#pretty sure I would've cried if I'd actually lost it

[5-turtleducks-in-a-trenchcoat]

Some portraits of Victor, Henry and Elizabeth I did a while back.

My touchscreen didn’t work at that time so I had to do them with my mouse. Needless to say it was painful.

[happylandfill23]

23, 20,1 and 8 for the music asks!!!

thank you for the ask julian!! /gen

23. what's a song that makes you feel like a hot badass?

"cat people (putting out fire)" by david bowie!!

20. SHOW ME A PICTURE OF ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS. RIGHT NOW. I NEED TO SEE THEM.

instead of being painfully predictable and putting a photo of damon albarn, here's kurt cobain with a cat :]

1. what is your favorite song. right now. tell me.

oh man. it's hard to pick but one i've been really enjoying lately is "all i think about now" by the pixies

8. tell me about your favorite band. go on infodump for me.

oh boy get ready for me to infodump about gorillaz

i just love everything about them tbh, i loveee the music and the art and everything. i think my favourite album is probably demon days, not just by them but in general and when i found a copy of it on vinyl i literally cried in the middle of the store lmao you would think i'd actually seen damon and jamie there in the flesh i could not calm down. but it's in my possession now and i love it. only problem is it doesn't have the fade between dirty harry and feel good inc and it skips a bit during dare but it's perfect otherwise and every time i hear the fade between don't get lost in heaven and demon days i cry even though i've heard that fade several times before on my cd of the album it just. hits different on vinyl idk. i think phase two also has my favourite art style of all the phases?? idk though i loveeee the plastic beach artstyle and they all look so cool in their outfits (i even have that plastic beach era poster that i'm pretty sure everyone has lmaoo) and i love cyborg noodle!! i wish what happened to her was more clear and not changed like a million times, i also would've thought it would be cool to see her and noodle become friends. THEY COULD'VE BEENN SISYERS :( but no :(( also plastic beach always makes me sad i really really wish damon and jamie had gotten to do everything they'd wanted to with that album and it makes me so sad thinking about all the lost music and stuff. especially crashing down cuz that snippet from the russel ident was so beautiful :( also why did they delete all the plastic beach teasers from their official youtube channel??? like all the close-ups of the gorgeous model they built pretty much just for the album cover with the little snippets of music we never got (i'm quite fond of the one known as mr. light, which based on what we hear in the snippet i think it was reworked into damon albarn's daft wader, which is a gorgeous song from a gorgeous album) and the little character idents too. my favourite one is probably the cyborg noodle one, i love the creepy music and how we get to see what all the wires and stuff look like, it's just super cool. the russel one makes me really sad though :( man russel has been through so much. he deserves better man

ok this turned out even longer then i thought it would lmao i'm adding a cut before this rambling session 😭😭

thank u again for the asks btw!! /gen

[lovee-infected]

By my side

♥Leona Kingscholar ♥

Art credit

Well it still isn't too late to offer our dear Lion a bitter-sweet birthday gift , right ? Let him let go of his sad past and find happiness in this birthday night

...Sometimes I wondered why would I be even given birth to if this was the point life was going to drive me into ? If this was how it was supposed to be , I wished to never be born . Living without needing and to be needed , wanting and to be wanted , loving and to be loved was nothing different from death , some are given birth to by mistake , could it be that I as well was a mistake ? I was pretty sure that I was until something later changed my mind

Preview : Years has passed , each filled with dread , hatred , loneliness and dishonor . Unwanted pains shattering his heart to pieces , unexplainable emotions no one around him would ever care to imagine , endless tears fallen from his eyes over the years on his lonely corners , injured heart of him which no one ever cared to heal... But from now , things are going to be different . This year will be his new start because he has you by his side

Why did I always have to be the second one ...?

They say you've got to live your and only your life , that the only one holding you back from your dreams is you , that you can be anything if you try your hardest , and I tried

No , it wasn't only trying . I lived for my goal . I lived to become the strongest , I lived to be the one who brought honor to my family's name , I lived to pull myself out my brother's shadow , I lived to change my unwanted fate...but I couldn't . I cut back on my everything , my free time , my friends , my family , my own self . All to have my time to focus on my powers , to be an almighty magician . As I grew stronger , I begun to bring fear along myself. I got warned that I'm going way further than I ever should but it didn't matter . I still needed to be stronger , strong enough to prove that I'm worthy of being the next king

Farena brought light wherever he went and I brought...shadows . Shadows reflecting the terrifying darkness taming into my soul . I thought these would turn me into a worthy heir to my kingdom but they didn't , they turned me into something others called terrifying . Fearful . Greedy . Monster

My brother himself tried to hold me back for many times but I didn't listen , thinking that he was afraid of my strength which I thought had surpassed him so far . Even if it wasn't his purpose , this wasn't going to hold me back from the path I'd chosen ; it was too late

All they could see was my stunning powers growing more and more fearful day by day , slowly turning into a threat . No one ever saw what it took me to get to this point , no one ever cared . While children were playing outside and enjoying their short lasting carefree days , I had locked my self inside my hidden training spot , spending hours each day all alone there . Learning everything on your own isn't really pleasant , specially when no one's there to tell you how harmful magic can be . I was covered in dust and bruises each day after training , I even passed away of tire too many times right there

I have to admit...It doesn't really matter how much I grow . A part of me will always remain child because I sacrificed my time to be a child when I had to enjoy it . Yeah , there's an extremely annoying cry baby hiding inside me... It came clear to me again on the day of my nephew's birthday , the day life proved me that I can never change my path , no matter how much I try , no matter how much I lose , no matter how much cry , no matter how much I suffer

All those pain , loneliness , hours of crying and wiping blood off my body was a waste . Not because I didn't try , no dear it wasn't ever my fault . It was this life . It wasn't ever fair...

That child...This was the end of me . The only thing I fought for , my very last chance to get all I ever wanted out of my life . Why?...why?? I gave up my all just to be respected ! To be looked up to ! To be wanted !! Didn't I lose enough...?

I couldn't take it anymore , I couldn't . I had lost my purpose to live , to breath , to exist . Suicide would've been a pretty simple and shameful way to end it all , but you won't believe it if I tell how many time I was too close to doing it . The story of the infamous king Scar was getting reflected into my life . I was becoming what I refused to be , I didn't want to be like him , I didn't want to be the monster he became but...Not everything always goes as you expect , right ?

When I announced that I'll be heading to Night Raven College , everyone knew that I'd finally given up to my dark side . I was no longer afraid of becoming the monster they warned me about ; this was my path

I started a new life with entering Night Raven College or this is what I thought . No was there to look down to me for my neglected past and that was enough for me , enough to not suffer much more . My mind finally came to a more stable zone , somehow I could pull some parts of my shattered personality together and that seemed to be good...but the holes in my heart , there was no way to get rid of them . Loneliness , pain and , isolation took more than having a more stable life to be forgotten , but I never knew that my medicine would one day come to me on their own

I used to think that you were just as empty as I was , perhaps even a lot weaker with not a single sight of magic inside you . May seem rude but I believe that was the first thing that made me have an interest in you : You made me feel superior . Don't hate my dear , but that's just how I grew up . Being compared to my brother my whole life and receiving endless critiques and blames on it . You do understand , don't you ? Told you , those holes in my heart needed to be filled . Bullying you was just a small part of it

Back then , you were nothing more than a child in my eyes . Your will to make a change and save others sounded pathetic to me ; not just because I looked down to you as a human , but rather because I saw myself inside you ; my unfulfilled wishes and useless tries . This was how I expected you to end up , just like me . But you didn't

Overblot may be counted as my most terrifying form , but it isn't the only the thing you saw through me . That was the very first time I show you the others how empty I was , how weak I felt . I revealed my holes and that made me feel unsafe

Considering how I was wrong about being superior to you and the way you saw how measurable and weak I could be , I wouldn't have been fascinated if you too had started looking down to me as a loser . It was odd of you to try and get closer to me instead , no wonder why I kept rejecting you at first . You were stubborn and I was moody , I didn't really like the two of us getting much closer . Helping you take back the Ramshackle dorm was supposed to be our very last business together but , I'm thankful that you didn't give up on me . I accepted the two of us becoming friends since you insisted , but I'd never imagined what great changes were coming to my life by letting you in

Your powerless self which I used to make fun of , became a way for me to spend sometime forgetting how strong my magic would be or how important it can be in my life . Having ice cream together , taking walks , talking like two friends would , these were nothing special but they were all new to me . I had to accept that it was nice having you around , finally someone that wasn't as annoying as the others

Finally I gained enough self-esteem to speak of my personal issues , stuff that were bothering me over the years . I didn't want you to do anything about them , I just needed a listener . But to see how you cried hearing my pain... I- I wasn't ever expecting that . You were not only the first one to know but also the first to care...that shook my heart

When you said that you wanted me to spend more time with my family specially brother and nephew , I couldn't help but to laugh it off . But the way you actually forced me into doing it seemed to by quite childish at first . I was too selfish to even call my brother but you were there to force me into doing it - It felt like you were my mum sitting next to phone to see if I talk politely or not, but it worked out anyway

As the time passed , many things changed . Our small friendship was now way further than were it once was , specially now that I look how you changed me and my life over

Farena and I are now much better than we used to be , I can now really feel like I have someone as my older brother , not a symbol to be compared with . My family now check on my casually asking how I am doing . I still refuse to go home since I still have a lot to take care of here , but I can somehow feel that I as well missed them too . For so long I thought that I was forgotten , invisible and unwanted . But after you showing up in my life , I can finally see what it means to be alive

My dear (y/n) , I'm still learning to be a better me and need you by my side to learn me how to , so I'm not yet prepared to tell you how I feel . I kept on learning to be a great magician for years and now , it's time for me to learn to be a great lover , someone worthy of your love and attention , someone you'd like to remain by his side for eternity

I love you (y/n) , not just because of giving me all I needed for my whole life , not because of making me feel like I have a real family after the years , not because of helping me gain all respect and honor I always wanted to have , but for showing me that my path as well can be changed

Tonight here I am with my family , friends and you by my side , celebrating a date I called filthy for the past 20 years of my life :

" Happy birthday Leona! "

The crybaby inside me isn't going to shut the hell tonight- I know that I shouldn't cry but , I can't help it . My first tears in front on someone else than myself fall not because of pain this time , but due to the unbelievable happiness and joy my heart has drowned into . I look at you , your bright smile giving me straight and your beautiful eyes keeping on bringing light to soul . Even if my birth was a mistake , I would mow say that it's the most beautiful mistake that could have ever happened in my life

My family , my friends , and my beloved (y/n) , I need them all , and I'm glad to see that they as well need me . I want them in my life , and I'm proud that they as well want me . I love you (y/n) and I would die to see that you too love me , but even if you don't , that will never change my feelings for you . For the first time in my life , I feel alive . And it's all thanks to you , because of you by my side

I can't help but to hug you tight , feeling your warmth close to me . Digging my head into your shoulder as I let go of heavy tears in my eyes : " Thank you , (y/n)..."

♦♥♠♣

Tagging : @ji-yaaan @lilyholo @yandere-wishes

[roselen-mylady]

In Another Life

Bucky Barnes x reader ° part thirteen

Summary: Waiting 88 years to find your soulmate? It was cruel. But it was a cruel fate Bucky would have to face whether he accepted it or not. Bucky was a tortured man all his life and he wasn't even granted the solace of having his soulmate at his side. All he had was the promise of one in another life. They were separated by two different times.

But the pain in their lives were connected.

Y/n had been alone ever since she could remember. All she could depend on was the soulmate that was destined to be at her side. Yet when the snap occured she lost him.

And Bucky never got to meet her.

When Y/n awoke that morning there was nothing. No terrifying nightmare leaving her in a cold sweat. No hot tears streaking her cheeks as her guilt seeped free of her subconscious. There was only a vague tiredness that came with just waking up and as she slowly gained awareness, she'd realized what had awoken her. 

Bucky's arm had latched around her waist in his sleep, the vibranium piece chilling her warmed flesh. She'd been mostly used to the feeling but some nights, especially colder ones where he left his arms atop the covers before drawing them back to her, she found the sensation shocking but pleasant. If anything it was a reminder of him and his frozen past she was thawing more and more each day. 

Her fingers overlapped his own, entangling their hands together as she shifted herself to face him. His eyes moved under their lids, some dream that would soon be forgotten playing in his head as he slept. It was peaceful watching the way his chest rose and fell or the way his lips slightly parted with each breath. Admiring the way his lashes barely brushed his cheeks as he stirred, imagining the sea of blue that was hidden from her. 

He was beautiful. A kind of beautiful that wasn't shared with the world but a beautiful that was obvious to those around him. A beauty that started in his heart and seeped to each of his features. A beautiful person. 

"You okay?" His voice was gruff with sleep and his eyes barely peeked open enough to see her. The question was followed by a long yawn he tried rather pathetically to stop along with the small jerk as he moved closer into her side. 

She nodded, smiling lovingly as her hand came to his face, running her palm along his cheek. "I'm fine, go back to sleep." She lulled, her hand trailing up to his short strands and lightly brushing her nails against his scalp. 

He leaned into her touch for a moment before sleep took him once more. Sleep had always been something touch and go with them. But tonight it was granted and she couldn't shake the feeling that it was a small mercy for whatever they had to face in the future. 

But she refused to allow her thoughts to keep her up. 

And as she drifted off to sleep once more she promised herself that the only thing she'd let wake her up in the middle of the night would be the cold limb of her love.  

••• 

When Y/n awoke again, her head was on Bucky's chest. His breaths were steady but faster than usual sleep would allow so she knew he was awake, probably exploring the new tech she'd put on his phone, fascinated by the advances of 2024. 

Moving her hand across his bare chest, she could feel the shape of the muscle there, firm with years of use. Pulling her hand closer toward herself, she could feel the raised scar tissue where they'd attached his arm. She traced the skin there, his arm coming to rub her back as he eased her out of her sleepy daze. 

Morning Bucky was a sight to behold. It was like his past hadn't quite caught up with him yet and she could only imagine it was the same for herself. It was like they were still dreaming and this particular morning she wanted to do everything in her power to stay there with him. But Bucky was unaware of such plans. 

"You have a meeting in an hour." His words rumbled through his chest and Y/n sighed, half heartedly glaring at him from her lazy position across his torso. 

"You're really killing the mood." She hummed, burying herself further into his chest as his metal thumb brushed along her shoulder. There was a soft thud on the bedside table and Y/n guessed he'd set down his phone before moving his other arm to hold her as he chuckled. 

"What mood?" He questioned. Y/n didn't even have to look up at him, already picturing his amused but Loving smile.  

"The 'sunlight pouring in through the window while laying in the arms of the man you love' mood. In this scenario, they don't usually remind each other of nonsensical things such as meetings." She explained, earning another laugh from him. 

"Well, I'll keep that in mind for next time." He promised. A mock gasp slipped from her lips and she dramatically propped herself up, looking at him with playful eyes. 

"Next time? After killing the mood like this? Who do you think you are?" She couldn't help the smile that spread across her lips as his eyes mimicked her own teasing manner. 

"The man that you love." He answered rather matter of factly. Her cheeks burned at his words but she was too prideful to let him win, even in banter. 

So in a cunning and mischievous turn of events, she leaned forward, capturing his lips in a lingering kiss. Their lips moved slow, in no rush for anything but themselves as his hands came to grip her waist. There was a type of passion behind the kiss. It was like a fire but not the type that was fast and destructive. It wasn't wild and certainly showed no sign of going out anytime soon. 

It was the type of fire that started slow but once it was started, it burned throughout the night. The kind that kept warm and persistent despite strong winds. A slow burn. A burn Y/n hoped would never go out. 

"You're playing dirty." Bucky breathed as she pulled away, his lips still parted as if expecting her lips to return to his own once more. 

"I thought you liked that." She retorted making him shake his head. 

"As much as I'd like to lay here with you all day, we both have places to be." He changed the subject quickly. Y/n smiled knowing she'd won but nodded in agreement. Like Bucky had so kindly reminded her, she had a meeting with Pepper about budget and as much as she hated it, she needed to attend. 

Reluctantly she climbed off of him, allowing him to get up with a long stretch. His sweatpants had sunk a little, just hanging on his hip bones as he walked and while she would gladly watch him walk the rest of his way to the closet, his phone buzzed beside her making her turn her gaze away. 

"Sam's texting you." Y/n called after sparing a glance at the notification reading 'Bird Brain'. It was a weak insult but Bucky was pretty proud of it so the name seemed to stick despite Sam's protests. 

"Can you answer him, please?" Bucky replied, the quiet shifting of hangers following as he searched for something to wear. 

She stretched, detangling herself from the covers before reaching over and grabbing his phone. He didn't have a password which Y/n had advised him against but he didn't seem to listen. Her tech was secure though so she wasn't too worried. Powering it on, she smiled softly at the picture of them he had set as his screen.

"He says he wants you to meet him for coffee. Is that code for something? Is that a mission?" She called, a little excited with the idea of a mission. He'd never allowed her to go with them before, something about not being hired by the government or some nonsense she didn't feel like listening to. 

"I think Sam's just got a bit of a caffeine addiction." Bucky chuckled, tugging on his jeans and coming to sit on the bed as he slipped on his socks and shoes. 

She frowned playfully, a little disappointed that she wouldn't be able to try the new addition to her suit, an advancement she fondly called, 'Hellraiser'. 

"I can drop you off at the Tower before I go meet him. That is, if you actually get dressed." Bucky smiled, nudging her leg as he stood back up. He was a morning person and for that she had to condemn him but he had his moments, such as always waking her in time for work. 

"I'm gonna shower real quick. Don't leave without me, I wanted to show you what Peter and I have been working on." She explained, climbing up from the bed and rushing off to the bathroom. 

Bucky watched her go, smiling at his stolen clothing on her body as he stood and grabbed his phone. He made his way down stairs to the kitchen, swiping through the news app as he did. He tried his best to ignore the news like Y/n told him but sometimes he gave in, sparing a glance at what the media had to say about him. 

But before he could read any of the articles, a small white puff of fur pounced in front of him, nearly making him fall down the stairs in an effort to avoid it. 

"Alpine!" He cried, a little annoyed but mostly worried for the safety of their kitten. She was a little ball of pure marshmallow and while she seemed too adorable to be the menace she was, Bucky saw through her act, narrowing his eyes on her. 

"You're gonna get stepped on one of these days." He frowned, trying in vain to not let her curious, blue gaze melt his heart. 

However he eventually gave in and with a sigh he leaned down, plucking her from the ground and letting her sit in the crook of his arm, her little paws hanging over his shoulder. With his only obstacle now secure in his arm, he slipped his phone into his pocket and continued to the kitchen. 

The sun had just begun to rise, flooding the space in an orange glow. It was peaceful, a peace Bucky had grown used to in the six months Y/n and him had been together. He knew that was only a short period of time but after all the time they'd been without each other, it almost seemed like they were moving too slow. He would've married her the moment he met her if he could but he knew he didn't have to for her to be his. They needed each other and he was sure there wasn't a thing on Earth that could tear them apart. 

The smell of coffee wafted through the air and Bucky smiled, setting Alpine down on the counter and grabbing her bowl. She meowed impatiently, the tiny little sound making him chuckle as he poured some of her food into the bowl. "Oh, I know. Life is so hard having to wait for one of us to feed you every morning." He spoke to her sarcastically. She ignored him, burying her face in her bowl as his hand came to pet her back, running along the soft fur rhythmically.

Soon the coffee machine beeped, a freshly brewed pot of coffee steaming and ready to go. But before Bucky could reach over and pour the cups he'd set out, Y/n slid in next to him, pouring them for him. 

"I thought you were going to be late." Bucky remarked, sparing a glance at the clock as he tugged her into his chest playfully. She giggled, shaking her head as she leaned into his touch, brushing an arm past him to pet Alphine.  

"Me? Late? Doesn't sound like me." She replied, pecking his lips hastily before pulling away. Her hair was still wet and her make-up was fresh along with her perfume. He felt a little shabby next to her, his hair still ruffled with sleep and his shirt wrinkled. 

The suit she wore was her favorite, charcoal and pinstripe, reminding him almost of the mock gangsters of his time from the movies. Her pants were fitting around her waist and loosened toward her legs, making her appear taller, more powerful. It was flattering on her but that wasn't what attracted his attention. 

Instead it was her chest. She wore a matching vest along with a similar blazer folded over her arm, ready to wear. The vest came down in a deep V and there were no sleeves, exposing much of her skin and most of her scars. 

The purple marks spanned out from her heart like lightning and while he believed it to be graceful and unique, she often didn't share his opinion. He admired them nonetheless. It reminded him of her strength. Her courage. Reminded him why he loved her. 

"Uh huh, so that time we were two hours late to our own gala...that wasn't you?" He countered. Y/n sipped her cup, humming as she quickly swallowed to further argue her case. 

"Nope. Now come on, you're gonna make us late." She teased, slipping on her blazer and grabbing her cup. He followed her actions, sparing one more scratch to Alpine's head before pacing after her down to the first floor. 

"These damned heels." She groaned, pausing momentarily to adjust them as they made their way to the door. He chuckled at her predicament, plucking the keys from the hook as she walked out onto the street. 

"Why are you wearing them if they're such torture devices?" Bucky raised his brow at her, grabbing his coat and stepping out onto the street with her. It was a quiet morning and people were just barely beginning to stir out of their homes, heading off to work or dropping off kids at school. 

"They were a gift from Wanda and they're gorgeous. Leave me alone so I can suffer in peace as I wear them in." Bucky chuckled at her reply, slipping into the driver's seat and placing his coffee in the cup holder as she did the same. 

The drive to the Tower was short on good days. And as they drove Bucky realized that it happened to be one of those days. The drive was long enough for conversation but spared the stressful traffic that usually came with morning commutes. 

"Hey, I was gonna drop by and pick up Peter from school today." Y/n mentioned, putting on her earpiece as they drove. 

Bucky nodded absently, his focus half on the truck beside them that didn't seem to know how to drive. "Ok. Does he need a ride or something? I could stop by on the way home." He offered, knowing Y/n would have to cancel a meeting or two to get him. Y/n shook her head, waving a dismissive hand. 

"Nah, he said he wanted an appearance from Iron Star. He wanted to impress a girl or something." She explained, seeming a bit distracted as something played through her earpiece.

"Ah." Bucky replied, remembering vaguely of his advice to the boy. Of course he'd meant approach her through his alter ego but Bucky supposed having Iron Star show up at his school would definitely attract the attention of the feminist girl he was head over heels for. 

"I told him that MJ would admire his personality and intelligence rather than his connections but he didn't seem to think so." Y/n continued, sending a glance toward her soulmate. 

He chuckled, knowing he'd been caught. "Can you blame him? He's a 17 year old boy who thinks the best part of him is Spider-Man. He's young and still figuring himself out. He's still figuring out women." 

"Figuring out women?" Y/n raised a brow at this. Bucky gave her a look.

"Well, doll, when I was Peter's age I wasn't exactly the smooth talker you know today." He teased. She shook her head with a laugh, muting whatever she was listening to.  

"Is that so?" 

"God honest truth." Bucky replied, smiling as her hand slipped into his free one. 

"So what exactly changed?" Y/n asked, loving the stories he'd tell her. It was like listening to a very young looking grandfather and as weird as it sounded, she often enjoyed it. 

"Well, you, actually. When I was young I never sought after girls cause I knew I'd have you. But when I got my countdown…" He trailed off, both knowing the rest. Y/n knew he was still sore but he was a lot better then he had been. At least that's what Steve had told her. 

"Maybe we should stop for breakfast." Y/n suggested, trying to take his mind off of the thing that had haunted him most his life. 

However Bucky shook his head at this, giving her a soft smile. "No, I don't want to make you late. Shouldn't keep Pepper waiting." He explained, squeezing her hand lovingly. Y/n smiled at him, knowing he was right. 

If only they had stopped. 

When they arrived at the Tower it was 7 a.m. and the place was beginning to flood with people. As he pulled up on the street in front of the building, a man he recognized as one of Y/n's employees walked toward them, offering to park for him. 

Bucky thought nothing of it, as the younger man had done it for them every day. Instead he climbed out, handing the man the keys and walking around to open Y/n's door. She smiled at him, placing her hand in his as she stepped out onto the street. 

Once in the building, Y/n was greeted by the secretary along with a few other employees who usually saw her in the mornings. It was normal and Bucky even got a few 'hellos' of his own. 

They made their way to the elevator, a private one that led straight to the top floor. It was a penthouse of sorts with three floors separate from the rest of the building and while Pepper explained that they could move into this space, Y/n decided to instead turn it into a lounge for employees. Something about their job being just as hard as hers. 

She kept the top floor for her office along with a meeting room for her discussions with Pepper. But the rest of the penthouse space was for employees. Bucky was glad she'd arranged it like so. He quite liked their home in Brooklyn. 

Y/n tapped her earpiece lightly as they headed up, her gaze distant and her body tense. A holographic headset had appeared around her and Bucky caught a glimpse of what she'd been looking at last, what had distressed her so.  

Omega. 

Yet before he could say anything, she swiped it all away, bringing up blueprints for what she'd been working on with Peter. 

"So what happens when too much electricity builds up in one place?" She questioned him suddenly as the elevator dinged, stepping out with him at her side. 

"It overloads?" He replied, unsure. 

"Yes, exactly." She pointed a finger at him, smiling excitedly as she turned back to the hologram. Swiping away the top blueprint she was able to bring up a chart, enlarging it for them both. "Now the energy in the stones is similar to electricity and this is how much energy from each of the stones is in my heart." Y/n started, beginning up the stairs as he studied it. 

Each of the stones were on the chart, most with small percentages, which would've put him at ease if he hadn't seen which stones had the greater percentage. 

The Power Stone was the greatest. By her calculations there was enough in her to level New York. And if that wasn't concerning enough, the second biggest energy source in her was the Soul Stone, the one stone they didn't truly understand. 

"Why are you showing me this?" He asked, his voice low and troubled. Rather than answer him, Y/n simply pulled up another image, one that made them both stop halfway up the staircase. "Is that-?" 

"Yeah. It is." A joyful smile graced her lips as he stared at her in disbelief. They nearly fell down the stairs as Bucky crashed into her, hugging her like it was the first time. They let out an airy laugh as relief washed through them both. She would be okay. And Bucky was grateful. 

"What are we doing here? We should go to Bruce and have the procedure done now." Bucky demanded, grabbing her hand and beginning to make his way down the stairs. 

"Whoa there, hotch." Y/n chuckled, not moving from her step. Bucky looked back at her stunned. "It's still a prototype, genius. That's part of the reason I'm going to get Peter today." 

Bucky frowned a little but understood her explanation. He was just so worried. And she knew that. "Buck, look at me." She told him, pulling him closer to her, meeting eye to eye as he stood a few steps below her. Her tender hands came to hold his face, looking at him sternly as her thumbs brushed his cheek. 

"I know how important this is, trust me, I do. But I'll survive one more day. I need to do this right or else the energy may react badly. Okay?" She spoke softly, her eyes searching his for acceptance. 

Eventually he gave in, ducking his head further into her palms, kissing one gently. "Alright." He sighed softly, looking back up at her. "Tomorrow." 

"Tomorrow." Y/n confirmed, leaning in carefully and pressing the tenderest of kisses to his lips. He kissed her back but she pulled away too soon upon catching sight of Corey arriving on the floor. Her assistant caught sight of them, making her way over as the two parted. 

"Ms. L/n, I have those files you asked for." She told her, handing Y/n a stack of papers. Y/n nodded, smiling gratefully at Corey. 

"Thank you." Y/n looked at her watch before sending a quick glance to the conference room. "Any word from Pepper? I was sure she'd be here before me." Y/n wondered, watching as Corey checked the tablet in her arms. 

"Ms. Potts is running a bit late. She's asked me to tell you to prep without her." Corey replied. Y/n sighed, a little worried about how the meeting would go with the advisors without Pepper's help but she figured it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. She was the owner of the company after all. 

"Alright, thank you." Y/n smiled, turning and beginning to make her way up the steps once more. Corey nodded, heading the other direction as Bucky followed Y/n. But then suddenly Y/n stopped, turning back to Corey. 

"And Corey?" 

The assistant stopped, facing Y/n with her eyebrows pulling into a look of confusion. Y/n paused a moment, calculating her words carefully. 

"Good morning." She settled on, giving up on the words she'd wanted to say. 

Corey's look of confusion morphed into a shocked one and a hint of a forced smile began to emerge on her face. It was like she hadn't been expecting to smile and for that she seemed more annoyed than cheerful. 

"Good morning, ma'am." 

And with that she left, heading off to attend to other matters within the Tower that needed her attention. Y/n watched her leave, her eyes trained on the woman's every move. 

A feeling she didn't want to acknowledge settled in her gut but she ignored it, instead sharing a look with Bucky and making it the rest of the way to her office. 

"Did something happen with you and Corey?" Bucky asked suddenly. Y/n chewed her lip knowing nothing got past her soulmate. It was a troublesome feature but definitely had it's advantages. 

"Nothing important." She sighed, not daring to face him. He read her too easily. "Don't you have to meet up with Sam?" Bucky scoffed at her question, moving to follow her to her desk. 

"He'll be fine without me for a little while." Bucky ignored her nonsensical worries, taking hold of her hand once it was freed of the papers she'd set down. "Hey, what's the matter?" 

Y/n reluctantly looked up at him, unconsciously leaning into him as he stood before her. "What's going on? Is it Omega?" He asked tenderly, not wanting to upset her. She frowned, opening her mouth to reply. 

But something behind him caught her gaze and all the air vanished from her lungs. Then suddenly all the bad feelings she'd been getting that morning made sense. "Get down!" She screamed a moment too late. 

Before Bucky could even process what she'd said, heat enclosed them, flooding through the room. Flames rampaged around them but Y/n could hardly notice as they were sent flying back toward the window. 

All she could see was Bucky as the impact struck him. And only one thought ran through her head. 

Omega. 

•••

Just moments ago, CEO of R.E.S.T.O.R.E., Y/n L/n and her rumored soulmate, James Buchanan Barnes became the latest victims in the recent chain of bombings linked to the notorious Omega, a believed terrorist. The exact number of casualties in this horrific event is unclear but it is believed that Ms. L/n and Mr. Barnes have been confirmed dead. 

•••six months before•••

"Are you sure she's ready for that? I know well enough to trust Stark's plans but she's still young. Are you sure you want to put that kind of responsibility on her?" Fury asked, staring at the lake. The woman they spoke of was strong and definitely too intelligent for her own good. But was she ready for the world to depend on her? Was she ready to rebuild it from the ground up? 

"We don't have a choice. And honestly I don't think I'd choose anyone else. I trust Tony and I trust her. She'll figure it out, she just needs our help." Pepper replied, sending a glance back to her daughter who sat on the porch with Happy. 

"This isn't about trust. This is about capability. Trust me, I know how much she's grown over the last decade but that doesn't mean she's ready. The world isn't exactly gonna accept her help with open arms. If anything, she'll become a target for the backlash." Fury sighed, this eye patch squeaking in protest as he furrowed his brows. 

Pepper frowned, knowing he was right. The world was cruel and despite all they'd done for the world, their mistakes were all that the world seemed to see. And unfortunately as the world began anew, Y/n would be the main figure for that anger. 

"Then she'll need our help more than ever." 

Part fourteen

Taglist

@cancanmarvel

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@eldahae

@mc225g

@kissesofdeadforme

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@sxphiiwrld

@lunaticbarnes

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@3aileypage

@mela-noche

@homosexual-having-tea

@steve-rogcrs

@yayrainday

[the-holiest-ground]

The State of my Mental Health

Will I be able to finish this blog entry without reliving and crying about the ugliest parts of my year, ten months in?

I can't even count how many times I have tried to convince and gaslight myself into thinking that I am okay and that I'll get over everything that happened. Going through the months, calling these moments a rough patch is an understatement; it's a wild forest out here.

To be honest, I can't recall how many times I have cried and overthought myself to sleep, and how many times I've waited for people to ask me once if I'm alright—which I'm pretty sure I'd avoid answering anyway. I don't have the actual words or whatever term to call my current state of mind, maybe it's somewhere between being okay and not.

The first half of my year was the most excruciating, I lost people I loved. I spent most of my days trying to live around my grief, I spent most of my days trying to put all the unspent love I had left on every little thing I could find.

But my grief became the only thing I held onto to keep myself sane. I am learning to keep all my love left because that's what my grandma would've wanted if I had told her.

Half of me is starting to love its solitude, while the world gets the other half of me. I learned to keep things to save myself, but I also learned that even in my darkest days—I can let it out to the world.

Long story short, there's still a long way to go for me, but I'll get there. Slowly and surely, to better days ahead!

[ask-agent-rapzutin-vodello]

Norma/Frazie week Day 3: Pirates AU

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This one was fun to write, and has inspired me to start thinking of an actual Pirate AU story inspired by this one. Heavily Norma x Frazie, but I have a role for everyone in mind. Might take a long while before I can start on it, so in the meantime: have fun reading this one.

If there was one thing that Norma could be proud of during this entire ordeal, it was that she didn't beg or cried once. Not when the pirates blasted holes in the ship she was on. Not when she saw the captain cut down in front of her eyes. Not when they dragged her, kicking and screaming to the brig of their ship. Not when they chained her up to the wall. Not when they beat her when she didn't want to 'demonstrate her worth'. Not when the pirate captain slit the throat of man that beat her for 'damaging the wares'. She didn't even beg when they placed the red hot brand against her arm. She yelled, cursed and shouted. But she never begged or cried.

She wouldn't give them that satisfaction.

She had lost count of how long she had been on the pirate's ship. A week? Maybe longer. She'd been alone the entire time. Only the obnoxious ramblings of her 'warden of the day' to keep her company. They kept her fed – barely and made sure she drank – no matter how hard she refused to drink that swill they dared to call water.

The entire time, she had been chained to the wall, her arms suspended. Her body just lowered enough she could barely touched the ground.

The sound of screaming and cursing woke her up from her thoughts. A pair of her captors came down, each holding tightly to a shouting person. A girl her age, Norma noticed sadly. Another one to fall victim to the pirates? She hadn't heard any sort of battle outside.

“OH, YOU MUST FEEL LIKE SUCH STRONG MEN, CAPTURING A GIRL ADRIFT IN A DINGHY! TAKES SOME REAL THOUGHIES!” The girl shouted, kicking her feet to no avail. The pirates chained up her hands and quickly left. “OI, LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M PUTTING YOUR MANHOOD INTO QUESTION!”

The girl snapped her gaze to Norma. She gave a soft smile, fluttering her eyes. “Hi there.”

The sudden change in her tone of voice took Norma by surprise, making her giggle softly. “Hi.” She managed weakly, cracking a small smile. “You come here often?”

“Not really, but had I'd known a pretty girl was here, I would've been here sooner.” She gave Norma a cocky grin. “Frazie Aquato.”

“Norma Natividad. A pleasure to meet you. ” She replied, doing an attempt at a curtsy, despite having her arms suspended. She let out a saddened sigh.“At least I have some company now … Just do what they say, and they'll leave you alone ...for the most part.”

Frazie's eye fell on the small brand on Norma's upper arm. “These guys are slavers?”

Norma nodded. How did they get you?”

Frazie sighed “The ship I was one got into some trouble and we had to bail.” She said. “I ended up alone in a little boat without any sort of oars and got cast adrift for a few days. I thought my luck had changed when I saw this ship, but I quickly realized these fellas weren't rescuing me by the goodness of their hearts.” She gave Norma a compassionate smile. “You look like you've been here a while.”

Norma sighed. “I think I've been here a week? Maybe longer? I've lost count.”

“Any others like you on this ship?”

Norma shook her head. "I have been alone all that time..."

Frazie gave Norma a long, inspecting look. “You a noble? That dress yer wearing might be tattered now, but even a sea monkey like myself can see that's some real fancy fabric.” She commented.

Norma chuckled. “No, not really a noble, but my family had enough money to be counted as one.”

“Where are you from?”

“London.”

“You don't sound it.”

“I was born on the Caribbean seas.” Norma said. “Lived there most of my life, until my father died and mother was forced to remarry and move back to Britain. She ...died a few years ago.”

“And how did you end up from London in this part of the ocean?”

“Not by choice, I'll tell you that.” Norma said with a roll of her eyes. “My family owns a shipping company, but … my 'dear stepfather' has run the company to the ground. Whatever wealth my parents had made in their time together, my stepfather managed to burn away. We – or do I need to say HE – was going to lose everything. So ...he came up with a plan to make sure he doesn't have to surrender his preferred life style.”

“Why do I have the feeling you are part that plan?”

“Oh, I had a part to play, indeed. I was on my way to the American Colonies for that very thing.” Norma scowled. “My step-...Charles made a business arrangement with a wealthy plantation owner.”

Frazie scoffed. “Let me guess, one of the marrying against your will kind?” She asked. “And would I be wrong if I guessed that the man in question is about three times your age?”

Norma laughed, but no humor or amusement was present in it. “Lord Harkens' wife was unable to bear him any children. He still wants an heir, so … Off to the Colonies I go.”

Frazie raised an eyebrow. “Why did you go along with it.”

Norma barked out a laugh. “Do you really think I had any sort of say in this matter?” She asked rhetorically. “My stepfather never cared for me or my sister Lizzie. If he did, he would've ...I don't know what he'd do.”

“Was your sister with you?”

“No, she's still is back home. Not that is any better from where I'm hanging. With the way she was fighting to keep me home, she is probably still locked up in her room.” Norma sighed, letting her head hang. “We had been sailing for a week when these pirates attacked. We thought that if we'd just gave them whatever wealth we had on the ship and they'd leave us. But they ...wanted more.”

“Slaves.” Frazie guessed.

Norma nodded. “Captain Barkley and his men fought with all their might, but ….” She inhaled and let out her breath in shudders. “Soon, there were only 6 men left, the captain included. He locked himself and me in his quarters, while his men tried to fend of those ...beasts.” She hung her head. “They slit his throat right in front of my eyes.” She looked down to her dress, to the dried streak of blood that stained it.

“I am so sorry this happened to you.” Frazie said with genuine compassion in her voice. “Everything. What your stepfather did. The pirates. What you had to see.”

Norma cracked a smile. “I never broke, though.” She said, with a hint of desperate triumph in her voice. “I never cried. I never begged. Never.”

“You must be tougher than you look.” Frazie joked.

Norma chuckled, but soon let out a sad sigh. “I ended up from one slave ship to another ...” She said.

Frazie bit her lower lip. “Did ...did they ...touch you? Did they do anything to you?”

“No, the captain didn't want 'the goods be spoiled'.” She chuckled. “A bit too late for that.”

Frazie grinned. “Left some men with broken hearts behind?”

Norma blushed. “Not 'men', per se.”

“Oh really?” Frazie said. She wiggled her eyebrows. She let out a sultry sigh. “Oh, if only these chains were a little closer.” She said with a grin. “You could give me a demonstration.”

Norma laughed out loud. She laughed for a while. “Don't take this the wrong way, but I wish we'd met a while earlier. Maybe my time here would have been more tolerable.”

“I would have certainly tried my best.” Frazie said with a grin.

Norma fell silent for a while.

She took a deep breath. “I don't know where they'll taking me, but the first chance I get, the moment I can use my hands ...I'm ending it. Right here. I rather die at sea where I belong, than in chains.”

A silence fell between them again. “You love the sea, don't you?” Frazie eventually asked with a smile.

“Me and my sister were born on ships like this.” Norma said, looking up with a smile, like she could use the ceiling to gaze into a better time. “My first breath of air was blown in from sea. First thing I saw were the clouds in the sky. The waves rocked me to sleep. Storms taught me that there were scarier things than nightmares. But when father died and mother had to marry ...him, we moved to London and I didn't step foot on a ship until he send me away.”

Frazie fell silent as she watched her companion. She smiled widely. “Okay, I have made up my mind.” She said with a wide, cocky grin. “I have decided to get you out of here.”

Norma laughed. “Okay, go right ahead.”

Frazie grinned wickedly. “You think I won't do it.”

“Oh, I believe you.” Norma said, her tone of voice clearly betraying the fact she doesn't believe it. “I even will give you a big kiss.”

“Ooh, how big a kiss we're talking about?”

“Like two star-crossed lovers who are finally reunited after a long, long time at sea” Norma joked with a soft smile. She chuckled. “Complete with the sun setting behind them. How does that sound?”

“Promising. I'll take it.” Frazie answered. “But how would I know you'll keep your promise?”

“I'll give you your reward, as long as you promise to take me away and bring me to the sea. Bring me to places I have never seen before. I want to wake up with the smell of the sea in my nose and go to sleep with a sea of stars above me. Let us sail together forever.”

“Okay, I'll promise.”

“Good.”

Both girl giggled.

“Shaddup in dere.” A gruff voice yelled from the room next door.

Frazie groaned. “You 'shaddup', coral brain. We're having a moment here!”

“Ah sed, shaddup!” The voice called again.”

“'Ah sed shaddup!'” Frazie mimicked in a mocking tone. She barked out a laugh. “You know, I always thought they never could teach a monkey how to speak. Looks I was wrong.”

“What the heck are you doing?” Norma hissed.

Frazie just responded with a wink.

A stool scraped in the other room and a big, burly brute walked in– or rather wobbled in. He looked like he had been drinking, celebrating their latest catch, most likely. He had a cutlass in his hands, which he pointed at Frazie.

Frazie made a face. “Ew, guess I was really wrong.” She grinned. “You look more like a gorilla.” She mock gagged. “Smell like on too. I'll call you Mr. Gorilla.”

In a few steps, Mr. Gorilla was right in front of Frazie. “How 'bout ah cut oud tha' little tongue o' yours?” He breathed out. Norma wished to the Lord he didn't, because she could smell his breath from where she was hanging.

Frazie grinned wickedly. Her eyed darted briefly to his belt, where a key was dangling loosely. She looked up with a sweet smile. “I don't think the captain behind you would be very pleased with that.”

Mr. Gorilla blinked in confusion. “Wha? The Cap'n?” He wobbled around. “Dere no cap'n ...”

In a blink of an eye, Frazie's legs shot up, wrapping them around Mr. Gorilla's neck in a tight, tight embrace. The legs pushed against his throat so hard, that any kind of sound he made came out as muffled gurgles. Frazie, her face contorted in pure anger, hissed something in his ear in a language she couldn't understand.

She quickly jerked her body around as fast she could. There was a wet, cracking sound. Mr. Gorilla's eyes went wide, his while body shuddered and soon ...fell limp. Frazie let out a breath and unwrapped one leg from the dead man's neck and reached down to his belt. It took a few tries, but she managed to use her toes to grab hold on the key. She unwrapped her other leg and Mr. Gorilla fell in a crumpled heap on the floor. Motionless. Dead.

Frazie lifted her legs up, higher than Norma thought a person could do. The latter hadn't said a thing the entire time. Her mind was still trying to keep up with everything that just happened. Her eyes darted to the room the now deceased Mr. Gorilla had walked out. No-one else was coming. There was no sound indicating anyone else was there.

She looked to Frazie again, who had lifted her legs above her head and somehow, managed to put the keep into the lock that held her hands together. Her tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth, her face was a vision of concentration as she tried to turn the key using her toes. She noticed something on her upper arm. A tattoo. A tattoo of a water drop, impaled by two crossed swords. Norma gasped. She knew that symbol.

The cuffs clicked open and Frazie fell on Mr. Gorilla, using his body to cushion her fall. With a big grin, she jumped up, grabbed the key out the lock and approached Norma, who was still looking at Frazie in disbelieve, her mouth agape.

“Now, I believe you made a promise?” Frazie said with a grin, spinning the key around her finger. “Something about a kiss when I got you out of here?”

Norma could only stammer and stutter. “I ...you ...He”

Frazie giggled. “You're right. We're technically not out of here ...yet.”

Norma found her voice again. “You weren't caught by accident, weren't you?”

Frazie giggled. “You're a smart one.” She said with a grin. “We heard about slavers in these parts of our seas and we decided to act. I volunteered to be 'helpless captive'. Good thing too.”

“You're a pirate.” Norma said. “You got a tattoo of the Flying Swordsman on your arm.”

Frazie smile fell. “You're REALLY smart.”

Norma tried to push herself closer against the wall, as if she was trying to get away from Frazie. “What ...what are you going to do with me?”

Frazie sighed, but managed to smile. “Just like I said. I am going to free you and get you away from here.” She gave Norma the warmest smile she could muster. “I know you and me just met and I kinda lied from the very start, but I am not lying about this. I only have good intentions here. You can trust me.”

Norma remained silent for a few moments and nodded. Frazie grinned and reached up, trying to get the key in the locks holding Norma elevated. Her face to really close to Norma's.

Norma's lips suddenly were pressed briefly against Frazie's cheek, who froze, blinking in confusion. She slowly turned her head to the grinning Norma.

“Let's call that a small piece of payment in advance.” The latter said with a chuckle.

Frazie blinked a few times, but smiled from ear to ear. She let out a chuckle. “You are starting to become more and more my favorite person, Norma Natividad. She said with a grin. She leaned in real close to Norma, noses almost touching.“But what's stopping me from taking the rest of my payment right here, right now?”

“The pirates on the deck above us?”

“Good point, let's get out of here first.”

A few seconds later, Norma's cuffs sprang open and Norma fell, her legs having no strength to keep her up. If it weren't for Frazie catching her, she would have ended up on the floor.

“I got you, I got you.” She whispered, gently helping Norma sit down.

Norma rubbed her wrists. They were red and chafed, and there were a few small cuts from where the metal had pierced her skin, but she was free.

Free. The realization made her smile.

Frazie, in the meantime, had started dragging Mr. Gorilla to a corner of the room and stacking whatever she could find on top of him to cover him up. After she had done that, she stepped back and admired her work. “It won't hide him forever, but with any luck, we'll be off the ship before they have the chance to find him.”

“What now?” Norma asked. She tried to get up, but she was too weak.

“You, are going to rest for a bit first.” Frazie said, she vanished to the other room and soon returned with a lump of bread and a bottle. She smelled it and gagged, quickly throwing it on the pile she was hiding Gorilla under. She tossed the bread to Norma, who did not hesitate to start tearing pieces of it with her teeth. Frazie grinned. “Smaller bites, Princess. I didn't get myself into this, only to see you choke on bread.”

Norma's bread filled mouth manged to say something that sounded a lot like a muffled 'shut up'. Frazie grinned and sat down next to Norma, who offered her the bread. Frazie shook her head. “You need it more than me, right now. We better not dawdle too long here.”

After Norma had devoured the bread, they made their way up deck, with Norma having her arm around Frazie's shoulder.

Frazie peeked over the trapdoor. The night had fallen and It seemed everyone was either passed out drunk or in asleep in their quarters – possible while drunk.

“Okay, keep quiet.” Frazie whispered. She and Frazie made their way to the part of the ship where they kept their rowboats. Frazie made them halt when they saw a lone pirate standing by the boats, his gaze towards the sea. Frazie gently lowered Norma to the ground, pressed her finger against her lips and took a dagger she had liberated from Mr. Gorilla out of her belt. She sneaked closer and closer to the unsuspecting pirate, raising the dagger high in the air. Norma pressed her hands against her mouth, scared to make a sound. Frazie pounced, covering the man's mouth and with one swift move, slit his throat. The pushed the body into the ocean below them.

Frazie ran back to Norma, helping her up. “I'm sorry I'm making you see these these things.” She said with an apologetic grimace.

“They deserve it.” Norma hisses through her teeth.

Frazie brought Norma to the little rowboat and helped her in, but didn't jump in herself. She grabbed a tarp and threw it over a quietly protesting Norma. “Stay here, I will be right back.” She said, covering Norma with the cloth.

Norma's head peeked out. “Where are you going?”

“Just need to find a few things.” She said. “Now listen. If I knock three times on the boat, you'll now it's me.” She said, demonstrating it by knocking three times. “If it's anyone else ...” She took a flintlock pistol – also a friendly donation from Mr. Gorilla – out of her belt and pushed it into Norma's hands. “It's loaded. Cock it, squeeze the trigger, try to hit them where it hurts and leave without me.”

“Without you? But-” Norma began, but Frazie just pushed her back into the darkness of the tarp and vanished.

Norma sat back, her eyes fixed on the 'ceiling' of her hiding place. Her heart was beating fast in her chest, but she wasn't sure if it was completely out of fear or tension. She was fairly certain the redheaded pirate had something to do with it.

Minute after minute passed, and Frazie didn't seem to be returning. Norma was getting more and more nervous with every passing moment. What if she was caught? What if they had made her tell where Norma was hiding and how to get her? And could she just leave the young woman that had risked her life getting her out of here?

Her breath hitched when she heard heavy footsteps, stopping her thoughts. She slowly cocked the gun with shaking hands. The footsteps got closer and closer. Norma took a deep breath.

Three knocks.

The tarp got pulled away.

Norma raised the pistol.

Frazie held up her hands as best as she could, the cord of a canvas bag clutched in one of them. “Whoa,whoa, it's me, it's me! Don't shoot.” She hissed.

Norma dropped her arms with an exhale. “I'm sorry, I-”

Frazie jumped in the boat seat next to Norma and flashed her a grin. “It's okay. Being cautious like that can safe your life.” Her grin widened. “However ...” She planted a kiss on Norma's cheek. “Consider that a little more of advance payment, for scaring me like that.”

Norma blinked a few times and giggled. “I guess that's fair.”

Frazie grinned. “Let's get out of here.”

Quietly and slowly, they lowered the rowboat to the water. Norma found it a small miracle they managed to row away without being spotted. Frazie did all the rowing, despite Norma offering to help. Frazie had just flashed her a sweet smile and told her to rest and look up. And so Norma did. She had looked up and saw the sea of stars above her. A million lights in a sea of darkness. She had thought she'd never see those again.

After they had managed to get a while away from the slavers' ship, Frazie stopped rowing.

“Okay, this seems far enough....” She took her canvas bag and took out a bottle of rum.

“Isn't this a bit too soon to celebrate?” Norma asked.

“It's not for drinking.” Frazie said, pulling an unlit torch out of the bag, pushing it into Norma's hands. “Hold this up for me.”

Frazie wrapped a piece of cloth tightly around the torch and poured the rum over it. Oh, so that's what's the rum was for. To light it more quickly, most likely.

“Why are you-?” Norma began the ask, but Frazie just shushed and took out a flint. She struck it against her dagger a few times, making sparks fly. Norma had to suppress a shriek when the torch lit aflame. Frazie grabbed the torch, stood up and started waving it.

“What are you doing?” Norma asked, fear striking in her heart. “Someone is gonna see us.”

Frazie flashed a grin. “That's the idea!”

Suddenly a voice shouted in the distance, but not from the slavers' direction.

Frazie tossed the torch into the water and threw herself on Norma. “GET DOWN!” She yelled, throwing her arms around her, shielding Norma with her body.

Suddenly the air was filled with the sound of thunder. It took a few seconds for Norma to realize that it wasn't thunder. It was the sounds of cannons firing. Even with Frazie fire-red hear partially blocking her view, she could see the cannon balls flying over them. She didn't know how long it lasted, but eventually it stopped. Frazie let go of Norma and both of them scrambled up. Norma saw a black ship, with black sails sailing away. Someone on deck was waving at them, with Frazie waving back.

Norma scrambled to the edge of the rowboat and looked to the slaver ship. The surprise attack had left it unable for it's occupants to defend themselves. It was already sinking. She saw bodies in the water, both dead and alive, although she figured that wouldn't last long, considering the black ship was turning around towards the wreck.

The sight made something bubble up inside Norma. Somewhere deep inside. Everything she had to endure the last days. Her stepfather sending her away against her will. The pirates' attack. The slaughter of the crew of her ship and her capture. All she had to endure while on that ship. All of that pain and suffering broke free from where she had kept it and erupted into a long, primal scream. Norma screamed her lungs out, as hard as she could, directed towards the sinking ship. She screamed until her throat was burning and felt raw. Warm tears stung her eyes and she finally allowed herself to cry. She wailed like she never done before. She didn't realize Frazie had pulled her into a hug, until she felt her own fingernails dug into her flesh.

“It's okay....” Frazie whispered. “Let it out. It's okay.”

But Norma felt that something was not okay. Her head was spinning and she found it hard to breath. Sounds around her fell away, even Frazie concerned cries. Her vision blurred and soon, darkness overtook her.

She fell through that darkness for ….ages, it seemed.

She wasn't dreaming. She wasn't awake. She was ...somewhere in between.

She heard voices. Concerned voices. Angry voices. Soothing voices.

She felt cold. She felt hot. She felt hunger. She felt full.

And suddenly, the darkness passed. Norma felt ...something soft. A bed? A pillow beneath her head?

With lots of groaning and even more effort, Norma pushed herself up and tried to make sense of her surroundings. She was still on a ship, it seemed. She was in a chamber. Someone's sleeping quarter ….

“Welcome back to the waking world, princess.”

Norma looked to the source of the voice and, to her delight, saw a smiling Frazie sitting not too far from her. She was wearing a more pirate-approved outfit, complete with an marine blue frock and bandana tying her hair backwards.

“Fra-” She began, but it came out in rasps, making her cough. Frazie held out a waterskin, from which Norma took large, grateful gulps.

“You had us worried for a while.” Frazie said softly, as she took an apple from a nearby plate and started to peel it with her own stylized dagger. She cut a piece of the apple and offered it to Norma, who scarfed it down. “There were a few times we thought that fever would take you to the world beyond.” She chuckled and gave Norma another piece of apple. “But I knew a though lady as yourself wouldn't go down without a fight. That, and Nona's medicines helped.”

“We? Nona?” Norma asked in confusion. “Where are we? On that black ship?”

Frazie shook her head with a grin. “Nah, those were friends of ours.” She stood up and spun around, arms outstretched. “Welcome to the Galochio's bane, my family's ship.” She grinned. “And this ...is my room. Well, our room for the last few days.”

“Days?” Norma asked. She suddenly realized the meaning of what Frazie said. A blush formed on her cheeks. “Our? Did you ...sleep in the same bed.”

Frazie giggled. “Nah, I mostly slept on the ground.” She said, pointing to the makeshift bed beside the one Norma was in. A blush crept on her cheeks. “However, you did have a nasty fever the first few days and needed extra heat to beat it and the best thing you can do then is share body heat, soooo …yeah.”

Norma blushed a bit more when she noticed she was wearing a white buttoned shirt she definitely hadn't been wearing. She must have cleaned and dressed her. “How ...much did you see?”

“Enough for her to say that you are the most beautiful girl she has ever seen.” A new voice called out, making the two girl yelp. A woman walked in, carrying a bundle of folded clothes. “Good to see you awake, Miss Natividad.”

“Mom, you scared us half to death.” Frazie said, a blush creeping on her face.

Norma was blushing as hard as Frazie was. “N-Norma will do fine, Mrs …?”

“Donatella Aquato, quarter-mistress of this ship.” She giggled. “More like the captain, the way I run this ship.”

“I heard that.” Another rather amused voice called out from outside the door.

Donatella giggled. “And that would be my husband, Augustus.”

“The flying swordsman?” Norma asked. “I thought he died.”

“No, worse.” Frazie joked. “He got married.”

“Hush, dear. Otherwise I will have to tell all about how you refused to leave her side until she would wake up.” Donatella said with a grin, making her daughter protest and Norma blush.

“Well, since you're awake, I got a fresh pair of clothes for you. I figured you would like to wear something clean.” She placed the bundle of clothes in her daughter's hands. She sat down on the bed, giving Norma a concerned look. “I know this might be a lot to ask right now, but ...where will you go? Frazie told us what you told her. About your stepfather....”

Norma bit her lower lip in thought. “I can't go back. He ...he'll just send me away again.” She said, almost pleadingly. “And knowing him, he'll have you all locked up for 'kidnapping me', even though your the ones that saved me. I ...I won't go back.”

“Then it's an fortunate unfortunate thing you died on your ship with the rest of the crew, isn't it?” Donatella asked with a wink. “A tragic thing indeed, to have died so young.”

Norma nodded, understanding what Donatella was saying. “So ...where do I go from here?”

“Well, ...you could always stay.” Frazie suggested with a blush. “You wanted to be on the seas, didn't you?”

Norma blinked in surprise. “You ...you would take me in?”

Donatella sighed. “It wouldn't be the first time. Half of our crew are strays. ” She giggled. “In fact, how do you think I ended up on with the notorious Flying Swordsman in the first place?” She smiled warmly. “You are welcome to stay, Norma. But this is not a place for lounging around on your behind. You stay, you work, understand?”

Norma nodded. “The last few years I wasn't allowed to do anything ...at all. Just listen and look pretty-”

“No problem with that last one.” Frazie mentioned with a wink, making Norma blush.

Norma tried to ignore the comment. “So ...yes, I'll do anything to stay.”

Donatella smiled. “Good.” Her hand shot out, placing it on Norma's head. “First order, you'll stay in bed. That fever is not quite gone.” She pointed at Frazie. “And since you're since you so adamant on staying by her side, you'll keep doing that. I want you to teach her our ways. Teach her how to fight. Teach her to be part of the Aquato Crew.”

Frazie sighed with mock exasperation. “If you insist...” She turned to Norma and winked, making her blush once again.

Donatella rolled her eyes with an amused smirk. She turned to Norma. “The family will come down to introduce themselves. Just try to be a bit mindful of the children.” She said. “They can get a bit ...enthusiastic with newcomers.” With that said, she walked out, already barking out orders to the rest outside.

Frazie sat down on the bed with a big grin. “Congratulations, you're an Aquato Pirate now.”

Norma chuckled, but soon her expression turned saddened.

Frazie tilted her head. “What's wrong?”

Norma sighed. “It's ….my sister.” she confessed. “The thought that I have to leave her with ...him and I am free ...it makes me ...feel guilty, I guess....”

Frazie smiled. “Then we'll make plans to get her out.”

Norma perked up. “You would?”

“Of course we would.” Frazie said, gently caressing her cheek. “You're one of us now. And I did promise you to take you places, didn't I?”

Norma smiled, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. “Speaking of promises, I seem to recall that you already took out two advance payment on that reward I promised you.” She reached out, grabbed Frazie by the collar of her shirt and pulled her closer. “You ready for the rest of it?”

Frazie's cheeks burned bright red and after a few moment of stammering confusion, managed to grin. “I thought you'd never ask.”