#quite taken aback by these turn of events i must say

[freensrcha]

If I go, then we must pretend we're still together.

MOONLIGHT CHICKEN | EPISODE 4

[edenesth]

The Way to His Heart [16]

Pairing: general!Seonghwa x wife!reader

AU: arranged marriage au (Joseon era)

Word Count: 3.3k

Summary: Life has been hell ever since your mother's passing many years ago. Despite being from a prominent family, you've never received the privileges associated with it. It only got worse with the arrival of your stepmother and her daughters. When the intimidating General Park was in search of a wife, your father seized the opportunity to dispose of you, simultaneously securing a connection with the powerful general—killing two birds with one stone.

Part 15 | Fic Masterlist | Part 17

What's the meaning of this, Your Highness?

As you entered the grand hall, discomfort painted across your features, Jongho and Eunsook trailed closely behind, exchanging concerned glances. The announcement made by the palace staff had only made the prince's intentions abundantly clear to them.

The head maid, not wanting you to feel alone, stepped up beside you to check on you, "Are you feeling alright, mistress?" She inquired. Jongho nodded in agreement from your other side, suggesting, "Yes, perhaps we can leave early if you are not feeling well."

"Miss Jang! Are you not feeling well, my lady?" Yeosang's deep voice interrupted, your eyes widening at his appearance. As you began to perform the formal bow, he quickly halted you by gently grasping your arms, "No need to be so formal with me," He said softly, "If you're feeling unwell, you can come and rest in my chambers."

Jongho and Eunsook froze at the fourth prince's suggestion, dread washing over them. They could only hope you would decline the invitation, but they knew it wasn't their place to intervene. The idea was simply inappropriate; as a married woman, retiring to another man's private chambers was scandalous. If news of this spread, it would undoubtedly tarnish your reputation and bring dishonour to the general's name.

To their relief, you didn't hesitate to shake your head, "Oh dear, no, Your Highness. Thank you for the offer, but I was simply taken aback by the grandeur of everything. It's my first time attending such a prestigious event, and perhaps I just need a moment to take it all in."

That wasn't entirely untrue, as you finally seized the opportunity to marvel at your surroundings. While your husband's estate was luxurious, it paled in comparison to the opulence of the royal palace. Palace servants bustled about, ensuring everything was flawless. However, you couldn't help but notice the absence of banquet guests, which surprised and unsettled you.

Yeosang fought hard to conceal any disappointment, maintaining a composed smile at your response, "Ah, yes, indeed. How inconsiderate of me not to offer you a tour of the palace first, especially after the delightful tour you provided me at General Park's estate. I believe it's only right for me to return the favour now."

You blinked, "B-but the banquet—"

The prince grinned, cutting you off, "As you can see, you've arrived quite early, my lady. The other guests are not here yet, so I might as well keep you entertained until the event officially begins."

The assistant and head maid were deeply uneasy about the situation unfolding before them as they watched you, left with not much of a choice, agreed unsurely to the so-called tour. It was evident to them that this must be part of Yeosang's scheme. Jongho had ensured your departure from the estate was precisely timed; you couldn't have arrived too early.

"Fantastic! Now, if you'll just come with me," His Highness beckoned as the three of you began to follow him. Just as you started to move, he turned around smugly with an additional suggestion, "Oh, actually, your staff can stay behind if they'd like. That way, we can converse more freely, just the two of us, as we did back at the general's estate. What do you say, Miss Jang?"

It took everything in Eunsook to resist the urge to firmly remind the prince that you already belonged to another.

Similarly agitated by Yeosang's persistence, Jongho silently prayed that Seonghwa had received his letter. Despite being well aware of the impropriety of distracting the general during wartime, after much consideration and discussion with the other guys, they concluded that your husband deserved to be informed of the situation.

Fortunately, you offered a reassuring smile to your two chaperones before turning to address the fourth prince, "I'm sure that would not be necessary, Your Highness. I prefer having them close just in case I require any assistance."

As they witnessed your resolute refusal of the offer, Jongho and Eunsook felt a surge of pride. Truthfully, they had been anxious since Hongjoong had confided in them about the doubts you were harbouring regarding Seonghwa. But they dared not bring it up, wary of your potential reaction. Though a part of them had worried you might be swayed by Yeosang's charms, your firm stance reassured them of your unwavering loyalty to the general.

However, they couldn't shake off the sly glint still evident in the prince's eyes. He seemed oddly pleased despite your rejection to spend time alone with him. That troubled them deeply, and the two exchanged worried glances, silently contemplating what else he could possibly have in store.

With a light chuckle, His Highness replied, "Very well then, I suppose they could come along. This way, my lady. I know a few places you'll find intriguing."

Unlike your husband's staff, you were entirely unaware of Yeosang's intentions. Even then, there was just an inexplicably ominous aura to his demeanour that unsettled you, further intensifying your longing for Seonghwa. The banquet had barely even begun, but you already felt mentally exhausted, wanting nothing more than to rely on the general as you always had.

I miss you, Park Seonghwa.

Before you could dwell on thoughts of your beloved and his well-being, you suddenly recognised the surroundings. The enchanting cherry blossom garden, where you had first met the prince, spread out before you, "Do you remember this place, my lady?" He asked, his tone soft with nostalgia, "It has become my favourite spot in all of the palace since meeting you."

"How could I ever forget, Your Highness?" You replied, momentarily causing Jongho and Eunsook's hearts to sink until you continued with a genuinely innocent smile, "This garden is the only place I've had the pleasure of visiting so far."

Although your response should have let him down, Yeosang found his heart melting at your sincerity. It only served to deepen his admiration for you, knowing that you weren't one to offer insincere compliments or put on a fake smile just because of his status. You were simply yourself, and he found that utterly captivating.

As the four of you neared one of the garden's tallest and most exquisite cherry blossom trees, you found yourself gazing upward in awe at the falling petals, taking in the breathtaking sight. The beauty of the place was undeniable, and you couldn't help but imagine spending hours strolling around and admiring the flowers if this were your home.

His Highness watched you beneath the gently falling pink blossoms, feeling his heart swell with warmth. The scene before him was like a painting, and he longed to preserve it in his memory forever. Just standing there with you, experiencing this moment, filled him with an overwhelming desire to give you everything he had. It was a new and unfamiliar feeling for him, this deep sense of affection for another person. For the first time, he found himself completely enamoured by someone's presence.

"It truly is a sight to behold, isn't it?" You nodded wordlessly in response to the prince's question, reaching out to catch some of the delicate flowers before he continued, "You know, perhaps it's not too late to change your favourite flower from lotus to cherry blossoms."

Though his words seemed simple and harmless, they carried a subtle yet unmistakable implication. This was apparent to the assistant, the head maid, and, for once, to you as well. Deep in thought, you pondered the best way to respond to his suggestion. Somehow, you sensed a deeper meaning in his words from the determined look in his eyes that were almost silently urging you to choose him.

With a soft smile, you caught a falling flower, "Thank you, Your Highness. Cherry blossoms are indeed beautiful, but I still prefer lotus flowers. You see, cherry blossoms may be stunning when they bloom, but they also fall quite fast. To me, the lotus represents endurance and resilience, as it thrives in adverse conditions and blooms beautifully despite its surroundings."

This time, you hoped the prince understood the subtle implication behind your words. The short lifespan of cherry blossoms symbolised fleeting happiness, whereas the lotus embodied strength and perseverance through difficulties—a sentiment you hoped would mirror the love shared between you and Seonghwa.

Jongho and Eunsook exchanged a subtle glance, their smiles growing wider as they registered the meaning of your response.

Meanwhile, Yeosang's composure faltered ever so slightly at your polite rejection. The light in his eyes dimmed momentarily, but he quickly regained his composure, masking any hint of disappointment, "Understood, my lady," He replied with a gracious nod, "You do make a good point. Since we've already been here before, let us move on to the next location then."

As he guided you through various parts of the palace, you found yourself fascinated by the history and beauty of each location. The royal library, with its towering shelves of ancient texts, stirred a sense of awe in you as the prince shared stories of his lessons there. The astronomy tower offered a breathtaking view, and you marvelled at the cityscape from above.

In the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air, His Highness confessed with a mischievous grin that he often snuck in for a late-night snack. You couldn't help but chuckle at his antics, finding his playful side endearing.

However, as Yeosang led you past the main hall where morning assemblies with His Majesty were held, Jongho's earlier worries resurfaced. Despite the seemingly innocent nature of the tour, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at him. Each step further into the heart of the palace felt like a step into unknown territory, and he feared what might happen next.

The assistant's breath caught in his throat as he realised the path the fourth prince was leading you down, the daunting sight of the palace torture chambers coming into view.

No, not this place. Anywhere but here.

In the warzone on the other side of the nation, General Officer Song grappled with his own internal conflicts as he tightly gripped the letters from Jongho and Prince Yeosang. He felt a strong reluctance to deliver them to his superior.

The truth was that General Park had sustained injuries in his recent and one of the more challenging battles. While the situation had calmed down and most of the enemy troops were either strewn lifelessly across the battlefield or had retreated to their camps, Seonghwa's injury had been kept secret to prevent causing panic within their army, following the general's direct orders.

Mingi stood in the makeshift office tent, the letters weighing heavily in his hands. His mind raced with thoughts, torn between his duty as a military officer and his concern for General Park's well-being.

On one hand, keeping the letters hidden seemed like the logical course of action. They were in the midst of a war, and any distraction for their most crucial member could be detrimental to their efforts. Having Seonghwa away from camp for personal matters could compromise their military strategy and the safety of their troops.

Yet, on the other hand, he couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility towards the general and his relationship with Lady Park. If he withheld this crucial information and something were to happen between you and the prince, he would bear the blame. The thought of Seonghwa's potential anguish at being kept in the dark about his wife's situation weighed heavily on him.

With no time to spare for further contemplation, a soldier from the medical team entered the tent, "Officer Song, the general's condition has stabilised. You're permitted to see him in his private tent now."

Acknowledging the news with a nod, the military strategist expressed his gratitude, "Understood. Thank you, soldier. I'll head there immediately."

Not wasting another second, Mingi made his way over to General Park's tent, his concern for his friend overriding any other thought for now. As he pushed aside the tent flap and stepped inside, his heart lurched at the sight before him.

The usually formidable military commander lay in bed, his complexion pale and his once-strong demeanour replaced by one of weakness. Seonghwa's hand was clenched tightly around the bandages covering his abdomen, his expression a mixture of pain and discomfort.

"Hyung-nim," Officer Song's voice was filled with worry as he approached the bedside, "How are you feeling?"

Suppressing a wince, the general released a breathy chuckle, "I'm fine, Mingi," He reassured, though his tone lacked conviction, "I've never seen you look this bothered before. It's almost funny."

The taller man scoffed in response, "And I've never seen you in pain like this before. But this isn't funny."

Seonghwa waved off his friend's concern with a weak smile, "Don't worry, it's just a scratch," He insisted, though his tone contradicted his words, "One of those sneaky bastards on the battlefield played dead. I let my guard down for a moment, and he took advantage of it."

Mingi's eyes widened in alarm, "And he managed to graze you?"

Nodding grimly, the general replied, "Yes, it could have been worse if I hadn't reacted in time. But it's strange. The wound shouldn't hurt this much, considering it's just a graze. Perhaps it's my age catching up with me. After all, I'm not as young as I used to be," He admitted ruefully, "But it's nothing serious. Just a minor setback."

Relieved that his superior seemed to be in stable condition, the strategist decided it was best to allow his friend some much-needed rest. With a reassuring pat on the shoulder, he advised, "You should probably rest up. We can't have you bedridden for long. I'll keep watch for now."

As he moved to leave the tent, the general posed a question, stopping him abruptly in his tracks, "Wait, Mingi, did anything happen while I was being treated earlier?" The taller man froze, his hand pressing on the papers he had kept in his pocket anxiously. He debated whether to reveal the contents of the letters now or wait until Seonghwa was in a better state.

He hesitated, grappling with the weight of his decision. After a moment's pause, he opted to keep the letters from your husband. Turning to offer a strained smile to the general, he denied any incident, "No, nothing happened. Don't worry, hyung-nim."

Seonghwa nodded slowly, his brows furrowing slightly, "I see."

A heavy silence hung between them until the strategist broke it with a forced cough, "I should probably head out now."

Before he could move, the general's voice cut through the air with accusation, "Do you honestly think me a fool, Officer Song? I offered you a chance for honesty, yet you persist in deceit. I may be injured, but I am not deaf. I heard the messenger loud and clear. Now, hand me my letters."

Mingi cursed inwardly, realising his mistake in attempting to deceive the great General Park. Sputtering, he reluctantly retrieved the crumpled letters from his pocket before handing them over, "I-I'm sorry, hyung-nim... I didn't mean to—"

Seonghwa shook his head in disbelief, snatching the papers from his friend's grasp, "I know you only did what you thought was right, just as you always do. But we both know you're a dumbass when it comes to anything outside of war strategising."

The taller man sighed as he observed the general's expression darkening further with each word he read from both letters. His fists clenched tightly as he digested the contents of the prince's letter, the paper tearing at the edges from his grip.

This son of a—

Jongho's prayers seemed to be answered as his master finally received his letter, but merely reading it wouldn't be enough to fix any of the damage the fourth prince was about to inflict.

As you gazed at the looming building ahead, an odd sense of dread filled your stomach, signalling that it probably wasn't a place any of you should be near. Yeosang's grin only heightened your apprehension, "Do you know what this place is, my lady?" His question struck fear into the assistant, who now realised the prince's strategy. Casting an anxious glance at Eunsook, his eyes conveyed the hopelessness of the situation. Previously confident in your faithfulness to your husband, they now harboured doubts.

Blinking rapidly, you croaked out, "I'm afraid I'm not too sure, Your Highness. But perhaps we should head back to the hall; we've been gone for a while now."

The prince shook his head dismissively, "You're always so thoughtful, my lady, but the banquet can wait. Come on, aren't you curious? This is a place General Park frequents. Surely, you'd be interested to learn what he does here." Your blood ran cold in an instant, sensing the conversation was taking a dangerous turn.

"I'm sure Assistant Choi has become quite familiar with this place by now, haven't you? You're always here to pick the general up after he finishes his sessions." Yeosang remarked, amused, as he observed the younger man struggling to respond.

Smirking, he went on, "Welcome, Miss Jang, to the palace torture chambers. I thought it'd be enlightening to show you where your... husband typically conducts important duties. You must have been curious about his activities during his working hours."

The revelation hit you like a tidal wave, freezing you in place. This was where your family had suffered, where Seonghwa had overseen their punishments, as San had explained. The weight of the truth settled heavily on your shoulders, sending a shiver down your spine as horror and disbelief mingled within you.

Jongho and Eunsook exchanged a look filled with desperation. They silently prayed for some miracle to whisk them away from this awful place. Oh, how they wished their master could appear now, but they knew it was nothing more than a wistful hope.

Your silence seemed to fuel Yeosang's discourse, "We should be thankful for General Park's services to the nation, of course," He continued, his tone dripping with faux gratitude, "Only the lord knows how many war criminals and spies he had tortured behind these walls to protect us."

Feigning contemplation, he added, "And if I remember correctly, he was also here when the Jang family underwent their physical punishments. Though I'm sure the general must have already informed you of that," He glanced at Eunsook, who lowered her head, her eyes shut tightly in fear of your reaction, "Especially how he made sure to spend extra hours with the former minister post-punishment."

Extra hours...?

Your heart plummeted to the lowest pit of your stomach as his words sank in. Did your husband do more than just supervise the punishments? The implications gnawed at your mind, and a thousand questions raced through your head. What else could Seonghwa have possibly done to your father? Dread washed over you in waves as you struggled to comprehend the truth behind the prince's insinuations.

« Preview of Part 17 »

"General Park! Where is he?!" The military doctor rushed into the main tent in a panic after realising Seonghwa was nowhere to be found in his private tent.

Mingi looked up from his documents, "My apologies, I should have informed you earlier to prevent any unnecessary alarm. The general mentioned feeling slightly better and had left camp to return home briefly for a family emergency."

"He left?! Is he making the journey back to the city alone?" The physician squeaked, eyes widening in alarm.

Officer Song nodded, his brows furrowed, "Yes, doc. What's wrong? You're scaring me."

Gulping nervously, the doctor retrieved the dagger used by the enemy earlier, "We found it unusual for such a small wound to affect the general so severely. We ran some tests on the weapon and..."

Mingi began to rise from his seat immediately, anxiety was evident in his expression, "Tell me, what did you find?"

"This dagger was laced with poisonous viper venom. It's potent enough to cause damage to his internal organs. He's lucky it was just a graze, but even so, we can't be sure how much venom has entered his system. He requires thorough treatment to prevent the poison from spreading."

Shit, shit, SHIT.

I AM SO SORRY! Okay, I know I said there would be drama in this part, and believe me when I say this, I fully intended to include it in this part in the beginning... but I am planning to end the story in part 20. So, after careful calculations, seems like it's only right to put the climax in part 17.

Also, it's official! There will be spinoff stories for the other members, I'm so excited! I hope you are too! As always, thank you for reading and please let me know your thoughts! <3

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All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

[nahoney22]

🌺 Orchids Tech 🌺

Medical Flora

X Female Reader

word count: 1.2k

🌸 💐 Flower Fic Event 💐 🌸

My second fic for the clone flower event 🌸 read my Commander Fox one here 🌺 Check the tag #cloneflowerficevent to see more! 💐

warnings: None, fluff, mutual pining, friends to lovers 🌸💜

Other writers for this event include (will add links to each ficlet once writer has posted):

🌸 Myself - Tech | Fox

🌸 @jedi-hawkins - Kix | Echo | Crosshair

🌸 @moonstrider9904 - Howzer

🌸 @photogirl894 - Hunter | Wrecker | Fives

🌸 @eyecandyeoz - Waxer

🌸 @arctrooper69 🎂- Tup | Rex | Gregor

🌸 @l-lend - Wolffe

🌸 @dragonrider9905 - Hardcase

🌸 @totallyunidentified - 99 | Cody

“I appreciate you coming with me, by the way, Tech. Herbalism isn’t for everyone.” You chuckle as you bend down to inspect some nearby plants, using a scanner to check their properties.

After some members of your group had fallen ill, you asked Tech, quite reluctantly, to accompany you in finding a remedy. With credits scarce, medicine wasn't readily available to any of you.

“I do believe our best choice is to go to Felucia and seek out some Nysillin,” he says, looking around as he follows you. “But you are welcome.”

“We don’t have the time to go all the way to Felucia,” you sigh. While you partly agreed with him, it would take at least three rotations to get there from your current location, and none of you knew if the illness would spread or worsen in the meantime.

You stand up, and the two of you continue walking through the dense foliage, the air humid and slightly sticky. “If you see any flowers, point them out to me.”

Tech adjusts his goggles, scanning the area meticulously. “Understood. Though I must point out that identifying medicinal plants without a proper botanical reference could be inefficient.”

“I know, but we have to try something,” you reply, keeping an eye out for any potential remedies.

Your reluctance to Tech coming with you was simply from a place of feeling, precisely, your feelings for him. He made you both nervous and giddy but you knew nothing would ever come from it. So, instead you just relished in the time alone with him.

A few minutes later, Tech halts, his attention fixed on a cluster of vibrant orchids nestled among the greenery. “There,” he points, “those orchids might have some medicinal properties.”

You walk over to the orchids, marveling at their beauty. “Good eye, Tech. These could be promising.” You carefully gather a few specimens, making sure not to damage the stems and petals. Tech goes ahead and takes your scanner, beginning to analyse their chemical composition.

You crouch down beside him, looking at the scanner, curiosity piqued. “Can you tell me anything about them?”

“It states here that orchids have been known to possess a variety of medicinal compounds. With any luck, these might help mitigate the symptoms the others are experiencing,” he explains. Truthfully, some of his words go in one ear and out the other because you can't help but quietly admire him.

He turns his gaze to you, his eyes curious. “Do you believe these orchids will suffice?”

You snap out of your reverie, clearing your throat and looking down at the pile of scattered petals. “O-Oh, of course,” you say swiftly, helping Tech gather some into his backpack carefully.

You look back at the orchids, the soft mix of pink and purple flowers filling your senses. “These are so beautiful. Seems a shame to pick them.”

Tech looks at the flower and thinks for a moment. “I suppose they are nice on the eyes, yes.”

The next few moments feel like a dream as you watch Tech pluck a small strand from the bush. Your skin grows warm as he takes a hold of your chin with his thumb and index finger, turning your head towards him. Breath catching in your throat, you watch as he brushes your hair behind your ear and tucks an orchid into it. “I hope this will suffice,” he says softly.

You blink at him, taken aback. Where had that come from? Had he hit his head? Your silence lingers, and Tech suddenly realises his gesture was nothing short of flirtatious. “We,” his voice squeaks adorably, and he quickly clears his throat, “we should head back to the ship.”

You nod, still processing what just happened. “Yes, of course.”

As you walk back to the ship, the orchid in your hair has you recalling back to Tech did. His gentle words, his lingering touch on your skin… it was lovely. Tech walks beside you this time rather than behind, his usual composed demeanor slightly rattled, and you can’t help but smile at the thought of the brilliant, logical man having a tender, spontaneous side. Just for you.

You steal a glance at Tech, and your eyes lock. He looks slightly flustered, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red. As the Marauder comes into sight, you decide to take a gamble and stop. “Tech?”

He stops too, looking at you with curiosity. “Yes?”

“Thank you for coming with me. I know I already said that before, but I really appreciate your help.” Your voice is soft, and your fingers fidget nervously behind your back. “And for the flower in my hair… it was sweet of you.”

Tech smiles, taking a step closer. “You asked for my help, and I gave it. There is nothing to thank me for,” he says. His eyes flicker to the orchid in your hair and then back to you. “I apologize if this is forward, but I have always secretly favoured orchids. Both for their medicinal properties and, as you said before, they are beautiful and…” He trails off, his fingers flexing as he takes a deep breath, “and so are you.”

Your heart feels like it might burst from your chest, and your eyes glisten with unshed tears at his sweet words. Does this mean he likes you back? The possibility makes your heart race. But it could just be Tech being straightforward, yet you had never seen or heard him act this way with anyone else.

“Really?” you ask, the question sounding silly instead of just thanking him.

“Yes.”

You realize that you both have stepped closer to each other, your chests almost touching as he gazes down at you with gentle eyes. His gaze flickers from your eyes to your lips, but he’s nervous, and truthfully, so are you. Tech isn’t easy to read sometimes, making it hard to decide if he wants to kiss you or not.

You can feel his ragged breath on your face, his posture straight and stiff. So, you take the lead, standing on your toes and pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. You let it linger, smirking as you feel him take a sharp inhale of breath.

When you pull back, you gauge his reaction. He’s bewildered and quite in awe. Eventually, he breaks out into a grin, and reading the situation correctly, he places a hand on your cheek and slowly leans in. His nose brushes against yours, and his lips are about to meet yours until…

“Are you two back?” A voice calls from the ship, and you both jolt back, alarmed. You look to see Wrecker coming into view, rubbing his tired eyes. “Any luck?”

A wave of relief washes over you both, thankful that the intimate moment wasn’t fully interrupted, but both a little disappointed it didn’t happen. Tech gives you an apologetic look before following Wrecker, who retreats back inside.

That afternoon, you make a remedy with the orchids and hand cups to each of the batch, making sure they drink it all and monitoring their progress through the rest of the day. By the fourth hour, they are looking better than before, and you feel immense relief.

You and Tech don’t have time to speak about what happened that day, but when he is asleep in his bunk, you notice you still have some leftover petals. So, with a small thought, you retrieve his helmet and begin placing the flowers along the edges of the visor, scattering them along the top.

The next morning, your heart swells and you realise you’re completely smitten with him as you see Tech wearing his helmet, the cute still flowers adorning it. He doesn’t seem to mind them at all.

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[sunny374940]

The sound of your happiness warms my heart

Um so I read a headcanon that elves can purr and my brain took it and spat out this story. This is a little fluffy piece about Emmrich finding out that Rook can purr.

Here on ao3.

And here are my other emmrook stories, of which there seems to be a lot.

Emmrich was reading in bed, waiting for Rook to join him there so they could retire for the night. It was quiet in the bedroom and he was focused on trying to understand a rather confusing thought process of the author, when a curly head of hair appeared in his lap, seemingly between blinks. Rook was on his back, watching him with a grin.

“Hello, my dear,” greeted Emmrich, smiling down on him. How he had ended up with the silliest lover in all of Thedas he had no idea, but he found he was enjoying himself immensely.

“Read to me, please?”

That was an unusual request, given his reading material.

“Darling, I'm afraid the theories I'm reading would be terribly dull to you.”

Rook stared up at him, eyes round and pleading. “But I like listening to your voice,” he said with such disarming earnestness that Emmrich was taken aback. He never considered his voice especially pleasing to the ear and Johanna in particular would call it grating whenever he went on about spirits for too long, but the look on Rook's face was very clear on the matter.

“Oh, I-” He cleared his throat, feeling a blush coming on, so he turned his eyes back to the book and started reading aloud.

“The properties of Fade tears in relation to surrounding thaumic energy are such…”

He noticed that Rook had closed his eyes in contentment, nuzzling his face against Emmrich's stomach with a sigh and his arms came to encircle his waist. Well then, he could spend the evening like this, unexpected though this course of events was.

He had been reading to Rook for about half an hour when he first noticed it, a quiet droning sound right at the edge of hearing, here one moment and gone the next, quite pleasant in a hard to define way. Did one of Neve's wisps manage to sneak in? A quick glance around the room revealed no curious intruders, so he lowered his eyes back to the book.

As he was reading, he snuck a hand down to stroke Rook's hair, enjoying the happy little sighs his actions produced, and he was running a finger along the point of Rook’s ear, when the sound came again. He fell silent and looked down at Rook to ask him if he heard it as well, but Rook was staring ahead of himself with wide eyes and his cheeks were turning a rather magnificent shade of pink.

“You heard that, huh?” he said slowly, as if quite unhappy about the fact.

“Indeed I did, darling. And might I ask just what that was?”

There was an indistinct mumble from his lap, as Rook had covered his face with his hand in apparent mortification.

“Excuse me, I didn't quite catch that.”

“Iwaspurring,” Rook said, louder this time, the words coming out in a rush, like he was in a hurry to get the embarrassment over with.

“Purring? Like cats do?” Emmrich was intrigued. He had never heard of a person who had the ability, as cats apparently possessed a different anatomy of the throat to enable them to purr.

“Some elves can do it too. I was the only one in my clan, as far as I've been told. The other kids made fun of me, so I learned to stop myself from doing it. Mostly. But sometimes it happens on its own, like when I get really happy. It's embarrassing…” Rook trailed off, still hiding himself away and that just wouldn't do. He wouldn't allow him to think that he had to keep his happiness from him.

Emmrich gently removed the hand from Rook's face. He was still wearing that slightly panicked expression and Emmrich found himself quite angry at the people who made him feel this way, though he tried not to let his ire show as he spoke.

“Darling, there is nothing embarrassing about making your emotions known. And I must selfishly say that the sound is quite pleasant and I would love to hear more of it, if you’d care to indulge me.”

Rook looked up at that, incredulous. “You don't think it's weird?” His voice was small, that of a boy who had been ridiculed one too many times.

“I think that making you happy enough that you let go of your inhibitions is an incredible honor and I would be delighted if you shared your happiness with me.”

Rook seemed to be thinking about it, the blush of cheeks becoming even more pronounced.

“Can you… go back to your book?” he finally said as he settled himself back down, still looking a tad uneasy at the way he revealed his secret.

“Of course, my dear.”

Emmrich picked up where he left off and pretended he wasn't at all waiting for Rook to start purring once more. The effort was heroic, really, because he wanted nothing more than to make him feel safe enough to let his guard down. He was just resigning himself to try another time, when it came again. And this time it wasn't soft, nor quiet enough to be barely heard. It was a rumble of a sound, reverberating from Rook's throat and Emmrich could feel the vibration where Rook was lying across his legs. It felt amazing, the sound filling his very soul with joy.

He stumbled over his words a little, but rallied himself and kept on reading, careful not to disturb Rook, who seemed to be lost in a world of his own. His breaths were soon coming deeper, evening out, and Emmrich realized after a while that he was no longer awake, though the purrs kept coming in time with his breathing.

“Thank you, darling,” he whispered as he pulled the covers over them.

[tilldeathdoesmedirty]

Another Day 2

Warnings: dub-con/non-con, age gap, kidnapping, stockholm syndrome, emotional abuse, physical abuse, possibly other triggering events. 

Characters: dark!Steve Rogers x reader.

Summary: Careful what you wish for, one day it could come true. And that might just be your savior in disguise, all it takes is a little bit of persuasion. 

Interact on your own accord. You have been warned. 

Any reblog, comment, feedback is well received and appreciated! Enjoy <3 

You fiddle with the key to your two-room apartment, harshly jamming it in the keychain. If your neighbors didn’t know how you look like, they’d suspect you of being a pick locker. Courtesy of your landlord for not trying to fix the door when you told him about it multiple times. But hey, renting a place that you can actually afford must come with a couple of its own disadvantages, you thought.

Sweet victory, you mumble, as you hear a click from the door, unlocking it. You quickly go in, leaving your coat on the hanger and your now soaked shoes by the door. The apartment is rather dull, not much to look at. Basic cheap TV placed on the wall, a small table in front and next to it a couch that looked older than your grandparents, if they were still alive.

You don’t even need to get started on the bedroom, especially the kitchen. The bathroom being the only decent one in this whole situation. 

Thank god.

You look at the small timer that’s placed on the nightstand next to your bed, 20:00 you read. Enough time to entirely soak yourself in a hot bath, hoping it will make all your worries go away, if only just for a bit.

You run the water, waiting for it to warm up and fill the bathtub. You’re grateful the apartment you’re renting has hot water, not like other ones you’ve lived in even if it was for shorter periods of time, which had to take a lot of time for the water to even be mildly warm. Thus being the only thing you’re actually excited about this whole place. You didn’t even want to imagine the pneumonia you would have had. Would have been the cherry on the cake, bills on top of bills. 

You look out the window, mesmerized by the heavy snow settling on the city tonight. Your mind wanders to your little encounter with Steve, you feel your stomach turn, anxiety washing over as you remember him calling out your name. As much as you try to pick your brain out, you can’t remember ever telling him your name. Even though you should have, it just didn’t cross your mind at the moment. Not exactly professional on your part but no matter, you wouldn’t have forgotten if you did tell him.

You snap back to reality as you feel the hot water reach your arm that you left hanging in the bathtub. You turn the faucet off, stripping out of your clothes and getting in the tub. You let out a heavy sigh as the water swallows you whole. You lean your head back, closing your eyes. 

Everything will be alright, love. It’s just how the world works.

You remember… your mom, her words, everything. You slowly slide your head against the tub, holding your breath as you let your head go underwater. Any sound coming from outside blocked completely, you lose yourself in the silent yet loud ambient noise.

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

You scroll through the hundred of pages with the best possible secure locks. You don’t quite understand what more he wants than just a mere lock. Any of them should do honestly, there probably is no such thing as an unpickable lock so why go through the hassle of having to search for hours and hours. You were getting restless. 

You scoff. Prick.

At the last second, just as you’re about to close your work laptop’s screen, your eyes land on a lock and you look over the descriptions. Your eyes glint with triumph. You quickly pick up your phone and dial Steve’s number. You are taken aback by his almost instant response. 

You clear your throat. 

“Hello sir, i’m calling for the lock you requested? I think I may have found what you’re looking for.” you say, trying to keep your voice as even as possible. 

“That’s perfect,” he responds slowly “I trust that you chose well so, when can I expect it?”

“It shouldn’t take long. If I order it now, in a couple of hours the technician should arrive at your place and install it.” you say as you pick up a pen, rolling it between your fingers, occasionally tapping it on the table in a rhythmic manner. 

He gives you an approving hum in return.

“I’ll come by in half an hour to make the payment,” he continues “See you then, sweetheart.” he ends the call. 

You notice a weird tone in his voice, you can’t exactly place it. You always try to ignore when he calls you sweetheart. It gives you such an unsettling feeling.

You don’t like it.

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

You hear the main door to the building open then close. You glance over as you see Steve, you look at the time, exactly thirty minutes passed since your last call with him. 

Your coworker was out today, something about a cold. It’s a good thing you don’t get many customers, it’s not that stressful on your own. But in this case, it means it’s just you and Steve now. Alone. 

You greet him with a fake smile, intended for customers as he makes his way to your desk.

“Right on point.” you say, trying to make a light joke. 

“Exactly how I like to be.” he says with a smirk. 

You try your best refraining from rolling your eyes. Thankfully you don’t slip up. 

“So how will it be sir, cash or card?” you continue with a small smile. You don’t know why, but his presence makes you nervous. 

Really nervous. 

“Card, if you don’t mind.” he replies as he takes out his card from his wallet. 

You introduce the price number on the keypad of the card reader. You feel your body tense as you notice his gaze on you. If looks could burn, you’d be on fire. You hold out the card reader, waiting patiently as he puts his card on top of it, a beep emitting from it, meaning the payment was successful. 

You take out the receipt from it and you nervously glance up at him, you hold out your hand with the receipt in it, waiting for him to take it. He looks down at you with a stoic expression, considering you for a couple of seconds, not saying anything. 

And neither do you, you don't dare to. 

He gives you a stern smile. You look at him, careful with your actions and what you’re going to say. 

This doesn’t feel right.

“When do you usually get off?” he suddenly asks. 

You widen your eyes just the slightest, stopping almost instantly as you try to hide your surprise. 

You consider his question, why would he even ask it in the first place?

“Er… about 5pm?” you tell him, more like a question really. 

He hums and nods his head, still smiling. 

“Right then, here’s my address,” he continues like nothing happened. Like what he just asked a couple seconds ago was the most normal thing.

Nonetheless, you write his address down.

“Looking forward to it.” he says. You see the corner of his lip turn up a little just for a second. 

You think that your mind may be playing tricks on you and this was just your imagination. The interaction between you two before he finally decides to leave is pure awkwardness. At least for you. 

You let out a breath of relief that you didn’t even know you were holding in. This should be it, right? No more interactions with him, no more anything. His lock should be installed in a couple of hours, and voila. Mission accomplished.

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

You close your work laptop and gather your stuff, preparing yourself to go home and enjoy your free weekend. Mostly just staying in bed, watching tv or reading. So basically doing nothing, like always. 

You exit the building and head for the bus station, it’s pretty dark outside given the fact that it’s just a little over 5pm. Those are the perks of winter, you guess. At least it isn’t snowing as bad as last night but it’s just as cold nonetheless. You try as much as possible to keep the warmth you left with from leaving your body, but obviously, there isn’t much to do about it. 

You wait patiently for the bus to arrive, occasionally looking left and right at the surprisingly empty street, only a couple of cars passing by now and then. After all, this particular bus station isn’t that popular at this type of hour. 

You notice a car that’s slowly coming your way. You don’t think much of it, really, probably just another car passing by. You squint your eyes at the car’s bright headlights as it comes to a stop. 

Right in front of you.

You watch with a blank expression, instinctively your hands clutch your purse harder. You listen to the engine’s low rumble, almost soothing in the silent area. The car window rolls down and you look with curiosity. 

“…Steve?” you say, mostly to yourself. 

In the passenger seat is none other than Steve himself, you raise both your eyebrows in confusion, still not making any movements. 

“Get in.” the silence between you two is interrupted as he suddenly yells out, making sure you hear him from the engine’s noise and the distance you share. 

You give him a puzzled look. 

“What? How did you-…” you start but he cuts you off just before you could decline his kind offer. 

“Sweetheart, i’m not asking. You’re going to freeze to death, get in.” even though he has a calm demeanour and a smile on his face that’s worth a million bucks, it still feels off. 

But against your better judgment and the fact that you were waiting almost half an hour in the insufferable cold for the bus that’s yet to come, you hesitantly get closer to the car, with a frown on your face as clear as day. 

When you’re close enough, you stop. You look at him, trying to find any expression he might give away so that you can have a proper excuse as to why you have this dreadful feeling in the pit of your stomach. All you get from him is what seems to be a reassuring smile.

Oh, what the hell you think as you decide to open the car door and get in the passenger’s seat. Putting all your insecurities at the back of your mind. 

“Thank you…” you say, giving him a small smile, as you buckle the seatbelt. 

He stirs the wheel and takes off to the main road “No problem at all.” he replies, looking straight ahead as he gives a smile of his own, his perfect teeth peaking out just the slightest at the corner of his lip, it could almost be mistaken as a smirk. 

After a couple minutes of silence, what helps you remember that you need to give him your address is the passing of the street the bus usually takes on your way home. You almost jump in your seat at your realization. You quickly turn to face him as you blurt out a little too loud the instructions to get to your apartment. You notice he’s startled by your sudden burst as he looks a couple times back and forth at the road and you, in the end settling on the road once again.

He gives out a chuckle while shaking his head “Nobody ever told you it’s not a good idea to startle someone who’s driving?” 

“S-sorry,” you stutter a reply as you turn your head to gaze down at your lap in embarrassment.

“It’s just… you missed a turn, sorry.” 

He hums in response, you even hear a little “Did I” from him. Your eyes narrow and your brows furrow, that’s a weird thing to say, isn’t it? But you choose not to dwell on it too much.

You wait the rest of the ride in silence, at one point you look out the window, focusing on the passing trees and buildings as they blend in together. Feeling more tired by every passing second, you let yourself drift away. You lazily blink a couple of times as it gets harder and harder to keep your eyes open, you rest your head against the window and eventually, you end up closing them. You don’t even spare a second thought about being alone in a car with a stranger, you don’t think of anything at all actually. 

Your place is only a ten minute ride away, after all.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Common Knowledge 1

Warnings: non/dubcon, power imbalance, bullying, and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

Characters: Geralt of Rivia, Harald Halfdansson, tall & plus-size reader

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

You unfurl the strip of legal pad, marked with Professor Halfdansson's messy and pointed writing. The usual scribble that has you squinting at your returned papers. He must be the only instructor in the college that still handmarks his assignment.

Like much of his style, his slanted cursive is chaotic. Often, his lectures or spiraling tangents about his trips to Norway or some mythos unrelated to the topic at hand. He is a well of knowledge, but one which is often overflowing and bottomless.

The subject is far from your first choice. You prefer history with a human subject. Your intrigue is those events which truly occurred, people who once walked the same earth as yourself. Mythos and belief is a human creation but it hardly captures your imagination.

Along your search for title jotted onto the scrap, you find several other books to sate your personal preferences. A book on the Beothuk and their demise and another illustrated index of Renaissance art. Finally, you find the rear corner of the store, the mythology shelves nestled behind Spirituality and New Age.

You hover your finger before the rows and lean in, squinting through your lenses as you search out the rather Nordic-sounding name. You sense a shadow at the end of the aisle but do not look over. You'll just be on your way once you-- there it is.

You pinch the spine of the deep blue tome and slide it out. The cover is stamped with gold runes and lettering, a viking helm the central image. You double-check that it matches the professor's scrawl, however you can never be sure as his Fs look like Ss.

You set it flat on your armful of book, balancing the weight with the rest as you crumple the scrap and tuck it into your pocket. It's a bit more than you want to spend but it will be useful in maintaining your average through Halfdansson's course.

The shadow comes closer and you shift out of the way for the approaching customer. You sidle away as they huff, a breath that fans around them. He leans into the shelf and you sense his head shift and his gaze follow your slow retreat.

"Ah, you are a fan of vikings?" He asks, stopping you in your tracks. "You must've watched the show, hm? Cute series but not very accurate, you know?"

You blink, taken aback but his tone and his assumption. It isn't the first time you've met the attitude in your chosen discipline. When it comes to military history or the lives of vaunted men, there is often an intonation towards female scholars. You have been dismissed more than once.

"Never seen it," you lie, "you seem the type though."

You note his snow white hair, a peculiar shade, drawn back into a half pony, and his blindingly pale eyes. He wears a tunic better housed in the closet of a LARPing club and looms with an air of indignation. He puts a thick hand on the shelf and leans, no doubt used to towering over others.

"Funny, that is the very book I came for," he intones.

"Oh, what a coincidence."

HIs jaw ticks and he snorts, "seems you've found quite the lot--"

"I have. A whole trove."

You go to turn away and hear his sole clomp down behind you, "surely you can grab another encyclopedia. I really need that one."

"Uh, no, this is what I need."

He follows you down the aisle as you keep a quick step, uneasy at how he trails you so fervently.

"Maybe you should grab another one."

"I have all the others. I've been waiting months for that to come into stock," he insists.

"Well, you can find a kiosk and order one in--"

"On a three month backorder," he interjects and grabs your arm. "I'll pay you--"

You spin back to face him and hit his chest with your books, "don't touch me."

"Well, just..." he retracts his hand, "hold up. I'm trying to talk to you. To barter--"

"I'm sorry, but I need this book for class," you hug the books and back up, overly aware of the tingliness from where he grabbed you. You don't like being touched. At all. You can feel your heart pumping.

"Does the school not have a library, little girl?"

Your mouth falls open. Little girl? This guy just can't help himself. You haven't been rude, maybe matter-of-fact, but he's been downright mean.

"Not for sale," you push your shoulders up and back away.

You twist on your heel and speed away. You weave between the shelves and discount tables and join the winding queue at the counter. You don't look back and sway in your boots, waiting your turn.

"I could give you several recommendations for an alternate text," the man appears at your side, crowding you inside the black cords that rein in the queuing customers.

You ignore him and turn your head away. You wish he'd just take a hint. If you heard a single please or any sort of respect, you might consider it. He's only been a jackass and judging at first glance, he's too old for that.

"You don't need it–"

You move with the line and he growls, shifting with you.

"Look, girl–"

You snap your head back and give him a glare. He sucks in one cheek and exhales heavily, "miss, I am asking you nicely–"

The associate at the counter calls for next and you take your cue. You quickly cross the space and put your haul onto the wooden ledge. You hear the pushy stranger snarl something under his breath. You refuse to look back as you hand over your membership card.

Men like that are the very reason you despise the general public. Hard to fathom how you can be so intrigued by the human condition when you can hardly bear to be around other people.

[satrs]

𝘎𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦? Part 1! // 2°

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ; How they ask you out + where your first date would be!

ꜰᴇᴀᴛᴜʀɪɴɢ; Karasu Tabito. Shidou Ryusei. Itoshi Rin.

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ; 0.9k

TAGS; fluffff. kissing. hand holding.

ALL CHARACTERS ARE 18+(proplayers)!

KARASU TABITO

He had everything planned, from the way he would walk up to you to the tone of his voice when he asks you out, up till the date he had planned for you. So first he will meet you, like the both of you usually did on weekends. Then he'll do a bit of small talk, leading up to some jokes, and then he'll shoot his shot. Easy.

"Didn't you say you have a date today? What happened to that?" A sly smirk adored his features, causing you to roll your eyes sarcastically. "Still do. And you know who?-" You seated yourself closer to him, smirk plastered on your face. "Is it me?"

The both of you usually flirted with each other in a joking manner but this? No, he couldn't do that right now. His change in demeanor made you warry, guilty about your statement. But before you could withdraw your words, he quickly answered. "Yes you. So, are you down?" It was your turn to be flustered, realizing that he really meant those words. "Alright. But you gotta'-" "Take you out? That's what I planned to do."

.・゜゜・

You were quite impressed by his choice. It was kind of classy and cliché, but, you liked it. "It's the best town." You chuckled at his words. He is clearly trying to impress you. "I know. A bit kitschy, but I like it."

As the both of you went out of the restaurant after the nice meal you had, he is momentarily looking at you before averting his gaze, lightly biting his bottom lip. You noticed his behavior, quick to question him about it with a teasing undertone. “Oh it’s nothing. I was just wondering what I get after this bomb date.”

“Oh? So what did you have in mind?” He was quick to answer your question, “Well maybeee a-“ but before he could continue, you shut him up with a light peak to his lips, leaving him completely dumbfounded, the confident mask now crumbling as he wordlessly starred right ahead. “-kiss.”

SHIDOU RYUSEI

This man did not know how to ask, and did actually not plan to. In his mind, it was actually pretty obvious that the both of you were dating, and you must think so too. Right?

Shit, you don't. Wellll then he needs to roll up his sleeves and properly ask you out because, yo. He wants you! So what's the best way to do so? Exactly, straight up bluntly ask you!

you both were out in town just hanging around as you noticed Shidou intensely looking at you with his brows furrowing and eyes slitting in concentration. He seemed to be in deep thought. "What's up Ryusei?"

"Let's date." You were a bit taken aback, but chuckled at his bluntness and actually agreed. He was jumping and screaming out of joy, trying his best contain the desire to just kiss you on the spot.

.・゜゜・

The date he invited you to was improvised because he literally grabbed your hand after you agreed and pulled you after him, strolling through the city until he saw an amusement park, light in his eyes turning bright. "Bingo!"

It was an eventful and also really humorous date, which ended with Shidou turning slightly red when you gave him a peak on his cheek. He pouted and pointed at his lips, begging for you to kiss him on there- to no avail. “Shut up, and maybe you’ll get one next time.”

His eyes lit up at that. “Wait, really?” His words caused a smile to creep up your face, turning on your heels to head off home. “We’ll see.”

He looked after you with love struck eyes, causing passerby’s to chuckle at him, to which he didn’t spare a single mind to.

Being honest, he couldn't complain. A cheek kiss will do too. For today, that is. And as you said, maybe he'll get his kiss on your next date.

ITOSHI RIN

The only possible idea that came to his mind was asking you over the phone. It would be simple, and he could be more confident, and it wouldn't be as awkward as in person. Oh, boy was he wrong.

The long silence caused him to grow anxious and he slowly but surely regretted his decision. "Y/N? I'm sorry I just babbled nonsense-"

"Nonono, Rin. I'm just- I would love to, really." It was now him who grew silent, trying to process what you just said. "Rin? I-If you changed your mind it's-" His eyes grew wide at your words, voice quickly raising, causing you to slightly flinch away from the phone with a chuckle. "No! No, I'm just - happy. That's all."

.・゜゜・

He wanted this to be perfect, it's the first date and also your first impression of him too. He had to pick a place that wouldn't be too awkward, maybe somewhere the both of you already went to as friends.

"The new horror movie? Oh my god, Rin. I wanted to watch this forever!" A small smile creeped up his lips as he saw your reaction as the both of you stood before the cinema, relieved that you liked his idea.

As the both of you watched the movie, his eyes sometimes flickered to you, wanting to do something, but not sure of how to do so. His fingers tried to sneak to yours, but quickly inched back, adjusting in his seat so you wouldn't notice his intention.

But your attention was now fixated on him, noticing how his hand was kind of awkwardly sitting on your side of the armrest. Your light chuckle made him turn into your direction, a tint of red soon adoring his cheeks as he felt your hand slowly taking his, fingers intertwining.

There's no way he'll let go of your hand during this movie. Or even afterwards.

©︎𝐊-𝐀𝐙𝐔𝐒. all rights reserved. Do NOT plagiarize, copy, modify, republish, or translate my work in any way!

[myrasdiary]

Spiderpunk but he loves staring st you? Normally you wouldn't see him but then you do! And then you ask him and he just chuckles and says "you're so beautiful darling." If itd fine with you?

of course! ty for requesting 🙈

Staring Problem

Hobie landed down on a random rooftop, jumping down from a nearby building and sitting down. He pats down next to him, an invitation for me to join him.

"Wait up!" I laughed, the airy sound piercing through the quiet evening. I followed his lead, swinging onto the rooftop and perching down next to him. We've only been dating for two weeks, and so far it has been utter bliss. He took note of my exhilarated face, a small chuckle leaving his lips.

The sky had transformed into a canvas of golden hues. Streaks of orange and yellow painted the sky, as the sun cast an array of shadows upon our faces. The warmth on my face felt heavenly. "The sun's almost down," I baited my breath, as if I didn't want to disturb the event.

Hobie hummed in response, leaning down to lightly kiss my temple. "Quite nice, innit?" His voice was surprisingly soft. "Never see this type of sky in my dimension."

I turned to face him, intrigued. "Hm? Why not?" I shift my position to hug my legs, tilting my head onto my knees. His lip curved up faintly.

"Sky's too polluted where I'm from, honestly. Can't see shit for most of it." He sighs, looking up at the sky again. "S' a bloody shame."

My face crinkled in sympathy. "That must be horrible." I couldn't imagine not being to see the sunlight, suffocated by a murky atmosphere and diminishing stars.

He shrugged casually. "Oh c'mon now, you ain't gotta pity me." His smile returns. "It's not a big deal, luv. S somethin' I'm used to. Nothin' more." I reach for his hand, interlacing my fingers through his in a display of affection.

"Well, you better enjoy it right now, then."

He's already enjoying it. Of course he is, I was with him. He nods, watching the light saturate into a darker color. "So, tell me more about that college project you're working on, eh?"

A few minutes later, I was rapidly rambling to him about quantum holes and the space time continuum. Hobie had been intently listening, playing with his shoelace. He'd be lying if he said he understood what I were talking about, but it was pretty fascinating to hear. He only began to get distracted when his gaze wandered to my face, watching the way my eyes seemed to light up while explaining the project. Each detail of my features held his undivided attention, his eyes softening as I continued speaking, unaware of his zoned-out state.

He felt that familiar feeling. The feeling he always gets in when he's with me, except it was greater now, fluttering in his stomach and making him feel all warm and safe. The more staring he did, the less he was really listening to what I were saying.

"And I thought that researching this could be great, because we're also dealing with this issue in the society-" I pause for a second, a bit taken aback by the intent stare he was giving me. My brows furrow. "Uhm, is there something on my face..?"

He stays silent for a second, swallowing the lump in his throat. He was afraid that if he spoke too quick, his words would falter mid-sentence. After a moment, his voice was fragile. "You're bloody beautiful, you know that?"

Now I was the flustered one. Redness creeped into my cheeks as I did a double take at his abrupt confession. "I...wow."

He took a deep breathe, snapping out of his state and chuckling at my response. "Sorry, darling. You're just so distracting." He pulls back, staring at me again, with unrestrained affection.

I take a deep breath to calm down my racing heart, trying to act nonchalant. "Well, you're gonna miss the sunset if you keep looking at me like that."

"Fuck the sunset. The view here's better anyway."

A laugh bubbles on my lips, music to his ears. "You mean that?"

'Of course luv. I always do." He wrapped an arm around my smaller frame, and we both turn our heads back to the view, hearts buzzing with joy.

[tanzdoesthings]

Fresh Air

this is for an au in collaboration with with @mothsakura and also i believe @ardienothesieno has some input as well? either way they’re both great and fun to talk ideas with. baseline info you need is that iterators walk in their cities, with massive facilities underneath the ground level. also some details on fathoms’ ID is not actually settled now, but the writing is what matters anyways lmao.

The heavy door closes behind Fathoms, quietly as to not draw attention to the fact that the person being celebrated at the gala was suddenly absent from the event. She takes a breath of the fresh air, cooling her systems and letting it out as a sigh, shoulders lowering as she let the uptight posture fade away. The nice thing about having such a large event is that she wasn't expected to be working much at all over the next two cycles. Less pleasant is the constant talking, touching, and interacting she must do with her citizens and other councils. They all want to know why she's so special, how she can do everything, what does it feel like to be so perfect? Those questions, she lets her council answer. Fathoms can't give the answer they want, and all this sensory input is making her overwhelmed. So much data, and she's too far from her neurons to process properly. Therefore, she quietly let herself out.

She was not expecting another iterator to be there, One that she does not recognize. They are sitting near a patch of greenery, picking at the rocks lining the plants. It is clear this iterator did not hear Fathoms walk out, so she tries to catch their attention. "Hello?" Fathoms asks, standing a few paces away.

"Oh- hello?" the stranger answers, turning to look at her. They have a handful of pebbles, clearly picking through the pile to find... something. "You're an iterator! I heard there was supposed to be a lot of them around tonight!" They stand, bringing the assortment of stones to Fathoms. Now that they're standing, she has a much better view of them. They stand just a bit shorter than her, antennas a similar length, though tilted back and decorated with an assortment of little stones and sparkly things. They wore a caplet over a robe, rather standard and simple for iterators. Certainly not an outfit for a gala, and they looked like a river stone compared to her bright pinkish-red hues and sparkling white pearls.

"Look-" they continued talking, "The pebbles here are very nice! See the stripes?"

She had noticed, in the times she had taken breaks out here. She always notices. "Yes, they are quite nice." Fathoms says, looking over the ones they had picked out.

They grab one particularly round one, holding it up. It seems that this is when they truly notice what she looks like. "Woah!" they gasp, dropping the stone. "You are really dressed up! Is it for that meeting-thing? My current admin was all shiny today too."

"Yes, there is a gala tonight. It's very noisy in there, I must admit. Why aren't you attending?" she says gently, hands folded in front of her.

They wave their hand, shaking their head at the same time. "I'm not exactly supposed to be out of the train. It's okay!"

Fathoms was taken aback by this information, but kept moving along. "What's your name? I'm Fathoms of Dreams, she/her. 489."

"Woah-! We're really close in number! I'm 492!" They exclaim, bouncing a little. "They/them, no name yet!"

She tilts her head. "No name? We're so close in age, how do you not have a name yet?"

The nameless iterator shrugs, keeping their demeanor the same. "I keep going from council to council. Nobody has taken care of me long enough to get a name, you know?”

It's a tragedy to Fathoms, but she doesn't voice this concern. Instead, she offers a hand to them, and leads them to a bench. The two sit, overlooking Fathoms' city. The council house is atop a hill, whereas the rest of the city slopes down what was once a lake, now reduced by a large amount to the center of rows and rows of buildings. The lights on each block sparkle in the night, and by the sounds of it, the whole city is using the gala as an excuse to party. The nameless one gasps in awe, sitting and swinging their legs next to Fathoms.

They deserve something nice, Fathoms thinks. She pulls off one of the bracelets given to her for the gala, a simpler one, made with a string running through a pale pink pearl. When she brushes her hands against the pearl, she gets a brief glimpse of the data written to it, around the holes drilled for the string. It's a prayer of well being, rather standard. She taps her new friend's hand, and they perk up, looking at her. Delicately, she takes their hand, slipping the bracelet on. The nameless one beams, as if Fathoms had just moved the whole world for them. Her eyes crinkle in a smile, watching them admire the bracelet.

"Are you serious? You're just giving this to me?" they whisper-shout, one hand on the pearl.

Fathoms nods, and they practically leap to hug her. She breathes in sharply, and this reaction immediately makes them loosen their grip, looking at her. "It's okay- I'm fine, just wasn't expecting... that," she reassures them.

They shift to instead lean against her, watching the city and running their fingers on the pearl. "I'll get you the best gift ever. I'm the greatest at that!"

"I'm sure. You had a good eye for those stones, you know?"

They nod, excitedly, with so much more energy than Fathoms has ever had. A moment of watching the city, and then they speak again. "Why are you at that big meeting anyways?"

That snaps Fathoms back into the reality of her situation. "It's a celebration. The city we are in is celebrating their iterator and the technological progress," she states.

"Wow. Did you meet them? A party so big must be for someone really interesting!"

Her hands grab the fabric of her dress, silky between her bio-mechanical fingers. "It's... for me." The other iterator stares at her with wide eyes, but she continues. "I'm very experimental. I can process very fast, but there are issues. There's a team of mechanics on hand 24/7 in my memory arrays and main bus, making sure my structure doesn't collapse. The whole city is on top of it. The day it does give up... won't be pretty."

"How can there be a party when there's so many problems to fix?" they ask, watching Fathoms.

"Politics, I suppose. I look finished, therefore I am." A pale pink, nearly white overseer darts up to the two, and at the sight of it Fathoms sits up straight, gripping her dress more tightly. They notice, glancing down to look at it. Her breathing sharpens, and she stands up quickly. They shuffle, following her movements.

"You need to leave, go back to your train. Now," she whispers, pushing the nameless one back towards the way they came from. "Follow this overseer."

Thank the void, the unnamed iterator follows her instructions, disappearing around a corner. She only has a moment to smooth her dress before another iterator walks up behind her.

"Fathoms." She knows that voice. She could never mistake that voice for another. "Leaving your own party now?" She turns, and is greeted by her sibling, Ink Run Dry, leaned against the wall. They tilt their head, not amused with the task at hand. "Get back inside. There's some kind of speech soon. I want a good vantage point, but of course, when you disappear, I'm the person they call. You're always back here. I don't know why it's my problem."

"Yes, of course." Fathoms answers curtly, leading the two back inside, away from the fresh air, from the nameless one, from the momentary peace.

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Birthday Event: My Beloved

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors.

Drake spoke to his subordinates, who were overwhelmed by the grand celebration of Queen Elizabeth's birthday party.

Drake: "Alright, you guys. Celebrate me instead of the Queen."

Crewmates: "Huh?"

Everyone was taken aback by what he suddenly said.

Drake: "Come to think of it, I feel like today is my birthday, too."

Crew 1: "There's no way in hell that's true, Captain."

Drake: "Just go along with it for now."

Drake: "And you know what? Since we have plenty of expensive drinks and delicious food before us, let's celebrate like it's my birthday party instead of the queen's."

The crew exchanged glances as their captain spoke in high spirits.

Then Drake, grinning, snatched a glass from the table and raised it above his head.

Drake: "Come on, boys, don't be shy. Eat up, make some noise, and drink up!"

Encouraged by his words, the pirate crew, which had been hesitating until a moment ago, burst into laughter.

Crew 1: "Hahaha! Captain, your reasoning is completely absurd, but fun."

Crew 2: "Yeah, now that this happens, let's raid the party."

Crew 2: "Today, you're the star of the show. Cheers to Captain Drake!"

The corner of the elegant hall turned into a lively scene as the crew members eagerly grabbed glasses and wine bottles, shouting "Cheers!" and downing their drinks.

---------Flashback Ends---------

Mitsuki: "Pfft! Ahaha! Suddenly saying it's your birthday is pushing it too far!"

Drake: "Yeah, I agree."

I listened to Drake’s old stories and couldn’t help but burst out laughing at his carefree remarks.

Mitsuki: “But I guess that helped relieve some of the tension in the group.”

Drake: “Yeah, they were originally a jolly bunch, but once they let loose, they don’t hold back.”

Drake: “But since we were surrounded by royals and nobles, we received some pretty judgmental looks.”

------------Flashback------------

Noble 1: “How barbaric. Who are those causing a commotion over there?”

Noble 2: “Honestly, why are those pirates here?”

Crew 1: “They’re giving us some pretty nasty looks. But you don’t care, right, Captain?”

The crew cursed under their breaths at the impertinent looks and whispered words exchanged by the nobles.

Drake: “.........”

Just when they thought Drake would ignore them, he slipped past the nobles, approached the Queen, and kneeled while taking off his hat.

Queen: “What’s the matter, Francis Drake?”

Drake: “I’d like to congratulate you again on your birthday, your majesty.”

Drake: “We’re honored that you personally invited us this evening.”

The term “personally” invited caused a slight stir among the nobles, and the Queen looked down at him, raising an eyebrow.

Drake: “However, I believe there are those who may deem us, lawbreakers, unfit for this gathering.”

Drake: “If Your Majesty, who has invited us, could show your generous heart, we’d greatly appreciate it.”

Queen: “Oh, very well. I shall turn a blind eye to whatever behavior you all exhibit."

Drake: “We’re grateful for your kindness.”

Queen: "Hm. Drake, you're quite an interesting man."

As the queen narrowed her eyes, Drake smirked, adjusted his hat, and flipped his cape as he strode through the hall again.

Once the queen acknowledged them, no one dared criticize the pirates.

---------Flashback Ends---------

Drake: "I didn't really care about the nobles, but all their babbling made my drink taste bad."

Drake: "So I borrowed the queen's authority."

(Wow. He silenced the nobles by showing respect to the queen.)

I could only imagine how bold and dignified he must have looked.

Drake: "That concludes the tale of the pirate who stole the queen's birthday."

Mitsuki: "Hehe. So that's why September 7 is your birthday."

Mitsuki: "Thank you for sharing that story. I always thought you were kind."

Drake: "Huh?"

When I said that, Drake himself looked surprised.

Drake: "I'm a pirate who has committed all sorts of crimes, you know? Was there really kindness in the story I just told?"

Mitsuki: "There was. You used your wit to boost the morale of your crew."

Drake: "........."

(He suddenly asked them to celebrate with him at the party as an excuse to lift their spirits.)

Furthermore, the reason he became a pirate and started working under the queen's orders in the first place was to free his captured comrades.

Mitsuki: "It's nice to see your kind side again."

Drake: "........."

He subtly blushed and awkwardly looked away.

Drake: "Don't treat me too nicely, Mitsuki. You remember what I've done, right?"

Mitsuki: "Yeah. But I want to tell you how I honestly feel."

I smiled at him, and Drake let out a small sigh, a hint of shadow passing over his eyes.

Drake: "Well, I was young back then. At that time, I probably felt that the ship with my crew was the only place I belonged."

(Place, huh?)

(That's right, after that...)

He became feared by enemies and allies alike as a demon while sailing the world.

And eventually,

(Even by his comrades.)

I passed through that door and witnessed his anguish and anger.

Just remembering those memories still made my heart ache.

I tried searching for words when he suddenly placed a hand on my head.

Drake: "There's no need to get sad about it, little fawn."

Mitsuki: "Drake."

Drake: "So, the answer to the question of when my birthday is tentatively September 7."

Drake: "I don't know my actual birthday, and I'm not particularly fixated on that date, so you don't need to worry about it."

Drake: "More importantly, I'd like to know when your birthday is."

He smiled cheerfully, and the conversation shifted in a different direction.

That night一

I lay in bed in my room and recalled his words.

(His birthday is on September 7, but it's a temporary date.)

(He chose that day for the sake of his pirate crew and even forgot about it until I asked him.)

(I guess he doesn't really feel the significance of his birthday.)

But determining his actual birthday would likely require going back in time.

(He said not to worry about it.)

(But still, I want to celebrate that he was born.)

(Wait, no. What's important is not the date but to convey these feelings to him.)

Part 1 ╎ Sweet╎ Premium End╎ Epilogue

[charliedawn]

Defective Good part 6:

Once JR-6025 finally arrived in General Hux’s office and stepped into the office, General Hux was waiting silently with an expectant look on his face.

"You asked for me, sir ?" She asked and let her head pass through the door to peer inside. She was quite curious as to why General Hux would call for her at such a time.

"Yes. Come in, JR-6025." General Hux beckoned her forward and she did. She stepped in and general Hux waited for her to come to a complete stop near his desk before divulging the reason for her summon.

"I would like to discuss something with you. It concerns the plans that the First Order has regarding the Supreme Leader’s gathering in the following days."

JR-6025 nodded.

"Yes. I have heard. To gather the allies of the First Order."

He seemed surprised that she knew about it.

"That is correct. It appears you knew beforehand ?"

She smiled and nodded back.

"News travel fast within the First Order. And there was an announcement during your…time away."

He sighed. Of course…Of course the First Order would announce the gathering while he was in a coma…

"How would you feel about attending the gathering ?"

Her smile suddenly dropped and she frowned in confusion.

"…Attending, sir ?"

He nodded while pretending to be busy with papers on his desk.

"Yes. I have decided that you will attend the gathering as my plus one." He said in a nonchalant way—almost dismissive—as if it wasn’t even to be discussed. She really wanted to laugh, but restrained herself.

"…Sir. You cannot be serious. No stormtrooper can be a general’s plus one. I must decline." General Hux kept a straight face but he could not hide his slight irritation at her refusal.

"It is not your place to say whether you can or cannot be my plus one. I have decided on you and I expect you to obey me in this matter. This is not up for discussion."

There was a moment of silence as JR-6025 realised that he was serious and she attempted to dissuade him gently.

"Sir…" She tried to protest—but General Hux didn’t leave her a choice. General Hux suddenly got up from his desk and stared at her.

"I have already told Lieutenant Mitaka that I have decided on you, so there is no backing out now. You are coming with me to the gathering—whether you like it or not."

She shook her head in disbelief and shook her head.

"Sir. I am a stormtrooper." She insisted on the word stormtrooper and hoped it would bring back his common sense. His facial expression hardened and his voice rose slightly when he spoke. He felt irritated by the stormtrooper’s reaction.

"And I am the general. My orders are not to be questioned. You are going to the gathering with me. End of discussion."

She was taken aback by such determination in his voice and sighed again.

"Have you thought of the consequences of taking someone like me to such an important event ?"

General Hux paused for a few seconds as his irritation was turning into anger due to her insubordination. It was becoming increasingly clear that she was refusing his generous offer and he felt outraged at her refusal. Did she even know how many people would be honoured to attend such an event—especially as a lowly stormtrooper such as herself ? He spoke with a firmer tone this time.

"I do not care what the consequences are. I want you to accompany me to that gathering. My order stands. Or do you wish to be punished for your insubordination ?"

She winced.

"No, sir. But…"

"But nothing !" He interrupted her by raising his voice. General Hux was clearly furious. She was now blatantly denying his order. And not only was she refusing to listen but, she had the audacity to question his authority. General Hux took a deep breath as he started speaking once again in a loud and menacing voice. "You will attend this gathering with me as my plus one or else you will be severely punished, is that understood ?"

That—she certainly understood.

"…Yes, sir." She finally replied—her head hanging low in a submissive way. She had no choice but to agree and she clasped her hands behind her back. General Hux stayed quiet and waited for her to say something else but, she clearly wasn’t going to push it any further. So General Hux sighed and sat back down—running a hand through his ginger hair.

"That will be all. You are dismissed."

JR-6025 nodded and was about to leave when General Hux spoke once more.

"Just one more thing before you leave." She stopped and looked back at him. General Hux seemed deeply puzzled as he continued. "You seem…oddly calm. Most stormtroopers I know would at least show a bit of worry when being put into situations where they would have to interact with other high-ranking officers such as myself. So why does this gathering not seem to concern you at all ?"

JR-6025 thought about it. She didn’t really know how to react. Was she supposed to be frightened or worried or…? She smiled.

"Because no matter what I say or do, I know that you won’t back down from your decision. I do not know why you want me to come with you, but I believe you have your reasons." She shrugged.

General Hux stayed silent for a few seconds. He was expecting her to sound more worried or at least have some questions concerning the gathering. He stayed quiet while he observed her behavior for a few more seconds before finally speaking.

"I will admit, I was expecting a slightly different response than this." He looked away.

"What response were you expecting ?" She asked—curiously.

He sighed.

"I was at least expecting you to have more questions regarding the gathering and perhaps even be a bit worried about attending it. But so far, your reaction is one of resigned acceptance. Almost as if you expected me to request your presence at the gathering." He raised a quizzical eyebrow at her and JR-6025 hummed to herself. Had she expected it ? No. But, she wasn’t going to lie and say she wasn’t a little happy about it.

"…I told you my opinion about attending. I do not think you should bring me with you, but I will not hide that I am a little curious. The gathering will reunite all the First Order allies. I am quite honoured to have the opportunity to meet them." General Hux was surprised that she was showing such open curiosity. He stayed silent for a few seconds before speaking again—stroking his cheek in a pensive manner.

"Usually, any officer would be worried about how they would perform in front of the Supreme Leader and the other high-ranking general officers. Yet you appear to be…excited and curious."

She smiled underneath her helmet.

"I am but a stormtrooper. And people do not notice me as long as I am in my uniform. I could stand beside you and people around you will just see me as another guard trooper."

She shrugged again and General Hux stayed silent for a few seconds as he observed her. He thought that the prospect of a stormtrooper standing beside him would raise some suspicious eyes of other officers, but it didn't seem like it concerned JR-6025.

"So you are not worried about what the Supreme Leader or other officers might think of you ?"

She held back a laugh.

"Me ? Oh no. They won’t bat an eye at me. I am but a stormtrooper. I have no influence. I have no power. They won’t look at me twice. But, you ? Yes. I am worried. To have invited me as your plus one is quite unexpected and people might notice. It is the reason I wanted to decline your offer…"

General Hux frowned as he was made aware of the issue he had himself created. He never considered that the other members of the First Order might take notice of his unexpected guest. It seemed he had been a little carried away with the prospect of her being his plus one. The general stayed silent for a few seconds as he thought deeply.

"Do you think you should not attend the gathering for fear of raising suspicions ?" She didn’t know what to say. After all, it wasn’t really her reputation on the line…

"It is your choice, sir." She finally answered. General Hux was seriously starting to reconsider his decision to have JR-6025 attend the gathering with him. But he thought that it was his duty to have a plus one and since he knew nobody else of his status would probably want to attend with him after his recent failure...General Hux stayed silent for a few seconds before speaking.

"I need to make some preparations now. You are dismissed." General Hux motioned for her to leave the office and get back to her duties as a stormtrooper. But, she didn’t. She tilted her head to observe General Hux for a few seconds before speaking.

"…Sir. May I speak ?" General Hux paused and stayed silent for a few seconds before nodding.

"Speak. What is it ?"

She seemed to fidget a bit and looked rather embarrassed as she asked.

"What would you expect me to do exactly ? If I was to attend the gathering with you ?"

General Hux stayed silent for a few more seconds as he thought about the question.

"Just stand beside me and behave with composure and dignity. Do not stand out. Just remain as you normally are and follow my cues."

She seemed uneasy as she replied.

"That could be proven difficult considering no stormtrooper has ever attended a First Order gathering. My uniform would stand out. It would maybe be better for you to choose another person ?"

JR-6025 had a valid point. There had never been a stormtrooper that he knew of that had attended one of these gatherings. He was now starting to realize that she would definitely stand out as his plus one. But he was determined to keep her as his guest.

"No. I have already chosen you. You are staying as my plus one and attending the gathering with me."

She sighed and shook her head.

"…Sir. Why are you so set on me attending with you ? I would only embarrass you. I have no idea how to behave or act during such important social events. I have never even attended any First Order parties. Please. Reconsider."

General Hux stayed silent and thought about her words for a few seconds. She was right. She had very good points that made complete sense. Yet, there was something in General Hux that was so determined to have her with him. He took a deep breath.

"I cannot reconsider. Even if you do happen to stand out, I need you to be at this gathering with me."

"…Why ?" She tilted her head again and was puzzled by General Hux’s stubbornness on the matter. General Hux sighed. Should he reveal the truth to her now ? After the gathering maybe ? The general was not sure but, he certainly couldn’t keep hiding the truth from her forever.

"The truth is that I…chose you as my plus one because…I wanted to see how you would react. I wanted to have a chance to observe how you would behave when you aren’t wearing your stormtrooper uniform. In a social environment. If you could adapt and spy for me."

She frowned. It did make sense that general Hux would want a spy to get clues on the whereabouts of the Rebellion and maybe strengthen the ties within the First Order. But…

"…But, I would be wearing my uniform. I would certainly stand out." She said and her frown deepened. She couldn’t take her uniform off. General Hux knew that. As long as she was a stormtrooper, she had no right to individuality. General Hux’s facial expression hardened as she spoke. The general was starting to get slightly irritated by JR-6025’s constant need to correct him. He stayed silent for a few seconds as he collected his thoughts.

"We will have to discuss that problem at another time. Just know for now that you will not be wearing your stormtrooper uniform during the gathering. I have already made the arrangements for that."

She wondered what sort of arrangements general Hux might be referring to and thought about the way high society and members of the First Order were usually dressed. Even if she was to come with a solution to hide her face, it would be considered odd for general Hux to be paired to a tin can—literally.

"Sir. I cannot. I do not even have other clothes." She countered and General Hux paused and gave her a disapproving look. He was starting to run out of patience and he was also starting to lose his temper.

"I have already thought of that. I have made arrangements for you to have something to wear for the gathering. Just stay quiet and do not argue my decisions. Is that clear ?"

She bit her lower lip to restrain a sigh. It was like talking to a wall…

"Sir. Please. I must ask you again to reconsider. This is dangerous. It isn’t worth it. People will already be judging you. Do not give them another reason to." She didn’t want to be another reason for General Hux to be ashamed.

General Hux stayed silent and gave JR-6025 a menacing look. Her constant need to argue with him was starting to make him furious and he felt a wave of anger building up inside of him as she continued to ask him to reconsider.

"It is my decision, and my decision is final. You WILL attend this gathering with me. You have no choice in the matter. I expect you to be ready and prepared when the gathering comes. That is an order."

She took a step back at his authoritative command and lowered her head before replying begrudgingly.

"Yes…sir."

Her eyes looked up at him and through her visor, she saw the way he stood. His whole being commanded respect and obedience. But, she was afraid of his complete disregard for rules. General Hux was the general of the First Order. He had followed the rules to a fault for years. Punishing anyone who would as much as step out of line. So…why ? Why was he now acting this way now ? General Hux stayed silent for a few seconds as he observed her. She was clearly worried about his disregard for the rules and protocols. The general had a slight smirk on his face. He was not the person he had everyone believed him to be. She seemed surprised, but he didn’t seem worried. The one thing that was good about being in power was that the rules didn’t apply to you.

General Hux could bring whoever he wanted to the gathering, and if he wanted to take a stormtrooper ? Then, nobody could tell him otherwise. And the way she was belittling herself was just perfect for General Hux’ plan. He would show that his most trusted advisors could be rewarded, without giving anyone a reason to pay more attention to JR-6025 and her actions…He would be able to watch her all night and be sure that she would be but a mouse by his side. Perfectly unremarkable. Perfect for spying and to gain information undetected.

JR-6025 sighed in defeat. She truly didn’t have a choice in the matter, did she ?

"When and where will the gathering take place ?" She finally asked and General Hux smiled victoriously before replying.

"The gathering will start in a few days. It will be held on Coruscant. You can consider the details of the gathering irrelevant for now. All you need to know for the moment is that you are still my plus one and you will be attending the gathering with me."

"…Yes, sir." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. General Hux stayed quiet and gave her one last stare before finally giving a slight nod.

"Now that this is settled. You are dismissed for the day. Get back to work." He motioned for her to get going and leave his office. Once she was gone, the general finally exhaled and let out a small sigh of relief. He sat back down at his desk and once again gave himself time to think about the matter. In a few days, the general would be taking her as his plus one to the gathering of the First Order allies. General Hux stayed silent and gave a quick glance out the window before looking back at his own reflection in the window. He was still unsure if taking JR-6025 as his plus one was the right decision. He couldn’t even understand why he had chosen her as his plus one. He could have decided to take anyone else and far better spies—no doubt. But, he hadn’t. He had chosen her. Was it because he wanted to make a fool out of her ? Or was it because he secretly wanted to get to know her better ? He didn’t know.

General Hux took a deep breath and tried to stop thinking about what whatever it was that had made him choose her. He found no clear reason and he was getting slightly agitated by his own thoughts. He was trying to find an answer to questions that simply did not have one. General Hux felt like he was losing his mind. He continued to stare out the window while still lost in thought. His reflection in the see-through glass panel was not only staring back at him, but it was also judging the general for all his confused and misguided thoughts.

The general felt like his own reflection was mocking him, as it was clear what the reflection saw. The general was not only confused and agitated, but he now found shame and embarrassment in his own reflection. He stayed quiet as he felt a wave of self-doubt come over him. His own reflection continued to mock him and he refused to break eye contact from it—despite how badly it hurt him. The general was starting to realize how much he hated his own reflection. All of his years of success and achievements meant nothing. He was starting to doubt his own abilities as a general and for the first time, he felt like a true failure.

His eyes fell on the third drawer of his desk where he knew he had a bottle of wine hidden, as well as his sleeping pills. He hesitated. He had already ended up in the med bay the last time he had tried to forget…everything. He shook his head and looked away. General Hux felt as if he was starting to lose control of himself. He didn't know what to do as he remained stuck in a state of constant self-doubt and terror.

The general’s reflection would not stop mocking him and that’s when he realized something. General Hux needed someone to talk to. Someone who would understand. He felt helpless as the reflection in the window only continued to judge him and give him a disapproving look.

General Hux knew that there was only one person who could help.

He broke eye contact with his reflection and finally lifted himself up from his desk. He then walked out of his office door and made his way towards JR-6025’s room that he had memorised for her to receive the clothes prepared for her…He shook his head. General Hux did not know if she could help him understand, or even if she wanted to. He could only hope that she would. General Hux reached Jr-6025’s room and knocked at her door. She opened the door and her eyes widened as she saw none other that General Hux standing there.

"General ?"

General Hux gave her a quick frown as he watched her open the door and stare at him with a surprised look. The general then cleared his throat before addressing her.

"I need to speak with you. May I come in ?"

She wordlessly stepped aside.

General Hux walked inside her room with a serious expression on his face. He didn’t want to be here but after giving it some thought, he realized that he truly needed to talk to someone about his situation. The general had already prepared some topics that he wanted to discuss with JR-6025, but he was also hoping that she might have some wisdom of her own to share with him. She had proven herself to be quite insightful and he hoped that he could finally understand what was happening to him. General Hux looked around the room for a brief few seconds before addressing her again.

"You may be wondering why I am here. I came here to discuss several matters that have been troubling me recently and I was hoping that you might have some insight or wisdom to share with me."

"Me ?" She pointed at herself in surprise and General Hux nodded.

"Yes. You."

She was silent for a moment before she sat down on her bed.

"I…can try."

General Hux looked at her in curiosity as he saw her take a seat on her bed. She was certainly surprised by his request, but she didn’t seem particularly bothered by his presence. She was waiting patiently for him to start and general Hux seemed at a loss for words for a moment. Was she truly willing to try and help him ? He was not truly sure how to word his thoughts…

"There are some things I have been struggling with recently. And for the past few days, I fear that I have been losing my way." He confessed.

"Losing…your way ?" She asked with a confused expression. General Hux stayed silent for a few seconds and thought about the best way to describe it.

"Yes. I’ve been questioning my decisions and even my abilities as a general. My thoughts and actions have also begun to drift and become inconsistent and I have started to doubt whether my own words and actions are the correct choices. I know it isn’t your role to advise me, but so far you are the only person who seems to have the best interest of the First Order in mind—other than myself. And your advice has proven efficient in the past. So…I will ask you. What would you advise ?"

She listened intently as he got all those words out of his chest. General Hux took a deep breath. She was actually listening to him instead of judging or interrupting him. He was starting to feel slightly embarrassed now as her silence made him feel slightly uneasy. The general had not felt this way in a long time and it made him feel uncomfortable and downright awkward. General Hux was now starting to realize that he was letting down his guard too much around her and that it was making him anxious. She was actually being a good listener and letting him get all his thoughts and feelings off his chest. He didn’t expect that. The general was starting to think that he had made a mistake and that he shouldn’t have come here.

She finally stood up to face him and look into his eyes.

"Would you mind if I tried something ?"

General Hux looked at her with a slight frown of curiosity in his eyes as she stood up to face him. The general was now starting to feel nervous. He didn’t know how to react.

"That depends. What exactly would you like to try ?"

"Trust me." She tried to sound reassuring and General Hux stayed silent for a few seconds as he thought about her request. She wanted him to trust her. He had already told her a whole lot about how he had been feeling, so he was already trusting her more than he thought he would or should. General Hux took a deep breath and hesitated before slowly nodding his head in agreement.

"Go ahead then."

She didn’t even hesitate before taking him in her arms. It was instinctive. She held him tightly and General Hux froze in place as he felt her arms wrap around him. It caught him by surprise. He was just going through all those thoughts and feelings in his head. General Hux felt his body tense up slightly. It was as if something he never knew he needed happened to him. His mind slowly quiet down. They stayed silent for a few seconds as General Hux allowed the comfort and warmth to sink into him.

She kept holding him like this for a while—holding him tightly. She had one arm wrapped around his waist and her other hand cupping the back of his head as she pressed his face against her shoulder. General Hux kept silent as he slowly realized that this wasn’t too bad. Being in her arms felt comfortable. Even the silence wasn’t too bad. General Hux slowly relaxed a little and decided that this was actually fine. General Hux was so lost in thought that he hadn’t realized how long they had been in this position for. General Hux stayed silent and let her continue holding him. He could get used to this.

She breathed deeply and kept holding him against her. She had never hugged someone in her life. And no one had ever hugged her. But, for some reason ? She had felt the need to do so when the general had started opening up to her…General Hux wasn’t entirely sure why she was hugging him but he found comfort in her. General Hux was still lost in thought as he realized something. He had never felt this before. This feeling of being held comfortably and being with someone that he trusted. It was such a foreign feeling to him. General Hux had never let someone get this close to him.

"…Everything will be alright." She found herself whispering in his ear as she held him closer. She didn’t know why those words came to her. She just knew she had to say them and hold him as tightly as she possibly could. General Hux stayed silent as he felt himself being comforted in her arms when she spoke. He felt…safe in her arms. General Hux couldn’t explain it but the feeling of warmth and the comfort was something he never thought he would ever need…And yet, here he was.

He didn’t care if she was defective.

He didn’t care if this was wrong.

He didn’t care…as long as the voices in his head grew quiet.

"Everything will be alright." He repeated her words softly and slowly began to relax even more. He felt almost as if all his worries and troubles were slowly disappearing as he rested his head on her shoulder and let her continue holding him.

"That’s right." She hummed appreciatively and started stroking his hair gently and carefully. General Hux could feel each stroke of her hand running though his hair and this only seemed to make him more relaxed. General Hux liked this feeling of comfort and safety she was giving him. She kept holding him tight and smiled softly as she felt him relax against her.

General Hux’s entire body was starting to relax in her arms as he let her comfort him. He felt safe and protected. General Hux felt like a child in her arms, being taken care of and reassured. He started to feel slightly drowsy in her arms. General Hux stayed silent and closed his eyes as he let her continue to hold him and stroking his hair.

After a while however, JR-6025 was forced to stop. She stopped stroking his hair and slowly pulled away.

"You are…General Hux. You are strong. You are brave. And you have nothing to fear. Absolutely nothing."

General Hux kept his eyes closed as he felt her pull away from him. After a moment, General Hux slowly opened up his eyes and gave her a small smile. He stayed silent for a few seconds as he tried to fully understand and take in her words.

General Hux then took a deep breath before responding.

"You are right. You are absolutely right. I have nothing to fear. I have been making too many assumptions and letting my worries and fears get the best of me. I should’ve understood this from the start."

She smiled and nodded.

"Here you are, general."

General Hux stayed silent as he still felt the after effects from her hugs and her calming words. General Hux didn’t quite understand his own feelings but she had given him exactly what he needed in that moment.

"Thank you for…helping me understand."

She smiled back.

"You’re welcome, sir."

General Hux stayed silent for a few seconds as he thought about her answer.

He suddenly realised something.

"You never even asked me why I chose you as my plus one. You merely accepted my request and didn’t even think to question why I had chosen you."

She chuckled.

"I have no reason to question you, general. If you say I am to go, I shall go."

General Hux stayed silent as he thought about her answer. She hadn’t questioned him or his decision one bit. He could’ve chosen anyone to be his plus one but here he was, sitting here talking to her and opening up completely. It was somewhat strange but he had this feeling of appreciation towards her for letting it happen.

General Hux looked at her and gave her a small smile that she returned. In a way, he felt as if she was giving him the attention that he would’ve probably wanted from his own parents when he was a child. General Hux quickly tried to hide his expression as he didn’t want to show how much she had actually affected him. General Hux wanted her to continue holding him. He didn’t want this feeling of warmth and comfort to end and he definitely didn’t want her to stop taking care of him. He felt as if he was starting to rely on her. Too much even…General Hux suddenly realized that she had a hold on him—one that made him crave for more. He didn’t know how she had managed to do it but she clearly had.

General Hux was addicted to her.

General Hux stayed silent as he watched her. He suddenly felt the urge to do something but, he did not know what exactly. The general was starting to feel overwhelmed by his own feelings towards her—by this need to keep her around him. Was it the reason he had invited her ? Perhaps. General Hux also felt the urge to get out of his seat, grab her and pull her close so that she would be back in his arms. But he held back. General Hux remained silent as he tried to keep his emotions together.

General Hux suddenly realized that he was slowly becoming more and more dependent on her. He was relying on her. He wanted to keep her around him as he had never felt such a strong need towards another human being. General Hux felt slightly embarrassed by these feelings that were starting to develop and he tried not to show it but the more she spoke and the more he thought about her, the stronger his need and attachment became towards her. General Hux stayed silent as he was lost in thought.

"Sir ?"

General Hux broke his gaze from her and was snapped out of his thoughts.

"Yes, JR-6025 ?" His throat felt dry—like sandpaper.

"…If you ever feel the need to talk again…I wanted to say that my door will always be open to you." General Hux looked at her and gave her a small nod of thanks.

"Thank you. I will definitely keep it in mind."

General Hux stayed silent as he looked at her. He knew he should leave. It was the middle of a night cycle and she needed sleep. General Hux stayed silent and took a deep breath before speaking.

"I suppose I should be going."

She looked at him and had this overwhelming urge to hold him again, but held back again. Instead, she smiled.

"I will see you in two days for the gathering then ?"

It took him a few seconds to answer. After a moment, he simply nodded his head.

"Yes. I will see you in two days for the gathering."

He then left in a hurry and returned to his quarters. JR-6025 fell back onto her bed—wondering about what had just happened. After a while, her eyes closed and she fell asleep. General Hux returned to his quarters but he wasn’t able to find much sleep that night. He was thinking about their interaction and he could feel that he was becoming too attached to JR-6025. He was trying to get these feelings under control but he was failing. General Hux was beginning to get lost in a sea of thoughts and emotions with no land in sight.

As the night progressed, General Hux could only seem to think about JR-6025. His thoughts about her were constant. He tried to to sleep but, he was struggling. His thoughts were too consumed by her. General Hux remained laying in bed with no sleep to be found. He felt extremely confused about how he was feeling and was starting to fear that he was losing himself even more—which worried him terribly.

Instead of finding a solution, he had only worsened his initial problem.

General Hux was eventually able to fall asleep. But, he slept restlessly and had the strangest of dreams. In his dream, he saw himself and JR-6025 together. In this dream, he was sitting and she was laying her head in his lap as he stroked her hair. They were laughing. He couldn’t see her face, but he could imagine it…He could imagine it all.

General Hux woke up and looked around. He found that he was still in his bed and that the dream was just a dream. General Hux stayed silent for a few seconds as he tried to collect himself together. He winced as he realised just what he had been dreaming about…General Hux was worried that he was becoming too attached to her. He decided to get these thoughts out of his head as he tried to get back to sleep.

But then…he dreamt of something else—something even more disturbing.

Hux awoke gasping, images of his dream still scorched upon his mind. Her helmet had disappeared, revealing that which he'd only imagined before. And he...his lips had met hers in a searing kiss, all propriety and ranks dissolving in fevered passion.

But no—that path only led to ruin. Such attachments were forbidden, a weakness to be crushed before it took root. And yet, her kiss still lingered upon his mouth, an invisible brand that set his pulse racing even as shame flooded his veins.

He rose shakily, pacing the room like a caged beast, raking gloved fingers through disheveled hair. What was this insidious madness taking hold ? How had a mere trooper come to occupy his every thought, supplanting duty and ambition as his stars to steer by ?

No—he had not climbed so high, come so far, to lose himself now in some foolish infatuation. JR-6025 would be sent away, a safe distance, lest these poisonous fancies contaminate further. The First Order demanded his whole and undivided focus. Any...distractions, had to be excised without mercy or hesitation.

Still the taste of that imagined kiss lingered. Soft and tantalisingly sweet. He shook his head. He would not be ruled by fleeting desires of the flesh or heart. Duty was his master now, as it had always been. And its demands would be obeyed, whatever the personal cost.

He was resolved on taking his distance from her.

The coming hours passed in a blur as Hux marshaled all strategic acumen towards the singular goal of JR-6025's reassignment. A distant post, some far-flung system—it mattered not where, so long as she was removed from sight and thus thought.

And yet, with victory in hand as her file crossed his datapad to be stamped with orders of relocation, hesitation seized him. Was this truly prudent, casting away his—no, the Order's—most promising trooper over foolish imaginings ? Leaving loose ends risked future complications, as he well knew.

Perhaps a...safer solution existed, one maintaining discipline while utilizing her talents to fullest effect. He was thinking about it when he received a message from Supreme Leader Snoke himself. General Hux closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he tried to gather his courage to face the Supreme Leader after the strange night he had just had. He hoped this time he could get away without injury. General Hux steeled himself as he started walking towards the Supreme Leader’s throne room. Back straight, gloved hands folded primly behind, he waited for Supreme Leader to word the reason for his summon.

"It seems Skywalker has taken on an apprentice—the scavenger girl who resisted interrogation." Supreme Leader Snoke informed him and even though General Hux was tempted to ask where Snoke had obtained such information—it wasn’t hard to picture one tall, dark and particularly annoying sith lord behind it.

"We are currently monitoring the Outer Rim to find any clues as to her whereabouts. And we hope that we will be able to gather more intelligence during the gathering, sir." General Hux said and hoped it would at least prove to Supreme Leader Snoke that they were still somehow searching for the girl. Maintaining an air of calm efficiency helped brace for the tempest to come. Yet beneath Hux’ impassive armor, a strange seed lingered—planted not by fear of Snoke's wrath alone, but compassion witnessed in a certain stormtrooper's eyes. Such things had no place in his calculations, and were doubtless mere fancy. Still, as Snoke's anger crested, its sting was lessened somehow. Even lashes could not erase the memory of concern offered without cause by his trooper, nor drown the fragile spark it kindled against his will—hope…

"General. What is your opinion on JR-6025 ?"

He froze.

He had no answer.

He hadn't expected it.

"JR-6025, Supreme Leader ?" He asked after a brief moment—his eyes slowly looking up at Snoke. Did he know ? Had he seen his thoughts ? Did Supreme Leader Snoke know of his secret unconscious desires ?

But, he was soon reassured as he heard what Supreme Leader Snoke said next.

"Yes. Captain Phasma has assured me that the trooper had helped her and another trooper escape during the battle on Takodana. She also saved Kylo Ren. I am thinking of promoting her to the rank of sergeant..."

Hux was stunned by the news and he pondered on the possibility. JR-6025. A sergeant. He knew she could very well pull it off. She had all the qualities to become an effective team leader...but. Her methods were unusual and she could very well be discarded of as soon as she reached any level of power. And even though he knew that JR-6025 had only ever asked a chance to prove her loyalty to the First Order...General Hux had never pretended to be anything less than selfish. And he knew that if she was to learn that she could gain more power than by standing alongside him...

She would soon become a force to be reckoned with—one he couldn't afford to face.

"I think it would be very...unproductive." He finally replied and Supreme Leader Snoke himself seemed intrigued as he tilted his head curiously at him. It was a rather odd response— especially after JR-6025's rescue of the sith prodigy. But, Supreme Leader Snoke knew perfectly of the little rivalry between him and Kylo Ren. So, he laid back and arched a skeptical eyebrow at him.

"Unproductive...General ?" He invited him to elaborate and general Hux nodded.

"Yes. JR-6025 is undisciplined. She lacks in judgment. And if I may add, she might not be the right fit to be in command of anything." He replied—knowing pertinently that none of it was true. She would make an excellent sergeant, and even though he could feel a voice at the back of his head telling him he was playing a dangerous game by lying to Supreme Leader Snoke—he didn't cower before him. He wanted JR-6025 to remain under his command JR-6025 made him feel good. And he wasn’t about to let her escape his grasp.

Snoke hummed thoughtfully at his words and even though he was rather skeptical as to whether or not General Hux was telling the truth—he had always shown remarkable certainty as to his soldiers' capabilities. But, it was the first time General Hux had shown so much aversion towards one of his own soldiers. That weak little boy that he had first seen amongst the First Order’s ranks had turned into a man, but Snoke could see that this ambitious part of him had grown as well. Maybe, the boy was afraid of what the stormtrooper could accomplish ? Or, it was just some kind of revenge against the soldier who had saved Kylo Ren. There was only one way to be sure.

"Ah...I see. And pray tell, why should I allow such a failure to stay within the First Order ?" Supreme Leader Snoke asked with a slight tilt of his head and Hux bowed his head deeply as he quickly explained.

"Even though JR-6025 may not be fit for a commanding post, she is an outstanding shooter and incredibly loyal stormtrooper. A stormtrooper who isn't ready for such a position as...sergeant. But, she does advice me well and I would like to have her for now. I think she might help me during diplomatic travels to gather allies. But, Kylo Ren keeps interfering with her duties. He keeps talking to her and trying to influence her. Furthermore, I fear that playing games with my subordinate might delay whatever progress he might be making with recovering the scavenger girl as well."

General Hux restrained from smirking at the knowledge that he had laid down all of Kylo Ren's failures so effortlessly that even Snoke would have no choice but to agree to his demand. Kylo Ren was so focused on his rage that he sometimes forgot the true purpose of the First Order. And the scavenger girl had proven to be a waste of time. But, with her on the loose—there was little chance Kylo would have the time to take an interest in his business. And General Hux couldn't be happier about it.

Snoke hummed understandingly. It was true Ren's many failures had proven to be rather bothersome. Besides, it wasn't every day Hux made an official request of the sort.

"Fine. Over viewing your past successes, I shall grant you your wish. The stormtrooper is yours. For now." He finally granted and general Hux could barely contain his satisfaction as he bowed even deeper in response.

"Thank you, Supreme Leader."

Once his report done, general Hux walked away while Kylo Ren entered. He knew better than to brag—but the temptation was too great. He smirked and Kylo Ren could feel the change in an instant. But, he kept walking when he wanted nothing more than to punch the red-headed prick over and over until they couldn't recognise his hair from his face.

But, he did nothing of the sort.

And general Hux left the room with the same victorious smirk on his face.

He had made it clear.

JR-6025 was his.

And there was nothing Kylo Ren could do about it now.

As General Hux made his way back to the command deck, swirling thoughts warred within. Yes, affirming his sole authority over JR-6025 to Supreme Leader Snoke had been a tactical coup, securing an asset and frustrating Kylo Ren simultaneously—but there was more to it, as always, where that troublesome trooper was concerned.

His footsteps slowed. Was it truly control and domination he sought when it came to her, as with all other underlings ? Her fierce yet gentle spirit refused such labels, stubbornly defying comprehension. Even now, the memory of her imaginary lingering lips upon his stirred emotions long thought dead and buried, whispering of mysteries beyond rank or title's grasp.

No, JR-6025 was no mere subordinate to be lorded over. Rather, she seemed destined to shake the foundations of all he thought he knew, tearing down walls around his soul stone by relentless stone until...what ? What vision of the future did she hold, this one who had seen into the blackness of his heart and yet offered compassion without price or condition ?

It was folly, surely, to find significance in a lowly trooper's actions. And yet...as General Hux strode once more towards duty's call, a small flame had taken root within, kindled by hope that he had found in her, as in no others. She made him ponder on whether he might yet rediscover his own humanity—and a future unchained from hatred's bitter legacy.

"…What are you doing to me, JR-6025 ?" He muttered to himself as he looked up at the stars…the stars she seemed to love so much.

Meanwhile in Supreme Leader Snoke’s throne room :

Kylo Ren loomed before Supreme Leader Snoke, fists clenched beneath heavy cloak at Hux's lingering smirk. His teeth ground as Snoke peered down expectantly.

"General Hux saw fit to question the potential of one of our troops," Snoke prompted. "What say you on the matter, Ren ?"

Rage like magma swirled beneath rigid stance. "The trooper JR-6025 has shown aptitude beyond her station," he ground out. "While insubordinate, her actions secured our capture of the scavenger girl. Promotion would honor that."

Snoke arched skeletal brows, scrutinizing. "Yet Hux advocates otherwise, citing the stormtrooper as undisciplined, a danger if granted command. You disagree ?"

Teeth bared behind metallic mask. "Hux fears any not under his sole thumb. This trooper has garnered interest from myself—and he knows the threat that poses to his ambitions."

JR-6026's gentle touch upon his scarred cheek, compassion where others had offered only disgust. That simple gesture had stirred thoughts better left buried...and he knew Hux glimpsed that weakness, moved instantly to exploit it.

Snoke's thin lips twitched in sour amusement. "It seems the general seeks to clip your wings by any means, apprentice, however petty. Your rivalry distracts from our true mission—or does it ?"

Kylo stiffened beneath scourging insight. Snoke continued softly, "Tread carefully, Ren. For now, the trooper is Hux's—but her fate remains to be seen. Stay focused on the task at hand, and all else will follow in time..."

Kylo's fists clenched tighter as he took a moment to regain control.

"Yes, Supreme Leader. My conflicts with Hux only divide what should stand united." He drew a steadying breath. "I will meditate on this, and redouble my efforts to locate Skywalker and his new apprentice. With your guidance, I trust the general's petty stratagems will avail him little in the end."

Snoke peered down thoughtfully, satisfaction curling his lip. "See that they do not, Ren. Hux serves his purpose—for now. But power derives solely from the dark side. Should he forget that..." A gloved fist tightened meaningfully. "As for the trooper, do not trouble yourself over her."

Dark mirth twisted Snoke's grimace. "Stay focused, and all rewards will come. You have potential, apprentice—to become more powerful than Darth Vader himself. Do not squander it on trivial rivalries."

Kylo Ren bowed his head, accepting the warning—and promise. "I live only to fulfill my destiny, Master. The general and his pet will trouble me no longer."

Kylo Ren knelt before the hovering apparition of his Master. The deed was done—Han Solo no longer haunted his past or distracted from his destiny. Snoke surveyed him silently for a tense moment before answering. "I sense the conflict has finally been resolved inside you, my young apprentice. You took a crucial step by slaying the man who was your father."

Ren's fists clenched beneath folded cloak at the memory—Han's pleading gaze as he fell, the cry torn from his soul as he severed the last tie to Ben Solo for good. It had nearly broken him...and yet, in the darkness that followed, a clarity like nothing before had emerged.

"I am no longer conflicted," he declared, lifting burning eyes to Snoke's wizened face. "The deed is done. Kylo Ren kills the past, and takes his rightful place at your side to build a new future."

A thin smile curled Snoke's ravaged features. "Indeed. You have taken the first steps into a larger world, Kylo Ren. No light now remains to hold you back from realizing your true power. Well done, my apprentice. Together, nothing shall prevent us from ruling the galaxy as we were destined..."

Ren bowed his head once more, heart aflame with purpose. At last, the ghosts were laid to rest. Only the future and his Master's guidance remained—and in that darkness, he would finally know the strength and destiny that had always been denied to the weakling Ben Solo. The deed was done...and a new chapter had begun.

.

.

.

But then…Why did he still feel so empty ?

………………………………………………………………………

[rrcenic]

DECEMBER ONESHOTS - Genshin Impact

these were written by me, some accompanied by amazing art by some cool people!! go check em out!

some of the art is not completed, but i wanted to make sure to post this on christmas. i’ll add the art when it’s done!

they’re all modern aus, all focused on a ship :)

happy holidays and merry christmas!!

—-

FREMINET HATES PARTIES

freminet attends quite a few gatherings for his siblings, and meets an interesting boy

pairings: freminet/scaramouche

i drew this art :))

It is December 21st, and Freminet Foyer is going to pass out.

He sits in the corner of the party, clutching a red plastic cup and trying to remember how to breathe.

Sure, he could go try to find one of his siblings to help de-stress, but Lynette is busy explaining something to Charlotte and Lyney is surrounded by fans.

Perhaps the worst part of having famous siblings was the events they’d get you caught up in.

Ever since the twins had gone viral for their magic trick videos, their lives have been full of media interviews, paparazzi, sponsorships, and, perhaps the worst of all, Christmas parties.

Social anxiety is a curse. But at least he’s not the center of attention. There’s an aspect of comfort that comes with being known only as “the Foyer twin’s little brother.” You never have pressure to be anything more.

Except tonight, he’s been noticed.

“Hey, mind if I hang over here?”

Freminet looks up, and looses his breath.

Perhaps the most beautiful person Freminet has ever seen is standing there. Pale skin framed with dark purple hair, and deep lavender-blue eyes. His dark eyeliner and red eyeshadow are perfectly done, and his outfit is graceful and androgynous.

“Enjoying the view?” the strange boy laughs, and Freminet notices he has been staring.

“S-sorry- I’m- I’m not very good at this kind of… of thing…”

“You’re fine. Trust me, you’re one of the most normal people I’ve seen tonight. Wanna get a beer? Your cup is empty.”

Freminet blushes. “N-no thanks, I’m 16-“

The stranger laughs again. It’s a disturbing sound, eerily enticing. “I’m 17, but you don’t see that stopping me. Hey, no pressure if you don’t want any, though. Kudos to you for making good decisions.”

You know what? Fuck it. Father never seemed to care when the twins came back hammered. Freminet gave a slight smile and grabbed a can from the table, downing it in three sips.

“Wow, impressive. I’m Scara. Scara Raiden. I’m only here because my mother and her wife are rich shitheads, and any excuse to tarnish their reputation must be taken.”

The younger man was slightly taken aback. Scara was… opinionated. And loud about it. But not in the way Lyney was, being open as a way to sweet talk into getting his way. No, Scara seemed to be brash simply for the sake of being brash.

Freminet wondered if he was single.

He opened his mouth to ask Scara for his number…

And vomited onto the hardwood floor, barely missing Scara.

Oh god. Oh god, Freminet can’t breathe.

“Oh shit, are you alright?! Is it okay if I touch your arm?”

Freminet nods. Strange, for the circumstance, but the asking of consent for contact was nice. If only he hadn’t thrown up and made a complete idiot of himself.

Scara leads him outside and sits next to him on the cool stone steps, rubbing circles on his back.

“Wow, you can’t hold your liquor, can you?”

Freminet shakes his head. His voice comes out hoarse. “No. I mean, I don’t really drink… but my siblings do, and you seemed impressed…”

Scara scoffs. “Dude, you don’t need to impress me. I mean, I saw you having a panic attack and looking lost and alone, and I still came over. It’s kind of obvious that I think you’re cute.”

Wait. He. So. He’d been flirting the whole time?!

It’s Scara’s turn to go red. “I… I mean- I would… I’d like to get to know-“

“What’s your number?” Freminet blurts.

Scara grins, and looks at the door frame above them. “Huh. Mistletoe. If you hadn’t just puked your guts out, I’d ask to kiss you.”

“If I hadn’t just puked my guts out, I’d say yes.”

—-

DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED

navia attempts to prove herself to her wife by answering once and for all: can gays drive?

pairings: navia/clorinde

the lovely @eternal-moss made the art!!

apologies for spelling mistakes, my phone really wanted to correct clorinde to chlorine 😭😭😭

It is December 22nd, and Navia Rosula is definitely not lost.

At least, that’s what she is reassuring her wife.

“Are you sure you know where you’re going?” Clorinde asks again, as Navia takes yet another right turn.

“Yes! I’ve been this way, like, 6 times!”

“Never at night. While it’s snowing.”

Clorinde had her there. Navia sighs, and pulls over, dirty blond hair spilling over the dashboard as she rests her head on the black leather steering wheel.

“Fine- I’m lost. I’ve just… I usually have all these chauffeurs and drivers, being the daughter of a wealthy father and all… and I… I really wanted to prove to you that I can do something for myself! I don’t want to let you down, not on our first Christmas as wives!”

Clorinde smiles. “First of all, I know you can do things. You’re one of the most capable people I know. And secondly, I’m an atheist and you’re Jewish. Christmas doesn’t have some kind of Hallmark meaning to me. Or you.”

Navia sniffles. “I know… but, I thought you really wanted to go to this party…”

Clorinde laughs. “‘Via, I have no interest in milling around with a bunch of rich kids. What do you say we call it a night, and go home? You can call Meluse and Silver right now, and they can order us a pizza?”

Navia smiles. “I’d like that, yeah.”

Clorinde pecks her cheek. “Oh, and one more thing?”

“Yes?”

“Let me drive.”

“…fine.”

—-

ZHONGLI IS A GOOD DAD

in which xiao gives childe a chance

pairings: zhongli/childe, zhongli is xiao dad

art by the amazingly talented @nickwildelvr !!

It is December 23rd, and Zhongli Lapis-Morax is about to potentially destroy his relationship with his son.

6 days ago, Ajax proposed. It was…magical. They were at a nice Italian restaurant, Zhongli’s favorite place in town. A ring, miraculously in his glass.

For 6 days, Zhongli has been filled with a flood of joy, hope… and anxiety.

Zhongli had adopted a four-year-old Xiao 11 years ago, from an abusive home. The boy was fearful and distant, and when he did finally become close to Zhongli, he stayed unsure of anyone else. Especially grown men.

Xiao also despised Ajax. Though this was completely unrelated to his traumatic past, Zhongli still wanted to give his son as much grace as possible when it came to new adjustments.

But they’d been together for almost two years. And the only improvement in Xiao’s attitude was that he was no longer frightened of his father’s partner, and felt perfect fine insulting him to his face.

And still, Ajax, sweet, understanding Ajax, had kept trying and trying to make a real connection.

He’d asked when Zhongli planned on telling his son, just last night. They were laying in bed, Ajax scrolling through his phone and Zhongli comfortably nestled with his head in the crook of his neck, face pressed against unruly ginger locks. Zhongli changed subject immediately.

And it’s been 6 days. 6 days since Zhongli made a long-term commitment. 6 days that he has avoided his son.

3:45 pm. Every other Sunday at 3:45, Zhongli picks up Xiao from his practice with his rock band. Their music is not amazing, but anything that makes his son happy makes Zhongli happy.

Xiao is waving goodbye to his friend (Whst was his name?? Aether??) when Zhongli pulls up at the house. The teen hurries over, the green highlights in his dark hair glinting in the sun. Zhongli had been opposed to the dye at first, but had grown to enjoy the look. It was really the only color that Xiao would wear, anyway.

Xiao smiles at his father, but avoids his attempts for a hug, grumbling something under his breath. He climbs into the passenger seat of the old silver minivan, and immediately pulls out his phone.

After a minute of driving in silence, Zhongli musters up his courage to raise the subject.

“Xiao, dear, could I have your attention for a short while?”

Xiao looks up. “Yeah, sure. Everything okay?”

Zhongli takes a deep breath, and pulled over to the side of the road.

This is it. Xiao is never going to speak to him again.

“…I know you dislike Ajax…”

Xiao groans.

“Xiao… please-“

Xiao scoffs. “Whatever you want to lecture me about isn’t really that important, is it? Just let me be-“

“Ajax asked me to marry him!”

Silence.

Dead silence.

“Ajax asked me to marry him, and I… I said yes. He… he makes me happy, Xiao. Please. For me. For Christmas. Give him a chance?”

Xiao stayed silent.

Zhongli closed his eyes. Oh god, Xiao is so upset. How was he going to fix this??

Without warning, Xiao leaned across the seat and hugged him. Zhongli was taken aback, but quickly pulled Xiao closer.

The teen mumbled something into his father’s chest.

“Hmm?”

“For you. I’ll give him a chance, for you.”

Zhongli grinned, eyes brimming with tears. It was going to be okay. They were going to be okay.

—-

KAVEH NEEDS A HUG (tw for suicidal ideation/attempt)

in the end, alhaitham will always be there for him

pairings: alhaitham/kaveh

art by the epic@kavehboobs !!

It is December 24th, and Kaveh Singh is going to kill himself.

It’s not really a solid plan. But he’s alone, half-drunk, and he doesn’t think Alhaitham is coming home.

The cold two-room apartment is dark. Its vacant. The marble kitchen counter casts a cool shadow on the tall tan walls. The blond shivers, and tightens his grip on the half empty bottle of wine.

Alhaitham isn’t home. Alhaitham promised to be home by 6 pm, or to call. Alhaitham never changes his plans. Alhaitham left him on read.

It hits him like a slap. He’s alone. Alhaitham isn’t coming home. He’s finally had enough, and left Kaveh to rot. On Christmas eve.

Kaveh doesn’t want to wake up on Christmas alone. And so he has a date with a bottle of pills.

And yet… he hesitates. Because he is a coward, because he is brave, he doesn’t know.

He’s crying. Typical Kaveh. That’s what ‘Haitham would say if he were here. Typical pathetic Kaveh.

The architect lets out a choked sob. 11:45 pm. It’s going to be Christmas in 15 minutes. In 15 minutes, he’s going to do it.

Kaveh hears a car pull up in the driveway.

The doorbell rings.

The lock clicks.

The door swings opens, and a tall dark figure with soft gray hair steps in.

Haitham.

Alhaitham must be here to get his things.

“Kaveh, I apologize for my lateness, I- …have you been crying?”

Kaveh sniffs, and ignores his boyfriend. Alhaitham doesn’t get the hint, and his eyes fall on the bottle of pills.

“Kaveh, what the hell- why do you-“

It clicks. Alhaitham silently grabs the orange canister and the drink. Kaveh feels strong arms wrap around his shaking body.

“Kaveh… love…”

Kaveh whips his head around. “Why didn’t you call?! I thought you’d left me! I- I thought-“

Alhaitham sighs. “My phone died, love. I would never leave you. Listen to me, I swear it on my life.”

Kaveh laughs, watery and shrill.

“My god, I’m an idiot. You’re dating an idiot, you know that?”

Alhaitham kisses his temple. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Can you be safe to stay at home? Will you let me take care of you?”

Kaveh nods into Alhaitham’s shoulder.

“Hey… it’s midnight…”

“Merry Christmas, Kaveh, you dumbass.”

“Merry Christmas. Now kiss me, please.”

—-

VENTI STOPS HIMSELF FROM COMMITTING A MURDER

after kaeya leaves venti and diluc his cat to take care of, things go south fast.

pairings: diluc/venti

art by the amazing @peachtaglia !!

It is December 25th, and Venti Ragdnvindr needs an allergy pill.

He is this close, this close to grabbing his brother-in-law’s blasted cat and hurling it out the window. But that would probably make him sneeze more.

It is a cute cat. A russian blue, 2 years old, named Alexandria, Kaeya had proudly told them when he dropped her off yesterday evening. Venti wishes he’d just brought the cat with him on his trip to the mountains, but the Dragonspine Ski Lodge doesn’t allow pets, and his husband does owe Kaeya a favor.

And so it’s Christmas. 6 am. He should be asleep. Or having a sleepy holiday morning makeout session with Diluc. Or opening gifts with the housestaff.

However, he can’t really do anything at the moment. As there is a cat sitting squarely on his chest, staring into him with its beady little eyes. The Ragdnvindr’s portie, Dvalin, is still curled at their feet. That’s just great. When Venti finally needs a brave guard dog, Dvalin seems to have no problem dozing away. But when he hears a doorbell ring on the TV, he’s ready to rip someone’s head off.

Diluc is still asleep, deep red hair splayed on the pillow beside Venti. His chest rises and falls, peaceful. He’s wearing a gag gift from his brother that reads “I SAVED MONDSTADT AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS SWEATER.” Venti doesn’t want to wake him.

But unfortunately, he sneezes. Diluc grumbles and sits up, sighing.

“Merry Christmas, Ven-“

“Diluc. The cat is going to kill me, Diluc.”

“…What?”

The evil creature yawns, and stretches. Venti shrieks.

“Hon, it’s just a little kitten. Want me to move her?”

Venti shakes his head, and sneezes again. “NO!! Don’t touch it! It’s not safe!”

Diluc roles his eyes and smiles, reaching for the cat.

With a yowel, she launches herself at the couple, claws bared. Venti tries to scream, but instead falls into a fit of sneezing.

By the time they manage to put the cat in her cage, Venti’s nose is red and both him and Diluc are covered in scratches.

Diluc, surprisingly, laughs.

“Well, that was certainly some way to start Christmas. Wanna go back to bed?”

Venti grins. “That sounds lovely.”

—-

again, merry christmas and thanks for checking this out!! so much love and thanks to @peachtaglia @eternal-moss @nickwildelvr @kavehboobs for making stunning art <33

hope y’all enjoyed!!

[landofzero-archive]

Ibara Saegusa - The Venomous Snake's Intrigue

Event: Kiseki ★ Blitzkrieg Autumn Live

Episode 1:

(Location: Adam’s Private Room)

Ibara: If it isn’t Anzu-san! You’re as beautiful as ever today!

Your skin is absolutely glowing! That must mean you got a good night’s sleep last night!

It must be hard to even just move around, so I hope you aren’t too tired!

Option 1: You’re always in high spirits aren’t you.

(Response A)

Ibara: Ahaha, I’ve been like this since I woke up in the morning! I’ve learned to live a regular lifestyle!

Is it like being in the military, you ask? Well, I’ve certainly been in an environment like that!

Saying “Salute~☆” is also a remnant of those days!

(Response B)

Ibara: Oops? Were you perhaps taken aback?

My deepest apologies! I can hardly stomach making such an important customer feel uncomfortable!

I will make sure this kind of misbehavior never happens again…… Please forgive me!

Option 2: I went to a hot spring.

(Response A)

Ibara: Haha, I see! That beautiful skin is also due to the effects of the hot spring!

Relieve your fatigue and get beautiful skin! I didn’t know there was a secret hot spring nearby!

I can feel the blood of a businessman in my veins! Ahaha♪

(Response B)

Ibara: Hot spring? Ah, now that I think about it you had to change your accommodations last minute, didn’t you!

Yuzuru got involved, huh…… It’s a pity you didn’t get to stay at the hotel we arranged for you!

If you have a chance to come here again then please do stay with us!

Episode 2:

(Location: Adam’s Private Room)

Ibara: By the way, Anzu-san, where are you going this morning?

I couldn’t find Isara-san, so I was wondering if perhaps he was with you?

Ah, I just asked out of curiosity! You don’t have to force yourself to answer♪

Option 1: Then it’s a secret.

(Response A)

Ibara: Ahaha, Anzu-san is so secretive! Mysterious……☆

What’s that? If I tell you about myself then you’ll tell me your secret?

An unexpected exchange condition! You’re quite a “go-getter” Anzu-san! Ahaha♪

(Response B)

Ibara: Hm, I see…… Anzu-san and Isara-san have a secret relationship, and–

Oops, you dropped your tablet! Did I upset you?

That tablet costs quite a bit of money so be careful while handling it!

Option 2: A-Actually……

(Response A)

Ibara: Eh, you two got lost?

If you had contacted me, then I would have rushed to you at the speed of light! Oh, what a shame!

You should know my contact information. Just in case, I’ll give you another business card! (He hands out his business card)

(Response B)

Ibara: Hmmm, actually……? There’s no continuation!

Maybe there’s something deep between the two of you that I can’t fully understand……!?

Ahaha! I’m very sorry, I’ll refrain from my pointless prying for now!

Episode 3:

(Location: Adam’s Autumn Live Stage)

Ibara: Your Excellency~! Where are you, Your Excellency~?

Oh, if it isn’t Anzu-san! Finally, the real Autumn Live show is about to begin!

Let’s be fair today! Or rather, please be gentle! Ahaha☆

Option 1: …… I look forward to working with you.

(Response A)

Ibara: Oh, you turned away!

Hmm~…… Did Yuzuru say something to you?

However, I believe in Anzu-san! I’m not the type to believe in gossip that has no basis in facts……☆

(Response B)

Ibara: Oh? What’s wrong, Anzu-san?

Could it be something to do with me……!? I’m sorry! I deeply apologize!

So please join me in creating a perfect live show!

Option 2: What were you doing?

(Response A)

Ibara: Ah, have you seen His Excellency? He disappeared the moment I took my eyes off him!

Eh, he was looking at the ground over there?

Ahaha, it’s pretty much as I expected! Thank you very much, Anzu-san! Salute~☆

(Response B)

Ibara: Ah, that’s right! Actually, His Excellency has suddenly disappeared again!

I’m sure he’ll be back by the time the show starts!

There is a possibility that his precious costume with be covered in mud, so I must aim to collect him as soon as possible!

[renewedmotionforjudgment]

Chasing Abs Jade Live-blogging, chapters 30-34

Ok, I officially love the FL. She heard some actually legitimately tragic story about her adoptive grandparents (and her adoptive grandma was quite terrible to her), like how they lost multiple kids to famine. And she was like “yeah, you were still an asshole. So…”

Fan Changyu had originally disliked Mrs. Fan, finding her sharp-tongued and harsh towards her family. After hearing Fan’s father’s account of past events, she felt that pitiable people must have detestable aspects, but her opinion of Mrs. Fan remained unchanged.

ML with the adorable plot moppet!

As she entered the house, she heard Xie Zheng’s calm voice: “Wood, yao, wood, with a ‘big’ character below, combined to form the character ‘Fan’.”

Chang’ning said pitifully, “I don’t want to learn characters anymore. I want to learn how to butcher pigs like Sister.”

But calm your vinegar my man.

This time it was Xie Zheng’s turn to be taken aback. He raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically, “What if you encounter someone like your former fiancé again?”

Fan Changyu noticed that he had been acting a bit strange lately, often bringing up Song Yan.

She said, “Can we not mention him during the New Year?

Xie Zheng glanced at her sideways, pressing his lips together and saying nothing more, as if his bad temper had flared up again.

Again, this novel remains very 1993 Avon. When you want to help your crush but also you don’t want to reveal that you’re a secret marquis.

But eeeeeeee! Do I see a wiff of rizz?

Chang’ning smiled, her eyes narrowing, “Brother-in-law bought a candied haw stick for Sister too.”

Fan Changyu said, “I’m not a child anymore, why would I eat candied haw…

Before she could finish speaking, a candied haw stick was already held in front of her.

I’m glad the author mentioned ML is extraordinarily handsome again. It’s been 3 chapters. I was worried.

[quillofspirit]

Elizabeth Bennet and Elizabeth Swann meet

They meet

Both charmed, quickly becoming great friends

Miss Bennet insists she be called Lizzy, and Miss Swann settles for Elizabeth

Both in love with their husbands

Both can't hold their tongues

Both women of action

Both married a man for love

They both demand respect, though they rarely find need to voice it

They always strive to do the right thing

Mr. Darcy and Will accompany them, for they must meet this other Elizabeth their wife keeps talking about

Mr. Darcy being visibly taken aback by Will's appearance. Sure, he cleans up nice, but being at sea and a pirate, no less, does harden ones character.

He has an edge that Mr. Darcy has only seen in seasoned soldiers, and scars that would put most to shame.

But Will is respectful

Confident, and humble

Mr. Darcy need a little time to adjust

But when he sees how he looks at Miss Swann, he cannot help but see himself

He knows him enough then

Will is... Will is reminded that his wife grew up in polite society

He doesn't feel inadequate, he certainly feels quite at home with his wife, and Miss Bennet only drives the point home with kindness

He sees why they like each other so much

Mr. Darcy is tall, holds his head high and remains quite stoic

Except when he looks at Miss Bennet

There is a softness, a delicate warmth that lifts his lips ever so lightly

He knows that look

He knows what's behind it

He's felt his own features do the same when he looks at his wife

Both Elizabeths can see the mutual respect their husbands gain towards each other upon seeing the love that resides in the others' eyes.

There's no such thing quite as reassuring as knowing a man has infinite respect and love for his wife

And knowing you share at least that with him

As well as a love for a certain fiery, outspoken, kind and courageous woman

Elizabeth Swann sees Mr Darcy, and can't help but see her first fiancé

Tall, proud and, from what Lizzie has told her, exceedingly kind and loyal

The meeting is quite accidental, though not undiscussed

Lizzy and Elizabeth had talked about making Mr. Darcy and James Norrington meet,

They couldn't deny they wanted to see how they would react to another version of themselves

There weren't many like them, so the event could only be educational

Miss Bennet and her husband were out for a walk, like they normally were, though they did stray closer to her new friend's house than they usually did

Mr Darcy had enough love for his wife's smile to pretend he did not notice until they were knocking, and even more for her enthusiasm to leave it unsaid.

Miss Swann had barely opened the door before she was inviting them in, and seating them in the living room

They shared laughs and pleasant conversation as the tea went cold

They were interrupted by a sharp two toned knock at the door.

Miss Swann was initially surprised, before turning sharp mischievous eyes to her friend and exclaiming "Oh, I had almost forgotten. I expected a dear friend of mine to drop off a book he borrowed."

The knowing look she got back was enough to place a seed of apprehension in Mr. Darcy's mind

Miss Swann practically flew to the door, eagerly opening it to reveal an awaiting Mr. Norrington

No longer adorning his once beloved uniform though his stature would not let anyone doubt he had worn it with pride

Miss Swann invited him inside, though he almost protested before setting eyes upon the visitors, already up to meet him

He couldn't exactly say no, could he? No he couldn't, it would be rude

And Miss Swann had excitedly told him about this Miss Bennet and her husband

He couldn't pretend he wasn't curious

He set the book he had come to return on the side table and stood by Miss Swann as she made introductions

Miss Bennet was indeed charming, that much he could tell, though possibly a little more reserved than his once promised

The man standing by her however, was most intriguing

He appeared just as, if not more, put out by the prospect of having to make conversation with a complete stranger while Miss Swann and Miss Bennet talked away

This proved to be an unnecessary worry, as both men quickly realized the other was just as apprehensive

They even found they enjoyed the quick quips the other made when they could keep up with the two women

Eventually, the impromptu meeting came to a close, though both men came away thinking well of the other

They met again at Jane Bingley’s ball

In truth, Miss Bennet had only agreed to it because her sister Jane had organized it, and she so dearly loved to dance

Mr. Darcy had to concede that though he didn't love the attention, he did love to see his wife dance even if he could would only allow himself to join her for one dance, lest others in waiting be left, well, in waiting

Instead, he most often found himself in a less frequented area, where he was at the mercy of others' conversations

This time, however, he found he knew somebody he would not mind conversing with

He made his way easily through the crowd, which, more often than not, noticed him before he did them

James Norrington had accepted the invitation in no small part because he respected the Bingleys and would never hear the end of it if Elizabeth Swann heard he had declined an invitation from her new friend's sister

While he talked with the Turners, their attention turned to one just behind him

James did not have the time to turn around, before Elizabeth was calling upon the newcomer

"Mr. Darcy! I had hoped you would be able to join us."

He came to a stop beside the group and nodded at the two men

"My wife loves to dance" was the first justification he gave, though he quickly followed it "and Mr. Bingley is a good friend of mine"

"Is he? How wonderful. I can't wait to meet Lizzy's sister." Elizabeth answered quickly, already looking to catch her friend's eye so they might be introduced.

It seems Lizzy had been doing the same, because she waved them over.

"Please excuse us." Was all Elizabeth offered before catching her husband's arm and walking to her friend.

Will barely had time to nod at the two men before they were left alone in their wake.

They passed the time easily enough, finding conversation an unnecessary though not unwelcome distraction.

Instead, they found themselves quite enjoying the dry humour of the other, as they watched inexperienced and nervous boys try to lead their ladies in the various steps, each reminiscing in their own times

Before long, they found they could discuss the changes since their youth, and their respective stations

Mr. Darcy was quite impressed with the military prowess of Mr. Norrington, even as he claimed his exploits quite humbly.

As much as Lizzy and Elizabeth could be said to have become inseparable since meeting, Mr. Norrington and Mr. Darcy often found the others’ company quite enjoyable

Reposted on my AO3 T_isat4

These are my dividers, please do not use them.

[clover-mittens]

BLOODY HANDS

Arthur Pendragon x f!OC

Summary: Rabia came to Camelot with one objective, and that one objective only. Protect Merlin, yet that quickly proves to be a seemingly impossible task as that boy always finds some way to put himself in danger.

Words: 2.6k

next chapter ⎸ master list

Bloody Hands

part three: The poisoned chalice.

After receiving the weapons from the warrior elf Arthur kept asking Rabia questions, like why she had the weapons on her in the first place, in all honesty, he just wanted to spend more time with her. He kept catching his eyes slowly falling to the slits on either side of her dress, the ones that exposed her legs from the thighs and down. "Your gown; it's quite unusual. I've never seen anything like it around here.", he admitted.

"It's nice when traveling. I'm very flexible in case I need to run or fend for my life, you know? Those heavy chains aren't any good unless your main goal is to defend yourself and not just quickly kill.", Arthur is taken aback by this. He never imagined the small woman in front of him to be a killer. "I go straight in with the blade, no need to give them a chance."

The knight is about to ask further questions about the subject but is cut off by the door to Gaius' chambers being opened. "Merlin?", the elderly man looks confused. "Rabia, what are you doing here?"

Rabia had never met Gaius before, as far as she knew, so how did he know her? "Merlin's out polishing my armor. I'm assuming you sent for Rabia?"

Gaius nods hesitantly. He had not sent for her, but he thought it made a more believable story for the girl whom he knew wasn't supposed to be in Camelot. "Yes, I've been needing her help around here, sire. I didn't expect her here so soon, but I'll take it up with your father later."

"See, I'm totally safe, so I'd actually like it if I could have my sword and bow back, please.", Arthur nods before giving the woman her weapons back.

"Now with all due respect, I have business to attend to with Rabia.", Gaius said, asking the boy to leave. Arthur does as told, excusing himself quietly, and closing the door on his way out. "What are you doing here? Where's your mother?"

"How do you know me, again? We've never met.", Rabia claims. Not actually being sure if the words she's saying are of any truth.

Gaius chuckles. "Right, you wouldn't remember. Most of your people used to live here up until about twenty years ago. You were born here just a few months after Arthur."

"You must be mistaken. I was made in my village. My mother made me with magic."

"And so she did, but here before all the witches and warlocks had to flee from Camelot. You were very young, I shouldn't have expected that you'd remember - the mind works in a funny way, either suppressing the traumatic events or never letting go of them."

Rabia looked around the room quickly before getting closer to Gaius. "Does that mean you know what I am?", Gaius nods, making the girl let out a sigh of relief. "Merlin can not know, got it, not about why I'm actually here.", Gaius is getting concerned by the second, thinking of all the worst-case scenarios. "Hunith sent me, so you can calm down - I can feel your heartbeat from here."

"What did she want from you?"

Hunith had come to Rabia's town to find a protector for her son, she feared he'd get into all sorts of danger while having to save Arthur. "She needs me to look after Merlin. Please, let this stay between the two of us. He'd ignore me if he knew the real reason I'm here."

"So what does he think you're here for?", Rabia's lips turned into a thin line. She knew that when Gaius had helped her with Arthur he never meant it. He definitely didn't need another assistant when Merlin was around.

She looked down at the ground. "I need to be as close to Merlin as possible so I can keep an eye on him at all times. It's my duty as a protector. Hunith wouldn't know what to do with herself if anything happened to that boy. Please, Gaius, let me stay here with you."

"I'll see what I can do. There's been a lot going on around the caste since Merlin got here, I'll find out what to say to Uther. Till then I'm assuming you have a place to stay?", Rabia nods. The tavern will do for now, at least she's nothing but a quick sprint away from Merlin at any given point. "There's a peace treaty later, leave the bow and sword here and go find Merlin. He'll be your way in."

"Thank you."

"Merlin, there you are!", Rabia said with a bright smile on her face as she found the young boy standing outside, polishing Arthur's armor. "Gaius told me to come to help you, can't have you missing the peace treaty. Besides, Arthur's-"

"Right here. I'm gonna be needing Merlin now. You can finish those later.", Arthur came up behind Merlin, grabbing his ear and dragging him along with him. Rabia quickly followed the two as they made their way inside and up to Arthur's room. "Merlin'd helped me get dressed, he won't be needing your assistance for that, darling."

Darling; the word made Rabia's blood boil slightly. "I'll be waiting outside then, Sire."

"I wasn't complaining, you can always come to watch. It's really a one-man job though.", Arthur winked as he pushed Merlin inside and shut the door behind them, knowing that the girl would take his offer as a joke. Arthur was only half kidding, he'd love nothing more than for her to see him getting dressed, but in a different circumstance maybe. He'd love it more after having just made love to her than while he was getting dressed like a man baby by another man - another man who he felt slightly threatened by. Rabia had just shown up and he admittedly knew nothing about her, but it seemed to him as though Merlin and the woman had a certain bond. Over what he had no idea, which also threatened him; how was he supposed to compete with something he had no idea what even was? "Beautiful, isn't she?"

Merlin nodded in agreement as he opened the box on Arthur's table. It was filled with clothes. "A bit strange how she just showed up out of seemingly nowhere, don't you think?", Arthur had thought about that, but he always pushed the thought away as fast as he got it. He didn't want to believe her to be a threat. "Especially after what happened with the water supplies."

"You don't think she had anything to do with it, do you?", is a thought that had never entered Arthur's mind. Merlin shrugged, not wanting to say anything without actually knowing. But having her life in the same castle as the guy he was meant to protect could come in as a bit of a challenge if she was actually the one who'd been causing havoc in the town. "Maybe I should alert father."

"No. Not until you know anything for sure. I just thought it was a weird coincidence. Who's even to say she'd a witch. What witch would willingly live here, right?", Merlin had not forgotten their talk earlier. There was no doubt in his mind that she was a witch, and probably a powerful one too. Merlin could not take that fight if it came to it. All he could do now was hope that it never did come to it. How would he protect Arthur? "She doesn't look like one.", he knew, probably better than anyone in Camelot, that witches and warlocks had not one thing in common to spot when it came to appearance. Anyone could be a magician, looks have nothing to do with it.

"I guess you're right. She's way too pretty to be a witch."

"Pretty for a maiden, I'll admit."

Arthur's eyes widened at Merlin as if he'd just said something completely out of order. "Pretty for a maiden? She's pretty for a princess, let alone a maiden.", Arthur probably should not be saying these things, especially about a woman of her standard - an herbalist, what should he do with an herbalist by his side. There was no doubt in his mind that he could never marry a woman like her, but that didn't stop all of the other thoughts from taking over all of the intelligent ones; the ones made by his brain. "Father would hate her. Gaius will have a hard time convincing him once he sees her."

"You scared she'll get executed for wearing that dress?", Merlin says jokingly. Arthur knew his father was very fast to execute the people he didn't like, but killing a woman for the way they'd dressed was against his better judgment. He'd never do it, but now Merlin had planted the seed in Arthur's head. "I was kidding, Arthur. Now let's get you dressed, eh?"

Rabia is standing behind Gaius as Bayard and his people arrive. After waiting outside of Arthur's door for a while she got impatient and went back to Gaius. He'd told her that Merlin would be her way in, but so could he, besides, Merlin wouldn't get hurt with Arthur around, not seriously hurt at least. "Now, she's pretty.", Merlin whispered to the servant standing next to him, he was looking at one of Bayard's maidens. She was a beautiful girl, even Rabia could admit that with the blue scarf on her head, matching her blue eyes. She wasn't looking, but Rabia knew that she was fully aware that Merlin was looking at her, she could see it in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Rabia was completely oblivious to the prince catching short glimpses of her over his shoulder whenever the chance came. He wanted to make sure that she was still there, but after what Merlin had said he felt the need to keep an even closer eye on her.

The girl Merlin had been talking to came and stood next to Gaius and Rabia as the boy kept staring. " and though we remember those who have died, we must not allow any more to join them. As a symbol of our goodwill, and of our new-found friendship, I present these ceremonial goblets. To you, Uther, and your son, Arthur, in the hope that our friendship may last.", Bayard explains as he takes out the chalices one of his servants brought for him. Rabia was so caught up in the speech that she didn't even notice Merlin getting dragged out of the room by the girl with the blue scarf. "Tonight, we toast a new beginning for our peoples. We look to a future free from the toils of war." Bayard is a great speaker, or he's great at speaking. Rabia has found herself getting bored with Bayard's long speeches for the past while since they got here.

But just as Bayard is about to finish his speech something interesting happens, that yet again grabs Rabia's attention. Merlin runs back in, although she'd never actually seen him leave. "Stop! It's poisoned. Don't drink it.", the young warlock yells before quickly grabbing the chalice from Arthur's grip.

Everyone's certainly surprised by the boy's sudden outburst. "Merlin, what are you doing?", after Merlin yet again claims the goblet to be poisoned, Bayard and his men all pull out their swords, causing Uther's men to do the same. At that moment Rabia was happy she'd gone back to the chambers to retrieve her sword, just in case someone actually tried to kill the young boy she was here for.

"Order your men to put down their swords. You're outnumbered.", Uther says as the witch makes her way closer to the scene unfolding before her, she needs t be close in case anyone tries something. Bayard's not happy with the accusations being put against him. "On what grounds do you base this accusation?", for some reason the fact that Uther actually questions the servant is shocking to Rabia, she thought he would have just had him killed.

Before Merlin gets to answer, Arthur jumps in. "I'll handle this.", he walks up to his servant, making Rabia grab ahold of her sword, not daring to pull it yet. "Merlin, you idiot, have you been at the sloe gin again?", he asks him as he brings him closer to his father.

"Unless you want to be strung up, you'll tell me why you think it's poisoned - now."

"He was seen lacing it.", Merlin explains. Rabia looks around the room, noticing that the girl with the scarf is nowhere in sight, she now knows who put this information in Merlin's hands.

"By whom?"

Merlin takes a short break, thinking. "I can't say.", this time Rabia agrees with Arthur. What an idiot.

Bayard sighs in annoyance, catching everyone's attention as the sounds bounces off the high tall walls. "I won't listen to this anymore."

"Pass me the goblet.", Uther orders Merlin before making his way around the table to where Merlin, Arthur, and Bayard are standing. Rabia's standing between the ends of Bayard and Uther's tables, yet no one has yet to question her involvement. Arthur takes the goblet from Merlin, passing it to his father. "If you're telling the truth...

"I am."

... then you have nothing to fear.", Uther tells the king in front of him. Bayard quickly puts away his sword, before motioning for Uther to pass him the goblet. "No - if this does prove to be poison, I want the pleasure of killing you myself.", Arthur is watching his father closely as he turns towards Merlin. Panic grew inside Rabia as we watched everything slowly unfold in front of her. Merlin couldn't drink that, he'd die and Rabia would have failed. "He'll drink it."

"But if it's poisoned, he'll die.", the concerned prince protests.

"Then we'll know he was telling the truth.", Uther states.

"And what if he lives?"

Uther is keeping a close eye on the goblet as he hands it to Merlin. "Then you have my apologies, and you can do with him as you will."

It doesn't take long before even Gaius has had enough to jump in and defend the boy. "Uther, please, he's just a boy, he doesn't know what he said."

"Then you should have schooled him better."

Seeing no other ending than one where Merlin drinks from the goblet Arthur decides to jump in again. Arthur says a lot of mean stuff about his servant, but he'd never want him to die while trying to protect him. "Merlin, apologize. This is a mistake. I'll drink it!"

Arthur is about to pull the goblet away from Merlin, but that only gives the boy more of a reason to drink it. "No, no, no, no! It's all right.", Rabia swallows the lump in her throat as Merlin put's the goblet to his lips, looking directly at Gaius, telling her that the goblet is in fact poisoned and that he's counting on Gaius to save him this time. Everyone's silent as Merlin drinks. And then, just like that, he's finished it, showing no sign of being poisoned. Rabia lets out a sigh of relief. "It's fine.", the boy sounds ashamed and embarrassed.

"He's all yours.", Bayard pulls his sword back out, but the same instant he does that, Merlin puts his hand to his throat as he starts coughing, and just like that, Merlin falls to the ground. First to his side, as Uther's guards seize Bayard, is Arthur, quickly followed by Rabia.

"We have to get him back to my chambers. Bring the goblet. I need to identify the poison."