#sadly have not been able to find a trace of the three girls i hung out with in year 8

[powderedwhiteviolets]

something in me has possessed me to start stalking people i went to high school with and have had no contact with across social media and am finding some gold. like one of them plays rugby professionally? this other dude works for amazon as a business development exec...whatever that means...the dude i had a massive crush on who looked like a teenage dipper pines ended up aging into a this stereotypical gigachad who does triathlon so dodged a bullet there...

none of this is crucial to my life and i am in fact ignoring several important tasks to do this instead but idc

[f00pyf00p]

The Book and The Door

Rating: General Relationships: Romantic Analogical Warnings: Death, Car Crash, Afterlife Word count: 3085 Summary: Virgil stood. Or at least, he thought he did. It was hard to tell. Normally, when one was standing, you could feel the ground beneath your feet. Here there was nothing. No sensation pulling him down, no firmness as he cautiously took a step forward. Other Notes: Analogical Week Day 6: Past/Future @analogicalweek

Read on AO3

Virgil stood. Or at least, he thought he did. It was hard to tell. Normally, when one was standing, you could feel the ground beneath your feet. Here there was nothing. No sensation pulling him down, no firmness as he cautiously took a step forward.

There was nothing around him.

No color.

No white.

No black.

Just… nothing. For as far as he could see.

He and the place simply existed. They simply were.

He shifted on his feet. Or at least, he thought he did. It was hard to tell when there was no ground, was no floor, no anything at all.

Except-

There was something.

A rectangle. Just far enough away to be seen.

It took him a full minute and 31 seconds to decide but Virgil finally made his way towards that rectangle until he was close enough to realize there was a much more apt description of the object in front of him.

It wasn’t just a rectangle.

It was a door.

A wooden one.

Leading… nowhere.

He blinked at it.

“You could go through.”

Virgil jumped half a mile into the air and turned. Nobody. He turned again. Still nobody.

“Who are you?” he asked. “Where am I?”

“You’re in the in-between.” The voice was warm, calming. Virgil quite liked it. “I am your guide.”

Virgil didn’t want to ask what the in-between was and look like an idiot. He opted for silence, a silence which he quietly used to survey the door to nowhere.

There was something about it. Something he didn’t like. Something that made Virgil feel like it should remain closed.

“You should go through the door,” the voice said in that same calming tone from earlier. “It’ll help you.”

“I’m good thanks,” Virgil muttered.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded.

A book fell three inches from his right foot.

Virgil blinked.

It was big, black, and thick. Slowly, Virgil leaned down and let his hands curl around the spine of it. He lifted the book up into the air and watched in astonishment as the black cover changed.

Letters formed across the top of it. Letters he recognized. The first letters he had ever learned to put together.

Virgil Hummel.

He swallowed and looked up, as if expecting the voice to speak down to him. When it did not, Virgil slowly cracked the book open to the very first page.

To a picture of him as a newborn. The doctors were holding him out to his mother, his mother who looked exhausted but happy, who was smiling at the sight of her baby-

Virgil snapped the book shut. “What is this?”

The voice didn’t respond.

“What is this?!”

A beat. Then-

“It’s you.”

Silence. Virgil bit his bottom lip and slowly reopened it.

There were all kinds of pictures. Pictures of him the first time he rode a bicycle, the first time he read poetry, the first time he wrote poetry-

He winced.

The first time he went on a date.

His hands traced the outline of his middle school self, standing with a girl named Billie who had asked him out. It was back when he didn’t know he was gay, didn’t understand why he couldn’t replicate her feelings- and when she had gone to kiss him?

Virgil quickly flipped the page.

It took him longer than he had expected but eventually, Virgil found himself staring at a familiar set of brown eyes and warm copper skin. He smiled almost subconsciously at the picture of Logan. It was in their college math class; Virgil and Logan had ended up sitting next to each other at the beginning of the year, purely by accident. At the moment they were facing each other, Virgil looking a little flustered, Logan simple and polite.

“Shit, shit, shit, shittttt.” Virgil’s hand worked through his bag but he couldn’t find it, couldn’t find anything, and it was only the first lesson but he was going to fail and he never should’ve gone to uni.

“Do you require assistance?”

“I- What?”

Logan- not that Virgil had known his name yet at the time- coughed. “My apologies. My brother says I talk in an awkward fashion. Do you need help?”

“I um… I forgot a calculator.”

“Ah. Well, I believe I can help you there. Both my mother and my father got me one for Christmas.” Logan reached into his bag and removed a small black one. “Would this work?”

“I- yes. Thank you. That’s very kind of you. Are you sure-”

“Please, go ahead. It’ll be getting little use otherwise.”

Virgil bit his lip. “Thank you. What’s your name?”

“Logan Berry. I’m a freshman. What’s your name?”

“Virgil Hummel.”

He smiled sadly at the picture. Burning pricked at the ends of his eyes but he ignored it and traced Logan’s face with a single hand.

They were so young.

“He must be important to you,” the voice said.

“He is.” Virgil was barely louder than a whisper. “He’s… everything.”

The voice didn’t respond and Virgil flipped the pages, past unforgiving and unending tests, past the not-accepted coming in on every single goddamn job until-

He paused briefly on a picture of him and Logan in a library. They were engaged in some conversation- something about their teacher, Virgil remembered. Neither of them had liked him very much and complaining had helped take the edge off.

“What happened there?” the voice asked.

“We had midyears coming up.” Virgil was smiling, even as his voice broke. “Our entire class was panicking. All of the averages on our previous quizzes had been below 60%. Logan and I always had managed to pull off As though and the class asked us to tutor them together.” Virgil’s smile widened. “I was terrified, but Logan agreed so how could I say no? We had just finished our first session here and Logan… Logan hung back. To check and see if I was okay.” Virgil sniffed. “Because he knew… he could tell I was nervous and he was just so… so perfect.”

“I think that went very well. You’re very patient.” Logan said.

“I bet I screwed them all up.”

“Nonsense. It was the first time I’ve ever seen Jacob leave math class with a smile on his face. He’s normally on the brink of a panic attack.” Logan looked up and Virgil and he wasn’t smiling, but there was something about him that just seemed so joyful. “You’re very good at this.”

“Th-Thank you. You’re very good as well.”

“Thank you.” Logan leaned over work somebody had left. Emma, if Virgil remembered correctly. “It's a shame it's necessary.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, if Mr. Harris had any idea how to do his job, such a large study group wouldn’t be needed.”

Virgil choked. “He is awful, isn’t he?”

“I swear, I’ve learned more about his cats than I have any math. The only way I’m scraping by this class is by teaching myself using the textbook.”

“Same here.”

“Hmm.” Logan brushed the leftover papers into a pile. “I’ll see you later, Virgil.”

“Bye Logan.

Virgil let the pads of his fingers brush over the image. “I felt so much lighter after that. He really was a wizard at figuring out when I needed help.”

The voice was silent.

Virgil flipped through the pages, through the midyears, through the endless studying, and hesitated briefly on the pure accomplishment he felt at the class average being above an 85%.

He flipped again to the school-wide party after that, and to the adorable wallflower, he had found leaning against the wall, reading a book instead of engaging in the activities.

“Logan?”

He looked up, eyes lighting up immediately. “Virgil! I admit I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I didn’t really expect you either. What are you doing?”

“Currently, I’m reading The Obsidian Tower By Melissa Caruso. It’s a wonderfully diverse fantasy.”

“Cool.” Virgil licked his lips. “So why are you here? Wouldn’t reading be more comfortable in your dorm room?”

“Oh, my roommate Roman dragged me here. He is of the opinion that this kind of social interaction is necessary to survival.” Logan sniffed. “I am not, but I find that the argument ‘I’ll leave you alone for a week’ is a very persuasive one.”

“Do you… not like your roommate?”

“His company is good in shifts. Too much of him makes me want to tear my hair out.” Logan looked him up and down. “Why are you here?”

“Patton has the same opinion as Roman and I’m too much of a pushover to say no.”

A coy smile appeared on Logan’s face. “Then we shall suffer together.”

Virgil hadn’t been able to come up with a response. He had been too busy trying to catch his breath from the pure shock of seeing Logan with a smile.

“Why is this scene important?”

“It was… He was so beautiful. Right after he smiled, he had the audacity to brush his hair back and I just…” Virgil felt like his chest would explode. “I knew I was screwed. A kind-hearted hot guy? How could I not develop a crush on him?”

He didn’t wait for the voice this time. Virgil flipped through the book at ready past the outings with Logan, Patton, Roman, and Remus, past the tests, and the fun, until he landed at a picture with him pacing the hallway in front of Logan and Roman’s dorm room.

“What happened?”

“I confessed,” Virgil whispered.

“Did you plan to?”

“Yes.”

“What if Roman had been there?”

“I knew- I knew he was out with Patton. Roman and I had made a pact that if I could get Patton to the coffee shop we liked alone, he would make sure Logan was in the dorm room by himself, and then we would both confess at the same time.”

He had been nervous. His hands were clammy, breath came unsteadily and every time Virgil thought of something to say, he came up with a rebuttal to that, how it was dumb, not worth it, pathetic.

And then the dorm room opened.

“Virgil?”

He took a breath. Turned. Met Logan in the eye. And then realized that the last one had been a huge mistake because now he was thinking about how hot Logan was and oh god, Virgil was going to die.

“Are you alright? Are you… is it your anxiety? Would you like me to offer you a distraction?”

Why, why, WHY did Logan have to be so goddamn nice?!

“I need…”

Logan waited. Because he was good, and he was nice, and Virgil just needed to rip the bandaid off.

“Willyougoonadatewithme?”

Logan blinked. “I got the ‘will’ and ‘me’ part. Would you care to repeat the rest of that sentence?”

Virgil took a breath.

“Will you go on a date with me?”

There was a silence in which Virgil wanted nothing more than to simply die but then Logan was smiling, and it was a real smile, a huge smile and it melted Virgil’s heart into a puddle.

“Certainly.”

“Really?”

“I’ve harbored romantic feelings for you for some time now.”

“I- what- how can you just say that!?”

“I couldn’t. That’s why I didn’t tell you.”

“You- I- I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 6.”

“Satisfactory.”

“We went to see a movie. Patton picked it out.” Virgil could feel tears threatening to fall, but he paid them no mind. “We both hated it with such venom that we spent the entirety of dinner talking about how horrible it was. And later that week, Logan ordered a piñata for me shaped like the main character’s head.”

“Sounds wonderful.”

“It was. It was… just amazing.”

Virgil flipped the pages. Past the first time they kissed, past the dates, past the teasing looks turned to actual sex, and finally-

He took a long breath out as he looked at this picture.

“I’ve been thinking.”

Virgil turned to look up at him, smile on his face. “You do little else.”

It was night. Not evening night, but pure black night. Logan had found them a spot on a hill where the smaug didn’t cloud the stars in the sky and the world could just be theirs for a while.

“I mean- oh shut up.” Logan was smiling now too. “I was thinking about a specific topic.”

“That must've been very strange for you. Are you-”

“Virgil Hummel, I swear to Newton you will let me finish this sentence.”

Virgil had laughed and when he saw the blush that appeared on Logan's face as he did so, he laughed all the longer.

“I was thinking,” Logan punctuated and he slapped a hand over Virgil’s mouth when it opened, “about how much I love you.”

“What the fuck, L. You can’t go from me making fun of you to you saying something like that!”

“I didn’t ask you to make fun of me.”

“Irrelevant!”

It was Logan’s turn to laugh and the sound flipped Virgil’s stomach upside down. Virgil leaned forward, wrapping himself in Logan’s warmth.

“Do you want to get an apartment together?”

Virgil blinked.

“It would be near college, obviously. And near our jobs and internships. But we’re graduating Sophomores and I think it makes sense to try and learn how to live on our own.” He paused. “And I want to do it with you.”

Virgil had to swallow three times before he managed to say. “Will Roman and Patton be disappointed we’re not with them?”

“Patton might be. Roman knows though.”

“Why?”

“I needed help gathering the courage to ask, and we both know he’s great with secrets.”

“Patton is good too.”

Logan glanced at him.

“Okay, Patton is terrible. He tries though.”

“Sometimes I doubt that.”

“Logan!”

His boyfriend grinned. The grin faded slightly. “So? Do you want to live with me?”

“Of course!” Virgil reached up to turn Logan’s face to him, one hand on either cheek. “I’d love to live with you.”

Logan smiled and Virgil leaned in, pressing their lips firmly together until even the moon had faded to the background.

“How long did you live together?”

“For the rest of our lives.” Virgil paused. “Wait.”

“Yes?”

“I- That’s not right.”

“What isn’t?”

“I- I’m still living with him. I’m not dead.”

“Aren’t you?”

Virgil winced. His eyes fell shut and suddenly he couldn’t see the nothingness, couldn’t feel the nothingness. There was wind in his face, a helmet on his head, rubber gripped in his hands. He was on a bike. Logan rode beside him, Logan, who was trying to convince Virgil they should buy a pet snake-

And then there were blinding white lights. A scream. And…

And nothing.

The nothing.

“I’m… dead?”

“Yes.”

“No. No, I can’t be dead. I can’t be. I had- I had just gotten the job I wanted, we were buying a bigger apartment near it together I-” He froze. “I never got to marry him.”

Hands trembling, Virgil flipped frantically through the pages, frantically until he reached the picture of that hill, the hill that was there’s the hill where the world fell away and it was just them.

“Logan.”

“Yes, Virgil?”

“Tonight…. Tonight has been lovely. Thank you for planning it.”

“Of course. You deserve it.”

“But why are we here? I mean, I’m quite happy we are, but you said we had to leave the restaurant at that moment because Patton needed us and-”

“Forgive me. It may have been a lie.”

“Why?”

Logan gripped Virgil’s shoulders, spun him around, and angled his head up towards the sky. Before Virgil could ask him any more questions he watched in amazement as burning light flew across the dark blue sky and faded in a shining of white light.

And then another joined it.

And another.

Until the sky was full of beautiful burning rocks and Virgil could barely even breathe at the sight of them.

“A meteor shower?” He gasped. The hands had fallen off of his shoulder and he whirled around to look at Logan. “You brought me to a meteor shower?”

But when he turned, he didn’t see the Logan he expected, the one enthralled with the rocks in the sky, eyes all alight like they got whenever he was happy.

He found a shaking Logan. A nervous Logan. A Logan down on one knee.

Virgil flew up to his mouth.

Logan coughed. “Virgil Ovid Hummel. Will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”

“Yes!” Virgil pulled the beautiful ring out of his velvet black box and slipped it onto his finger. “Logan I…. I love you so much.”

Logan stood up and Virgil barely gave him time to straighten before he was rushing in and nailing their lips together, arms hugging around his neck to pull him as close as possible.

“We were going to be married next month.” Tears rolled down Virgil’s face and the book thudded to the floor. It spun and by some force- perhaps the voice’s- it landed open on the last page.

The last page, which featured two side-by-side bikers and a very drunk truck driver driving over 60 miles an hour on a 30 mph road past a stop sign.

“We were going to be married.” Virgil put his face in his hands and sobbed. His knees buckled to the floor. “I never got to marry him. I never got to marry him.”

“Not in this life,” the voice said gently. “But you always have the next.”

Virgil looked up and his red-rimmed eyes landed on the wooden door. “I’ll see him again?”

“Open it,” the voice replied, “and find out.”

Slowly Virgil wiped off his face. He got to his feet and shuffled up to the wooden door. The wooden door to nowhere.

Virgil opened it. Nothing.

He glanced back toward the book.

“You have to step through,” the voice chided. “Have some faith, Virgil.”

So Virgil took a breath. Closed his eyes. And he stepped through.

When he opened his eyes the door was gone and he wasn’t in nothing anymore. He was standing on a hill. On a very familiar hill. On their hill.

“Virgil?”

Virgil nearly broke at the voice alone. He turned and a sob choked out of him the sight of those brown eyes, that warm skin, and the neat black hair.

Logan smiled back at him, tears in his own eyes and he reached forward and-

Virgil had never felt more at home than when Logan’s arms came up around him.

[idkxwriting]

Treacherous - Chapter 14

Author: idkhaylijah

Pairings: Elijah Mikaelson x Reader, Dean Winchester x Reader

Word Count: 6.3k

A/N: alright guys, some angst for ya. We’re starting to come to the end! If you’d like to be alerted anytime I post a new chapter/new work, follow @idkhaylijahwrites​ and turn on post notifications :) Thank you for reading, and giving me feedback, it means a lot! <3 

Chapter 13  -  Masterlist

It had been three days. Three days since Matt's death, since she had come home. Three days since she really talked to Elijah or Dean.

They held a memorial for Matt in the woods. Stefan and Damon had taken care of covering up what had really happened, Sam helped bury the body, and they waited for their friends to come home. In any other moment, Y/N would have been overjoyed to be reunited with her friends, but in that moment, in those circumstances, she couldn't think of anything worse. How many times had she covered up the death of someone she loved? Over the years she had begun to lose count. Would her friends have a memorial in the woods for her, too?

Y/N had watched her friends break down over the loss, and still she stood numb. The only thing left inside of her was guilt and rage. It had been three days since she had seen or heard anything from Empusa. She hadn't even felt her. The quiet was unnerving, like the calm before a storm. The skies were growing darker, the wind picking up as something ominous came towards Mystic Falls. Something they seemingly couldn't stop, and she felt her moment draw closer, her time running out.

After the funeral, she was adamant that her friends needed to leave. They had argued and shouted, and after concocting a secret plan with Freya and Castiel to get them out, Y/N was left alone in her room, nothing but the sound of the rain outside keeping her company.

"I can handle it," Freya had agreed, leaving the room.

Castiel stood, his eyes haunted, and she instinctively knew that he knew. "Y/N..."

She shook her head. "Just promise me you won't let him do anything stupid?"

"Dean isn't just going to walk away..."

"I know," she sighed. "And I know I'm asking a lot, but please, Cas."

He nodded grimly, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

She sat, perched on the edge of the bed with her back to the door. She rubbed at her shoulder, the stab wound stitched but sore. It would leave a nasty scar. Not that it matters, she thought, her mind drifting once again to her impending doom when she heard him come in.

"How are you holding up?" Dean asked, his boots heavy on the wooden floor.

She took a deep breath, standing and moving toward her dresser. "Fine," she said dismissively.

He let out a sad laugh at that, and she didn't need to see him to know his eyes were crinkling in the corners, frustrated amusement at her deflection, his lips pressing into a thin line. They were so much alike, sometimes. "Right," he said, nodding. "Y/N you're not fine. You've barely said two words to any of us, you've been shut up in your room as much as possible..."

She turned to face him. "I think I convinced Stefan and Damon to take the girls and help evacuate Mystic Falls. Gas leak, I think they're going with. Freya said she'll place a barrier along the border of town. Nothing supernatural will be able to come or go. So once they're out, they won't be able to come back in until this is all over. At least I'll know they're safe..."

Dean nodded. It was a good plan, the less people they had to worry about, the better. "Yea, Sam filled me in," he said. "We're gonna help get as many people cleared out of here as possible."

"FBI?" She asked casually.

He shrugged. "U.S. Marshals, I think." They stood in awkward silence for a moment - it was the most they had spoken since Matt's death - since their fight, really. He took in her appearance, beaten down and exhausted. He wondered if she had slept at all since they found Matt. He cleared his throat, offering her a polite smile. "Right, well, I should go, let you sleep..."

As he turned to leave she stopped him. "I'm sorry," she blurted.

He turned around as if to shrug off her apology, but when he saw the look in her eyes and the weight of her regret, he paused.

"About our fight...and Elijah, I mean," she took a deep breath, willing her pride to take a back seat for a moment. "I care about you, Dean, and I never wanted to hurt you." He said nothing, but his green eyes fixed on her. They stood in silence for a long moment, and she thought maybe he wouldn't say anything at all when he finally spoke.

"Do you love him?" There it was, the question he had been holding back for weeks. The one he felt like he had no right to ask - that he was pretty sure he didn't want to know the answer to. Even as it hung in the air he wished he could take it back. It was one thing to suspect it, but the idea of hearing the answer out loud felt like it could suffocate him right there.

She bit her lip. "Yes," she whispered. "I'll always love him."

There it was. All he needed to know. All he wished he could forget. He nodded, turning towards the door once more.

"But I love you, too..." the words rushed out urgently, stopping him in his tracks. She startled at her own confession, but there was no taking it back.

His hand lingered on the doorknob, his feet frozen in place.

She hadn't intended on telling him - she knew in the grand scheme of things, it didn't even matter, but she leaned into it, an inexplicable need to tell him. "And I know how fucked up and selfish that is," she continued. "I wish it was different, and I'm sorry, but I love you, too." She wasn't sure why she was telling him any of it, other than she felt like she had to. Like if she didn't tell him the truth she may explode.

"Don't," he said softly, slamming his eyes shut.

She shook her head and took a step toward him, her heart thumping, her voice shaking. "I love you, Dean Winchester. And I'm so sorry for that."

He turned, his eyes searching hers. His chest tightened when he saw just how heartbroken she looked, and he wanted to pull her into him, tell her it would all be alright, hold her until everything else faded away.

He wanted to tell her that he loved her, too.

"Please, say something..."

What little resolve he had began to fade at the sound of her voice, pleading and timid. "Y/N, I can't...I can't keep doing this."

She bit her lip, and nodded in understanding. "I know. I just needed you to know, and to tell you I'm sorry."

He swallowed, afraid to speak. He knew he should walk away. Maybe a better man would have. But Dean wasn't a better man, as much as he had wished he was. It wasn't enough, and maybe it never would be, but it was something.

And God, he needed to feel something other than the gaping hole in his chest.

He stepped towards her, holding onto every inch of her words, clinging to the fighting chance, the smallest possibility of them.

His hand cupped her face, and he nodded, his eyes boring into hers. He moved his hand, tangling his fingers in her hair and pressed his lips to her temple hard, breathing her in. "I know, sweetheart," he whispered into her hair. "I know."

She stifled a sob and gripped his wrist, like maybe if she held onto him she'd stop breaking into pieces.

"You gotta stop doing that," he sighed. He brought his free hand up, tracing his thumb along the dampness of her cheek. "I hate seeing you cry," he whispered.

She smiled sadly, but the tears continued their quiet assault. She nodded, her fingers intertwining with his. She studied them for a moment, the way their hands fit together. Dean's thumb rubbed along the side of her hand, and she realized that despite it all, she felt safe with him.

And she hated so much that she'd have to let it go, that this - them - would never be enough to save her. Her gaze flicked to his, wordlessly begging him to stay, unable to ask but unable to let go, and hating herself for it.

Like he often did, Dean understood her in her silence and found himself unable to deny her once again. "Come on," he pulled her along with him, leading her to the bed. He laid down on top of the covers, pulling her down to his chest.

She held onto him tightly, afraid he'd slip away from her, grateful that he was willing to stay when she had no right to ask. She buried her face in his chest, crying silently.

Dean just held her through it, pressing his lips to her hair, his fingers dancing along her arm and the rain tapping soothingly against the glass of the windows.

When she finally drifted off, and when he was sure she wouldn't hear him he kissed her temple. "I love you, too," he whispered.

*****

Y/N woke up the next morning to an empty bed. It shouldn't have surprised her, and she couldn't blame him. Still, it left a sinking feeling. She wasn't sure when Dean had snuck out, but as hurt as she felt, she was almost relieved she didn't have to face him in the daylight.

Not that there was much daylight. A glance out her window told her the storm clouds had yet to move on, and the rain had only picked up in intensity.

She rolled over to check her phone - it was early, but she could hear voices carrying up the stairs.

Today, she thought. She wasn't sure how she knew, but Empusa was close, and she had to end it. She tried not to linger on the implications of what this ending would mean for her. As far as she was concerned, this was just another hunt. It had to be.

So she'd treat it like any other hunt.

When she was dressed she made her way downstairs to find Sam at the kitchen table, looking handsome as ever in a navy blue suit. "Nice suit," she teased.

Sam smiled uncomfortably, raising his brows. "Yea," he chuckled. "Just had it lying around."

Y/N glanced around, searching before clearing her throat. "Where's Dean?" She asked in an attempt at nonchalance.

Sam offered her a half smile, his way of brushing past her awkwardness and pretending he wasn't painfully aware of Dean spending the night in her room before sneaking out in the early morning. "Coffee run, I think. Elijah called. We all agreed it's best if we make our move today."

"Well, I'm glad we all talked that over," she laced her tone with mild irritation.

Sam had the decency to look a little guilty, but he offered no apology. "Dean wanted to let you sleep," he explained. "Besides, do you really want to put this off any longer than we have to?"

She sighed, knowing he was right, but still not ready to face what that meant for herself. "Let me go change into something a little more professional and I can help you guys evacuate the rest of the town."

"Actually," he began. "It's just us on this one."

She huffed. "Are you kidding me?"

He shrugged sheepishly.

She was about to give him a piece of her mind when the front door opened, Dean strolling in with three coffees balancing precariously on a box of donuts, a bag of bagels hanging from his mouth. He kicked the door shut behind him, strolling into the kitchen as if he didn't notice her fuming.

"Morning sunshines," he said, tossing the bag onto the counter and passing out coffee. He wiped the rain off his suit jacket and ran a hand through his damp hair.

Y/N refused her cup, instead crossing her arms over her chest. "Why can't I go with you guys to evacuate?"

Dean didn't bat an eye, turning and flipping the lid to the donuts open. He narrowed his eyes at the assortment of sugary pastries, choosing his victim. He shoved a large bite of a particularly powdery donut into his mouth, his cheeks filling as he chewed. He mumbled incoherently, talking with his mouthful. " 'hey no ew. Yer siffin' it 'ow."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Was that english?" She snapped.

Sam hopped in reluctantly. "He said they know you, so you're sitting it out. He's got a point. You grew up in this town, Y/N. You won't pass as a U.S. Marshal. Let us take care of it."

She rolled her eyes. "So what am I supposed to do?"

Dean kept his eyes trained on her, irritation flickering behind the mossy green, ready to pick a fight, even with his mouth full.

"You're with me, Buffy."

Y/N turned to find Damon walking through the front door as if he owned the place, Stefan close behind him.

"We've got Witchy Klaus and Tweety Bird holding up a barrier around Mystic Falls as we speak. If Empusa is indeed here, she won't be able to cross the town border. In fact, if you're supernatural at all, you won't be getting in or out as of now, but you knew that already."

She raised her eyebrows. "What the hell are you doing here? You guys are supposed to be gone."

"You honestly didn't think we'd fall for that, did you? Though Elena, Bonnie and Caroline didn't even question crossing the border until it was too late. Well done," Damon smirked. "That's a play right out of the Damon Salvatore handbook."

Stefan offered her an apologetic smile, greeting her with a side hug. "We're just doing what's best for you, and there was no way we were going to leave you here alone."

She leaned into her best friend for a moment before reaching out and taking the coffee Dean had slid across to her. "What's best for me is to be included in these decisions. When were you going to fill me in?"

Dean was on his second donut when he cleared his throat.

"Calm down," Damon said. He shot Dean a look of disgust as he swiped the extra powder from his jacket and turned his attention back to Y/N. "Empusa wants you specifically. We keep you safe, and let her come, stab her with your little knife, and we're all on our way."

Dean shrugged, nodding in agreement. He didn't particularly like Damon, but at least they were on the same page. "You're hanging back with Damon and Elijah," he said coldly, not making eye contact with her. "Elijah said you've got a safe house, that's where you'll go. When Sam and I are done, we'll circle back."

Stefan nodded. "Klaus and Caroline are cutting off anything that comes our way from the south, and Bonnie and Elena will take the border to the west, try to minimize the amount of monsters headed our way...make the barrier easier to hold for Freya."

She sighed. It was a solid plan, she couldn't deny, but it still felt like she was being handled with kid gloves, which was irritating. She brushed it aside, sliding the donut box from Dean and stealing a chocolate glazed donut. "Well, since you clearly don't need me..." she trailed off as she picked her coffee up and retreated to her room.

The guys exchanged looks and Dean shrugged.

"I forgot how bitchy she is before she's caffeinated," Damon commented. They shot him a disapproving look and he rolled his eyes, moving over to the bourbon.

"Isn't it a little early for that?" Sam questioned.

Damon shot him a cocky smirk and continued to pour his glass. "After a century or so, time becomes relative."

"What my brother was trying to say," Stefan interrupted tactfully, "is that Y/N seems a little off. Everything okay?"

Sam pulled his lips tight, taking a step back as he glanced at his brother.

"Trouble in paradise?" Damon quipped.

Dean shifted in his seat. "What exactly is your role in all of this?" He snapped.

Damon stepped into Dean's space, who stood at his full height, not backing down. "Keeping your little warrior princess safe, while you're out playing good cop, bad cop."

"Guys..." Sam tried to interject the standoff.

"Damon," Stefan warned.

Damon eyed Dean up and down, sizing him up before taking a step back. "Elijah, my favorite Mikaelson..." The group turned their attention to the front door to find the Original standing in a pristine suit.

"Damon," he greeted. "My least favorite Salvatore. No offense, of course."

Damon gave a tight lipped smile. "None taken."

Dean threw his head back for a moment, taking a deep breath before turning his full attention to him. "Elijah...come on in," he said sarcastically with a roll of his eyes.

Elijah just smiled knowingly. "Well, seeing as technically this is still my house, I'd be happy to, Dean."

Yea, well, you owning this house is exactly how Empusa got in here last time, Dean thought to himself, but said nothing. His mind raced to catch up while he attempted to keep his face straight. He knew Elijah had spent time there. But he actively tried to ignore the fact that he had lived there, let alone had bought it with Y/N. Once again the jealous pang settled into his chest.

"So we should probably get going..." Sam started.

Dean nodded in agreement. "Let me just grab my tie..." he said, excusing himself and heading upstairs.

He hadn't needed his tie. It was rolled up in his pocket, but he needed to see her.

He found her in her room, headphones in, bopping her head silently to the music blaring in her ears. She did this often at the bunker before a hunt - claiming it cleared her head so she could focus. He waited a moment, memorizing her before knocking lightly on the door frame.

Y/N sat up, taking the earbuds out and wrapping them up around her phone. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry," she chuckled. "Just trying to get some adrenaline going."

Dean smiled. "No shame in that."

She glanced at her phone and stood from the bed. "Shouldn't you be going?"

He nodded and pulled out his tie. "Yea," he nodded and turned to the full length mirror, adjusting the tie. His eyes caught hers in the reflection.

She moved behind him then, her hands coming up to rest on his gently before pushing them aside, knotting it for him. "You snuck out on me."

He looked down and cleared his throat. "Thought you could use the sleep," he said lamely.

"Dean."

His eyes flicked back up to hers in the mirror and she saw right through him. "I'm no good at this, Y/N." He turned around so they were face to face and she took a step back. "I'm out of my element here. I don't know where we stand, or if I can give you all this," he waved his hands around the room, at the home she had built with Elijah. "You've got yourself an apple pie life here, Y/N, even if it is surrounded by fangs."

She shook her head and opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off.

"I'll be honest with you, I don't get it. Giving all this up..." he shook his head in disbelief. "It doesn't make sense...but I won't question it, because it brought you to me. Maybe that makes me selfish, I don't know, and I don't care, because I think after a lifetime of nothing but loss I deserve to be a little selfish here." He clenched his jaw, his hand rubbing over the tear trailing down his cheek before taking a steadying breath. "Everything up until this point, all of the crap we've gone through, it brought you to me...even if it was only for a little while."

She furrowed her brows...he was saying goodbye.

"But I can't keep doing this, Y/N."

She nodded in understanding, wishing things could be different for them.

His hand caressed her face, his thumb rubbing back and forth on her cheek gently, coaxing her to look up again. "I can't share you with him," he breathed. "So let's just get through this hunt today, and then Sammy and I are gonna head home."

Her heart dropped, knowing what waited for her at the end of this hunt.

"I hope you come with us, because we need you." He pulled her into him, wrapping his free arm around her waist and kissing her forehead. "I need you," he whispered before pulling away again, heading for the door.

"Dean," she called after him. He turned and she launched herself into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck.

He returned the embrace, holding onto her tightly and rocking back so her feet didn't quite reach the ground. When he placed her back down she kissed him. It was simple and sweet, and they lingered for a moment, not wanting to pull away. When they parted he rested his forehead against hers.

"Let's go lovebirds!" Damon shouted from the bottom of the stairs.

Dean groaned and Y/N sighed, still unmoving.

"I gotta go, baby," he whispered before dipping down and kissing her sweetly once more. His eyes lingered for a moment, his feet refusing to carry him from that spot - away from her.

She bit her lip, nodding and took a step back, away from his grasp. He smiled softly, his eyes crinkling in the corners but a hint of sadness behind them as he finally willed himself to leave her, trying to ignore the nagging feeling that told him it was goodbye.

*****

While Dean, Sam and Stefan cleared civilians out of Mystic Falls, Y/N had moved to a safe house that Elijah had insisted she had set up years ago. With Empusa ready to make her move it had been their best option, though Y/N had argued adamantly that she didn't need to hide, but fight.

It was a small property tucked away from the center of town that Y/N held the deed to - one she hadn't invited anyone into, not even Elijah. She had paid someone to stock it up with hunting supplies once, when the thought of coming back to Mystic Falls had briefly and foolishly crossed her mind. Still - you can never be too prepared, she thought, and she was grateful she had done so.

Y/N stood in the doorway of the cabin, an amused smirk on her lips.

"Oh you can't be serious," Damon rolled his eyes, side stepping Elijah and slamming straight into an invisible barrier.

"Elijah, would you like to come in?" Y/N asked, turning her attention to the Original with a soft smile.

His lips lifted up in an amused smirk as he nodded, casting a glance Damon's way before crossing the threshold. "Of course, thank you."

"Alright, very funny..." Damon remarked irritably.

Y/N had endured a painfully awkward morning with Damon and Elijah. She could only assume that they were both able to hear her conversation with Dean earlier, and the implications behind it. She was also aware that Damon thoroughly enjoyed pressing buttons at her expense in search of entertainment - especially in light of all the waiting around they seemed to be doing. He had spent the morning egging Elijah on, dropping suggestive comments about Dean to Y/N, and she was fed up.

"Damon," she sighed. "Would you like...to apologize?"

Damon glared at her. "We don't have time for games, Y/N. Invite me in."

She crossed her arms over her chest in defiance, standing her ground and waiting. Damon glanced at Elijah for help, but he simply placed his hands in his pocket, staring at Damon expectantly.

"All you have to do is say you're sorry," she said.

"For what?" Damon asked, exasperated.

She raised her brows as if it were obvious. "For being an ass..."

"I've always been an ass."

"Yea but -"

Y/N was cut off when Elijah stepped back out onto the porch. "Shhh."

"What?" She asked, unable to hear anything other than the rain, but Elijah held his hand up.

Damon turned, listening as well. "We've got company," he said, his voice low.

"Do you smell that?" Elijah asked quietly.

"Werewolf..." Damon confirmed. "But it's not a full moon?"

Y/N moved to step outside, but Elijah tucked her back behind him, backing her into the house. "Lycan."

"What's the difference?" Y/N hissed.

"Lycans, much like Niklaus, are not slaves to the moon..."

"Not to mention they're stronger, and smarter...unlike your brother." Damon added with annoyance.

Y/N rushed further into the house, pulling a floorboard in the bedroom up, revealing hunting gear. She came back, a shotgun loaded with silver bullets at the ready. "Let's go hunting," she said, cocking the gun.

Elijah pushed her back into the house once more. "Silver will hurt it, but not kill it."

"Well, we'll figure it out along the way," Y/N argued.

"Can we discuss this inside?" Damon asked, annoyed.

Y/N nodded, forgetting she hadn't invited Damon in yet. "Shit, sorry," she mumbled. "Damon, would you like..."

She was cut off by a sudden ambush of a humanoid wolf, standing to its full height on its hind legs. He was twice the size of a normal man, with unusual strength if the way he knocked Damon clear across the porch and smashing into a nearby tree was any indication.

He turned his face, his lip curling up to reveal razor sharp teeth as he snarled at Y/N and Elijah. He reached his long arm out towards her, his nails thick and sharp, like claws. Before he could reach them, Elijah had grabbed her and had rushed them both out the back door.

He placed Y/N down, turning to face the lycan who was stomping around the edges of the house after them. "Y/N, you need to run," he pleaded. He could tell by its movements that this was a hunt and one he was enjoying. Y/N glanced at Damon, who was struggling to stand. He followed her gaze, knowing her concern was for her friend. "I'll get Damon," he assured her. "Go, now!"

She nodded, trusting Elijah to take care of Damon, and darted away from them. Her boots crunched the leaves beneath her, and she turned when she heard a loud crack, as though something had been thrown with force. She sighed, considering her options, knowing Elijah had wanted her to run.

But it wasn't in her to run from a fight.

While Elijah distracted the lycan, she circled back around the front of the house. She could hear the struggling going on, so she moved lightly but quickly until she reached the shotgun she had dropped when Elijah rushed her out.

She hustled, drawing the lycan's attention toward her. She could tell Elijah was angry at her for not listening, his angry glare falling on her just long enough for the lycan to swing, knocking him off balance. She knew she'd only have one shot before he was back up, whisking her away and leaving Damon to fend for himself. She aimed and fired, the kickback of the gun slamming into her injured shoulder and causing her to wince. The pain shot through her arm into her fingers as she watched the lycan drop with a yelp. She sighed in relief, and lowered her gun, her shoulder protesting, when she heard Elijah call out.

The lycan was back on his feet, lunging towards her. He slammed into her, and she dropped to the ground, the dampness from the rain seeping through her clothes. His teeth snapped at her and his large claws caged her neck, holding her down as she pressed up, using all her strength to hold his jaws away from her.

His breath was foul, and hot against her skin. Her muscles were on fire, and she felt her strength giving way, his jaws inching closer.

Suddenly and with a sickening tear the lycan dropped. She closed her eyes, turning her head away as he collapsed on top of her.

She shoved the body aside with a great deal of effort, looking up to find Elijah standing above her, a bloody spine in his hands and his chest heaving from the force.

"Not bad, Buffy." Damon quipped, clutching his side in pain.

She sat up, catching her breath as she offered Damon a lopsided grin.

Elijah offered his hand, helping her to her feet and cupping her face in his hands. "Are you alright?" He asked, brushing her wet hair back and taking stock of any injuries.

She nodded, shaking him off. "All good," she panted.

A roll of thunder echoed through the trees. He gripped the back of her elbow lightly, leading her into the house. "You do not leave my sight again, do you understand?"

"Elijah, I'm fine, really," she reassured him. He followed closely behind as she entered the cabin, and Y/N knew he was still worried. She sighed, turning to face him as she opened her mouth to insist she was okay, but the words died on her lips as she took in his appearance.

Droplets formed at the ends of his hair, soaked from the rain, and his hand was covered with blood. The sleeve of his suit was stained crimson - almost black - from the lycan's blood up to his elbow, the rest of the suit ruined by the storm. She glanced down at her own clothes, splattered with filth and the tell tale sign of a hunt.

But despite the state they were both in, what caught her off guard was the worry flooding his eyes. Elijah, who was always so calm and confident.

She stepped toward him and stroked his cheek gently. "I promise, I'm okay."

He nodded, his clean hand coming up to the back of her neck, pulling her in as he rested his forehead against hers. He focused on her breathing, her heart pumping steadily, the warmth of her skin, despite the chill of the rain. All signs she was alive and well. He let out a breath. "I can't lose you again," he whispered.

Before she could reply, Damon's voice cut through the moment. "We get it. You love her, she loves Dean...cute little love triangle going on that would make even the CW proud. But we don't have time for this, so for the love of God, Y/N, please invite me in."

She sighed, separating herself from Elijah. "Damon," she gritted her teeth in annoyance. "Would you like to come in?"

He gave her a devilish grin. "I thought you'd never ask," he winked as he stepped over the threshold.

They settled in, mostly in silence. Elijah cleaned himself up as Damon called to check in with Elena. Y/N kept her mouth shut when they began to argue - Elena presumably furious he had lied to get her out of Mystic Falls. Y/N couldn't judge, it had been her idea, after all. Besides, she'd done worse, and would do worse still, to keep those she loved safe.

Elijah returned, cleaned up as best as he could be, and took in the sight of her from the doorway of the bedroom. He said nothing for a moment, watching as Y/N made busy work with organizing the hunting gear she had brought with her, and the few things that had been stored at the cabin.

He knew Damon had been fishing for a reaction all day, as he so often did, but bit his tongue. Still - he let Damon's words from earlier dig at him despite his better judgement.

"She loves Dean."

He shook the thought away, coming up behind Y/N and reaching around, stilling her movements when he placed his hand on top of hers. She turned, their faces dangerously close.

"Leave it," he said softly.

She knew what he was saying. She didn't need to bother with her gear, because she wouldn't be fighting today. Her eyes flicked to his lips involuntarily. "I can't just stand back," she said, her tongue darting out to lick her own lips. "I have a job to do."

"Your job is to stay alive," he reminded her.

Elijah took another deep breath as he stepped away from her, her silence deafening. He placed his hand in his pocket and watched her for a moment, committing her to memory before clearing his throat and averting his gaze. "You've made your decision."

She bit her lip. "Elijah," she moved to comfort him and he took a slight step back.

"You're choosing Dean." It wasn't a question. His eyes studied her, searching for honesty, even if it wasn't what he had wanted to hear.

"It's not that simple..." She shook her head. "Elijah, I love you. Since the day that I met you, I have felt everything for you." Her eyes bore into his, and he knew she meant every word.

He held his breath, waiting for the inevitable.

"But I love Dean, too," she let the whispered words sink in for a moment, wishing they hadn't hurt. "I can't ignore that. When I left you...my whole world fell apart. I spent so long trying to forget you. I thought maybe if I drank enough, or hunted enough...that maybe one day I'd figure out how to even think about you without it ripping my heart out..." she trailed off, searching for words to make him understand. Because she needed him to understand. "I was drowning. I kept wondering when I'd breathe again, and then Dean was there. I was so lost without you...and he found me. I wish I could tell you that things weren't complicated, that I didn't have feelings for him, or that I could just turn them off so I could stop hurting you both."

He had known it was coming, but it hadn't lessened the blow. His heart shattered and he wondered if this was what death really felt like - like gasping for air, his heart burning before giving out, the pain unbearable until it all fell away because nothing was left but darkness.

"Earlier you said you couldn't lose me again..."

He kept his eyes trained on her despite everything in his body telling him to walk away, because he needed to hear her say it.

"And I know you mean it," she continued. "With everything happening...you'd do anything to keep me safe..."

He nodded. "Nothing would ever change that. I made a promise to keep you safe, always and forever."

She moved into him, placing her free hand on his chest. His own hand came to rest on hers, his fingers gripping onto her as if he could hold her to him forever. "I know. You'd die for me."

He knitted his brows together, unsure where she was going or why it was even a question.

"I can't lose you again either, Elijah."

He shook his head and pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her as hope filled him, seeping into the cracks of his shattered heart. "You'll never lose me," he said, pressing his lips against her head urgently, as if he'd never get the chance to hold her again.

She let him envelop her, feeling safe in his arms. Part of her wished she could stay there, make herself a home wrapped up in him.

But another part of her belonged to Dean in a way she couldn't explain.

She breathed him in, steadying herself for what she had to do, reminding herself that she'd do anything to keep him safe, too.

She held onto that notion as she pulled back to look at him once more. She stroked his jawline tenderly. "Elijah, I love you," she whispered. "Always and forever. But I need you to promise me something."

His eyes searched hers eagerly, desperately even. "Anything."

"I need you to let me go."

Before he could protest, he felt the sharp stab of betrayal. Searing pain ripped through him before he began to go cold. He looked down to find a dagger, dipped in the ash of the white oak, pressing into his heart, her hand gripping the hilt.

His eyes sought hers slowly as he felt the life draining from his body, the realization that she had  no intention of surviving dawning on him, tearing through his heart in a way he had never felt before, leaving him completely hopeless.

Her eyes glistened with tears. "I'm so sorry," she whispered before his world went black.

Y/N struggled to lay him down gently as his body sagged in her arm. She knelt beside him, brushing his hair back. "Forgive me," she whispered before standing and wiping her eyes.

"You did what you had to do," Damon said softly from the doorway.

She knew he was right. She couldn't risk Elijah dying trying to keep her safe, and there was no way Elijah would have stepped aside so she could sacrifice herself for him or anyone else. She knew Damon of all people would understand, which is why she had asked him for the dagger in the first place - why she didn't need to beg him to compel her to be brave enough to do it when the time came.

"When this is all over, I'll wake him up," he promised.

She turned and nodded solemnly. "Tell him for me? Tell him how sorry I am, and that I love him."

Damon offered her a sad smile and nodded. "Come on," he held his arm out, and when she walked towards him he wrapped it around her. "Let's go."

She didn't turn back to look at Elijah for fear of breaking her own heart beyond repair. She couldn't afford it. Instead, she rolled her shoulders back and marched forward, focused on the task at hand.

*****

Stefan knelt over the corpse before him. "Lycan," he stated.

Sam raised his brows, stamping down his curiosity. He had of course read about them, but never encountered one himself - at least not a pureblood.

"Great," Dean mumbled. "So where the hell is she?"

They stepped up to the cabin, the Winchesters stepping through the doorway cautiously. Stefan lingered, listening, but hearing no sign of life from inside. He waited, unable to cross the threshold, to see what they'd find.

"Dammit!" Dean's voice boomed from within the cabin.

The brothers stormed back out onto the porch, and Stefan knew it could only be bad news. "Where are they?"

Dean had his phone pressed to his ear, hanging up in frustration. "She's not answering..."

Stefan pulled his phone out and dialed Damon, but it went straight to voicemail. "Neither is Damon..."

"Son of a bitch!"

"Where would they have gone?" Sam asked.

It didn't take Dean long to put the pieces together. The second he saw Elijah's body, daggered and dead, he had known. "She's on a goddamn suicide mission."

[sunca]

Hey congrats on starting your writing blog !! Could I request Narancia with 2 and 87 from the yandere prompts? Maybe in like a school setting of sorts? Thank you in advance!! 💕

"𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓎"

Yandere Narancia x reader(Yandere Prompts)

2. "Please pay attention to me."

87. "What do I need to make you love me back?"

~~~~~~

Scenario.

Warning : Death, blood, gore, physical violence, curse words, kidnapping, mentioned of stalking, yandere stuff, a bit of lust.

Count : 4030

Thank you. I appreciate it. (•-•)\💖

Sorry for the wait. I've been busy these days but as soon as I finished those stuffs, I went straight down to writing and fixing this.

Please accept this art as my apology. Long hair, fancy Narancia is a must and reader as a small chibi.

Requests still open. Thank you and I hope this brings satisfaction to you.

Sadly, I couldn't post this with read more. ;-; Forgive me.

I almost forgot. Recommended song for this.

Anson Seabra - Stay with me

~~~~~~

Sleepless nights and those stares which hunted you in the darkness. You tried to sleep soundly as much as you could but those nightmares picked you like a marionette and made you dance as they willed. Traces of fingers on your skin offered the ecstasy of waking up. Only to have chills rushing on you. Sweats and tears tainted on the mattress. The warmth of another person, the breeze would steal every night. The welcomed window with a broken lock in your view. An orange wrist band disappearing into the leaves of a nearby tree.

You hid your yawn with your book from your teacher. She shot a glance at you but you just tried to hide between your shoulders. Dark circles lingering around your eyes as you tried to wipe your tears away. You once again looked down at your book to greet with an x and its long lost number. y and z waiting for their soulmates. Numbers running around on your page playground. A discontented sign falling down along with your tense shoulders.

Slender fingers rested on his cheek. His chin stood gracefully on his palm. His captivating purple eyes sojourned on your back. You who couldn't concentrate won't be able to detect his enthusiasm for you. He planned to open his heart for you today. He could only wish it would go well. He can only wish. The echo of the bell rolling into the class directed his attention to turn to his dear friend.

Fugo closed his book and let it rest for a period. His hand reaching for the lemon coloured lunchbox and water bottle. Narancia then get attracted to your magnet but blocked by a girl who stood between you two. Narancia looked up to see her lunch box held tight to her chest. She then build up her courage to ask him to spend his precious time with her. He leaned back. Creating more space between him and her. Showing uninterested body language. A single worded rejection. His feet walking on your yellow path. You getting up to get some space from people, stopped in your tracks when he came into your view.

"Hey, (Y/N)! Nothing to do at lunch. Right? Come join us! You've been busy with that club and activities. I missed you," he whined with puppy eyes. You being your dithering self because of restlessness. "Sure," You replied with a small puff and smile, blinking your fuzzy vision away. His gleaming smile blinding you so easily. "Great! Let me grab my lunch box fast! Wait here!" He gleefully replied and headed back to his seat. A soft smile staplered on his cheeks.

The three of you sitting under the unfixed clouds. A baby tomato rolling under your fork. You listened to the back and front between Fugo and Narancia. This bickering was bringing out more headache for you. Then suddenly, Narancia wrapped his arms around your torso and faked a cry. "(Y/N)! See? Fugo is making fun of me! I just don't understand math and he's calling me 'stupid' again!" You let out a tired sigh and patted his head. "I'm calling you stupid because you are! 33×12 is 36? Oh. What a genius! How many times do I have to teach you that?!" Fugo looked as if a strawberry now. His face all red because of rage.

"Oh, Fugo. By the way, did you heard-," Narancia looked up at you. His hands not retreating back from you but holding more tightly. You were focused on Fugo and letting him know about the new series he caught upon. The two of you would buy the book together or inform each other about the news related to that series. You and Fugo having interest in a same subject once in a while. Narancia was not getting any of it. His eyebrows fusing.

"(Y/N)! I burned my hand the other day!" He put his hand in between you and Fugo's eye contact. You just nodded and patted him again but didn't stop communicating with Fugo. Narancia's hand slowly drafted back to your shoulder. Tears welding on his eyes. His cheeks swelling. He then slowly fell onto your lap. His hands closest to his heart which was aching for you. Both Fugo and you stopped in track. You looked upon a teenage boy in tears, sulking like a baby and resting on your lap.

"Please pay attention to me, (Y/N)."

His voice shaking. You felt bad for not giving him the attention he deserved and run your fingers through his hair gently. Narancia has always been like this whenever you ignored him a bit. You didn't want to speak it out loud but it slipped through. "Aww~ my baby," you wiped his tears away. Narancia started sniffing and sobbing. You picked him up by his shoulder and he sat up. "Don't cry. Don't cry~," Mischief in your sugary voice. "Aww~ There. There," you comforted him with a hug and caressed his head. Fugo scoffed and focused on eating again. Turning his gaze away from the two of you.

After a minute or two, the door to the rooftop swung. A pair of canary preying you in. Burgundy hair combed back neatly. His sharp jaw ready to slice anyone in two. His flawless face shining like silver. Turtleneck white sweater revealing his ravishing physique. Black jeans hugging his slender and long legs. The papers in his grip rustled as the breeze flowed in.

Once he saw you, he stormed up to you. You looked up at Kevin, your club's president. Narancia, on the other hand, didn't want Kevin to come and destroy his paradise, and he knew Kevin would be a bad new for him. As soon as he saw Kevin, Narancia glanced to you. Narancia didn't expect and want this to happen but here you are, looking at a boy other than him.

"Oh, Kev! What brought you here?" You greeted him and drew back your hands. Narancia didn't bother to move from your side. Fugo twisted his neck to look up from his lunch to your target. Fugo repositioned himself since he saw who was it and listened to hear whatever Kevin had to say. "(Y/N), Mrs. Smith said you made some mistakes in the paper sheets for the club. You better get there now and I have things to do," Kevin stood beside Fugo and waited for you.

"I will go there once I finish my lunch," you glared up at Kevin. Narancia was also glaring at Kevin. "She didn't look like she was busy which is unusual," Kevin insisted. Kevin's demand irked you and you rolled your eyes. "Fine," you groaned as you packed your lunch back up. Narancia complained as he clasped your arm. "(Y/N), you don't have to go." Narancia's puppy eyes striking your week spot but you couldn't say no to the class president. "I'm sorry, Narancia but I have to. I will see you back in class when this is over. Ok? No worries," you gave Narancia a reassuring smile and stood up. Narancia's eyes were narrowing at Kevin. Fugo noticed this and observed him carefully. So then, he could step in if Narancia was to burst out.

You headed to the teachers' office and prepared yourself. Kevin was walking on the corridor of the old, abandoned school building. He just needed to grab some stuffs from there. He was on his way until he saw a group of people in a class. He pulled the door open and shouted, "Students are prohibited to come here withou-," he saw an adult looking like a street rat handing a bag wrapped in tape to a student. "YOU! Outsiders are prohibited here too and state your busines -" Before his sentence ended, —wham!— his unconscious body fell onto the dusty floor with a thud.

Narancia tried his best to keep his serenity but something clicked in him. He threw his orange juice and stood up. "That motherf*cker!! $&j#fc;h-e)g£sv%y!!!" He cursed as the bottom of his shoe stamped upon the poor lunchbox. Noodles flat under, the sauce splashed across the concreted floor, the plastic scattered into pieces and his shoe fouled by the mess. Fugo noticed the buzz in his pants pocket and reached for it. Checking the ID, he then picked it up. "Pronto."

"Damn it!" Narancia exclaimed as he rubbed his shoe on the clean surface of the floor. "They're always trying to steal my (Y/N) away. A*sh*les!" Narancia kicked the air and his feet yeeted his shoe. Narancia was too furious to pay attention to Fugo or his talk. He then let out a frustrated sigh and hopped. "Yes. We'll take care of it. Arrivederci," Fugo hung up and shoved the phone back into his pants. He then reversed his direction back to Narancia who was putting on his shoe again.

"Narancia," he calmly called him to see his fumming face almost as if a tomato. "They're making a move now. Gior- Boss want us to take action. Bruno said he will send the info in 5 minutes," Fugo's sentences were short but held engrossing mystery in them. Narancia's face was dark and occupied with a wide grin which would inject a chilling trepidation to everyone sane but Fugo wasn't bothered. The thought of finishing an order perfectly enraptured Fugo as he couldn't wait to spend more time with his beloved who was in a cage. "Go fetch (Y/N) after this," Fugo shot a smirk and encouraged Narancia. The two boys communicating with their eye contact. You who thought Fugo and Narancia were normal teenagers and not knowing anything about their past, didn't even notice the foreboding gift future has in store for you.

When you entered the club room, you couldn't find Kevin anywhere. "MuMu, have you seen Kev anywhere? I need him to check these sheets," you asked a girl who was filling in forms. "Ah! He went to that old building in the west. He said he needed some files from class B," she answered and you smiled at her. "Thank you!" You replied and headed to there. Looking over the papers in your fingers again. "This will be fine. I guess...," you spoke to yourself.

Narancia and Fugo were checking out the rooms at the ground level. They entered the 5th room when you entered the hall. You then zigzagged and stepped on the first step of the stairs. 'Class B. Huh. That would be third floor.' You thought to yourself and rubbed your temple. "Wait. This building has three stairs. Right? What if I miss Kevin? I can't let it happen! I must hand in these today," you talked to yourself and hurried your steps. "Nothing's here too," Fugo looked up to Narancia. He was squatting and checking for footprints or any sign of their target were here or the packs since the info showed they stored some in here. "Let's move on," Narancia replied as he head to the stairs.

You arrived on the third floor and everything was a mess. There were plastic bags, dry leaves and dusts. You looked up to the sign on top of an entrance. It read 'E' and you moved on to get where you wanted to be. When you passed through class D, you heard something. You stopped in track and paid attention to it. It was as if something was being beaten. You backed to the wall and approached the back door of the third room. You sneakily opened the door a bit and peeked in. A strange scent hitting your nostrils.

There was a group of students and some people in normal attire. Smokes surrounding their heads. Cigarettes in between of their fingers. Some were staring down at the centre. You followed their gaze. A fist rose and fell like a tsunami. You couldn't see who was the victim since the desks and some males blocked it. You keeled for a better view and in between legs, you saw a familiar male with burgundy hair. Blood rivering down on his lips and chin. His nose all red. His face swollen.

You questioned why he didn't fight back and you covered your mouth. His fingers bending back in. Blood stained on his white sweater. Two knives attached to his belly. You started to tremble and your breath hitched. You wanted to step in and help Kevin but it would be around 15 against 1. You don't even stand a chance.

You gotta get out of there fast and affirm the teachers. When you raised your head back, the door swung open with a creek. You looked up like a cornered prey under the gaze of a predator. To meet with a pair of eyes staring down at you. A grin sent chills down your spine. You didn't waste any time and sprang for the escape. The shadow behind you chased you down. You were pulled back by a hand wrapping by your waist. "HELP-!" Your mouth covered by a hand.

"Did you hear that?" Narancia glanced at his friend who didn't turn away from his staring towards the ceiling. "Hear what?" Narancia had a confused expression. Fugo then looked at Narancia. "Narancia, call out Aerosmith. They might still be in this building," Fugo commended him. "Okay?" Narancia raised an eyebrow and spread his arms horizontally. "Aerosmith!"

You were struggling against two males. The others were staring or laughing at your inadequate struggles. You kicked, wiggled your body out, punched and did everything you could but nothing seemed to work until you remembered a method. You kicked the male in front of you where the sun don't shine and curved in your spine to smash that nose with the back of your head. The grip around you loosened. Your feet trying to be your life saviour, betrayed by a hand grabbing on one. Your face came in to kiss the floor. A crack rang in your ears and a light flashed before you. You tried to get back up but restrained by a pull.

You rolled around and punched anyone who was in sight. Your hand captured in a grip but you used all of your force and took your hand back. Your other hand reached something and you grabbed it. Panic swung your hand and —Shluk!— crimson liquid spattered. A glass shard deep in the throat of a student. Blood trailing down from his mouth and nose. He choked out and a daub of red landed on your cheek, soon to roll slowly to side. Your eyes went wide. You brought up your hand to wipe the burning sensation on your nose and hide that glup. You were stunned. Your brain tried to reload what you just did but errors delayed it.

Tap, tab, tap, dab, dap, dab, dap, swissh, dab, swissh, dab, dap, zwish, dab, dap, zwish, Dap, zwish, Dab, Dap, zwish, Dab, BAM!

The door swung open, brining you back to reality with a flinch. Your head spun and you saw a ray of hope along with two boys. Narancia's scanning fell upon you as soon as you goggled him. Your nose red. Blood smeared on your philtrum, upper lateral subunit and upper lip. Your obscured tears failed on you. The look in your eyes begged him to save you. Your lips quivering. Your quietened sobs emerging. "What the f*ck!?" A wrongdoer swore out loud and they prepared themselves by picking up some chair, wood stick, spiked bat, and pocket knives.

"Na-Narancia...," You ran towards him but your legs gave out and you crawled. Clinging on his leg. He crouched towards you. Holding your trembling hand in his. Your poor body shaking like a leaf. Tears streaming down on your exquisite cheeks. Your state in this situation and a murmur of your voice turned on the insanity inside him. "Fugo, I will leave (Y/N) to you," Fugo took over his role and supported you to stand up. Narancia's face was hard to read when you glanced at him. Narancia stood tall.

Your back leaned on the dirty wall. Your breath hitching and you hugged onto Fugo tightly. Burying your face in his chest. Snivelling all your emotions out. Screaming were heard in the distance. Fugo patted your back and separated you by your shoulders. "(Y/N)?" He called your name and you looked up at him. "I need you to stay here and not going anywhere. Ok?" he waited for your answer. You nodded while sobbing. He set up a reassuring smile and left you there. You sat there and wiped your tears away. When you glanced at Fugo, you saw him walking into that room.

"YOU BASTARD! YOU WORTHLESS LITTLE S*HT!! YOU SHOULD GO DIE IN A S*HT HOLE, YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING B*TCH!!" The dead hooligan lied flat under Narancia's shoe. Narancia's breathes were hitching, and veins were popping out on his forearm and the back of his hand. Blood painted the wall and floor red. The pool under his shoe sticky and thick. They deserved it. No one and by means that, not even a single soul is allowed to hurt his perfection whom he worship daily. Anyone who left a scratch on (Y/N)'s body will be left with a missing limb but made her bleed more than a drop? Haha. Ya gotta be kidding about it.

Fugo stopped him in track. "(Y/N) need you now. Go. I will take care of them," Fugo's hand on his shoulder, giving Narancia a proud smile. Narancia stepped back and cooled himself down. Fugo took out a glass bottle and a handkerchief. He opened the cap and enclosed the lid with the handkerchief. He then turned them upside down. Soon to be back in their position. He handed the handkerchief to Narancia. "Here. Take this just in case." Narancia took it and in a split second, there was a wide, merry grin on his cheeks. He put it in the skirt pocket. "Yea! Thanks, Fugo!" He exclaimed gleefully and ran out of the class with a jolly behaviour. Fugo chuckled at Narancia's usual behaviour and put the covering back on.

Of course. You must be waiting for him all this time. You need him like he needs you. You sinning his thoughts and nights. You who was defenceless. He who was resistless to you or your beguiling body. His hands not wanting to depart from your skin. His lips brushing softly on your throat. He was addicted to you. You who spellbound him, lured him in, ensnared him, planted a seed called possessiveness in him, seized his obsession only to yourself and inveiged him to come swoop your fragile soul from this heartless world. He's your knight in shinning armour after all.

"(Y/N)!" You heard a familiar voice. Your sugary name cloying him more and more. He was drunk upon the bewitching splendour of your beauty. Your voice ripping his stability bit by bit. His body towered you. Trapped you between his torso and the wall. You were in a daze. His tranquil smile avenging your cruel actions towards him. His loving gaze hypnotising the poor prey.

You turned your head to the source. A breeze revealing a dazzling boy to you. "Narancia!" You called your friend's name as you eyed him up. He who bathed in his enemies' blood. You wiped your tears again as you stood up. Observing the boy before you in terror. "I killed them for you~ (Y/N)♡," his voice sickeningly sweet. His usual cute smile inverted into a nightmare with blood staining on it. "Thi-This is wrong. So wrong...," you choked out. His eyebrows raised with disbelief. "What are you talking about, (Y/N)? This is the right thing to do! They hurt you! You are a perfection and I'm your guardian! If anyone try to corrupt you, they are devils and it's my duty to get rid of them! Hehe," he chuckled lightly. As if taking out the fire of life was nothing more than a joke to him.

"Naranci-" you were cut off. "I love you~" The grin not dropping from his face. "W-Wha-What?" You asked again not because you didn't quite catch it but because you didn't get what he meant by that. "I love you♡" An adorable giggle rumbled down his chest. "Wha- N-No! Liste-" you tried to speak again. "No? You don't love me?" The wretched look gushed down your throat like a blazing lava. Guilt's hands tightening around you throat. "No. No. That's not-" Your panic dragged and chucked you down the cliff.

"Then what do I need to do to make you love me back, (Y/N)?"

You stopped. You legitimately stopped. He wasn't trying to hear out what you had to spill. He wasn't even trying. It seemed as if he won't give up or drop that subject. No. He wouldn't and you have had it. You took a sharp breath in. Your legs spun and took a step farther away from him. Your back getting smaller and alarm bells rang loudly in his head. Your direction fixed on the stair. He pulled you back by your wrist and made you face him. His hand sneaking around your waist.

"Let me g-" your lips sealed with his. Your heart jumped like a rabbit and your mind reset itself. If you were just an innocent civilian, he wouldn't do anything to you but remember that time you helped him with that winsome smile? Remember that time when you let him rest on your lap? Remember that time you held him tight in your sleep? You have given him those blushes, those smiles, those giggles, those restless nights with only you in his head, those hushed moans and those vivid dreams. You have stolen his only heart and tried to flee with it. Did you think he was that stupid to let you go after everything he went through for you?

A white silk between the two teenagers sparkled under the orangy ray. The sun slowly dying on the horizon, letting his lover breathe and shine in the darkness with her small sparkling fairies. Your breathing uneven. Unable to leave his dusky purple soul. He fed upon your candy as his right hand flew up to cup your cheek. His thumb swinging left and right. Your cheek dough under his fingers. Your life like a droplet of rain in his palm.

His touches varied into needy ones. His desire asking for more as his lips once again sucked the life out of you. His tongue burrowing into you. Your hands constraining him away from you. Your head trying to break away from his grasp. Your brain sending red flags in your view. Your anxiety lining tears on your lower eyelashes. Your lung shrieking for the oxygen you needed. Him devouring on your sobs.

Your leg swung back to aim whichever part of his leg you can reach. —Wham!— he groaned and reached for his luckless shin. You didn't waste any time and hurtled wherever you can but far from this pitiful boy. Your legs wanting to give out under you but your brain forcing them not to. Your heart ringing in your ears. The stairs blurred in your vision.

You set your foot upon the second floor and aimed to make a U turn to descend more. Coincided with a yelp, your flimsy body was tugged back by a hand wrapping around your chest. Your nose and mouth were covered by a hand, linked with a cloth. Due to the intense exercise you had, you respired a small amount of chemical with a gasp. The sharp smell made you press harder into his chest, gratifying him more.

Your fists hitting his hands, pulling them away. Your body twisting in order to be freed. Your tears messy on your cheeks. Your limbs faltered. Your muscles relaxed. Your soul doors pulling the curtains. Your head rested on his shoulder. Your consciousness fell into the dark abyss. Pulling you along with it. A word echoed in the void.

"𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙮."

[kindoron]

Down From the Tree

He had waited patiently for this day as all others had. It was finally his time to prove that he deserved a name, to be a part of the tribe. He marched in front eager as always, chest out, head held proud. He gave a cocky grin to anyone who looked at him. Most others had an air of solemness and anxiety around them. In his mind, there was nothing to lose from this only something to be gained.

The tree was surrounded in the immediate vicinity by the Katun, the Rope Binders, and the parents of all the children to be tested this day. The rest of the tribe had gathered around outside this ring. He saw his own parents whom showed little to no reaction. Not uncommon in his tribe, they hadn't even named him. None of the children were named. Though their flesh and blood stood before them, getting perhaps the last look of their child, they were not of the tribe. They were not really theirs whom had passed. 

The Katun stepped forward to speak to them, “Today in Nhaama's name we see if you are worthy to join the tribe.” He started in a loud booming voice, any sounds from Xaela, beast, or the wind itself seemed to die to listen. “Tied to the sacred tree as all of us and all our ancestors once were. You will prove your strength, your resilience, and your loyalty to the Tumet.” He stopped to look at each of them, an expressionless man. 

At that the Rope Binders stepped forward, each had several lengths of rope. He and the other children marched forward to the base of the tree, then turning their backs to it. Each of them patiently waited as the rope was tied to each wrist and ankle. Then finally to the tree, splayed out, tight, difficult to move much. There were three others besides him. 

As the Binders finished their job and stepped away the Katun began speaking again. “Now, bound to the tree you will break your bonds. Show that nothing will hold you back!” With that the spectators of the tribe left, leaving the parents, Rope Binders, and Katun. “Brave the beasts and elements of our home, show that you nothing will stand in between you and your tribe!” Then the Rope Binders left, leaving only their parents and the leader. “Then you will have earned your place among us, you will have a name and a family.” He said with tone of finality. With that the rest of them left, disappearing over the horizon. 

Two nights fell before the first one managed to struggle free. Running off into the dark with only a passing glance at the others. The only girl was next and placed her hand on the other boy's chest, she was worried for him. But then she ran off as well. The sun had risen for the next day before that boy got free. He stopped and looked at the red haired one, still straining occasionally, exhausted and thirsty from being in the windswept plains with the beating sun. 

“I can let you down…” The other said reaching for the ropes. 

“Get...away…” He said wearily. This would not stand, it wasn't unheard of but would bring him great shame. Should anyone ever find out, he would be exiled or killed.

“I won't tell anyone...no one has to know.” The other insisted.

“I said, ‘Get away’!” He growled. He was shaking in anger and fear, he wouldn't be able to stop the boy if he did let him down. But luckily, yes luckily, the boy ran off. Before he disappeared he cast a long look back.

Another night had fallen and he still had not gotten down. He pulled and and thrashed and flailed. Running out of strength, he hung limply for awhile. Looking up at the sky to see the moon.  Nhaama must not have deemed him worthy enough, he thought. He had it in him to give a few more tries. He inhaled deeply, the cold brisk air biting into his lungs. Then he pulled, and pulled, and pulled. The ropes snapped and he fell with a dull thud to the ground.

He stayed there a moment. It was such a nice feeling…the cold hard ground, the tickling grass. He needed to get up though. He was thirsty and fortunately there was a river nearby. He got up and stumbled the way to the river bank. It was far enough he collapsed to his knees at the shore, crawling the rest of the way to the water and simply sticking his head in to gulp greedily. 

Finally he ran out of breath and pulled his head back up, gasping for air. Then a loud screaming yowl ripped through the air. He turned around just in time to see the Baras mid lunge. He couldn't do much, it was too fast. The claws tore through cloth and flesh easily. Having fallen to his back with the large beast on top. “NO!” he screamed, grabbing at something on the ground. The Baras reared its head for a final bite to his neck, as he raised the item and some to bash it's head though he knew it was in vain. But as he should have connected or been drawing his last breath, everything stopped. The beast seemed just as surprised. 

He had somehow succeeded in jamming his arm down the Baras’ throat. Letting go of the rock and withdrawing his arm he watched bewildered. The towering cat coughed and hacked, as time passed, it became more panicked. Thrashing and scratching at it's throat as it choked. He crawled on his back away from it to avoid being trampled. 

He didn't know why though, he was just going to die slower now. His wounds were too deep and he'd lost a lot of blood. His chest and stomach felt warm and wet. The beast was lying nearby in its death throes. But it all didn't matter, he had failed. He would die, no name, no tribe, no family. The only thing to even signify who he might have been, was the rope tied around his wrists and ankles. 

He stared up to the Moon again. He wondered if Nhaama would even let one with no name or tribe have an afterlife. He could hear voices, perhaps the wind? Maybe this is what happened as you died. He closed his eyes just as his vision darkened, shapes of people moving about him and shadows passed as he thought he would never wake again. 

He could hear birds and the sounds of normal everyday tribe doings. Wait, he thought, everyday tribe doings? He opened his eyes. It took a moment for them to adjust. He could see the familiar look of the ceiling of a yurt. He blinked at first in disbelief, the afterlife sure looked like home. 

“Ah, finally awake are we?” A voice came from his right. He whipped his head in that direction. A man, wearing different tribal colors. He seemed to be middle aged. There was another little boy beside him. Clinging to his coat and hiding poorly. 

“Where am I? Who are you?” He demanded to the man or the boy. 

“Now, now.” The man gently chided. “Don't worry yourself, you are fine. Well… In the sense you are safe. That baras did a nasty number on you.” He came over to sit by him. Lifting the blanket that had been covering him.

He gasped as three bloody lines were seeping through a swath of bandages on his torso. Suddenly he felt the stinging and burning. He began to sweat and turn pale. He looked at his wrists, bruised and with rope burns his ankles were likely the same. The man let the blanket back down.

“We are the Iriq and it would seem some scouts overheard the commotion by the river and went to check, you are quite lucky one was practiced in a bit of healing.” The man chuckled. “You are from the Tumet right? We took that rope off for you.” He said as though he did him a favor.

This made him angry, how dare they remove the symbol that would make him a Tumet. “Where is the rope?” He said tersely.

“Oh I have it right here.” He gestured to a pile of it sitting in the yurt. “We'll throw it o-”

“No!” He shouted angrily. Trying to reach for it. 

The man looked sadly at him grabbing his wrist and guiding it back beside him. “Child you will be a part of our tribe now. You were abandoned, just as we all were. You will get a name and a tribe.” He pushed the meek little boy behind him forward, who only nodded and looked away. 

The boy could only seethe, he would not be a part of this tribe. He would get his ropes back and he would flee. He just needed to figure out how.

A few days went by and he'd been able to walk   his hosts’ protests. He hadn't bothered to learn their names. As he went about the Iriq he would snatch food and a skin of water. Hiding it in a bush nearby. The final thing he took, a knife. Some careless young hunter left a long bone knife on the ground. He snuck it into his breeches and kept it on him. 

The night fell of his leaving, he grabbed the ropes as the man and the other boy slept. Throughout this time they had shown him nothing but kindness. However, to him they were captors, jailors, and they had humiliated him by removing his rope. Crawling to the man's side, he was sound asleep. He hadn't bothered to learn their names. No, they were not important. In fact, he would teach this tribe to never take a Tumet child again, he thought. He pulled the knife from his pants, running a finger over the blade, nicking himself to ensure it's sharpness.

He took one good long look at the man. He was kind and thoughtful. A shame it was wasted. He put a hand over the man's mouth, waking him but before he had a chance to react, he plunged the blade into his chest and twisted. A small gurgle and some twitching came from the man as light went from his eyes. A sad look as the last thing he saw was the red haired boy glaring at him. 

Withdrawing the blade he went over to the little boy. He could feel shaking underneath the covers as he grabbed them. 

So he was awake, the boy realized. Pulling them up to see the other in the fetal position hiding his head, tucking his tail and trembling. The red haired boy flipped him on his back and straddled him. “I almost feel bad for you, little coward.” He sneered tracing the blade lightly against the others neck. “So weak and stupid, I don't think the Buduga are this dumb.” He hissed into the boys horn. He watched as the boy said nothing just shook like a leaf in a storm. “I won't kill you. They'll never stop tracking me if I kill both of you.” He said matter of factly. They might not even now, he thought to himself, but it was important he do this. He couldn't be here, if they captured him again, it would be better they kill him this time. 

“Instead...I'll teach you and yours to never take a Tumet again!” He snarled. He cut the boys cheek and then tore open the boys shirt. He slashed at his front leaving 3 marks similar to his own. Grinning madly he stood up. The boy was quietly sobbing but not calling out for help. He felt his own chest starting to sting and a familiar warmth starting to seep out. “Don't say a word until I am long gone.” He hissed. “You won't die, I didn't cut you deep.” and with that he left. 

Running quickly, he went to bush where he had stashed supplies. Grabbing them and running. He could feel the wounds tearing open again, but he couldn't stop. He was too close to stop. He clutched at his chest, it hurt badly. 

It would take weeks to reach his tribe, he had to stop frequently to allow his wounds to heal somewhat and continue on, in one stop he had rebound the ropes to his wrists and ankles. He hadn't brought nearly enough food either, rationing it carefully. Occasionally finding some berries or wild herbs and vegetables. It wasn't long before he ran out though. Starving, bleeding, exhausted. It felt like he'd never make it back. 

Finally, just as he thought he could go no more. His ribs were showing, stomach starting to bloat a bit from starvation. He trudged his way up a hill. At the top he could see yurts in the distance. He could just barely make out specks of color…his tribe's colors! He couldn't contain himself, with the last of his strength he ran to it. His wounds reopened and blood oozed out once again through dirty bandages. He could see it the corner of his eye a group of horses and riders coming his way.

He slowed to a stop as they surrounded him. One got down and came up to him, peering into his face, “Oh dear Nhaama… It's one of ours!” The man gasped. “I didn't recognize you! You're dirty and all bones.” He laughed and slapped him on the back. Which made him collapse into the ground, exhausted and bleeding out. He felt himself being picked up and frantic calling for healers. 

He woke a few days later. He would learn none of the boys had made it back. Only him and the girl. What fate befell them? Buduga most likely given the girl was not first and she made it. He had only been saved from the same by taking much longer it would seem. As he recovered he ate voraciously and greedily. Food had never tasted better. 

The day came of their feast and to be named. He stood proudly before his tribe with the girl. There was talk that they were fated to be mates but he didn't care, for today he would get his name. 

The Katun stepped forward and despite the more happy circumstances, he remained stoic. “Today we celebrate two new members to the Tumet.” He boomed. He turned to the girl and gave her, her name as she made it back before him. Then to him, “You will be Kindoron of the Tumet!” He puffed out his chest in pride. He didn't even care of the poor man he murdered, the boy he scarred. It was all for this, his name, Kindoron.

[happywriter-happywriting]

The Shadow And His Light Chapter Four: Kiss

Azriel slept peacefully all night-- a huge feat for him. Typically he tossed and turned, harassed by memories and nightmares and shadows whispering. When he awoke, Elain was still pressed tight against him. She was pale and her delicate skin warm to the touch.

Real. She was real. So tangible and soft in his arms- not a shadow or a wisp of smoke. She was real.

The word chanted over and over in his sleepy mind. She sighed softly in her sleep and Azriel had to stop himself from squeezing her closer to him. The sunlight coming from the cracked curtains gleamed off her honeycomb hair and Azriel breathed in her sunflower scent.

He thought back to the previous night, he hated himself for giving her that draught of faebane, but he had seen no other option. She was so scared and it terrified him. The small amount of the faerie poison would not stay in her system long- and Azriel knew a choice had to be made. Not by him, no, he would respect her wishes either way. But he saw what a gift the Cauldron had bestowed upon her, and would be damned if he did not tell her. A gift like hers should not be suppressed.

She stirred in his arms, nestling into his chest, Azriel sucked in a breath. She peeked open one eye and then the other, staring up at him in confusion.

“Good morning, love” Azriel tucked a piece of hair behind the point of her ear, “How are you feeling?”

Elain didn’t pull away from him, “Tired,” she traced an exposed portion of his tattooed chest absentmindedly. Her thoughts were far away from her body, though she faintly recognized that she had indeed spent the night in a male’s arms.

“Faebane will dull the senses if taken too often, I’m surprised you were even coherent on our wedding day.” Cauldron, her scent was intoxicating him.

“My father made me take it,” she spoke in a whisper, “I hate how it makes me feel, but it does help with the nightmares.”

Azriel nodded in understanding, his father had forced him to take it when he was young. His father had tried everything to get rid of the shadows.

“Why don’t we go for a walk?” He gently untangled himself from her warm body, “If you are up to it, that is.”

Elain missed his warmth under her immediately, but she nodded without a word. Azriel noticed that the far-off look had not left her eyes since last night, he wondered what horror was replaying in her mind. But as her eyes roamed aimlessly, they landed on the opal ring on her left hand, she softened.

Azriel placed a finger under her chin, tilting her face up to his, “I’ll be in the kitchen when you are ready.” Her smile was small, but at least it was there. He slowly got out of the bed and left the room, allowing her to freshen up.

He made his way down the hall, stopping first just outside of her closed door, making sure she would be okay alone. When he heard her soft footsteps on the wood floor and her still steady breathing, he went in search for a pot of tea.

He had neglected to clean up last night, the kitchen was a mess. Elain must have been been baking when she cut her finger and all hell broke loose in her mind.

Azriel quickly cleaned up the mess while the water boiled, he didn’t want her to see any reminder of last night’s horrors.

Elain emerged in a loose flowery dress moments after Azriel had finished pouring the tea; he quickly guided a warm mug into her jittery hands.

“I had started a casserole last night,” she said it with remorse, “ I forgot,”

“Don’t worry about it, love,” He motioned her to follow him through the kitchen door, “Come on,” It led straight out to the garden. Elain had worked on it all afternoon the day before, and already it was looking much neater than when she had arrived. The whole house was neater and more homey, Azriel noted. Flowers in vases, and the pillows fluffed, and curtains drawn wide.

It was a cool day, the weather had shifted and rain clouds hung ominously close in the sky. Azriel extended his wing behind Elain, to keep the crisp wind from hitting her too harshly. They walked for a while in comfortable silence, heading into the deep woods that surrounded the estate. Every once in a while, Elain would point out a fox or colorful bird, her face lighting up for a moment. Azriel was pleased that she seemed a bit more at ease now.; he tucked the idea that the outdoors calmed her into the back of his mind for a later date. Already there was a bit of color in her cheeks and a light in her eyes.

“Do you remember the first vision you had?” his words were laced in gentleness.

Elain tightened her grip on the warm mug in her hands and nodded. They walked on for a minute before Azriel spoke again, “You are very special, Elain. Did you know that?”

Elain looked up at him with wide eyes, “Oh, no- no, not me,” she shook her head and smiled sadly, “Feyre, she is special-- she’s the warrior.” she thought for a moment, “And Nesta is strong and powerful. No, I’m just the middle sister.” she looked down at her feet, “Not special.”

Azriel stopped in his tracks, softly grabbing Elain’s arm and spinning her around to face him. She sucked in a breath and looked up at him in surprise.

“Just because you’re not a warrior doesn’t mean you’re not a fighter. Elain, you are so strong, and you have such a gift.” He let go of her arm, “Your visions are powerful, you are a seer.”

She took a step back, “Seer?”

“Your visions-” Such soft words, “-have some of them come true?”

Elain took another step back, her heart began to pound, “I- I never told anyone.” her empty tea cup fell from her hands, “They’re all real?”

Azriel took a step towards her, taking her hands in his, “Yes, but you already knew that.” His scarred hands held her softly.

Elain did not meet his eyes, “My father never believed me.” For months, Elain had slowly felt herself slipping into madness; first because of the nightmares, and then because of the sickening faebane-- always seeping into her blood. Her days were either horror filled or a thick fog. In all honesty, if something hadn’t shifted in her world, and soon, she was prepared to end it all. She shuddered, her eyes welling with tears.

Azriel hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her to meet his kind eyes. “It’s real. You’re real,” he tightened his grip on her hand, “This is real.”

Elain smiled through her tears, “The first vision I had, it…” she took a deep breath, “It was in a world of shadows. I saw myself, and I was smiling,” He was even closer to her now, “It was hard to find things to smile about back then.”

More tears dripped down her cheeks as Azriel cupped his hand behind her neck. It was then that he realized that his shadows had been whispering about a sunshine-girl his whole life. A girl made of earth and flowers, would haunt his dreams when he was locked away as a child. He always dreamed of seeing the sun, feeling it shine on him. And now, here she was. Her hands had become tangled in the front of his shirt, and their faces were mere inches from one another. His other hand had somehow found its way around her small waist, and he held her close.

Slowly.

Oh.

So Slowly.

Their lips brushed.

Oh, this fever.

She was sunshine against his lips.

He was cool night on hers.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered with their lips still brushing. He knew it was too soon. They had known each other for less than three days. Or had it been a lifetime?

Elain pulled away after a moment, and Azriel let her go, “The glass…” she gestured to the broken cup in unease.

“Don’t worry about the glass.” In an instant, Azriel whisked it away with the help of his shadows. Azriel wanted to fade into nothing, he should never have touched her. It was a mistake, he convinced himself, she didn’t want him.

After a moment, Elain was able to catch her breath, “I don’t…”

He waited for her to finish... Want you. I don't want you

“I- I mean, I didn’t know it would be like that.” her cheeks burnt a soft pink and she could not meet his eyes. She felt as if dandelions had grown from every pore of her body, and another touch from him, and she would simply sail in a million directions.

“You make me feel as if I could outshine the sun.”

And suddenly he was kissing her again.

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Tags! Thanks for being patient with me and amazing! <3

@rosehallshadowsinger @queenofillea1 @stalkingyourmuse @lord-douglas-the-third

@acotarsmutfluff @aelinxfeyre @Julesherondalex @poisonous00 @feyrethedarklady @cookiemonsterwholovesbooks @musicallibrarian93 @flxwer-petals @nightcourtstarlight @aelinninielelain

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[myheartismadeofstars]

Mustang’s Brats

Chapter 1.

Roy adopts Ed and Al after he interrupts them before they can attempt Human Transmutation

Mostly 03 Compliant, with some eventual Mangahood stuff for things like backstory.

Contains mentions and descriptions of PTSD and guilt

It was starting to rain when Roy got off the train in Resembool. Roy shoved his hands deep into his pockets, cursing the horrific weather. In one pocket was his watch...in the other, the letter.

For such a small town, it sure was hard to find the house he was looking for, but eventually, he found it. Unthinking, but also clutching his watch, Roy tried the door. It wasn’t locked and opened without difficulty.

The house seemed empty and Roy was about to call out when he heard a voice from down the hall.

“Don’t be scared Al.” Said the boy’s voice.

Roy sped-walked down the hall and carefully opened the door.

“Brother!” A younger voice cried in alarm.

In the middle of the room were two young boys of about the same age, Edward and Alphonse, according to the letter. The boys jumped to their feet and tried to hide the tell-tale alchemy circle on the floor, as well as the mess of ingredients.

“Who the hell are you?!” Asked one boy. “And how did you get into our house?!”

“Door unlocked.” Roy explained jerking his head back toward the offending door. The yelling boy blushed. Roy tried to contain a smile. It must have been his job to lock the door. Then again, this was a small community. The kind where everyone knew everyone and if anyone committed a crime, they could identify them by name. Perhaps locking your doors wasn’t exactly common practice.

“As for your other question…” Roy produced his watch. “Lt. Colonel Roy Mustang, State Alchemist.”

The boys looked at each other, terror in their eyes that made Roy’s chest ache. They think I’m going to arrest them or something… Roy had a thought and also took out the letter. “I got one of your letters to your father-”

“You know Dad?” The other boy and the younger of the two judging by his voice said hopefully.

“Not exactly. I’d heard of him and was hoping to speak to him, but I’m going to presume he isn’t at home, if he was, I doubt he’d let you two attempt forbidden alchemy…”

The older boy looked like he was going to yell again, but Roy cut him off. “Now if you don’t mind, I was wondering if I could talk to you boys for a moment...and perhaps get a towel?” Roy showed how wet his coat was.

“Right away!” The younger boy said and ran off, presumably to get a towel. Roy turned back to the older boy. “What do you say, Edward?” It was a shot in the dark, but judging by the fact that it was his voice that said Al earlier, Roy deduced the older one was Edward.

Ed scowled, but he trudged towards the door. Roy closed it behind him.

Several minutes later Roy had a towel around his shoulders and his coat was hanging up on the porch so the floor wouldn’t get any wetter. The boys had explained their story to him and...Roy’s heart went out to them. Mother dead and father AWOL. They had their neighbours, but otherwise, they were alone.

He could understand wanting to perform the taboo in those conditions.

Roy was left in silence when the boys finished their story. There was a long moment before he spoke, shattering the silence.

“Where is the nearest phone?” He asked Ed.

“Next door, at the Rockbells’.”  Ed said quietly. Rockbell?! The name sent a jolt through Roy’s body and landed in the pit of his stomach. Of course...the Rockbells had been from Resembool...hadn’t they? Still, Roy felt sick. Still, he couldn’t get distracted.

“I need to make some calls.” He told them both, standing up. He walked by Al and ruffled his hair, making him smile, but Ed deftly dodged the casual affection.

Roy was pleased to see the rain had stopped when he went outside. The sky was still covered by clouds, but it felt symbolic.

It was a surprisingly long walk to Rockbell Automail, and Roy wondered if leaving the boys alone was smart...no, of course, they wouldn’t try it now. They had already been caught.

Roy sought composure and knocked on the door.

It was answered by a young girl, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Their daughter. Roy knew.

“Good evening!” Roy said, putting on as sunny of a voice that he could manage. “I was wondering if there was a chance I could use your phone.”

“Who is it, Winry?” Asked the tiniest woman Roy had ever seen.

“He wants to use our phone.”

The woman studied him a while. “Why?” She asked shrewdly. “We need that phone for our patients.”

“I understand that, Ma’am.” Roy told her politely. “I’ll be as quick as possible. I want to be able to leave town soon anyway.” Finally, the old woman nodded her consent.

Roy found the phone and quickly dialled the number he needed.

“Hughes.”

“I need a favour.” Roy told his friend.

“Whatever it is, I’ll do it.” Roy smiled. Maes always was willing to help him, no matter what. Roy loved him for it.

“You’re lucky I’m not about to ask you to assassinate the Fuhrer himself.” Roy laughed. “No, I need you to get a hold of two sets of adoption papers for me. The boys are motherless and their father is AWOL and can’t be reached. I want to take custody of them.” He explained quickly.

“Roy…” There was a hint of concern...or perhaps warning in his friend’s tone. “You are a busy man, with a lot of ambition. Are you sure you’ll be able to handle a pair of kids? Not to mention, there are so many challenges to being a father...there is a reason Gracia and I haven’t had one yet.” Roy knew it wasn’t for lack of wanting them. Maes and Gracia had had a list of names drawn up for over a year.

“If I wanted easy I’d get a dog. No, Maes, these boys need a father figure...any parental figure. Maes…” Roy lowered his voice. “I caught them attempting human transmutation. Thankfully I stopped them in time, but who knows what could have happened if I wasn’t there? Hughes...these kids are desperate.”

“I’m not going to try and dissuade you, Roy, I know you too well. I just want to remind you that you are not equipped to have children. You have a one-bedroom and nothing in it.” Roy cringed. That was all too true. Not for lack of money, of course, but he just...didn’t really feel the need to decorate.

“I’ll burn that bridge when I cross it.” Roy decided. Hughes laughed.

“Nice turn of phrase. See you when you get back.”

Roy hung up the phone and went back to where the Rockbells were waiting. “Thank you so much. I’ll get out of your hair now.”

Roy headed back to the Elric house and found the boys.

“How would you boys like to move to Central?” Roy asked with a little smile. “All you’d need to do is pack your belongings and we can get on the next tr-”

“No!” Ed yelled, standing up. “This is our home! We won’t leave it!” Roy was shocked by his vehemence.

Al grabbed his brother’s shirt. “But Brother...we left for Teacher’s house…”

“That was different! Besides what about Granny? And Winry?”

Roy spoke up. “I would never stop you from seeing them.” He promised. “And I have a phone. You could call them.”

“Not good enough.” Ed declared. It took a moment before Roy understood. Ed was scared. A little boy who lost his mother, and who hadn’t seen his father for years.

“You’re a brave boy, Ed.” Roy told him softly. “But perhaps it would be good for you not to have to be brave forever. I know I’m a stranger, and you’re smart not to trust strangers. However, I’m a stranger with a conscience. I can’t permit two boys to live alone. And as for Mrs Rockbell...she has her granddaughter to care for. It will be easier for her to not have two more orphans on her hands. She has her work to do.”

Ed gave him an odd look for a moment. A suspicious look. A look that made Roy wonder if he had said something telling.

“Brother?” Al said gently. “I...I miss her too. But I don’t think the transmutation would work anyway.”

Edward turned so quickly that Roy stepped forward because he thought he had struck Al before realizing that he hadn’t.

“You don’t know that for sure!” He said loudly.

“No. But I do.” Roy told Edward calmly. Ed turned, eyes wide with shock. “It’s true I never performed human transmutation, but I know enough to know that Alchemists three or even four times your age and experience can’t do it. It only leads to more tragedy.”

“Our teacher said the same thing.” Al agreed.

Ed seemed to almost deflate when he realized even his brother was against him. Roy reached out his hand to comfort Ed, but he jerked away. “I’ll go with you. Because Al wants to go, not because I do.” He told Roy stubbornly.

Roy let his hand fall sadly to his side. “Pack everything you need. Clothes, toys, books. I’ll spend the night here if I need to, then we’ll take you to Central.”

Al nodded but Ed just walked off, before Al followed him. Roy ran a hand through his black hair and sighed. This was going to be hard. No knowing what else to do, he went back to the room where he had first met the boys...and set himself to the task of cleaning up the room. Disposing of the ingredients and scrubbing the transmutation circle off the floor. Leave no trace of this.

Come morning, the boys were all packed. They didn’t really have much to bring, which suited Roy just fine. They ate a quick breakfast, they could eat when they got to the station, and then went over to the Rockbell’s one final time. Roy was quickly chastised for misleading Mrs Rockbell about his intentions. After quite a long period of discussion, Roy explained to Pinako that he was having adoption papers drawn up as they spoke. He would not abandon those boys.

“I’m sure you’ll find that I am a resourceful and resilient man, Mrs Rockbell.”

“Oh of that I have no doubt.” She told him before taking a drink from her glass. “Of course...I still don’t like the idea of those poor boys being raised by a man not their father, a military man besides.”

Roy felt his hackles rise defensively. “I understand that you don’t like the military, Mrs Rockbell. The war was hell on earth, for the survivors, and families of those who didn’t...and even for civilians unconnected with the war.”

“Ah, but I know who you are, Lt. Colonel. I know what you did.” Roy hadn’t known that she knew about what he did. It horrified him even worse. His eyes stung at the memory of Urey and Sara Rockbell. Good people whose only crimes had been just that, being good people. “This isn’t about the military per se. This is about you. You killed my son, and my daughter in law, and left my only granddaughter an orphan. Now you seek to take away the children and only remaining family of a dear friend. The children I delivered with my own hands.”

Pinako’s rage was clear despite her quiet voice. Clearly, that was meant to shield Winry and the boys from the revelation, while they played outside with Den. Roy bowed his head, his hair hiding his dark eyes. He felt sick all over again. He needed a drink, one stronger than what he had.

“I seek to protect those boys. Prevent them from getting hurt. You don’t have to believe me. It’s the truth.” Roy’s voice was barely a whisper, and very strained. “I didn’t want to hurt your son or your daughter-in-law. I admired their strength, their kindness...I never wanted to harm them. I was f-” Roy swallowed a lump in his throat. “Forced.”

“You expect me to feel sorry for you?” Pinako said coldly.

“No. Not at all. Just let me try to do one good thing in this world. If I can do that, perhaps I can find some atonement.”

Roy looked at her finally. She drained her glass. “You take good care of those boys.” She said, actually surprising him with her consent. “They are your only hope for any sort of redemption.”

“I know. Thank you, Mrs Rockbell.” Roy rose from the table. “They’ll be in touch.” He promised. He picked up the boys’ bags and stuck his head out of the front door. “Edward! Alphonse! We need to go! It’s a long trip to Central!”

“Okay!” Came Al’s voice.

Once the boys were at his side, Roy and then headed off towards the station. Roy wondered if he actually knew what he was getting into...

[looselucy]

November

I had never woken up feeling so fresh in my entire life. Never. It was like something from a really bad movie, the worst movie you’ve ever seen. Sunlight was seeping through my white curtains, heating up the small amounts of skin that weren’t covered by my thick, luscious duvet. As soon as I woke up, I was smiling, blushing pink against the pale bedsheets, my toes curling and birds singing. I’m in love.

I turned my head slightly, catching a glimpse of the clock on my nightstand to seethat  it wasn’t even 8am yet. After such a long, exhausting, and overwhelming day before, how I had woken up so early in such a natural state seemed so impossible to me. It didn’t seem right that I could be so completely refreshed and rested given the circumstances. I curled myself and then stretched myself out, moving so that I was laying on my back and staring towards the ceiling, replaying the conversation myself and Harry had the evening before just so I could try to recreate the overwhelming bliss that had hypnotized me. I couldn’t believe what had happened. It was almost like I was trying to convince myself that it was a dream, that it couldn’t have actually happened. It was better than I had ever imagined it being, and I had imagined it time and time again. I had been conjuring up visions of Harry admitting his love for me since that day in March, when I completely freaked out as we were having drinks in Jax and I realised that he wasn’t just my friend. None of those images compared to the real thing. I gently squirmed around my bedsheets, reeling in the memory, and the feel of knowing that my ears had actually been able to experience the sound of Harry Styles saying he loved me. My thoughts were interrupted by my phone ringing. The time of day made me question the caller immediately. I started routing through my bedsheets in a mad attempt to find my phone, very close to missing it until I realised that at some point in the night my phone had ended up being down by my feet, somehow. “Ed?” I furrowed my brows as I answered the phone. “What the hell are you doing up at this time?” “The real question is what the hell are you doing up at this time?” He slurred. It was clear right away that he was absolutely wasted, which meant that I quickly figured out that Ed was probably still awake from the evening before. I sat up, pulling the sheets up with me and running my hands through my hair so it was out of my face, predicting where the conversation was going to go. “You okay?” I breathed. “I went to Ringo’s flat.” “Oh, Ed.” I sighed sadly. “I drank too much and thought it was a good idea.” “Yeah.” I mulled. That was the only thing that could have dampened my spirits that morning, hearing his sad little voice on the other end of the call. I could tell the boy really needed a hug, and I hated that I couldn’t give him one. “She told me about her and Zayn.” He took a deep breath. “Right.” I gulped. “I’m guessing you know.” “I’m sorry.” “I’m glad you didn’t tell me, Pip. It would have felt even worse coming from someone else.” I knew he would see it the way I did, but even hearing him say that didn’t make me feel any better about the fact I had been lying to him. I suppose it wasn’t lying, just not giving him all the information I had. I hadn’t been telling him the truth, even though he hadn’t been asking for it. Sitting next to him in lectures three times a week and knowing that I was keeping that from him had been truly horrible. I was glad I didn’t need to do that anymore. “How you feeling?” I asked him, worried. “I was mad. I punched her front door.” “Oh god.” “It was really embarrassing, Pip. The door barely moved and then it turns out punching things actually really hurts, so I started crying. I cried.” Ed knew more than I did, that he had been crying more for the pain he was feeling inside more the pain he was feeling out, but it was nice that he could pretend he cried because he’d hurt his hand punching her front door, and I wasn’t about to take that privilege away from him. “Have you put some ice on it?” “I cried on it. Also turns out tears are warm, which is the opposite of ice.” Ed had such a beautiful way about him, where he could always find a way to make a joke and try to make light of a situation. I really admired him for that. Unlike me, he didn’t need to make a sarcastic comment to get through a moment, he was just funny, and sweet. I had seen him on Friday. It was only Sunday, and I missed him. “Seriously though, how do you feel?” “I’m thinking.” He said. “Thinking?” “About films and stuff.” “Right?” I prompted. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Pip, but isn’t it a common term that if you love something, you should let it go?” I ached for him. I could hear his voice breaking, and as much as he was trying to stay strong and think about everything rationally, this was killing him. “It is.” I faked a smile, though he couldn’t see me. “Then I’ll let her go. I suppose.” He swallowed. “Can we go for drinks soon?” “Sure. But I think, right now, you’ve drank enough. So, get some sleep for me, alright?” “Okay. Thanks, Pip. You’re probably my best friend.” “And you’re probably mine.” I chuckled. “Sleep well.” “Goodnight.” He hung up before I could correct him on his time of day. I smiled to my phone momentarily before I threw it back down to the bottom of the bed and collapsed backwards again, breathing in and wondering how the hell Ed was handling it all so well. That was even including the whole punching a door thing. I felt one of the main reasons I needed to be there for Ed was because I was a girl. His mum had walked out on him and his dad when he was small, and now with everything that was going on with Ringo, I knew that for a lot of people, their views on women could be completely tainted by those two things. I knew that Harry struggled, thanks to the things he’d been through. I needed to make sure that didn’t happen to Ed. I looked back at the clock for a brief moment, and thought about going back to sleep. I knew Liam wouldn’t be awake until late afternoon, judging by how drunk he had been the evening before, and even my mum probably had a good hour or two left in her before she woke up. Then, there was a soft knock on my door. I sat up again, really hoping it would be Harry who would be popping his head through the door. And it was. I grinned as soon as I saw him, which I would have done normally anyway given it was Harry, and he was topless, but the main reason I was grinning was because he fucking loved me! “Hi.” I was breathless straight away. “Hi.” He shut the door behind himself. “Why are you up so early?” “I just spoke with Minnie.” My heart was dead in my chest as he moved and sat on the edge of my bed, his fingers playing with my sheets as soon as he was in place. I rearranged my position frantically, gulping loudly as he stared deep into my eyes. “Okay.” I mumbled. “I broke up with her.” “You did?” I shook. “Don’t judge me.” He smiled. “I wanted to do it to her face, but I wasn’t going to see her for a few weeks and… Well, I would have ended up cheating on her. I don’t have that much self-control. I figured doing it over the phone was better than cheating.” Doing it over the phone was absolutely fine by me. In most situations I would have judged someone for ending a relationship that way, but given the circumstances, I would be lying if I said I gave a damn. “How did she take it?” “Not so well.” He shrugged. “I’m in for hell the next time I see her, but I don’t care.” He edged a little closer to me, and I knew it was coming. I was finally going to be reintroduced to the wonder of his lips on mine, the delight of his fingertips tracing me for more than just a split second. I was finally going to enjoy his hands exploring me for his pleasure and mine. It had been four long months since he had embraced me that way, and I was desperate to know his touch once more. “So, you’re single?” I cooed. “I am.” He smiled, reaching up and stroking my cheek. I closed my eyes and pressed my cheek further into his palm, only able to open my eyes again for a split second before I felt his lips on mine, and I was closing them once more. From nowhere, my mind conjured up an article I’d once read about something called Gas-Lighting; A form of mental abuse in which a victim is manipulated into doubting their own memory, perception and sanity. I remembered exactly how I felt when I read that article, because it was something that I had half convinced myself that Harry had been doing to me. Ignoring my own actions, and the role they played in our relationship, I would find myself thinking of little ways he had touched me, things he had said, traits he had shown, all leading me to believe that there was something there between us, and then he persuaded me that there wasn’t. Once his lips were against mine, where I always knew they belonged, every doubt I’d ever had faded. My memories of the way he had touched me were not fictional. My perception of the things he had said and the way he had acted were not fabricated in my own mind. My sanity wasn’t to be questioned. He loved me. I widened my mouth and let his tongue gently brush against mine, and before I even knew what I was doing, I was climbing out from under my bedsheets, my hands not leaving his face for a second as I clambered on top of him, straddling his waist in nothing but my knickers, slinging my arms over his shoulders as soon as I was on top of him. “Say it.” I moaned, grinding my hips into his groin. “I love you.” He panted into my mouth. The kiss became fiercer as I stroked my fingertips down his chest, over the butterfly tattoo, over his tensed abs, until I reached the hem of his sweatpants, toying with them and pulling at them as he returned the favour, quickly stroking over my back until his hands were down the back of my knickers and he was gripping my cheeks. “I need you.” I whispered. “I’m yours to have.” His hands moved to the side and tugged at my underwear, attempting to get them down even though we both knew it was impossible for us to get our bottoms off in the current position we were in, but we tried nonetheless, because we just couldn’t keep our hands off each other and I really didn’t want to stop kissing him. After a while, I gave up, cursing as I fell back off him and stumbled onto my feet, rushing to take my knickers off as Harry stayed on the bed and tugged his joggers down in zero seconds flat, kicking them off his feet just seconds before I leapt back on top of him, feeling his length brushing at my inner thigh. I hovered over him slightly, watching as he caressed over himself a few times, and then I lowered back down onto him as he held himself upright, and guided his way in. As soon as he was inside me, he gripped his arms around my back and pulled me as close to him as physically possible. It felt like the first time again. It felt as though we’d never done this before. It just felt so new and exciting, being able to feel him that way, having his arms gripped around me like he would never let me go again. I held him back just as forcefully, kissing his neck and ticking my hips towards him, feeling him hit every nerve inside me as I shuddered and moaned. I had never expected his hands to feel that good upon me. My imagination had not prepared me for this moment, how just being with him would make me feel invincible, completely indestructible. I’d never been with someone before where just being with them made me feel powerful. As I ground my hips into him and felt his hands trailing down my waist, I had never felt so confident. I had never felt so empowered or complete. I didn’t even know such a feeling existed. All I knew was that I never wanted it to go away. He grabbed at my hair, moving my head round so that he could kiss me, biting softly at my bottom lip, then tenderly pattering light kisses to my waiting lips. He began slowly bucking up to me as I circled my hips on top of him, feeling myself get wetter as he hit different peaks, seeing the bliss on his face. I loved seeing him so clearly. At the festival it was dark, the weak light from outdoors lighting the glitter that lined his cheekbones, occasionally catching the glimmer in his eyes. But this time, everything was crystal clear. Every blemish and every crease of his skin was mine to devour, and I loved it. Everything felt bright and perfect. I just wished I could tell him over and over again how much I loved him. I wished that I could let it pour out of my mouth constantly, just so it would start sinking in that he was worthy; that he was more than enough and he deserved every single ache of my love for him. I could never tell him enough, because I didn't think he could ever hear it enough. Without warning, he gripped hold of my waist and quickly flipped me round in one quick movement, flopping my back onto the bed, my legs hanging off the edge as he kneeled down on the floor between my legs, pulling my ankles harshly so my hips were at the edge of the bed. “Fuck.” I cursed as he started kissing slowly up the inside of my thighs. My breathing increased automatically, closing my eyes, waiting for him to do what I knew he was going to, his hands trailing up and laying on my hip bones as I felt his breath hit me just seconds before his tongue did, tasting me finally. He licked steadily from my core to my clit, sucking gently on my nub once he reached it, moaning against me and proving he was loving his actions as much as I was. He began kissing and licking at me again, dipping his tongue into me occasionally. My back arched off the bed as I breathlessly moaned through the experience, moving my hands down to slowly toy with his curls, gripping them tight between my fingers as I pushed his head down a little bit more, melting in the feel of his tongue savouring me. I instinctively rolled my hips up to him, whimpering as his tongue fucked my core. “Touch yourself.” He moaned into me. I did as instructed, and he continued doing what he did best. I touched and rubbed over my crux as he delved into me with more lust and fever than before. I felt like I was going to cry. My pleasure levels were soaring and it was all thanks to him, not only what he was doing but the fact that it was him doing it. I felt like I was going to fall apart it was so spectacular. It took over me. Warmth washed over my body as my high hit and Harry lapped up the proof of it, gently stopping working his magic as he kissed his way up my body, leaving traces of my orgasm up my stomach. “I can’t breathe.” I panted, my high still in control. “You’re so beautiful.” He kissed down my jaw. Harry proved his strength, hooking his arm around me and shifting me so I was further on the bed and then he jolted his member back into me, biting his bottom lip as he rolled himself deep inside me, not giving me any chance to recover. “I need a minute.” I panted. “Yeah? I dunno about that.” He smirked, his voice rough and ready. “Harry please, I – oh fuck.” He pushed so he was as deep into me as he could physically get, smirking all the while, enjoying the reaction he was pulling from me. He stayed still for a while, watching me as I cracked my neck all the way back and moaned out his name. “You still need that minute?” He grinned. “Move, Harry. Please.” I begged. “Fuck me harder, please.” He did as instructed, as cocky about it as I expected him to be as he started driving into me, still holding himself relatively upright as he gazed down to me, his right hand reaching and groping at my breast, pounding into me over and over again to the point where I felt like I was going to pass out. We hadn’t been like this at the festival. Those longing touches and the slow pulse of his hips were nowhere to be seen then. He was fucking me in a way that proved how much he had wanted me all this time, hammering himself into my heat time and time again, completely fucking me senseless because I was finally his. It was so raw, completely driven by nothing other than our attraction to one another. I hadn’t realised how badly I needed him that way. He began falling short of breath, his frenzied pants coming out quickly as he neared his end, closing his eyes and riding out the moment until he was done, groaning out the pleasure he released and his frame failing him as soon as he peaked, falling down so his body smothered mine. His heart was beating so fast, but I just loved that I could feel it against my chest. His heart was beating at that pace because of me and for me and because of us, and I was lucky enough to feel it beating against my own chest. We both relaxed for a while, and we just lay there together until our breathing was at a normal pace, at which point Harry fell to my side, both of us just staring up the to the ceiling. I felt like I was going to be somewhat breathless for hours. “Fuck.” Harry chuckled eventually. “That was... Wow.” I turned to look at him, and he turned to me. The shape and shadow of my curtains floated over his face, like the reflection of water, swaying and moving over his soft features. The suns beams made sure that I could see all the specks of dust floating aimlessly round my room, and he’d never looked more idyllic. The green of his eyes sparkled as his lips spread into a smile, and I’d never wanted to capture a moment more in my life. No picture I had ever taken would even compare to the beauty that was in front of me then, how natural and real it was. Suddenly the rate of my heart increased again, thudding through my entire body as I tried to take in how beautiful he was, how beautiful it felt to be with him. “I love you.” I whispered. He moved to me, kissing me gently as soon as I was in reach, grasping his hand at the side of my face and then tucking my hair behind my ear. The kiss didn’t last long, but when he pulled away he stayed close, just looking at me, brushing the backs of his fingers over the skin on my face, checking over every feature like he was trying to remember everything about that exact moment in the same way I was. “You okay?” He asked quietly, running his hand through my hair. “Mm.” I nodded. “I’m amazing.” “Me too.” He smiled. “I’m tired.” I closed my eyes. “It’s still early. You wanna get some more sleep?” “Okay.” With little effort, I moved and clambered back into my bed, crashing my head onto the pillow. Harry stayed on the outside, and began tucking me in. I let him do it quietly for a while, not questioning why he wasn’t joining me right away, just enjoying and reeling in the fact that for the first time in years I had someone tucking me into bed. “Aren’t you gunna stay?” I eventually asked. “I’m pretty much awake now.” He shrugged. “Plus, I’ll be going to pick up my car as soon as your mums awake, and I don’t want to keep her waiting or anything.” “There’s cereal and stuff downstairs.” I yawned. “Okay. I’ll make myself at home.” I smiled and closed my eyes, feeling myself nodding off straight away. I almost felt like a part of me just knew, and that’s why I had woken up so early. I knew he was going to come into my room and somehow, I knew we were going to be together. “Is it possible for me to miss you already?” I smiled, eyes still closed. I felt him lean close to me, a soft chuckle escaping him as he moved and delicately pressed his lips against my forehead. “I love you, Pippa.” He whispered to me. “I love you so much.” + + + I woke up a few hours later, feeling as fresh as I had the first time I woke up. Yet straight away, I just wanted to get out of bed. All I could think was that Harry was up and about in my house and I just wanted to be with him all the time. The fact that I knew we were in the same house but I wasn’t with him just soaking him up was bothering me. I practically jumped out of bed, rushing to get dressed, excited to be with him again. I had never been able to get out of bed that quickly before in my life. I made it into the hall before I was brought to a standstill, unable to stop my prying ears from listening to the conversation Harry and my mother were having downstairs. “Thank you so much for fixing that latch.” I heard my mother say. “It’s been bloody broken for years.” “No worries at all.” Harry replied. “That can be my thanks for driving me to get the car.” He was so polite and wonderful. I was swooning over the fact he had fixed that bloody lock on the door because it had been like that for years and no one had ever bothered to fix it. Then he just swooped in and did it, probably without even being asked. Oh shit I love him so much this is ridiculous. “So are you heading back today?” She asked him. “Yeah. We’re not in any rush though, I don’t think. How’s it been being back in this house?” “Strange.” She admitted. “It’s nice. It feels nice to be back at home but… I’m very aware that someone is missing.” I placed my hand on my chest, feeling endless amounts of pain for her. I had stayed away from home for months because I knew that feeling would overwhelm me too, the feeling that something was missing, that something just wasn’t quite right. I was praying that wouldn’t last, that she wouldn’t always walk around that house feeling like something had been lost. I just wanted her to become accustom to this as soon as she could, because we all knew my dad wasn’t coming back. “Decorate.” Harry simply stated. “What?” “Decorate. Even if it’s just painting and buying a couple of new things. It’ll completely change the whole house and I would bet money you would feel better for it.” “You think?” “Definitely. Make it yours.” “That’s a really good idea, Harry. Thank you.” It was a really good idea. My mum earned more than enough money on her own to completely redo the house if she wanted to. Just changing things around and making it exactly how she wanted it rather than shared ideas, was the perfect thing for her to do. It was so simple and yet I’d have never thought of it. “I’m very wise.” Harry said. “Any troubles, you come to me. I always have answers.” “I’m sure you do.” She laughed. “So then, I have a question for you.” “Go ahead.” “What’s going on with you and my daughter?” I sat myself down, I think, or maybe my legs just gave way. I was so glad I had chosen to be nosy rather than running downstairs, because I was more than desperate to hear what his response was to that question. “Um, what do-” Harry fumbled. “You look at her like the sun shines out of her arse.” My mum chortled. “I’m almost sure it does.” Harry joked back. “She’s amazing, isn’t she?” “I like to think so.” “I care for her very, very much.” He added. “I like to think that… that I’m going to have her around, for a really long time. Would-would you be okay with that? I mean… I hope I’ve made a good impression. I’ve been trying to win you over because… she’s… She’s everything, y’know?” Shock horror, I started crying. Suddenly everything I had wanted for so long was happening in this really short space of time and it was impeccably overwhelming. Hearing Harry talking about me so admirably was hard to accept, because I had spent all those months adoring him and I had never truly considered the fact that he might view me in the same way. It was never a realistic thought, just a distant dream. I had woken from the dream, only to be faced with a more beautiful reality. “You’ve made a very good impression.” My mother replied. “If you’re looking for my approval, you have it. You had it the second you walked in the door.” That was honestly the least surprising thing I had heard all weekend, but it didn’t mean I loved hearing it any less. My mum was so important to me, her opinion meant the absolute world and more. Not that anything would have stopped me from being with Harry at that stage, but it was so nice to know that her approval was ours. I smiled happily down to the floor, wiping away my tears and trying to just feel an emotion normally for once in my bloody life rather than everything just making me cry. I was so bored of crying. “I’m glad.” I heard Harry sigh, relieved. “I’m just… I’m gunna go ring my dad. I said I’d give him a call to let him know I’m safe. He’s protective like that.” I smiled to myself because I knew it would be Ben who had asked him to call, because after spending that week with Harry I had been able to see that was just completely in his nature. He was the one who got overwhelmed and emotional whilst Kev stood shaking his head lovingly to the side. I listened for noises, figuring Harry had let himself out the back door and into the garden when I ran downstairs, desperate to have a small talk with my mother whilst he was out of the room. I flew down the stairs and bounced down the hall, approaching the kitchen. The first thing I saw was the giant array of flowers which had now found themselves in a vase on our kitchen worktop, gorgeous and in full bloom. “Morning.” I greeted once I was in the room. “He bought me flowers.” My mum inhaled right away. “I know.” “Not once did your dad buy me flowers.” She chuckled. “And then in my walks my daughter with a boy who dotes on her, and he buys me flowers. Do you know how lucky you are?” I knew more than anyone how lucky I was. I truly did. I wasn’t sure how I would ever show the appreciation I felt for the luck I had, but I was willing to do anything I could. But I had to brush past that, because I had something else I needed to ask following that statement. “Dad never bought you flowers?” I scowled. “No.” “But you love flowers.” I baffled. “We always have flowers in the house.” “I bought them myself.” I smiled, and I could see she had no idea why I was smiling after she said that. She had expected me to feel bad for her, to rest my hand on my heart and show my sympathy, but that just wasn’t how I felt. She shot me a questioning look, waiting for me to explain myself. “I love that.” I shrugged. “Why?” “You’re completely the source of your own happiness. You didn’t need him to buy you flowers, you could just do it yourself. I don’t know, it just says a lot. Happiness is just something you bring upon yourself, and sometimes you get to share it with someone, but it’s not vital. I think I’ve only just realised that.” Why wait for waves when you can sail without them. Why wait for a spark when you’re already alight. Why wait for the sun when you can blossom without it. Why wait for someone to buy you flowers when you can damn well buy your own. Suddenly, I didn’t feel the need to worry for my mother, because without even realising, she had been looking after herself and being the source of her own happiness for years. I think after saying those words, that truth sunk in for her too. She suddenly realised that, in a way, she had been on her own for years. Neither of us had ever fully realised that before. “When did you get like this?” She asked. “Like what?” “So mature? So level-headed?” It had happened over the past year. No matter how difficult the year had been, it had changed me into this more understanding person, someone who could take a step back from a situation and really try to take it in before I jumped to conclusions or let my feelings get the better of me. The year had strained every single emotion I had in me but I was so glad of it, because I could see the change in myself, see how far I had come as a person. “Dunno.” I lied. “You don’t even roll your eyes as much as you used to.” She smiled. Of course, I rolled my eyes, just to get a laugh out of her, and it worked. It felt so good to see her so genuinely happy, to know she wasn’t just trying to be happy, to know she wasn’t just doing it to save-face like she had been doing over summer. She just seemed so much better, and I loved that about her. The past year had helped me change, I knew that without a doubt, but one of the main reasons I was so strong was because I had inherited that from the strongest woman I knew. + + + It felt good to be back at uni, but the daunting feeling that arrived every Sunday evening was looming over my head. Harry locked the front door behind us, both us abandoning our bags right there because we were lazy as hell, and to be completely honest, I hadn’t kissed him for a while. I had tried to, but he started moaning to me about needing to drive safely, so I gave up pretty quickly. As soon as he could, he kissed me. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other, it was just so enthralling that we could finally be that way with one another. I giggled into the kiss as he dragged me towards his room straight away, and I pretended I was fighting against him, but I definitely wasn’t. “So Zayn isn’t back until tomorrow.” He smirked, momentarily stopping our kiss. “What do you say to having sex in every room of the house?” “The kitchen? Really?” I tutted. “Well, we’ll clean it first!” He tried. “Not a chance in hell.” He stuck his middle finger up at me and then moved to kiss me again, pulling me into his bedroom again as he kicked the door open behind himself, and I could feel him smirking against me, tugging at my top as though anxious to take it off already. There was a knock on our front door as the back of Harry’s legs hit his bed. “We’re ignoring it.” He grunted, pulling off his t-shirt. I continued kissing him, grabbing at the curve of his waist as the loud banging continued. Next came the yelling. “OI OI!” We heard Louis’ voice. “OPEN THE DOOR! WE SAW YOU GO IN THERE, YOU CAN’T AVOID US NOW!” Harry groaned and let himself fall backwards onto his bed, smothering his face with his hands and whimpering loudly as I laughed at his state, brushing myself down once or twice before I skipped out of his room to answer the front door, placing my hand on my hip and making sure I was shooting a disapproving look before I’d even answered the door. It was Louis and Mike. “When did you two become joined at the hip?” I huffed. “Since we fell asleep under the table in first year and Ed threw up on us.” Mike smiled. “FUCK SAKE, don’t remind me.” Louis groaned. “Now are you going to invite us in or not? We’ve been waiting for you to get back.” “Waiting where?” “Across the road.” He shrugged, like it was the most casual thing ever. They both let themselves inside without there being more of a discussion about it, Mike leaning and giving me a kiss on the forehead, handing me a beer from the bag he had brought with him. I knew there would be times when our group decision of having our home as the designated drinking house would come back to haunt me. Harry appeared in his doorway, glaring at the two of them. “HI, HARRY!” Mike chimed. “Why are you topless? You walked in the house like two seconds ago? And it’s not even warm.” “Honestly, Harry, put some clothes on.” Louis fussed, handing him a beer. “No one wants to see that.” The two of them wandered off into the living room, completely unaware of what they were interrupting. Harry directed his gaze to me as I closed the front door, miming the action of strangling as his nostrils flared. Even when he was pissed off he looked beautiful. I cracked open my can, walking to him and pressing the cold metal against his stomach, cooing when he flinched because he was just too adorable for his own good. “You can wait.” I smiled. “I don’t want to bloody wait!” He cried. “Haven’t we done enough fucking waiting?” I puckered my lips to him, and then walked off into the living room, enjoying the noises of Harry’s disdain as he followed close behind. Mike and Louis had occupied one sofa, so me and Harry went onto the other, sitting down next to one another. I realised in the moment, how much I now wanted to edge into the middle of the sofa and cuddle with Harry, but we had company and I had no idea how this was going to go. Louis knew about my feelings for Harry, and he had guessed that Harry had feelings for me, but that was it. Mike was as oblivious as ever. I just didn’t know if this was something we would be telling people about, especially when things were still so new. I’d barely had the chance to let myself become accustom to it, never mind anyone else. I think Harry sensed the same kind of thing as he settled next to me. I’d never seen anyone look so tense when they were sat on a sofa. “So, how was the wedding?” Louis asked me. “Um, yeah. Yeah it was okay.” “Did you get a shag?” Mike asked me. “What?” I gasped, eyes wide. “People get laid at weddings all the time. Men go on the prowl, and women get all sad and like ooh why isn’t it me up there?” He mocked. “So people just end up shagging.” Harry somehow managed to get even tenser, turning to look at me, proving his eyes were just as wide as mine were. “Um, no.” I shook my head. “I didn’t… I… No. No I didn’t… I didn’t have sex.” Mike accepted that fact straight away, no matter how much I’d stuttered and fumbled over the unconvincing sentence. Louis, however, knew something wasn’t quite right. Then, as soon as Harry turned his head back so he was facing their way, he figured us out. He sat himself forward, clicking and pointing between the two of us. “Did you- Did you two-” He cried. “Nope.” I cut him short. “YOU TOTALLY DID YOU TOTALLY FUCKED!” “WHAT?” Mike dribbled out his beer. Harry obviously couldn’t fight his own ground, since he just turned to me once more with yet another distressed look on his face, hoping I would be able to think something up, but I genuinely couldn’t. So I just went with the usual. “We didn’t.” I lied again. “You did.” Louis told me. “I figured you out in two seconds flat at the festival, and I’ve figured you out now.” “Louis knows about the festival?” Harry yelped to me, grinning somewhat. “YOU GUYS HAD SEX AT THE FESTIVAL?” Mike cried. “I’M SO CONFUSED! This… This shatters my entire universe.” Harry then started looking at me like I was in trouble, Louis was staring at me with the smuggest look on his face imaginable, and Mike looked like he’d just seen a spaceship crash outside. It seemed a little useless being in denial at that point, but I still didn’t know what information we were supposed to disclose and what we weren’t. I giggled, tucking my knees up to my body, hiding my face as much as I could whilst acting as innocent as I possibly could. “Sorry.” I clucked. “I thought you had a girlfriend?” Mike asked Harry. “Um… I did. I don’t anymore.” “So you’re shagging Pippa?” “Um. Well… yeah. Okay, yeah. We’re shagging.” I liked it being put so innocently. It made me laugh and hide my face even more, having this new found love we shared being described as just shagging made me squeal and writhe around on the sofa. The moment was brief though. “OH MY GOD, ARE YOU GUYS IN LOVE?” Mike screamed from nowhere. I swear to god, I was on the verge of just leaving the room I was blushing so much. I guess it was kind of nice. Those guys had known me and Harry through every single twist and turn of our friendship, and in a way I loved that they knew the stage we had finally reached. The fact that to Louis, it was so plausible, and to Mike it was almost incomprehensible. It was all making me so happy I felt like I was going to burst. Harry pulled my legs down and forcefully moved my hands from my face, this gorgeous smile on his face as he pressed me to face our critics, looking at me with so much love in his eyes I couldn’t help but join him. “We’re taking it slow.” He chuckled, pulling me so I was tucked into his side. “Don’t rush us.” “HOLY SHIT, WHEN IS THE WEDDING?” Mike screamed. “Thanks.” Harry groaned, looking to him. “That’s exactly what I meant by taking it slow.” “SERIOUSLY, HARRY, CAN I BE THE BEST MAN?” “I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself.” “WE CAN HAVE A DOUBLE WEDDING! ME AND GRACE AND YOU TWO? HOLY SHIT! Is August good for you guys? August second? BRILLIANT! I’LL BOOK US IN! THIS CHURCH DOWN MY STREET IS SO NICE, AND MY DAD HAS DIRT ON THE VICAR, SO I’LL GET IT BOOKED!” A small part of me was truly concerned that Mike was being completely serious, because I was almost 100% convinced the boy was insane at this stage, and it would not have surprised me at all if he was to call us the next day saying it was a done deal. I hid my face in Harry’s neck, and he kissed the top of my head. It was so embarrassing but at the same time it was lovely. I had this warm feeling inside, because I knew it was real. It was finally real and I was completely bemused and dumbstruck. We were in love, and we were now sharing it with the people we loved. I’d never known a high like it.

[pandamilo]

You! You Are An Amazing Human Being!! I Love Your Mila/Sara Fic From Your AO3. Can You Write More Of Them? Maybe A Sick!Fic? Or Soulmate AU?

ANON, I am so sorry this took me yonkadoodles but I hope it was worth the wait

Sara and Mila soulmate au playlist

Sick of Losing Soulmates by dodie / Dance with Me Tonight by Olly Murs / Summer Paradise Simple Plan feat. Sean Paul / Young, Wild & Free by Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars / Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon / I’m Yours by Jason Mraz / Titanium by David Guetta feat. Sia / Lean On by Major Lazer feat. MO & DJ Snake / Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko / Only a Girl by Gia / Most Girls by Hailee Steinfeld / I Want Her by Blind Fury feat. Georgia Harris / She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert / Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better) by Felix Jaehn, Jasmine Thompson / Not Worth Hiding by Alex the Astronaut

My Person

The day… no the minute, the second, you turn eighteen years old, somewhere on your body you will feel a shooting pain that blooms over your skin as your soulmate tattoo appears and forever ties you to your person.

It’s difficult, Sara decided, to completely understand the whole soulmate thing. It was easy for her twin brother, Mickey, he knew his soulmate before he knew it was him.

Emil was best friends with Sara and Mickey since they were five. The day Mickey finally turned 18, not one person was surprised when he stared at his right arm as half a swirled fish inked itself onto his forearm. He turned, wide eyed to Emil with his hand outstretched and when his right hand linked with Emil’s left, it completed the picture. Sara had laughed while her mother had cried, it was sickeningly sweet but utterly predictable.

Sara’s had appeared on her right hip three minutes later, inking a swirling,  intricate half turtle onto her skin. It was beautiful, there was no denying that but it still made Sara agitated. Sara could live with the pointed infinity symbol etched onto her pinky that matched her twins, it was a different kind of soulmate and it had simply always been a part of her existence but this… it was new and meant something completely different.

Once your mark appeared, it was a permanent addition to your body, even if your soulmate died, yours would remain.

When Sara asked her mother about what it was like to have a soulmate, she was thirteen and her mother had smiled sadly, reaching up to trace her finger over her faded and scarred half eagle.

“The day I met your father was the day I turned nineteen…. I was like you, Sara. I doubted this ridiculous notion that there was one perfect person for you. I wanted my freedom, my choice… The second I saw your father it was as if the entire world shifted into place, a loneliness I didn’t even realise I felt was filled, an emptiness, the missing part of myself I didn’t realise I needed was suddenly there and asking me to dance… He looked utterly ridiculous in a suit that was too big for him and he smelled like bad cologne… and yet, he was the most perfect thing I had ever seen in my life. He made me laugh and held my hand as he walked me home… I knew before I even saw his shoulder that this… this is my person.” Tears fell down her cheeks even while she was smiling before she scooped her daughter into a crushing hug.

Now, at twenty-two and still without her soulmate, her incomplete mark still sat heavy on Sara’s heart, this concept that there was a person made for her and her alone… But it didn’t stop her from experiencing things when she was younger. Sara never went near someone she knew had found their soulmate, but for those like her, those that hadn’t found theirs yet, they were fair game.

This weekend Sara, Emil and Mickey were headed to a beach-bonfire party to meet up with other people and for Sara this meant three things; sunbathing, swimming and checking out the surfers.

“Isn’t that a little revealing?” Mickey grumbled as they walked down a planked path of sand to the beach, it was at least a kilometre from the car.

“It’s a bikini, Mickey and I’m wearing this shirt over it so I don’t have to walk around in it all day. Plus, It’s not like i’m showing my nipples or something-”

“Oh please don’t talk about that.” Mickey groaned as the distinct laughter of Emil radiated from behind them.

“What, the fact that I have nipples? Mickey, yours are literally out.” Sara reached over to her brothers bare chest and poked him in the nipple as he made a kind of squawking sound and ran behind Emil to hide.

“Yeah jeez, Mick, double standards much.” Emil laughed as he grabbed his fiance into a headlock and gave him a noogie. Mickey growled and squirmed in an attempt to get away.

“You both suck!” Mickey yelled and ran the rest of the way to the beach, nearly tripping when he attempted to continue running at full speed on the sinky sand. Sara and Emil followed him towards the crowd already forming around the huge, unlit bonfire.

Sara knew a few of the people here but most of them were strangers and she was eager to get to know them, after a swim, that was.

“Tell Mickey I’m going swimming, mind my shit for me?” Emil nodded, calling after her to be safe before trudging off with Sara’s bag to go find Mickey.

Sara made her way into the ocean quickly, she hated this ‘getting used to the water’ thing and dove under it as soon as the water was deep enough. It felt heavenly on her hot skin and continued to swim until she was out passed the break, it was the best place to float.

After a few minutes of relaxing, letting her body adjust to the sudden change in temperature and wading through the water, a blur of red caught her attention. Turning, Sara saw a girl, probably around her age. She was laying on her stomach on a surfboard past the break and she appeared to be arguing with a boy perched on a board next to her. He looked annoyed at something and was almost red in the face with frustration.

Sara was stunned when the boy raised his arm in frustration and she caught sight of one the largest soulmate marks she had ever seen. It was almost the entire length of his right arm and looked like it was to be half of a tiger.

“Oh, no fucking way.” Sara wanted to swim over to them, she needed to meet this boy who was apparently made for one of her best friends, but there was something about the redhead that kept her wading in place.

Sara simply watched her, she was laughing at the boy yelling at her, her cheeks were pink from her heat and her hair hung limp as a frame around her face. The bikini she was wearing looked like a lace top and her boardshorts sat low on her hips and almost exposing the finest, perkiest little arse she had ever seen.

There was something about her, Sara could watch her all day, especially when she reached over and flipped the board that the boy was on, dumping him into the water with a ridiculously adorable cackle.

“Fuck you, Mila!” The boy screamed as his head popped back up out of the water and splashed water at the still laughing girl.

Mila.

Sara breathed the name and felt her heart speed up a little, what the hell was wrong with her? She needed to go introduce herself but as she began to move towards them, the girl swam forward and stood up to catch the next wave, revealing the rest of her body that Sara hadn’t been able to see when she had been laying down.

Oh fuck me sideways, what the literal hell.

Sara swam as fast as she could to the edge of the water and tripped as she struggled to get out and get to to the girl standing on the sand. Watching the boy struggle to get out of the water with his surfboard but Sara stopped a few metres away from the pair.

How am I meant to start this?

“Don’t just leave me out there you dumb hag- oh no fucking way.” The boy had been standing in front of Mila and was about to storm off with his surfboard in hand when he turned and saw Sara standing, wide-eyed and awkward a little away from them. “Eh… Mila.”

Mila turned and looked questioningly at her friend who simply pointed at Sara and started laughing.

“Erm, hello. My name is Sara.” She smiled lopsidedly and did a kind of half wave at the two as the boy planted his surfboard on the ground to lean against while he cackled.

“H-hello… I’m Mila.” Mila’s face was bright red and her hands clutched tightly around the board in her arms.

“Your soulmate’s a girl, with the amount of dick you get I seriously didn’t see that coming-”

“Shut the fuck up, Yuri-”

“Do you get lots of dick, Yuri?” Sara could feel the smirk broadly seated on her face as the boy, whose name was apparently Yuri, whipped his head around to look at her.

“What the fuck you asking me about that for, jeez you’re perfect for each other. Inappropriate much.” Yuri’s cheeks were slightly pink as he attempted to brush Sara’s words off.

“Well because I happen to know for a fact that your soulmate has a godly dick and you might need some prior experience to be able to take that thing.” It was common knowledge between her and her group of friends that this boy’s soulmate was utterly embarrassed by the size of his dick and was terrified that when he did find his soulmate, what was inside his pants was going to scare them off.

“What?!” Mila and Yuri said at the same time, of course Yuri’s sounded strangled and nervous and Mila’s sounded extremely amused.

“He is actually around here somewhere you know, I can introduce you and then get to know your friend here better.” Sara smirked at Yuri before turning to beam at Mila who smiled shyly at her.

Yuri looked like a buzzing bundle of nerves as the three of them made their way over to the fire that was now slowly burning and it took them a few minutes to find where Emil, Mickey and a few of there other friends had set up their crap. Sara had tentatively reached out to take Mila’s hand in hers as they walked and felt an odd burst of satisfaction when it wasn’t rejected but grasped enthusiastically.

“Sara, jeez what did you find this ti-” Emil’s teasing tone was immediately cut off as he looked from their linked hands to Sara and Mila’s lined up hips, the completed image of the swirled turtle shocking the small group into utter silence.

“Everyone… this is Mila. Mila, everyone. Although, that’s my twin, Mickey and his fiance, Emil.” Sara pointed from her open-mouthed, gaping brother, to the overly, excited looking Emil. “Also, is Bek’s here yet?”

Emil nodded and yelled loudly before their friend appeared and smiled at Mila and Sara. “Finally found your person I see Sara, that’s great.” He seemed utterly sincere in his happiness and extended his hand to Mila, half a swirling tiger inked onto his arm flexed and moved as he offered his hand to her to shake. “Otabek, it’s lovely to meet you.”

Yuri took this moment to pop out from behind Mila and stare in awe at the arm in front of him, before slowly revealing his own.

Emil started laughing as Otabek seemed to choke on his own spit. “Far out Sara, been freaking busy I see.”

Yuri and Otabek broke away from the group a little after introducing themselves and started chatting quietly to one another, Sara thought it was adorable and Mila had laughed at how nervous her normally extremely vocal and obnoxious friend was being.

“So… soulmates huh?” Mila said as they sat side by side on a blanket and watched the crackling fire, night had fallen and the weather had cooled enough that Sara had also thrown a blanket around their shoulders.

“Yep, apparently… what do you think about it?” Sara was nervous, she had to agree with her mother when she had said it would feel like a part of her that had been missing her entire life was now there, making her feel whole - but there was no way she was going to just presume it was the same for Mila.

“I… I feel right being around you… I don’t really know how to explain it, it’s like before… I didn’t even realise  everything felt wrong but after seeing you, I just felt right.” Mila’s cheeks were flushed and she buried her face into her knees that were curled up against her chest.

“Mila, look at me.” Sara leant a little close, waiting for Mila to look at her. “I feel exactly the same, before I didn’t even realise I was incomplete but now… Now I’m complete.” Sara was cut from her train of thought when warm, soft lips were pressed briefly against her own and were taken away all to quickly.

“Oh god, I am sorry. I should have asked first, it just felt right.” Mila was still close to Sara, hand over her mouth and eyes wide and pleaded for forgiveness.

Sara laughed and brushed a loose strand of hair from Mila’s face, “It’s completely fine… more than fine, can we do it again?”

Mila nodded slowly, moving her hand away as Sara cupped her cheek and pulled them closer again. They both sighed contently when their lips brushed again, this time they locked them together, tongues quickly seeking one another as Sara’s hand slipped further into Mila’s hair, pulling their bodies closer.

That night, Sara fell asleep with Mila curled onto her chest, the fire crackling lowly near them as Sara watched the stars, fingers carding through Mila’s hair. It was the first night they spent together, the first night of the rest of their lives.

[solaciummeae]

Nothing to Hold Onto; Left the Scar Size Extra Large | Part 20

MOOD MUSIC

In the weeks that followed the promise to not look on their future with fear, things changed between them. That one afternoon ended up being the catalyst for many more like it. Of course they had to sneak around so as not to receive sharp opinions from the others they lived with-- something Jude wasn’t particularly happy about. However, Emma saw it as necessity.

“What do you want me to say Judah-- we live with three other men who-- like it or not-- seem to think I’m some delicate flower.” She’d argued, looking up at him through her eyelashes as he stared back with exasperation.

“That’s not funny, Emma.” He’d retorted, repeating her name the same way she’d said his. “We shouldn’t be doing it this way-- we’re adults for crying out loud.”

She hadn’t been able to help laughing at his choice of words, covering her mouth with her hand as she attempted to stop. She could feel the large roll of his eyes and the internal frustration that came with it. So maybe she shouldn’t have smoked before this conversation. “Oh come on-- you walked right into that one.”

“Are you high right now?” He deadpanned, his head falling back in annoyance.

“Beside the point--” She waved off, before regaining her composure. “Look, if you want privacy we’re not going to have it here. So unless you plan on moving out anytime soon-- I don’t see any other option.” She replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

“And what if I did?” He challenged.

She was caught off guard by his response. Being too stoned to understand what he meant without reading his mind, her mouth hung open. “Fine-- you wanna leave-- leave. Not like we didn’t all see that one coming.”

He raised his hands, flexing his fingers in front of her. “I meant both of us. Together.” He’d sighed heavily. “Are you purposely trying to misunderstand everything I say or is it natural to ignore my real meaning?”

She hadn’t been able to form a reply. She thought he was even crazier than she was if he actually thought that was a possibility. She just stood there, narrowing her eyes at him as her mouth stood open.

That had been before she’d discovered she was, in fact, pregnant with Adam. All too soon after which Caroline had figured it out and blurted it out to him. It seemed like she just couldn’t catch a break. Things had begun to pick up speed despite her every effort to slow them down. She supposed that was what happened when you’d started on the path toward your own fate. Suffice it to say, between them, Sam, Caroline, and Cameron-- it had only remained a secret from the other two in the house for about another month. The house which seemed to be getting a little too crowded.

“You’re what?!” Bobby had shouted, the second word catching in his throat.

“Pop-- please. Just take a deep breath.” She tried to calm him, looking to Sam and Dean for support.

Bobby must have been so red in the face that he was purple. He knew he needed to be rational about this, but Emma was the closest thing to a daughter he’d ever had. “I’ll do no such thing!” He hollered, even as he inhaled and exhaled heavily despite himself. “And where is he now? That good for nothin’ piece o’--”

“I wanted to talk to you on my own first.” She’d cut him off before he could further insult Jude who wasn’t even there to defend himself. “He wanted to be here-- but I didn’t think it was a good idea.”

“And why not?!” He roared, not even realizing that he was taking his frustration out on her.

Dean stood in the background, looking completely lost as to what to do or say in this situation. He’d tried his best to respect that what Jude and Emma had was bigger than what he’d shared with her. Still, it was a little too heartbreaking to find out that her future rested with someone else. He did his best to remain neutral but the jealousy that surged within him had him wanting to back up the older hunter between them.

It hadn’t been until Sam spoke up that Bobby even realized anyone else was still standing there. “Bobby-- come on-- she’s not a little girl, we all knew this day would come.” The younger Winchester had reminded him. “This is exactly why we didn’t tell you sooner.” He accidentally slipped, squeezing Emma’s hand in apology. 

“You knew about this?!” Bobby huffed. “You’re supposed to--”

“To what? Look after Emma? Keep her safe? Make sure she’s alright?” He didn’t let him finish. “That’s exactly what I was doing-- look how you’re reacting.”

“Boy you better watch yourself.” He warned, pointing a finger up at Sam.

Dean snorted in the background. Frankly, he was disgusted that of all the people it seemed Emma had told before Bobby-- he hadn’t been included. He couldn’t help but feel just as betrayed as the old man as he looked at his brother with disdain. “So I was the only one who didn’t know besides Bobby?” He scoffed. “Unbelievable.”

“Dean--” Emma tried.

“Nope-- its fine-- I get it.” He’d dismissed with a bittersweet smile before exiting the room.

It seemed as though she wasn’t capable of doing anything right anymore. No matter how hard she tried to handle things as they came up, it always blew up in her face. She thinks on the past couple months sadly, hoping that it can only get better from here. Her friends had been incredibly supportive even when she felt ready to give it all up entirely. Sam was on watch practically twenty-four/seven, and Caroline was rarely away from Emma’s side. Once Bobby had gotten used to the idea, he’d forbidden Jude from going on anymore hunts. Period. 

She could tell that it was strange for the other psychic to sit around the house so much. She’d given him a fair amount of space in an attempt to make it easier on him. She’s sure there’s got to be some resentment toward her that came with the very real consequences of their actions. That’s why she’d forced him to get out of the house today. He’d protested, but she’d insisted upon not caring where he went as long as it wasn’t here.

Dean and Bobby were out on a hunt a few hours away-- a supposed woman in white case that required little effort. Caroline and Cameron had gone out themselves for some unknown reason, which left her home with Sam.

She sits on the couch now, mindlessly scrolling through apps the tablet Sam had insisted on getting for her since she, too, wasn’t allowed to go on hunts anymore. When she hears the heavy knock on the front door, some latent maternal instinct kicks in and she hesitates to answer it. She isn’t sure Sam could hear it from his room on the opposite side of the second story, but she feels like she should wait for back up.

Her curiosity gets the better of her as the pounding continues. She could swear she can hear the familiar tone of the thoughts reaching her from behind the thick wood. ‘J-Jeff?’ She thinks to herself cautiously. She knows she must be having some kind of episode due to the pregnancy as she listens further. It couldn’t be her brother-- her real, biological brother. She hadn’t seen him at least five years-- her real family didn’t even know where she was. As far as they knew, she was still locked up and heavily medicated. 

It isn’t until his voice comes through the door that she begins to believe. Even then, she’s worried that it’s some kind of doppelganger or he’s been possessed by a demon. “Hello hello! Anyone in there?” He calls against the hardwood of the door growing impatient.

Jeff Harper might not be the best person in the world. In fact, he knew himself that he wasn’t. He blamed the home life he’d grown up with. His mother wasn’t the kindest of people, more on the abusive side of the spectrum. When his father had died, he’d felt a certain powerlessness. He’d fought with their mother to keep her from sending one of his little sisters away and moving with the other to no avail. In the end, Emma had been shipped off and Jeff was too young to stop it from happening. 

He’d convinced himself over the years that she was the lucky one of the three siblings. She was safer away from their mother’s cruelty somewhere she’d get the help she needed. As for his other sister, his mother had disappeared with her seemingly in the night without a trace. He’d looked all over for them but he’d never been able to ping an exact location, assuming that their crazy mother kept them moving.

And so, he’d spent a good many years just moving from place to place himself, in some kind of messed up attempt at moving on with his life. Some time a year or two back, the guilt had become too much to bear. He’d first gone looking for his mother and Isolde, the younger of his two sisters. It still seemed useless. After so much time, there was even less to go on. Upon that failure, he began his search for Emma’s whereabouts. It took him the longest time to even figure out where she was being cared for, and upon arriving they told him that she’d been released some years before.

He’d been sure there was some kind of mistake. His sister was in no fit state to take care of-- least of all support herself. Being a member of immediate family, with proper verification of course, they’d given him a forwarding address. It wasn’t too far from the institution itself, but it still took a certain amount of driving in circles before he found the place she supposedly lived. An auto-salvage by the name of Singer’s.

As he stands outside the big old house, he finds himself losing hope. This must be a mistake, another dead end. He’s half a mind to go straight back to that hospital and give them a piece of his mind for releasing his sick sister to some stranger who had no business giving her a home. He calls against the door again, leaning toward the window. “Anyone home? I’m looking for Emma--...Emma Harper! Anyone in there know if she lives here?” He shouts into the seemingly empty house. He huffs a sigh. “No-- of course not, because that would be too damn easy, wouldn’t it?”

Emma’s mouth falls open as he speaks her name and then goes on to curse in exactly the way her older brother would. She’s frozen as she stands there opposite the large door, too frightened to open it-- to even move. She can feel the panic attack starting and again, worries that its not good for the baby and has to sit back down.

Jeff just stands there, too stubborn to leave without any kind of answer. He’d wait on that damn porch the whole damn day if it meant talking to someone who lived here. Its his only lead on the sister he finds himself worried over. Just as he turns around, a man on a bike pulls up behind him.

Jude knows that she’s trying to keep things good between them. He can sense her fear of resentment every time he’s within a mile radius of her and he hates it. He chose this just as much as she had, more so if that were possible. As he returns, he sees a Volkswagen van sitting in the front and a man standing on the front porch. His own protective nature kicks in and he pulls the helmet off quickly, dismounting the bike. He sets the helmet down on the seat of the bike and approaches cautiously. He can’t figure out why the other guy looks so familiar but he’s not willing to take any chances with the mother of his child in that house. “Can I help you with something?” 

Jeff sizes up the larger man who gets off his bike and questions him. He bites his lower lip, narrowing his eyes on him with amusement. “Maybe-- maybe not handsome.” He quirks an eyebrow before jerking a thumb toward the house. “Are you Frank Morris?” 

Jude looks the other man up and down, completely unimpressed by his snark. It takes him a minute to realize who Frank Morris is before he shakes his head in the other’s direction ready for confrontation. “No I am not.”

“But you live here?” Jeff questions impatiently.

A smirk plays at the blonde’s lips, “That depends who’s asking.”

“Look-- I just want to know if Emma Harper lives here. Alright, macho man?” The eldest Harper snaps.

Having been in the hunting business his entire life, the psychic is all too good at keeping his cool. He masks the shock over this person knowing Emma perfectly, even as his defensiveness triples. At the mention of her name, he immediately digs into the idiot’s head with ease. He feels foolish having waited this long to do so in the first place. However, nothing can stop the shock that overtakes him as he realizes who this person is. He reads him a great deal, standing there in silence as he attempts to figure out the motives of the other before allowing him to see her.

“Hello..?” Jeff urges, waving a hand in front of him. “Do you know her or not?”

Jude swallows, not sure what he should do. The intentions of the older man seem pure, but he doesn’t know how Emma’s going to take it. In his mind he reaches out to her, knowing that with their connection being what it is, she’ll have no trouble hearing him. ‘What do I do? He seems safe but I’m going to respect whatever you need.’ He says gently in his mind.

Emma, having listened to most of the exchange practically paralyzed where she sits, closes her eyes as he enters her mind. It’s as though she takes the first breath she has in the last ten minutes. Squeezing her eyelids, she stands and shakily walks over to the door. Her hand tremors as she reaches for the handle, unlocking the deadbolt with her other hand. As she finally opens the door, she has not the slightest clue what she’s going to say to him. He wouldn’t know her now anyway.

Jeff rolls his eyes as the other man seems to ignore him altogether. “It appears you’ve gone mute good sir, can’t find your tongue?” He quips in a poor faked accent, exhaling heavily just before the door opens. He catches the movement out of the corner of his eye and swivels to meet the very face he’d been searching for. “Well...would you look at that? What are you guys like psychic or something? Did he tell you I was here with that freaky deaky ability you always thought you had? Didn’t you hear me calling you?” He rambles brightly.

Emma closes her eyes, trying not to shut down even more than she already has. The fury that radiates from Jude across the yard is enough to swallow her. “Don’t Judah.” She mumbles under her breath, knowing he can hear her, even as her brother makes fun of her very real gifts.

Her older brother feigns a gasp, “Oh! Judah? That must be you gorgeous. What are you like her gay best friend or something?”

“Enough!” Jude roars, unable to take it any longer. He’d known about her family. She’d shown him the memories, but this was too much. “If you’re going to stand there and insult both of us, you may as well leave now to prevent injury.” He warns, taking large strides toward him and climbing the porch steps so he stands to towers over him.

Okay, so maybe he’d been a touch tactless, it wasn’t completely unlike him. However, when the blonde gets angry he has to wonder just what’s going on here. He glances between his sister who stands there quietly and then back up to the other man who stands a little too close for comfort. Of course, his only defense is more sarcasm. “Got it-- threats-- this is good. And pray tell, who is the ‘us’ you speak of, Judah? Surely you’re not including my sweet damaged baby sister in that term--”

He’d stood it as long as he could. He mumbles a quick, ‘I’m sorry,’ in her mind before reaching back and slamming his fist into her brother’s mouth as hard as he can.

As his knuckles collide with Jeff’s face, it falls back at the force. This Jude character was quite passionate, and quite strong. “Fuck me.” He complains, blinking a few times as he clutches his face. He touches his lip that oozes blood. “Definitely her boyfriend. Right. Her very strong, very angry boyfriend. Isn’t it my job to be punching you?” He goes on, his eyes darting over Jude’s build.

Emma cringes as soon as the apology is uttered. She doesn’t even try to stop Jude as he lets her brother have it. When he continues on, not quitting while he’s behind, she heaves an exasperated sigh. “Shut up, Jeff.”

“Right, shutting...up.” He replies, putting a hand over his bleeding mouth.

Emma looks at Jude apologetically, to which he only gives a shake of his head as if to say its not her fault. She steps back in the doorway, pulling the door open further. “You can come in on one condition--” She begins, looking at her brother again who seems keen on observing her relationship with Jude. “You have to actually keep your mouth shut and listen-- for once in your life.” She exhales.

Jude, not willing to let this guy into the house before him, passes him slowly. There’s still a look of complete disgust in his eyes as he pauses in front of him. “You’re in for a rude awakening.”

“Mhm!” The other Harper responds, nodding curtly before following suit and entering the house. It takes every last ounce of his strength to keep from continuing to chatter as he looks around and takes in the place that his sister has lived for apparently some time now.

Emma chews on her lips as she closes the door behind the two of them, and prays to God for the ability to get through this in one piece. As she turns around, she has to ignore the still potent negative feelings from Jude. He stands, glaring at her older brother as he moves around the living room, his eyes glued to every movement of the other. It isn’t until Emma reaches for his hand that he snaps free of his venomous thoughts.

She can’t remember him ever reacting to another person in relation to her this way. She squeezes his hand, trying to will feelings of certainty to him, but she worries she’s failing. As he leans down to press his lips firmly to hers, she realizes that it’s more to keep himself calm than for her.

Jeff turns back just in time to witness the kiss. If he’s honest, their whole relationship confuses him, along with their set up. Again, he thinks maybe he should be more protective of his sister’s honor. But then, he finds that it seems this other guy already has that base covered. He clears his throat, trying to come up with anything not so offensive to say to break the ice. “So-- you two been together long?” He attempts.

“Seriously?” Jude can’t help but reply sharply. “You’ve been MIA from her life for half a decade and the first thing you want to know about is our relationship?” He scoffs incredulously. “No-- Emma how are you? What have you been doing since I last saw you? Is everything a joke to you?” He tears into him.

Jeff raises his hands in surrender. “Look dude-- if I didn’t want to know that stuff I wouldn’t have gone on this mad quest to find her. Okay?”

“Really? And it took you this long to find her? Do you have any idea what she’s been through or do you just like making cracks about mental illness?” He berates him further, wishing nothing more than for him to leave them in peace.

A tight smile pulls at the corners of Jeff’s lips, his eyes falling to the floor. He wants to compliment Emma on her impressively articulate mouthpiece but realizes he’d only be proving the other man right. He takes a deep breath, a shaky laugh following immediately after. He finds himself thinking on how proud their father would be that she has such a champion, but also that he himself has a great deal of respect for him. 

Emma stands there still holding onto Jude as if he were her only lifeline. She can’t seem to formulate words of her own, even as the two of them go back and forth all the more. She looks at Jeff helplessly. She never thought she’d see him again, and it was something she’d made peace with a long time ago. 

His eyes start to well up at his own internal struggle. Throughout their childhood, he’d protected her so many times from the wrath of their mother who loved them not a single day in her life. He can’t help the bitterly silent chuckle that escapes him at the sight of her having a life of her own. “I’m so proud of you Emmy-- I never thought you’d get away from Mom-- I never thought--” He pauses, with a choked sob.

Emma abandons her post next to Jude to engulf her brother in a tight hug. She can read every remorseful thought he has without any need for him to verbalize it and she knows that Jude can as well.

He slumps over in her embrace at the relief that she’s okay. “When you weren’t at the hospital-- I was so worried-- I didn’t know what could have happened to you-- but you’re here.” He laughs again, the sound far more hopeful this time. “You’re okay.”

As she pulls away from him, she looks at him with such empathy. They were both so damaged from their youth. She knows too well why he hides behind his sometimes distasteful humor. She nods slowly. “We have a lot to catch up on. But I’m serious. I need you to try to understand, there’s more to this-- it’s going to be hard.” She warns him gently.

He’s so thankful to even be given the opportunity that he nods in response without question. He throws a look over to Jude. “I’m sorry for before-- I can be a little-- abrasive.”

Jude looks between them warily, as Emma sits down on the couch and waits for him to join her. He moves over, knowing that she can’t do this alone. Even if she could he wouldn’t let her. As he takes his place beside her, he looks up at Jeff and finally accepts his apology. “You’re a Harper-- guess it comes with the territory,” He makes a joke of his own, eyeing Emma. He senses the anxiety coming from her and catches a few thoughts implying that she feels physically sick. 

Jeff pushes his lips out in approval. “You’re not wrong there my friend.” He throws himself into the chair beside the couch, closest to Emma. “So-- tell me about the past few years. What has my baby sis been up to?” He encourages, already impressed by the differences in her demeanor since the last time they saw each other.

Jude and Emma share a glance at the word “baby,” and its all he can do to send ambient waves of comfort to quiet the storm that means to take over her mind.

[anotherlifefic]

Chapter 7: Tea Time with Royalty

We barely talked on our way back to the ranch, as both of us were occupied with our own thoughts. Link's little outburst had made me realize just how little I knew of him, and how he had only told me the story of his adventures in very broad strokes before. He had mentioned the names of the sages, but not what they were like, and just how close he was to each of them. I did not doubt that he would eventually open up more. But still, my curiosity was piqued. The past crushes he had mentioned... were some of them among the sages? And what about the Princess? I recalled how fondly he had spoken of her during our first meeting. Look at me, I thought. Link and I barely admitted our feelings for each other, and I'm already being that clingy jealous girl. „Rebecca?“ Link looked over to me, unrest showing on his face. „There was something I meant to tell you. Do you remember what I said after we ran into your mother? About us getting married?“ I looked at him, wide eyed, and nodded. „Well... I'm not feeling quite ready for it yet, but I was serious about it. One day, I want to marry you.“ He awkwardly cleared his throat. „If... if that's what you want.“ „It is“, I said softly, tears of happiness stinging my eyes. „I'm not quite ready yet, either. But someday, I would love to share home and hearth with you.“ He smiled his kind, earnest smile and turned back to the road. „Oh, and Zelda has invited us for tea next week.“ I stopped Glory dead in her tracks. „She what?“ Link stopped Epona as well and looked at me again. „I might have mentioned that I started going out with you, and now she's very curious about what kind of person you are. So she asked me to bring you along next time I visit her.“ My first instinct was to panic. Me? Invited to have tea with the Princess? In the castle? Me, a farmhand, sitting across the table from the ruler of the kingdom? Link must have seen how pale I became, because he rode closer to me and placed his hand on my arm. „Do not worry. She's not too hung up on etiquette when she's among friends.“ That did very little to calm me, and, feeling my fear, Glory began to sidle around nervously. „Calm down. Trust me, it'll be fun!“, Link encouraged me. The knots in my stomach slightly loosened. After all... it couldn't be that bad when Link was with me.

In the following week, I was working on my dress like a madwoman, from the very moment I was done with supper until the clock hit midnight. And the night before I would visit the castle with Link, I was finally done. It was my best work thus far; in this dress, nobody would be able to tell that I wasn't of noble blood. When I showed it to Malon the next morning, she whistled approvingly. „You've outdone yourself this time, Rebecca. I bet the Princess will be impressed.“ „I'm not aiming to impress her; I just don't want her to think that I'm a complete slob.“ I sighed. „Will you please help me get dressed? I hate to bother you with this, but Link could be here any minute, and I...“ „It's okay.“ Malon hugged me. „I know you'd do the same for me.“ So she helped lace me up and did my hair up in a simple bun. We had barely finished when Link came riding onto the farm, wearing his usual tunic, making me feel terribly overdressed. When he saw me, he stopped and looked at me with wide eyes and rosy cheeks. „Rebecca. You... you look amazing.“ I felt my face grow hot. „Thank you. It's made from the silk you bought for me.“ „I can tell.“ He smiled. „Shall we? We can ride on Epona together, this time.“ „Uh... sure. Why not.“ I let him pull me up into the saddle, and we took off in the direction of the city.

I could almost feel the curious stares of the townspeople as we rode through the market. Some of them might have recognized me, but I tried not to meet anyone's gaze, fearing to find my mother or father among the crowd. I breathed a sigh of relief when we left the marketplace behind and approached the castle gates. „Stop!“, the guard yelled. „State your business!“ Link sighed. „Really? Do we have to do this every time? You know who I am and why I'm here.“ „I'm sorry, but I have to stick to the rules. So state your business or leave!“ „Princess Zelda has invited me and my significant other for tea this noon. Ask her and she'll confirm it.“ The guard opened a notebook he had been keeping in a bag at his belt and opened it. „Ah, yes. Master Link and Miss Rebecca. We have been informed that you would come.“ „And yet you insisted on stopping us“, Link grumbled to himself. The guard signaled for the gate to be opened, and we continued our way along the winding road up to the castle, through another gate and a drawbridge to the courtyard.

There, in front of the entrance of the castle itself, stood the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Everything about her, from the way she looked to the way she moved, was perfect. It was as if I wasn't looking at a mortal woman, but a goddess. She smiled as Link dismounted and lifted me out of the saddle as well. „Link. It's so nice to see you again.“ She came up to him and took his hand. Seeing them together made my heart sting. They looked so perfect. Like they were meant for each other. And I was just an intruder that prevented them from being together. „Oh, and this must be your significant other. Rebecca, correct?“ I flinched and sank into a deep curtsy. „Indeed. It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness.“ She looked at me for a moment, sizing me up, before speaking again:„The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. Link told me so much about you. Please, do not be intimidated. I did not invite you here as the Princess, but as a woman who wants to know her friend in good hands.“ „But you still are a princess“, I replied, not looking up yet. She sighed. „That is my lot in life, I fear. But come. Our tea will be served shortly.“

The Princess led us into a room that, while probably small if measured by standards of the castle, was still four times as big as my bedroom. A white teatable stood in the middle, sorrounded by four comfortable looking chairs. Beaten gold was worked into the intricate carvings on the furniture. And on the table stood a delicate porcelain teapot with three matching cups, and a plate with freshly baked cookies. „Please, have a seat!“, the Princess said. Link and I sat down next to each other, just as a maid approached the table and poured the tea into our cups. As we took our first sips, Her Highness began to speak:„So, Rebecca. Link told me that you are informed of the events sorrounding Ganondorf. Or rather, the events that would have sorrounded him, if it hadn't been for Link's heroic deeds.“ „Yes, Your Highness. Link told me everything.“ „It must have been hard to believe.“ She smiled at me kindly. „It was, but Link didn't seem to be the type to tell tall tales. And it would explain the disappearences of all of these important people a few years back.“ I remembered the rumors that had spread when not just the Princess of the Zora, but also the Chief of the Gorons and the founder of Kakariko seemed to have vanished without a trace. I saw Link flinch from the corner of my eye. The Princess nodded sadly. „Indeed. A terrible sacrifice to make, but a necessary one.“ Then she perked up, intent on changing the subject. „Say... how did you meet Link?“ I looked down at my cup, seeing my reflection in the tea. „He came to LonLon Ranch for a visit a few months ago while Malon and I were taking a break from work.“ „Ah, I know Malon!“ Her Highness smiled fondly. „Such an honest and hardworking person! I had the pleasure of talking to her a few times while she was delivering milk to the castle kitchen.“ I relaxed a little. „Malon has been my best friend for years now. When I turned eighteen, she offered me the job at the ranch.“ Princess Zelda cleared her throat. „Please do not be angry with me for asking so many questions. I am merely concerned about Link's wellbeing. I hope you understand that.“ I lowered my head. „Of course I do, Your Highness.“ While it hurt that she seemed to see me as a potential threat, I reminded myself that I would probably also want to know what kind of person Malon was going out with. „Everything to keep those we cherish safe.“ „You do not need to worry, Zelda“, Link said and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. „After all, it was I who pursued her romantically, not the other way around.“ Her Highness looked at Link, and her eyes grew soft. „I'm sorry if I seem overbearing, Link. I am just worried.“ „I know that, and I appreciate it“, he said, using the same words I had used when I asked Malon not to try and set us up. I started to wonder if maybe there was another reason for Her Highness' behaviour. The way she looked at Link, her eyes growing softer, reminded me of the way he looked at me. My heart sank when I realized what that meant. Or maybe I was just being overdramatic again, and the Princess was really just a concerned friend. „Well, I'm sure you two will be happy“, she said hesitantly. „We will be“, Link announced cheerfully. „Because one day, we will get married!“ The Princess almost dropped her cup at the announcement, while I was choking on the cookie I had been eating. „Oh! I had no idea you were already this far into planning your future together.“ „That's how it's supposed to be, isn't it? You fall in love, and then you get married.“ Link smiled brightly. „I don't know when, but someday, that's what we'll do!“ „Don't wait too long“, Princess Zelda said with something akin to defeat in her voice. Link looked at her with confusion in his eyes. Then he perked up. „You think so? We were worried to rush into things.“ „Indeed. But people talk, and if they see the two of you together but unwed for too long, it will hurt your reputation.“ I remembered my mother's words. How being seen alone with a man who wasn't my husband would make people think less of me. Link and I exchanged questioning glances. „She does have a point“, I said. „So you think we should get married sooner?“, he asked doubtfully. „I don't know. Maybe. But I also think that it's too big a decision to make over tea.“ „That's true“, Princess Zelda agreed. „But keep in mind what I said. You do seem ready, so I do not know what you are waiting for. And don't forget to invite me when you tie the knot.“ She winked at us and chuckled.

When we left the castle two hours later, my head was spinning. The Princess did have a point. But were we really ready? I held onto Link, feeling his warmth seep through the fabric of his tunic, and felt my heart flutter at the thought of being his wife. Surely there would be a way to continue working at LonLon Ranch even after marrying him. It was a two hour ride from the city to the ranch. All I had to do was get up extra early, and then... I sighed happily.