#ship » i've never seen a smile that can light the room like yours ; it's simply radiant (daphne and evie)

[bamsywrites]

And Comes Dawn part vi

Ships: sauron/halbrand x reader, Galadriel x Halbrand, galadriel and reader DO NOT LIKE EACH OTHER AT ALL (yet), reader x ?????

Summary: some unwanted feelings bubble to the surface.

Tags: angst ish, reader gets mad, insecurities, the love triangles are officially starting, saurons pov next part is gonna be intense after some of this stuff.

Notes: this one might be meh, I wasn't able to edit much and my mind is kinda mush. The secret third ship is revealed. I'm also adding too, extending, and overall changing some of the numenor stuff. Again it's my fanfiction, I can do what I want

It wasn't long before bright light filled the room, you and your companions heading to the deck of the ship. You squinted as your eyes adjusted to the bright light of the sun and the blue of the sky. You saw the ship captain and spoke before anyone else, “Thank you, sir.

He nodded simply in a silent acceptance of your words, his attention turning to Galadriel. The two exchanged words, and you were resisting the urge to roll your eyes. You didn't like the elf. She seemed to think herself better and more worthy of sorrow. You could tell she looked down on you, fueling anger inside your stomach. Anger and annoyance were both feelings that you avoided at all costs. Your father's anger had been great and tragic. You didn't want to tempt the fates by letting your own go unchecked. This elf made it hard to feel anything but those feelings.

“Nearly where?” Halbrand asked, his voice was what brought you from your thoughts, he was trying to get an answer as to where they were going.

“Home,” the ship captain answered.

“Well that tells me fuck all,” he said softly so only your ears could hear.

“Halbrand.” You gave him a look.

“Sweet one,” he teased, returning the look.

Before you could reply, the words dried on your lips as you saw great stone faces carved into rock in stunning detail. You moved closer to the edge to get a better look. The hard work and detail on the face of the mountain was incredible. You were even more stunned by the giant carving above the city, almost as though it was watching over and protecting the city beneath.

“I've never seen anything like this,” you whispered softly.

“What is this place?” Halbrand asked Galadriel.

“There's only one place it could be, the island kingdom of Númenor.”

-

You looked at the buildings, the architecture, the people. It was all fascinating, as if there was no poverty or hunger. The buildings were gorgeous, breathtaking in the ways they were built, and you'd never imagined anything like this in your wildest dreams. A small part of you began to hope that you could stay here and not return home.

“I never imagined a man like me could build a kingdom like this.”

“Because these aren't men like you, your ancestors sided with Morgoth. Theirs sided with the elves, and the Valar blessed them for it. Though elves have not been welcomed on these shores for many years.”

“I wonder why someone would choose to deny you entry into their city,” the words dripped with sarcasm as they slipped past your lips before you could stop them.

A bark-like laugh filled the air before Halbrand stopped himself, clearing his throat and wiping at his mouth to hide his smile.

“Perhaps you wonder, but I know why you'd be denied entry,” Galadriel had stopped to look at you, as if daring you to say something more.

“My reasons are but one, and it is for someone else's sins. Yours would be for being an arrogant, insufferable..-”

“Let's keep going, shall we,” Halbrand placed a hand on your shoulder, and Galadriel opened her mouth to say more when the ship captain hurried them along.

When she was a few steps ahead of you. Halbrand started laughing again, softer this time. “Perhaps, sweet one doesn't suit you well after all.”

You huffed a sigh, “I should not have said that, I know.”

“I will forever sit and ponder how you were going to end that sentence,” he teased with a twinkle to his eye.

Butterflies stirred in your stomach as you looked back up into his eyes, a hint of a smile pulling at your lips.

“You must promise me, sweet one, not to provoke the angry elf. Can you do that?”

You nodded, but he cocked an eyebrow. “Use your words,” his voice was soft and a little husky as if he might have been enjoying this exchange more than he let on, “I want to hear you say it.”

“Halbrand, I promise not to provoke the angry elf,” you said in all but a whisper.

“Good girl,” he pressed a kiss to the top of your head before continuing the journey.

~

“If blood is the price to pay to leave this place, I will pay it.”

You noticed the guards moving closer, your eyes darting to the queen for her response to this threat. Galadriel was going to get you killed at this rate. Without thinking, your hand found Halbrands, lacing your fingers with his, and he squeezed your hand as if to reassure you before he spoke.

He was very well spoken, very convincing. He could command the attention of all in the room with his words. It was impressive, and in the end, they granted you 3 weeks. You hated the sense of satisfaction you had felt when they mocked Galadriel. You were sure there was a reason she was the way she was, but thinking she's better than the mortal races or more entitled to grief would never cease to fill you with anger.

“You were rather good at that,” you turned to Halbrand with a relieved smile on your face.

“Just be glad I'm not your enemy,” he responded with a wink, squeezing your hand that was still tangled with his before he followed the elf.

You found the ship captain once more, “I would like to offer my most sincere thanks. I will forever be in your debt.”

He smiled softly at you, looking at you as only a father could. “I did what was right. I am glad you will find some respite in our great city. If you are to need anything, I have a daughter about your age and I'm sure she has dress and other niceties to spare. Take these, though,” he placed some coins in your hands, “to aid you in whatever ways you may need.”

“I appreciate that very much.” He was a good man, you could tell it. Of good heart and strong character. He had dismissed himself politely, and you looked for your companions.

Your eyes landed on them atop the stairs. You didn't know what they were talking about but they were close. He seemed to be earnestly defending something, you knew not what, and she seemed to be arguing against it. Just as the conversation seemed to be closing, you saw as he pulled her closer to him with that smirk and sparkle in his eyes and suddenly it all came crashing down on you.

What if you weren't special? What if you read too much into it? What if he was like this with everyone?

Or perhaps you were special, but she was just more than anything you could be. She was a beautiful elf, a commander of armies, and what were you?

The daughter of a disgraced mass murder who had yet to do anything of significance.

Your lip started trembling. Perhaps you were too sensitive, but it felt as if your heart was breaking. Did you really have such strong feelings after a week? Perhaps you had been more interested in him. Perhaps you'd allowed your feelings to become too intense when his had not. And perhaps you only thought he'd been looking that way at you.

You found your feet carrying you outside of the palace. You weren't the one that was confined to the grounds, and there was no reason for you to stay. You thought you heard a voice calling after you, but you did not care. You wanted away and to be on your own to think. To figure out what you want for the future. To figure out your feelings to figure out your plans for the next 3 weeks.

~

You sat on a bench in some courtyard, eyes watching as the sun dipped below the waves. It was nice to watch, a beautiful sight, especially now that night didn't bring worries of being cold or being attacked. For the first time in what seemed forever, you would have a place to sleep that wasn't rocking back and forth. Your stomach was growling. It was starting to gnaw at your stomach, but you didn't want to get the stares from the locals. You knew you weren't entirely welcome. So, instead, you sat and watched the sunset until it made its way beneath the waves, and the only light was that of the fires and torches. Your eyes wondered, examining the amazing architecture. It's what you had been doing all day as a way to avoid the insecurities in your head and heart.

A group of boys about your age had drawn your attention,their laughter was boisterous and almost contagious. You were reminded of what little pleasures you'd lost due to the orc attacks; laughing with friends was one of them. You were grateful to see it amongst others and know that it still exists. You must have caught one of their attention somehow because he excused himself, telling his friends to go on without him before coming to sit with you.

“I…sorry I didn't mean to pull you away from your group. I'm just…”

“You're one of the newcomers. One of 3 that arrived today, yes?” He asked curiously, and you nodded.

“You match the description that was given. You seem a little lost," He smiled warmly at you. It was genuine, you could tell. He wanted to help you if you were to need it.

“I am, I admit, but I've enjoyed getting lost here. Your home is gorgeous. We don't have architecture anywhere near this in my homeland, the Southlands. It's remarkable.”

He chuckled softly, looking around him, “This isn't even the best the city has to offer.”

“That is impossible.”

He laughed again, shaking his head. “It is entirely possible, I assure you.”

You couldn't help but smile. He was full of energy, but at the same time, it was calming. It was easy to talk to him because he felt relaxed and relatable.

“There must be art and architecture where you're from. There has to be.”

You shook your head, “not like it is here. It would be like comparing a master swordsman to children whacking each other with sticks. We have wood carvings and some words engraved in stone but nothing like a whole, giant person carved in stone. Our cities are just wood or brick. It's not carved out like this. This is all incredible.”

“There has to be beauty, though,” he pressed his tongue into his cheek as if he wanted to say something else. “I have a lot of questions about your home. I've never left this island."

“There is beauty, yes. In the trees, in the green of the grass. In autumn, the trees turn red and orange, and they look beautiful at dusk.”

“So, there's beauty in the trees, in the leaves, in the women…” he watched you for a moment. You couldn't help but giggle at the comment.

“That was horrible, wasn't it?” He asked, looking down at his hands but laughing softly as he did.

“A little bit, but the compliment is very appreciated,” You stopped giggling and placed a hand on his knee.

“It sounded so much more clever in my head,” he chuckled with a shake of his head.

“My name’s Isildur. My father was the ship captain who saved you. I would like to buy you dinner as a way to say sorry for that horrendous comment I just made. "

You gave him your name with a large grin that made your cheeks hurt, “And I would love that, as long as you promise to tell me more about your kingdom.”

“It's a deal.”

[joi-me-hoi-me-noi]

Hi, I was wondering if you could do a Nanami x Reader who is like Tiana (from Disney's Princess and the Frog)? I love JJK/Disney and the ship is NanamixTiana has been living in my brain rent-free.

A/n: NGL I LOVEEEEE EVERYTHING ABOUT THAT SHIP BRO!! TIANA IS SUCH A QUEEN!! AND WITH NANAMI!??? power couple... POWER COUPLE!! I ALSO LOVE THE MOVIE SO MUCH AND I USED THE ENDING AS A REFERENCE TO TIANA! but I got you boookie <3

NANAMI x READER

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

It was Satoru's idea to invite him out to dinner since one of his best friends finally got the restaurant of their dreams.

"Come on Nanami. It'll be fun."

Kento, of course, is hesitant to go with him since Satoru's idea of 'fun' was different than his. Reluctantly, he entered the restaurant with his coworker's arm around his shoulder, leading him inside. There was live performance on stage while they were getting settled in their reserved seats. A beautiful person walks onto the stage, singing and dancing to the rhythm.

"That's them, right there."

Gojo tilts his glass towards the person on stage. They were absolutely stunning and had an amazing voice. Their stage performance was phenomenal.

"They're single."

Gojo whispers in his ear before leaning away and getting a stern look from Kento.

"Just saying." Gojo continues to sip on his drink, enjoying the show.

Soon the performance ended, and the lights come on. The band goes back to their normal hype jazz routine, and everyone resumes their conversations.

"Hey Satoru." He stands from his seat immediately, accepting the hug from the person.

"Hello Y/n, thank you for the invite."

Their e/c eyes shift to Kento, and he opens his mouth to speak.

"Good afternoon, Y/n. I would also like to tell you how much I appreciated the invite. I-I'm Nanami Kento."

Y/n walks over and gives him a hug as well.

"It's so nice to meet you, I hope you both enjoyed the performance, and your meal is on me. I did invite you to come here after all."

"I have money to spend Y/n, please, let us pay for our meals."

They laugh, lightly patting Satoru's shoulder and shaking their head.

"You have such a way with words, Satoru." A waiter approaches, apologizes for interrupting and whispers in Y/n's ear.

"Anyways, sit down and enjoy yourselves. I have something to deal with in the kitchen."

A sly wink is sent toward the two men over their shoulder as they walk into the kitchen area.

"I've never heard you stutter before Kento. You must really like them."

He simply just looks over at his friend and sips his water.

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

The dinner was perfect, everything was delicious, and it was becoming late. People were starting to pay their bills and leave the venue.

"Hello again, I brought you the best beignets in all of New Orleans."

Y/n sets down a plate piled with pillow-like pastries covered in the right amount of powdered sugar.

"It still surprises me that no one has wifed you up yet. I still remember what you told me when we first met at your job."

They smile at that and goes to clear the plates in front of them.

"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

As they walk away with the dishware, Gojo turns to look at Nanami.

"Shoot your shot Nanami... My six-eyes can sense that you're making goo-goo eyes at her."

Nanami looked around the room. Everyone has left and they were the only ones in the room. For once in his life, Gojo was right! He shouldn't be nervous; he should go for it. They walk over to the table again with smaller plates and a smile still on their face.

"I brought you some smaller plates for the beignets. Is there anything else I could bring out to you or help you with?"

They looked between the two men; they really were the most stunning person he's ever seen.

"Could I talk to you?"

They smiled and nodded, leading him up the stairs and through the glass double doors on the right.

"So, what did you want to talk about, sugar?" They leans against the railing comfortably.

His heart did a small flip at the nickname as he approached them.

"I wanted to talk about you. I wanted to get to know you more."

He leans on the other side of the railing, right next to them.

"Gojo was telling me all about you during the flight, the drive, hell, even over dinner, he was telling me about you."

They laugh, throwing their head back and then looking at him.

"That's Satoru. He was telling me about you too, maybe he was trying to set us up with each other. He asked me if he could bring another person."

They turn their attention to the night sky and Nanami does the same.

"I want to get to know you more as well. I'd think it'd be fun to see where this goes. Especially since Gojo decided to talk each other up to the other person."

Nanami turns back to Y/n.

"Would you want to get a coffee, tomorrow?"

"I'd love to."

The two doors open, and they turn their attention to Gojo who had the plate of beignets in one hand and a half-eaten beignet in the other.

"These beignets are delicious Y/n." He licks his fingers after finishing the beignet.

"Thank you, Satoru. Leave some for Nanami now."

"No need to call me Nanami, Kento's fine."

A smug smirk appears on Gojo's face at that. Then, it widens when he looks down at the railing.

"I see you two have been getting 'close'."

He gestures to the part of the railing where Nanami's hand was on top of yours, brushing your knuckles softly. Neither of you move though.

"Well, we have a coffee date in the morning. Go back and get some sleep. Gojo will give you, my number."

Y/n leads them to the main area and Gojo pays for the meal.

"See you tomorrow Kento."

"See you tomorrow, Y/n."

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

[castlebyersafterdark]

i really love your realisticness about what we could actually get in s5 when it comes to byler spice. lover's lake is a perfect set up, and i agree that peak romance being needed. although the reason i've always been in the spicy camp is because, to me, the more we see, the less explicit/dirty/spicy/lewd it will be?

cutting to black like jancy is too... dismissive, almost. it implies that the couple has found peace and simply needs to do the deed, and that the sex quality didnt matter, only that they did it. but surely the conflict for mike and will IS the question of hiccups and doubts even during? Can we, should we, do this? i think that what we DO need to see IS the fumbling, IS the constant glances at each other to make sure it's ok, IS the hand grabbing another hand and tentatively guiding it down to the crotch, probably over clothes, etc! i want to see their relationship literally transform before my eyes. and i think we need to see that hesitation and fear mixed with excitement in their eyes even during the act, that inexplicable oxymoron that is first desire and losing your virginity.

the first shadow REALLY plays up the idea of desire and intense emotion making electricity and lights go haywire, and it was sometimes done tongue in cheek as an obvious sex joke (the whole theatre laughed). its sooooo duffers to use this for will and mike. what better metaphor than the whole hawkins power grid sparking out because mike made will come so hard he literally BLACKED OUT?? and it doesnt need to be kinky or lewd! it could be over for will in 10 seconds as soon as mike touches him, but that doesnt make it less intense or hot - but the important thing is that will came because of the emotional intensity of them having sex, not just the physical sensation. i think this is the difference between gratuitous and meaningful movie sex.

and then the actual climax (lol) of that emotional arc will be their peace and contentment AFTER its done, so we also need to see the post-sex scene. you mentioned shy smiles and doing up a belt, but i think they deserve a whole night together. i would love love love to see them waking up together, maybe even accidentally thwarting a mission somewhat because they left their walkie talkies in another room? idk. something that ties it into the plot well.

a quick fumble can be sexy but i don't think byler need that - it keeps them too in the friends category, and the audience needs to know for sure that their relationship has transformed into something else and can never go back. THIS is a coming of age arc. their first time can't resemble a one night stand in any way. i also think will wouldn't be able to emotionally cope with sleeping with mike in a barn in the afternoon and then just going back about his day. i think he would need at least one business day and night to process it lol. will's sleep quality has also been a big theme of the show - imagine if he sleeps with mike and wakes up in his arms the next morning having slept soundly for the first time since he was 12???? literal perfection.

I AGREE WITH ALL OF THIS - I tried to be realistic in my assessment/predictions but I guess I'm just trying to set the bar low to either be happy with what we get or surprised if it exceeds expectations. But this ship deserves the world. They deserve care and peak romance and softness and it to be the moment. Truly, there is so much more going on in the show but I really do believe that byler is the heart of the show, a major turning point and overarching theme so I do hold out the hope that they get something really beautiful. What a waste, if not?

I compare to the 2 sex scenes we've gotten because that's the only frame of reference for that sort of romance we've really seen - but in actuality, yeah, it doesn't really make sense for a repeat or an homage. They'd get their own moment. Gosh, you've described some wonderful direction and context and potential imagery for the scene. I especially love "will's sleep quality has also been a big theme of the show - imagine if he sleeps with mike and wakes up in his arms the next morning having slept soundly for the first time since he was 12" LIKE??? Oh that's fantastic. Your brain. My heart ahhh. Wouldn't that just be the loveliest? How indicative of their relationship as a whole, and one of the classic pillars of romance - "find someone with whom you can rest." Ahh. That's what they are to each other, aren't they? Mike - running from himself, from society, from guilt, from his feelings, from danger. Will - plagued by nightmares, and hate, always looking over his shoulder for monsters and humans alike. Have them express their love not just emotionally, but physically, but then let them rest. With each other.

[potassium-pilot]

FFXIVWrite 2023, Prompt 1: Envoy

"Oh, are we close?" Surito Carito asked, the tiny tonberry trying to lift himself against the edges of the ship to see the surroundings. Behind him, Dia gave a boost so he could see.

"Wow", he breathed. "I'm only sorry that my memory is failing me in the geography of my time. This place is breathtaking." Lily appeared at his side to join him in looking.

"So this is Old Sharlayan", Alka Zolka commented. "I admit, I'm a bit overdue for coming here. Ever since they opened their borders to adventurers, I had been meaning to visit."

"Me too", Setoto spoke up. "I simply can't believe they would allow a tonberry to speak in a place like this."

"Well, I admit I pulled a few favors, but Scholarch Montichaigne seemed positively tickled by the idea of having someone who lived in the era of Nym come and speak on its behalf", Dia explained. "I can also tell you with certainty that no small amount of students want to hear about it. There's a lot of historians here and they are all very curious about what happened to the nation."

"And none of them are going to try and kill me, correct?" Surito asked. "I saw the looks that the Limsan citizenry gave us. Had it not been you protecting me, I'm certain I would have been set upon ere I set foot on the ship."

"So long as you stick by me, you'll be safe." Dia pulled a box nearby so Surito could stand on it. "Now just keep looking at the ocean."

The ship made its way to Scholar's Harbor slowly but surely. Around 10AM, it docked and allowed its passengers to depart. Dia, Surito, Setoto, and Alka Zolka made their way towards customs and arrived to the lalafell woman who presided over it. She took the names and professions of Alka Zolka and Setoto, who simply stated that they were scholars of Nymian history.

"And your name?" She asked of the tonberry.

"Surito Carito"

"And your profession?"

"I am a scholar."

"Of what field?"

Surito seemed confused. "Er, simply a scholar, madam. A member of the Nymian Royal Marines."

The official raised her eyebrow slowly. "Er...why would we need a soldier here?"

Dia shook her head. "Forgive him. He's an envoy of the former nation of Nym, here to give a lecture on its history and culture. There should have been a form explaining his special circumstances sent to you by the Studium."

"There is, yes. I simply need to confirm his name and profession as is listed here. At any rate, all appears to be in order, and you are all granted permission to enter Sharlayan at your leisure. Welcome."

With that, Dia guided the three of them away from the gazebo and into Sharlayan proper. As they walked, all of them noticed as eyes gawked at the creature walking about the city. Some even ran at the sight of Surito's waddle.

"Oh dear...", Surito whispered.

"Don't worry. They are merely ignorant. This is why you're here, is it not? To inform", Alka Zolka tried to reassure.

"Surely, it won't be too long until people begin to understand", Setoto concluded.

Even with their encouragement, Surito kept as close to Dia as he could. As he said, when people saw the ex-Warrior of Light leading the tonberry, they knew better than to try and interfere. Finally, they arrived at the new headquarters of Baldesion Annex, where Dia arranged rooms for them all to stay. Upon the doors opening, Ojika formed a big smile. "Ah, Dia! I'm glad to see you and your friends have safely-- EEK!"

Surito jumped at the shriek of the lalafellan innkeeper. Dia scowled. "Yes, he's a tonberry. No, he does not have a stabby death awaiting you. His name is Surito Carito, and he's a guest lecturer, so I'd appreciate you not screaming at him."

"How do you do?" Surito greeted nervously.

"S-sorry. I've never seen one up close before. I've never even heard of one that could talk before."

"They don't, usually", Surito explained. "Dia here helped break me out of the trance that traps all of my brethren in a state of perpetual violence."

"Oh?"

"If you want to learn more, I'd recommend sitting in on his lecture", Setoto encouraged. "It's tomorrow at 11AM."

Ojika looked up to Dia, who nodded in affirmation. "I think I can make the time for that. Why don't I show you all to your rooms?" With that, the three were led to their quarters for the evening. Upon reaching Surito's quarters, Dia and Surito couldn't help but hear footsteps running towards them. Upon the turn of their heads, they spotted a red-haired miqo'te rushing them.

"Dia!" G'raha exclaimed happily. "Always glad to see you." He looked down and noticed the tonberry, making a curious look form on his face. "Er...Dia?" G'raha darted his eyes down in Surito's direction.

Dia looked down to her scholar companion. "Go on. Introduce yourself. I know him; you'll be safe."

Surito cleared his throat. "Hello there. My name is Surito Carito, one of the last scholars of Nym and one of the last members of the Nymian Royal Marines."

G'raha's jaw remained wide open and he gawked at the marine in shock. "I...I'm pleased to meet you. G'raha Tia, at your service."

"Forgive me, but you are a miqo'te, are you not?"

"I am."

"I've never met one before today. Ah, this day has been full of new experiences."

"Much the same for me", G'raha agreed, "I've never met a tonberry before today."

Surito's face squinted in happiness. "I hope you'll be one of the attendees for my lecture tomorrow morning."

"A lecture?" G'raha looked up to Dia, who nodded. "Well, I can certainly try to make time for something like that. What is your lecture on, exactly?"

"Nymian culture and history."

"Considering your interest in Allagan history, I think you'd be interested in a society that took full advantage of Allagan summoning arts to mold into the tactics of the Nymian scholar", Dia pointed out.

"That would be interesting, yes. Even without it, I must admit I know little and less of the nation."

Surito nodded. "Then may I see you there." With that, Surito hopped up to reach the doorknob, opened it, and let himself into his room. G'raha, still reeling from the idea that he just met a tonberry that didn't want to stab him mercilessly, merely blinked.

"You all right?" Dia asked.

"I...have a lot of misconceptions I need to clear up", he admitted.

"Everyone does. That's why he's here", Dia smiled. "Oh, did you have plans for lunch?"

"Not a single one", he lied, having initially intended on using it to do some research on the Twelve.

"Then you should join us. I intend to take everyone to the Last Stand. I was going to ask Krile too."

"I'd love that! I'll see you then."

A few hours pass, Dia using the time to help Krile with her research, telling her about her own, and listening to Krile vent about the difficulties of restarting the Students of Baldesion. As the stroke of 1 in the afternoon, Krile declared, "Now might be a good time for a break, do you not agree?"

"I couldn't agree more. Let me fetch everyone and we can go to lunch." Dia left Krile's study and gathered Alka and Setoto. Upon arriving to Surito's room, Dia knocked.

"Who is it?" Surito asked.

"A ghost. Thought I might haunt you a bit, just for kicks."

"Come in, Dia."

She opened the door and smiled at Surito. "We're heading for the Last Stand for lunch. You're in for a treat. It's the only restaurant with remotely edible food in Sharlayan."

"Oh...I'm fine here, thank you."

"Surito?" Alka asked. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing at all. I just believe it might be better if I just kept to my room during my stay."

"Oh none of that, Surito! We want you there", Setoto protested.

"I don't wish to scare anyone again."

Dia breathed a sigh from her nose. "Come on, you two."

The three left the room, Surito using his solitude to try and practice his lecture. About twenty minutes in, his door burst open and a crowd of people flocked in. "Hope you're decent!" Dia laughed.

"Oh! What is this?" Surito exclaimed.

"This is lunch. You're eating it one way or another", DIa insisted. "I've brought G'raha along and our host."

"Hello. You must be Surito Carito. My name is Krile Baldesion. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

"Hello to you, Krile. Thank you for your hosting my compatriots and I. You're quite possibly the most welcoming presence I've encountered here."

Krile frowned. "Dia told me of Ojika screaming at the sight of you. I apologize for him. I'm afraid that while I informed him of a guest speaker coming to stay with us, I failed to inform him of what to expect of you. I apologize for his conduct."

"It's of no consequence. At least he didn't run at the sight of me like some of the people I've encountered today."

Dia placed lunch on his table. "Well, let's forget about them and get some food in our bellies. Come on up."

The five sat around the table, G'raha in the middle surrounded by Dia and Krile on one side, and Setoto surrounded by Alka and Surito on the other. Dia handed Surito an Archon burger. "You'll love it!"

"So, Surito, what inspired you to come and give a lecture in Sharlayan?" Krile asked.

"In truth, I have been looking for how to revive the art of the Nymian Scholar for some time now that we have a cure for the plague in our grasp."

"Plague?" G'raha repeated.

"Yes. You can see its effect on people by looking at me, and you can see that the cure works with one look at Setoto here." G'raha and Krile snapped their attentions to Setoto, who smiled at them proudly. "You're Nymian?" G'raha exclaimed.

"I am. You wouldn't be able to tell with one look at me, but I am one of the few students of the art left. Were it not for Dia, Alka, Surito, and the work of my father, we may not be speaking today."

Dia smiled as she chewed. Upon swallowing, she added, "We had discussed it for a while and agreed that the best way to try and keep things going was to utilize modern day historians. Montichaigne seemed to rather like the idea."

"I don't blame him in the least", Krile commented amusedly. "This is the first lecture of its kind- a discussion from a citizen of a society long thought to be dead."

After the remainder of their time was spent listening to Krile picking Surito's brain on history, the five stood up and went their separate ways for the evening.

------------

The morning dawned on Sharlayan. Surito awoke and rose from his bed before he scrambled to find his notes. Upon finding them and reading them through, he heard a knock at his door.

"Who is it?"

"Remember that ghost from yesterday? She said you owed her 20 gil, so I'm here to collect."

"Come in, Dia."

She opened the door and entered alongside yet another new face.

"Oh...hello...", Surito greeted hesitantly.

"Hello", she greeted back warmly. "My name is Ameliance Leveilleur, a good friend of Dia's. I understand you're to give a lecture in the Studium today, is this correct?"

"I am. My name is Surito Carito. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"As am I. If you're going to give a lecture here in Sharlayan, however, we thought it best if you might look the part." Ameliance reached into her inventory and pulled out a small, white Sharlayan robe, sized for a lalafell. "What do you think?"

"That...would be lovely. I wish I knew what to say...thank you, I..."

"But of course. Go ahead and change into it for me."

Upon the two looking away, Surito changed into the white robe and looked in the mirror.

"It looks nice."

They looked back and judged for themselves. "It does", Dia affirmed, "Although it is a little big..."

"That much, we can change. If you wouldn't mind helping me with adjustments, Dia, we can get started."

After an hour preparing the robe to fit him, they looked upon their handiwork proudly. "Now that's a Sharlayan."

"Don't worry; we can hang the Scholar armor on a mannequin and show it off that way", Dia suggested.

"I would like that. It's important for Scholars to have the appropriate gear", Surito reminded her to Dia's amusement.

"Now that we have you dressed up, why don't we show it off, hm?" Ameliance suggested.

"I...I don't know."

"The only way people will get used to seeing you is to see you. The more people that see you walking peacefully with Ameliance and I, the better", Dia reminded him.

He took a deep breath and braced himself. "All right. Let's go."

With that, the three escorted Surito out of his chambers and led him around town. To his shock, fewer people seemed outright horrified at the sight of him as they walked around town. Some even cooed at the sight of him in their robes, like they would a child. He wasn't sure if that was any better.

After enjoying a leisurely walk about the city-state, they arrived at the Studium where they were directed to the lecture hall. Upon opening the doors, he was surprised at the amount of attendants that had already gathered, and the event wasn't due to start for another fifteen minutes. He sat in a chair on the side alongside Dia, Lily on his shoulder, Alka and Setoto (the latter having arrived about ten minutes before Dia and Ameliance did) and stared at the crowd of students.

Surito had a flash of memory. Nymian universities that trained young people all had their own robes to don in uniformity. They would gather and discuss, await the professors before they would start their work. They would ask all sorts of questions, pose theories, discuss history, magic, current affairs of the time, spend countless hours writing papers and preparing arguments. They would laugh together, they would cry together, bemoan assignments together, and cheer in triumph in their accomplishments together.

To see these young minds carrying on such similar traditions warmed his heart. It hit him in this moment that no Calamity, no apocalypse, and no tragedy in the world would ever dim a curious mind.

The hour drew nigh for the lecture to begin. Surito walked up to the podium that was adjusted for his stature and looked out to the crowd, who all looked to Surito to pay him heed. As he looked upon the faces of these students, he could see them- his classmates, his former teachers; he was back in his element.

He took a deep breath and spoke aloud.

[kursed-curtain]

33 for Graham and a member of his (Llewdor) family

OR

21 for Odds and Evens

The door to the office swings open and Mr. Odden strides in. He's in his typical attire, and his black gloves are stained - not red, surprisingly, but wet and white. He wipes remains of the powdered outdoors on his rolled up sleeves. "Who knew they even had snow storms in this part of the kingdom?" He chuckles to himself, "And people don't get any more immune to frostbite."

…He hears the clinking before he notices someone in the room. Odden, still getting his bearings, playfully waves towards the clattering. "Evens, darling, I didn't know you were here," He reaches out for one of the boxes she's holding, and he finds it to be full of his potion supplies. There's an unnerved twinge to his smiling. "Oh, are you hoarding this all for your office? Why, if you're so desperate for it all, I can just have some batches shipped to you!"

"I don't want your potion supplies for myself," Ms. Evenleigh says, "I'm moving the lab out of your room and into the brewery."

"How thoughtful, Evie! What generous kindness!" Odds fawns, sarcastically, "I, however, need the lab here, so I can assist with brewing while in my own office."

"We have a brewery for a reason."

"I know, Eves, it's just…" Odds clicks his tongue. "How do I put this… It's not as fun that way."

Evens picks up a jar full of small, bluish purple flower buds. She rotates the jar, realizing a majority of the buds have been split in half and hollowed out.

She gives Odds a subtle raised eyebrow. "Have you been eating these?"

"Oh, those aren't for me! I leave them on the front of my desk for others to take. Similar to free mints on a table."

Evens glowers. "You're giving out forget-me-so buds?"

"It's for security!" He claims. Odds' right eye is twitching. Evens recognizes his tells. He continues his spiel, "Now if you give me those, we'll pretend this never…"

She simply has to lift the jar above her head to keep Odds and the flower buds separated.

"You're the only one here who has strong enough impulses to be eating forget-me-so buds at this rate," She says.

Odds stands on the arm of his armchair, straining to reach the jar. Evenleigh holds it away with ease, blank-faced the entire time.

Evens pushes him away with her finger. "You're also a terrible liar."

Odds smirks, then flops down in his chair, though not defeated just yet.

Evens skims over the notes on the top of the jar. "Nelia put warnings on the lid. If you haven't seen them, there are reasons why you shouldn't eat them raw."

"I know what I'm doing. I've been eating them raw for a while now, so I can assure you, I won't end up like Chastain. And, on the off chance I do, I'm entrusting the care of my half-brained body to you." He stands, sauntering over to Evens and the jar. "So with my trust in you, you'll have trust in-"

"Luci." Evens snaps.

Odds retracts his hand. His businessman grin has faded, and cracked into a scowl. His breathing goes heavy, "I thought I told you we don't. Bring. That. Up."

Evens huffs. "It gets you to listen."

Odden opens his mouth, but with no way to refute her point, he simply glares. Evens picks up the last crate of potion ingredients and leaves Odds alone with his thoughts.

Once Evens has left, Odds rubs his temple. He sits on the edge of his bed, lights his pipe, and takes a drag until his thoughts and the room become a blur.

The bedroom door opens again, this time Evens is the one peeking into the room. Odds sighs, then gestures for her to come in. She sits next to him on the bed’s ledge.

It’s silence for ten minutes or so "Mother would be disappointed in me."

"Well, then I believe mother would be placing the blame on the wrong person," Odds pats Evens on the shoulder. "I get into plenty of scraps, you're just unfortunately dragged into them."

"I didn't watch hard enough, though. One simple task…"

Odds leans on Evens. "I'm the one trying to forget. This is my mess. I'll clean it up when it's all over."

Evens leans too, though she turns away. "...Do you remember when you first ate one of the forget-me-so buds?"

"Don't fret about me when I say this, but no. I don't." Odds hums, "The taste is surprisingly alluring. Of course, I wouldn't recommend you consume any."

"I don't plan on doing so any time soon. I keep track of plans in my head."

"Is that because your handwriting kills brain matter at the sight of it?” Odds ribs at her.

Evens shields her mouth to protect her dignity. “I can read it.”

Odds practically jumps at the sight. “Oh, I see a smirk~!”

Evenleigh dodges Odds' fight to see her full smile, until she breaks into laughter. She immediately rushes to cup her mouth, but Odds got what he wanted. He gives a smug, triumphant smile.

Odds rubs the fingers of his damp gloves. "Hold on, it's snowing outside… remind me when my birthday is?"

"January 14th." She's quick to answer.

He snaps his fingers. "See? My mind hasn't dulled just yet! At least I remember certain events," Odds bumps Evens in the elbow. "As long as you are my mental calendar. Can I entrust you with that?"

Evens chuckles. "On my life."

[shipperofdoomedships]

Enid Finds out about Morticia and Fester's plan.

2nd chapter also on AO3 if you want to read it there, same username

Enid and Wednesday walk back into the house just as Morticia is finishing her 2nd phone call. She smiles brightly at Morticia and whispers to Wednesday that she needs a moment with her mother. Wednesday simply nods and heads to the kitchen to make Enid some tea. With hands clasped in front of her she slowly walks up to Morticia and says "I just wanted to apologize again for the vase, I know you said it wasn't a huge deal but I'm still sorry I was so clumsy, but I wanted to thank you for what you said and for not yelling at me or..other things. I know I can be a bother sometimes but it means a lot to me what you said and I promise I'll be more careful from now on." Morticia smiles albeit a bit sadly at Enid's words and offers her hand for Enid to take which she quickly does. She leads Enid to an oversized chair and gestures for Enid to sit with her. As soon as they're seated Morticia scoops Enid in her arms almost pulling her in her lap and hugs her tight and starts gently stroking her hair. Enid has a dear in headlights look on her face because her maybekindasorta crush's mother is showing her more affection in 24 hours than her mother has in 15 years.

Morticia gently tilts Enid's chin so she's looking at her and says "Enid dear, you have nothing to apologize for. You've seen how Wednesday and Pugsley play and how wild Gomez can get when he has a sword in his hands. Destruction and a little mayhem are all in a days fun for an Addams. As for the other thing you said about being a bother, I never want to hear those words pass your lips again. You are and never have been a bother to myself or Gomez, and despite what Wednesday may portray outwardly, you are one of the most important people in her life." Enid has tears in her eyes again and is trying not to freak out at the words and affection that Morticia is giving her. Morticia gently wipes away the tears from the corner of Enid's eyes and continues "I see Wednesday and you being an integral part of each others lives, for the rest of your lives. You are already family my dear Enid, and we are all so very mortified to welcome you into our home and our lives for as long as you wish to remain."

Enid can't hold back her emotions anymore and just breaks down crying in Morticia's arms hugging her for dear life. Morticia begins stroking Enid's hair again and whispering gentle words in her ear when Wednesday comes in the room holding a steaming cup of tea and offering it to Enid. Enid quietly thanks Wednesday and takes the cup taking a small sip before her eyes go wide looking at Wednesday and asks "you didn't put any kind of poison in this like you do your coffee did you?" Wednesday looks softly at Enid and says "no Enid, what mother said earlier is true, none of us wish to harm you ever. And despite my previous threats, I would rather suffer the torture of a thousand K-Pop bands than ever harm a hair on your beautiful head." Wednesday quickly realizes what she said at the end and a light blush appears on her cheeks. Clearing her throat Wednesday turns to her mother and says "Uncle Fester sent me a text asking if you could ship his favorite crossbow and some silver from the vault for him to melt into arrowheads. He gave an address in San Franscisco and said his plane will land the morning. Enid had a confused look on her face and asked "Why is your uncle in San Francisco asking for a crossbow?" Wednesday glanced at her mother then turned back to Enid saying "I would assume to permanently eliminate the threat of you wretched mother ever being able to harm you again."

Morticia smiled and nodded saying "oh yes, and I've got our family lawyer working on paperwork to make your stay here permanent, its already coming together so dreadfully". Enid looks wide eyed between Morticia and Wednesday then immediately stands up and paces for a few seconds before saying "First off yes, I would totes love to live with you all for as long as you'll let me, second, you can't kill my mom, I mean I guess you physically could yes but please don't. I love that you would all do that for me to keep me safe, I really do. But she's still my mom and I would always feel guilty about her dying because of me." Sitting down next to Wednesday Enid adds "and plus I know her, if she found out I was happy and not where she could control and try to change everything about me, that would be a punishment worse than death. That would be actual torture for her and honestly, I like that idea more." Morticia looks at Enid with pride in her eyes and stands up to hug her again saying "You truly were meant to be an Addams my darling. I shall go inform Fester to simply release a hoard of spiders into her bed in lieu of death."

Enid giggles at the thought of her mother finding a bed full of spiders. She turns to start to say something to Wednesday but is caught off guard by the odd expression on her face. "Willa, are you ok? You look like your about to smile and that usually means things are about to get violent." Wednesday looks at Enid with an intensity she's never seen before and says "Enid, despite my best efforts to ignore the pestilence that is feelings, specifically my feelings for you, I find myself unable to do so anymore. I envision you and I spending our days together, far into the future and it does not fill my stomach with bile as I always thought romantic feelings would." Gently holding Enid's trembling hand Wednesday continues "Mi Lobo, what I'm trying to say is that I wish to court you. I wish to show you how much I cherish you for as long as you will have me" Enid's other hand comes up almost touching Wednesday's cheek asking silent permission. Wednesday nods then leans into the touch closing her eyes. Enid whispers "can I kiss you?" to which Wednesday doesn't verbally respond instead opting to almost tackle Enid on the chair kissing her with the same vigor her father kisses her mother (she later realizes this fact and is momentarily mortified until Enid smiles at her and she promptly doesn't care anymore).

Morticia and Gomez walk in the room with Thing on Gomez's shoulder and gasp at the sight before them. Enid and Wednesday quickly pull apart and Enid looks worried, Wednesday just looks annoyed. Thing starts doing a happy little dance on Gomez's shoulder making Enid giggle. Gomez turns to Morticia and says "Cara Mia, do you think they'll have a winter or fall wedding?" Wednesday and Enid's eyes both go wide at Gomez's words and they blush after glancing at each other. Morticia smiles and says "don't tease them too much dear, they just began courting. But were I a betting woman I'd bet on fall." Wednesday quickly grabs Enid's hand and all but drags her to her room while Morticia and Gomez giggle to each other.

Ficlet: Enid finally gets a mom that loves her.

Wednesday doesn’t give Enid the choice in coming to the Addams manor over the summer break (not that Enid resists either). After hearing multiple phone conversations with Enid's mother and seeing her roomates (secret to the grave crush) mood she calls her parent’s and informs them of their guest. Of course her parents are delighted and both welcome Enid with warm hugs that have Enid tearing up immediately.

The next morning Enid is dancing down the hallway listening to music on her headphones and in an even cheerier mood than usual. She’s not paying attention and accidentally bumps into a small table holding an antique looking vase. She tries to catch it but it smashes into pieces in the floor. Quickly she starts trying to up the pieces with her hands and mumbling “stupid stupid stupid” to herself repeatedly. Morticia appears in the hallway having heard the sound and sees Enid on her hands and knees picking up fragments and and getting cuts on her hands in the process. She quickly rushes over to stop Enid from hurting herself further but Enid looks up and see’s Morticia coming at her quickly and immediately covers her head crying “please! No! I’m so sorry I’ll clean it up and pay for it!”

Morticia is stunned at Enid’s reaction and calmly gets down on her knees taking Enid’s bloodied hands in her own and says “Enid darling, its just a vase and an ugly one at that. There is no need to fret”. Gently cupping Enid’s cheeks and wiping tears away she adds “and I nor no one in this family would ever harm you, nor will we ever let any harm befall you again” The last part said with a darker tone than Enir had ever heard from her. Picking the young girl up she led her into the bathroom to get her hands cleaned and bandaged up.

Wednesday having seen the tail end of the exchange but deducing what the cause of Enid’s fear and tears were, quietly led Enid to accompany her on a stroll through the family graveyard. Morticia smiles knowingly at their retreating forms then walks purposely to the phone in the living room and dials a number by memory.

After a few short rings the person picks up and Morticia immediately says “Fester, I need you to go to San Francisco on a matter of great importance. Someone there needs to not be among the living anymore”. After a few details are exchanged and an equally irate Fester promises it’ll be taken care of in a few days Morticia hangs up then immediately dials another number. Once the person picks up she calmly says “Uncle Atticus, I require legal paperwork to gain custody of a young woman who needs to be with us. No not adoption, because that might complicate future nuptials with her and Wednesday. She’ll be an Addams regardless in a few years time. Ok thank you I look forward to hearing from you”. Hanging up she turns to Gomez as he walks in the room and says “Dreadful news darling. We’ve just aquired a 2nd daughter”. Gomez hoops excitedly and proceeds to kiss Morticia with his usual vigor.

[cybercl0ne]

Sea Star ☆ // Peter YB x Mermaid Female Reader // PART 1

Summary - You're the princess of an underwater Topia, but all you want to do is be free and explore life outside of the proper ways of a princess. (Almost like the little mermaid ig)

Author's note at the end of this chapter if you feel like reading it.

The stary night that glistened above the water never looked so pretty to you. You stare at the shining lights that you knew you'd never be able to touch. You were stuck to the sea floor, stuck to rule and play a role when you knew deep down you wanted to explore life, more of the ocean, maybe even outside the ocean.

A knock came from your door as you hung outside the patio. "Y-yes come in." you said gently. A servant entered and bowed. "Your majesty, the king has requested for you." You sighed, thinking this was about another lecture about being a proper princess. "Yes, I will report then." You said as you swam past the poor servant with speed.

You stopped at the big golden door that led to your father's throne room. "May I enter father?" You asked gently. "Yes, please come in." He said, happy and voice echoing through the room. You had grown used to hearing his overbearing voice fill the castle. You knew that when your mother was there, her voice would make harmony throughout the castle, making them both in tune with one another. "Y/n, my dear I want to talk to you about tomorrow." You stood patiently. "Yes father? What of tomorrow?" You questioned; swimming closer to him. "Well, there will be a band arriving tomorrow and your attendance is requested." You smiled giddily as he said this. Maybe this was a perfect time to ask about more since he was talking about something other than princess rules.

You swam up to join him by his throne, clasping onto his arm. "Father, do you think that maybe this one time I could...explore after the show is over?" A slightly long pause came over the both of you as he sat in what looked to be thought. "No, I won't allow it. It's too dangerous out in the sea." He demanded. You scoffed. You couldn't give up yet. You had to at least try to convince him better. "But father I'm 18. I can handle it. I've trained to be queen and how to handle myself." You explained, trying to convince him. He simply scoffed and shooed you off. "No Y/n you're not ready. You think you are but you're not...not now." You begged and pleaded. You wanted to just be able to taste freedom, not live your life hobbled into some big castle for the rest of your life. You weren't ready for the throne.

"Please father, if you would just listen to me-"

"NO! Y/N YOU ARE NOT LEAVING THIS CASTLE. EVER!" He yelled, his words shattering your delicate heat. Before he could speak another word, you scurried off, speeding past the maids and the castle border. All you could hear in the distance was your father calling for you.

--------------------------------------------------

You stopped swimming to realize that you were so far away from the castle that you had little to no idea where you were. "I can handle myself." The words cringed inside your head. "Yeah, so much for that. I really did it now." You said to yourself, you didn't recognize anything. This was way farther than what you were allowed to go. The more you thought about it you slowly started to think about all the things that were out here. Missing or lost treasure, unknown creatures, maybe even other run aways. You decided that the only way was forward and darted to a shiny sunken ship. You hummed your favorite song as you swam closer to adventure.

You examined the cave like it was a jewel. To you the ship was a hidden gem. It was rustic and old, yet so beautiful and full of things you'd never seen before. There was a thing that way pointy and shiny at the same time. There was another thing that had glass and other things that you could see out off.

Everything was just too exciting, you wondered why you didn't leave sooner.

As you soaked everything in a voice came from the shadows. "Y/N?" A worried voice called out. You and Tk met eyes and the next thing next was them squeezing you so tight. "H-hey Tk." You said, trying to not suffocate in their embrace. "How did you find me?" You asked, finally getting away from their tight hold. "Please, I knew you'd come here. It's a place to blow off steam and it has a bunch of stuff that I knew you'd take interest in immediately." They said, cocky. You rolled your eyes and guided to show them everything you had found. You both talked and talked for hours, laughing and at some point, explaining the whole thing to Tk.

"Wow, I think I'd do worse than leave. I'd probably blow the whole castle up without another thought." You stared blankly at them for a few seconds. "Not saying I will now." They shrugged. You giggled at their joke. "And this is probably why you're not on the throne." They shrug once again. "Fair." They say before getting off the piece of wood you both were sitting on. "Look, the whole kingdom is looking for you. Come back with me." They say, holding their hand out. You hesitated and honestly debated going back at all. You heard what your father had said. As soon as you were queen you knew you'd never be allowed out of the castle. Even when you got back, you'd probably be forbidden from going out anyway.

"I-I don't think I can Tk..." You said sadly. "Please Y/n if you don't come with me life at the kingdom will get boring." Tk spoke. You snarled and took their hand.

You both swam back talking about how you'd have to sneak out. As you talked with Tk, you didn't even realize that you weren't looking where you were going and crashed into someone. You spiraled away from Tk, and the other person did to. The minute you found your footing you spun right to the sea creature you'd bumped into.

"I'm so sorry sir. I didn't see you! Please let me help you." You said, fixing your hair while holding out a hand for the poor sea person you crashed into. You looked at each other for a split second with a glisten in each of your eyes. the man was a rather tall, Lankey man. He looked quite skinny and was bald. You saw the blue hue in his eyes. Now that you'd thought about it, you've never seen anyone with those color eyes before. They were almost the color of the sea blue, but darker. It was amazing.

Tk's abrupt cough made you snap out your sudden daze over this poor merman. "r-right. I-I'm really sorry. I hope you forgive me." You said, as the person quietly took your hand, looking up at you with curious eyes, like he's seeing the world for the first time. Tk scoffed at how cheesy you both were being. You were swept away by the irritated Tk while the gentleman was idle and stuck. "H-hey wait!" You said as your voice became distant to the man.

The tall man just looked down at his hand as a smirk and scowl grew on the odd man's face.

{-------------------------}

Author's Note! -

Hi guys! Sorry for the long Hiatus I had to manage school for a while but I'm back to writing and I can't wait to make more stories that I hope you'll all enjoy. If I do have uneven breaks, it's because of school so please don't be too harsh on me! ~w~

[shadowsinger11]

Inspiration

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Reader

Requested by anon: Could you do a Fred Weasley imagine where he falls in love with Harry’s younger sister. (Maybe a after the war where he lives)

Word Count: 3.3k (my hand slipped oops)

Genre: Fluff, childhood friends to lovers, mutual pining etc.

Warnings: Slight innuendo, Fred being cute and hot simultaneously

Tags: @self-ship-love @susceptible-but-siriusexual @hufflexpuff @neovannii @jenniweasley @elf-punk @heart-of-tempered-steel @itseatyourdamnapples

Message me if you'd like to be added!

Masterlist

Ottery St Catchpole, Devon, England, July 16, 2000

It was a chilly Sunday evening. The summer air buzzed with excitement and the tender aroma of magnolia as tiny white and pink petals were gracefully falling from the huge cherry trees, carried by the light breeze. Twilight painted the horizon in liquid gold and fiery red, soon followed by mellow shades of dark blue that brought countless sparkling stars.

It was getting the slightest bit colder, but it did not matter; nothing else mattered but the loud cheers and cheerful music, celebrating the official bond between a Potter and a Weasley under the wide night sky.

You couldn't have been happier for your older brother, Harry, who was currently dancing with Ginny, his now wife - now and for the rest of his, hopefully, but not really likely, peaceful life. For the longest time you've been wondering how he'd always manage to get into trouble even as a small First year with no experience in the wizarding world whatsoever. Or, perhaps, that was the exact reason as to why evil-battling and rule-breaking were such common practices when hanging out with him.

However, there was no fighting that day. There was no room for worry and fear when the entire Weasley family and their loved ones were gathered on the clearing in front of the Burrow, chatting, laughing, dancing, singing, drinking, celebrating and living for what seemed to be the first time since Lord Voldemort's fall. Danger was practically nonexistent in that blissful moment which was frozen in time, once having looked agonizingly distant and impossible to hope for. But that dream was no longer just a foolish fantasy to heal wounded hearts. It was there, and it was happening in the most beautiful way imaginable.

And suddenly, all those clichés of a married life weren't even clichés. They were simply humble wishes of people who had witnessed far too many horrors in such a short period of time, and only craved stability among the massive chaos. So when you glanced at Ginny, a twirling blur of flaming red hair and a gorgeous wedding dress, you didn't feel the need to comment on how banal the color white was. You genuinely smiled, admiring the pure, exuberant joy, visible in her eyes and scarlet cheeks. Harry looked just as, if not even happier than his wife, dancing in the ridiculous but wholehearted way that only he could, and old memories of him winning the golden egg, training Dumbledore's Army and kissing Ginny in the common room for the very first time flooded into your mind.

It had truly been a long time since you had seen Harry careless and free like that.

You yourself had spent an ungodly amount of hours preparing the yard for the ceremony all day; rearranging chairs, decorating, making sure everything was going by schedule, only to then dance your tired feet off, and though you wanted to continue having fun with Hermione, Luna and the rest of the girls waiting for you, you really needed a break. And a drink.

Excusing yourself to leave the particularly interesting conversation you were having with distant Weasley relatives, you slipped off your black flats that, despite looking absolutely stunning, hurt your feet terribly after an entire day of fussing over the color of napkins and flower bouquets. Barefoot on the grass, you walked over to a chair next to a table which seemed to have been occupied, but judging by the mostly empty glasses and plates, the guests weren't coming back anytime soon.

You tossed your shoes aside with a sigh and rushed to rub your aching toes, hissing from how sore they were.

How has Ginny been dancing like that for hours?

"Enjoying the party, I see?" a familiar deep, slightly husky voice commented, causing you to look up.

It was none other than Fred Weasley, dear friend from childhood, staring down at you, his ever-present charming smirk resting on features and hands shoved into the pockets of his dragonskin suit. But it was his flaming red hair that made your eyes widen - it was carefully smoothed back, shining under the moonlight like liquid iron.

Fred's eyes still contained their famous, loveable mischief, except now slightly tamer and calmer. His firm biceps had visibly grown in size, stretching out the fabric of his coat just a bit to give you a prominent silhouette that caught you off guard.

It had been two years; he had changed so much.

And you were afraid to admit you had too.

You blinked in surprise, processing his uncharacteristically sophisticated appearance before realizing what he had asked you.

"Would've enjoyed it far more if my legs weren't killing me," you groaned half-heartedly and leaned back on your chair. "What's with your hair?"

"What's with your feet?"

"I asked you first," you cut him off. "I bet Ginny is responsible for this."

"Actually…" Fred trailed off, and, whether on purpose or not, ran a hand through the ginger locks to keep them in place, unaware of how you suddenly wished the hand doing the graceful motion wasn't his. "Mum insisted that I looked my best. What can I say, it's not like George and I usually listen to her, but we thought we'd make an exception this time; our sister doesn't get married every day. But honestly, Ginny couldn't care less about how we looked as long we showed up."

"So like usual, you mean?" you giggled. "Showing up is an achievement for you even if you're underdressed?"

Fred beamed, pearly white smile complementing his formal outfit. You wondered if he used that exact smile to effortlessly allure costumers and business partners at work.

He rested an elbow on the table as he leaned forward.

"Come on now, darling. I know you find my messy hair irresistible either way."

His cockiness only caused you to laugh, though Fred was quick to spot the flash of nervousness in your eyes; it brought him immense pride to know he was the one to turn you from confident to adorably bashful and flustered in the matter of seconds.

He was looking at you intensely, expectantly waiting for you to deny his flirty accusation despite your shyness.

"Nah, Weasley. It only reminds me that even at twenty-two you still do not know how to use a comb."

Fred's eyebrows shot straight up to his hairline, mouth agape. For the first time, he actually needed a second to form a reply.

"Didn't see that coming, I give you that. Courageous one, you are."

Your heart fluttered with joy and you openly grinned, shrugging in half-hearted humbleness.

"Perhaps I am."

Speaking to him felt unusually energizing, as though you had jumped headfirst into a chilly lake. It was unfamiliar and it set your nerves on fire, causing your stomach to twist and turn with sensations that left you dizzy, but unbelievably thrilled. And you wanted more of it, you wanted more of him.

"Fancy a drink?" Fred offered, already pouring champagne into a glass before handing it to you, and you keenly took it.

"Thanks, I've been thirsty with all the preparations I was doing."

"Is that why your legs are killing you?"

"Exactly, I've been running around all day, making sure everything was in order… you know, a lot of organizing and the like."

"It must hurt quite a bit then," Fred commented with a pained grimace. "But I absolutely get you, Georgie and I are just like that when it comes to the shop. It's a lot of accounting if I'm being honest, though I admit he's way better at it. We need to be completely precise; we can't allow any mistakes."

"Woah," you laughed. "Control freak much?"

He wettened his lips, never breaking eye contact.

"Perhaps I am."

You tilted your head to the side, gaze piercing into his in hopes of finding out what those gorgeous brown eyes were hiding. The tiny playful flames in them were eloquent.

Shifting slightly in your seat, you smoothed out your bridesmaid dress and raised your glass, the ghost of a smirk playing on your lips.

"Cheers to us control freaks then."

Fred mirrored your smug expression and your glasses met with a clink. The bubbly liquid tingled your throat, undoubtedly refreshing you and cooling you off. You glanced at the people dancing in the centre of the clearing and giggled - Ginny had apparently thrown away her white shoes long ago, bare feet stepping elegantly on the grass.

"You see, I'd like to chat a bit more with you, but I'm afraid it's a bit too loud here. What about we go to the pond across the field?" Fred suggested, pointing at the woods behind his back. You had visited them countless times when staying with Harry at the Burrow during holidays years ago; the tall trees and the glistening waters had never ceased to bring you comfort.

The noise started to become bothersome, and you felt it even more necessary to continue your conversation somewhere private, the unknown causing butterflies to erupt in your stomach. Fred's presence could only be compared to a shot of whiskey, or the sensation of anticipating a tidal wave to crash into you in less than a second. It was wild and the tiniest bit terrifying, but oh so tempting as it pulled you in.

"I'd love that, but… you know," you grinned and playfully swang your sore feet. "Can't really walk."

But this didn't at all seem like a problem to Fred Weasley who only shrugged and stood up, "You don't have to. I'll carry you."

"Merlin, no! Please, it's not necessary."

Fred frowned, but his confused expression was soon replaced by an amused one.

"You said it yourself that your feet hurt like hell. And even if carrying you around isn't necessary, it doesn't mean I don't want to."

You attempted to tame the butterflies.

"No, no! You seriously don't have to, I promise," you frantically protested as you held up your hands in front of you to reassure him, but he only gave you a weird look. "I can walk on my own. I'll be too heavy for you."

"There's only one way to find out."

Fred walked over to you and leaned down, one hand sneaking around your waist and the other slipping under your knees. You shrieked in terror, arms flying to clutch at his shoulders, and heat rose to your cheeks from the abrupt contact. Your chests were pressed together, and you were afraid he'd be able to feel your racing heart. His skin was warmer than you had thought, and it successfully fought off the night summer chill.

"Are we going?" Fred whispered down at you, lips so close to yours that you recognized the nuance of champagne in his breath, mixing unbelievably well with the scent of cinnamon and sandalwood of his cologne.

Not only is he sinfully attractive, but he smells heavenly too?

"Yes," you breathed and let Fred effortlessly walk across the meadow with you in his arms. They brought this new, odd, yet familiar sense of security, and you allowed your head to rest against his chest, nervous gaze wandering off into the distance in hopes of not meeting his. Nevertheless, curiosity eventually took the best of you, and your eyes would occasionally flicker to his, which were now completely black under the night sky. They could swallow you whole, you swore.

Minutes later, you found yourselves in the company of old, enormous willows which surrounded the pond you so vividly remembered from your teenage years. You thanked Fred as he carefully let you down, and took a few steps forward to look around and drench in the misty moonlight that enveloped the area. The waters were crystal clear and completely still, reflecting the moon and its majestic silver glow. The bushes had grown significantly over the time you were away, and you fondly looked back at the moments when you would pick up colorful wildflowers in the summer before your fourth year.

"Shall we sit?" Fred asked quietly from right behind your shoulder, and you followed him with a nod. You found a comfortable spot on the fresh grass to sit, a few feet away from where the water met the soil and moved back and forth ever so slightly.

"It's more beautiful than I remember," you noted, lips curled up in a barely visible smile. Fred hummed in agreement.

"That's why I always make sure to come here every chance I get when I return. But, unfortunately, that's very rare in my case."

For a moment, there was only the chirping of crickets and the soft bubbling of water.

Fred turned to you.

"Remember when mum used to call for us to de-gnome the garden and we'd hide here? We could stay in the bushes for hours before we eventually came back," he recalled, seeming deep in thought. It was an extraordinary sight; for once the playful spark in his eyes was more mellow, there was no cockiness seeping into the way he was holding himself. He was just Fred, the man who was currently thinking with so much adoration and love about his childhood, the most significant memories of it being marked by you.

You wondered, given you ever had the chance to spend with Fred as much time as your older brother did, if the charismatic prankster would have fallen for you like you had done. You wondered, given the chance you had let Fred get to know you better all those summers ago, if his heart would have belonged to you by now just like yours did to him.

Had you possibly missed your chance?

"Oh, I do," you sighed, the tension in your chest vanishing as warm nostalgia crept in like an old friend. "I also remember when I got this really bad nightmare that night. I was so terrified that you took me on a ride with your broom in the middle of the night to cheer me up."

"That's true! My parents don't know about it to this day," he replied smugly. "I can still hear you screaming like a lunatic."

You jokingly smacked his arm, "I was twelve!"

Fred's grin grew wider.

"Excuses…"

This only caused you to stare at him in disbelief and cross your arms, managing your most serious expression, but Fred was aware you were on the verge of failing to keep your stern facade. He squinted his eyes as a teasing attempt to provoke you, smile threatening to split his face in two.

"Alright then, that's enough about me," you announced, and Fred nodded in mock agreement as he studied your playful pretence. "If you're so much better than me, Mr Darcy, what else do you do aside from stealing ladies away?"

"Stealing their hearts," he said confidently, flashing you a seductive smirk, reserved only for special girls back in your Hogwarts days. You giggled, finding his antic utterly ridiculous, but you hated to admit that it still turned your blood into liquid fire. Fred apparently saw right through you, because when your eyes landed on his, they appeared completely dark once again, but, you suspected, for a reason other than the lack of light.

Your throat went dry, and you found it hard to swallow down the lump that cut your breath short.

He ran a hand through his ginger hair as he began to explain, "I'm kidding, you know. But to answer your question, George and I have been working on this potion that should be able to change the color of the eyes and hair. Fun for those who enjoy experimenting with their appearance, but it can also be useful to the Ministry. They're actually going to send a team of a couple of aurors to visit us next month so we can update them on our progress and negotiate the details."

"Wow! That's certainly exciting!"

"Is it? I mean, it probably is, but I've been having second thoughts lately if I'm being honest." He scratched the back of his neck, and you realised you had only witnessed him being anxious when it came to his greatest passion. "I'm afraid we might not be done on time, there's still plenty left to improve."

You put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention, and said, "I'm sure you'll figure it all out eventually. Keep working as you normally do, try not to stress too much over the deadline, and even if things go wrong at some point, don't go too hard on yourself. It wouldn't take away any progress you've made so far."

Fred's body relaxed just a bit and he looked down at you. He couldn't deny the sense of serenity that he felt only when he was with you. Even as a careless young boy, he was able to pinpoint the way his midriff would clench every time you'd laugh at his jokes or ask him to play with you, without knowing what it all meant.

But now, as a grown man, he had a word to describe the bittersweet fire within.

"You know what?" He tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "I could really benefit from having someone like you around to give me motivation."

"Motivation, huh?" you raised an eyebrow, fighting back a smile. Fred sneaked a hand around your waist and pulled you closer.

"Yes, motivation."

"Motivation for what?"

"Marketing strategies, work projects…" he shrugged nonchalantly, "...among other things."

You quickly caught on, suddenly becoming way too self-aware of the way you were practically cuddled into Fred's side, hand resting on his shoulder while his were wrapped around your waist. But his shining confidence seemed to rub off on you, because you asked.

"What's with you offering me a job all of a sudden?"

His bottom lip was tucked between his teeth as he took his sweet time devouring you with his darkened gaze. You didn't know whether you wanted to hide from it, or expose yourself even further to the way it burned its way straight to your core.

"Well…" Fred dragged out in his low, hoarse voice, and caressed your cheek with his thumb before slipping it under your chin to guide it towards his face. You could nearly taste the remaining flavour of champagne on his lips. "I've certainly been feeling…"

Fred went quiet as he got lost in the way you fit so perfectly in his arms; you had always meant to be there, he realised. His mouth crashed into yours, hands tightly gripping your waist, and you let out a gasp. Fred's lips were soft, although slightly chapped, and they moved gently but firmly against yours, turning you into their slave. Your palms naturally slid up his chest and he closed any remaining distance between your bodies by placing you to straddle his lap. The kiss was a dance of pushing forward and pulling back, two lovers having finally found their rhythm after years of living in fearful desire. You were positively drunk on his taste, on him, and you wished to never become sober.

When your need for air overcame the one for physical contact, you pulled away. Your chests were heaving with rapid, shallow breaths, hearts beating in synch like they had always done. You let a finger tenderly trace his cheekbone down to his jawline, then it came back up to draw different affectionate patterns on his face.

"What were you saying?" you asked, clearly out of breath. "How were you feeling?"

He fondly took your hand that was caressing his skin, and lifted it up to press feather-light kisses on your knuckles. His lips retraced their path until they reached the tips of your fingers, and he kissed those with the gentlest of touch.

You heart ached pleasurably from the way he was handling you with such care, much more than you ever believed he was capable of.

After minutes of worshipping you by the moonlit lake, Fred looked back at you as though you were his entire world. And replied with a smile.

"Inspired."

Reblogs and feedback are greatly appreciated!

Masterlist

[flopsy-art]

++++

"Welcome to the 309th Battalion Commander." The shiny said, stepping back so Sap could more easily gawk at the rows of brightly painted men. He didn't gawk.

"Battalion? I was under the impression that battalions do not have Jedi Generals."

"Technically he is a commander."

"Technically, answer the question. Even if he is a commander, are we not named regiment?"

"Well," the Major drawled. "Technically we are a Battalion. General, um Commander Zishral only leads about six hundred vode here, split into four companies. A few nat born officers too."

"I see."

"We have heard there are 'circumstances'," the shiny held up air quotes, almost mocking. "We are an offshoot of the Seventh Sky Corps."

He seemed smug at this last remark, like little Major Tireal was going to be working beside High General Obi-Wan Kenobi and Marshal Commander Cody anytime soon. If ever. Sap hoped not.

"Thankyou Major," he said lightly and then steered this flighlty man out of the landing bay and into the heart of the ship. Sap had worked on smaller birds like this before. He had jumped a rank with his promotion to this post and he was glad, even if it wasn't quite what he thought it was. Seeing Jedi from afar, from holo's or in the very middle distance on a battle field, wouldn't be the same as meeting and talking to one face to face. Tireal fidgeted a bit beside him as they approached the bridge.

"Don't tell me your nervous, Major," Sap teased.

"Oh- I'm- sir, I'll be honest, I've never met a Jedi, and he arrived shipside only an hour ago so-" Tireal mumbled.

"I've never met a Jedi either." And Sap strode headstrong onto the bridge, helmet under his arm, curls gelled back away from his face.

Commander Zishral wasn't quite what Sap was expecting, but then again nothing was going quite as he expected today. The Jedi stood strong and built, back straight. His yellow montrals turning muddy in the blue light. His lekku not long tails as he had seen on Master Shaak Ti, but shorter. Hanging over his shoulders and landing just to the inside of his elbows. His arms were crossed, one sleeve tucked neatly into the other. And the look on his face was almost... sad. Tireal jumped in first.

"CT- 36-5512 sir. Battalion Major," he said, looking anywhere but the Jedi's face. Those sad eyes turned from Tireal's shakey posture to stare questioningly at Sap, and his continued silence.

"And you?"

"Commander Sap, reporting. Nice to meet you," he held out an open palm and waited.

Some clone officer's manning stations around the room stilled. The air turned tight, Sap swore you could shatter it with a word. All they could hear was the hum of the engines and everyones breathing. There was a tiny smile that pulled Zishral's lips, before he smotherd it and grabbed Sap's offered hand.

"Perfect. Greetings Commander Sap. You may call be Okuzy."

Sap's eyes widened a bit. He was prepared for a retort, a insistent ask for his number. It wasn't there.

"Of course, General," he said.

"I am a not a General, Commander. We share a rank, for complicated reasons. Sir is fine or simply use my name."

"Well-" Sap stuttered, "then you'll do likewise, Okuzy."

There was another very intense second where everyone held their breath, and then a true and proper smile broke Okuzy's face.

"Now," he turned his head back to Tireal. "Do you prefer a number? Or is there a name that's yours?"

Tireal looked helplessly at Sap, back at the Jedi, then back at Sap.

He opened his mouth closed it again, and finally he breathed, "Tireal, sir. Thankyou."

"You can call me Okuzy if you prefer as well, Tireal. Or you can call me Zishral, if you find first names uncomfortable. Some perceive a secondary name more formal," Okuzy said, forever polite.

"I- uh thankyou, sir," Tireal stuttered. He rubbed the back of his head. "I might stick to Zishral."

"Of course. Now Sap," he said, leaving Tireal with a warm look, "let's hear about our first assignment-"

++++

[dragxnsfire]

ariveth​:

                  GIVING THE CHAIR’S LEG A LIGHT KICK to leave room between it and the table for herself, Ariveth grins at her patron as she sits down, regarding him with an intense curiosity completely unveiled now that she was in proximity and could regard him more closely. His face is shrouded, but not entirely. “Can’t imagine why,” she muses in casual compliment. In approach, his formidable size had been evident to her even while sitting by the height of his torso and the length of his legs extended before him — she’s seen plenty of altmer before, but none quite so tall. He does stick out for a myriad of other reasons too, of course, but none worthy of the implied aversion. Or well, not to her, at least.

                     “I am she,” Ariveth confirms, setting her elbows atop the table, pulling the pick from between her lips and propping her chin atop folded hands. “And you’ve hired me, so I assume you’ve done your due diligence and learned everything there is to know about me already, hm? But I know nothing of you — by design, I’m sure.” The lower tail of his scar has her fascinated, even more so does the mystery of the hood, and of course, the offer to back out while she still can. Very likely, drawing interest is far from his intention, but it’s been achieved regardless.

                  She tilts her head, clicking her tongue. “Bare minimum,” she informs with a flicker of her fingers from still-static hands. “A ruin on the island, no additional men, suitable pay.” Her mouth turns up at one corner. “No ultimate goal, no specific details, no name of my client…” She trails off, the expectation lingering along with her hinted smile. “Even so, stranger of Summerset, I’ve no desire to ‘jump ship’, no matter the danger. I’m intrigued, and I’m good. You have my sword — provided you’re planning to shed at least a little light on this expedition of ours. And yourself.”

He took a swig of his sujamma as she sat— if he was unused to the bitter flavor of the liquor, he certainly didn't show it. In fact, he seemed quite unphased by the entire situation— the odd creatures of the isle, the constant ash storms, even the uncomfortable beds and chairs that were far too short. He gazed down at Ariveth, impassive, before pulling his hood down and removing his cloak, shaking the excess ash from his silver hair. Now, without the cloak, the top of a longer, far more deliberate scar could be seen just below the collar of his shirt. "I've grown used to it; besides, it does help me have a certain mystique, don't you think?" He gave a soft laugh, shifting so he could lean forward on the table.

Urnarseldo's  gaze sobered again, and the old mage gave a nod. "I've done my due diligence and more, young mercenary. One doesn't live as long as I have without knowing how to gather information." He closed his eye, letting his breath out in a long sigh. "Yes; I do everything I'm able to avoid notice. It doesn't always work, as I'm sure you've gathered. But you can never be too careful with your name. Anyone and everyone could be in the employ of the Thalmor, these days. Including residents of this isle."

He reached forward, grabbing the second bottle of sujamma, and pouring some into his empty cup as the young Dunmer spoke of what she knew. "Good, good, then Morvayn does know how to keep a secret. I'd say Mephala favors him, but I don't have a particularly good relationship with the Prince." He leaned onto the table, taking a long sip of his liquor as he considered her unspoken questions. "A ruin, yes— though I'm more interested in who is at the ruin than the ruin itself. As far as I can tell, it's simply another Nord burial site. Unremarkable, except for the stalhrim the people are entombed in."

With another long sip, his cup was once again empty; he set it back on the table with a clack. "As for me—" he paused, rubbing his chin. "I'm a mage by trade, though I know my way with a blade well enough. Spent some time with the Thieves' Guild, and the Mages' Guild. I was of some importance, long ago; though my time has long since passed. You can call me Urnarseldo; or 'Vestige', if you would rather. Either suits me well enough."

[adore-you-hs2]

For this fit I have decided to use lily James as my main girl mainly bc of how beautiful she is (but you can picture anyone you would like).

———

I hate pirates, they're filthy, cruel and horrible, I was absolutely sure I never wanted to meet one.

That was until I met him.

Ever since I was a young girl, I was taught to stay away from any kind of danger especially pirates. I hear tales of their attacks, of how they prey on the on ports and how they take pleasure on hurting the innocent civilians. I am lord Henrys, daughter. And never in my life have I met a pirate and I don't plan on meeting one soon.

I pulled back the lace curtains of my window, letting in the light of the morning sun enter my bedroom. I looked out my bedroom window. Like always, it's a typical boring day In port royal. Navvy vessels are docked in the bay while officers are rushing around doing their daily business. I wonder what it's like there outside in the ocean. I gaze at the currents and waves. The ocean is quite beautiful, I don't mind waking up to the glistening water every day.

I trace my fingers along the wooden windowsill. There's not much adventure in the life of a lady. My whole life has been planned out, actually.

I walked down the stairs of the manor, waiting for me at the bottom was none other than the commodore.

”shouldn't you be at the ceremony?” I ask him as I reached the bottom.

The ceremony ended an hour ago, miss James, was deeply disappointed to see wasn't there, he replied.

”I'm so sorry commodore, I forgot”.

”that's alright, ”he smiles. ” I have a very important question to ask you, Miss James”

He takes my hand and leads me out towards the docks. I gulp. He was a fine man. Marrying him would be a perfect match but I long for adventure and the commodore would fail to provide that.

”now, miss James, I have known you since you were a little girl, ” he says. We walk along the dock, his sweaty hand in my tiny one. ” and it would only be right if I marry a fine woman to match my image .” he turns to me” and you have grown to be a very fine woman, Miss James.”

I know where this is going and look away. I get uncomfortable when people call me ’Miss’. Suddenly I see something from the corner of my eye, I look out towards the ocean and see a huge ship with black sails disappear behind a cliff.

”Commodore!” I say alarmed, ”did you see that?”

He looks towards the direction I point at but by then, the ship has gone.

” I don't see anything, Miss James. Now what was I saying?”

I am pretty sure I saw something. I know I wasn't imagining it. I continue to stare at the cliff as if the ship would emerge again. The commodore starts to drone on, the mysterious ship distracts me from all he is saying.

”Miss James, is there something wrong?” he says.

I turn back to me, ” no, nothing wrong” I say with a forced smile.

He continues to talk while I think about the ship. black sails - I've never seen such a ship, but I have heard of one. A ship with black sails, a ship preying on ports and settlements for ten years, a ship crew by the damned. I instantly know what ship it is.

”commodore! pira-” there was a sudden boom as the front of the dock smashes into pieces. Wooded planks fly in all directions. The air also starts to fill with earsplitting screams as the ship with black sails come back Into view, firing cannons at the town.

I look at the commodore in horror as he squeezes my hand.

”get yourself out of here, go to the manor!” he yells at me over the noise.

”Whatever happens don't look back, just keep running”

I bolt down the streets. Everywhere I look, I see buildings on fire and pirates running around attacking two people. The town is in total chaos. By my side, windows are smashing and guns are firing, followed by clashes of swords and screams of Panic.

I run towards my home when a blast a few meters away Knocks me out. I tried to blink a couple of times but the world around me starts to blur, just as my eyes where about I close a pirate walks into view with long curly hair hiding over his shoulder and a long coat reaching his knees. A long sword is clutched tightly with his right hand and a pistol in the other. He was the last thing I saw before the world turns black

~~~~~

I wake with a pillow thrown at my face, I sit up. I must have overslept again and father was waking me up.

It seems as if I'm in a small room dimly lit by candlelight. Where am I? As my eyes start to adjust, I notice there is a table with charts on top and a long dining table with a bushel of fresh apples. There is also a glass window with no light singing through, I can tell it's night time. At the end of the room, laying on an armchair,is a sword.

” oh the princess is finally up”

I hear a voice and turn to its direction, surprised. Standing in front of me is a boy, No a man.

He has long curly hair the shade of mud, and hanging over his muscley shoulders he also had green sparking eyes that I could get lost in all day and a smirk across his face as he pierced Down at me.

His name is legendary in the sea, the ruthless young pirate has the world fearing him by gaining such fortune over the short years, the pirate also has a thirst for blood, tormenting the lives of enemies as well as the innocent and that was only a part of his reputation.

He's rumoured to be perfecting stunning, almost an angel says the number of women who were lucky enough to escape him.

He takes a few steps closer to me and I get I closer look at him as he gets into the candlelight.

” I know you, ” I say to him ”you’ re the one everyone is looking for. I see your face on the wanted posters all over town. Your Harold styles”

”captain styles, ” he growls with an annoyed look on his face. ” if you know you wouldn't dare speak my name without my permission”

I look up at him in disgust. ”where am i” I ask.

”you're on the rosebud revenge, this is the captain quarters princess”.

I let out a giggle, and he looked at me in confusion. ”the rosebud revenge isn't a very scary ship name, for someone like you”

”its not the name you should be scared of darling, but the person who owns it” he sat down on the bed next to legs, he looked me dead in the eye as he pulled out a tiny knife from his pants that was cover in blood

My eyes widen as he pulled it close in my face.

”what do you want from me” I ask horrified.

” I dont want anything from you, I was simply bored and seen your pathetic island” styles says.

I can't believe him, he and his crew killed innocent people because he was bored, I gave him a look of shock.

I watched as he ran the non-bladed side of the knife down my cheek causing blood to stain my skin, I gagged at the smell.

” you're disgusting, how could you do that they done nothing wrong to you” I snap at him

He chuckles and removes the knife away from my face ” your quite loud for a little thing aren't you”.

” I'm 19, you disgusting pirate. Just wait til my father sees you” I say to as he got up from the bed ”now take me home!”.

I followed him as I also got of the bed as stood in front of him, I need to act brave.

”dont talk to me like that you stupid little girl, your nothing but weak in the ship!” he grabbed me by the neck with his strong hand (I was suprized it doesn't snap from the strength) and pushed us up against the dining table.

” trust me, little girl you won't be the same of you go back there” I gasp in pain as he gripped my neck tighter.

”Why are you- saying all these things” I turned my face away from him and he moved his face to my ear unable to look him in the eye

” you wanna you know why, because I killed everyone on that damed island, from the firstborn to the very last dying man ” he whispered in my ear and chuckled at my reaction.

I turned to his as tears filled my eyes, the rumors were true he doesnt have a heart.

” you couldn't- no! You monster, how could you”

I sobbed in defeat as I realized I will never see my family again and how much everyone must have gone through.

Captain Styles squeezed my neck one final time before letting go of my neck, he did nothing but stare as I sank to the floor.

I rubbed my neck trying to smooth the pain.

He bends down so he was at my level and gripped my hair into his hand.

” trust me, princess, after I figure out what I'm gonna do with you, your gonna wish you died with them”

I chocked a sob

”save you stupid tears, I'm done for now ” he finally walked away from me and before he left room he threw a diamond ring at me .

” from your precious commodore, I took from him after I drained the blood from his body, you might want to clean his blood on your cheek, Princess”

And with that he left me so drown to my sorrow

-///

@c-h-e-r-r-y-y 😅

[doctorgerth]

Hi Doc-chan! I've seen that your requests are open so I can ask for little scenarios with Ace, Sabo and Law (love those three princes) with a girlfriend who has a devil fruit that makes her behave like a cat? How do you like to take naps, purr when you get cuddled? among other feline behaviors.

Hi there, Mori! This was so so cute, I had so much fun writing this. It was quite easy too because I have cats of my own, so I just incorporated some of their adorable behaviors into these scenarios! Thank you so much for this ask dear, hope you like it! x

Ace, Sabo, Law with a Cat DF S/O

Ace

Ace had been looking for (Name) everywhere among the Moby Dick. His crew mates were growing tired of him asking over and over again where she was, dismissing his useless worry. His feet had quickened to a jogging pace now as he frantically searched for his girlfriend, scared that maybe she had fallen overboard. She was always a curious one, and her clumsiness tended to get the best of her. He at last found Marco (completely forgetting he had already asked him twice by now) and proceeded with his question.

“Marco, have you se-”

Before Ace could even finish his question, Marco’s blue flames were wrapped around his mouth, instantly shutting him up.

“Instead of asking me for the thousandth time, why don’t you actually check inside the ship? Her room, maybe? Just a thought.” He retorted with the utmost sarcasm. As if a light bulb went off, Ace’s eyes opened wide and he simply nodded at Marco’s suggestion, somehow never thinking of checking there.

It’s not that (Name) was antisocial, she loved everyone on the Moby Dick just as much as they had loved her. She just required her own personal space, Ace being the only one she was completely open to, which was what drew the two together. She must be napping, it is midday! Ace thought to himself, instantly turning on his heels to scurry to her room once Marco released him from the flames. The door creaked open and Ace cursed at it, worried he would wake her. He had expected to see her cute body curled into a ball, napping away on her bed. To his surprise and fear, she was nowhere in sight.

(Name) had heard Ace’s footsteps, the ones she knew too well, coming closer to her room. She had simply been sitting by the window, peacefully watching the waves glistening under the afternoon sun. Once she heard her boyfriend running this way, she decided to hide behind her closet door, eager to get a fun little scare out of him. She loved to play cat and mouse with him, his cute little squeaks of fear always made her break out into fits of laughter.

Her eyes caught sight of Ace nearing her closet and the thrill of the hunt fueled her veins. With a wiggle of her butt, she pounced from behind her hiding spot and attacked her prey, catching him completely off guard.

“Ahh!” Ace screamed, collapsing onto his back with (Name) wrapped around him.

“Gotcha, you sneaky mouse.” She smiled down at him between laughter, purring while nuzzling her face into his neck.

He reached up to pet her head adoringly, smiling sweetly after finally finding her, “You sure did, my little hunter.”

Sabo

Today was surprisingly a normal day at the Revolutionary Army base. This was a unique experience that Sabo and his girlfriend did not take for granted. Usually their days were full of missions and tedious meetings, but now that they had time to just themselves, they really took advantage of it.

They were currently playing a little hide and seek at the moment, just being silly together. Sabo was scurrying around looking everywhere for her.

“This is no fair, (Name). You’re clearly the superior hider.” Sabo tsked, having been looking for her for nearly 10 minutes now. She was nowhere in sight, he had checked both of their rooms, the kitchen, the meeting room, even the bathrooms!

He then passed a door that was cracked open ever so slightly leading into the storage room. Sabo walked in sneakily, sure that this was where she would be hiding, there was nowhere left! He eyed around, studying all of the boxes carefully, until he caught sight of an odd figure protruding out from a box that was definitely not sizable for a human to hide in.

Sabo smiled to himself, reaching for something in his pocket, “Well, I think you’re the winner here, babe. I just can’t seem to find you.”

A light giggle escaped her throat as she believed to be completely invisible. She was always so good at hiding from him, this box was the perfect hideaway! Just as she was about to pounce out onto her lover, a red dot shone against the tiled floor below the box.

Her eyes widened, and though she hated herself for it, she escaped from the box, eagerly trying to grab at the threatening red light. Sabo chuckled to himself above her, relishing the adorable sight of his feline-like girlfriend toying with the laser light. She grimaced up at him, hissing in annoyance.

“Don’t be mad at me. You fall for it every time.”

“That’s cheating!” she exclaimed, rising to her feet now. 

“You know you didn’t fit in the box, right? I could see you poking through when I walked in.” The amusement in his tone and smile irritated her to no end. 

“No way! I was totally out of sight.” She huffed, crossing her arms in defiance, “I bet you can’t find a better hiding spot.”

“You’re on. You can hunt for me all you want, my little tiger.” He grinned ear to ear, placing a loving hand atop her head. A small mew escaped her throat, much to her embarrassment, but Sabo only smiled wider, always finding her feline noises absolutely precious. 

Law

Cuddle time with Law was (Name)’s favorite bonding time. It was such a rare occasion, so she truly cherished when he gave in to her neediness and pulled her close to him in their shared bed. They were relaxing now, the sun was shining a peaceful day as the Polar Tang was currently surfaced, just merely floating along the waves.

She hated the water, however soothing it may sound crashing against the sides of the submarine. Being a devil fruit user with the neko-neko no mi fruit at that, she despised being near the water, always choosing to remain indoors where she was safe and sound. Law found this amusing and rather comforting as he preferred to stay indoors as well.

Today was no exception. While everyone was basking in the relaxing surface air, Law and (Name) were stowed away in their bedroom, his arm around her while she laid on her side, curling into the fetal position next to Law. Her hands naturally found themselves rubbing, kneading, into Law’s side in pure bliss.

Law had grown used to this notion, knowing it was something she did when she felt completely content. He was glad he could provide her happiness and thought it was endearing she showed her affection this way. He knew her feline tendencies would surface every now and then even when she was in lone human form.

She snuggled deeper into his side, relishing the warmth he radiated. A few moments passed before she grew tired of her position and readjusted, practically laying atop his chest. One eye opened curiously as he watched her readjust time and time again until finally finding a the perfect comfy spot to lay down, her kneading continuing yet again. She looked at him innocently before bringing her forehead to his, rubbing her head lovingly against him.

Law’s hand flew instinctively to the top of her head, petting gently until he finds that certain spot behind her ear. Her eyes are closed now and the low vibration begins reverberating in her throat. Law adored her purring; it was such a unique and special sound only he could produce from her.

“Good girl.” He hummed before she laid her head against his chest, the purring slowly subsiding, and they drifted off to sleep for a little cat nap.

[darthlorddiamond]

Part of

This is the epilogue of the Black Diamond story, if you want to read the previous episode you can check my Masterlist.

Summary: Be a part of the First Order was certainly not what Black Diamond thought it would be and, after a time of isolation at Starkiller Base, she decided that it was time to take things in charge.

Words: 3,735

Reading Time: 15 min

Category: Bio

Warnings: None

__________________

Part of

The reception I had upon arrival at Starkiller Base was the opposite of warm. Not that I was expecting fanfare upon entry, much less a presentation parade, but after all the trouble Hux and Phasma went through to find me, at least I thought I would be presented to the other generals and high ranks of the Order. I traveled light, my luggage consisted of my collection of sabers, the hurdy-gurdy and a suitcase with my best suits, I assumed that being at my destination I would be provided with the other items for my basic needs, I shouldn´t have made such an assumption.

Immediately, upon my arrival, I was directed to my quarters, which were much more modest to the luxury I was already accustomed to having; It was a medium-sized room, with a small living-dining room, a rather small kitchen, a single bed in the back and an extremely small bathroom, with no windows. I didn´t miss the opportunity to demonstrate my discontent to Hux, letting him know that if, he was going to have me on that cold planet, which already seemed extremely annoying to me because of its resemblance to Hoth, the least he could do its make me feel at home. 

My comment caused him to thunder his mouth and mutter under his breath, however, my posture was stronger, for no reason was I going to live in that place, fact that I showed him crossing my arms without putting a foot inside. After a few minutes of constant complaints from him, he had no choice but to agree to my whims, requesting a new location for my quarters, close to his, and a list of all the items I wanted, it was indisputable that, although the idea of ​​giving me special treatment was not much to his liking, but he knew perfectly well that I wasn´t going to access to his types of treatments, since at any moment I could grab a ship and leave them behind because they had no power over me.

My first week I spent it walking around the entire base, locating where the areas of my interest were, likewise, I took the opportunity to explore the outside of it, once again entering the forest and the snow. It had been a long time since I had had such direct contact with the cold in that way, and, what in my youth I found extremely aberrant by the memory of betrayal, now I found it extremely pleasant. I restarted my meditations inside the forest, trying to reconnect with those things that I tried to avoid and forget in my youth; By this point I had already understood that, if this was the path I was going to take, I would gain nothing by blocking and ignoring all the pain I felt in Hoth, on the contrary, I had to find a way to elevate it and integrate it in to myself as a functional part of the person I was now.

During my tours I managed to perfectly locate where the Command Bridge, the Hux office, the training room, the dining room, and the Med Bay were; outside these places, the other spaces weren´t of my interest. Until then, almost all my communication was with Hux, who wasn´t in the least pleased to have to be my liaison with his superiors, and to be honest, I quite enjoyed complicating things, forcing him to look for me all over the place. 

Our communication was quite unstable, depending on the mood in which we woke up was the type of words we vocalized, I wasn´t going to deny that, just by sharing the same workspace, I liked the man, on the contrary, I never lost an opportunity to point out that his presence seemed unpleasant to me, a fact that he returned, making an endless circle by trying to demonstrate who of the two imposed greater authority. Until that moment I didn´t know who the Supreme Leader was, nor had I been introduced to the other members of the Command Bridge and not to mention the precious son of Leia, in that place, at that time, we were simply Hux and I, ironic.

Within a month of arriving, I made the training room my second home; I spent most of the day there, which Hux liked quite a lot since it was much easier for him to find me. I soon learned that this space had very defined schedules. In the early hours of the morning, the largest and most common room was used by the troops, while the private rooms were reserved by someone whom I didn´t know; In the middle of the morning, lieutenants and captains came, from mid-day until afternoon, occasionally Phasma come with a group of soldiers to train them in combat, and at night, eventually, the high command made use of the facilities. For me, the training room was a very curious parade of people, whom I could observe all day to get to know more of them without the need to speak a single word to them. 

I must admit that, at first, I was spending my time within the hours that I knew Phasma would be present, just to make her uncomfortable with my presence; During these hours I took the opportunity to do a few exercises while observing how she did her work, and I must admit that I was quite surprised at what I saw, without a doubt her combat style had improved a lot and all her troops showed her impressive respect; I may have been a little jealous at first to see her that way, but leaving my pride aside, I was quite amusing, to put it in some way, to see the person she had become, yet that I didn´t leave aside the resentment that I still felt towards her person and that, I was very sure, would never leave.

One afternoon, I was in the training room doing a few exercises with one of my sabers, the room was empty, it was one of those few occasions when everyone was doing some other important activity, of which I was unaware and they didn´t take up their time to train. 

Finishing my routine, I walked to a bench where I sat down to rest for a moment, took a drink from my water bottle and grabbed one of the towels I was carrying to wipe the sweat off my forehead when someone approached me "I've been thinking for days on you…” I looked up to find Phasma standing in front of me, I didn´t quite understand what she wanted or how she dared to approach me, so I decided to ignore her and I continued to wipe my face "I understand perfectly that you aren´t in the least interested in what I have to say..." in fact, I didn´t care about what she had to say and I was beginning to irritate by her mere presence "What do you want? Stop wasting my time and speak clearly" was the only thing I said to her as I took my bottle again to take another sip, I could see how she hesitated to continue speaking, her whole body showed hesitant signs "I´m not coming to apologize for anything, as you said I did what I had to do to get to where I´m now..." I rested my elbows on my knees while my gaze remained fixed on her, who wore her chrome armor and held her helmet under one of her arms "You still don't like me at all and I still don't understand how you got to where you´re..." I gave a small mocking laugh that made her purse her mouth a little "I been watching your way of training while we were here..." I began to thunder the bones of my hands and her eyes strayed to observe it, adopting a defensive posture, I suppose she thought that at any moment I would come on top of her, however, seeing that I remained in my place, she continued with his speech "I must admit, it's pretty impressive...".

She swallowed so deeply that a hollow sound came from her throat, she must have had a hard time admitting something like that, she certainly had to put her pride aside enough to introduce herself to me and speak me like that, a fact that I was enjoying too much and, although I too saw in her a breakthrough, I would never tell her "Do you think that with your non-apology and your flattery you´ll ingratiate yourself with me?" Phasma fixed her eyes on mine again with notorious annoyance "Not at all, I still feel a deep disgust and hate to your person" another small laugh and a smile were painted on my lips "The feeling is mutual" she just remained standing quietly for a few more seconds, maybe her pride was coming back and it would no longer allow her to finish speaking, so I decided to dig a little more into that temporary sore to see if I could discover something else “I don't understand the purpose of coming here to tell me this, what are you waiting for?” she shook her head a little and ran one of her hands to wipe off some of the sweat that was forming on her forehead "Maybe I didn't think very well about going here..." I raised one of my eyebrows, she, unsure of something that she was doing? "What do you want Phasma?" I put the most serious and annoyed expression I could "I thought, maybe, I could find another ally in you, apart from Hux..." now it was not a small laugh, it was a huge laugh that I let out while my back was completely arched, throwing my body back for an instant before returning to a straight posture and fixing my eyes on hers again with a highly inquisitive look "Ally me, with you? With the person who murdered the man, I was going to marry? You didn´t think about it well…” that must have been the drop that spilled her glass, because she held her helmet tightly, turned around and started walking towards the exit with a firm step, but before she reached the door I interrupted her way "But yes, I would like someone who knows how this place works, and who can articulate more than three words, unlike Hux".

Immediately she turned to see me while a mischievous smile was painted on my lips "Just to clarify, we still hate each other, correct?" she pointed at me with one of her fingers “Of course Captain” it was the first time since all this began, that I had seen her smile, I couldn't let her go out with that petulant victory spirit, so I stopped and started walking to her while she put on her helmet, preparing to leave "Captain, one more thing..." I began to rub her armor with one of my hands, while looking at my reflection in it "If I discover that all this little game of the ally has another background, well…” I fixed my eyes on the visor of her helmet and gave her the best of my smiles “I hope you likes music” and taking a few steps back, without turning her back on me, she resumed her way and left the room.

After my little reunion with Phasma, I received a datapad in my room, which helped me a lot to liven up my days, and to inquire information about the Order, it was evident that she had been in charge of sending me this present. Also, I intensify my little walks around the base, taking advantage of the new information I had, covering new areas that I didn´t know. In this new scoutings, I began to encounter a group of men who had some relationship with the Force. Most of our encounters were light glances in the hallways, nothing ever went beyond that. Since, at that time, I was still blocking part of my abilities, they never paid me too much attention, surely for them I was only an officer or something similar, although I could see that sometimes I caused them discomfort or curiosity, because my clothing was radically opposed to dress code of the other members or soldiers. It seemed quite striking to me that this whole group always dressed in black with helmets covering their identity and none of them emitted any word, without a doubt they were some kind of elite group, which reminded me of my men in Harloff Minor.

Laughingly, sometimes, in my head I found the presence of that gang comical and, in my mind, I formed the idea that the Supreme Leader perhaps liked to collect Force users, as a kind of bizarre and personal zoo, about which he could exert absolute strength and power to demonstrate his superiority, surely trying to hide some kind of complex, but although that thought entertained me a lot, I knew that, within that group of men, there was surely Ben, so I began to track them down at the distance to make our meetings, I don't know, part of this futile effort was due to my immense boredom and another part was due to the need to locate him, to know who he was, to be able to approach him, which, at that time, turned out to be completely useless.

I chose to stop wasting my energy trying to find someone I didn't even know who he was, I supposed, he would eventually introduce himself to me, so I went back to my meditations, which were deepening, it was evident that being surrounded by others Force-users had awakened in me some kind of connection or bond that potentiated all my actions. In the beginning, I didn´t know very well how it was happening or the consequences that this could bring, so I decided to handle this situation as cautiously as possible. Little by little, I was able to identify that the source that intertwined with me at night, during my meditations, came from a single person and not from a group as I originally thought, however, I didn´t know very well who it could be, and although this made me feel somewhat frustrated, at the same time I could feel relief: if I didn´t know whose energy was brushing against mine, it was very likely that the other person couldn´t identify my presence, so at that moment I felt comfortable and safe using this bond as a potentiator of my energy, curious to see where this type of exercise could take me.

After a month more without activity or contact with other people, I got tired of waiting that someone introduce me properly, I had reached the limit of my patience and my discomfort was starting to grow every day, I needed to start doing something more than fooling around in the training room or hanging around the halls, so I decided to break into the Command Bridge to introduce myself. I dressed in one of my best suits, leather pants with a long raincoat open to my hip and with a small corset at my waist, a belt where I attached one of my sabers and long knee boots with silver details, I refined my makeup, something simple, red lips and a black outline; once ready, I left my room and walked to my destination.

Everyone was busy in their work, there was enough activity on the Command Bridge, I took a quick look around me to see who was there, I was extremely excited, without a doubt my actions were going to cause a scandal among all those present and there would be no way for them to continue to ignore me after this, so I positioned myself in the center of the room and cleared my throat, causing a few people to turn to see me "Good afternoon gentlemen..." this was going to be so much fun "My name is Black Diamond and I´m...", suddenly a hand grabbed my arm tightly and I turned to see who was. 

By the gods! Hux's face was priceless! He was completely red and I could see how some veins were formed in his hundreds “What are you thinking about? Are you crazy?” he pressed his face to mine to such a degree that I could feel the heat that his words emanated through his mouth "No, I'm just bored" I rolled my eyes, the pressure his hand exerted on my arm was getting stronger, he was extremely angry and quickly started pulling me across the Command Bridge, at no time did he stop holding my arm "Hux!" I raised my voice as I tried to wriggle out of his hold, which lasted until we reached his office. The door opened and he pushed me inside. 

How did he dare to treat me like that? I was beginning to get quite annoyed by the way he was behaving, once both inside and with the door closed, he approached me, his body was only inches from mine, he radiated fury, he was uncontrolled, undoubtedly my actions were going to bring him consequences and momentarily my anger low to give way to a pleasant feeling of success. Maybe things didn't go as I thought, but seeing him that way, on the verge of losing his temper, made me quite happy. “Bored? Don't you know what you just did?" here comes one of his litanies about order and discipline "Honestly, I don't care" I replied as I crossed my arms and took a breath, demonstrating the nuisance he caused by his supposed punishment.

Hux separated from me and walked to his desk, where he took a seat. A few minutes of silence passed, so I take the time to snoop around his office, everything was impeccable and extremely ordered, I stopped at one of his bookshelves to see what he had, I was quite surprised to see that the General was also a lover of literature. 

As I took out some books to see their titles, I could feel his gaze staring at me again, apparently he was curious about the way his shelves captured my attention. “What do you want? Is it not more than enough that I already fulfilled all your whims?” still holding one of the books I took, I went to one of the seats that were in front his desk and without taking my attention from its pages, I replied "No, as I already told you, I´m bored" Hux brought one of his hands to his face, where he rubbed the bridge of his nose "And what am I supposed to do?" I looked at him askance, still with the book in my hands "Starting, I would like to meet the rest of the High Command..." his eyes widened "And after that, I would love to have something to do... Hmm... What's its call? Oh yeah! A job" I closed the book in unison with his scream "No!" I stood up from my place and walked to his desk where I left the book "Then I don't know what I'm doing here..." I leaned over his desk so that our noses were inches away, staring into his eyes, causing him discomfort, I could see how a few drops of sweat ran down his forehead "Obviously I don't have any kind of role here..." I brought one of my hands to his chin and ran one of my fingers over the line of his jaw as he swallowed and started to blush "Then, you don't need my presence..." I separated from him to sit on his desk.

I could see how his eyes again traveled the curves of my body, I smiled slightly, I had his full attention so I followed the game a little more, with one of my hands I stroked gently, smoothing, the surface of his desk with my fingers, Hux only brought one of his hands to the knot in his tie "I think I'll go back to Harloff Minor" I whispered as I turned to playfully look at him "No!" all the color disappeared from his face in an instant and he started to babble.

I took advantage of the fact that he was debating between maintaining a serious posture while his eyes were still fixed on my body, so I slowly unbuttoned a few buttons on the top of my blouse, pretending that I had some heat "Alright..." he threw his whole body on the back of his chair while closing his eyes and holding his nose again "But you will work under my charge. I will give you a team to train, just like your men" I got up from the desk in an I jump from to see him head-on “Perfect! You see? It wasn't that difficult. When do we start, boss?” I giggled along with my last word "Tomorrow. I´ll reserve one of the training rooms..." he kept trying to regain his composure while I adjusted my raincoat "It will be not necessary, we will train in the forest..." he turned to look at me in confusion "Tomorrow, 0600 hrs in the meadow at the north exit, make sure them be punctual, I don't like to waste my time” I had achieved what I wanted so I didn't have anything else to do in his office, so I turned around and went to the door “One more thing…” he got up from his place and surrounded his desk, where he supported his hip in the same place where I had sat, I looked at him raising one of my eyebrows, I was waiting to know his conditions "You´ll report all your activities and results exclusively to me, is this it clear?” I nodded and left his office with a feeling of victory and excitement, I had accomplished my mission and incidentally had made the General quite uncomfortable.

It may not be the best of jobs or the best of assignments, but at last, I had something to do: a whole troop under my charge and it was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate all of them my skills.

Finally, after 2 months of arriving at this place, it could be said that I was part of the First Order.

Note: I would like to especially thank @kyloren-theprince​, @thetorturerwrites & @kylorengarbagedump​​​ who took time to read this first part of my saga and sent me observations with all the patience in the world.

[texasthegreatdestroyer]

So, I don't usually do these, because I always felt that shipping oc's with characters from other fan works was socially frowned upon, but since I've been seeing a few of these around, I'll give it a shot. My OC shipped with Auron.

Auron x Texas.

Yes, Auron's current partner in crime, rather he'd liked to admit it or not. Their meeting was rather... comedic. Auron didn't really notice his co worker until he accidentally rested the elbow of his sheifed arm on her head. She was very short, Her height being 4'8. He looked down to find a short, albino girl with wolf ears, and a tail. The whole package. Everything else looked human, she just had a few furry parts to her. Another key thing about her is that she always came off as the, "edgy" type, for her preference in black lipstick, and eyeliner. When he did get to know her, Auron has always found her annoyingly chipper, and overly friendly. The two attended a funeral together once, and she wouldn't stop smiling. Seriously. How does someone smile that much at a funeral??? Auron asked her about it.

Her response: Usually when people die, they don't want people to mourn over them, there for I choose not to mourn.

She wasn't entirely wrong, speaking from his own experiences, however it wasn't exactly the majority opinion, as Auron had to keep the wife of the dead man from trying to punch Tex in the face. Tex was almost always very clingy in the irritating and physical sense. She liked hugging a lot. She would hug Auron everytime she'd see him, and it usually would last 5 minutes before he would have to eventually pull her off. As time went on, and they grew closer, Auron started to notice that something was very wrong with Texas. Her extremely chipper personality was used to hide some dark, twisted thoughts, feelings, and even experiences. He came to this realization when he went to visit her one night, and she didn't answer her door. She lived in a dormitory like area, where there was the bedroom, and then a small room next to it that was a kitchen, and the bathroom being against the the smaller side of the rectangular kitchen. It was a nice little place for someone who likes living alone, but it had its downsides, like paper thin walls. You could hear the inhabitants, and they most likely can hear you as well. After a minute or two of waiting, just as he turned to leave, Auron was startled by the sound of soft, female sobbing, coming from Tex's dorm. He knew for a fact that if Tex was crying, which he had never actually seen her do, something was horribly wrong. He immediately opened the door to find a mess waiting for him. Texas sat their curled up in a ball, hands grabbing at her hair and pulling, make up smeared, wrists bleeding from self inflicted bites. Scattered around her were drawings of morbid, violent, and just horrid depictions, along with words scribbled over them along the lines of, "Worthless", "Dead", "No Future", "I'm nothing." A common sign of depression. If there was one thing Auron always knew about Tex is that she had a talent for art. She did this thing that she called a web comic. Auron, not really being kept up in technology, never really knowing what it was, let alone reading it, thought nothing of it, but he had seen her art, and it was phenomenal. It really opened his eyes to what she truly was when he saw that beauty and talent turned into something so ugly and self degrading. When Tex finally noticed him, her reaction was just to try to hide herself in the comfort of her knees. Auron began snooping around, and grabbing rags, then pried Tex's hands from her head, and wrapped her wrist.

Auron: Moron. What were you thinking???

Texas: ...

Auron pulled her into an embrace, still holding the rags to her wrist.

Auron: Would you like to talk about why you bit yourself up like this? Or the sketches for that matter?

Texas: I-I don't know what to do! My art! My comic! I- the deadline to get chapter 9 out is tomorrow, and I thought I could just push through it in a day with enough effort, but I don't even have content! I don't have a script! I have no story, no art for chapter 9! I'm a fuck up! I'm stupid! I'm nothing! I-... I'm so sorry... you shouldn't have had to see me like this...

Auron: It's fine. You're human after all. I expect you to have emotions, breaking points. As for your problems. Tex, the comic is just a for fun thing, right?

Texas: Yeah...

Auron: Great. Take some time off until you get over your writer's block. The timely fashion of updates doesn't matter, the quality does. If you can't produce anything good, then step back and take a break. It's obvious that it's affecting your mental health. This will make you hate what you do, so step back from it. Take a break.

Texas: You're right, I've just... meh.

Auron: Don't be afraid to show your emotions around me. It shows me that you are human.

That night, Auron didn't leave Tex's side, mainly out of fear for what she might do when she's alone. This opened a pathway for future sleep overs. Auron didn't share his bed with many, but with Tex, it had become routine, and he didn't mind. He actually liked the cuddles. A few months later, he receives a message from Tex. That night, she wasn't with him, she decided to stay at her place to do some cleaning.

Message received at 1:23 am:

Texas: Hey. Are you awake?

Auron: I wasn't until you woke me. -_-

Texas: Oh sorry. I forgot that your ringtone is up all the way usually... I'm sorry. XD

Auron: This better be important if it warrants you texting me at one in the morning...

Texas:...

Auron: It's not that important, is it?

Texas: ... No comment...

Auron: Tex...

Texas: I'll leave you alone then.

Auron: Why do you do this!? Spit it out! I'm already awake!

Texas: Are you sure? It can wait until tomorrow.

Auron: Tex. Spit. It. Out...

Texas: I can't! You're making me nervous!XI

Auron: Why would you be nervous?

Texas: Because it's kinda personal...

Auron: Okay. Pretend I'm not here. Say what you have to say.

Texas: ... that is so unaffective when I'm staring directly at that message...

Auron: Point taken. Just tell me.

Texas: Okaaaaay! ...

The icon at the bottom that says that Tex is typing stays that way for 5 minutes.

Auron: So?

Texas: Okay. Here goes nothing. And when I say that, I mean here goes everything I could possibly hold dear in my life. XD

Auron: Are you going to say what I think you're going to say?

Texas: I would really really really REALLY like to punch you in the face!

Auron: Okay, that's not where I thought you were going with this.

Texas: With my face, gently... I Love you! You are amazing, and wise, and sweet, even when you hide it under your protective layers! I simply love you. End of story. And I was wondering if you would allow me to take you out to dinner! I'm going to go cry now, because I feel like I'm dying XD

Auron: I stand corrected...

Auron: O//_//O...

Auron: No.

Texas: No?

Auron: No.

Texas: Okay then... What? No reason why? Like I'm cool with it, if you don't like me like that, but still. At least give me a reason...

Auron: Okay. I'll tell you exactly why. Yeah. I like you. I think you're cute. However, I don't appreciate you waking me up at 1 in the morning to text me with a confession. You want a relationship? Fine, but take initiative and tell me to my face. Quit being a coward. -_-

Texas: Ouch. My feel goods. Anyways, I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow man. Sorry about this...

Auron: It's fine :) Sleep well, Tex.

Texas: You too bro <3

After Auron and Tex finish messaging each other, Auron goes back to sleep. The next day is pretty amusing. Auron waits for his partner. Half expecting she hopes to forget about the previous night. Auron hears running behind him, and turns to find Tex in a suit and tie running up to hi., screaming, "I love you, you sexy, sexy son of a gun!" She knocks his feet out from under him, and steals a very, very passionate kiss, but soon afterwards, causing Auron and Tex both to fall over to the ground. Because her tiny frame is too much for his bigger, heavier frame. Luckily Texas's arm was under Auron's head when they fell, so no brain damage was caused to the older male. Texas turns to Auron, half expected to be heated, and she wasn't wrong, just heated in a different sense. Auron's face was bright red, slight tears to his eyes, he bursts out laughing, black lipstick smeared on his lips.

Texas: What? You told me to take initiative!

His laughter fades to a light chuckle, and then he stops.

Auron: Wow. That was... cheesy.

Texas: Also clearly failed...

Auron: (Still catching his breath.) No it didn't.

Texas: So it actually worked!?!? YAY!

Auron: Just don't do that again. You took us both out in the process.

Auron pulls Tex into his lap, and the two share a proper kiss.

Auron: See. That in of it's self is enough for me.

Texas: Yeah, but it wouldn't be a confession from me if it wasn't stupidly cheesy and didn't make you smile.

Auron: It's missing something though.

Texas: And that is?

Auron: The amazing pick up line from last night.

Texas: Ah yes, you have good taste, my kind, gentle sir. I would really.

Auron: Yes?

Texas: Really.

Auron: Go on.

Texas: Really.

Auron:...

Texas: Really!

Auron: Hopefully this is the last, "Really."

Texas: Like to punch you in the face. With my face gently, romantically, and in other places besides your face.

Auron: Okay. Okay. Calm down. We haven't even had dinner yet...

Texas: Exactly. Dinner.

Auron is very flustered at his now girlfriend's sense of humor. Safe to say, they had a very romantic evening together. ;3

This is my contribution to OC x Fan work Characters. Hope you enjoyed!

[aroselane]

Beside You Ch. 5: Gone

Chapter Five: Gone

It was Thursday, and I already had an unnecessary amount of anxiety over the uniforms.

I had put it on today for school, and I was far too nervous for comfort.

Benny was putting her uniform on, so I took the opportunity to use her full-length mirror.

I stared back at myself, and I frowned.

My uniform looked strange on me. I wore the pink flats with a pink skirt and a white button-down short-sleeved shirt. I didn’t want to wear the matching pink tie, but I didn’t really have a choice. I was told I had to wear the silver bracelet. It had my name and my school ID number on it.

The skirt ended a little above my knees, but unless it was to my ankles, it would feel too short for me. 

I had to wear the identification bracelet outside of school too, just in case something happened to me. The number for the school was on the underside of it, as well as my name.

Even though I was frowning about the uniform, I knew that I would have to wear it all day, every day.

The only thing that kept coming to mind other than the ghastly thing I was wearing, was that I actually had a day pass today, and I was going to use it.

I was still studying my reflection in my uniform when I heard Benny curse under her breath.

"What is it?" I asked her. "These damn uniforms," she hissed. I turned around to see her in her second uniform. It was a dress. Uniform one consisted of a skirt and a button-up shirt, and uniform two had a dress. Uniform three was a short skirt to wear during fitness. “These things in no way, shape, or form are sexy.”

She looked good, though. The dress was pale pink, with pink flat shoes. The same bracelet was around her wrist.

"I knew the uniforms were going to be ridiculous," she groaned. We both pretty much knew that they were going to be, but we have to wear them anyway. "We should head out," Benny said, "Class is about to start." I nodded before grabbing my bag. "I feel like I belong in a cartoon," Benny stated, "Then at least I would have an excuse to feel this stupid." I turned to smile at her. "You're going to be fine." She looked uneasy. "We'll get through it," I said, "We have to." She hesitated before nodding.

Benny was quick to grab her bag, then we were out of there.

 ++++++++++

 I am pretty sure today sucked. This morning I was so optimistic, and I was going to grin and bear it, but today sucked. The constant snarky remarks and pissy attitudes only managed to work my nerves.

I know I wasn’t completely optimistic, I worried, but I felt better once I saw Benny in her uniform. It made me feel brave.

I sat through Home Economics with Benny, and we were both too irritated to talk about it. She was really growing on me, and I feel like I was meant to come here to meet her. I never knew anyone like her before. It’s been maybe a week, and she was already my best friend. All three of them were, but to them, I might just be the new girl. I made a face when the bell rang. I had been enjoying our mutual silence. She turned to me and smiled weakly, "I'll see you later." I nodded at her, and I stood up to head to Fitness. I went into the bathroom after grabbing my clothes from my locker, and I changed in there. Today I didn't get to take it easy. I had to run around the field twice for extra credit. The first one was mandatory. The second was extra credit. To think I actually got to take it easy all week.

What bullshit that was. I could always use the extra credit, and it didn't hurt me to run a second one. The other kids were running three or four laps.

I walked my second lap, and I just felt like I was in a daze. I thought about the mini-golfing on Saturday, and I just kept wondering how much fun it was going to be. Not too long after I got done with my second lap, I could hear the sound of laughter. I glanced up to see a few girls laughing and pointing in my direction. "She won't even change in the locker room," one said. "What is her deal?" another one asked. I felt the need to roll my eyes but decided against it.

I sat down in my usual spot and sighed. I couldn’t wait to leave campus. I could have a break from some of these judgmental bitches.

I pulled my phone from my pocket to see if I had any messages, but there were none. I turned to look through the black gate, and I could see Michael smoking a cigarette with a few other people around him. There was a girl with long blonde hair at his side, and he was definitely ignoring her. I just pulled my phone back out of my pocket, and I initiated the first text. To: Michael - 'Howdy.' I turned back to face the locker room, and I waited for my phone to buzz. This time he didn't respond as fast as he usually does. I turned around to see him pull his phone out, and the girl next to him grabbed it. Good thing I didn't say anything weird. He snatched the phone away from her. She tried to move back to put a little space between her and Michael, but I watched as she fell over, and part of me felt bad for the poor girl. He used the grass under him to put out his cigarette, and he typed on his phone. I turned away from him. From: Michael - 'Long time no talk.' I stared at the message, my heart beat faster involuntarily. To: Michael - 'You seem to be having quite a bit of fun.' I felt like a jealous idiot, but it was small talk, and it was all I really had in me. I could clearly remember the last time we spoke and felt my cheeks grow red. From: Michael - 'Does it really look that way? They only help pass the time.' I made a face at the message. It made me wonder if he really does seem to hate everybody. So then why didn't he hate me? To: Michael - 'Are you excited about Saturday?' I knew I was, and I remembered what Benny said about him really wanting to mini-golf. My phone buzzed, and I checked it. From: Michael - 'I'm not sure excited is the right word, but I am looking forward to it.' I smiled at his message. I realized too late that I used the word excited. Of course, he wouldn't use the word excited without it meaning something sexual. To: Michael - 'You and I use the word excited in completely different ways.' I turned around to look at him again, and everyone he was with is a little further away, and he was completely singled out. From: Michael - 'If you want me excited, I can try.' I made a face at the small screen. To: Michael - 'Your version of excited or mine?' From: Michael - 'Both.' I frowned. I don't think I could handle another phone session with him. I would surely die. I didn't know what to say, yeah, I would like to do it again but at the same time, I didn't. My phone buzzed before I had the chance to respond. From: Michael - 'So how do you like the new uniform?' I was glad that he changed the subject. To: Michael - 'I don't particularly enjoy them.' I glanced back at him, and he was laughing. Why the hell was he laughing? From: Michael - 'I've seen quite a bit of pink today, I thought you and Benny might be miserable.' To: Michael - 'Well you sir are very right.' The sweat pants I wore were dark gray, so I was able to tolerate the light pink short-sleeved shirt I wore. Pink still wasn't my color. I just didn’t like that it showed off the birthmark on my right arm. From: Michael - 'I'm sure you look just fine.' I made a face at the message. The bell rang, and I was quick to put my phone back into my pocket.

I made my way to the locker room, and I dressed in the bathroom. The girls were talking about random stuff, and most of them lagged because this is the last class for the day. I headed for my room before stopping, it was 4:00 PM now, and the post office didn't stay open very late. Should I change? I shook my head quickly as I went into the room, and I left my bag on my bed before I grabbed my purse and made sure I had my day pass. Once I made sure I had everything I needed, I left the room. Benny knew I was going to leave campus after school, but I decided to text her to let her know that I was leaving. To: Benny – 'I'm going to head to the post office before it closes, do you need anything while I'm out?' I was at the front gate, getting glared at when I felt my phone go off. I handed the man at the front gate my day pass, and he looked it over before handing it back to me. I stood behind him while he unlocked the gate and held it open for me to step through it.

"Thank you," I mumbled. He simply nodded, and I walked out and took my phone out of my pocket. From: Benny – 'Okay. I think I'm good until tomorrow, thanks :].' I smiled at the small face at the end of her message. I went through my phone, and I saw I had another text message. I pressed back on the phone and saw a number one next to the name 'Michael King.' I made sure I was on the bus before I read it. From: Michael – 'Do you guys also have to wear those stupid ID bracelets?' I felt like an ass for not responding earlier. To: Michael – 'Yeah, I kind of like them though. Do you have any weird uniform things?' I realized I sounded like an idiot, but it was fine. The bus was about to stop at the Town Square, and I felt my phone buzz again. From: Michael – 'And here I was thinking I was being ignored. And yes, we have the ID bracelets too.' I didn't see him wearing one before. To: Michael – 'Did you guys just get them?' I put my phone away once the bus stopped and I headed for the post office. The only thing I could do was sigh. Mom told me it was important that I got this. A man held the door open for me once he walked out and I thanked him, he only nodded before walking away. I walked up to the counter and told the woman my name, and she walked to the back. I looked at my phone and saw another message. Before I had the chance to read it, the woman came back and set the box on the counter.

I studied it, it wasn’t very big, but I wouldn’t exactly call it small either.

"This is for Ren Graham, right?" She looked at the shipping address. "Ren Graham," she nodded, "You attend that lady school and mail any bigger than an envelope can't be delivered there." I nodded as I took the box into my hands, "Thank you." She nodded and talked to the girl behind me. I stared down at the box and frowned. Part of me didn't want to open it at all. I wasn't ready to open it, so I just headed for the bus again. It wasn't that late, and it made me wonder if I was even ready to go back to campus yet. No, of course, I wasn't ready to go back yet. I looked around the parking lot, and I saw a Good Will store, and I found myself smiling. I hadn't been to one in a while.

I pulled open the door and headed to the books. It was always strange to see what kind of books were here, there were always different genres, and some were in excellent condition while others weren't so much. I glanced over the titles just to see which ones there were. None really caught my attention, so I just walked around. Shoes, I didn't need any. Pants, I won’t be able to wear any during school hours, so I didn't need any more. Maybe I could look for another white shirt? I went to the clothes, and I looked at the white shirts they had, but again none really seemed to interest me. My gaze left the small section of whites, and I saw the dresses. Do I act like Saturday is a date, or do I just dress normally? I didn't know, but it also didn't hurt just to look. I stood in front of the semi-long line of dresses. There were clearly prom dresses, cocktail dresses, and even costumes. I moved the dresses over, but I stopped once I saw something that was bright yellow. I pulled the long dress from the rack, and I studied it. It looked like a day gown. The material felt like it was meant to be pajamas. I strangely wanted it. I nodded to myself, and I headed for the counter. There were four people in front of me, so I decided to check my phone. From: Michael - 'The bracelets are new, it’s better than the ankle one.' I frowned, he had to wear an ankle bracelet before? To: Michael - 'An ankle bracelet sounds just as miserable as a bright pink school uniform.' It was my turn to pay so again I sheathed my phone in my pocket. The current time 4:47 PM. The man smiled warmly at me and rang up my ten-dollar dress. "Can I get a bigger bag?" I asked him. He looked at the box I was carrying and nodded as he pulled a bigger bag out to put the dress in. I gave him my card before I put the box into the bag. I had to show him my ID, and then I was out of there. Instead of going back to campus just yet, I figured I would get something to eat, but I would have to take the bus again. I waited for a few minutes at the stop once the tram pulled up, I was quick inside. The stop after this was the mall, and they had quite a few places to choose from. I stood as I stared out the window, this thing needed more seats if it was going to have this many people on it. The longer I stood, the more paranoid I felt, it was almost like someone was watching me. I didn't care much for this feeling. I turned my head, and I heard a hiss behind me.

“Fucking pervert,” I heard a voice growl.

I was quick to turn around, and I was surprised. Michael snatched some guys’ phone and looked at the screen. "Michael?" I asked. I was so confused. How long was he here? Why didn’t he say anything sooner?

Most importantly, what the hell just happened?

He looked at me pissed off, and the man next to him was sweating bullets. Michael stared at the phone screen, and his face nearly went red with anger. The tram stopped, and Michael got off, not bothering to return the phone. The man didn't even try to take it back. I rushed out to see him throw the phone on the floor and stomp on it. "What the hell are you doing?" I demanded, "You just took that man’s phone." "What kind of a person cuts their own thighs?" he hissed. I felt panic rise in my chest. How the hell did he know? "Next time, wear a fucking pair of shorts," he growled. Hold on a second... What? "What the hell?" I demanded. "That guy on the bus," Michael pointed at the empty space the tram used to be, "Slipped his phone under your skirt and took several pictures of your panties." I made a face, I felt paranoid for a reason then. I was mortified. "I don't have any shorts," I admitted.

I always wore pants, sometimes I wore basketball shorts, but those were too big to wear under my skirt. He looked angry, and I didn't know why he was angry. I was the one who was just violated. Twice. "Let's go," he said. I went blank. "Go where?" I asked. "To get you some fucking shorts." I frowned. Why was he acting this way? "Michael," I said. He stopped, "That's unattractive, what the hell would possess you into thinking it was okay to fucking do that to yourself?" I was angry this time. I wasn't possessed, I was depressed, I was sad, I was angry, and I needed something to get me through it. I didn't kill myself, I just cut, and I regret it. So, I don't need to hear his stupid lecture. "Ren," he seethed, "Why?" I ground my teeth. "When was the last time you cut yourself?" "Why should it matter?" I hissed, "It's my body." "How fucking childish," he growled at me "Have you already forgotten that we worry about you?" Oh no, I could feel the tears again. "I won’t say anything to Benny," he said, "But you have to tell me when the last time was."

I stopped, and he was quick to turn around. "Were you here?" he asked, "Or were you at home?" I stared at his school uniform, and I felt empty.

The black dickies ended just over the laces of black Converse, and the long white sleeve shirt he wore had the sleeves folded up nearly to his elbows. He still wore his uniform black tie.

His black metal ID bracelet was in clear view now. 

"Ren," he said. “It was a few days before I left home,” I admitted, “I got into a huge fight with my mom, and we both said horrible things to each other.”

I know it wasn’t a valid excuse, but cutting gave me a way to escape my mental pain.

He stared down at me.

I could see that he was trying not to get mad. "Why are you even here?" I asked him, "I thought you couldn't leave campus yet?" "It’s Thursday," he stated, "I can leave now." I nodded slowly. "I'm still buying you shorts," he said, "Don't even try to get out of it." "I can buy my own shorts" I tried not to shout. "Too bad," he said before walking again. I frowned, but I followed him. "You have more baggage than I thought you did," he stated. It irritated me that he felt it was necessary to say that. "I'm clearly more damaged than you would think," I stated. He didn't say anything this time. I just followed him into the first clothing store we saw. I found it kind of funny as I watched him walk through and scan the women's clothes. He looked very determined. He walked up to me and held a pair of shorts to my waist. I didn't care anymore. I just stood there like a shell. He looked at me and made a face, "Go back to normal. I don't care much for this Ren." I didn't move, I barely acknowledged that he spoke at all. "I'm sorry," Michael said, "I understand more than you know, but stop acting like this." He stood right in front of me, and his dark sapphire blue eyes stared back at me concerned.

Maybe this was the real me. That might explain why I was so tired all the time. Smiling like it was nothing, laughing like I wasn't in any pain. "I don't want to see you like this," he stated. I didn't feel anything right now, and it felt good. I was tired of feeling, and I just didn't want to deal with it all anymore. He grabbed my face roughly with his right hand, and I flinched at the tight grip. "Stop it," he hissed, "Or I'll do something you won’t want me to do." I just stared at him and tried not to let the pain bother me. "I just want to sleep," I sighed "I'm so tired." His expression changed, and his eyes went wide. He dropped his hand, and he walked back to the rack of clothes. He was getting tired of me too. I think that feeling hurt far more than the grip he had on my chin. I watched as he pulled almost every pair of shorts off the rack that were black or gray, and he went to another one. What the hell was he doing? A woman walked up to him and smiled. She was trying to get him to notice her. He barely looked in her direction, and she touched his shoulder. He said something I couldn't hear, and she walked off. What did he say to her? Did he make her cry? It didn't take long for her to come back, and she had a small cart with her. Michael dropped the clothes in the cart and said something else to her. She made a face.

He turned to look at me, and I felt strangely irritated with the girl he was near. "Come on, Ren," he said to me. I was a burden to him, he was going out of his way to help me, and I was being a brat. My feet moved, even though my brain told me to stop. I was next to him, and the woman looked confused. "So this is your type now?" the girl asked, "She looks far more damaged than you." Why? I felt this anger towards her, and it wasn't because she called me damaged, but because she said he was.

The blank expression I had before was gone. My gaze went to her, and I knew how I looked, I looked scary. The glare I shot at her made her look scared. "Michael is not damaged," I seethed, "You are." She looked pissed that I even tried to talk to her. "What was that?" she hissed. I was about to say something back, but I felt a hand close over mine. "This is my type now," Michael stated, "Scary and damaged." I looked at him, and he was smiling at me. It was more of a smirk, the way his mouth angled.

My heart was beating like crazy. "I guess two fucked up people deserve each other," the girl said, "You won’t be this nice to her in a week, so just get over yourself, Michael." I glared at the girl again. She was very close to getting hit. "Say whatever you want," Michael stated, "This one is different." I felt my body tremble at his words, and my hand began to sweat in his grasp. "Go do what you do best," Michael said to her, "Find men who are willing to fund your drug addiction." He pushed the cart with one hand, and I tried to take my hand away so it would be easier for him to maneuver the cart, but he squeezed my hand tight. "You aren't getting away," he stated. "I'm not going anywhere," I stated, "You can barely push the cart." He looked at me before releasing my hand. "Don't disappear like that again," he said. I nodded slowly. He began to walk again, and he stopped at dresses. Why were we over here? "Do you like dresses?" he asked. I didn't really know. "I'm not sure," I admitted, "I've never owned one, but I got one at the Good Will." He turned to look at me "Let me buy one for you." "You are already doing more than enough," I said. "Please," he said, "Let me buy you a new one." Why did he want to? Why wouldn't he just let me say no? "W-What kind of dress?" I stuttered. He walked forward and scanned the dresses, why did he want to buy me things? I could take care of it myself. I was too busy wondering about it, that when he called my name, I didn't hear him. "Ren?" he asked. My head shot up, and he almost looked scared. "Sorry," I smiled lightly, "Just got lost in my own mind."

He held out a short red dress. It looked like it would stop right above my knees. "How about this one?" I moved forward to touch the dress, and I smiled. It was definitely a beautiful dress. "Should I try it on?" I asked. He showed me another smile, and it had the same effect.

"Go for it," he said awkwardly, not meeting my gaze. "Wait outside the dressing room so I can show it to you," I said before handing him my bag. I felt happy, and I didn't want this feeling to go away. I knew I was acting childish, but I couldn’t help myself.

How often did I try on dresses? I really never owned one, and that in itself is just plain sad.

I walked into the dressing room stall, and I was quick to pull the clothes I had on, off. The skirt dropped, and I glared at the pink fabric as it laid there on the floor. I stepped in the red dress before pulling the side zipper up.

Michael grabbed the right size, which I thought was quite lucky. I stepped out and saw him looking at his phone. The girl who was supposed to be helping customers was trying to talk to Michael, and he made it quite apparent that he wasn't interested in her existence. "Michael," I called. He looked up at me, and he looked blank for a minute. I spun around to show him all of it, and I smiled wide. It was a lovely dress. It made me feel beautiful. His eyes were glued to me, and the girl looked at me irritated.

It was a second later that I noticed her eyes running down my arm. I hated it when I got that once-over look from people. A look of revulsion was almost always right after.

Not from them. Benny hasn’t looked at me like that.

He grinned back at me, "That's the one." I went back into the dressing room and changed my clothes, and I made sure to put the dress back on its hanger.

Michael didn’t look like my discolored skin bothered him in the slightest. Once I was all set, I walked out, and the girl was still trying to talk to him. How shameless. I walked up to the cart and folded the dress in half before placing it in the cart. "Ready to go?" Michael asked. "Didn't you hear me?" the girl asked. "I heard you," Michael stated, "I just hoped that you would be smart enough to get the hint, but apparently not." He pushed the cart forward, and I walked next to him. "Girls hit on you a lot," I stated. He didn't say anything. "Michael?" I asked. "I have some stuff to get at another store," he said, "Will you come with me?" I nodded as I looked at him. He avoided looking directly at me. He stood in line, and I watched as he checked his phone. "Is everything alright?" I asked. "Gus won’t stop calling me," he sighed. "So answer it," I said. He shook his head. What was up with him? "Are you okay?" I asked.

He finally turned to look at me “I am in a strangely great mood. I just don’t want to hear anything that might piss me off.”

I smiled at him, and he frowned. "What?" he demanded. “I was just thinking something similar.”

He looked away from me again, and he was next in line. I watched as he placed all the shorts on the counter, and the woman rang them up. I watched as the price said $5.99 over and over until she scanned the dress. The price of the dress was $69.99.

I gasped, "I don't need the dress." I said quickly. The girl was about to take it off the computer, but Michael shook his head. "I'm buying you the dress." I felt this bad feeling in my stomach. I didn't want him to feel obligated just because I liked it. He scanned his card, and we stood there while she bagged the clothing.

I didn’t feel right, this didn’t feel right.

He took the bags, and the feeling in my stomach only got worse.

Michael walked towards the exit, and I followed behind him.

"Michael," I said, "The dress was a lot, you didn't have to get it." "Quit being stupid," he said plainly. I looked at him, confused. "If it meant seeing you with that kind of smile," he said, "And that happy, I would have spent much more on a dress." I felt the red in my cheeks. "Thank you," I said, not being able to meet his gaze, "Thank you." "Wear it on Saturday," he said, "Tell Benny to dress up, and we'll have a real date night." I felt myself smiling wide, "Okay." "Do you own any heels?" he asked. I glared at him, "We're done buying me things." He didn't seem fazed, "What size shoe do you wear?" “No,” I said quickly, “I can buy my own shoes.”

He didn't look like he wanted to discuss this. "Either you try on shoes, or I buy every red and black pair I can find." I made a face. Why was he doing this? "Let me spoil you today," he said, "I have more than enough money, so you don't need to worry about that." I felt terrible when people did things for me, this wasn't any different. I didn't want him to dote on me even a little. It made me feel like I was useless and that I couldn't do anything for myself. It also made me feel like a burden. I don't want him to ever think I want him for his money, because that wouldn't be true.

I had to stop when I thought that. Did I want him? We walked through the mall, and he pointed to the shoe store. "Start looking for a pair of heels, I just need to grab something really quick from the store next door."

I looked at him for a minute. I nodded slowly and took some of the bags he had. I walked into the shoe store, and immediately I was greeted by someone. "Good afternoon," the man smiled wide, "Can I help you find anything?" I made a face, "I'm just trying to find a cheap pair of heels." He smiled wider, "What size?" "I can look for them," I said. The man frowned but nodded, "If you need any help, my name is Alex." I smiled lightly. "Thank you."

“And you are?” he asked me.

I looked at him for a minute, this dude was going beyond the typical polite worker.

“Ren,” I stated.

He moved a little closer to me, and I took that as my chance to walk away. This whole situation was a little too awkward for me.

My eyes wandered the sizes on the sides of the aisles. Once I saw the section I was looking for, I turned. What color shoes should I wear? I looked at the different color heels, and I picked up a black pair and checked the price. I almost threw the box away from me, but I slowly put the shoe back in the box then back on the shelf. I really didn't want to choose one. "Ren?" I looked up, hoping to see Michael, but it wasn't him. Alex stood there a little awkwardly. "Hey," I said. "I noticed you in the eights, so I grabbed a pair I thought you might like." I took the outstretched box, and I smiled lightly at him.

I pulled the lid off the box so I could get a good look at the shoes.

The heels were black and very shiny. I wasn't sure how to feel about them. "Ren?" I heard a further voice call. "Eight," I called back. I watched as Michael turned down the aisle I was in. Alex turned to see who came down. "Michael," Alex said. "Alex," Michael said. "Uh, you guys know each other?" I asked. "How is Benny?" Alex asked. "Benny is none of your fucking business," Michael said simply. "I see you changed types," Alex stated, "It’s a shame, really. I planned on fucking her in the back room."

Michael looked irritated by what Alex said.

“I would have to cover that fucked up spot on her face first,” he said, “That might make her a little hotter.” I made a face before I grabbed Alex by the back of his shirt to make him face me. "Did I offend you?" he asked, amused. I glared at the man, “If you wanted to fuck me, you should have said so.”

He looked surprised before smirking at Michael. Michael looked pretty mad. "Really?" Alex asked, "Well, I do." I grinned at him as I moved closer, as soon as I was right in front of him, I brought my knee up roughly against his groin. He went down hard, and I glared at him on the floor. "Don't talk about Benny, don't talk about Michael, don't talk about Gus," I spat "And shut the fuck up about me."

I looked up at Michael, and he looked surprised this time. "Damn Ren," he said, trying not to smile, "I'm impressed." I smiled sheepishly at him, "I've learned how to deal with guys like him." "Guys like me?" Alex spat, "Michael is so much worse!" I wasn't bothered by his accusation, "So I've heard." Michael just stood there looking down at Alex. I knelt down to smile at him. Of course, it wasn't a happy one. "I don't like when people insult my friends," I said, keeping the same smile, "Would you like to find out what happens when I get really mad?"

Alex was quick to shake his head. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" Alex hissed.

"It would be a shame if you broke that dick of yours," Michael stated.

Alex glared up at him, but Michael didn't look at him. He was scanning the shelf. "I found a pair," Michael said, pulling the box from the shelf and handing it to me. I looked down at the red heels. "Red?" I asked. "Red is your color," he shrugged. I couldn't help but smile, the shoes were shiny red, and I thought they fit quite well with the dress. "Let’s check out," Michael said. "I should try them on first," I said. "They fit," he stated. I walked near the front, and I pulled the flat black shoe I wore off so I could try on the red heel. He was right, it fit perfectly. I looked up at him, how did he know? The dress was a perfect fit, so were the shoes? I narrowed my eyes at him. I was in an aisle of size eight, so naturally, he would be able to guess my size. I studied the box, and I saw the number 8 1/2. What the hell? "Ren." I looked up to see him at the register. I quickly handed him the box. The older man behind the counter brought up something about a sale, and Michael shook his head before thanking him. We walked out with all the stuff, and I made a face when I actually stopped to look at all the bags. My Good Will bag, two from the first store full of shorts and the dress, the shoe bag, and he had another one. "What'd you sneak off for?" I asked. He turned to shrug, "I just wanted to look at the lighters." I glared at him. "Are you hungry?" he asked. I went blank. I was going to get food after I left the Good Will, how long had it been? I nodded. He smiled, "Subway?" I nodded again. We headed for a place to sit, and we set the bags down. "Same as last time?" he asked. "Yes, please," I smiled. He nodded before he walked off. I sat down, and I decided to check the time. 6:24 PM. Well crap. Under that, I could see the missed call from Benny. I unlocked my phone before calling her. "Are you alright!" Benny shouted. "I'm alright," I said, "Are you okay?" She sighed, "You worried me. I even had Gus try to call Michael to see if he's seen you." I smiled as I looked up at Michael, pointing at the different ingredients. "He's here," I said, "I ran into him on the bus, and he asked if I would shop with him." She was silent. "Benny?" I asked. "I was just thinking," I heard her laugh, "You should probably hang up before he sees. We'll talk when you get back. Bye!" She spoke so fast I didn't have the chance to say anything. I stared blankly at the screen. "What is it?" I looked up to see Michael. "It was Benny," I said. "Is everything alright?" he asked, setting my food in front of me before sitting down. "She was worried about me," I said, "I was only supposed to go to the post office, so she expected me back sooner." He nodded, "That explains why Gus was blowing up my phone." I nodded. He pulled something from his pocket and set it on the table. I looked at the red metal lighter. It had barely visible red stars all over it. I picked it up to open it. "I think it was a good find," Michael stated. "It’s very pretty," I said, shutting it and placing it back on the table.

“I thought so too,” he said, taking it into his left hand. He opened the lid and then flicked his wrist to let the momentum shut it. I couldn’t help but notice the scar on his hand.

It was between his left index and middle fingers. It almost went passed his knuckle.

He put the lighter in his pocket and brought his attention to his food.

There were a few minutes of silence as we ate. "So if I'm going to wear heels, does that mean that we aren't going to go mini-golfing?" He looked up at me, still chewing, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Of course we are still going to golf," he said after swallowing, "The heels are just for after." I nodded slowly, "Okay." I took another bite, and I couldn't help but wonder. "So, are you guys going to dress up too?" "Your mouth is full," Michael stated. I frowned. It wasn't like I just chewed and talked; I moved the food to the side of my mouth first. I chewed faster before I spoke again. "So are you?" "Should we?" he asked. "Well, if Benny and I are," I said, "Yeah." "Alright," he said, "I'll tell Gus that pants are mandatory." I didn't mean pants, I thought with a frown. He laughed, "I know what you meant, fancy men clothes." I nodded. "Do I have to wear a tie?" he asked, looking down at the tie on his chest. "You don't have to wear a tie," I said, "Just treat it like a date." "I don't dress up for dates," he stated. I stared at him, "Why not?" He avoided my gaze, "Are you trying to ruin the mood?" I frowned, "I was just wondering." "I don't treat the girls I fuck," he stated, "With them, the relationship is literally just sex." I shrugged, "Okay." He stared at me. His gaze was starting to make me shake. "I was expecting you to get mad and insult me." I looked up to finally meet his eyes. He didn't want me to get mad. "I'm not mad," I sighed, "It isn't fair for me to get mad at you over stuff like that."

Of course, on the inside, I was irritated, and maybe just a little bit jealous.

"Maybe I want you to get mad," he stated. I felt the red increase in my cheeks. "Why would you want me to be mad?" I asked. "Say that you don't want other girls to touch me," he said, "Say that you want me to want you instead." I made a face as my body shivered under his gaze. "W-Why would I say something like that?" "I don't know," he shrugged before going to his food. What the hell? I looked up at him, and he just looked at his food as he ate. Did he think he could buy sex from me? It was starting to hurt, I kept thinking that. He only wanted to sleep with me. He thought being kind to me would make my legs open, didn't he? "Is that why you were so adamant about buying me things today?" He looked at me, first confused, then angry. I felt hurt more than anything. His glare only became more intense. "What do you think?" I didn't know what I thought. "I didn't want you to buy me anything," I stated, "So if you bought me the dress, thinking that I would sleep with you. That would really hurt my feelings." "I don't have a one-track mind Ren," he stated, "I don't only think about ways to get myself off." I felt worse. "If something ever were to happen between us," he said, "It would be because you begged me to." I was angry now. This time jealousy was not the cause. He was the one that didn't want this mood ruined, and he goes and obliterates it. "Are you done shopping?" I asked him. I didn't want him to see how pissed off I was. Why would I beg him for anything? It wasn't going to happen. I didn't want to be another name on his ‘fucked’ list. "Yes," was all he said. I folded up the half of my sandwich I didn't eat. I put the sandwich on top of the box I got from my mother. He looked like he was still eating, so I might as well open the damn thing to avoid feeling like this.

I pulled the box from the bag, and I set it in from of me on the table. He looked up to see what I was doing. I tried to rip the tape off, but every time I tried, only a little came off before it tore. Michael stood up as he took something from his pocket, and I watched as the knife tore through the tape, and he made sure to cut the tape on the sides too.

He folded the blade until it looked like a simple credit card. Could knives really do that? "Thank you," I mumbled as I watched him sit back down. I pulled the flaps open, and I stared at the different letters, folded up drawings, and another box. The first one I grabbed was a postcard. It looks like they are on vacation. I felt mad at them. While they were off having fun, I was being punished. The next one I grabbed was a letter. I scanned the letter quickly before I saw the words 'I'm pregnant' and not too long after 'cleaned out your room for the new baby.' I willed myself not to feel as I kept reading 'all your stuff was put into storage.' Damn it. I closed the letter, and I dropped it back in the box. I was too angry to read anymore. Was angry even the right word? I felt hurt more than anything. "Bad news?" I looked up at Michael, and to be honest, I had forgotten where I was just now. I took the envelope out and handed it to him, "You tell me." I was passed the point of caring what he thought about me, he would eventually find out I was even more damaged. At least he would know part of the reason why.

He took the paper and read through it. His expression changed the more he read through the letter. First, it was curiosity, then he just looked pissed off.

"This is from your mother?" he asked.

He spoke with quiet anger, nothing like I had seen from him before. His anger has always been evident and loud. He put it back into the box with a frown. I nodded as I reached into the box, and I pulled out a photo. It was of the ultrasound. Is she trying to hurt me? Michael stood behind me to see what I was looking at. "That's cruel," he stated. It was, but she had to know that I would always forgive her. Even if I was hurt as badly as I was. I placed the picture back into the box, and I saw the storage key. She wasn't kidding? I stared blankly into the box before I grabbed the small wrapped box inside. It had a green bow on it. I pulled the paper off, and I smiled at the small notebooks. There was a small card on top of them. 'Please forgive me.' I sighed before muttering, "Always." I felt hands tightly grab my shoulders.

"Are you kidding?" I was feeling empty again, and I didn't want him to see it. "Ren?" he asked. I couldn't respond. He pulled my chair back so he could see my face. "You said you wouldn't do it again," he said, "Snap out of it." "I'm sorry," I murmured. Or at least I think I did.

 ++++++++++

To be honest, I don’t remember how I got back to campus after that, but I found myself in a dark room. The bed under me wasn’t very comfortable, but I felt so tired.

-

-

Song: 

Blake Rose - Gone

[rodimushotbodimus]

Something fluffy for rescue bots to celebrate that within a week I've gotten thru 3 damn seasons lol. Also why don't you do blades x heatwave? I don't particularly care if you don't but I'm curious hehe

There isn’t anything wrong with the ship or anything like that, it’s just a matter of it not really clicking with us for some reason. And since it doesn’t really click, we doubt we could really do it justice, so we figured it’d just be best to leave it off.

Anyway, I hope you like this! It was really fun to write! Thank you for sending the request! :D

Oh, this painting was going to be perfect! Boulder grinned brightly as he stared down at his latest work in progress, delighted by the outcome so far. It was definitely going to be one of his best works once it was done!

He turned his optics towards Cody and Frankie, who had been kind enough to pose for him in front of Blossom Vale’s lake. While they were both sitting down on the blanket they brought for the picnic, both looked a little uncomfortable and bored. Boulder supposed he couldn’t blame them; it had been quite some time since he started the painting.

“Thank you both again for this,” he told the two kids, grateful beyond belief that they agreed and had yet to complain.

Cody beamed up at him. “It’s no problem!”

“Yeah,” Frankie jumped in with a small shrug, “we weren’t about to do anything else for a little while anyway. You gotta wait to swim after eating, you know.”

Boulder wasn’t sure how true the phrase was, but he didn’t comment. He simply turned back to his painting, adding a bit more yellow to match the sunny glow the afternoon light provided.

The sound of Cody and Frankie calling out to greet the chief five minutes later made him pause, and he turned just in time to see Charlie return to his spot by the shore, fishing pole back in hand.

And there was… something off about Charlie this time.

“Hey, Cody,” Boulder began, lowering his paint brush for a moment as his curiosity was too intense to ignore, “why does the chief have flowers on his head?”

Cody turned to his dad, head tilted to the side slightly. After a second he looked back up towards the bot. “You mean the flower crown?” Boulder nodded eagerly, optics shining. “I don’t know, I guess someone made it for him when he responded to that emergency call earlier.”

Boulder quickly stepped around the canvas and kneeled down in front of the children, eager to learn more. “What’s a flower crown’s purpose? Is there some sort of ritual for why humans give them to each other?”

Both kids giggled as they stood up. “Purpose?” Frankie began, grinning brightly up at him. “There’s no real purpose aside from them looking good!”

“Yeah!” Cody cut in, “someone just made it and gave it to Dad as a gift! You know, to be nice.”

“Ah, I see.” Boulder turned his helm towards Charlie once again, optics centered in on the flower crown. It did look very pretty, but of course Boulder loved all of the flora that could be found on Earth. Each one held a unique beauty to it that he had never seen on any other world. “Could I have one?”

“Of course!” Cody answered instantly, already rushing off towards the more wooded area of the park. “We’ll make you one!”

Frankie nodded, following at a much slower pace. “It’ll probably take a lot of flowers, but I’m sure we can make something work! Oh!” She stopped walking and clapped her hands together, face brightening as she grinned widely. “Maybe we can use the minimizer!” She then took off after Cody, small legs moving quickly to catch up.

Boulder beamed as he stood up. “Hey, chief! We’re going to go pick some flowers!” he called out to Charlie before rushing after Cody and Frankie, giving the police chief no time to respond. They wouldn’t be too far away anyway, should Charlie need them. Or should they need him – one never knows the dangers that lurk around the corner on Griffin Rock, after all.

“What’s with the new headgear?” Heatwave asked as soon as Boulder returned to the bunker. Blades turned away from the TV and gasped when he saw the flowers on Boulder’s head. In an instant, he was on his pedes and rushing towards the green bot.

“Oh! That’s pretty, where’d you get it?”

Boulder grinned, gently reaching up to adjust the flower crown that rested on top of his head. “Cody and Frankie made it for me! It’s called a flower crown.”

Heatwave grunted, looking thoroughly unimpressed. “That seems pretty ridiculous. And since when did get flowers that big?”

Blades, meanwhile, was practically bouncing as he cut in before Boulder could respond to Heatwave, “I’ve seen them on TV, but never in real life! Oh, can I have one?”

“We thought you might ask!” Frankie’s voice suddenly called out. The three bots turned to see Frankie and Cody walking into the room, Cody with a basket of flowers in hand, and Frankie carrying her father’s minimizer.

“So we brought some extra material home!” Cody finished as they came to a stop between the bots.

Blades wasted no time kneeling down before them. “Oh, me first! Me first!” The children smiled and nodded, quickly getting to work on weaving the flowers together to make him a crown.

Heatwave watched for a second before scoffing. “Yeah, I think I’ll pass,” he grumbled, moving to leave the room.

“Aw, are you sure?” Boulder asked, shoulder slumping slightly. “We already gave Chase one.”

The firefighter paused and turned towards the kids. Cody grinned up at him. “We got enough for everyone, it’s no trouble!”

Heatwave was silent for a long moment before he reluctantly nodded and moved to sit down next to them.

“Uh…Chief Burns? Can I ask you something?”

Charlie looked up from writing Don yet another ticket to see the man looking strangely towards Heatwave and Chase, the two bots busy helping Jerry move his truck back upright. “Yes, Don? What’s on your mind?”

“Is there… any particular reason why all the rescue bots are wearing flowers today?”

Charlie shook his head and turned back to the ticket, quickly finishing it off before handing it over to Don. “No particular reason. Kids just thought it’d be fun to give them one.”

“Ah.”