#scull pendant | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

maluminspace · 5 years ago

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Genre: Fluff

Pairings: Luke hemmings/Reader

Word Count: 1.5k

Requested: by anon for spooky!sos

Trigger Warnings: n/a

A/N: I hope that this fluff makes up for the angst I posted yesterday 😅

——

It’d been obvious since the day you met Luke Hemmings, that he was the loveliest person known to mankind. The way that his pretty blue eyes had sparkled at you when he offered to help you move into your new apartment, had you captivated from the very start.

The simple fact was strengthened further a few weeks later when he’d shyly asked you on a date and then, by every gentle cheek kiss, each sweet text message asking about your day, all of the romantic gestures like hot baths after a long day and always ordering take-outs from your favourite places instead of his own.

Your theory had been confirmed on the run up to Halloween. Luke had left you a little gift outside the front door of your apartment every single morning throughout October. There’d been; pretty red and orange leaves from the communal gardens, tiny pumpkins with cute messages or silly faces drawn on them, vouchers for free toffee flavoured lattes from your local coffee shop and printed photos of a nearby park where the leaves on all the trees were turning pretty colours.

During the last few days before Halloween, the gifts had gotten a little bigger and more expensive. You’d already received a stuffed little ghost, a necklace with a scull and crossbones pendant on it and yesterday he’d left you the vampire costume he’d brought you to wear to his Halloween party. It was the matching counterpart to his own, of course which he’d gleefully modelled for you later in the day.

Needless to say, your anticipation for what was awaiting you on Halloween itself was at an all time high when you woke up that morning.

You sprang out of bed, shrugging on the big grey hoodie you’d stolen from Luke over your pyjamas before padding through your apartment. You didn’t even pause to make a coffee on your way to the front door.

When you opened the front door however, your heart sank. There was no little gift sitting in the hallway where all the rest had been. You felt kind of guilty about being disappointed by the lack of a present, but it seemed odd that Luke would stop his new little tradition on the most important day of October.

Just as you were about to go back inside, a little white envelope caught your attention it’d blended in with the colour of the wall it was propped against at first so you hadn’t noticed it immediately.

You recognised Luke’s handwriting on the front of the envelope as you picked it up, your excitement reigniting a little. You opened it carefully but quickly, eager to find out what was inside.

The handwritten note you pulled from the envelope was short and rather cryptic, reading;

Darling,

Come to my apartment for your Halloween breakfast and a special gift.

All my love,

Luke

Too eager to find out what Luke had planned, you dive back into your apartment to grab your keys from the little table you keep next to the front door. You don’t bother getting changed or even putting anything on your feet before heading along the corridor to Luke’s apartment.

Luckily, Luke lived on the same floor as you, so at least you didn’t have to brave the rickety old elevator to get to him. You knocked on his door a little too enthusiastically for so early in the morning. When he finally opened the door to let you in, your boyfriend had the biggest smile on his beautiful face. “Morning, darling!” He chimed brightly. His caramel coloured hair hung loosely around his face in loose curls, stopping just below his stubbled chin. Topped off by the cuddly black sweater he was wearing with plaid pyjamas bottoms you pretty much fell in love with him all over again.

“Morning, Luke.” You replied, pressing a kiss to his lips before slipping past him into the apartment. “Your note said you were gonna cook me breakfast!”

Luke chuckled as he closed his front door. “It’s already waiting for you, gorgeous.” He said, gesturing towards his little kitchen area.

As you crossed the open plan living area, you noticed that Luke had decorated his little breakfast table to fit the theme of the day. He’d placed a large white candle in the centre of the table and surrounded it with three tiny cute pumpkins. “Awww Luke!” You beamed, taking your seat. “This is so pretty!”

Your boyfriend grinned proudly as he crossed the kitchen to pick up two plates of pancakes. “I’m glad you like it.” He replied. “I wanted to make an effort y’know... our first Halloween is a special occasion. It should be celebrated!”

“Definitely!” You nodded in agreement as you breathed in the smell of the apple and cinnamon pancakes Luke placed in front of you. "Mmm these smell delicious, Luke!”

Your boyfriend seemed pleased with your praise as he took the seat opposite you. “I actually managed not to burn anything!” He stated proudly. “I hope you like them.”

Luke poured you a glass of fruit juice as he gestured for you to take a bite of the breakfast he’d lovingly prepared for you.

In all of the excitement, you’d not realised just how hungry you were so you obliged easily, scooping up a little section of the top pancake with your fork. It turned out to be just as delicious as it smelt. “Ugh, Luke!” You exclaimed. “That tastes so good, I’m gonna have you making these for me all the time now.”

A tiny blush coloured Luke’s cheeks as he nibbled at his own breakfast. You always found his lack of ability to take a compliment so adorable. It was sort of impossible not to tease him a little more. “I think next time you should serve them to me in bed.” You smirked, “I bet they’d taste even better when we’re naked.”

Luke’s blush deepened and he smiled shyly behind his forkful of pancake. “That leads me on to your ‘big’ Halloween gift actually...” he muttered, seemingly unable to meet your gaze.

“Ah, yay!” You squealed giddily as you fixed him with a hopeful gaze. “Is it a sexy one?”

Luke shook his head tentatively. “Not exactly...”

You raised an eyebrow in question as Luke placed down his fork and reached for one of the little pumpkins in the centre of the table.

“I can definitely give you a sexy gift, if you want, you know I’m always up for that!” Luke said, still looking down at the pumpkin in his hand. “I kinda wanna do this first, though... I’ve wanted to for a long time but, I’m sort of a wuss.”

Shaking your head, you reach across the table to take Luke’s hand. “You’re not a wuss.” You reply gently. “I mean you showed your courage the other day when caught that huge spider in my bedroom! I could never do that...”

Luke laughed lightly, finally glancing up to meet your gaze. “This is a little more serious than a spider, though.” He said, “I kind of - well okay...” Your boyfriend inhaled deeply. “I really love you, you know that, right?” He asked, his bright blue eyes and slightly trembling fingers betraying how nervous he felt.

“Of course I do.” You smiled encouragingly. “I love you too, more than I can say.”

Luke seemed to gain confidence from your words and tightened his grip on your hand before continuing. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and I know we’ve only been together for a few months but I already feel like we’re in it for the long haul, y’know?”

“Definitely!” You agreed, leaning forward to peck a kiss to Luke’s lips. “We’re good together, Luke. You’re the love of my life.”

Your confession brought a bright smile to Luke’s face as he finally holds out the pumpkin to you. “Well I hope that this can be the start of a new chapter for us, a slightly more serious one, maybe?”

As you took the pumpkin you realised it’d been hollowed out and the top had been carefully cut off and replaced like a lid. You opened it curiously, revealing a little cute bat shaped key chain with a front door key dangling from the end of it. You gasped as you realised what it was.

“It’s the key to my apartment.” Luke announces unnecessarily. “I wanted you to be able to come and go as you please. I’d like you to feel like it’s your second home. I mean until... until it hopefully becomes your actual home one day.”

You grinned widely as you got to your feet and walked around the table. “It already does feel like home, Lukey.” You reassured him, “but this is a lovely gesture and I can’t wait to put it good use.”

“Oh yeah?” You’re boyfriend asked curiously as you dropped into his lap.

You nodded, giving your boyfriend a mischievous grin as you glanced towards his bedroom. “Lets just say you can expect to come home to find me naked in your bed in the very near future.”

Luke’s eyes darkened with lust as a shocked moan escaped him. “I kinda want you naked in my bed right now.”

Kissing your boyfriend deeply, you wrap your arms around his neck before whispering; “okay but bring the pancakes, I wanna see if they really do taste even better when we’re naked.”

Tag list: @clffrd @byxthexway @afuckingunicornn @lukesahoy @thrillchaser @moonchildsblack @calumbbyyy @h0tsos @valentinelrh @sexgodashton @megz1985 @myfalsedevotion @aulxna @honeyedlashton @tea4sykes @spookymashton

#luke hemmings #luke hemmings blurb #luke hemmings imagine #luke hemmings fic #soft!luke #luke fluff #5sos #5sos blurb #5sos imagine #5sos fic #luke blurb #luke imagine #luke fic #my writing #spooky!sos 2019 #spooky!sos 2019 luke

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itsthe-neo-zone · 5 years ago

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Star-Crossed Seas - ATEEZ

Please read the Masterlist before continuing, thank you.

Chapter 1: The Illusion of a flag

“Do hold on tight miss, we wouldn’t want you falling overboard.” The maid responsible for me ran after my quick and exuberating figure as I made my way around the large and grand ships masts swinging around the third, 3 times before being caught by loving arms. My mother had taken up my offer and pleading of wanting to join her on the voyage of a lifetime.

“Now, sweetheart listen to your nana. She’s doing this for your safety, behave dearest.” My mothers soothing and loving voice murmured into my years as she caressed the long locks of my soft hair that cascaded down my back.

“Yes, mother.” I shy back from her kisses as she played with the hem of my newly bought dress. The frocks were given to me on this occasion as we were going to live for some time in the main island of Rockport to live with my uncle. He was one of the highest commanders of the royal navy and was the queens second hand.

“You don’t want to ruin your beautiful gown you were just given.” She mused her hand caressing my cheek. The wind had picked up a little and as it had the ship rocked forward harshly as the sakes filled up with a particularly powerful gust.

She pulled me into her hold shielding me from the harsh winds that lead the ship to its final destination.

“Madame Emilia, do take the young lady into the main quarters, the deck isn’t a place for a young girl like her, we don’t want her getting wet or slipping.” he mutters the last part so only the dutchess could hear it. She glanced at him understanding what he meant and nodding.

“I’m a big girl, I can look after myself though. I’m almost 10 years old.” I plead to my mother speaking quickly to let her know the excitement I’m feeling. Lifting up all my fingers to show her the digits. She smiles at my antics.

“I know, but if you’re so big- A large 10! -We would need someone to captain this ship, don’t we?” she feigns thoughtfulness as she lifts her arm to her chin pretending to think about the question for a moment.

I quickly rise to the task, jumping up and down as I squeal. “Oh Please, let it be me. Pick me! I want to be the captain.”

“Well then, lead the way captain Ana!”

My mother watches as I run through the deck and past soldiers -under the command of my father as they stop to give a respectful bow- to the main quarters of the vessel the maid running after me to make sure I was safe.

“Thank you, Theo, for looking after us, its most difficult to do everything, especially with one child on the way as well as looking after Ana trying to keep her in form.”

The Madame thanked the officer next to her as she held her hand on her stomach greeting the first signs of life in her touch.

“Don’t thank me madame, I’m doing my duty I swore to protect you and the young lady as well as you infant for the time you stay away from the governor.” He bowed and made his way off to his main station.

I remember till this day seeing the black and orange flag sailing through the mist to the starboard side of the ship we were sailing on. There was another ship there, its presence was made known through the ringing of a distinct instrument and a bell.

Though I asked a couple of the maids and even my mother, none had heard a pin drop the whole time. My mother had told me to stop and that it was just my eyes seeing things since it was my first time on a ship.

I didn’t know if you had stayed on a ship for a while, it was possible to have hallucinations.

~~~

For a long time, I had forgotten about the black and orange flag I had witnessed brushing it off as my imagination playing tricks with me. I was only 10 after all. Though as I was getting ready to board a ship for the second time in my life almost 8 years after my first encounter with the ocean the memory had resurfaced again.

Such a dull time it was, I remember fairly that day there was no sun present in the bright blue sky only a boring gloomy mist of colourless clouds.

“Mother I’ll be fine; I’m going to attend a funeral not to live there.” I protest as my mother dotes on me again making sure my gown is properly worn. She pulls the mini cropped frills of my coat to my chest making sure I look modest.

“you’re a grown woman now, act like one and do be haste in your return,” she murmurs giving me a gentle reminder.

“Yes mother.” I smile at her worry showing through. I quickly give her a hug. As I couch down hugging my younger brother, the just 7 yr old had cheerfully come to greet me as he played with my locks.

“Mother, where’s Ana going?”

“She is going away for a short while and she’ll be back soon, don’t worry too much Avel.” My mother replies as she pulls him to the side.

“Anastasia,” she calls out as I have reached the bottom step of the grand staircase, I spin very quickly to face her.

She pulls out her pendant with the seal of the royal navy placed upon it and the scroll she wrote each one of us inside its hold.

I nod understanding as I pull mine out from underneath the clothing I wore. Showing it to her before entering the carriage.

The port was bustling with life and I know I would have been dangerously swept away from all of the commotion and excitement there was at the harbour.

My uncle informed me that he gave me a magnificent vessel to board as I travelled for a comfortable commute and following the officer that had accompanied me to the harbour I was surprised to my contentment. It was a magnificent vessel indeed one of the finest the Royal navy had to offer.

A three mast based wooden, mahogany, vessel with large white plain sheets of linen, the strongest cotton and two main quarters. The ship had a large British flag at the back signifying its loyalty and alliance to the Royal navy.

I hastily made my way to the port of the ship where I was to embark and take my leave.

~~~

I would love to ask my younger self why this seemed 10 times more exciting and fun than now, maybe it was because I was much older now it had seemed boring. I had gotten onto the ship and quickly changed into more comfortable robes that I could lounge in.

It was much later on in the day as the afternoon had neared. I was lounging in the main chair and table of the master cabin quarter and enjoying a custom dinner made specially for the royal family of the commander.

“My mother had instructed me not to walk around in my lounging robes, but I would love to take a walk on the main deck and steer the ship for a moment or two.” I murmur to the maid next to me.

She took the jug pouring me a glass of diluted fresh champagne. I had always been used to enjoying the finest of luxury around me, right from the moment I was born, up until this moment. I had people doting on me right and left for every moment of my life. It was all I was used to and knew, all I expected too.

A knock was heard from outside the double wooden framed doors, I hummed in response allowing the visitor entrance.

“My young lady, I come with a gift from your mother.” The young officer enters bowing his head.

Already? She’s sending me letters and gifts? Oh, mother it’s only been an afternoon.

“Do come in, officer Theo and call me Anastasia, no need for formalities.”

“please milady, I feel most comfortable with the formalities, allow me to call upon you this way.” I nod reluctantly allowing him to step forth and give me whatever was sent from my beloved parent.

The letter was placed before me along with a box.

I opened the letter reading the beautiful scripture my mother had always written in. smiling subconsciously over her elegance.

Dear Anastasia:

My love, I’ve left you to travel alone without the safety of me accompanying you, though your father, that cursed man, had specifically spoken saying he had wanted you to be the only one out of my family that was to visit his grave when he was to truly bite the dust.

I worry so greatly over your safety as you have become a young and mature woman. You’ve aged so very elegantly and beautifully. Do be careful and return with ease and hurriedly. I miss you and so does Avel.

I have left you the one thing I think may be of use to you in your travels, unfortunately there is no other fast route than to travel through the northern waters past pirate infested waters. I have placed your life in the hands of the most trusted officials and officer Theo will be the one to personally look after you if something is to occur.

No matter what happens, you must survive Ana. Use anyone and anything to survive. You have to return to me safe.

Keep it around your neck and whatever you do don’t take it off. May it keep your life safe my precious pearl.

Waiting for your return patiently, Your mother,

Madame Emilia Cordelia Blancscap.

I closed up the parchment paper opening a random drawer and placing it inside for safe keeping. I then opened the box and inside was the most beautiful yet strangest of amulets.

It looked to be quite symbolic, like it had affiliation with something different and with deeper meanings, as deep as the oceans themselves...

It was oval shaped with 4 ridged spikes at the edges of the top. On it stood a symbol of what looked to be a trident a fishtail and a crown. All three symbols engraved into the entity of what looks to be a scull.

I know mother secretly hated the fact that the royal navy were against sea folk. She herself was part of a descendant line of high merchant sailors from Spain.

What she never told me was what this pendant even meant. She didn’t mention anything about this or the fact that she had something as cryptic as this. I’ve never seen it around her or even in her possession...

Sighing, I stood up stretching as the maid prepared me my sheets to finally retire into my bed for the night.

“I would love to take a brisk walk for a moment around the deck.” I trailed off unsure of what to do.

“Milady you must rest you have a lot of duties ahead of you in the upcoming days and you will need your sleep.”

I nod agreeing to let the smooth wooden creaking and the push of the waves to and fro rock, lulling me to sleep.

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zoeinverse · 6 years ago

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Fast teleport items for easy clues

EASY CLUES (and how many times i used them in 25 clues)

tree re-rooter (2)

-invention item for spirit tree network. ring of dueling can still access by going to “mobelising armies” site and using the tree there

evil dave tele (2)

wicked hood (8)

-this is both a count of alter teleports and the free teleports to the top of wizard tower

dungeoneering cape (6)

slayer cape (2)

ardy cape (8)

fairy ring (7)

-portable fairy ring from invention, or north of yanell to access, Or use attuned/regular teleport seed to access through Amlodd (prif)

scull scepter (3)

-outside of the Stronghold of security for fast Barbarian village tele

combat bracelet (5)

-ranging guild for faster access to the house west of McGrebbors Woods in Seers

ring of respawn (2)

-falador castle courtyard for fast access to the squire there

digsite pendant (2)

-exam center

vexillum (clan banner) (3)

-fast teleport to south of falador, then run south to Rem

explorer ring

-cabbage teleport to farm north of Port S (did not use this round, but i have used it before)

#runescape #easy clues #treasure trails #fast teleport items

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blackcoffeeandteardrops · 6 years ago

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Precipice (6/7)

Almost done! This story has been really fun to write. Previous chapters can be found here as well as AO3. Chapter 6 is also available below the cut:

Mulder watched helplessly as Spender pulled William back towards the SUV. He heard a stifled sob coming from Scully's direction and leveled the gun, weighing his options. If he let the smoker take William he knew Scully would never forgive him, even if it meant letting her live, but he didn’t want his son to be taken by him either.

“I promise you guys, I’m really not worth it,” William said, tired of all the fighting. Exhaustion seeped from his pores and he closed his eyes, trying to imagine himself in a place far away from those who wanted to poke and prod him, treating him differently just because of what he could do. “Just let me run off into the woods and stay there. It’d be better for everyone.”

“No, it won’t. Don't say that,” Scully pleaded, trying to ignore the panic that threatened to make her come unglued.

“You'd really take a son away from the only parents he has left? Instead of working toward a peaceful resolution that leaves everyone satisfied?” Reyes asked. It was an attempt to draw attention to herself, to distract and perhaps stall Spender long enough for the others to try and formulate a plan.

“I always did wonder, Monica. Why you agreed to help me so easily, to willingly side with someone you were aware had caused your friends so much pain,” Spender mused, tightening his grip on William when he tried to pull away. “You had the potential to become someone truly great, to have a seat at the table once everything comes tumbling down. But you've wasted that chance by betraying me like this. Pity,” he continued, shaking his head as he looked back at Mulder. “And you, Fox. You won't take the shot. You love your Agent Scully, and she loves the son the two of you share, thanks entirely to me. You won't risk either of their lives just to get a shot at me, will you? Get in the car, boy,” he said, letting go of William just long enough to open the passenger side door. He turned his head to look at the guard. “And you. Hold onto her until we’re out of sight. You know what to do from there.”

Mulder locked eyes with William over Spender's shoulder. He wished so badly that their lives had been different and none of this had happened. Still, something in the air snapped and William nodded, ducking his head just slightly. He hadn't heard his thoughts--hadn't experienced that in far more years than he cared to count--but somehow he still sensed what the younger man was thinking.

“Now,” William said, his voice barely audible as he stepped back from Spender, kneeing him in the shin and digging an elbow into his back.

A bullet burst through the small space around them, landing squarely in Spender's chest. The two that followed as he fell backwards into the grass probably weren't necessary, but as Mulder watched blood spill from the man’s lips, he knew they were worth it.

Scully kicked backwards, digging her heel into the guard's shin, ignoring his cries of pain. She pried apart his arms, desperate to break free. It wasn't clear at first where the gunshot came from, but when she looked up, Monica's gun was raised in their direction and the guard lay at their feet. She watched as the woman lowered it, satisfied that things were safe, at least for now.

“Should we...should we call somebody? We gotta call somebody, right?” William asked, hating the tremor that shook his voice. He watched as Spender’s chest rose and fell, staring as the man drew a rattled breath, and tore his focus away when the man's eyes glazed over. “Is he dead?”

“I sure as hell hope so,” Mulder replied, considering pumping more bullets into him for good measure. He beckoned William closer, eager to get him as far away from Spender as he could. “Come on, we should leave before anyone else shows up.”

“We can't leave. There's kids inside. Like me,” William replied, hating how small he sounded. “Maybe. I don't know exactly, but those people were treating them like science experiments. We can't just leave them here to die.”

“He's right,” Scully replied. She recalled the children she’d seen as she hurried to find William. At the time she'd been so bent on finding him that she wasn't able to process what she'd seen, but now that she had, she knew there was no way they could leave them behind. “We’ll need an ambulance. Several, actually. We have to help them, Mulder.”

“I’ve already contacted A.D. Skinner. I called him when I was searching the house for you,” Reyes replied, looking to Mulder. “Help should be on the way from a local Bureau branch, and soon.”

“How'd he react to hearing a blast from the past?” Mulder asked.

Reyes shrugged. “Who do you think it is I’ve been reporting to all this time? The call didn't come as too great a surprise.”

As if on cue, sirens wailed as several agents drove onto the property. William tensed up, relaxing only as Mulder's hand settled against his shoulder. “What's gonna happen to me?”

Scully cleared her throat, unsure of what to do with her hands as she took a cautious step towards him. “You should go to the hospital. Make sure you're okay. We’ll keep you safe, Jackson. Please, let's go.”

“Just--” William started, squeezing his eyes shut when Scully grabbed his hand. It was impossible, that much he knew, but somehow he saw a chubby infant hand he knew was his own, clinging tightly to one of Scully's fingers. He would've been far too young to remember such a thing, and yet William understood it was a memory. The sirens grew louder and he could hear doors opening. He nodded his head, wanting so badly to believe she was telling the truth and that he’d be safe. “Yeah. Okay. We should get the hell out of here.”

Scully pulled away, reaching with her thumb to wipe away a smudge of dirt on his cheek before she could consider how her action would be perceived. “You're right,” she replied, smiling sadly when he didn't recoil from her. “Just stay close. We don't know who else might be nearby.”

Once at the hospital, both Scully and Mulder were hesitant to leave William’s side, but were assured that the proper tests would be run and supervised with the strictest protocol. The doctor didn't necessarily understand why they were so afraid, but had lowered her voice and said something along the lines of “I have a son, too. No matter how old he gets, he’s always my baby.”

Scully had nodded at that, fingers grasping the cross on her necklace and clinging to it as a source of comfort. She’d taken to wearing the quarter pendant along with it, and as she looked into the hospital room, she couldn’t help wondering what her mother would think about all of this.

“Anything?” Mulder asked, sidling up to Scully outside the hospital room. Through the small window in the door he watched as the doctor pulled a penlight from her lab coat, and he stifled a laugh when William restrained from rolling his eyes at apparently again being asked to follow it. Physically, he was proving to be relatively fine. He didn't want to think about the psychological scars that might remain.

“Thank you,” she said, grateful for the styrofoam cup of coffee he handed her. He’d grown frustrated at the lack of an update and so she'd suggested he slip down to the cafeteria to grab something to eat. He’d been reluctant to go, but had trusted she’d alert him at the sign of any changes. “And no, nothing yet. She’s in with him now,” she said, pointing towards the room. She closed her eyes and took a tentative sip from her coffee. The adrenaline that had fueled her from the moment she found out William had been taken was beginning to ebb away, and she stifled a yawn, knowing she had to remain alert in the event she was needed. “This is what I was afraid of, Mulder,” she whispered, inching closer to him and tucking into his side. It was a move born both out of the need for comfort and need for privacy. “I didn’t want him to grow up afraid, or be put into a position where people in power would manipulate him to do their bidding. He deserved so much more than that.”

“He still does,” Mulder replied, leaving little room for doubt. He cast a glance behind them as a nurse walked down the hall. He gingerly grabbed Scully’s arm and pulled them closer to the wall. “He’s our son, Dana,” he said, cupping his cheek with his palm and wiping away a tear with his thumb. “It’s not the most ideal of circumstances, but we’ve been given an opportunity to reconnect with him. To make things better.”

Scully nodded and shrugged her shoulders. As much as she wanted him to be right, she knew better than anyone that things weren’t always that simple. “He ran away before. What if he doesn’t want that? Doesn’t want to come home with us?”

Mulder breathed in deep, letting the air fill his lungs until he nearly felt like they could burst. He cast a glance into the room and watched as the doctor continued a battery of tests. William complied, speaking and moving as asked, but the exhaustion the younger man felt was evident. “All we can do is ask, Scully. We can offer him a place to stay. The things he’s been through would be a lot for anyone, and he’s still just a kid.”

“A teenager,” Scully mused. She nudged him in the side before tucking a finger through his belt loop, inching him closer. “Do you really feel like we’re ready to be parents to a teenager?”

There was fear in her voice, but there were notes of excitement and maybe even hope. He didn’t want to think about what would happen if William said no. “A kid with your keen sense of survival and my stunningly good looks? Come on, Sculls. We trained for this.”

“I told you not to call me that,” Scully teased, playfully slapping his chest. Mulder’s attention focused on the room behind them and she quickly turned, trying desperately to read the look on the doctor’s face. “How is he?”

The doctor held a tablet and nodded politely at a nurse as he passed before turning her attention back to Mulder and Scully. “As both of you are aware, he has been through quite an ordeal. That having been said, physically he appears to be fine.”

“He informed us he’d been injected with something. Did the bloodwork indicate anything regarding that?” Scully asked, trying to keep memories of an infant William faced with a similar circumstance at bay. She peeked into the room and watched as William fiddled with his hospital bracelet, and she was thankful that he was old enough now to tell them if something was wrong.

The doctor shook her head. “If he was injected with something, it certainly wasn't harmful. You can bring him back in a few days for follow up if you’d like.”

“Maybe,” Scully replied. There was no way for the doctor to know they weren't even sure if they’d be in contact with William in a few days let alone later on in the current one.

“Very well,” the doctor replied. If she sensed that anything was amiss, she certainly didn't show it. “I’m going to get started on the discharge paperwork. Someone should be with you all shortly to go over everything, but then you’ll be cleared to take your son home.”

Scully watched as the doctor walked away, feeling as if the walls around them were closing in. She stared down at the polished floor and blinked away hot tears. “Mulder, when we go in there, it’ll be the first time we’ve all been alone since--”

“I know,” Mulder replied, his voice shaking slightly as he took her hand and gave it a squeeze. Aside from the time William had spent in a cold morgue pretending to be a corpse, the three of them hadn't exactly had much time together. “A few months ago, you said you felt like you were gonna fall off a cliff. Scully, I’m getting that feeling now.”

When he tried pulling his hand away, Scully held tight. She locked eyes with him and smiled sadly.

“We should...probably get in there. Before he figures out we're standing out here talking about him. Unless you, you know,” Mulder said, tapping his temple with one finger.

“It doesn't work like that,” Scully replied, thinking again of how she didn't exactly understand how it worked. Reluctantly, she let go of Mulder's hand and pushed the door open.

“Hey,” William said, weakly waving at them as they entered. “The doc says I’m fine. I take it you guys are here to break me out?”

“We could do that, if it's what you want,” Mulder replied, thinking that his son's ability to crack jokes and make light during serious situations might have come from him. He hoped to get the chance to see what else they had in common.

“Those kids,” William replied. He lowered his gaze and picked at the hospital bracelet again, wanting to take it off but thinking he probably wasn't supposed to do that just yet. “What's gonna happen to them?”

“They're being taken care of. Doctors are checking them out, making sure they're okay,” Scully answered. Her hand flexed at her side, aching to touch him again, as if doing so would be proof he was truly there.

“Their parents,” William said, darting his tongue out to moisten his lips. “Those people told me stories. About how the kids’ parents gave them up. They wanted those people to take care of them, but they treated them like an experiment instead.”

“William,” Scully replied. “Sorry. Jackson,” she continued, afraid to look at him for fear of seeing proof that he didn't approve of her slip up. The name his adoptive parents gave him was like an unpolished stone as she rolled it around in her mind; jagged in some places, more flat and rounded out in others, but something she figured she could get used to it if given the chance. When she glanced up his eyes were on her, open and waiting, but at least a little cautious. She guessed that she earned that. Mulder pressed in tight next to her, ready to step in if need be, but she cleared her throat, knowing this was her story to tell. William hadn't been accusing her when he brought up the parents of the other kids, not exactly, but she knew that he had questions. “I didn't give--”

“I know,” William interrupted. He sighed, flopping back onto the pillows behind him. He clasped his hands on top of his stomach and shrugged. “I guess I don't really know, but I felt it.”

“Felt what?” Scully asked, cursing herself afterward. Their son was opening up to them, at least a little, and she didn't want to rush him.

“This, I guess. Whatever weird brain thing that happens between us,” William replied, waving his hand between them. “I’d see you sometimes. Or feel you. I didn't always get why, and I didn't know who you were at first, but once I did…” he trailed off, surprising himself with how much he was opening up. His stomach fluttered and he rubbed at his forehead, thinking of his parents who were in a graveyard somewhere thanks in part to him, and he felt sick.

“What's wrong? Do you need me to get the doctor?” Scully asked, rushing to press a cool hand to his forehead.

William shrugged, not entirely hating the way she held her hand to his face for a second before taking it away. “I’m sorry for making you guys think I was dead.”

“You probably won't believe me, but you're not the only one in this room who's pulled that trick. Albeit under different but nonetheless dangerous circumstances,” Mulder replied. He hoped to keep the mood light, at least for a time. They could go more in depth on serious topics when they weren't in a public place with the risk of someone else interrupting them.

William sat up in the bed, crossing his legs as he pushed the blanket back. He picked at a hangnail on his thumb, aware they were watching him but not feeling the pressure that he had before. “I killed someone. Maybe several someones. You guys can't pretend that didn't happen.”

“No, we can't,” Scully replied, her voice laced with sympathy. She knew all too well the guilt he likely carried, and she wished not for the first time that she could hug him. “Official reports can suggest the railing was faulty, maybe it was already cracked--”

“Why are you protecting me?” William asked. He uncrossed his legs and shifted his position, letting them dangle over the side of the bed. If he reached out his arm, he was close enough to touch her.

“Because you're…” Scully hesitated, shrugging as a sigh escaped her lips. It was hard, trying to mesh together the image she'd held of him for years, of an infant cradled safely in her arms, with the one sitting before her.

“Because it's the right thing to do,” Mulder said, stepping forward and resting one hand against the foot of the bed.

“How do you know that? How do you know they won't come after me again?” William replied. He shook his head and drew his bottom lip between his teeth, blinking back hot tears. “It's not safe.”

“But it can be,” Mulder insisted, wanting so badly to step in and reassure the younger man. “The man, Mr. Y or whatever the hell he insisted on being called? He's gone, too. I found him in an office downstairs. He fired a round, but he missed. I didn't,” he continued, glancing toward the closed door to make sure they weren't about to be interrupted. “You're safe, Jackson. I know you might not know us very well yet, but we can help you.”

William nodded, slowly taking the information in. He glanced up at the two of them standing guard and laughed softly to himself. “It bothers you, doesn't it? Calling me that.”

Mulder looked to Scully, waiting to see if she'd intervene. He recalled all too well the moment all those years before when she'd happily told him she'd chosen to name their son William. Up until a few months before, and even longer if he was being honest, that's the only name he knew him as. Still, he wanted his son to be comfortable, no matter what he was called. “It's your name, isn't it? It's what we should call you.”

William swung his legs back and forth, kicking at the bed, realizing he probably needed to answer him. Jackson had been the name his parents gave him, some family name of an uncle he’d never even met, and it only happened after they needed to move and keep him safe. Protecting him at the time by changing his name seemed like a good option. Still, things were different now, and no change of name guaranteed safety. Hearing Jackson from Mulder and Dana was strange, like a puzzle piece that didn’t exactly fit, although he wasn’t sure if William did either. “Is it okay if I don’t know the answer to that question yet?”

Yet. A small but unbelievably big word. Scully nodded, feeling more hopeful than she had in a long time. “Of course.”

“So what happens now? To me?” William asked. He could fend for himself, get a job if he had to, but he suspected they had other plans.

“You can come home with us. If you want, that is,” Mulder replied, not missing the way his son’s eyes lit up. Life on the run couldn’t have been easy on him. “We’ve got a room you can sleep in, a big screen in the living room, and a dog that is particularly fond of chewing on my shoes.”

“My mom was allergic to dogs, so we never got to have one,” William replied. “What’s his name?”

“Dagoo,” Scully replied. She cleared her throat and leveled her gaze at him. “So, what do you think? We don’t want to push you, but you’re always welcome.”

He could say no. He could decline now, rip the band aid off, and wish them all the best in the future. But sitting so close to the parents he’d spent his whole life wondering about reminded him of all the questions he had, all the things he wanted to know, and he knew he couldn’t turn down their offer. “I guess that doesn’t sound too bad.”

“You hear that, Scully? Not too bad,” Mulder replied.

“If you guys have a decent shower, you’ll be better than the last motel I stayed at,” William said, hoping they’d take it as the joke it was intended to be.

“Aha, so it’s you then,” Mulder replied, making a show of smelling his own shirt sleeve, only to have Scully nudge him in the side. “What?”

“It’s okay,” William replied. The smile on his face was genuine for the first time in a long while. It wasn’t as if all of the details were ironed out, but they were getting there. It was a start. He pushed himself off the bed and then clapped his hands together with a sense of finality. He pointed to the door and raised an eyebrow, ready to get everything going. “You guys gonna lead the way?”

#msr #william #txf #fanfic #precipice #mulder is 100% the kind of dad who makes dad jokes okay #i said what i said #it's just facts #also #let dana scully know her son 2k18

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