantega, the weak girl known as Wind Dancer, was beloved and trusted by everyone at her old school, teachers and students alike. Everyone’s favorite X-Man and dance queen. She will return to her old home, and with that love and trust, she will destroy the X-Men from within. And while she’s at it, she will continue to make her old friends stronger by making them suffer, just as she’s already done for Wolverine, Mercury, and Bling!. Speaking of, she will need Death to bring her back to the school. Akihiro bows, telling her to consider it done, and complimenting her plan of attack. 

Exodus, meanwhile, is all too happy to point out the glaring flaw of this plan. That school is crawling with telepaths, including one even more powerful than himself. Her psychic defenses stand no chance against Frost, and her true identity will be revealed immediately. 

LADY AKABBA: “No it won’t. Because you’re going to remove all of my memories from the past six months. And you will only return them when little Sofia realizes how lucky she’d be to be anyone else.” 

Various, blurry images from the past six months flash, until we return to the present. 

“Sofia?” 

Sofia pulls her hands off her face…but it’s not Sofia. Lady Akabba is back. With a sinister smirk on her, Sofia uncurls and cracks her neck. Looking down at the pathway to the school, she sees a stunned Laura. 

Sofia puts her best “Sofia” smile, and cheers at the sight of her old friend. She swoops down and hugs her; she’d heard she’d left!

LAURA: “I…did. But I heard you were back, so I called Magik.” 

SOFIA, pulling back: “You came back just for me? Why did you even leave?”

LAURA: “It's a long story. I just needed to see that you were okay. That you were better.” 

SOFIA, grinning like the sun and taking Laura’s hands: “Oh Laura, I'm better than ever.” 

Sofia leans in and kisses Laura, completely shocking her as her eyes widen…but she isn't about to complain about what she's dreamed of for 2 years. 

Sofia pulls back, as the two pant with pleasure. All the anxiousness and pain has been wiped off Laura’s face.

LAURA: “I don't understand. You don't like girls.” 

SOFIA: “And for a time, I was powerless. Things change. And the longer I thought about the horrible things I said to you the last time we were together, the worse I'l felt - and the more I've wanted to do that..” 

Sofia giggles while Laura remains shell shocked, going in for another kiss…just in time for Julian and Noriko to arrive on the scene, the two having chased after Sofia. Julian’s heart breaks seeing this, Nori can tell that it has from the look on his face - and that pisses her off. 

The episode comes to an end as Sofia pulls back and grins evily. 

[lunadimidiiata]

CRUEL, regulus black

PROLOGUE - august, 1972

< previous, fic masterlist, next >

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

the fading golden rays of the sun filtered through the leaves of a large oak tree, under which two children were sitting.

daphne lestrange sat with her knees drawn up under her chin, her arms forming a loose embrace around her legs. regulus black was sprawled in a rather undignified manner on his back beside her, his gangly arms and legs splayed out as he stared up at the glimpses of blue sky through the branches above them.

"have you thought more about which house you want?" regulus asked. daphne sighed. he'd been pestering her about this for weeks, which was actually rather endearing, as it revealed he wanted them to be in the same house together.

"i'm not sure," daphne replied vaguely, which was somewhat true. but she could never admit that she was secretly wondering about gryffindor, because it would only upset regulus and he would think that she preferred sirius to him (now, the question of which of the brothers she actually preferred was a different matter entirely). but she did wonder, especially more so since sirius himself had said she would make a good fit for gryffindor. daphne didn't think she was brave or courageous at all, but it was nice that sirius had wanted her to be in his house enough to lie to her.

"ravenclaw might be nice," she continued, seeing as regulus didn't say anything.

"arrogant of you to presume you're clever enough for ravenclaw," he said haughtily. she glared at him, and kicked him in the ribs.

"ow!" he exclaimed, looking annoyed.

"that's what you get for insulting me at my own home," she said smugly. "and you're one to talk about cleverness anyway. besides, ravenclaw's about wit and creativity, it's not just being smart, but i don't believe your mind has the capacity to understand such nuances." she felt terribly grown up when she talked down to him that way and was rather pleased with herself. regulus, on the other hand, was decidedly not. he sat up and shoved her, hard.

"stop it!" daphne cried.

"you started it."

"no, i didn't!"

they bickered as they often did, until they had almost forgotten what they were arguing about, falling into silence.

"you won't tell mother i upset you, will you?" regulus finally asked, sounding a bit worried.

"i suppose not," daphne replied. a truce. "what house do you want then?"

"slytherin, of course," came the somewhat prideful reply. daphne hummed in response. "you'll be slytherin too, i know it," he said.

"how can you know?"

"just do," he shrugged.

"sirius will be upset." regulus tensed. it had been the wrong thing to say and now daphne regretted it.

"sirius has already upset everyone else," he said stiffly.

there was a long silence.

"everything's going to change," daphne said in a small voice.

"not us." regulus' quiet voice was firm, with a certainty that suggested it was some sort of universal truth that he knew, deep in his bones.

not us.

if only life were as simple as the words of an eleven-year-old boy.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

[notsocheezy]

Brain Curd #53

Brain Curds are lightly edited flash fiction - practically first drafts - posted daily and sometimes written with the express intention of being terrible… but, you know, in an endearing way. Please enjoy.

Roger sat at the kitchen table opposite his wife, as he drank coffee and read his newspaper. Ethel also drank coffee, but used a straw to avoid messing up her bright red lipstick.

“Some weather we’re having,” Roger said, by reflex. There really wasn’t much weather at all down in the bomb shelter, and it was unlikely there was any up above either. He folded up the newspaper - which was now over a year old - and set it next to his coffee.

All of a sudden, the earth shook and a deluge of rocks and dirt came from the ceiling, collapsing the table and dividing it right through the middle. The couple was separated.

Roger took a sip of his coffee and called out for his wife. “Ethel, are you alright over there?”

“Yes, I’m quite fine, Roger. And you?”

“Can’t complain, really.”

“That’s good.”

He walked up to the pile of rubble and poked at it. “I really don’t see these rocks moving, frankly.”

“Can you try?”

He examined the wall of boulders up and down. “No.”

“How disappointing.”

“It’s just as well, though, isn’t it? Very convenient that this happened to split us up into even halves of the bunker. You’ve all the food you need, as do I. Same goes for water.”

“Yes, that is fortuitous.”

“It hardly seems worth the effort to move these things. Now that I think of it - how many of the kids do you have over there?”

She yelled out. “Petey, Clarissa, Filbert?” Two children walked into the room from the doorway behind her. “Two of them.”

“That’s good,” Roger replied. “Looks like I have Petey over here. Not entirely an even split, but he’s the oldest and I do have the dog as well.”

“This is going splendidly.”

“Agreed, my dear. Next I think we should discuss finances.”

“Finances?”

“Yes, I’m not quite sure money is worth anything at this point, but we ought to cover all our bases.”

“Half and half seems fair.”

“Agreed. I’ll ask my attorney to draw up the papers and fax them over. Oh -” he snapped his fingers. “Shoot. You don’t have a fax machine on that side.”

“No trouble, I’ve found a hole I can fit my arm through.” She stuck her arm in the hole and waved at Roger.

“You can’t see me, but I am waving back,” Roger said while lighting a cigarette.

“No you aren’t, I also found a hole that I can see through.”

“Please, Ethel, please, we shouldn’t argue in front of the kids.”

“Oh, you’re right, Roger.”

“Hmmm…” he paced about the room. “You know, we’ve only been separated for about two minutes at this point. Perhaps divorce is premature.”

“I hardly think so,” Ethel replied. “To be honest with you, Roger, I’ve already found someone else.”

“You have?”

“That’s right.”

“Who is he?”

“Your attorney, of course.”

“Right. I forgot he was staying over. Unfortunately, this would seem to be a conflict of interest. I’ll need to find a new attorney.” Roger looked at the son he’d be retaining custody of. “Petey, what was it that you’ve been studying?”

“Family law.”

“Perfect. Ethel, I’ve found new representation, but the divorce will have to wait until he can pass the bar exam.”

“I can wait.”

“Good, good. Well, I suppose this is all working out fairly well.” He went to put out his cigarette, but realized something was missing. “Damn. Do you happen to have the ashtray on your side?”

“I do.”

“Pass it over, will you?”

Ethel picked it up from the table and tried to fit it through her arm hole, but it was too big. She sighed, said “just a moment,” and walked out of the dining room. She walked for a minute around the corner and set it on the table in front of Roger.

“Thank you, dear.”

“Don’t mention it.”

[mosylufanfic]

I wonder for NaNo if I may ask for Catherine Morland/Henry Tilney from Northanger Abbey with the prompt "concilliabule," please?

Conciliabule: A secret meeting of people who are hatching a plot.

Nefarious Doings at the Vicarage

Walking in the dusk toward the lights of home, the Reverend Mr. Henry Tilney was surprised to see his eldest loping down the lane to meet him. 

"Father," he said without preamble, "you simply must rein Mother in." His expression was long-suffering and faintly bilious.

Henry looped his arm around his son's skinny shoulders. "I shall do no such thing, my lad. What's she up to now?"

"She's plotting."

"How delightful! Plotting what?"

"Well, I'm sure I don't know." He sniffed. "It's really unbecoming in a vicar's wife."

Not for the first time, Henry wondered how he and Catherine had managed to produce such a stuffed shirt. Peter was naturally their pride and joy, in equal shares with his siblings, but the boy had become positively insufferable lately. 

At Christmas, his mother-in-law had said it was the age, and that all of her children had gone through periods where they were insufferable in their own particular ways. And that likely he had too.

"I have always been a delight," Henry had said, and his sister Elinor had been attacked with a sudden and violent coughing fit. 

Now he asked, "What, may I ask, is so terribly offensive about your mother's plotting?" He gently urged his son forward and they started walking again, more slowly. 

"She and the children - "

Henry rolled his eyes, careful not to let Peter see. The next oldest of the "children" was Ellie, a whole thirteen months Peter's junior. 

"- are whispering and giggling and rushing around the house and making a terrible noise." He sniffed. "I can hardly focus on my Latin."

"You can hardly focus on your Latin when it's dead silent," Henry observed. Peter's gifts decidedly did not lay in languages. 

"Which is why I really need to study!"

"One day's loss will hardly set you back for life, I think," Henry said. "Unless you believe your mother's nefarious plotting likely to continue?"

"I hope not," Peter said primly. "Father, really, can't Mother strive to have a little more dignity?"

He thought of the last time he'd dropped in on a planning meeting for the annual village fete, and the expression in Catherine's eyes as she met his over the teapot - faintly murderous, a tad pleading. He'd grimaced in return, a silent apology for the role that being his wife had imposed upon her. 

In the next moment, she'd smiled sweetly at the mayor's wife and suggested a reasonable  compromise to the pitched battle over the location of the pie tent. Which had freed them all up to move on to the matter of the sack races.

"Your mother has extraordinary measures of dignity and restraint," Henry told his son. "More than perhaps either of us realize. I would consider this, too: if the Good Lord intended us to be dignified and restrained all the time, He wouldn't have made being ridiculous so much fun."

He scrunched his face. “I have doubts about the theological underpinnings of your argument, Father.”

“Mmm, I would be delighted to hear them. Tomorrow. In Latin.”

Stymied, Peter sulked all the way up the front walk. Henry gave him a hug around the shoulders. “Come on, let’s go see what exactly your mother’s up to.”

As they stepped in the house, a very small voice shrieked out, "Papa!" Henry's shins were assaulted by the voice's owner, Agatha, the youngest, barely a year of age and just graduated from the staggering stage to something like walking. 

He hoisted her up into his arms, lifting her above his head, as she squealed with joy. From the dining room, whispers and giggles erupted and were swiftly stifled. Clearly the plotting continued apace.

Settling Aggie on his hip, he said, "Now what's going on around here?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck in a stranglehold and babbled. Since "Papa" and "Mama" were the extent of her vocabulary, this was unsurprising.

All three children between Agatha and Peter flooded out into the front hall, hugging him and chattering in an explosion of happy noise. Their mother followed more slowly, but no less smilingly.  

"Papa!" Ellie said. "You should come to dinner now."

"May I take off my hat first?"

"You might even take off your coat, my dear," Catherine said. 

He leaned over their children's heads to kiss her. "You are all kindness, my love," he said, handing Aggie over so he could divest himself of his coat and hat.

"Papa, come and eat!" Jamie insisted, tugging at his breeches.

"My goodness, I must look famished indeed," he laughed, allowing himself to be herded like a single sheep by several overeager herding dogs towards the dining room. 

He stopped short on the threshold, staring at the strings of paper chains and the crooked silver stars stuck haphazardly to the walls. The table was laid with the good linen tablecloth they'd gotten from her parents on their marriage, and their best china and silver lay at each setting. 

"What's all this?" He looked around in genuine confusion.

"Papa!"

"It's - "

"Today - "

"Bir-thay," Aggie said, quite clearly, from Catherine's arms.

Then he remembered the date, and that it was his fortieth birthday. "Why," he said. "Why, so it is."

Catherine kissed Aggie's cheek. "I had a presentiment you would have forgotten, my dear," she said to him. "Luckily, your children plotted a celebration for you."

"Just the children?"

She tucked her chin and smiled through her lashes at him, just as delightful as the girl he'd flirted with at the Assembly Rooms a lifetime ago. "Don't let your birthday feast get cold, now."

His older brother and his father might sneer at their harum-scarum household, with even the youngest children included in most meals and running about the house instead of being confined to the nursery. But it suited Henry and Catherine very well, even when it took ten minutes and a scuffle over who was kicking whom under the table to get everyone seated. 

"This is capital," Henry said, after saying grace. "What a delightful birthday feast already, and I haven't even tasted it."

"You like it, Papa?" Ellie said, as the soup was served. 

"I like it very much. Did you work all afternoon on this?"

"Yes, and we just finished when you came in!"

"Just, just finished," said little Jenny.

"Did you? You know, if Peter hadn't come out to meet me in the lane, I would have caught you all before everything was ready."

Catherine grinned broadly. "Why do you think we sent him?"

He blinked at her, and then looked at his son, who was looking very smug. 

"Why Peter, you sly thing," Henry said. 

"Yes," Catherine said, giving the top of his head a noisy kiss and rumpling his hair, "I'm terribly proud."

He squirmed away, smoothing his hair down. "Motherrrr!"

FINIS