#shoulder kisses from short kings. I should start actually doing a theme each day

[emry-stars-art]

matt 7 neil platonic?

Matt and Neil were requested for this one twice in quick succession and I gotta say. Incredibly correct of you both

Requests are open until the end of Dec ‘23 💕

[saltymiraculer]

Ceremonial Kisses (Part 1 of 3)

Part 2

So I decided to try my hand at the “Marinette, the princess of China” trope and see how I did! Tell me what you think?

Also, the first chapter is going to be fluffy, the second chapter’ll have a sprinkling of salt, and the third chapter will be a mix of piles and piles of salt and some fluff. Be warned!

.

“I’ve got a big, big, big announcement for you today, class!“ Bustier chirped, clapping her hands to get their attention. “China’s princess will be coronated in a week and a half, the day she turns 18, as many of you know, and one class from the school will be selected to travel to China and watch the ceremony. Guess which class it was?“

“Uhhh…Mme. Mendeleiev’s!“

“Ooh, M. D’Argencourt’s? They’ve wanted that trip for weeks!“

“No, class, it’s ours! In three days, we’ll board the plane to Asia and have a few days to sightsee and explore, then attend the coronation on the second-to-last day!“

“Wow! Why our class?“ Kim asked.

Marinette knew exactly why. Marc had told her that the entire school was sick of Lila’s lies and wanted to enjoy the coronation without her butting in in the middle of the assembly to tell a ‘story’ about herself.

But she couldn’t just say that.

“You know, I actually know the princess,“ Lila said, immediately drawing the attention of everyone in the room. “But her identity is being kept a secret for now. That’s how we landed the trip!“

“Wow, Lila!“

“That’s amazing!“

“So cool of you.“

“They know that’s stupid, right?“ Alya stage-whispered, earning a glare from Lila’s new puppy–more commonly known as Kim. She shrugged. “I’m just tellin’ the truth!“

Alya, who was now her only other supporter next to Nino (and technically Adrien, but she’d discuss that later–it was very complicated), had decided to Google Lila’s name during a sleepover and found…some rather incriminating Facebook posts.

After that, she was 100% team Marinette and an amazing friend, along with Nino, who had decided that he needed a theme song. No one knew why.

But they loved him anyways!

So while Bustier was rattling off facts about Chinese emperors and kings and queens, Nino was showing them his latest idea to expose Lila.

“Okay,“ he started. “First, we go to China. Then we do our sightseeing and shit, and then. I did some research, and we can ask the princess questions if we’re with a national news channel. Alya’s blog counts. For real, we can talk to the princess of China. And we ask her if she knows Lila.“

“Brilliant plan, Nino. I wonder how the princess will react to a few teenagers in the middle of a crowd of famous people.“

Nino frowned. “The princess is only, like, 17. She’ll probably notice us, Als.”

“Oh, that reminds me, your birthday’s on the same day as the coronation, Marinette! Weird, isn’t it? That you and the princess have the same birthday?“ Alya asked, pulling out her phone and swiping through something.

“Huh, yeah. You’re right. Maybe we can invite her to my birthday party?“

“Ooh, the wiki page says she likes custard buns, and I’m not sure how they know that,“ Nino chuckled. “but make sure to stock up on those.“

“Noted,“ Marinette said drily as Bustier turned to them with a condemning look on her face. “Alya! I hope what you’re doing on that phone relates to the lesson!“

“China’s princess’s identity is being kept a secret because the last two were sent death threats, dangerous items, highly innapropriate items, and several other things that prompted them to not reveal the princess until it was necessary.“

“C-correct, Alya. Good job.“

“Nice!“ Marinette mouthed, high-fiving Alya, who flipped her phone around to reveal a website about the princess.

                                                           -🌸-

The final bell rang as several of the students cheered. One school day until the trip over, three more to go. Alya swung her bag over her shoulder and bumped Marinette’s elbow. “We goin’ to your place to hang out?”

“Yeah, my dad’s out anyways and mom closed the bakery for the afternoon. let’s go!“ Alya took Nino’s hand and walked the short distance to Marinette’s house. They entered and immediately felt something off.

Ah, there it was.

Sabine was leaning over the counter with a cup of very strong-smelling peppermint tea beside her. She was rubbing her temples and muttering to herself in rapid Mandarin.

“Maman? Are you alright?“ Marinette asked worriedly. Alya and Nino stood by the door–they had only seen her like this once before, when her cousin had been run over and killed.

“Yes, dear, everything’s okay, it’s just–there’s something I need to tell you.“

“Oh, no, did something happen to someone?“

“No, no, everyone’s just fine. I can’t not tell you without there being serious problems.“

“So what is it? What’s so important you had to close the bakery?“

“You’re the princess. China’s princess. The one nobody knows about.“

“I’m what?!“ Marinette screeched, grabbing at her hair. “I’m the heir to the throne of the most populated country in the world, and you waited until a week before the coronation to tell me?!“

“Holy shit.“ Alya and Nino said simultaneously. Sabine stared at them, likely just realizing they were there.

“Oh. They know now, too. Perfect, that’s just what we need, a reporter knowing who–“

“Maman! Alya wouldn’t tell a soul, I know she wouldn’t.“

Sabine turned to Alya. “I’m sorry, dear, I’m just stressed. With that trip to China in a few days and all that, we’ll have to close down the bakery for about a week.”

“And we never close down the bakery.“ Marinette finished, putting a steady hand on her mom’s shoulder. “But I know just the person to run it while we’re gone.“

As she was about to say who exactly would run the bakery, Nino backed into the door, wide-eyed.

“Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit. My best friend…holy shit.“

“Nino, I know this is a lot, but we’ll have to stay calm,“ Alya said, grabbing his hand. “So we don’t spill her secret. That’s top priority, all right? Don’t–tell–anyone.“

Nino sighed. “Sorry, babe. This…“ he turned to Marinette. “Do you have any cookies?“

Marinette grinned and led them into the kitchen. “Of course! Chocolate chunk or raspberry frosted?“

“Raspberry, all the way!“

“There’s the Nino I know!“

After a quick cookie interval, Marinette pushed her plate away and sighed. “Anyone up for an impromptu sleepover? You all left a bunch of your clothes here the last few times.”

“Marinette. If you know us, you will know our answers.“ Alya said solemnly.

“Hell yeah. Wanna go choose which terrible rom-com to watch this time?“

They ended up settling on The Kissing Booth, one of Marinette’s personal favorites (”To lighten the tension, you know?” Alya had said. “Although the tension in here probably weighs the same as an obese hippopotamus at this point.”) and made a bowl of caramel popcorn, with a tiny bag of sea-salt Skinny Pop for Nino.

“Sugar on popcorn is a crime, man. I ain’t touching that.“

“You’ve tried it once, Nino.“

“Yes, and I hated it. Is there anything else to be said?“

So they spent the next two hours in a blanket fort that was made almost entirely of throw pillows laughing over Elle and Noah and Lee being idiots, with a few highlights such as the iconic “Ninth grade skirt, eleventh grade body” scene, where Alya snorted and said “You know, Lila’s skipped so much school, might as well be ninth grade brain, eleventh grade work.”

“Too true,“ Nino agreed. “The other day, she called Chloe’s mom Aurora Bourgeois. That was a pretty major mess-up.”

“Shhh! Let’s just watch the movie!“ Marinette said, effectively quieting them down.

They watched the rest in silence with the usual laughs., ending up falling asleep halfway through the second movie, snuggled up on their respective couches. Marinette mother shook them awake the next morning, telling them to take showers and eat breakfast and get dressed and for god’s sake, Marinette, finish your homework.

“Crap, crap, crapcrapcrap! Nino, we’re going to be late if we don’t get ready fast!“ Alya shouted as Marinette ran up the stairs to change. “Can I use your shower, M?“

“Sure!“ was the muffled reply.

After about 10 minutes of running around and shoving waffles in their mouths, they grabbed their bags and ran off to school.

They burst through the door in the nick of time, the bell ringing just as they plunked down their things.

Bustier wasn’t there five minutes into the class, so they started talking.

“Marinette, you have to listen to Nino’s latest track, it’s–“ Just as she was about to describe Nino’s latest track, a bouncy-ball the size of a walrus snashed through the wall, nearly taking off Kim’s head.

There was a cackle from outside. “I am Gradack! You will all feel the same sorrow that I did!“

                                                          -🌸-

The fight was over relatively fast, and everything was calmed down and restored before their next class. Turns out Chat Noir didn’t show, so Marinette had to ask Alya for assistance.

In hindsight, she probably should have picked a better place to transform.

“Tikki, spots on!“ After she transformed, she was about to go to Fu to get one of the Miraculous, when she heard a strangled gasp.

“…shit.“

“My best friend is the princess of goddamn China and Ladybug? What the fuck?! Who are you? How did I not know? When did–“

“Alya, I know the feeling, but you can’t tell anyone. Got it?“

“Nino?“

“Well,“ Marinette paused to think. “Yeah, I guess. I trust him enough. Now, take this and transform!“ she tossed Alya the hexagonal box, and after a quick transformation, they ran off to defeat the saddened graduate of an akuma.

As she said, it was an easy fight.

They comforted the victim with four minutes (each) to spare, then ran back to the locker rooms to transform back.

                                                   Time Skip!

It was the morning of the flight to China, and she was ecstatic. Of course, she had to get up at 3:45 in the morning, but it was worth it–the flight took off at six in the morning, of course.

She could see the logic of wanting to arrive at 12:00, but she would’ve much preferred a red-eye.

Then she wouldn’t have had to stay up all night reading, because no way in hell would she just wake up at 3:45 in the morning.

The alarm would’ve had to go off for hours.

But back to the morning, she poured herself a sasquatch-sized mug of coffee, with about a gallon of cream and enough sugar to put an entire city of diabetics into shock, she started getting dressed.

Trudging around and haphazardly pulling out shirts, she finally decided on a simple red-and-orange flannel, a white t-shirt, and a pair of cropped jeans.

The she downed the rest of her coffee with an apathetic “Bottoms up!” and slapped her cheeks.

She grapped her suitcase and walked outside to where her mother was typing away on a laptop in the pitch-black night.

“Mom, why are you up?“

“Because I have to drive you to the airport, that’s why. And no alarm would be able to wake me up at 3 in the morning.“

“Preach. I’m ready to go, so can we get in the car now?“

After driving to the airport and saying goodbye to her mom, she walked into the airport and immediately saw the group of sleepy teens (and a certain disheveled teacher) leaning on their suitcases, trying not to fall asleep.

Nino and Marinette were already there, their eyelids drooping. The only person who looked properly awake was Sabrina, who was–inevitably–holding a saucer out to Chloé, who was sipping from a teacup.

Alya rolled her eyes and walked over to Marinette and Nino. “Who’re we missing?”

“Kim and Rose. They’re carpooling, so they should be here any minute.“

Just as Marinette had said, a few seconds later, Rose and Kim walked into the airport. Kim was still wearing pajama pants.

                                           Another Time Skip!

“Marinette.“ Alya groaned, shaking Marinette’s shoulders. “Marinette, wake up, we’re here.“

Marinette’s eyes fluttered open. “No. Five more minutes.”

“Everyone else is already off the plane!“

“Shit. Let’s go!“ Marinette said, jumping up, grabbing her purse (which she had recently learned concealed a kwami) and scrambling out the door.

Alya picked up the mini-backpack she now carried (which held Trixx, cookies, and some grape jelly) and followed her out the door.

Almost as soon as they stepped off the plane, they heard a loud wail.

“Great. She’s back on her bullshit.“

“I just can’t believe she would steal that, Lila! It’s so unlike her!“

“M-maybe, but there’s p-proof! Look!“

“Oh, great, what did we do this time?“ Alya asked exasperatedly. They watched as Lila held out the remains of–from what they could see from a meter away–a sketch of an orange mermaid gown with a black lace collar, ripped into quarters and laid out on the ground.

Marinette gasped beside her.

“That’s your dress, isn’t it?“

A small tear made its way down Marinette’s face. “It was going to be for you,” she said softly.

Alya threw her arms around Marinette and rubbed her shoulders. “It’s okay, sweetie. Once you’re princess, we’ll sue her for all she’s worth.”

Marinette detached herself from Alya and wiped her eyes. “Yeah. Yeah, thanks, Alya.”

                                                         -🌸-

Nino stormed up to where Alya and Marinette were standing with a furious expression on his face.

“That fox,“ he seethed. “that bitchy little fox of a liar stole your drawing.“

Marinette chuckled wetly. “Yeah, we know.“

“Are you okay? I know how important they are to you.“

“I’m fine, Nino, and o–who the hell are you?“ A man in an oddly formal suit was standing next to her, holding out a small red envelope.

Marinette plucked the envelope from his fingers, opened it, and read the contents. She looked up and nodded at the suit-wearing guy.

“Good. In that case, Miss Dupain-Cheng, I’m going to need you to come with me.“ Alya and Nino immediately stepped in front of her in a protective shield.

“She’s not in trouble, is she?“

The strange man looked surprisingly amused. “Not at all–but you might want to come with us, too. You as well, headphone-boy.”

Nino put a hand on his chest and gasped in offense.

“Nino. He’s going to drive us to the palace. You’re coming, too, ya doof!“ Nino made a noise of realization and followed them out to where a black limousine was waiting.

They climbed in and drove off.

About five minutes into the drive, he moved his foot to the side, accidentally kicking a black box.

Just as he was preparing his final goodbyes, it sprung open, and inside was a junk food lover’s heaven.

“Dude.“

[forevercaroline]

French court chapter 2

For @klaroline-4ever who loves Lexi and Henri. @dumb-bitchculture who is my reign bestie. And @austennerdita2533 who loves Lexi and forbidden love.

Xxx

Claude pulls Lexi up on to an empty table and they start dancing. There has to be about five hundred people in the ball room. Tonight’s party doesn’t have a theme just have fun and make noise. Everyone is invited except Charles.

Henri was talking with some of the party guests when he spots his sister pull his fiancé up on to a table and they start dancing together drawing the eyes of the guys near the table. He makes his way over and looks up at them. “May I have a dance with the most beautiful woman in France.”

Lexi blushes as she looks down at him they share a smile as she counters. “I don’t know I’m waiting for the sexiest guy in France to ask me to dance.”

She winks at him, Claude jumps off the table as her brother climbs up on the table. He cups both sides of Lexi’s face so gently as he passionately kisses her.

Lexi’s arms go around his neck as his go around her waist, as they sway to the music on top of the table he tells her. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. You look very handsome yourself.”

Both blondes are dressed in party clothes, Lexi is in a short black dress with white heels on while Henri is in black jeans and a white tee shirt.

Xxx

Charles is walking down one of the corridors of the castle when he spots his fiancé Nicole leaning against the entrance to the ballroom. “Nicole, what’s wrong?”

He joins her and sees the party going on and his brother and Lexi dancing on a table. “Fifth one this week my love.” Nicole puts a hand on Charles chest to stop him from making a scene like he did with the first two parties, the third one a member of the privy council broke up and the forth party he had the guards break up. “What are you going to do?”

“Go have fun Nicole, this is going to be the last party my brother is throwing.” He kisses her on the forehead and grabs a drink off a passing server. He whispers in her ear and she nods.

Xxx

Everyone is dancing when the music stops dramatically everyone looks around to find that the speakers are soaked and the laptop that was playing the music also had a drink spilled on it.

While Claude ushers everyone out Henri and Lexi see if they can salvage the laptop or speakers they can’t they are ruined. “Charles?”

“I never saw Charles, I thought I saw Nicole though.”

“He’s getting Nicole to do his dirty work.” Henri can’t believe the stops his brother will go to. Using Nicole to do Charles dirty work because the king can’t be seen breaking up a third party. If the roles were reversed Henri would never use Lexi to break up Charles party.

Lexi tired from the party and being on edge living in the palace. She knows Charles does not want her here or engaged to his brother. She also knows Nicole likes Henri. Neither of them know to what extent Nicole’s likeness of Henri goes, is it she wants both brothers, is it she is not happy with Charles and she envies Lexi and Henri’s relationship nobody knows.

“Let’s go to sleep.” She holds a hand out and he takes it but also lifts her up bridal style she giggles as she puts her arms around his neck and lays her head on his shoulder.

As they are walking towards their chambers he asks her. “Big wedding or small wedding?”

“I thought we weren’t supposed to plan our wedding?”

He pecks her on the nose. “We are not but if we plan everything in secret and when Charles finally allows us to marry if we have everything ready we’ll marry that day or the next before he can change his mind again.”

“ I don’t want a small wedding like your brother Bash, Catherine mentioned it the other day and it sounded just awful.”

“Charles and myself were young when it happened we were already asleep, the only people in attendance was our older brother Francis his wife and our mother. Charles and I heard about it the next day there were whispers and not just about the the marriage. Trust me our wedding will be different.”

Henri’s step brother’s wedding to his wife was not a happy day for either of them. It was an impromptu wedding in the throne room with Henri’s father king Henry threatening both the bride and groom that if they didn’t marry he would kill them. The bride was in tears scared yelling at the king to stop. The groom was scared but was trying to remain calm and tried to relax his bride. Since they didn’t really know each other when they wed after the wedding they got to know each other and fell in love. They are still together almost seventeen years later.

Xxx

Lexi reaches down with one hand while Henri is holding her to open the door to their room. He only puts her down once they get to the bed. “Carrying me over the threshold that might of been the only time you can to do that.”

He turns around from taking his shoes off to slide a finger under her chin and lifts her chin to look at him. “I will carry you over the threshold as my wife one day.” He leans down and pecks her on the lips.

Xxx

Henri and Lexi are asleep when their bedroom doors are opened. They are cuddling in their sleep. They are on her side of the bed, Henri has an arm over her their hands are entwined, her back is right against his bare chest. You can see the love Henri and Lexi have for each other. Not only in their sleep but also from a simple touch if they walk past each other to Henri putting his hand out so Lexi can come sit on his lap and lean her head on his shoulder or Lexi holding out a hand. They are constantly glancing at each other lovingly or leaving little kisses on each other’s neck or cheek. Before they moved into together they would spend almost every minute together anyway it was like they were living together already. With them it’s like two souls have found each other.

“Get rid of everything that Is not my brothers.”

Xxx

Lexi wakes up and Henri is not in bed beside her instead he is looking at himself in the mirror. “Should I wear feather earrings I think they would look marvelous on you.”

He turns back to the bed still wearing her silver hoop earrings. “This doesn’t bother you.”

She goes over to their mirror the sheet wrapped around her naked body. She leans up and cups his cheek he leans into her touch her earring touching the side of her hand. “How many times have I told you I find you in earrings cute and I know if it was not taboo by society you would rock an earring.”

He kisses her palm and takes out her earrings. They climb back in bed he is sitting up against the headboard while she is laying her head against his chest. “What about your sister the one in Spain would she let us get married?”

“Leeza the queen of Spain as she likes to remind everyone no she wouldn’t let us marry. She actually might be worse then Charles in this instance. For a number of reasons one I am my mother’s favorite child and when Leeza was growing up Catherine was not the best mother. What with my fathers many affairs, Catherine not only raising my oldest brother Francis who was the future king, political schemes. From what Claude has told us about her childhood Leeza was boring and quiet. Charles and I were young but still here for her wedding to the king of Spain. She resents this family for how she was treated. Also she thinks marriage should be of status and if she found out that her siblings were as she would call it marrying under their station she would forces us to separate.”

“She would even force Charles and Nicole to separate?”

Henri nods. “Absolutely in her mind a king should marry a princess not a farmers daughter. Claude would marry a lord and I would have to marry either a princess or a lady.”

She kisses his chest. “That’s awful I’m glad we only have to deal with Charles.”

Xxx

There is a knock on the door and a messenger comes in. “Your wanted in the throne room.”

Once he leaves as Henri is getting out of bed Lexi looks around for her red robe its not on the chair where she left it yesterday. “Have you seen my robe?”

“No.”

Henri goes into their closet first as Lexi is coming around the bed in the bed sheet he quickly turns around and faces her. “Do not go in there. There seems to be a problem.”

They get back to the throne room and everyone has gathered. Catherine Lexi and Henri, Claude and Leith. Charles is sitting on the throne with Nicole sitting on the arm looking at Henri seductively, even the lord chancellor Stephan Narcisse is here. “Nicole and I have set a wedding date the end of the summer.”

Henri leans down and whispers to Lexi. “Of course he won’t let us wed but he is going forward with his own.”

“And his fiancé has not taken her eyes off you.”

Before they leave Charles has one more announcement. “Henri your lady friend is not invited to my wedding nor is she welcome in this palace anymore. Guards, Guards please escort this young women from the grounds.”

Two of the guards grab Lexi’s bare forearms and try to take her away from Henri. Both blondes are fighting to stay together and still holding hands. Claude yells to Charles.”Charles stop it!”

His head sharply turns towards his sister. “How about another arranged marriage?”

She gasps as she glares at him how dare he use that threat on her again. “You said after the last one I get to choose my husband this time.”

Lexi’s hand slips out of Henri’s grip and she is dragged away. Both Catherine and Narcisse do not know what to do. If Catherine sides with Charles then she is letting Henri down and if she tells Charles to stop this and to let Henri marry she could be called for treason and she could face trial and possible death. Narcisse is thinking about the good of the country he doesn’t care about who the family falls in love with.

Xxx

When she is thrown out of the palace she finds all her belongings waiting for her. Henri runs out to join her. “I don’t have a place to live I don’t have an apartment anymore. I’m going to have to move back in with my parents.”

He wraps his arms around her and she cries into his chest her arms around his waist. He rubs her back. “Claude is calling a hotel right now and setting up a suite for you. We will get you back in the palace soon. He can’t stop me from moving into the hotel with you.”

She looks up at him through tear soaked eyes tears still coming down her face, she doesn’t have any makeup on they took that too. “You still want to live with me?”

“Of course I do these last few weeks have been amazing having you here all the time instead of only at nights and you slipping out in the middle of the night or early morning in the previous nights clothes.”

“And here I thought you only liked wearing my earrings.” She winks up at him.

He smirks down at her and pecks her on the lips. “The earrings are only a bonus.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” He wipes the tears off her face.

[the-scooby-gang]

Us... But not quite

Part 2

Summary: After falling through a portal while they were being chased by their most horrifying monster yet, The Scooby Gang finds themselves in a place they have never been before. A place called Crystal Cove.

As Shaggy’s nose predicted, there was a restaurant waiting for them some 2,5 miles north.

What the nose hadn’t predicted was the vampire theming that permeated the whole place. Fred thought that either the restaurant was some passion project of a gothic owner or the town had some vampiric and/or supernatural connection and the restaurant was reflecting that. Shaggy hoped for the first. Their luck said it was probably the latter.

They were by the roadside, a good half a mile away from the vampire-themed place. Tired after an hour of walking, combined with the exhaustion of being chased by Lovecraft’s weirdest wet dream finally setting in, they decide to just lie on some rocks and take a well-deserved nap.

When they woke again, the sun had fully risen. After drinking from a water bottle that Shaggy had stored… somewhere, they started to think about what their next step was going to be.

The restaurant was just outside the town-that-should-not-be, neon lights glowing red against the sunlight, already packed with early costumers sucking the coffee maker dry as if their lives depended on it.

“It must be Monday,” said Velma, standing by Fred’s rock. Removing the binoculars that Shaggy had produced from… somewhere from her eyes, she put herself in tip-toes, aligning them with Fred’s blue gaze “Look on how they slouch. They are clearly forcing themselves aware through coffee and spite.”

Fred took the binoculars from her hand.  Standing up from his place on the rock his other hand made its way across her back and in a swift move, he lifted her off the ground, and together they shared the watch.

“Yeah, normally by Tuesday your body returns to automatic pilot and you look less like a zombie” Daphne shrugged, casting a smile in their direction. She was sitting in the grass over a picnic blanket that Shaggy brought from… somewhere. Her back was against a smaller rock with Scooby by her side, lounging on the morning sun.

“But still moving by spite” Fred completed, remembering the college allnighters he powered through for weeks on end.

Shaggy, who was sited on the rock Daphne was lining on, got to his feet and approached them. Putting his chin on Fred’s unoccupied shoulder, he asked to have a look.  Fred handed the binocular to him.

“Look at them! Like, they look like they are one step away from sucker-punching each other, man.” there was a detached fascination on his voice, but also familiarity “Remember that week before the last year finals? Like, I thought that I was going to be stabbed in the cafeteria when I went to get some coffee.”

“That’s what anxiety and stress do to you” Daphne decided to stand too. She was lining against Shaggy’s arm, her head on his shoulder, his hand on hers. She asked with her remaining hand for the binocular.

She was fascinated with the gothic decor. All the coffin-shaped chairs, tables, and booths bathed in the red ambient light. She thought that it was a delightful macabre aesthetic.

Shaggy thought that it was creepy and unsettling.

“Man, let’s just hope that we didn’t end up in a bizarre vampire dimension of some sort.” Shaggy shivered in discomfort, hugging Fred from behind, snuggling his head further on his boyfriend’s neck. “The last time I thought that I had been bitten by a vampire I had a whole identity crisis over it.”

Putting Velma back on her feet, Fred laid one of his hands over Shaggy’s long fingers while the other ran calmly through the shaggy sandy hair.

“Don’t worry, Shag. We’ll be here for you, vampires or not.” Fred kissed his temple.

“Would you? I would be putting you guys in danger, man” None of them liked how small Shaggy’s voice was becoming “If that happens I should lea…”

The end of the sentences was cut short by Daphne’s well-manicured fingers. She was really close to his face, nose to nose. Which made Shaggy make a double-take since Daphne was, at least, one head shorter than him so how…

That’s when he noticed she had instructed Velma to lift her up. What a way to prevent any future neck pains he thought.

“Ah, ah, ah, we are NOT finishing that thought, mister!” she wiggled her finger on his face, giving him her best impression of a scolding girlfriend. “The day we abandon you for something as minor as vampirism is the day I go right back to that swamp to find the real old fart that must be the vampire king and marry his wrinkly ass!”

“I second that!” came Fred’s voice from his right, giving him an Eskimo kiss “We’ll even donate some blood to you. As a treat.” He gave shaggy one of his goofy smiles that only got bigger when his boyfriend snorted.

“Rod rammed, Rreddie” Scooby pinched the bridge of his nose as shaggy snort dissolved in small giggles. He had got up from his half nap on the sun when his ears picked Shaggy’s sad tones and were now sited by their side. Shaking his head, Scooby now focused on his best friend. “I’m not reaving you for nothing.” He put himself in his hind legs, licking Shaggy’s face of all sadness that he could find. The lanky man was giggling, now with his hair stinking all over the place.

“That’s right, Mister Rogers. You are stuck with us.” Velma with Daphne still on her arms lifted both Fred, Shaggy, and Scooby from the ground like they weighed nothing and twirled around like the most excited ballerina. “FOREVER.”

They laughed without a worry in the world. Carefully, Velma returned everyone to the ground. They remained hugged to each other for a little longer. They haven’t realized how much they needed it.

“Ok, gang. What’s the plan? We can’t just stay here and live among the rocks waiting for a new portal to appear” Velma was looking at them expectantly.

“Velma is right. Our best course of action right now is getting information. Where we are, how we got here, and how we are going to get back.” Fred said, counting on his fingers to each question.

Daphne took hold of his wrist and delicately added another finger to the counting before commenting “Let’s add find a place to stay while we are at it  between steps two and three, shall we?”

A muffled sound interrupted Fred’s response. He, Velma, and Daphne turned towards Shaggy and Scooby when the sound made itself know again.

They knew that sound way to well.

Scooby approached Fred. Taking his hand on his paw he added another finger “Rinding rome rood”

“I second that” chuckled Shaggy.

“Ok then. Gang, it seems we are going down the Bloody Steak for some clues with french fries on the side.”

“Sounds good to me, Freddie” Daphne was already collecting their things and giving them to Shaggy that was putting them away… somewhere.

After years of knowing a person, you stop questioning in which plane of existence the keep their things, you know? You accept it and move on. Daphne was even thinking that maybe they had to add to the to-do list go to the market because clearly whatever pocket dimension Shaggy keep his things was out of supplies if he hadn’t made himself a sandwich in all the time they were sited there on those rocks.

While Daphne discussed this future storage replenishment with Shaggy and Scooby, Velma was quiet, looking uncertain in the restaurant’s direction.

“I don’t know guys… What if it’s dangerous? This could be a completely different place from what we are used to” she hugged herself while her shoulders were rigid and her back was straight as a rod “I just… I just don’t like going in blind in a situation, you know.”

“Oh dear, we know how that is,” said Daphne giving Velma a sideways hug “But if we want to get to the bottom of it we must go there”

Fred and Shaggy walked slowly towards the girls. Scooby flowed them quietly. Each one of them took one of Velmas hands between their own.

“Daphne is right, Velm,” Fred said, a determined look on his eyes. A plan was being made “Come on Little Sun, think about it. We can stay here creeping in the bushes forever trying to solve this puzzle from the distance or we can go inside and get first-hand information! You know better them me how much small-town people love to gossip” he held Velma’s hand more firmly guiving her his best puppy’s eyes.

Daphne quickly caught on what he was doing. She jumped right into it.

“Yeah Honey Bee,” she said “The best way to truly learn about people is by listening to them! And if they prove to be actual bloodsuckers we do as we always do”

“Rick rheir rasses?” questioned Scooby

“That’s right Scoob. We’ll kick their asses!” Daphne patted his head.

“What do you say, Sweet Pie?” said Shaggy, also jumping on the plan “We will just be a group of twenty-somethings tourists and their dog going into the town. And if anything does go to hell in silver platter we just jump into your strong arms to safety”  he finished with a flourish.

Fred and Daphne were smiling while Shaggy had one of his arms around her shoulders, his head now propped over hers. Velma was as red as her skirts. She agreed.

Cheering, the gang made their way towards the restaurant while Velma was whispering under her breath something that sounded like the manipulative use of pet names should be illegal.  Scooby chuckled and softly bumped his head on her, licking her fingers. She patted him, a smile back on her lips.

[danifics18]

↪  Into the Unknown  ↩

being awoken on a beach shore not knowing where you were was a scary thing, it was even scarier realizing you weren’t in the world you were meant to be in. with no recollection of your past life besides the backpack with a few of your items, the only thing you could do was adapt, and so that’s what you did.

Tags : Pirate! Ateez // OC Reader // Dark Themes of Death, Prostitution and Slave Trading // Themes of Deities and Spirituality // Alternate Universe // Eventual OT8xReader???

A/N : This is my first attempt at a multi-fic, and I’ve had this thought in my head for a while. The world that this takes place in is different than our own, although, time-wise is very similar to our 17th Century. My OC does have two names Adrie/Adrian, seeing that she does conceal her identity for a while Adrie is pronounced like A-Dree. I know most people would pronounce it as Audrey, but I’m trying to make the names make sense to use them that similarly. The next chapter will be a bit more fast paced, and will actually have a sign of the boys, so stay tuned!

As always, let me know about any mistakes I may have made, anything I should tag if i haven’t already, or let me know what your thoughts are !!

Word Count : 4416

    General Masterlist    Ateez Masterlist   

   Into the Unknown Masterlist

    Next Part

One.

Sometimes I didn’t know if this was just some fucked up nightmare that my mind was tricking me to believe, or if I just had the worst fate ever. As much as I appreciate Dorian, and all the years he put into making sure I would actually grow up in a normal environment, I do wonder what would’ve happened if he hadn’t found me.

It was obvious that I wouldn't have made it out alive. A random fourteen year old, covered in pruned skin, and a sun bloated body found being washed up on the beach after a particularly bad storm. That enough would've made people suspicious, but to find out that kid was a woman as well? Witchcraft. I wouldn’t even be able to plead for a different outcome, I would’ve been killed in the courtroom.

Thankfully, no one really questioned when Fisherman Dorian Meadows started to bring a new face to the village, claiming that the boy is his son from a different island he frequented. Well not really everyone, his sister and town merchant Arcelia Meadow, knew better. She knew her brother was still heartbroken over the loss of his wife Gilda and son Augie, although their deaths had happened at least twenty years prior. So she knew that this new boy wasn’t biologically his anyways, deciding that she would offer support if he needs it, but would otherwise separate herself from the small boy in case he was bad news.

It took a while for me to really get my footing on learning how to live here on the island of Reindall. Not only from living in a new place, but also learning how to live as a boy. When Dorian had found me it was very obvious that I was just some really skinny kid who hadn’t hit the age of maturity yet. I hadn’t developed any curves or anything that most people would expect to see if they saw a woman. And I didn’t have any signs of sprouting facial hair, or deepened voice that you’d expect from a man. I just looked like a pretty faced child that could pass off as either sex, with green mid shoulder hair. At first, it even took Dorian by surprise when I had asked him why he kept calling me “boy”. I didn’t know if it was just one of this places customs to call all kids “boy”, regardless if they were or not, or if that was his way of speech. And with a paled face, he quickly stepped away from the pot of stew he was tending, and gave me a choice that changed my life forever. Present as a woman and have a difficult life on this island, or present as a man- and even though it would still be difficult, it wouldn’t be difficult in the same way. I wasn’t happy with choosing to present myself as a male, but even though I didn’t quite catch on to what Dorian had meant, I didn’t like the unsaid implications even more. And with that, I was given some old, patchy, oversized clothes that stank like coal and fish, and was given the name of Adrian- opposed to my actual name, Adrie.

Within the first week of me living on this island, I realized that Dorian was shit at explaining things, and he was also shit at keeping his emotions in check.His over all attitude felt vaguely familiar to me, a grumpy old man who would rather just do the thing himself rather then explain to someone else how to do it. He didn’t want to immediately send me off to work for some random person, knowing that I was probably useless, so instead he instructed me to spend the days chopping wood for fire, and taking care of his pet chickens and goats that were kept in separate pens on the side of the cottage. It took days for me to even be able to swing the ax hard enough to split wood, before I would always have my aim slightly off, or the ax would bounce off the wooden stump- instead of split it. After noticing I had improved with the wood chopping, he slowly increased the amount he wanted me to do- which ended up being not only for the cottage we were at but his sister’s as well. When it came to the animals, this is where Dorian would be frustrated with me. I could handle the goats, all they would do was headbutt my thighs- leaving some nasty bruises- and chew on my clothes on occasion, but I liked them. The chickens on the other hand scared me. It wasn’t until Dorian got pissed off enough that he just locked me in the pen for a few hours while he went down to the local tavern. That’s when I finally realized that the chickens weren't so scary, and their pecks weren’t too bad.

 As the first few months of me living in Reindall passed by, I developed muscles from chopping wood, building fences, and carrying heavy items for Arcelia- while Dorian would go out to sea to fish. I’d also finally gained some weight, making me look more filled out, which made it even more difficult to hide the fact that I was not a boy. This was, however, the first time I was really able to connect with Arcelia- one of the days I had been finishing the chicken coop she wanted behind her house, she noticed a red patch on my trousers. At first she thought I had hurt myself, until I confessed to her what was really going on. She had quickly let me have a pair of new trousers, and when her brother came over after being done with fishing for the day, she pulled him to the kitchen and they had a long discussion.

From that day forward, she helped me hide identity even better. I was taught to double layer shorts and pants just in case my bleeding started without me expecting it, and to bind my growing breasts anytime I went out. I was also able to convince her to cut my hair off to my jaw, not that men only had long hair, but for the simple fact that building items and having long hair didn’t work well together.

There isn’t very much that I remember before waking up here, but I was told that I had a bag with me. A black bag with two straps and two zipped pouches with a ‘Jansport’ tagged in some type of fake leather. Inside of that bag I had clothes and a journal of some sort. The clothes, while not similar to what is worn here, were sized up so even as I got older, I could still wear them comfortably- although besides the pair of small black stretchy shorts (my double layering shorts) I never found a chance to wear.

The journal however had at least a little bit of information. My name is Adrie Ramona, I was born on April twelfth 1999, I never talked about any siblings, I did write about how my mother let me dye my hair green before I got enrolled into a big school, and apparently I like to travel to villages called ‘Target’- yet I still wanted to go to places such as ‘New York’ and ‘Italy’. The strange thing was the fact that according to the journal, my hair should’ve went back to it’s dark auburn color, and not stay green. Also, according to Dorian, he’s never heard of the places I mentioned, and the dates aren’t comparable to each other. My last recorded date was on September thirteenth in 2013, while the date I was found was on the fifth of Rain’s Hand. The people that Dorian associates with don’t exactly know the year either, seeing that only people of high status were allowed to know- even people like the main maid of the Knight’s Guild, Ms. Ophelia, and the ex-pirate turned fisherman, Eden, were forbidden to know- because it was, as the King puts it “A god’s gift to know so much knowledge of the world” . It wasn’t so much that the people didn’t know how long a year was, they just didn’t know things like how many years the kingdom had been alive and things like that. The most years that the other villagers have recorded was up to one hundred years- which was because the local tavern owner’s father had recorded his life from his childhood onwards, and instructed his children to do so as well.

With only my limited knowledge of my past life, I had no choice but to take up Dorian’s offer of letting me live with him as long as I worked to repay him. Throughout the years of living with him, and working for Arcelia, I learnt how to sew clothes and sails, how to hold myself up in a brawl, how to use herbs and some bandages for first aid, and how to use herbs with other foods to make more flavorful meals along with baking bread. As I got older, Dorian slowly let me have more of a say in what I did, so by the time I was sixteen, I had started my own garden next to Arcelia’s chicken coop, and I would sell my vegetables at the village market.

Eventually, Dorian had to stop working for himself as a fisherman and had to start working under the King’s local fishery, due to how many boats started to go missing because of pirates. It took weeks for Dorian’s stubborn ass to finally decide to join a specific crew though. He would never admit it, but he hated how so many of the fishermen were kiss asses to the King, because they felt they’d get a pay raise. It was very obvious that he was scared that he wouldn’t come back home to see his sister and I, it would be written on his face every morning he gave me a hug before leaving- although he would always claim the opposite. Dorian was always cold and rude, but after getting to know him, I had to learn that it was his way of showing compassion. Which I didn’t like, but I did deal with. I had faith that some day he’d openly start to warm up to me.

 The crew that he joined was named ‘The J.R.’, being named after Captain Eden’s last boat before he got captured. It was a shock that he was never killed, being a pirate and all, but he was given the option of being hung at the Gallows for his crimes, or becoming the main fisherman at the local fishery. With, supposedly, his crew being dead, he decided to become a fisherman, and now he catches the most expensive fish to sell to the King himself. He must’ve been one lucky bastard though. His crew was the only one to not be affected by the pirate raids, every single other crew being raided and killed- sometimes their boats would float back to shore, sometimes only pieces would.

It wasn’t until I’d turned twenty that things started to change. The people on the north side of the island were starting to rapidly die off. It wasn’t hard to tell why. With the amount of crime that had to flourish in order for people in poverty to survive is outrageously high, on top of the Knight’s Guild using those people as someone to pin their personal crimes on. So with the north side citizens along with a lot of fishermen still being picked off, it was no surprise that the island started to run low on supplies. Not enough fisherman to catch fish. Not enough gardeners to aid their vegetables and fruits. Not enough herders to sell their animals. And most important of all, not enough running gold to keep the King happy.

Walking out of the wooden and stone cottage, I see Dorian perched against the wooden fence that surrounds the home.

“Aren’t you guys going out today?” I question as I walk towards him, seeing that he would usually be out by dawn. “No,” he replied before taking a deep breath “Listen, kid,  the King has an announcement today in the village court. If it’s what I think it is, I need you to lay low for a while. There’s no telling what will happen, but it doesn’t seem good. Join Arcelia when she goes, I’ll be joining with Captain Eden.” And with that, he nods at you and walks towards the docks, keeping his eyes low.

As I trudged on the stoned path to Arcelia’s home shop, all you could think about what the King could say. It wasn’t very often that he actually went to a town square himself, he usually sends a courier over who reads on the scroll in an obnoxious loud tone. Kicking a rock and looking up ahead past the trees, I can see the door to Arcelia’s shop door wide open, with what looks like not intention of being closed.

“Huh, that’s not weird at all,” I mutter to myself “Why hasn’t Aunt Arcelia said something?” knowing that with all the food my adoptive aunt sells, she makes it a rule to always have the door shut if no one is coming in or out.  

Jogging up, the sounds of yelling get louder until it was apparent who was making the ruckus. Mathew Roswell, the head knight’s son, and the nephew of the King. Mathew has a reputation of being a spoilt brat to any townspeople who didn’t work under his family, and my family definitely was not exempt. Growing up, I had fought him and his friends way too many times to count- and apparently getting older isn’t going to change the matter.

Walking in through the door, stepping over the clutter of items that looked to be thrown on the ground, a loud slap echos throughout the room, and Arcelia’s head snaps to the side with a red print. I didn’t take much time to think about what to do. Rushing over to big brute, I threw a punch at his jaw, making him stumble down enough for me to continue throwing punches. It wasn’t until one of Arcelia’s frequent customers pulled me off of him that I realized what I had just done. As Mathew and some other kids who were training to be in the Knight’s Guild were running out, Mathew gave me a dirty look and I just knew his father was going to be told. In all honesty, I could’ve been hung for touching that spoilt boy, but for some reason his father usually finds humor in it.

Snapping out of thought, I walk over to my adoptive Aunt to make sure she’s fine.

“Yes I’m fine. Adrian, you really shouldn’t defend me like that. The last thing me or your father need is for you to get yourself killed for messing with the head Knight’s son.” Noticing throngs of people walk by she huffs and says “You are cleaning this mess when we get back, but for now let’s go so we don’t miss whatever news if being brought upon us.”

As we walk through the crowds, I noticed that the Gallows was reassembled in the off center of the town square, right beside the big tree that sits center of the square. It seemed like that was the stage for whoever was giving the announcement. Just as aunt Arcelia and I stop, whispers erupted in the crowd like a wildfire. The King’s court actually came to the town square. With the King’s Head Knight and brother, Kitt Roswell, walking up the stairs to go to the left side of the “stage”, he looks over the crowd with a blank face. Soon enough King Roswell himself walks to the middle of the stage and the whispers die off immediately.

“Good afternoon citizens. This is a brief get together, but one that will aid our island in many ways, so listen. It is an obvious observation to see that as a community, we are not doing well. We have lack of needed supplies and we need some way to get them. Looking upon other island villages, it is clear of what we need to do. Looking at the actions of our neighboring island village, Sternist, we need to make a big sacrifice. Any women who have made it to their matured woman hood are unmarried and do not have needed jobs, need to say goodbye to their families, if they have any, and turn themselves in for the greater good of our people.” The King pauses as gasps fill the air “I know, it is unfortunate, but a lot of people will sell much gold and supplies for women. Thankfully, I am King, and I do think of the greater good of our people, even in these hard times. Knights will be going door to door to collect those who are eligible. Think of it as serving your King. That is all.” And with that, King Roswell and his followers lead back to the Castle.

In the following weeks, there was a big absence of women that were usually in my daily life. The single woman named Mira, who usually blushed as she bought bread from me, would no longer show up. Quite a few mothers left, leaving behind their husbands and children. Even a girl as young as twelve years old met the requirements- and since her parents tried to hide her, they were met with the Gallows as the girl was shipped away. There was a solemn silence in the village after that day.

It wasn’t any easier on Dorian and the crew of ‘The J.R.’. Many men were imprisoned for not following orders of the King. Even more of them died as “traitors” for being against the trading of women. Or even not wanting to take women on board for the fear of their ship sinking. Somehow, even with their friends and acquaintances disappearing, their crew never had to take women. Some people think it’s because the King secretly respects Eden, but I know it’s because Eden and his crew has been the main source of fish coming in lately.

I thought I would’ve been left out of the crossfire of any of this, until Dorian told me that I no longer worked for Arcelia, but I would be working for Eden on the boat instead.

"Why didn't you fuckin' listen to me kid, that's all I ever ask of you, and you don’t do it the one fuckin' time I specifically ask you to," Dorian exclaims, slamming the door open to bounce against the wall " One thing is all I asked for and now I have to find a way to clean up your act"

I back from the pot of stew that was cooking for tonight's dinner, hooking the ladle on a rack, before turning to fully face the enraged- possibly drunken man.

"What are you talkin' about Dorian? I haven't done anything wrong, and we both know it. I've been doing what I always do, and I've been bringing in more coin, just like you asked," I retort, "Whatever your problem is, it can wait until later. Foods almost done; we can talk then."

He steps close, hands flying up to his grayed hair in disbelief "Talk later? Lass. Adrie, we will be lucky if we have the time for dinner at this point. From what Ms. Ophelia was talking, you caused quite the disturbance with Matthew, again. So much that there are whispers about how his father wants you in the Knight's Guild, Adrie. The fuckin' Knight's Guild! You just had to go and fight the damn boy didn't ya?" Each time he says my name, his pitch gets higher, and every word is more venomous than the next.

Thinking back to the past few weeks, when Dorian first gave me my warning, it dawns on me. The first thing I had done after talking to him was get in a fight with Matthew. I thought it would've been ignored- especially since I wasn't in the wrong. I guess I was proven wrong.

Looking Dorian in the eyes, my face pales as I attempt to explain myself.

"I wasn't tryin' to cause trouble, you could've asked Arcelia too! The bastard slapped her, and I wasn't going to let him get away with it. I was damn near the only one who could. Anyone else was too scared to, and I've done it before without getting in any trouble. It's not my fault I know how to fight, and he doesn't," I cry out. "It's too bad kid. You might be able to act and dress like a lad without people getting suspicious of you, but you need to remember how easy it is to be revealed you aren't one," the older man says, while looking down, before grabbing a sack to fill with water canteens and extra food we have in the small kitchen area," Yes, you can fight, but you wouldn't last a week in that Guild The first few months alone are learning how to be a team with one another. That means spending every single day with multiple men just to sleep, shower, fight, and live. Hell, you'd be found just by a quick bad and body check, and we both know it," he gravely retorts before tossing me two burlap sacks," Now gather all your belongings. Thankfully, I was with Captain Eden at the tavern, and he offered to let you come with us to the trip to Zetharl. We are supposed to be doing some trading there, and there's quite a few safe houses there that you can stay at, until Arcelia and I can escape as well. Captain does not know about you and we are keeping it that way. He may be kind, but he's still an old pirate who still holds a lot of those olden beliefs. He has a strict rule about women being on his ship. So, it'd do you good to be on your best behavior and not raise any suspicions. If you do, I'll throw you off the damn ship myself, you hear me?"," Yes, I understand," I reply, defeated, and turn to make my way to my room to collect my items.

Taking a final look around my room, I let my hand drop down to brush against the scratchy blanket on my cot. It feels strange that I'll be leaving the only place I've ever known. The only people I've only known. I had always had a slight feeling that I would leave this place someday, I just never expected it to come so abruptly.

With a sigh, I hike my two bags up over my shoulder, and walk through the small cottage one last time, and stopped in front of the gate where Dorian was with a big barrel resting inside a wheelbarrow.

"Get in kid,"," The…barrel?" I ask, cocking my head to the side. "Yes the barrel. Hurry. The guards have already been on the lookout for you. I don't know why they haven't checked here yet, but I'm sure they're on their way. Hurry up into the damn thing so we can get you on that ship unnoticed,". Resting my hands on the sides of the opened object, I hike myself into it, thankful that it's big enough for me to fold my knees to my chest. Putting the light bags inside with me, Dorian places the top back on, leaving me encased in complete darkness. With a huff- the older man straightens the wheelbarrow up, and starts walking us on the dirt path.

As we continued on, I found myself hoping that I wouldn't get this same feeling on a ship- the rocking motion making my stomach feel queasy, and almost grateful that I hadn't ate since lunch.  Hearing a shout in the distance, I stiffen up, and press my ear against the wooden barrel in an attempt to hear who it was.

"Sir, under orders of the Head Knight Kitt Roswell, we need your boy to come with us now. Your son finally has a chance to bring some honor and glory to your family," a hidden gruff voice demands "My boy? Ah shit, Adrian? He's out in the forest picking herbs to sell this week. You see, I have a job to do tomorrow with captain Eden," My father figure pauses, before letting out a cough," I'm trying to get my stuff over to the ship now since we're leaving tonight, per Captain's request,".

Stifling a chuckle by biting my hand, I quickly thank the gods that these guards are idiots, as the main talking guard tells two of his guards to push the wheelbarrow for Dorian, while he and the others go to find me. Traveling at a faster pace, I hear the guards towing me try to make conversation with Dorian- which gets caught off as my world gets tilted to the side briefly.

"You fishermen really need this much shi- items on your journey?" One of the guards huff, clearly out of breath," Yes, we do. Pick the barrel up and place it over with the other, and take the wheelbarrow back to mainland- we're leaving now, and you two imbeciles need to get off my ship," A new commanding voice demands.  Captain Eden. Inside my barrel, I curl up slightly as I feel myself being moved- and unceremoniously dropped with a thud that makes my ears ring.

I stay hidden in my barrel until I hear commotion, men yelling all around my barrel, with footsteps rushing all around me. Moments later, I see the moonlight creep into my barrel- the top lid being pulled off, before seeing a roughed hand pull the bags out, and then eventually catching onto my shoulder to pull me up. Standing up with my eyes squinted from the sudden light, I see it's Dorian who has a hold of me, with Captain Eden standing a few feet away.

"It's good to see you, lad, it's been a while," The captain greets me before continuing, " I hope you don't get seasick, because you'll be on this ship a while- and you're definitely going to learn how to help out around here!"

[thekriseffect]

An Artless Smile (Liam x MC)

[Note: All this Royal Heir business is making me feel extra cheesy lately. I love the concept of MC starting a family, I love the lightheartedness of it, and I love that I have more Liam content to go off of! I missed this series way too much. So naturally I had to write a fic centered around this theme. They’re just too cute not to.]

[Summary: Halfway through her third trimester, Freya is feeling the effects of her pregnancy.]

[Song Inspiration: Where’s My Love- SYML.]

It’s difficult to do anything remotely exciting when you’re eight months pregnant. The highlights of my days, when not stuck dealing with overly theatrical political exchanges, are pretending to go into labor when I’m feeling particularly bored and walking the palace grounds. No, not walking. Waddling. Walking was abandoned long ago when I lost sight of my own feet. Waddling is now my short-term way of traveling. But lately my legs have decided that functioning all together is impractical and that lounging in bed is a far better pastime. So now my highlights have evolved into binging as many shows as possible and seeing how many marshmallows I can fit into my mouth at one time. The answer is six, in case anyone was wondering.

I won’t say that being pregnant is one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. I’ll think it all I want, but I won’t actually voice it out loud. After all, it is my primary purpose in being Queen of Cordonia. To provide heirs for the throne to strengthen the line of succession… or so that’s what they love to tell me. I should feel honored, I’m Liam’s personal babymaker. Yay, me.

It’s not that I hate pregnancy necessarily, it’s just that I didn’t expect it to be this hard.

I hurts in places I didn’t even realize could hurt. Back aches, pelvic pain, swollen feet, all from a tiny human being no bigger than a soccer ball. There’s stubborn tension in my neck and shoulders that refuses to go away no matter how hard I try. I guess carrying an extra thirty pounds around does that to a person.

My hormones are out of control. One minute I’m so thoroughly happy that I could hug anything in sight and in the next I’m contemplating how difficult it would be to claw someone’s eyes out with my nails. Not that difficult, I’ve decided.

I miss my mother, Wendy Lin. The woman who abandoned me even before I knew what the word abandonment meant. The woman who didn’t think I mattered enough to stick around. The woman who preferred her independence over raising her one and only child. I’m surrounded by fine furnishings in a breathtaking country with people who love me, who need me, and all I can think about is someone who never wanted me in the first place. What would she say if she saw me now? Would she be proud of me? Would she even care?

My body doesn’t particularly enjoy being pregnant, so in retaliation it likes to convince me that I’m on the verge of dying regularly. My feet hurt first thing in the morning? Death. A blemish appears on my cheek while I was sleeping? Definitely fatal. One boob is growing larger than the other? I expect plum hued floral arrangements at my funeral. Due to this I tend to dramatize most situations. Sometimes it’s unintentional, slipping out when least expected, and other times I enjoy doing it just to see if I can get away with it. I think it’s kind of funny. Liam? Not so much.

But most of all I’m scared. I want this to work. I want to be everything that my husband and Cordonia needs. Liam insists that I have nothing to worry about, that I’ve always been enough, but most of the time I’m not convinced. I want to be a good queen, a good wife, a great mom, but I’m just not sure how. How can you be good at something that’s geared to wear you down?

It’s a thought that likes to cling to the back of my mind like sap. It’s constantly there and sticks to everything. And it’s the thing that’s currently causing my face to scrunch up like I’ve swallowed a particularly sour lemon when Liam walks into our room.

I’m laying in our bed with a wall of pillows barricading me from the outside world, watching Pride & Prejudice on repeat. I tend to doze off at certain parts so my logic is to keep watching it until I’ve see all the parts I’ve missed. Mr. Collin’s face invades the screen when I scoot myself up into a sitting position, my back pressed against the frames headboard.

I’m watching Liam silently as he circles around the room, unbuttoning his coat and slinging it across the back of the mahogany desk chair, removing his vest followed by loosening his overly expensive cufflinks. It’s become a routine; me witnessing him transform from King Liam, polished and beloved ruler of Cordonia, to Liam, my adorably dorky husband, every night.

He shrugs out of his shirt, exposing his broad shoulders and firm stomach and I let out a low whistle, causing his head to snap up in my direction.

“Hot,” I say while wiggling my eyebrows suggestively at him. A dazzling smile brightens his face when his gaze meets mine and my breath catches in my throat. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the way Liam looks at me. Once, a long time ago, it terrified me that someone could look at me with so much need. So much admiration. It still scares me, even now, but in an elevated, peppy sort of way. One that makes my lips quirk up and my heart rate skyrocket. I never thought I’d deserve a look like that. I never thought I’d deserve him.

Liam walks over to the bed to press his lips chastely to mine. The mattress dips as he leans over me. “They missed you at dinner,” he says as he pulls back slightly to look at me.

I blow a rogue hair away from my face. In a fit of hormonal rage I’d chopped off most of my locks until they sat in messy strands atop my head, much to Bertrand’s horror. “You look like the top of a mop head,” he’d told me. Most days it refused to sit flat no matter how hard the royal stylist tried. And she tried very hard. I didn’t care. I liked the wild look it gave me. I liked how every “reputable attire” was ruined by my spontaneity.

“I got tired of people talking to my belly button,” I tell him while picking at an invisible hangnail. “I don’t know who decided that it’s a cute thing to do but it really isn’t.”

After discarding something onto our ridiculously gaudy dresser, he crosses the room to crawl up the foot of the bed, his arms braced on either side of me, supporting his weight, as he skims his mouth up my swollen stomach. I shiver.

“Your beautiful mother doesn’t like the attention you draw to her,” Liam says into my abdomen, his warm lips brushing against my skin with each word. It’s distracting and causes scandalous images of him sated and spent beneath me to flash into my mind. Sweat clinging to his powerful frame, blue eyes hooded with desire, smooth chest heaving heavily, handsome face tensed in the best way. He should be naked. Why isn’t he naked? Why do I have to resemble a giant hippo?

Liam meets my eyes then, giving me a teasing look and I comb my fingers through his hair, untidying it. I tug gently in retaliation. Wiseass.

“Well it’s cute when you do it,” I mumble, and it’s the truth. I love how much he’s enjoying all of this. I love how his look alleviates whenever he sees me. I love how boyish and carefree and happy he is. It makes it all worth it, every moment.

His smirk broadens as he kisses the stretch of bare skin fondly. “How are you feeling today, my love?”

I consider his question for a moment. “Like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.” Liam blinks at me wordlessly and I almost laugh at the lost expression on his face. “Like an oversized grape,” I try again. “I’m beyond ready for her to be out.”

“Her?”

I hum. “I’ve decided it’s a girl.”

“And why’s that?” Liam asks, resting his chin on my belly to give me that intense look.

“It’s the universe’s way of getting payback,” I explain while tracing my fingers over his face. Brushing over his eyebrow, painting down his stubbled cheek, thumbing against his lips. “I’m not the world’s… easiest person.”

“No?” Amusement dances in his gaze.

“Shockingly. So what better way to get even than force me to deal with a miniature version of myself.”

Liam kisses the inside of my wrist, digits fiddling with the wedding band around my finger, before dragging his mouth along my forearm. “I don’t see that as payback. I happen to like how you are.”

I snort. “How comforting.”

“Does this mean that she will also look like you?”

I freeze. My hand stills its journey over his temple as I wordlessly assess him. He meets my look curiously, pale hair curling endearingly over his forehead and I have to resist the urge to reach up and dishevel it further. Usually so put together, it’s rare to see him this disorderly which makes me love it even more. I twist the rebellious piece between my fingertips and tug it down so it reaches the bridge of his nose. He smiles shyly up at me. “No. She’ll look like you,” I tell him. I’d want our daughter to be beautiful like you.

He presses his nose into my skin and I shift forward, coaxing his face closer to mine when there’s a sudden kick to my ribs. A nervous twitch. A tumbling motion. I yelp, looking down. Liam laughs.

“Someone’s feeling spirited. I wonder where she gets that from,” he beams as he places both hands over my stomach while my belly twitches, smoothing across my ribs and down to my hips.

“She couldn’t be cooperative for just a few seconds longer?” I grumble which makes him laugh again and I can’t help but return his grin.

I’ve noticed that Liam has two kinds of smiles. There’s the one he presents to the public. The one he purposefully uses to emphasis his charming persona, to sway the hearts of hundreds of strangers. To solidify unions and craft agreements. It’s the one he practices the most, regrettably. And then there’s the smile that bleeds too much joy to be anything but genuine. That opens him up like a book, all his thoughts bare and out on display. The one that feels like a gift when you receive it. One that makes you feel so undeniably important.

In this moment I know the one that slips onto his face does so without any restraint from him. It’s too real, too content, to be a creation of The King Liam. It’s just the man I love, feeling the movements of his baby and smiling.

[profoundnet]

Header by @cryptomoon and is available on merch from her redbubble store. You can use all those fancy emojis (and more!) on our Discord server!

The Masterpost is open for all creations by ProfoundBond members which are posted in their entirety during that month.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR OCTOBER 2019!

Featuring works from @saywhatjessie, @mittensmorgul, ArielAquariel, @doespeterparkerisgay, @banshee1013, @andimeantittosting, Erratus, @cool-fallen-angel, @malallory, @castielslostwings, @nickelkeep, @bringmefleshandbringmewine, @sarasaurussex, iCeDreams, @emiliaoagi, @leafzelindor and @rauko-is-a-free-elf!

Masterpost below the cut.

JessJesstheBest - @saywhatjessie​ - JessJesstheBest

On The Line (T, 23k)

“Well, can I scam you?” Dean’s spoon was frozen, forgotten, halfway between his bowl and his mouth. “Did you just ask if you could scam me?” “Yes.” The guy said, cool as anything. “Can I scam you?”

Or the one where Cas is a scam caller and Dean just keeps intercepting his calls.

Tags: Alternate Universe, Human AU, Scam Caller au

mittensmorgul - @mittensmorgul​ - MittenWraith

Lifetime Piling Up (E, 59k)

Cas is having a bad day. He burned his bagel, missed his ride to work and had to run to the hospital in the pouring rain, and then witnessed his attending accidentally kill a patient during a routine surgery. Now he might be on the hook for his boss’s mistake, but was it really a mistake, or is he the next target of Dr. Nick Morningstar’s sick mind games?

Dean is also having a bad day. His brother nearly set his kitchen on fire, he’s training a new apprentice in his tattoo shop, and then he gets a mysterious call that Sam needs a ride to the hospital after a freak accident in the pouring rain left him with an injured shoulder. A chance encounter at the hospital leads Dean and Cas to each other after a decade of coincidences and premonitions, and suddenly their worst day might become the foundation for all of their best. A story of choice and destiny, and the power of found family, foretold through uncanny tattoos.

Tags: AU-modern setting, tattoo artist!Dean, surgeon!Cas, angst and fluff and smut

ArielAquariel - ArielAquariel

Quoth the Raven (G, 6k)

Dean Winchester didn’t believe in the occult. Werewolves were a myth, Nessie was a hallucination, and bigfoot was just a large hairy man who enjoyed strolling naked through the woods. He thought that crystals were a load of shit, and a smudge stick would do nothing but make your house smell like burnt sage. He didn’t believe in God, let alone ghosts. Finally, and he was 100% sure on this one, he didn’t believe in witches. Or Wicca. Or whatever they wanted to call it. His point? Everything could be explained. That is, everything but the dark-haired man walking through campus with a spellbook and a raven for a familiar…

Tags: Misunderstandings, Fluff, Pining Dean Winchester, Pining Castiel (Supernatural), Alternate Universe - College/University, Meet-Cute, Animal Lover Castiel (Supernatural)

vicktick - @doespeterparkerisgay​ - vicktick

two bros, arguing about who would top cause they're not gay (but they are) (T, 3.5k)

“No, I’m telling you, I would be the top if we were gay together.”

Oh, Twitter was going to love this: ‘my brother and his “best friend” are currently arguing about who would top if they were “gay together”. i was pretty sure they already were gay together.’

Tags: Alternate Universe - High School, Fluff, First Kiss, Love Confessions, Sam is a Little Shit, Supportive John Winchester

banshee1013 - @banshee1013​ - Banshee1013

Suptober Art/Fic (NSFW)

Art and accompanying ficlets to answer Suptober 2019 prompts.

Tags: Fluff, Angst, Depression, Temporary Character Death, Nightmare, Crossover/Fandom Fusion

andimeantittosting - @andimeantittosting​ - andimeantittosting

I Will Hang My Head Low (M, 22.5k)

Dean Winchester gave up hunting when his brother became the prophesied Boy King of Hell. Now he ekes out a meager living, chopping wood for a nearby village, until one snowy night, he follows what appears to be a falling star, and encounters an injured angel. Afterwards, he tries to put the strange night from his mind.

When he meets Castiel, a mysterious man with healing powers, they form an instant connection, and the more Dean learns of Castiel's powers—to heal, to protect, to purify—the more he begins to hope that Sam can be saved. But as they prepare to save Sam, Castiel grows sick, and then sicker still. Too late, Dean learns how much Castiel is willing to sacrifice for him.

Inspired by the Decemberists' Crane Wife and the Japanese myth on which it is based.

Tags: Temporary Major Character Death, Fairytale/Folktale AU, Sick Castiel, Grief/Mourning, Castiel's Wings, Angst With a Happy Ending

Tentacletober Fills (E, 7k)

A collection of short fills for Tentacletober prompts.

Tags: Tentacles, Consentacles, Oviposition

Erratus - Erratus

A Concerned Brother (T, 2k)

When Sam walks in on Dean and Castiel, he left worried if Castiel understands enough about human relationships.

Tags: Coming out, established relationship, canon verse, mentions of sex but no sex, Sam is concerned for Cas

Watching Over You (T, 4k)

Castiel has always been watching over Dean, keeping him alive. Even if Dean doesn't know it, he's been there.

Tags: Suicidal thoughts/attempt, pre-canon, pre-slash, Cas with different vessels, sad and hurt Dean

cool-fallen-angel - @cool-fallen-angel​

Halloween Costumes (NSFW)

I drew this piece for Winchester-reload's 2019 suptoberart challenge, day 31: Halloween

Tags: Halloween, halloween costumes, lingerie, angel costume, playboy costume, blushy Cas, suptoberart, sexy boyfriends

malallory - @malallory​

DeanCas "Funeral Bell" graphic (SFW)

Graphic created for the All Ships Creations Challenge under the theme "spooky"

Tags: 15x03

castielslostwings - @castielslostwings​ - Castielslostwings

Wants and Needs (M, 6.5k)

From a prompt in the Destiel Port FB Group! "Asexual Incubus!Cas and Demisexual Vamp!Dean"

Asexual!Incubus!Cas who has to have sex to feed to stay alive and has always resented it, until he meets Demi!vampire!Dean and discovers that being fed on... actually turns him on, and makes feeding not feel miserable for the first time ever. Imagine Ace!incubus!Cas starving for a long time because he can't stomach the thought of having sex, and then here comes Demi!vamp!Dean feeding on Cas, giving him gratification he thought can only be gained from having sex.

And, you know, they live happily ever after.

Tags: Asexual Castiel, Incubus Castiel, Vampire Dean, Demisexual/Demiromantic Dean, Hungry Castiel, Depressed Castiel, Biting/Blood Drinking, Lonely Castiel, Intimacy, Sweet Dean Winchester.

The Luck You Got (E, 90k)

Castiel and Dean grew up together. Both from broke, broken homes, falling in love was easy - until Dean’s father whisked him away. Years later, Cas is still living the struggle, selling his body to keep a roof over his siblings' heads and using drugs to get by. When Dean returns as a fully grown adult (and a paramedic at that) with his kid-brother-turned-lawyer in tow, Castiel can’t help feeling as if they’re picking up exactly where they left off. Falling swiftly in love all over again but used to only having himself to rely on, he struggles to let Dean in. When Gabriel gets arrested and takes a major source of the family’s income down with him, Castiel struggles to cope and leans on drugs and prostitution instead of Dean. Determined not to lose him for a second time, Dean fights to drag Castiel back from the claws of addiction and the brink of death, no matter what it takes. With help from friends, family, and Dean, Castiel finds himself working towards something for the first time ever, determined to choose life, love, and something more than what the city has always told him is all he has to offer.

Tags: Getting Back Together, Childhood Sweethearts, Neighbors, Poverty, Drug Addiction & Recovery, Sex Worker Castiel, Firefighter/Paramedic Dean, Angst & Fluff & Smut, Happy Ending, Romance.

nickelkeep - @nickelkeep - nickelkeep

‘Cause My Monsters Are Real (T, 8k)

"It's great," Garth responding, grabbing a chair and sliding it over. "Bess is in her glory, and the little one is doing awesome. I love her so much." He smiled a toothy grin that didn't quite meet his eyes. "I'm not here about me, though. I debated coming at all, cause I know how sacred our Fridays are, but I figured you'd want to be prepared."

Sam leaned around Rowena, his arm draped over her shoulder, "What do you mean he'd want to be prepared?"

"You too, Sam. This affects both of you. It literally just happened." Garth hung his head like a kicked puppy. "So, I was back in today, filling out my paperwork to start back up on Monday. And I overheard it."

"Spit it out, Wolfman." Dean leaned his chair back on two legs, foot resting on the table.

"Magda's getting her own room. Emma's getting a new person in the room. They're splitting you two up." Garth looked pathetically at Dean. "You're getting a new partner."

Dean instinctively kicked out, sending him backward and onto the floor. "Ow. What?"

Tags: AU - Creatures & Monsters, Shapeshifter Dean, Fallen Angel Castiel, Human/Monster Society, Kid Fic (kind of), There is Only One Under the Bed

And These Monsters Can Fight (E, 6.5k)

"You think I want to keep her here against her wishes?" Bobby shook his head vehemently. "She'd be one hell of a creature if she were one, but she should go back to the human world. There's a problem that you didn't think of."

"What's that?" Dean spat.

"Dean," Sam softly interjected. "The angels may not want or need Claire anymore because she can no longer be an angelic host, but she is still tied to a source of grace." They all looked at the Fallen.

"I can protect myself!" Claire spoke up. "What do you think I had to do when Castiel couldn't come to me thanks to the stupid rules you all have in place!?"

"Can you protect yourself from three or four or five angels?" Bobby stared at her. "I'll give you one or two, you're a spitfire. But they want him. They're not going to take it light and risk losing a couple when they need all hands on board."

"So what? You want to keep her here?" Dean asked.

Tags: AU - Creatures & Monsters, Story Continuation, Shapeshifter Dean, Fallen Angel Castiel, Human/Monster Society, There is only one under the bed.

Carry Me Home (E, 7k)

"You weren't a scout." Cas opened the laptop and pulled up YouTube. In the search bar, he typed in stopping a squeaking door. He moved the cursor over the first video; from a channel called Impala Repairs. "This looks right." He clicked on the link and grabbed his coffee.

Hey there, and welcome to another quick how-to video with Impala Repairs! I'm your host, D.W., and in today's episode, I'm going to show you the best way to stop a door's hinges from squeaking.

Gabe reached over and pushed up on Cas' chin. "Cassie? You alive over there?"

Cas nodded.

"You need a global reboot?"

Cas pulled his eyes off the screen and shot his brother a look that could kill. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"That means," Gabe reached over and took Cas' coffee, "that you were A, so infatuated with Old Green Eyes on the screen there, you almost dumped your coffee on yourself, and B, you have no idea how to fix the door."

Tags: AU - Modern Setting, Handyman Dean, Professor Castiel, Sneaky Brothers, Conspiring Sam and Gabriel, Strangers to Lovers, Crush at First Sight

Like a Burning Flame (E, 8.5k)

"No, no, no." Dean shot up from under his pile of Ikea cardboard. "There's no fire here. The smoke alarm is disabled, we're seasoning our ovens."

The firefighter removed his helmet and mask, taking Dean's breath away as though he had actually inhaled smoke. "Seasoning Ovens?" He cocked his eyebrow, his bright blue eyes shining in confusion. "And that requires smoke billowing out of the back of your building?"

Dean's mouth failed to move, entranced as he was with the gorgeous man in a firefighter's uniform in front of him. Charlie shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Call your guys off so nothing is destroyed by water, and we'll show you." She turned the firefighter back to the entrance and waited 'til he was outside before smacking Dean. "Rush your blood back to your head, will you?"

Tags: AU - Coffee Shops and Firefighters, Baker Dean, Firefighter Castiel, Strangers to Lovers, Uniform Kink, Panty Kink, Semi-Public Sex, Dom/Sub Undertones, Bad BDSM Etiquette

For the Last Time (E, 37k) - co-created with @little-crazy-misha-minion

It's been three years since Dean's had any kind of vacation. Until now. Sam and Eileen gift him a cruise as a thank you for all the things he's done for Sam, for them, for the whole family. A week away at sea seems like an ideal vacation. Still, when your name is Dean Winchester, and nothing in your life has ever gone your way, it looks like a disaster waiting to happen. Can a new friend help him turn his luck around and help him navigate the rough waters?

Tags: AU - Cruises, Closeted Bi Dean Winchester, Gay Castiel, LGBTQ Themes, Angst with a Happy Ending, NonCon Kissing (not Destiel), Anxiety/PTSD, Song Fic, Clubbing, DCBB2019

To Confess (E, 8.5k)

"So get this... We've got couples missing at a couples retreat the next state over."

"Which lovely lady you going with?" Dean uncrossed his arms and smacked Cas' hand away from the tablet so he could scroll through the article.

"Can't find one. Charlie's still not back. Jody's taking Donna on a hunt."

Cas looked up. "Well, there was a lesbian couple that went missing. You can choose a male partner."

"I was hoping you'd say that, Cas." Sam shot a look at Dean before smiling at Cas. "Will you do me the honor of being my fake husband for a case?"

"Excuse me?" Dean shot a look at Sam.

"Well, I'm not asking you, Dean." Sam shook his head. "That's... Yeah, no."

Dean crossed his arms over his chest again. "Why are you and Cas going? Cas is my best friend. He and I can pull it off better than you two can."

Tags: Canonverse, Case Fic, Idiots in Love, Fake Relationship, Breaking Up & Making up, Pray for Sam, Sam Winchester ships Destiel, Angst and Porn, Happy Ending

It’s About To Be Legendary (G, 1.5k)

"I don't want to kill a human!" Luna hissed, her whisper carrying softly so only her boyfriend could hear her. "If you mess up, you'll bring down hunters upon the pack." She whimpered. "You could bring the Winchesters upon us." Apollo stood up and turned around, his shoulders squaring out as he attempted to intimidate Luna into following his lead. "First of all, I'm not going going to fuck up, Lu. Have a little faith in your boyfriend. Second, the Winchesters are a myth. An urban legend. Something our parents tell us to make sure we follow Pack Law."

Tags: AU - Everyone Lives, Hunters and Hunting, Halloween Fic, Urban Legends

prolixdreams - @bringmefleshandbringmewine - prolixdreams

And The World Kept Turning (G, 4k)

It’s getting harder and harder to die.

Cigarettes disappeared off the market forty years past.

Proper alcohol, the poisonous kind, was banned almost immediately once a safer synthetic got a foothold in the market.

Every pill and patch is equipped with tiny computers to detect blood levels of a chemical and only release their payload when the concentration dips below a pre-set threshold, making overdose nearly impossible with anything obtained legally.

Even sweeteners are tightly regulated and highly taxed.

And now, January 17th, 2089, Castiel’s tablet feeds him another headline that promises longer, safer lives for all:

HUMAN-DRIVEN CARS FINALLY OFF ROADS FOR GOOD

Tags: Major Character Death (Implied/Referenced), Future Fic, Castiel drives the Impala

Sarasaurussex - @sarasaurussex - sarasaurussex

Sarasaurussex's Inktober, Suptober, and Profound Inktober Masterlist (NSFW, contains multishipping)

This is all of my Supernatual art for Inktober, Suptober, and Profound Inktober. Mostly Destiel, but contains non-Destiel ships (Sabriel and Sastiel).

Dress For Success (E, 2k)

Written for the Supernatural Kink Bingo on tumblr. My prompt was 'clothing sharing'. Art commissioned by Purgatory-Jar!

Tags: Clothing Sharing Kink, Humor, Smut

Wherever I May Roam (E, 11.5k, contains multishipping)

Summary: Sam and Dean get sent to another TV Land that's slightly different than the last. In this version, Jensen and Misha are dating. Written for Supernatural Kink Bingo on tumblr. My prompt was 'roleplay'.

Tags: Destiel, Cockles, Dean x Misha, Dub-Con due to Identity Issues, Idiots to Lovers, First Time, Arguing, Fluff, Smut

iCeDreams - iCeDreams

Chasing Polaris (E, 52k) - co-created with Takai13sama

Dean Winchester feels closed-in with his life at the behemoth, Mary’s Ark. His father has set him up with an arranged marriage and is refusing to budge on Dean’s suggestions to improve the steam engines. So... he does the most obvious thing surly young men do: he runs away.

While leaving the steam capital, he inadvertently meets Emmanuel, a man with secrets of his own, intriguing Dean enough to offer him a ride to a common destination.

It’s a serendipitous encounter, a trip across the country, and a chance to find where they need to be.

Tags: Steampunk, Arranged Marriage, Road Trip, Running Away

EmiliaOagi - @emiliaoagi - EmiliaOagi

It’s How You Use It (M, 2.5k)

One night Castiel discovers Supernatural fanfiction. Then Dean walks in. Some very meta crack with a smidgen of smut. Based on a prompt from the Profound Bond Discord.

Tags: Smut, Humor, Meta, Crack

Goose!Dean Crack Post 1 (SFW)

Art inspired by Untitled Goose Game and a Discord prompt: goose!Dean playing a prank on a poor unsuspecting Sam.

Goose!Dean Crack Post 2 (SFW)

Goose!Dean really wants that burger. Cas disagrees.

LeafZelindor - @leafzelindor - 

Ink/Suptober collection (SFW)

Just the short collection of the destiel pics I did during Inktober/suptober.

Art for Crayons and Candybars (SFW)

Artwork done for the DCBB fic Crayons and Candybars, written by I. Franco

rauko-is-a-free-elf - @rauko-is-a-free-elf - FeaRauko

Ocean’s Brawl (M, 55k)

In a time of oppression, the Winchester brothers and their family of misfit pirates sail the seas attacking slave traders and offering the liberated passage to safe-havens, or–if they choose it–a home on the Impala as part of Team Free Will.

Dean meets Castiel, a Naval Captain with orders to enlist him and his band of honorable sea rovers as privateers. Dean refuses, but they end up working together when Castiel offers his vessel as transport for some rescued slaves. Castiel, in turn, travels with Dean as collateral to ensure there is no foul play.

Along the way, Castiel witnesses the horrors of slavery and begins to doubt his cause, even fighting alongside Dean against a French vessel–Castiel’s own people. Castiel comes to admire this wild crew and their kind hearts…perhaps falling for one man in particular.

Tags: pirate!Dean, naval officer!Cas, enemies to lovers, team free will, openly bi!Dean, demisexual!Cas, swashbuckling, battles, shanties

Rapunzel, Rapunzel (SFW)

Art for @diminuel‘s fic, Rapunzel, Rapunzel

Tags: Rapunzel!au, fairy tale!au, prince!Dean, witch!Cas

Bisexualdemondean - outfit (SFW)

Art created for bisexualdemondean in response to the question: "What if I just wanted to look sluttier?"

Tags: demon!dean art, bisexualdemondean art

Autumn - Eileen (SFW)

Art for Day 1 of winchester-reload's suptoberart challenge

Tags: Eileen Leahy

"Good Thing I'm Yours, Then" (SFW)

Art for winchester-reaload's suptober challenge: Day 3 - Royalty Inspired by @casbeanwrites‘ fic Kiss Me Where I Lay Down

Tags: servant!Dean, prince!cas, fic art

"Kids These Days" - Art for Clarity (SFW)

Destiel art for @aloha-cowgirl‘s fic Clarity

[bigbeautifulmothwoman]

I’m a degenerate

So I wrote a fix for @kazooli‘s contest.

Features! Domestics, some tub sex, and overextensive praise.

Prompts used were ‘forbidden love’ and themes of the nsfw alphabet

   Tomura Shigaraki, by nature, was not generally a happy person. Alternatively,  being the leader of the one and only League of Villains didn’t allow for such.

   There was one thing though. One good thing out of all others.

   There’s a quiet suburb in Tokyo where not much happens. Like many areas, it’s mostly populated by various businesses and a few distinct residential areas. One of which was a high-rise complex near a park, in which there was a door that he and one other held a key to.

   He navigated the back ways up to the building, careful to avoid being seen despite the late hour. He reaches the right door, and uses his key despite every urge to dust the handle right off the door from sheer exhaustion.

   “Welcome home, Tocchan!”

   The pure intention of his lover’s greeting was enough to warm the cold of the Tokyo night from his bones as he removed his shoes to enter the small apartment.

   “Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes if you want to start playing before we eat.” She said with a smile. Cute.

   Tomura considered his lover to be quite unique. A quirkless American girl who just so happened to run into the right reptilian at the wrong time. How that lead to this, he still doesn’t understand. He thinks part of does have to do with the cooking however. Instead of taking up her offer, he slowly sets the small table for two.

   She keeps her focus on the pans in front of her as Tomura maneuvers about the small kitchen. Her short hair is pulled back and out of her round face. He thinks she’s a definite 11 out of 10 on the eroge scale. Everything proceeds as it should, peacefully, in a relative silence. They dine in the same manner; there isn’t much for small talk these days. But it’s okay. He enjoys the peace against the mess the League is during the day.

   “Why don’t you start up the game while I get the dishes to the sink?”

   “Sure.”

   The familiar loading tone rings out as the plates and silverware clink against the sink. She quickly takes her place beside him, pulling the blanket around her and nestling into his side. Perfect. Like a dream. And it is, until he feels her shiver.

   “If you’re tired go to bed.” His eyes not leaving the screen. She tries to respond, but all she manages are sniffles. He actually pauses the game this time, seeing her reduced to a mess in less than half an hour.

   “Why are you crying.” It’s more of a statement than a question. She avoids his gaze while sitting up and wiping the tears from her face.

   “We’ll never be happy, will we?” What the fuck?

   “It’s not fair. I make you come all the way here to play house but for what? And something always happens. First it was All Might, and then, then the- the fucking yakuza show up. And everyone is so mean. You can’t tell people that your boyfriend is the boss of the League of Villains or else shit happens! And you’d think that people would be happy that they stopped the yakuza I mean? I can’t tell whether to be angry or depressed!” It all comes out as an angry blur of words, but Tomura understands. Mostly. She’s a more social creature than he is, better adjusted to the everyday. But this gives him an idea. A Thought. And his mouth curves so slightly upwards when he thinks to act upon it.

   Tomura sets the controller aside, forgetting the soft jazz of the pause menu and stands. With four fingers as always, he takes one of her hands and mutters; “Bathtime.”

   “What?”

   “After dinner is bathtime. Come on.” She remains confused, but sheds the blanket and follows home towards the bathroom. And its Japanese style. Perfect.

   “Get naked.” He starts piling his clothes in the corner as he starts filling the bathtub with water. He looks back and she hasn’t made a move.

   “It’s bathtime, princess. Don’t tell me you’re shy all of a sudden?” He cracks a sly grin. Wordlessly, she puts her clothes into the pile with his for the wash, and settles into her washing routine. Tomura follows suit, quickly cleaning his hair and self before claiming his spot, leaning against the back of the tub and wall. She enters after, leaning herself back against his torso and closing her eyes. Perfect.

   Scene Start, he thinks, and thankfully she says anything before he has to.

   “Why are we in the bath, Tocchan?” She questions, completely unaware.

   “Because you’re stressed out, princess. How can you be a good little housewife when you’re so tense?” He responds. One arm rests across her middle, holding her close, while the other grabs at the meat of her thigh. She blushes at the nickname, and keeps his head tucked into her neck.

   “So tell me what’s wrong.”

   She’s flustered, and doesn’t exactly know what to say,so eyes closed, she starts from the top.

   “I miss you.”

   “Yes?”

   “It’s...it’s so busy. You’re trying to pull all the League back together, and I’m here, just hoping I can feed you all. It’s...hard.”

   “It is. You work so hard.” He praises her, and she relaxes. He begins to run his hand from her stomach to her neck and hair. Be gentle, he reminds himself. She continues.

   “And it gets lonely sometimes. I see so many stupid people every day but their always happy, like nothings happening around them. And all the other women..always parading around about husbands and lovers and such. They think I’m so sad and alone. Ha! They just don’t know!”

   “What would you tell them, princess?” It’s time for the kill. She smiles widely before she begins.

   “Oh where to start! Ryoko’s so proud that her husband is a small time hero, but he’s nothing special. Everyone says I look so sad when they talk men, but I know. They’re all small talk. My man’s got status.” She’s so happy as she says it and giggles as he lavishes kisses along her neck and shoulder. She’s too into singing praises that she doesn’t even notice as his hand moves to grope at her chest.

   “I mean come on? Small time hero? My man’s a boss. Not just any, but The Boss! Of the whole League of Villains! And they’d be all like, Gasp! But he’s a bad guy! HA! My man’s not bad, he’s evil. Hehe...but not even. He’s so good, but they’d ...think you...kidnapped me...or...something…” Her chest heaves and her breathing becomes heavy as his one hand works on her breasts, and the one on her thigh moves slowly to play in the juncture between her hips.

“Oh, don’t stop now. I want to hear all about what my little housewife thinks of me…” He says. The bath water helps as he slowly slides a first and then a second finger inside of her. He body shudders, he smiles.

“T-Tocchan, Tenko, please…” she whines.

“You don’t have to worry about a thing, princess.” He tries to keep his voice level and gentle as he wanted, but so far it’s only working about 70 percent.

“Listen now. I’m the boss aren’t I? The League knows what it’s doing, for the most part. You just need to keep going along, and one day when it’s all over, you can show Ryoko and her foolish hero husband who the real king is, yeah?” Her body continues to writhe as he slides and strokes her walls with his fingers.

“Yes, that, that, Ah...that sounds, perfect!” She cries.

“Fantastic.” He returns all focus to the task at hand, moving his fingers in just the way to make her cum as quickly as possible. And when she does, he removes himself entirely before she has a chance to breathe. He places his hand on each shoulder, and moves in close to her ear,

“Now, we’re going to get dried off, and go see just how wonderful the future king is.”

[heartofsnark]

Black Market Wonderland (Chapter One): Down The Rabbit Hole

Notes:  This has been a long time coming, I never shut up about my oc and this idea. But, I’m finally posting this damn thing. This is gonna be pretty episodic and not have a lot of overarching plots, I’m gonna be stealing canon stories and adding my own spin to them as well as adding my own stories. It’s a shitshow and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.  

Special thanks to @catoinette, @otomemonogatari , @d-om , @enchantedbythebidders , @voltage-fanfictions , and @piplup235  for not only reading through and giving me feedback but also being the incentive I needed to actually write and post this. Without you all, this would still be rotting on my computer. 

 Summary:  Almost a year ago Tsuneko managed to destroy her entire life and she’s been stuck ever since. She works as a maid at the Tres Spades in Tokyo; it’s not her dream job, but it pays the bills and puts a roof over her head. Her days are spent peacefully enough cleaning hotel rooms, that is until she stumbles into Wonderland and discovers the secrets lurking within the hotel. Will this turning point be exactly what she needed or a tragedy in the making?

Word Count: 10196

Warnings:  Some blood and violence, people being bought and sold (it’s kbtbb my dudes)

The colors of the sky outside her window are just beginning to shift, soft pinks and purple coming in as the sun starts to set. Tsuneko lets out a sigh and checks her phone again, still no response from Shinobu. While not surprising, disappointment settle in her chest. It’s stupid to be upset, she shouldn’t be so emotional. She scolds herself, setting her phone down a little harder than necessary. Her desk chair creaks as she leans back and lets out another heavy sigh.

Kiyohito is curled up on her bed in a position that doesn’t look comfortable. The dark sable ferret is in a dead sleep with his tongue peeking out, any hope of him being a distraction are dashed. It’s her day off from work and she’s desperate to keep herself preoccupied. Her thoughts wandering is always a danger when she has down time, more dangerous when she’s left to ruminate on the shit show that is her life at the moment.

It’s been almost a year since her life officially went to shit and she started working at the Tres Spades hotel. It’s a glitzy place, the first legal casino in Japan. She’s a maid, spending all of her days cleaning up after people richer and more important than her. And that’s the highlight of her days, besides Kiyo, because otherwise she’s in her apartment just trying to distract herself.

The job itself is fine, given her situation, she’s damn lucky to have it. Good pay, plenty of hours, employee housing, her coworkers are mostly nice, and she even has lots of chances for overtime. But, she can’t say this is what she wanted her life to be. Being a maid isn’t exactly what she dreamed of for herself. Disappointment seems to be the theme of the day and her life.

She’s done her best to be a busy bee throughout the day; her dorm is cleaned, she’s baked, done her laundry, played with Kiyo until he passed out, messed with every entertaining app on her phone, watched any video on Youtube that caught her interest, and messaged Shinobu. Maybe she could try getting in contact with Runa? Not that she thinks it will do her a lot of good, but even getting told to fuck off is more fun than staring out the window.  

Tsuneko stands up from her chair, stretching her joints as she meanders into her kitchenette area. The dorms are nice, like one bedroom apartments essentially. Given how much she likes baking and cooking, a bigger kitchen area would do her some good, but beggars can’t be choosers. She grabs one of the cookies she baked and crams it into her mouth as she begins looking through her fridge. The sweet vanilla calms her nerves, if only marginally. But, she knows what will relax her most.

She groans, she’s out of booze. Of course. Her rum supply ran out last week and she downed her last bit of vodka yesterday. Looks like she’s gotta put on real clothes and stock up. A walk through the city might be nice to clear her mind anyway.

Her work ringtone echoes through the room just as she’s tucked Kiyo into his cage. She scrambles over to desk, stumbling over her own feet to do so.

“Tomori speaking,” she answers, holding the phone between her ear and shoulder so she can pick out a change of clothes.

“Yes, this is Kenzaki, I’m sorry to bother you on your day off. But, we’re short staffed for this evening, between the I.V.C and some people calling off sick. Is there anyway you could come in? You’d be given over time pay, of course.”

“I can be there shortly.” She throws on a tee and shorts, sliding on her shoes.

“Please report to Matsuda when you come in, she’ll give you a work schedule.” She rolls her eyes at the mention of Erika, the head maid has always had an issue with her, what that issue is remains a mystery. There’s still a huge pile of cookies on the counter, her coworkers might appreciate a snack, especially with such a busy day. And eating all of the cookies herself is kind of sad, something she’s done before, but still sad.

She says her goodbyes to Kenzaki as she starts packing the treats away into tupperware, stuffing one more in her mouth. Tsuneko picks out a sticky note, jotting down what’s in them in case of any allergies or dietary issues. Content, she grabs them and heads out the door, double checking her dorm is locked before she leaves.

Working during the I.V.C is like a double edged sword. On one hand, she’s extremely busy which she likes. She loves being able to bustle around and always having something to do. The International V.I.P Convention is a huge ordeal for the Tres Spades, a giant party held at seemingly random intervals where the rich and famous gather to stroke each other’s egos. Tsuneko has the lowest seniority of the maids, so she doesn’t have to deal with the V.I.P’s directly. But, it stretches the entire hotel staff thinner and the worse part is dealing with the V.I.P’s in passing. It may seem minor, but those kind of people seem to take even the smallest opportunity to be a pain in her ass. The last time she worked some man in a suit worth more money than she’s ever seen flagged her down to ask a question, then mocked her for her dialect, acting like she was stupid. And that was after some snooty woman grabbed her in the lobby to scream about the toilet paper in her suite. Looking back, that might have been the only time Erika was nice to her.

The evening air is cool on her skin as she leaves the dormitories, the Tres Spades looming just a short walk away. It stands out even in Tokyo among all the other huge buildings. She remembers seeing it when she first visited Tokyo, thinking how over the top it was with its giant impractical spade shaped cut out. Her feelings haven’t really changed, it’s just more relevant to her life now, fortunately or unfortunately depending on the day.

Her nose wrinkles, the acrid stink of smoke hitting her nose as she nears the back entrance. An older schlubby man is lighting a cigarette near the dumpsters. There are stomped out cigarette butts around his feet; has he been out here chain smoking all day? The stench of smoke seems to drift off of him in waves, like the man sweats nicotine. Who even is he? He’s definitely not a worker and guests at the hotel generally don’t come by the back entrance. And, as judgemental a thought as it may be, he doesn’t look like the kind of person who’d stay at the Tres Spades.

He starts to look up from his cigarette and Tsuneko ducks her head down to make a beeline for the door, just avoiding eye contact with the stranger. If he caught her staring, he’s kind enough not to say anything as she darts through the door.

She drops the cookies off in a thankfully empty staff room, she doesn’t wanna deal with any hassles or questions. She’ll just have to pick up her tupperware at the end of her shift, hopefully no one tries to take it, the cute Pokemon designs makes it a favorite of hers. .

The employee locker room is just as empty, so no one will question why the stink of cigarette smoke is now clinging to her clothes. She’s never been so happy to change into her uniform. Just a touch of perfume for extra measure then she ties her hair up in the neatest ponytail she can manage. She makes sure she has everything she needs for the work day on her, before taking a deep breath and venturing into the hotel lobby.

To the surprise of absolutely no one, the lobby is packed tight with people. Tailored suits and slinky gowns as far as the eye can see. The V.I.P’s bustle around and chatter, their words all blending into a cacophony of unintelligible noise. A select few members of the press are allowed in to snap photos and get quotes about the event. The party should be getting ready to move down to the ballroom, so with any luck this should be her only encounter with the V.I.P’s. Erika should be around here somewhere, given her seniority, plus she never misses an opportunity to kiss ass.

Tsuneko searches through the crowd for the familiar head of maroon hair. She carefully moves around people, muttering ‘excuse me’s as she goes, not letting her customer service smile and tone falter. Where the hell is Erika? She always seems to pop up when Tsuneko messes up, it figures, she’s nowhere to be found when she’s actually wanted.

Something warm and solid slams into her side, she’s knocked to the ground with a thud. A man looms over her with a scowl, she can feel the contempt emanating off of him. He’d be attractive, if he didn’t look like such an asshole. He’s tall, especially from her current vantage point, with layered oak brown hair and hazel eyes. Silence falls over the lobby, like the world’s been stopped. Everyone’s eyes focus  on them, expressions of abject horror. Hushed whispers start to fill the eerie quiet, something about ‘the king’, but she can’t make out anything more. This guy is important; she’d have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to realize that. Thankfully, she’s only one of the three.

“I’m so sorry, sir,” she apologizes, customer service smile in place as she get back up to her feet. This doesn’t seem to appease him, he glares  at her like she’s garbage. Which while not inaccurate, is still rude.

“Get out of my way,” he demands with a sneer and brushes off the front of his suit, like he’s come into contact with something vile. Tsuneko takes a tentative step to the side and the man storms past her up the stairs. What a bitch. This is why she hates rich people.

A few people stare at the man’s retreating back, but once he’s out of sight, it’s like the whole thing never happened. The world starts spinning again and the lobby returns to its former state. She shakes her head, it’s not worth another thought, she doubts she’ll ever see him again.

“Are you okay?” A familiar kind voice asks, it’s Chisato, another maid at the hotel. She’s always been nice to Tsuneko and is among her favorite coworkers.

“I’m fine, that guy was just a dick.” Tsuneko says with a shrug, the crowd is loud enough she can get away with talking shit.

”Uh,” Chisato sucks in a deep breath, brown eyes soft with worry, “do you know who that was?”

“Should I?” Tsuneko doesn’t really pay attention to celebrities or the elite types, it’s all nonsense to her.

“Just what were you thinking making an idiot out of yourself!?” Erika’s harpy screech rises above every noise in the lobby. Her hands are on her hips and her glare is trained on Tsuneko.

“What were you thinking?” The twins, Rina and Kana, chime in from behind Erika with similar expressions, contributing nothing to the conversation.

“It was an accident,” she answers honestly, she was so focused on finding Erika she forgot to keep an eye out for where she was going. These things happen, all she can do is apologize and move on.

“It was your fault, you should pay attention to where you’re going!”

”I apologized, unless you have a time machine, there’s not much else I can do.”

”You have no business even being around V.I.P’s, especially if you’re gonna get in their way!”

”Oh, cause I’m sure your banshee screeches just make them feel oh so special.” Tsuneko and Erika glare at each other, she may be the head maid, but Tsuneko has never been one to bite her tongue.

“Go drop off all the special boxes in the basement storage room for the guests staying for the spa package, everyone else is too busy.” Her sharp gaze drifts over to Chisato at the last part, making it clear she shouldn’t offer any help. The task isn’t particularly difficult, just tedious and will take the rest of the day.

“Of course,” Tsuneko forces a bright smile and makes her voice sugary sweet, “maybe we should offer them some complementary ear plugs, as well.”

She scurries off before Erika can say another word, the head maid can screech into the void for all she cares,  she got her work for the evening and that’s all that matters. It’s a couple flights of stairs to make it to the basement, so the elevator is best, whoever decided maids should wear heels is an asshole.

“I can’t take it anymore! It’s over, you cheater!” A woman screams as Tsuneko rounds the corner. A couple is standing outside the elevator, the woman throws a small mask at a man in a tacky red suit and storms off past Tsuneko.

The mask bounces off his face and onto the ground, it’s  small and silver with intricate details. Judging by the man’s suit and the woman’s gown, they’re here for the I.V.C, which she doesn’t recall being masquerade theme. The man picks up the mask and tucks it into his jacket with a heavy sigh.

“Now I don’t have a date,” he murmurs then looks up, his gaze meeting Tsuneko’s.

“Excuse me, sir, I needed the elevator.” She points over his shoulder.

“You just saw the whole thing, didn’t you?”

“Ah, uh, yes. Sorry, sir, I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ll just take the stairs actually.” She turns around, content to evade the awkward situation, then a hand wraps around her wrist and tugs her back. He’s  pulling her towards the elevator, she instinctively tries to get out of his grip, but he’s stronger than her.

“Aw, c’mon, no reason to run away. I’ll explain everything when we get there.” He continues pulling her away, he doesn’t seem to notice or care about her trying to evade him. A part of her wants to deck him, but that will get her fired in a heartbeat.

‘Sir, leave me alone.” She keep her tone even and stern, hoping something will make it through his thick skull. One more strong pull and he yanks her right into the elevator, making her yelp. She’s met with the sight of broad back, blocking the elevator doors and button panel. He jabs a button, the doors slide close, what the hell is this guy’s problem?

“Whew, I’m lucky I found another date. There’s no way I could go to the party without a beautiful woman on my arm.” He turns to face her, entirely too close, with a smile that would be charming in another situation. He’s trying to take her to the I.V.C, the ballroom is on the basement level, so that’s not that big of a deal. She just needs to get away from him once the elevator stops.

“Sir, I am not your date, I suggest you find someone else to accompany you.” She maintains her cool, taking a step back  as the weirdo inches closer. He’s acting like a desperate romantic, though he seems a little old for that kind of thing.

“What are you talking about? I was so lucky to meet a pretty girl like you.” Her back hits the wall of the elevator, he’s closed in on her completely. His hand cups her face, his breath fansn across her skin. Her cheeks feel warm, whether from anger or embarrassment she’s not sure. He’s not unattractive, an older man with shoulder length light maple brown hair. But, regardless of looks, he’s being completely inappropriate.

“Sir, I’m working, I don’t have time for this nonsense.” Her words don’t seem to have any impact, caramel brown eyes  busy taking in every detail of her face.

“Yeah, you’re just my type. This is fate.”

”I’d would hope fate wouldn’t be so cruel to me, sir.”

The elevator comes to a stop and the doors open behind him with a ding.

“Let’s go, princess!” His hand is back around her wrist and he pulls her out before she has a chance to fight. She tries to step back and pull, or twist her wrist out of his grip, but she can’t manage. Punching him still might get her fired, but they can’t expect her to just let a guest do whatever he wants. Why the hell is he so strong?!

“Let go of me, now!”   

The noise of the ballroom drowns out her demand. She’s never been in the ballroom. She’s definitely never been in the midst of the I.V.C like this. The carpeting is a plush red, the walls have gold etchings, and white marble pillars are throughout the room. Everyone is dressed beautifully, perfectly tailored suits and designer gowns. They talk and sip from champagne flutes as they all bustle around. Spread of gourmet food are laid out, servers intermingle with the crowd, never letting a glass go empty for too long. An aquarium at the back of the room catches her eye, colorful fish swimming through crystal clear water, a dolphin passes through. The hotel owns a dolphin? She would have liked to know that. If the whole ordeal wasn’t a pretentious rich nightmare, she’d be into it. If only for the booze, food, and dolphin.

“Micchy!” A woman yells out and Tsuneko nearly slams into Stranger Danger’s back when he stops.. He lets go of her wrist and goes off towards the woman. All of this hullabaloo just to run off,  he seems more like a hormone driven teenager than a grown man.

“Hey, do you have any champagne?” A voice asks just by her ear, their breath tickles and makes Tsuneko jolt. Her face feels hot as she turns to find the source; a man around her age with strawberry blonde hair and amber eyes. She’s clearly wearing a maid uniform, not a server’s.

“I do not.”

“You do work here, right? You’re looking around like Alice at the Mad Hatter’s tea party.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes, he’s cute, but something is off about him.

“I’m going to level with you, sir. I’m not suppose to be here right now, sorry.”

“That’s fine, hope you make it out of Wonderland, Alice.” His fake smile turns into a genuine smirk right as he leaves. Yeah, he’s definitely off. Still, cute though. She decides to shake it off and starts on her way out of the ballroom. It’s gonna take her forever to deliver those packages at this rate.

A sweaty hand grabs her wrist, bringing her to a halt, what the fuck now? The world is truly testing her today. It’s a stocky man in a garish green suit, he leers and looks her up and down, her stomach churns.

“Mhmm, I love girls like you. You wanna come with me to give me some special room service? I’ll make sure to tip you for the extra work."

“Gross.”

“What was that?”

“This is a hotel, not a brothel, sir." She’s able to break away from him much easier and starts towards the door again, he’s not deterred.

“You’re pretty lucky you met me. My net worth is 500 million,” he tells her, reaching out to touch her, she dodges him.

“Not enough for my dignity, sir." Her blood boils, at least Stranger Danger had the decency not to treat her like a prostitute. Does he really think her and the rest of the girls here are so beneath him and desperate for cash?Her hands clench into tight fists, she’s not allowed to punch guests. An unfortunate fact at the moment.

“C'mon, everyone has a price.” His hand presses against her hips, fuck this guy. She spins to face him, she needs to stop this, if she doesn't he's just going to hound every other female employee, until he finds someone he can bully into it. She’s not letting that happen.

“Look here, sir! I don't have the time, energy, or desire to deal with you disrespecting me and the hotel. I assure you, there’s not enough money in the world to convince anyone here to touch your pathetic excuse for a dick. Now, get your disgusting grubby hands off of me!” The color drains from the man’s face, when did the ballroom get so quiet? Just a few whispers, it’s like when she bumped into-

“This party is getting trashy,” a deep and sadly familiar voice rings out over her shoulder, making her jump. The asshole from the lobby was behind her, a group of women cling to and hover around him. They glare at Tsuneko, but asshole is glaring at the pervert. The look he gave her in the lobby seems downright kind in comparison.

“Uh, I'm so sorry Mr. Ichinomiya,” the pervert apologizes and runs off. Ichinomiya, that sounds familiar, but she can't place it. She rattles her brain for a moment, but she can’t seem to find it. The headache she has coming on isn’t helping. His eyes find hers, now that the pervert’s gone, the contempt has waned. It feels more like he’s looking at a fly under a microscope, like he’s trying to dissect and understand her.

“You again.”

“You again,” she mimics without thinking, her patience with the day is gone. His expression grows angrier, same for his groupies. She bites her lip to hold back laughter, normally she’d be more polite, but she just called a guest’s dick pathetic, so she might as well mock Ichinomiya, whoever he is.

“Get out of my way.” This seems to be his favorite phrase.

”Happily.”

“I hate when people don't know there place,” one of the women says as they move past Tsuneko. She forces a smile, but rolls her eyes once they’re gone and starts another attempt to leave this god forsaken party.

Her shoulder knocks into someone, making them both stumble.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he assures her before going on about his business, as small as the exchange is, a friendly normal person feels like a breath of fresh air. Something on the ground catches her eye, a small good luck talisman. The cloth it’s in is a bit worn, black with small white rabbits. He must have dropped it when she bumped into him.

She tucks the charm into her pocket and finds his back in the crowd, she jogs after him. Calling after him does nothing, he either doesn’t hear her or doesn’t realize he’s who she means by ‘Sir’. His long legs take him further away quicker than her stubbier ones and she sees him go out door towards the back of the room. She manages to get through the door a few moments after.

The hall that greets her is absolutely empty, her heart sinks, he’s nowhere to be seen. Doors line the hallway, did he go into one of those rooms? She’d hate it if she wasn’t able to get it back to him. It’s clear he’s had it for a while, it must mean a lot to him. If push comes to shove, she may just have to put it in lost and found, but then there’s no way of knowing if he gets it back. She walks down the hallway, the dead silence is eerie after being surrounded by so much noise.

A few moments pass and she hears soft murmurs, they seem louder in the quiet hallway. There’s a door ajar, maybe that’s where he is, there’s a bounce in her step as she nears it. She peeks into the room; gunmetal glints in the low-light of the room. Suitcases filled with cash and guns are strewn across a table. Men in suits are standing around, speaking in a language she doesn’t understand. This is illegal, this is definitely illegal.  Her breath catches in her throat, she’s seriously watching an arms deal right now.

The world goes out from under her feet and she’s spun around, her back slams against the wall. She’s at least a foot off of the ground, large hands pin her in place and sharp blue gray eyes glare at her. Her heart hammers in her chest, like it’s trying to escape her rib cage.

“What are you doing here?” His voice is harsh and demanding. A part of her wants to fight, but if he’s involved with what she just saw…. There’s no guarantee he’s not armed. She’s not keen on being murdered.

“I got lost looking for someone, sorry sir.” She doesn’t let her voice break and maintains eye contact. Showing her fear won’t help anything.  He lets go of her and she falls to the ground, not too gracefully.

“You have five seconds to get out of here and forget everything you saw. Otherwise, you’ll be wiped off the face of the earth.”

“Understood.” She walks away, ignoring the impulse to run. Muscle memory leads her through the floor, the storage room shouldn’t be far away.

She steps inside, closing the heavy door behind her before she sits down on the floor. Her breath is shaky and she clutches her head in her hands, nails digging into the skin of her temples. What the hell is she suppose to do now?

She’s been threatened and there’s apparently gun deals going on in the hotel. People are getting hurt, there’s no way they aren’t if guns are involved. She can’t be certain how serious that man was about killing her. But, she doesn’t wanna test it and he didn’t seem like the kind of person to speak lightly.

Reporting it isn’t really an option; she has no evidence and there’s the whole being killed thing. Even if she is believed, if the hotel gets shut down, her and all her coworkers would be left without a job or home. Is the hotel even aware of this? Does Kenzaki or the owner know what’s going on here? Who even owns the hotel again? Some sort of CEO who’s head of a conglomerate group. What was it called again? Ugh, she can’t think straight.

She jolts to her feet, she needs to focus and get her shit together. Freaking out isn’t going to help anything. She needs to deliver those packages and go on with her work day, then she’ll drop the charm off in the lost and found. Work now, panic attacks later.

Tsuneko starts stacking up packages in her arms, her movements frantic and she nearly drops a few.. Her brain is a scrambled mess, she needs a dolly, she should have brought one over before stacking them in her arms. She’ll just carry the packages to the dolley, wherever the damn thing is. She can’t even see over the pile of boxes, she tries to look around them as she moves.

Something slams into her and knocks her back, the packages fall to the ground. A heavy thud rings out through the room, the sound of shattering follows. Her ass hurts and she can already feel the bruises forming. She’s spent the majority of this day on her ass.

“Fucking hell!” There are two men, they’re frenetic as they try to pry the lid off of a crate that’s fallen. She doesn’t recognize them, they’re not in any sort of Tres Spades uniform. Maybe they’re just here to move stuff?

The lid hits the floor with a clatter and she peeks inside, it’s filled with shards of what looks like broken glass. She can tell how high quality whatever the original object was from the quality of the material. It’s pristine and the light it catches reflects back iridescent.

“The statue's been smashed to pieces!” One of the men yells, his face turning red with rage.

“I’m sorry,” she struggles to keep her tone even, “I’ll talk to the manager, we’ll get it figured out.”

This entire day has been a mess, but if the worse thing to come out of it is having her pay docked for a decoration, she’ll be okay. It may be high quality, but she doubts a statue is worth too much. It’s just nice glass.

“This was the showcase piece for the auction! How are you going to pay for it!?”

“Look, I’m sorry,” she says again, but what do they mean by an auction? The men glare at her and creep closer, she takes a step back as chills run up her spine.

“You think an apology is going to cut it? You owe us?”

One of the men makes a grab at her and she throws a punch. Her fist connects with his nose in a spray of blood. The man staggers back and she makes a run for the door. His cohort gets in the way and pushes her back, knocking her flat on her ass.

“You really think you’re gonna get out of here that easy,” he taunts, standing over her.

The crate brushes against her as she scrambles away, she grabs a large shard of glass from it and buries it deep into the man’s thigh. He screams out and a gush of blood spurts out as she twists the shard out of his flesh. She clambers back up on her feet and makes another run for the door.

A weight slams into her back, her face smashes into the ground, her scream muffled. He presses his knee down on her back, his nails dig into the cuts on her hand as he rips the glass out of her grasp. One hand keeps her wrist pinned behind her, the other searches her pockets. She writhes and twists, trying to get out from under him, but it does nothing. He tugs her phone from her pocket and throws it across the room.

“I got an idea of how we can make our money back,” the other man says.

Wheels roll across the floor, stopping in front of her. She can’t wrench her neck up enough to see anything else. The man yanks her up on her feet and her heart sinks. A large golden bird cage glimmers on top of a dolly. Her throat tightens and her stomach churns.

“Do you just have this shit on stand by!?”

“Shut up.” The man in front of her opens the cage door, the other pushes her forward. She jerks back;  kicks and stomps at the man’s feet. He digs his fingers into her hand again, pain jolts through her and her scream reverberate through the room. Taking advantage, he shoves her forward into the cage. Her hand sting as she catches herself, her head nearly smacking into the bars. They lock the door behind her, tears sting at the back of her eyes.

“She’s a little damaged, but she should still be worth something.” The men share a laugh at her expense, they can’t be serious. They can’t sell her, that’s ridiculous. She can’t get a deep enough breath, her lungs burn. She can hear the pounding of her heart, feel the thump of it against her ribs.

They roll her out of the room, slowly taking her through the halls of the hotel. It’s mostly empty at first, but slowly more people start to appear, moving random things. From art to what looks like a baby leopard, it’s a mishmash of things being carried through the halls. But, no one seems to care about her. It’s like this is just a normal everyday occurrence. She shakes the bars of the cage, they don’t budge at all, she yells out for help. Nothing. No one bats an eye.

“Hey, where’s the final item?!” A young man yells from beside a pair of double doors, inside it seems to be a backstage area. Her kidnappers start explaining that there’s been a change in item.

She pries a bobby pin out of her hair, it’s mostly lose already, her ponytail coming undone in the entire struggle. Taking advantage of  her kidnappers distraction, she snaps the pin into two pieces and starts trying to pick at the lock. Her hand stings with every movement and she can’t clearly see the lock, but she’s desperate. If she can get it undone, she can make a break for it.

“What the hell-” His words are drowned out by Tsuneko’s howls of pain, his blunt nails dig into her open cuts pressing into tender skin and making more blood flow. The two broken pieces fall to the ground, he lets go after what feels like hours and she yanks her hand back, holding it close to her as she presses against the other side of the cage.

Her eyes sting, a few tears stream down her face. The men only laugh at her pain, she focuses on their injuries, the man’s broken nose and the steadily bleeding wound on the others thigh. It’s a small comfort to know at the very least, she gave as good as she got.

She’s rolled through the double door and her suspicions are confirmed, it’s definitely backstage of this auction, she presumes. As pointless as it is, a part of her is still hoping that’s a joke. It seems so unbelievable, like something out of a horror movie or a nightmare. She’s tries to steady her breathing, to calm down even a little bit. But, it’s all in vain. Her heart beat is frantic,  she struggles to breath, her throat feels tight, and she struggles to keep more tears from falling.

The backstage is a bustle of activity as she’s taken to just beside the stage, still concealed from the audience, but she can look out and see what’s taking place. It’s a huge crowd of people,  they watch the stage with rapt attention, faces concealed by masquerade masks. A man on stage talks and moves dramatically, dressed in what appears to be a mad hatter costume. His face painted a stark white and his eyes an unnaturally electric shade of blue.

A small clang catches her attention, she looks up and one of the men attaches a hanging chain to the top of the cage. Someone starts pulling somewhere and the chain starts to lift the cage off the dolly. Tsuneko yelps, if she’s suspended, her chances of escape become slimmer. It ascends higher and higher, until she knows that even if she could manage to shake the bars lose or bust the cage open, she’d fall and break something or bust her head open. The latter doesn’t seem like a bad option at the moment, at least it might kill her.

Slowly her cage is pulled to the side, taking her to center stage. Bright lights and eyes all trained on her. She’s really being auctioned off, someone is going to buy her.

“I present to you, our showcase item of the evening! A healthy young Japanese woman. Yes, that’s you!” The hatter gestures towards her with a flourish and bile rises in the back of her throat.

“Yeah, I caught that,” she screams back at him, kicking the cage. The bars still don’t budge, the gilded cage is firm and shows no sign of busting open.

“I’ll start the bidding at one million!”

Even if she managed to escape the cage and managed not to hurt herself in the fall, she’s surrounded by the crowd. There’s no way she can avoid being grabbed.

“Keep her as your slave, keep her as a toy! Do whatever you please with her, it’s truly up to you!” The hatter continues, not caring about her distress. She kicks and shakes the bars, at this point more an explosion of anger than a genuine attempt to escape, she screams in frustration. Tears prick at the back of her eyes and she doesn’t care enough to stop them anymore.

In the front row of the audience is a stocky man in a garish green suit, the masquerade mask does nothing to hide the pervert from the I.V.C. He grins and bids on her.  She looks behind her and sees a screen just above her cage, a number on it rising more and more. More money than she’s ever seen. Her stomach churns and she kicks the cage again, no budging. The most she can do is make the cage sway back and forth, nothing shows any signs of breaking.

“She is a feisty one, all the more fun to break her,” the auctioneer taunts, all his actions colored with the flamboyance of a true showman.

“If I could reach you, I’d wring your fucking neck,” she screams, her throat raw from the force of it.

“Going once, going twice, sold to seat one hundred for twenty-million!” The hatter says as a bell dings, the number on the screen behind her has stopped. She can’t make out what seats are what numbers past the first couple rows. It’s not the pervert, he’s seat number five. But that doesn’t mean it’s anyone better.

The hatter closes out the auction; the lights die down and the curtains close. Tsuneko sits and pulls her knees to her chest, her cage lowers down. It’s settles back down on the stage with a small sound, it makes her feel just a tiny bit better, slightly less helpless than she was before. Someone is still staring at her, she can feel it, even while she’s curled up against herself. Peeking up, it’s the hatter. His harlequin style hatter costume is slightly unnerving, his unnaturally blue eyes are trained on her, his expressions seemingly curious. There’s something child like to it. Someone yells out and he jolts, like being woken up from a trance and goes scurrying off.

Her owner, her stomach churns at the the word, should be coming to collect her. Maybe, this will be a chance to escape. She’s not in the best state to fight, but maybe, just maybe, she’ll be able to take them down. She kicks again, a dull ache pulsing in her toes. She wipes away at tears, holding back sobs.

 Footsteps echo out, growing closer and closer. Two men make their way to her cage, the small silver masks do nothing to hide their identities. At this point she has to wonder if they truly serve a purpose beyond aesthetic. She can tell right away it’s Stranger Danger in his bright red suit and the cute but off guy from the party. If it was just the latter, she’d be able to take him. He doesn’t seem particularly strong, shorter and thinner than Stranger Danger.  But, she knows that the taller of the two was able to drag her around like a rag doll.

“This way.” Stranger Danger unlocks the cage door. She gives them wary glares  as she stands on shaky legs and steps out of the cage. Tsuneko hides her injured hand in her pocket, not wanting to give them an easy target if they decide to hurt her.

The men stay quiet as they lead her to an elevator, the only one that goes to the penthouse. Sure enough, once they’ve stepped inside Stranger Danger pulls the penthouse elevator key from his pocket. The doors close and the carriage lurches into movement. She knew they were V.I.P’s, but not very many people have access to the penthouse. Sakiko has mentioned some people who stay their. An artist, who’s name escapes her, and the owner of the hotel. Who the hell owns this hotel again? She’s trying to rack her brain for that name again, Ishi, something? Her brain is fuzzy from everything going on. But, if she’s being taken to the penthouse, surely the owner is aware of what’s going on. It would be hard to hide the auctions, especially at that scale, from the person who owns the damn place.

It’s a silent tense elevator ride, Tsuneko racking her brain for an escape strategy. She already knows she can’t fight Stranger Danger, but maybe she could make a run for it when the elevator opens, go for the stairs. But, if the owner is involved, she wouldn’t get far. She doesn’t exactly have anywhere to go other than the employee dorms. Waiting for a better chance might be the best idea.

The elevator dings and stops, doors sliding open. She’s never seen the penthouse suites before. They step into the hallway, red carpeting and doors along the walls. A huge pair of double doors standing out among them. The only employee she knows of that has access here is Kenzaki, even Erika isn’t allowed in the penthouse.

The pair push open the double doors and Tsuneko follows, it’s a lounge. Lavish, with plush chairs and couches. A large set of of red carpeted stairs lead up to another level, a large window covers almost the entire expanse of a wall, showing a view of the Tokyo Bay. There’s an extravagant high tech television mounted on one of the walls. Two men are in the center of the lounge; both of which she recognizes.  And there appears to be man passed out on one of the couches, he could be dead, she can’t be sure. The man who threatened to wipe her off the face of the earth and the asshole from the lobby, Ichinomiya, are in the center.

Ichinomiya. He’s the owner of the hotel. It hits her as hard as she hit the floor earlier. She sassed her boss. Prior to this auction nonsense, she’d be panicking, but the fear of upsetting her boss pales in comparison to the terror of being sold. 

“We’ve brought her,” the cute but off guy announces, he doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. She’d like to punch him.

Ichinomiya sits on the red couch at the center of the lounge, crossing his legs as he looks her over. Him and the man who pinned her to the wall have intense stares, but she meets their gaze with the same ferocity. She’s not backing down. 

“We bought you,” Ichinomiya states.

“I noticed.” Her response seems to amuse him, a smirk plays on his lips. She’s just happy her voice didn’t crack.

“So, we ended up catching you after all,” the tall man who pinned her comments, his dark hair is slicked back and his eyes are sharp. Even without him having her against a wall, he’s kind of intimidating, or perhaps it’s just the situation making him seem that way.

“You know this woman, Soryu?” Ichinomiya asks.

“You could say that.”

“He threatened to kill me.”

“Yeah, sounds like Sor,” Stranger Danger says with a laugh, pulling off his mask and adjusting his fedora. Cute but off guy pulls off his mask as well, both completely nonchalant..

“Look, you can’t actually buy me, this is stupid,” she decides to keep talking, maybe the more she talks the more it will all make sense and she’ll be able to get out of this.

“Anything and everything’s for sale at the auctions. If there’s someone out there to buy it, you can sell it. There are no rules,” Stranger Danger boasts, no one here seems to care about the abject horror she’s been through.

“Yep, you can get stolen art, secret information about politicians, even hire a hitman,” Cute but off guy adds.

“This is actually the first time a person’s ever been auctioned off, though,” Stranger Danger’s eyes seem to soften a bit as he looks over at her, a shred of empathy seeming to make its way through.

“You must have done something pretty bad, huh?” Followed by the apathetic question of cute but off guy.

“I accidentally broke some statue, that was apparently expensive, or whatever.”

“The statue of Venus. If it’s worth anything, it’s here,” Ichinomiya states with confidence.

“You’re reckless as always. This woman isn’t worth anything,” Soryu tells him.

“I agree, let me go home.”

“But, it’ll be fun thinking up ways to use her.” Cute but off guy is smirking, he’s a shit head it seems.

“No, it will not.”

“Who gave you permission to speak? Don’t open your mouth unless I say so,” Ichinomiya demands; she bites her lip and keeps her glare. She wants to strangle him, she wants to actually murder her boss. This fuckwit puts her through hell and doesn’t even wanna let her talk.

“If you got a problem with it, would you rather go back to number five?” Soryu asks with a smirk, at least none of them seem keen on violating her in that way, but she just glares at him. She needs to stay calm, as difficult as that is.

“C’mon now, Boss…Sor. You should be nice to girls,” Stranger Danger talks again, he’s calling Ichinomiya boss, too. He’s really the one she needs to get convince to let her go.

“Listen,” she starts, no one stops her, “there no reason to keep me. My existence does not benefit any of you in any way, shape, or form.”

“You’re just trying to lower your value,” cute but off dude chimes in, he’s getting less cute and more gremliny with every annoying word.

“Besides, a cute girl has plenty of benefits.” Any brownie points Stranger Danger earned have vanished, his comment and wink makes her grimace.

“I sincerely hope you aren’t desperate enough to waste twenty-million on getting your dick wet.” She levels a glare at him.

“Looks like she already has you figured out, Baba,” Gremlin, as he’s now being dubbed, says through a laugh.

“You wound me, princess.” Stranger Danger, Baba apparently, responds with a dramatic sorrowful expression.

“You know about the auctions,” Soryu takes back control of the conversation, “we can’t have you running off and telling someone.”

“No worries, I haven’t suffered recent brain damage.” Though her face feels significantly bruised after being slammed against the floor, Soryu raises an eyebrow at her, “Worst case scenario, you kill me and best case scenario I end up unemployed and homeless. I have no proof, police wouldn’t believe me and you’d kill me for talking. Even if they did, if the owner of the hotel goes to jail then the hotel goes under and I’m out of my job and housing. I’m not stupid enough to bite the hand that feeds me.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” Ichinomiya smirks “you didn’t seem too friendly earlier.”

“To be fair, I didn’t know who you were, so,” his glare harshens, but she’s not done talking, “look, I don’t even have a phone to call the police. I’ll sign an NDA, confidentiality agreement or whatever, I’ll give you the legal right to screw me over if I even think about telling people about the auctions. There’s no reason to keep me, I’m not worth twenty-million, I assure you.”

Soryu looks to Ichinomiya, he almost seems to be on board with her idea. Maybe he’s not that awful, if he supports getting her out of here.

“Boring!” Gremlin complains, she could wring his fucking neck, but she keeps her eyes focused on Ichinomiya. He makes the decisions here, that’s painfully clear.

“No,” Ichinomiya says as he gets up from the couch, “I determine your worth.”

“What!?” Her voice breaks more than she’d like it to, indignancy ruining her composure.

“We bought you, you belong to us. End of story. You’ll be staying in Soryu’s suite for the night, he’ll assure you don’t go running off.” He’s still smirking, despite the fact that Soryu looks absolutely pained. Ichinomiya leaves up the twisted staircase, pulling out his phone as he does so.

“Man, Soryu gets to play with Koro first, not fair,” Gremlin pretends to whine, but he’s smirking; who the fuck is Koro?

“Time for introductions,” Baba winks at her, “what’s your name princess?”

“.…Tomori Tsuneko,” she murmurs, she feels completed defeated, there has to be a way out of this mess.

“Pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m Baba Mitsunari. I’m a thief, 35, single and ready to mingle. You can call me Micchan, Micchy, whatever you want.”

“Baba it is.”

“Pfftt, rejected. I’m Kisaki Ota, people call me the angelic artist,” Gremlin introduces himself.

“You already know Boss, so it’s Sor and Mamo’s turn,” Baba says, looking at the far less enthusiastic men.

“Kishi Mamoru,” The apparently not dead guy finally sits up and lights a cigarette.

“He’s a cop or unemployed, who knows?” Baba grins, “And the tall quiet guy is Oh Soryu, leader of the Ice Dragons.” Soryu looks so pained, you’d think he was the one who was just bought.

“Ice Dragons…?”

“Mafia,” Kisaki explains, like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

“Enough of this,” Oh says curtly, “follow me, since I’m stuck babysitting you.” He strides out of the lounge without giving her another look.

“Sor’s kinda shy. You better go after him before he locks the door on you,” Baba tells her and she scurries off after Oh, who leads her down the halls towards one of the suites. She has to speed walk to keep up with his pace.

He’s stiff and rude, but if she’s being entirely honest, he’s pretty low of her current shit list. At the very least, he seems just as keen on getting her out of here as she is. His biggest concern seems to be keeping the auctions secret; she already told them she wouldn’t blab, but she gets the feeling if she steps out of line he wouldn’t hesitate to kill her. And the fact he still seems like one of the lesser evils here despite that, really says something.

She’s follows him into his suite, it’s easily five times the size of her dorm. They step into the living room, more than likely where she’ll be sleeping. The couch looks comfy, she’ll manage for the night. Oh starts pulling off his jacket, then unbuttoning his shirt. She catches a glimpse of bare muscles before she turns around, offering him something resembling privacy. It might seem naive, but she doesn’t think he gonna try anything, he seems pained by her presence let alone trying to touch her. Footsteps ring out, Oh walking past her shirtless. He’s in really good shape.

“Don’t get any weird ideas.” He steps into another room, a moment passes and then running water. Sounds like a shower, couldn’t he have started stripping down in the bathroom? She doesn’t really understand the point of the peepshow, she decides not to ponder on it too long and instead lets out a heavy breath.

She slumps onto the couch, exhaustion settling in to take the place of her anxiety. Running away isn’t an option, despite how tempting it is, the Ichinomiya Group has the power and money to find her anywhere. She’s not sure how far reaching the mafia is and she doesn’t want to find out. Even so, she has no intention of giving up. She’s got to convince Ichinomiya to let her leave. Though, clearly it isn’t happening tonight.

Tsuneko looks at her hand, surveying the damage done by the glass. It’s starting to throb and ache more. The largest mark is a nasty gash across her palm, then smaller cuts around her fingers. It hurts more when she bends or flexes them, but the slash across her palm is more concerning. She doesn’t think it needs stitches, but she isn’t a doctor, so who knows.

Something glints and catches her eye, from under the chair. She leans over to get a closer peek and her blood runs cold, it’s a gun. It’s not shocking, he was the one who threatened her after she saw the gun deal. But, she still can’t help being afraid. The potential of him killing her seems even more viable.

The water stops, doesn’t seem like a long shower, a minute or two tops. She tucks her hand back in her pocket and presses her back closer against the couch as the bathroom door opens. His hair is no longer slicked back, soft around his face, but it doesn’t look wet.

“You didn’t try to run away.” He was just testing her.

“I’m not stupid.” She can’t help the vitriol in her tone.

“That remains to be seen,” that earns him a glare, “As long as you keep behaving, I won’t do anything bad to you.”

“Got it.”

He walks around the couch to stand in front of her, she presses further into the back of the couch, he’s in her space. Oh cages her in, arms on each side of her head and hands on the top of the couch, he leans in until they’re almost nose to nose. She bites her lip and meets his glare, her face feels hot.

“I have no idea what Eisuke’s thinking, but let's make this clear. You better not tell anyone what you saw today. No matter what. Telling anyone else is the same as signing your own death warrant. Yours, your friend’s, and your family’s.”

“Got it.”

“You can use the living room and bathroom, just don’t come near my bedroom,” he tells her as he pulls away, gathering his discarded shirt and jacket.

”Understood. What about work? If I’m not there tomorrow people will get suspicious.” She’s not sure if they actually would, if any of them would care enough to notice, but any excuse to leave in the morning sounds good.

“You work as a maid here, right?”

“Yes.”

“As long as you remember to keep your mouth shut and don’t go running off, it’ll be fine. Understood?”

She nods as Oh leaves into another room, she assumes the bedroom. Tsuneko pulls off her shoes, her feet ache just a bit. He told her she could use the bathroom and a shower sounds nice, but she doesn’t have anything to change into. Plus showering in an unfamiliar place doesn’t sound too pleasant. There’s a shower in the employee locker room, she’ll wait til morning.

She curls up on the couch, carefully finding a position that won’t hurt her hand. A yawn escapes her, she needs to think of ways to get out of this, but she’s too exhausted to think straight. The whole ordeal has drained every last bit of energy she has. She closes her eyes and slowly drifts off to sleep.

[tornbetween2loves]

Arcana Unbound: Aeneas’ Epiphany

Four thousand years ago gods and magic shaped and ruled and were plentiful in the world. Man and all the creatures were shaped and marked by it. Then things began to change. Gradually those things of magic diminished and the things of science took precedence until magic became a myth tucked away safely in children’s fairy tales and skilled entertainer’s parlor tricks.

It’s been a thousand years of progress unmarked by true magic.

  Things are about to change.

This is a collaboration between myself and @innerpostmentality It is a TRR AU set 25 years in the future from the current TRR timeline. The story focuses around the children of the TRR characters.

Disclaimer: all characters belong to pixelberry except for our amazing OCs. They are our precious babies.

Warnings: This series may contain adult themes and erotica and should only be read by people over the age of 18.

Tags: @darley1101 @gardeningourmet @speedyoperarascalparty @hopefulmoonobject @bobasheebaby @carabeth @riseandshinelittleblossom @stopforamoment @furiousherringoperatortoad @indiacater @sirbeepsalot @alesana45 @museofbooks @furryperfectionlover @sawyeroakleyscowboyhat @strangerofbraidwood @teamtomsato @begging-for-kamilah @kennaxval @blackcatkita @ao719

Sometime in the middle of ‘Andante Andante’ on Calais’ oldies waltz track she started unbuttoning his shirt. By the time ‘Unchained Melody’ was on their dance was one of passion in the softness of her rose scented sheets. And then there was a soft knock on her door.

Aeneas called from her door. "Calais can we talk?"

"Ummmm… " She moaned aloud in her passion. Then started giggling. "G, give me a moment."

She was mouthing "oh my God" and shaking as she looked in Xipho's passion blown eyes.

“Oh shit!” Xiphos whispered, his eyes wide as he climbed out of her bed and quickly pulled on his pants. “Where’s my shirt?” He looked around frantically but gave up when he heard Aeneas fumbling with the doorknob.

Calais pulled a T-shirt over her head and motioned to the closet. Xiphos ducked into the closet and tucked himself into a dark corner behind the racks of clothes. Calais threw her comforter up to cover her bed and pulled on a pair of shorts. She ran her fingers through her hair and opened the door cautiously.

Aeneas took in his sister’s state of dishabille. "Hey. I'm sorry I didn't answer your text. Sarissa was with me. She was pretty upset, Calais."

Calais looked at her brother and nodded. "I know.. I really don't want to talk about it now." She dropped her eyes.

Aeneas looked at his sister a moment then saw Xiphos’ shirt half under her bed. His back went stiff as his eyes stared at her.

"Calais where is he?"

"Xiphos?"

His hands were curled into fists as he stared daggers at his sister.

Xiphos cursed under his breath as he heard Aeneas call his name. He ran his fingers through his hair and checked to make sure his pants were buttoned and the fly was up before he emerged from the closet with a sheepish look. He took one look at Aeneas’ demeanor and stance and immediately held up his hands, to defend himself if necessary.

Calais looked between the two of them and walked over to stand by Xiphos.

Aeneas stared at her his jaw was twitching and he was seriously wondering if he was going to crack his own tooth.

His words were carefully enunciated as he sat down on the seat at the foot of her bed. "Exactly, precisely, what is going on here?"

Xiphos glanced at Calais for a moment then put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. He cleared his throat and turned to Aeneas. “We were dancing. To some really cool old music. Practicing our waltzes for social season.”

"Dancing?!" Aeneas eyes narrowed as he spat the word.

"You know who that is? That is MY SISTER. She's The Princess of Cordonia. Next in line to the throne after me. Now we are going to try this again. Why are you shirtless in my sisters room with an unmade bed at two in the morning?"

Xiphos felt Calais’ spine go stiff.

Aeneas saw her eyes narrow and her shoulders square.. then she stepped in front of Xiphos her eyes blazing at him. "Okay... You want to know what is going on? I love him. That's what is going on. When two adults love each other they sometimes express that emotion physically, intimately. I am NOT a child. And neither is he." ·

Xiphos smiled down at Calais, then turned to face Aeneas. “Your sister is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. She is beautiful and kind and sensitive and caring. I love her and would never hurt her or disrespect her.” He took her hand and laced his fingers through hers.

Aeneas’ eyes were ablaze and he felt himself shaking where he sat. A hundred things instantly popped into his head that he clamped down on knowing that if he said any of them it would do more damage than good. Finally he managed. "For God's sake put on your shirt."

Calais looked at Aeneas. "I don't want him to put on his shirt. This is my room. My rules."

Aeneas growled. "This is the royal palace of Cordonia. And I'm fairly certain the rules here are father's"

Calais looked at Aeneas a moment then went to her closet and pulled a suitcase out and started to throw things in it. Tears ran down her cheeks.

Aeneas’ eyes widened. And Xiphos looked between them before going over to her to speak gently. "Calais, sweetheart, easy. This is just a misunderstanding."

Aeneas looked at them as Xiphos spoke to her softly trying to calm her.

Calais shook her head and dashed her tears away. "No. I'm not locking us away to make him comfortable. And it's dad's palace. But I'm an adult; hey I'm the fucking princess of Cordonia so I'm perfectly capable of finding a place where my rules are what goes.”

Aeneas’ voice was gentle when he finally spoke. "Xiphos is right, Calais. I'm, I was out of line." He shot Xiphos a pleading desperate look. Waaay up on his list of what he didn't want to explain to either of his parents was why their daughter had run off. Much less that she had run off with #1 on the World's most eligible bachelor list.

"Calais, Please stay. I'm sorry."

Calais stopped packing and looked at her brother. Their eyes locked for a long long moment before she finally murmured "Apology accepted. Now get out of my room. I don't want to see you before noon."

Aeneas stood. "Shall I get Xiphos a guest room?"

"Only if he wants one." She looked at Xiphos the invitation to stay clear in her eyes.

Xiphos smiled at Calais then glanced at Aeneas. He moved closer to her and wrapped her in his arms as he planted a kiss on the top of her head. “I want nothing more than to stay here with you.” She looked up into his eyes with a smile.

“But your brother is right. This is the palace and you’re a princess and I’m pretty sure we’d start off on the wrong foot with your parents if I showed up at breakfast.” He slipped into his shirt as he spoke gently to her. “I think it’s better if I just go home. I really don’t want to mess this up before it even has a chance to start.” He kissed her softly as she pouted.

He turned to face Aeneas.

“Thank you for putting me in my place. I want you to know that I am in love with your sister and I never want to do anything to tarnish her reputation or upset the king and queen.”

A look of concern crossed his face. “Where is my sister? I know she was with you, we found Leo by himself in his room. Is she ok?”

Aeneas looked at the two of them and knew they were serious. He'd been in the room with them less than ten minutes and they both had declared their love for each other to him. They were wrapped around each other, calming each other, sharing the little subconscious touches and gestures that were the hallmark of real deal love. He recognized it because he had witnessed it all his life between his parents. He understood it because he realized it was actually his instinctive reaction to Sarissa when she had been upset. The thought sent him reeling and he sat back down on the bench at the foot of the bed.

His voice was dazed as he looked down at his hands and remembered how her hand fit so warm and perfect in his.

"I sent her home." The whole reasoning behind that decision as sound as it was seemed somehow fundamentally flawed because she wasn't here with him now.

Calais had been stroking the small of Xiphos back under his untucked shirt looking at him rather than her brother until she saw a look of concern cross his face and heard the strange tone in her brother’s voice. She saw the dazed look on his face and immediately went to him concerned.

"Hey... Are you okay?"

He nodded and met her eyes. "I, I am. I think. Can you give me a few minutes?

Xiph I'd like to give you something to take to her for me, please. I'll be back."

He got up and wandered out of the room leaving them alone again.

Xiphos turned to Calais and wrapped her in a hug. “Thank you for being on my side. That could have gotten ugly real quick.” He pulled back a bit and looked down into her eyes. “I’m glad that Aeneas is so protective of you.” He sighed as he rubbed circles on her back slowly. “I hope that one day we will be able to rebuild our friendship. I know a lot has happened today and a lot of our relationships are changing.” A shadow crossed over his face and there was a pained look in his eyes. “But I’m having a difficult time imagining a world where Aeneas and I aren’t close.”

Calais looked at him a long moment. "He's very, Very protective of me. Are you mad at him Xiphos?"

Xiphos pondered the question for a moment. Then he shook his head. “I can’t really be mad at him. I understand where he’s coming from. He’s always been super protective of his family. I know what that’s like. I would kill someone for messing with my sister. If she didn’t kill them first.” He and Calais shared a giggle and a smile. Then both their faces dropped. Xiphos’ heart ached as he wiped away a single tear that flowed down Calais’ cheek. “Hey, don’t worry. I’m going to talk to her. She’ll get over it, I just know it. You mean the world to her.” He brushed her cheek softly as his voice softened and lowered. “You mean the world to me too.”

She hugged him. "I don't think Aeneas is really angry with you either. Both of them... were caught off guard." She laughs a little. "I can't blame them. I kinda was as well."

Xiphos chuckled. “This really has been a hell of a day, hasn’t it?” He smiled at her with a love struck gaze. “We could all probably use some sleep and will feel better in the morning.”

Calais nodded and hugged him. "It's been a roller coaster for sure. And my brother was strange just then don't you think?" She frowned a little.

Xiphos shrugged. “Maybe a little.” He raised an eyebrow at Calais. “Do you think something happened between him and Sarissa?” He chuckled lightly. “Maybe their mutual stubbornness was able to break down their walls.”

Just about then Aeneas knocked softly at the door and waited for Calais to call "Enter".

He was blushing as he handed a leather case he'd tied a ribbon around and used a wax seal on.

"Please give this to Sarissa."

He looked at both of them. "I do apologize to you both. I was surprised."

Xiphos took the case and locked eyes with Aeneas briefly. “I am sorry too. I meant no disrespect to Calais, or to you Aeneas.” He turned to Calais and wrapped her in a hug, as he planted a kiss on the top of her head. Then he turned back to Aeneas. “Will you walk me out?”

Calais started to protest but Xiphos was insistent. “My love, I realize this is the palace and security is very tight, but I don’t want to risk anyone seeing us wandering the halls at 2am.” He covered her hand with his. “I meant what I said. I will never do anything to hurt you or tarnish your reputation.” He smiled at her then turned to Aeneas with a questioning look.

Aeneas nodded and waited for him at the door.

He turned to Calais with a soft smile and adoration shining in his eyes as he whispered softly, “Thank you for making this the best day of my life.” He kissed her softly as he stroked her cheek. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I love you.” He turned and walked to the door, motioning for Aeneas to go ahead of him.

Aeneas walked him to the entrance. He cleared his throat as they got there. "Xiphos, I can tell that it's serious between you. My sister really is wonderful. It's a little amazing to me that she opened up to you like that. It's been a hard year for her."

Xiphos shot him a questioning look. “A hard year? She didn’t mention it. But yes, I am very serious.” He turned to face his friend and they locked eyes. “Aeneas, I-ummm.” He looked away as he ran his hand through his hair and sighed. “I want to apologize again for earlier.” He raised his head to meet Aeneas with a hopeful gaze. “Are we ok? Or has our friendship been fractured beyond repair?”

He looked into his eyes a long moment. "I will always be your friend Xiphos. I never wanted to hurt you. I've always thought of you like an older brother. One that reminds me of my uncle Leo in many ways." He gave him a small smile.

"Sarissa gave me permission to court her tonight. I like her Xiphos. More than I should. A lot more than I should. I'm sorry I have to subject her to the cattle call of a social season. I have to be fair. It's important for the monarchy for all the nobility to see this as a fair contest." He sighs. "It's not. Not after tonight anyway."

A wave of relief washed over Xiphos as he smiled at his friend. “You didn’t really hurt me Aeneas, you set me free. And opened my eyes, without me even realizing they were closed.”

His smile faded a little at the mention of his sister. “I must say I am shocked that Sarissa gave her permission. That is the last thing I would’ve expected. But I’m happy you like her and I think you two are a great match. As long as you both can open up to each other.” He grinned at his friend. “And you certainly seem like a different person than you were just a few hours ago when I left you in that billiard room.”

His face fell. “Sarissa is so angry at Calais and me. I’m not sure she’ll even speak to me when I get home.

"I realized some things." Aeneas ran a hand through his hair. "I felt for much of the day today like people were speaking a language that sounded like Greek but wasn't really. And I kept thinking I knew what they were saying but I didn't. And then they were upset and I was clueless. It was really frustrating.

Sarissa prides herself on being observant. It's part of her training for the guard. I think you and Calais really blindsided her and that upset her. I don't think she objects to the two of you being a couple." Aeneas patted him on the arm and offered him his hand.

Xiphos smiled as he shook his friend’s hand then pulled him into a brief hug. “I think you’re probably right. I should’ve given her a heads up.” He smiled. “And I’m glad you’re seeing things more clearly now. Good night, Aeneas.”

"Good night, Xiphos"

Aeneas watched him walk off into the darkness. Then he pulled his phone out and scrolled down to Sarissa's name. He paused a moment knowing it was super late.

Sarissa was lying in bed, trying unsuccessfully to fall asleep. She couldn’t get her mind to shut off. The image of her brother kissing Calais kept repeating in her mind. And then there was Aeneas. He had turned her whole world upside down. She couldn’t stop thinking about how he made her feel. She closed her eyes and imagined him standing in front of her, his violet eyes gazing at her adoringly.

She smiled and her eyes flew open when she heard her phone ping. She knew it was him. She rolled over and grabbed her phone, her smile growing wider as she read the text from Aeneas. She typed a response.

God, she was in bed. Of course she was in bed you idiot, it's nearly three in the morning. Visions of her stretched out, those dark eyes melting right through him overwhelmed him.

Sarissa’s heart jumped into her throat. What did that mean? If he was going to break her heart before they even had a chance......

She was about to type a response when she heard something in the hallway. She jumped out of bed and rushed over to open the door. There was Xiphos, standing with his arm raised, about to knock.

Xiphos cast his eyes down to the floor, then looked back up apologetically at his sister. “Sorry to disturb you, but I figured you would want this now.” He held out the leather case. She nodded, as she fought back tears and took the case.

Xiphos shot her a look of concern. “Sarissa, what’s wrong? Are you ok?” He approached her tentatively, but she held up her hand to stop him as she shook her head. “I’m fine. Please leave me alone. I’m not ready yet.”

Xiphos sighed and took a step back, still concerned. “You know where to find me if you need me.” He turned and walked to his room and Sarissa shut the door. She turned on the light and sat cross-legged on the bed as she broke the seal on the ribbon around the case.

Inside there was a fairly large older book. The Classic and Contemporary Recipes of Yves Thuries: French Pastry. And a note.

I thought you might like to pick something out for us to make together. Or we could just go to Tevi's for some pastry and coffee, or tea.

Thank you for a wonderful evening. I would love to see if we could have a morning together.

Aeneas

When Xiphos got back to his room his phone pinged.

Sarissa exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she was holding after reading the note from Aeneas. She leafed through the cookbook, giddy with happiness. She picked up her phone and typed a response.

Xiphos sighed as he looked down at his phone, but smiled as he read the text. He typed a quick response.

Aeneas couldn’t help the smile as he looked at Sarissa’s response so he quickly texted back:

[kumkaniudaku]

Heard About Us: Three

A/N: This is the end. I’ll give my whole spiel about the creation of this later. It’s 2 AM, I’m tired and I need all the energy I can get to deal with 50 8-12 year old tomorrow. If there are any typos, charge it to my head and not my lack of intelligence. I don’t know if that makes sense. Enjoy!

Word Count: 2,937 

Warnings: Sexual themes. 

ONE. TWO.

“My heaaaart, belongs to a roni! She’s my only looooove.” Chadwick’s singing rang out from the bedroom and grew louder as he approached Tasha in the bathroom. Still charged from the marathon sex of the afternoon, his hands found their way inside of his wife’s black silk dress to fondle her breasts while she applied powder to set her under eye concealer. “Give it a chance, girl. You’ll find romance, girl.”

“You singing to me or my pussy?”

“I’ll sing to both of y’all if we can cancel this reservation.”

“About that,” Tasha felt him groan into the crook of her neck, knowing that she was about to drop some news on him. “I invited my friend to join us tonight.”

“Your friend that had you away from me all night and day?”

“You’re such a baby. But, yes. Her husband will also join us. Is that, okay?”

He sighed and ran a hand over the crotch of her lace panties, “As long as I get to have you to myself when we get back.”

“I’m all yours, Daddy. I do have to warn you, though...”

“CoCo, you really know how to surprise a man. What now?”

“I just need to tell you that you and Maya’s husband share a few...similarities.”

“Similarities sounds like something I should be worried about.”

“Don’t be,”  Tasha turned his arms to face him, watching his nose scrunch at the baking powder resting on her face. “There are no worries tonight. Only fun times with another couple.”

“I’m trying to have fun times with you tonight. You think we can squeeze one in before we go?” His head dipped to capture her bottom lip between his teeth as he simultaneously gripped her ass. Placing her hands flat on his chest, Tasha reluctantly pushed him away.

“No, baby! Now get dressed. We don’t need a whole ass King and Queen waiting on us while we have sex!”

“Shit, they probably doing the same thing!”

                                     ______________

Despite the thick door and music playing to muffle the sounds, the Udaku suite swirled with sounds of lovemaking. Nothing could keep the couple apart once T’Challa caught a glimpse of his wife’s attire for the night. Resistance turned into desire when Maya stepped out of the bedroom to grab her purse and other items, preparing to meet Tasha downstairs in a timely manner.

“Kitten, you are a vision.” T’Challa purred, licking his lips in appreciation of his wife’s form.

Her bronze legs juxtaposed the maroon silk of her dress allowing the light to create a heavenly glow on her curvaceous body. The body oil and highlighter dusted across her cleavage drew T’Challa’s eyes to the area as he pulled her body close to his. He pushed her natural curls behind her ear to make room for a sweet kiss.

Despite the years of love and companionship between the couple, he never failed to make Maya’s face heat up like a schoolgirl receiving compliments for her crush.

“Thank you, baby. You look good, too.” It was Maya’s turn to eye her man through a veil of lust. His long sleeve, black dashiki clung to his chest and shoulders, framing his upper body the way that Maya loved. The custom embroidery, compliments of the Merchant Tribe, gave the King the subtle regality that he was known for. He opted for simplicity, pairing the traditional garment with a pair of slacks and outfit appropriate dress shoes.

“Good enough to make love to me right now,” T’Challa asked, nipping at her earlobe. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she closed her eyes.

“N-no, Challa. People are waiting for us.”

“Then,” his hand crept up Maya’s leg, stopping short of the crease in her thick thigh. They way she shivered against his touch and gripped his shoulders for support made him smile against the crook of her neck. “Let them wait.”

___________________

Chadwick and Tasha stood in the hotel lobby nervously watching the seconds on the clock tick away. With each passing moment, Chadwick worried about the possibility of being recognized and derailing the night while Tasha worried about Chadwick deciding end the date and lock himself in the room.

“Is your girl coming? I got two hours max before I’m ready to go bed. And you still owe me so-”

“Chadwick,” Tasha exclaimed to stop his sentence. “I’ll text her! Go get a drink or something.”

He threw his hands up in surrender before turning to search for the nearest bar to rest his feet and catch the tail end of game three of the NBA Finals.

Before Tasha could finish her text message, Maya and the King emerged from the elevator, fixing their outfits and sporting flustered faces. The Queen approached first, giving Tasha a look that answered all of her questions.

“Sorry we’re late. We had a uh...a-girl, we were having sex!” Maya informed, the last bit coming out in a hushed tone followed by a smirk.

“Dammit! I should’ve got some, too!,” Tasha quipped, sharing a smile with her friend. Looking over, she noticed the King smirking at the interaction. “It’s nice to see you smiling, T’Challa.”

“It is nice to see you as well, Tasha. Allow me to apologize for the way we met. I was a bit...frustrated. Forgive me.”

“No harm done. I understand.”

Maya craned her neck around the lobby, appearing to look for someone. “Where’s your hubby. I thought he was coming.”

“Oh, he’s at the bar,” Tasha took a moment to make sure that Chadwick wasn’t in the vicinity. “I actually need to warn both of you before he gets over here. See, our husbands-”

“CoCo, what the hell is wrong with Stephen? Call Ayesha up right now so I can talk to her.”

Tasha watched Maya and T’Challa’s eyes grow wide as Chadwick took long strides to join Tasha’s side. His black satin Fear of God coaches jacket complimented the couples overall look. Coupled with a black v-neck, black denim and retro Air Jordan “Master” 12s, he looked like a college student searching for trouble on a young, Saturday night.

“By Bast, that man has my face,” T’Challa gasped, grabbing his wife’s hand and pulling her behind him. “Ayo, detain that imposter.”

“Aye, man, what the f-” Chadwick started when Ayo went to grab his arm. Tasha attempted to stop the commotion as best she could in six inch heels against a trained warrior.

“Ayo,” The Queen held up her hand, signaling the guard to release Chadwick. He exaggeratedly pulled away, sizing her up in his head. “Co, is that...your husband?”

“Yes,” she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Maya and T’Challa, this is my husband, Chadwick Boseman. Aaron, this is my friend Maya and her husband, T’Challa.”

The two men stared at each other, both expressions unreadable as they scanned the other for possible indications of a threat.

While the resemblance was uncanny, a few minor details differentiated the men. Chadwick was a bit taller and more lanky than T’Challa. The King was much more polished, sporting a neat haircut and immaculately trimmed facial hair. Chadwick prefered to let his hair grow the way it wanted, locking in random place with a neat taper at the temples. Their personal styles gave insight into their personalities: T’Challa, obviously a calculated world leader and Chadwick, a more relaxed American black man.

As T’Challa continued to study his doppleganger, a light bulb went off in Chadwick’s head.

“Did you say your name was T’Challa?”

“I don’t believe I told you my name.”

“Challa,” Maya scolded, hitting her husband on the back. “You’re being rude as hell. Yes, that’s his name.”

Eyes wide with astonishment, Chadwick turned to look at his wife. “Baby, it’s him! The Black Panther,” He whipped his head around to look at the confused King. “I’m you. Well, not really you but, in the movie, I’m you! Oh my, God!”

Chadwick executed a perfect Wakandan salute, surprising and impressing the royal couple. Tasha was flabbergasted. Her husband, who had spent many a night complaining about the multiple requests to perform the task, was now fanning out in front of the real life version of his character. She made a mental note to tease him about it when they were granted privacy.

“There is a movie about me, yes?”

“Hell yeah, there’s a movie about you! Damn, does this mean I did another biopic?”

“This movie, tell me about the subject matter.”

“Nuh-uh,” Maya interrupted. “We can talk about this at dinner. I’m hungry and my feet hurt.”

“Say that, sis! Aaron, did you call the car?”

“Y-yeah,” He answered, still distracted by the bizarre nature of the situation. “It’s outside right now.”

“So...let’s go. Maya, T’Challa, Ayo and Kali can go ahead. I need to talk to this one.”

Maya pulled T’Challa along, the King taking a look back over his shoulder to find Chadwick still looking at him.

“Aaron, helloooo,” Tasha sang, snapping in front his face to get his attention. “Earth to my baby daddy.”

“It’s him, baby. I just met the leader of an African nation and his black wife. AND HE LOOKS LIKE ME! I gotta call my mama.”

Tasha watched her husband with a fond smile as he gripped at his hair and spun around. His excitement was too much to contain but, she knew she needed to calm him down before the night ended in embarrassment for both of them.

Similarly, Maya was forced to deal with the cocky grin on T’Challa’s face after they were safely situated in the backseat of the chartered SUV.

“Kitten, there is an American movie about me. You are no longer the only star in this marriage, entle.”

“This is why I didn’t tell you. You don’t even know what it’s about,” she responded, rolling her eyes.

He lightly shrugged and brushed dust off of his shoulders. “Eh, I know that it must be great if it is about me. I am a great King and protector.”

“Here we go…”

“Should I book an agent as well? Will I be invited to the American award shows next year? What will we wear?”

                               ______________

Dinner was characterized by conversation dominated by T’Challa and Chadwick and satisfied smiles exchanged between Maya and Tasha. After the initial shock of their near identical facial structure, the husbands engaged in conversation from the time they joined each other in the car to the entres being set on the table. Chadwick listened with focused intent as T’Challa explained the true nature of Wakanda and their global outreach. When applicable, Chadwick explained the African-American experience and ways that the two sides of the same coin could work together to advance the people as a whole. And, or course, there were explanations of the film to satisfy T’Challa’s curiosity.

“So, I am the only Black superhero in this ‘universe’.”

“Kind of. Sam Wilson is in the cinematic universe too but, he doesn’t have his own movie.”

“Did you hear that, entle? The bird is not as popular as the cat in America.”

“Show them the accent, baby,” Tasha urged, bumping her elbow into Chadwick’s arm. “He worked so hard on it y’all.”

“You speak Xhosa? Oh, we gotta hear this.”

“Nah, I don’t want to offend,” Chadwick replied, taking a sip of his water.

“No, brother, I insist. It is an honor to know that you have embraced our home. Please, share.”

Tasha gave her husbands thigh a gentle squeeze under the table to reassure him. Clearing his throat, Chadwick prepared to speak.

“Umfazi wam uhle, ewe?”  Chadwick asked, his accent mirroring Maya and T’Challa’s. They looked to each other with smiles before responding.

“Ngokuqinisekileyo.” Maya answered, smiling at her friend who was totally unaware of what was being said.

“Ngaba loo ntokazi ingayiqonda,” T’Challa asked, searching Tasha’s face for any sign that she understood. Chadwick took a pause to piece together the question and form his response.

“Hayi,” he looked at Tasha and smiled. “Kodwa, ndimthanda umfazi wam.”

“Okay, okay,” Tasha laughed, grabbing her husband’s hand and intertwining their finger. “Tell my country ass what y’all said.”

The three sets of eyes looked at each other, silently electing Maya the spokesperson.

“Chadwick was just telling us how beautiful you are and how much he loves you.”

Tasha looked to Chadwick with a surprised smile before connecting with his lips to finish their kiss. “Aww, baby! How sweet!”

“I believe my daughter, Mala, would say that you two are hashtag goals.” T’Challa complimented, raising his glass in a salute to the man across from him.

When entrees were finished and desert was declined, the couples danced their way into the nightclub, ready to enjoy a few hours of dancing and loud conversation with celebrity friends of Chadwick’s.

T’Challa took the longest of the group to loosen up but, once he did, he gladly joined the cigar circle that Chadwick started in his section. Bottles popped, smoke puffed and bodies grinded until the wee hours of the morning. Had Tasha not complained of being hungry with no Waffle House in sight, the group would not have returned to hotel until the sun rose the next morning.

Instead, they filed into Boseman suite’s spacious living room for late night snacking and talk of their children and marriage. As the clock rounded into 4 AM, Maya’s yawns and need to cuddle into her husband’s side alerted everyone to the end of the night.

“I remember when me and Aaron were in college, we could stay out until 6 in the morning, eat some pancakes and start all over again,” Tasha laughed, pressing further into Chadwick’s side as he stroked her silk covered thigh. “Now, a bitch is sleepy!”

“Girl, I thought I was the only one. How the hell did I pledge if I can’t even stay awake?”

T’Challa took the initiative to stand, gently tugging his wife up with him and helping her back into her shoes. Chadwick and Tasha followed suit to walk the couple out. Reaching the door, Maya turned to Tasha and smiled.

“This was so much fun. Thank you for inviting us.”

“Oh, Star, don’t mention it. We enjoyed having you guys come with us. Right, babe?”

Chadwick gave T’Challa a respectful not that the King returned. “Anytime, y’all. We gotta get together again.”

“The next time we’re in L.A., maybe we’ll give you guys a call?”

“Oh, please do,” Tasha exclaimed. “We can fire up the girl or something. Y’all can bring the kids and make this a good ol’ family time.”

“And, one day, we can get y’all out to Wakanda.”

T’Challa’s eyes bugged at the suggestion. A night of fun with the Boseman family was one thing but, inviting back to his country was another.

“Kitten, I am sure that they have far better things to do. Wakanda would be too much of a hassle. Right?”

“No, no not really.” They answered in unison.

“Then it’s settled. We’ll come to Los Angeles and then, when you’re ready, both of you are welcome to visit us in Wakanda!”

The wives squealed in excitement as the husbands shook hands. The thought of visiting the country and exploring for a few days fascinated Chadwick and worried T’Challa. He already had one American black man back home to worry about. Though Chadwick seemed wildly different from Erik, he wasn’t sure if he needed two at the same time. Still, he respected Chadwick and loved his wife, making him willing to either give it a shot or work day and night to make his wife forget the proposal.

With a final hug, Tasha and Maya exchanged ‘see you laters’.

“Now, you call me if you need me. I have a jet. I can come see about you whenever,” Maya assured Tasha.

“And you do the same. Hell, with a jet, we can go on over to Paris and shop for a weekend.”

“Bast.”

“Jesus.”

The husband’s looked at each other and smiled. Even across cultures, Chadwick and T’Challa shared a mutual disappointment in their wives’ shopping habits.

“Y’all travel safe!”

“Let me know when you get home!”

Shutting the door, Tasha turned to face Chadwick’s smiling face. “Did you enjoy yourself, Big Daddy?” Her arms wrapped around his waist as her lips connect with a spot on the center of his throat.

“I did, Mama. I’m glad I let you talk me into this. We’re going to Wakanda!”

While Tasha and Chadwick celebrated a trip to South Africa, Maya and T’Challa discussed logistics.

“Are you sure this is a good idea, Kitten. Think of the preparation.”

“You’re preparing to get on my nerves, Challa.”

The King opened his mouth to offer a rebuttal but stopped. “I will drop it for now but, we will have to discuss this.”

Maya grumbled a whatever in response, pushing the door to the suite open and kick off her shoes. “I’m going to bed. You can talk to yourself tonight.”

He rolled his eyes and followed her into the bedroom. “Do you really think he looks like me?”

“No,” the corner of the Queen’s lips curled into a devious smile. “He’s cuter. Did you hear that country boy accent?”

“Entle-”

“You know, he used to act. Maybe we can get together and he help me get back on stage again.”

“And I can take Tasha on a stroll around the gardens when she visits. She is quite beautiful, nay?”

“If that’ll give me and Chadwick some alone time, sure.” He response caught T’Challa off guard, his jaw dropping in a brief moment of defeat.

“It is settled. Your friend can no longer visit. You did this to yourself, sithandwa sam.”

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[randomslasher]

So what are your top five hugs?

THIS IS THE BEST QUESTION EVER OMG OMG OMG okay

So it’s gonna be hard to rank them exactly but I’ll be able to list five in no particular order at least. 

Also please note that these hugs aren’t all going to be romantic, some are familial. 

1) “Space Monkey” Jack O’Neill and Daniel Jackson from Stargate SG1

Scenario Backstory: The scenario is that the characters have just returned from a mission where they believe they left one of their own behind to die (at his insistence--he’d been injured, and the others believed their mission was a suicide one anyway, so he told them to leave him so he could watch their back and buy them time). But miraculously, he made his way to an alien healing device AND managed to escape before the space ships blew up. But his team didn’t know that--until this moment. 

Hug Analysis: This is one of my favorites because it involves a Disney Death (aka characters thinking another character has died but it turns out they haven’t, and there’s an emotional reunion). Here we have Jack (Richard Dean Anderson) realizing that Daniel (Michael Shanks) did NOT die. You can see in his face the disbelief and joy--the sort of, “of fucking course you managed to somehow escape death AGAIN you ornery little shit, oh God I’m so happy to see you” --and in the middle of a room full of military personnel, this Colonel walks straight up to him, grabs him, laughs, and buries his face in Daniel’s shoulder. He rocks just a little, then cups the back of his head, murmurs the fond endearment ( “Space Monkey”) then pulls back and cups his face, just to look at him. It’s a glorious hug, the first one between the two in the whole series, and just. YES. 

2) “For My Own Reasons” Mulder and Scully from X-Files

Scenario Backstory: Scully has been in a hospital receiving treatment from a doctor for a rare form of cancer she developed after being abducted. This doctor has been treating other women with the same cancer who were also abduction survivors. Mulder discovered that the doctor was actually killing these women and has come to tell Scully about it, but doesn’t find her in her room--instead he finds a note she’d written to him that was talking about the likelihood that she will die, and basically telling him some things. Anyway, in this scene he finds her, they talk briefly, and she tells him she’s decided to leave the hospital, as her cancer has not yet spread or made it impossible for her to work (but the treatment was doing so). She tells him she’ll carry on and live with her disease for as long as she can, because she has her own reasons for wanting to survive. Mulder smiles at her, and she smiles back, and they embrace. 

Hug Analysis: LOVE THIS HUG SO MUCH okay so first we have Mulder smiling at her with this look of absolute adoration, because Scully is SO STRONG and he admires her so much and here she is proving it yet again, and they just melt into one another’s arms, lending each other strength. Scully’s arms are up under his jacket (warmth) and his chin is tucked over her head (yesss height differences) and her ear is pressed to his chest and they stand there rocking gently. He murmurs some encouragement to her, then they draw apart, and he takes her head in his hands and kisses her brow and it’s just so loving and gentle and supportive and you can just feel how much strength they just gave to one another right there. It’s SO GOOD. 

3) “One day, we’ll be together again. I promise.” Sometimes They Come Back 

(P.s. This video SHOULD start at the relevant time--but I was having trouble with the link, so if it doesn’t, skip to 8:34 to see the link. If you watch the whole video, cw for gore and horror themes)

Scenario Backstory: In this Stephen King adaptation of a short story (which I only ever watched because my friend from middle school was an extra in one flashback scene), the main character, Jimmy Norman, is back at his old hometown where his brother died when they were kids. He has to confront the punks who murdered his brother (who have returned from the dead to taunt him and try to finish what they started that night). In the end, he is able to call upon the spirit of his big brother, who comes to help him defeat the demons. When they leave, his big brother, Wayne, is still there, having been trapped in purgatory for the last 27 years; Jimmy explains to him that he is his little brother, just all grown up, and that Wayne has to move on now (Wayne is scared and doesn’t want to go alone without his brother). He promises him he’ll move on to a better place now, but that they’ll see each other again one day. 

Hug Analysis: This gets me on two levels: it’s a brother hug, but also almost a paternal hug. Jimmy is all grown up, and even though Wayne is his older brother, Wayne is still a young teenager, scared and confused and sad to be losing his little brother again. Jimmy kneels on the ground to prove to Wayne that he’s ‘still his little brother’ and when he promises that they’ll see each other again, Wayne almost falls into Jimmy’s arms. His head drops onto Jimmy’s shoulder and Jimmy’s eyes fall closed and they cling to each other because they were so super close when they were kids and they’ve both dealt with so much grief in the meantime and it’s the moment of closure from all the flashbacks of how heartbroken Jimmy was when his big brother died. It’s a goodbye, but a promise, too--in fact, when the hug ends, and Wayne is about to disappear into the heavenly light summoning him home, Jimmy calls to him one more time and says “You and me, we’ll always stick together” (something Wayne had said to young Jimmy the day he died) and Wayne gives him this soft little smile. It’s heartbreaking but just. So. Satisfying? Just. Yes. 

4) “Sam’s Family,” Supernatural

Scenario Backstory: Okay...ngl I actually don’t really know the backstory here because I’d stopped watching the show by this point. But based on what I do know of the show, and context clues, here’s the basic set-up: The two guys, Sam and Dean Winchester, have been ghost/demon hunters all their lives--a mission started when they were just kids (Sam literally was a baby) to avenge their mother, who was murdered by a demon. It gets HECKIN’ convoluted after that, but the woman in this scene is their mother, alive again or still or something because of a supernatural deal she’d made once upon a time. Here, she admits to Dean that she’s afraid Sam won’t forgive her (not clear on details here either) but Sam overhears and promises her she doesn’t have to be afraid. He embraces her, then Dean joins in. 

Hug Analysis: Okay, so even without knowing all the details of how the boys came to this point, I know enough to know this: Sam Winchester, the baby of the family, now a giant moose of a man, is holding in his arms everything in the world that matters to him. He’s been through so much (literal hell) and to be able to do this: to be able to hold his mother, the mother he never had growing up, AND his big brother, the one he admires and loves more than anything, there safe in his arms? Yeah. I’m literally feeling choked about it right now. This. This is all Sam ever wanted. He’s such a gentle soul, and he’s been through so fucking much, and to just...have this moment? That they can give this moment to him? It kills me. Dead. I’m dead. Sam deserves this so fucking much. Bless him. 

5) “I Have A Brother” Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Scenario Backstory: In this movie, Robin Hood and Will Scarlet are actually half-brothers. Robin doesn’t find this out until after an attack on the outlaw camp, after which Will is kidnapped but is released on the promise that he will betray Robin and the surviving outlaws. Will has been openly disdainful and hateful of Robin since the beginning, so when he shows back up in the outlaw camp, the others rightfully assume he’s there to betray him. But instead, Will demands to know if Robin is going to follow through on all the promises he’s made to the people he’s been leading--if he’s going to turn tail and run or actually see this through. Robin asks him why he hates him so much, and Will then reveals his parentage--he is the son of a peasant woman whom Robin’s father had a liaison with in his grief after Robin’s mother died. Robin, who at the time was a young boy, was so angry at this apparent betrayal of his dead mother that his father abandoned the peasant woman, leaving her to raise Will on her own (unclear if Will had even been born or if Robin’s father knew about him; Robin certainly didn’t, so it seems unlikely). 

Hug Analysis: This hug is actually not the greatest as far as physical features go--it’s short, it’s not particularly tight, it’s hard to tell if Will even returns it--but the emotion. The emotion of this scene. Robin, after briefly rejecting the idea that his father had actually had another child that he didn’t know about, suddenly understands that Will’s behavior up until now--his resentment, his anger--all makes perfect sense. He stares at Will, who is hurt, angry, and practically begging Robin to be the man Will desperately wants him to be, and the hero everyone else says he is--and realizes that he is not alone in the world after all. He still has family. Aloud he says, wonderingly, “I have a brother?” Then, again, loud and with conviction and amazement: “I have a brother,” and drags Will in for a brief hug. Then he takes Will’s face in his hands and makes him a promise: “I will make my stand with you. Side-by-side. To the end.” And Will’s look of hope is just shattering. These two found each other, against all odds and in the face of incredible adversity, and in spite of everything between them, they are both desperate to have that family connection--desperate to belong, to be a part of something. They’re lost souls who find each other and now that they have, they are going to cling on tight. 

Okay so I tried not to do multiple hugs from one source (though I could’ve easily done all of them all from X-Files or Supernatural alone) so here are 5 of my top favorite hugs! Thanks for this question, anon--I had a blast going through these and analyzing why I adore them so much!!!

[goddamnthatponytail]

Day 4: King’s Magic + Drunken Shenanigans

I combined two prompts for this day’s theme. Hope everyone enjoys!

Day 4

Title: King’s Magic and Drunken Shenanigans

Theme: Work & Play

Main Ship: Nyx Ulric/OC

Words: 2213

Rating: T, SFW

Warning: There are curse words, and something suggestive.

Summary: Alcohol and Magic Users equals not safe drunken shenanigans.

They warped across the training ground, using the King's magic to get the best of each other. Lyra rolled her eyes as she came to stand next to Crowe. Nyx and Luche were forever competing with each other. They'd only been dating a couple of months, but even she could tell the history of competition ran deep with those two without any explanation needed. Their shift was far from over. They were merely waiting for the reason they had been ordered here all at once. She supposed it was inevitable that one of the Glaive's would have gotten bored after being kept waiting and started something.

Why did it always have to be her boyfriend?

She had received word from her father that the Kingsglaive were deploying, so she'd come to say goodbye to Nyx before he left. Looks like that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. Instead, she turned to Crowe. "So how long have they been at this?"

Crowe scoffed, "They started this within 30 minutes of getting here. Loser has to buy drinks when we get back."

Lyra cast a worried brow towards the two men. Nyx had yet to notice her presence, his entire focus on Luche. "Should they even be doing this? You guys are about to deploy."

Crowe shrugged. "Technically, it's training."

She pursed her lips, but let it go. "Alright. Tell Nyx I said to be safe, and I'll see him when he gets back."

Crowe stopped her retreat. "Idiot will be in a bad mood if he found out you stopped by, and he didn't get to see you." She turned to the boys, cupping her hands over her mouth. "Hey, Nyx! It's rude to keep your girlfriend waiting after she's come all the way to see the Hero off!"

Distracted at the mention of Lyra, Nyx looked down at them. His lips pulled into a smile that she reciprocated. Luche, seeing Nyx's distracted form, formed a ball of ice and launched it at Nyx. Nyx came crashing to the ground in surprise, Crowe and Lyra crying foul at Luche. He simply laughed, saying, "Drinks are on you, Hero!"

Lyra helped him up, glancing at him worriedly. "Are you alright?"

He put his arms around her, pulling her to him and giving her a quick hard kiss. He was grinning as he pulled away. "I am now."

Lyra pulled his face down to hers, rubbing his nose with her own in her gesture of affection. "I came to say goodbye."

"I heard," Nyx replied. "What would the boss say if he found out his daughter was disturbing the Kingsglaive during working hours?"

Lyra pursed her lips teasingly this time, giving him a thoughtful look. "Nothing if he found out the Kingsglaive weren't working and were using his magic to win bets."

Nyx opened his mouth to reply, but his Captain made an appearance. "Alright Glaive, form up!" He looked at Nyx and Lyra, who were still wrapped up in each other. "Lyra! Just because you're the Princess doesn't mean you get to bother the Kingsglaive while they're working!"

She glared at Nyx as he covered a laugh with a cough. She disentangled herself from his arms, turning to smile demurely at Titus. "Of course, Uncle. I'll be going now."

She walked past him, turning around to wave at the Kingsglaive cheerily before leaving them to their work.

Lyra slammed back another shot, grinning at Gladio. She was definitely on her way to being drunk. They'd earned it. Today's training session had been extra grueling, having to fight both Ignis and Gladio. Noctis was supposed to have participated, but he'd come down with a cold that morning, so Lyra was left to face them on her own.

She'd lost, but the scratch on Gladio's arm proved she was improving.

She loved training with the guys. They never went easy on her the way other trainers had. Well, Ignis had at first, but that had ended once she'd told him he wasn't doing his job by trying not to hurt her. If there was one thing Ignis hated, it was being told his performance was subpar.

Proud that she had actually landed a hit on him, Gladio had insisted he buy a round of drinks to celebrate the occasion. One bottle had turned into shots, and now they were here, both tipsy enough to get into trouble if they wanted to.

Lyra's phone vibrated, the Princess looking down to see who had messaged her. She squealed, "Look Gladio, Nyx is back!"

Gladio looked at the bright screen, confirming that the Glaive was indeed in Insomnia and looking for his girlfriend. "Better answer him."

She giggled, already typing away:

L: Hi Baby!

N: Hey gorgeous. Where are you?

L: At the bar with Gladio.

N: Gotcha. Some of us are headed to our dive. Want to join?

L: Sure! Come pick me up:)

Lyra looked up from her phone, giving Gladio an apologetic grin. "Nyx is coming for me right now."

Gladio waved away her apology. "Go see your guy. I'll see you at training tomorrow."

Hugging Gladio goodbye, Lyra made her way out of the bar. Unless she was with Nyx, she only ever went to one bar when she wanted to drink. She personally knew the owner, the man being the father of one of her school friends, and he ensured the tabloids wouldn't get a scoop on drunk Lyra. In turn, many of the Citadel workers came to unwind after a long day. It wasn't an uncommon occurrence when the place was filled with Crownsguard sometime during the week.

She spotted Nyx walking down with Pelna, Luche, Crowe, and Libertus. They were the usual gang that Lyra hung around with on nights like these. She waved at Nyx, launching herself into his arms when he was close enough. She gave him a deep kiss, happy to see him.

Nyx pulled back, looking at her with amusement in his eyes. "Someone's drunk."

Lyra giggled. "I'm not drunk, just very tipsy."

"Definitely drunk," Gladio said, walking to them.

She shot a dirty glare at him. "Am not, you great big behemoth."

He shot her a look. "I'm going to kick your ass tomorrow."

Lyra sniffed, lifting her chin and looking away from him. "I'd like to see you try." She grinned at Nyx. "I took down Gladio today."

Gladio rolled his eyes. "You literally got one scratch in before I slammed you to the ground."

Lyra thought about this for a second before shrugging. "I wasn't using my magic."

Noticing the gleam entering Gladio's eyes, Nyx intervened. "Alright, let's not start. I thought we were all headed out for drinks."

Lyra forgot about challenging Gladio to another match. "Yea! Let's go do shots."

Everyone laughed at her enthusiasm, saying their goodbyes to Gladio and headed to their normal hangout. The place was a cheerful hole in the wall on the other side of town that most of the Kingsglaive favored. The bartender wasn't surprised anymore to see the Princess of Lucis walk in and shoot down drinks. She certainly didn't act like a princess when she was with her usual company, but a visit from The Marshall before they'd opened one day had made it clear that the quick Gil they made off a story would not be worth it.

Nyx bought the first couple rounds of shots and drinks as promised from losing his bet to Luche. He'd decided to take it easy and nurse his drink as Lyra was in no state to keep her head straight. Plus, he had fun watching her get along so well with those he considered family.

Crowe turned to Lyra once they'd downed another drink. "So Gladio beat you today in training?"

Luche snorted, "Please, like it's hard."

Nyx tensed, but Lyra was already turning. "I'll have you know that I'm a decent fighter. I'm not a monster like some people." She eyed the people around her. "But I can hold my own. Besides, besides warping, there was no magic involved." She pouted. "Iggy wouldn't let me."

"Must not be very good at either," Luche taunted.

"That's enough," Nyx snapped.

Lyra stood up. "You wanna try me?" Her words were slurring.

Luche was no better as he stood up. "Let's go, Princess. Just don't go crying to Nyx when I beat your ass."

Now Nyx stood, stopping them from coming any closer to each other. "You two are not fighting each other."

Libertus laughed, "Just let them Nyx. You're not her father."

Nyx turned to stare at his friends. They were all drunk and were forgetting exactly who Lyra was and why her getting hurt would be a bad idea. Neither did they take in mind how badly he would beat Luche's ass if she got so much as a scratch. Or maybe they did and just wanted to see Luche get beat up.

Sighing, Nyx wrapped Lyra up in his arms, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "Princess, fighting right now is a bad idea. You want to get me in trouble?"

She frowned, trying to process his words. "No…" Then an idea came to mind, and she grinned. "We won't fight. We'll race!" She turned to Luche. "How about it, dickhead? Race to the Citadel?"

Everyone cheered. Nyx groaned and let his forehead fall onto his crazy girlfriend's shoulder.

They made their way out of the bar, their group taking bets. Most bet on Luche winning and that irritated Nyx as no one had actually seen Lyra in action, so how could they judge her ability? Didn't they realize that Lyra had been born with this magic? Crowe, who had practiced with her before, placed hers on Lyra. In her mind, it was easy winnings.

Everyone warped onto a building, blue lights lighting up the street. Crowe nodded at the two to get into position. "The first to get to the Citadel building wins, got it?"

Luche and Lyra nodded, both clutching their weapons. Nyx kept hold of his Kukri, intending to follow and made sure she stayed safe. The two competitors were both intoxicated to all hell. They couldn't even stand still, struggling to stay in position. With their luck, they'd warp straight into the King's bedroom, and the Captain would have all their asses.

Crowe counted off, and they were gone before three even left her mouth. Mouths dropped as Lyra took the lead, having thrown her short sword farther than Luche had thrown his Kukri. Pelna swore, turning to Nyx. "What the hell, man? You training her?"

Nyx rolled his eyes and didn't answer, throwing his Kukri and following his girlfriend. The other Glaive's followed, Libertus' moaning fading into the background. Lyra was fast, her movements graceful, even when drunk. Luche was almost just as quick though, and he hated losing to anyone, especially if the person was Insomnian. Nyx kept up with two, keeping his eyes on them as they approached the Citadel.

When the two warped into the air just before the Citadel, Luche made his move. He hurled a ball of fire at Lyra as she was getting ready to warp to the top. From the height they were at, she would slam into the concrete and severely hurt herself. Nyx couldn't stop the fire, but he could catch her and make sure she landed safely.

Just before the fireball hit Lyra, she brought up a barrier. Blowing Luche a kiss, she threw her short sword to the top of the Citadel and disappeared. Luche yelled in outrage before disappearing as well, Nyx following close behind.

He found them sprawled out at the top, heavy breaths and pale skin a clear sign they had overexerted themselves. He ran to Lyra, helping her sit up and then pulling her into his lap. She grinned at him. "I won!"

He chuckled, able to relax now that everything was done. "Sure did, honey. How'd you know to put up a shield?"

She rolled her eyes in Luche's direction, smirking. "I remember your earlier competition, and I have a brother. Both like to play dirty." She frowned. "Damn, I'm pretty much sober now."

Nyx ran a hand down her back. "Now that you're done playing with Luche, want to go back to my place and play dirty?"

Lyra snorted, "You're so bad." She smiled, pecking him on the mouth. "Let's go."

"Rematch," Luche croaked from his place on the ground.

Nyx covered Lyra's mouth with his hand before she could open it. "No can do, Luche. I have my own plans with the Princess now that she'd done humoring another man."

[chantelle-x0x]

Valentine’s Day Changes - Drake x MC ft Liam x MC

Masterlist

Note: This is my first crossover not really a crossover but whatever sort of thing, so I’m pretty excited. However, this may be very crappy so please tell me what you think about this in a comment or a reblog, it’d be greatly appreciated. Hopefully this is fluffy enough since I rarely write pure fluff! Also, this is based into the future-ish. So here goes all the darkness in my blog out the window for today only!

I’m taking requests for fics. Those of you that have requested a fic, it is in the makings! If you would like to request here are prompt lists - 21 Writing Prompts 50 Dialog Prompts Angsty Dialog Prompts Kiss Prompts For Writers and Artists

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the fiction. All rights go to Pixelberry Studios.

Word count: 1,845

Pairing: Drake x Lana and Liam x MC (Emily)

Rating: T/PG13+ (suggestive themes towards the end)

Summery: Drake and Lana take their daughter Rosalie out to the Palace stables and ride her favourite horse Moonlight, on Valentines Day

The sun shone through the curtains of Drake and Lana’s room. Drake’s arm was wrapped around Lana’s waist tightly, and his breath was on her neck. She was wearing a tank top and shorts, and he was wearing shorts. Their breathing was synchronised, and their feet were tangled together.

Lana’s eyes flickered open, but she quickly closed her eyes again as the rays of sun went into her eyes.

Drake trailed a line of kisses down Lana’s neck. “Good morning.” He whispered happily into her ear, as he started to kiss her jaw. She smiled and whispered back, “Happy Valentine’s Day my love.” Her head went back as Drake’s hand went under her top, caressing her soft skin.

Before things could go any further though, there was an almost inaudible knock on the door.

“Mommy, daddy? Are you awake yet?” Their three and a half year old; Rosalie called from the other side of the door.

“Of course.” Drake grumbled. He fell back onto his back and Lana giggled.

“C’mon in sweetie.” Lana said with a smile.

Rosalie ran into the room and jumped on Drake and Lana, a huge smile across her face.

She had the same deep, brown eyes as Drake, but the same brown hair as her mother, as well as the same skin tone as her, with a personality like her father.

“Good morning mommy and daddy!” She sang happily, getting under the blankets with her parents.

“Good morning Rose.” Drake said, peppering her face with kisses. Rosalie giggled, and that warmed both Drake and Lana’s hearts.

“What are you doing up so early sweetie?” Lana asked, sitting up in bed.

“I’m sooo excited to see uncle Liam and aunty Emily! And ride Moonlight!” “What do you say to daddy for taking you for a ride with uncle Liam and aunty Emily?” Lana asked smiling. “THANK YOU DADDY!” Rosalie laughed and squeezed Drake as tight as she could.

“Aren’t you getting strong? You’re almost crushing me now!” Drake exclaimed happily. “Sorry daddy!” Drake kissed her forehead.

Finding out about Rosalie was one of the most happiest days that Drake had ever had. It was most unexpected, but he fell in love with her from the moment he laid eyes on her. Lana felt the exact same way as Drake, except a little more exhausted.

“Daddy, can we go now?” Drake and Lana laughed in unison. “Rosy, daddy and I need to get ready first. Not to mention, you have to get dressed and brush your teeth too.”

“Okay.” She had a small frown. “Now, now, Rose,” Drake started. “if you’re an extra good girl and start getting ready now, mommy and I will get you an ice-cream on the way.” “ICE-CREAM!” The girl wriggled her way out from Drake’s grasp and jumped over Lana.

“I’m going to get ready right now, so I can get ice-cream and Moonlight can share with me!” Rosalie ran out of the room before Drake and Lana could say one more world.

“That’s our daughter.” Lana laughed, flopping down next to Drake again. “What, always interrupting someone, or something in this case?” Lana shook her head, a smile plastered to her face. “No, but I think she got that from you.” “Oh? Is that so?” Drake asked, an eyebrow raised. “Yes.” Lana whispered, just loud enough for Drake to hear. He rolled on top of her, not breaking the deep, passionate kiss.

“COME ON MOMMY! COME ON DADDY! WE’RE GOING TO BE LATE! HURRY UP AND MAKE BREAKFAST!” She waited a split second. “PLEASE!?” Lana shook her head and Drake rolled off. “This isn’t the end.” “I should hope not.” Lana replied, a smirk on her face, before they both got out of bed, ready to start their hectic day.

They stopped of at town to by Rosalie her ice-cream, as promised. She got her favourite; rainbow, because it was so colourful and made her really happy.

As they reached the palace, Rosalie started to fidget.

“What’s up Rose?” Drake asked cooly. “I need to…uh.” Lana finished for her. “Toilet break.” She smiled at Drake before turning around in her seat to face her daughter.

“Can you hold on for two more minutes sweetie?” “I can try mommy.” Drake had already thrown the car into park.

Lana quickly unbuckled herself, and went to the back to unbuckle Rosalie from her baby seat. She picked her daughter up with ease, since she was quite small and light. She rested Rosalie on her hip, her arms wrapped around her daughter, while Rose’s arms looped around Lana’s neck.

“Alright, we’d better hurry before you burst.” Drake looked her his wife, hiding his laughter. “Yes Drake, I just said that.” “Amazing word choice Thomson.” “And what would you have chosen to say Walker?” Drake shrugged as he locked the car and started walking alongside Lana. “Maybe, ‘we’d better hurry for the benefit of our daughter.” “Mommy!” “Er, right. Sorry Rosy.”

“You win this round Walker.” Lana whispered, Drake smirked in response.

After making in into the palace, Lana took Rosalie to the bathroom, leaving Drake with Liam and his fiancé Emily.

“Hello Drake!” Emily said with a hug. Drake was not much of a hugger, but he always made an exception for Emily, only because she was Liam’s girl.

“Hi Emily.” “Drake! How many times have I told you, it’s Em.” She said with a smile.

Liam clapped his best friend on the back. “It’s nice to see you again.” “As always. You’ve been so busy, we’ve not had time for whiskey nights anymore.” “I’ve been trying to take some weight of off Lana’s shoulders. Being a duchy and running a home and family can’t be easy. I only have two duties; being a King and being an amazing fiancé.” “And you're doing an amazing job at both my dear.” Emily kissed his cheek.

Lana made her way through the hallway with Rosalie and as soon as Rose saw Liam and Emily, she ran to them. Liam picked her up and spun her around.

“You’ve gotten big Rose.” “I know! That’s what daddy said.” Emily hugged Lana.

“I see you’ve been doing well with these two.” “I have Em! It’s surprisingly easy. Once she got bigger, it was easier to do multiple things at once. She just sits and does whatever she’s told.”

Lana looked at Rosalie, her arms stretched reaching to be held by Drake. “I love her more than anything else Em. She and Drake are my whole world.”

“Moonlight daddy, Moonlight!” “Moonlight?” Emily questioned. “Moonlight; Rosalie’s favourite horse in our stable.” Liam told Emily.

Emily walked up front with Drake and his daughter, as Liam and Lana hung back together.

“So, how have things with Emily been going?” “Quite fine actually Lana. We’ve gotten to know each other well. I know she was my fathers decision, and his last wish before he passed, but I think that I’ve gotten use to the little ditziness because of Maxwell.” Lana burst out laughing. “Liam!”

“I’m sorry Lana, but it’s the truth!” Liam laughed with her.

“So, I’m just guessing that you don’t love her.” “Ah, not just yet. Love is a complicated thing Lana. As you would know. But like you told me that night, you did love me, just not how I loved you. It kind of just stuck with me, that you did love me, and cared. That was why you didn’t tell me. I won’t lie, I was mad, but I care for you and Drake too much for that to get the best of me. Emily is definitely a better match for Maxwell than me, but he and Penelope are already something so.” “Oh Liam, that is so sweet. Thank you!”

Liam smiled at her. “I have to say, I’m glad you and Drake are together. You and him are really happy, and you also have a child so that just adds to your happiness.” Lana smiled. “Unexpected happiness Liam. All of this.” “Yes well, I have a surprise for Rose.” Lana cocked her head. “If you don’t mind, Moonlight can go home with you and Drake today.”

“Thank you so much Liam! Rosy will love it.”

They had all reached the stable by this time, and Rose hurriedly put on the acquired gear, before getting onto Moonlight. A white mare, that was just over four.

“Hey there Moonlight!” Rosalie said softly, patting her horse gently.

Drake saddled up onto the dark brown stallion. Emily and Liam got up onto a seperate one.

“Thomson?” “I’m not good with horses Drake. I’ll tag along with Rosy.” Lana got up onto Moonlight, behind her daughter.

“LET’S GO!”

After an hour of riding, they all made it back to the stable unharmed.

“Thank you for bringing me daddy.” Rosalie smiled and hugged her father as they got off.

“No problem Rose.”

“Daddy…Can I stay here with uncle Liam tonight?” Drake looked at his happy and exhausted wife.

“Of course Rose. We’ll pick you up tomorrow okay? If that’s okay with you Liam.” “Anytime with Rose is cherished time. We never know when she’ll want nothing to do with me.” “Uncle Liam, you’re my Godfather, and the King of Cordonia. Why wouldn’t I want something to do with you?”

“Using him for his name huh Rosy.” Lana chuckled. “That’s okay Lana. Rose is always welcomed here.”

Lana and Drake drove home in silence.

“Something wrong Thomson?” Drake asked, slightly concerned.

“Not at all my love! Our lives have changed so much from the first day we met. You being that guy with his walls built so high, so being a wonderful father and husband. I couldn’t have thought of a better future than this. I love you Drake.” Drake reached his hand over and placed it on Lana’s.

“I love you so much Thomson. And when we go home, I’ll show you just how much. Especially now that there is no interruptions.” Lana laughed. “I can’t wait for that Drake.”

“You know, Valentine’s day use to be a lot more extravagant with us.” Drake just smiled and kept driving.

As they got home, Drake and Lana made their way to their room. Laughing and cracking jokes.

“How did Bertrand react when you told him you were pregnant anyway Thomson? I never did ask you.” “Ah, well, I never told him. Maxwell did.” “Typical Maxwell.” “Ha, Maxwell just told him straight forward. Bertrand was still sulking from me not choosing Liam, and because Savannah got annoyed at him.” Lana ruled her eyes. “Glad we’re not them.”

Drake snorted. “So am I.”

He opened the room door and on the bed was a bottle of whiskey, along with a rose petal trail.

“Oh Drake!” She hugged Drake tightly.

“Tonight, we have fun.” “Very much fun.” They smiled at each other and closed the door lightly, almost like it was another moment in between.

“I truly do love you Drake.” “And I truly do love you Thomson. Don’t you ever forget that.” He pecked her nose.

[misssophiachase]

Thanks to everyone who has read this (especially the nonnie who thinks my version of Klaus is so hot), I didn't mean to start anything new but this will only be short and I thought it best to separate the chapters rather than put all in my Crossroads collection. Hope you like it. All songs from the soundtrack. Part 1 you can click on above.

The Spy Who Loved Me

Part 3: Feel Good Time

Monte Carlo Casino

Caroline

"What is with you tonight?" Kat hissed as they entered the bright lights and loud noises of the famed casino and took the impressive set of marble stairs one at a time. "Not only were you running late, you've been in the absolute worst mood ever since, bitchy."

Caroline couldn't argue with her best friend's assessment given she was right, an annoying, observant habit she possessed. She'd been late because Klaus bloody Mikaelson decided to distract her best laid plans and have his way with her. Caroline wanted to blame him for being the man whore she knew, but she'd been the one to seek him out and in the shower of all places. Faced with that 'impressive' erection as he'd boastfully called it had been confronting for all the wrong reasons.

Instead of laying out the working boundaries as she'd fully intended, he'd messed with her willpower but it wasn't entirely unexpected given their past trysts. Caroline wanted to hate him but the way he'd held her in his arms under the steady stream of hot water had brought back so many memories, not to mention a mind blowing orgasm which had somewhat dazed her senses afterwards. Caroline was glad she could still partially function to make a quick escape. She'd left before he could come, a fact she was proud of given his ambush, after all it was the least he deserved. Smug bastard.

"I didn't know what to wear," she protested, albeit weakly.

"You're the worst liar, Forbes. You iron and lay each outfit on the bed beforehand like the ridiculously, anal friend we know and mostly love, " Bonnie added, her voice unwavering. Caroline gulped knowing just how sharp her interrogation skills actually were.

Although they all possessed multiple skills, Bonnie's true forte was psychology and mind control. She knew what people were thinking pretty much before they did and used that skilfully against their enemies. She relished in the fact that her skills rendered their enemies powerless without the need for physical violence. Kat on the other hand relished in physical violence given her arm to arm combat talents and those impeccable sniper skills.

Caroline's skills were varied and equally invaluable to the whole operation. Multilingual with eight languages under her belt including; Russian, Arabic, Mandarin and Polish to name a few. Her mathematical, problem solving was impeccable in conjunction with her safe breaking skills that were second to none.

"Probably best we stop bickering given the multiple cameras," she returned, albeit through gritted teeth.

"Deflection," Bonnie murmured. "This should be good later." Kat laughed and Caroline immediately dreaded their interrogation more than the bad guy. To be honest it was a recurring theme with them.

The sea of people in the casino seemed to part as they made their way through the crowd, most of the them watching upon admiringly. Kat was in a signature red gown, fitted, deep V-neck and pooling around her ankles. Bonnie in a vibrant, halter neck, indigo creation and Caroline in a white, strapless dress that hugged each and every curve.

Damon Salvatore's private poker room was impressive, each girl using every tool in their arsenal to grab the attention of the busy crowd. There weren't many, only four tables of eight but given the data they'd memorised, every drug kingpin was present. They gave each other a brief parting smile before making their way to separate tables. Divide and conquer was their motto after all.

"Powering your nose take a little longer, love?" Klaus asked, pulling her closer so she was rubbing against his budding erection. Bastard.

"I was actually studying up on my blackjack skills, James, I'm a sore loser so if anyone's leaving here as winner it's yours truly." She made a mental note to tell him his lines were far to chauvinistic for her liking. His expression was unwavering but she knew Klaus was trying to steady his composure while devouring her appearance at the same time.

"Sounds like my kind of girl," Damon interrupted, taking his seat at the table. She felt his fingernails dig into her skin softly, his jealousy evident. Caroline hoped he wouldn't blow their cover but he was unpredictable at best. "Any chance you'd be my lucky charm?"

"It's Lara and not this time, seems I'm taken," she purred, placing a lingering kiss on those crimson lips she'd tried to forget but one touch had reminded her of just why she'd stayed away.

"Should we deal then, gorgeous?" Damon smiled deviously.

"Bring it on."

Katherine

"I've never seen you so generous, Hayes," Stefan Salvatore chuckled, throwing in his chips confidently. Katherine noticed the tension in his shoulders as he prepared to respond to the drug king's younger brother. As far as she could tell both Salvatore brothers were as bad as each other.

She'd barely had time to acquaint herself with Elijah Mikaelson since they'd arrived. Caroline had made the initial move earlier in the day but tonight was her chance to infiltrate their operation through the stuffy and eldest Mikaelson. She'd heard stories about his unwavering concentration, commitment to the cause and his ability to wear a suit like no one else. Apparently those pictures didn't do him justice given the way his toned body filled out that grey suit.

"Blame it on my girlfriend," he murmured, pulling her closer, his aftershave messing with her slightly. "She's always had expensive taste."

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure," Stefan offered, holding out his hand. "Stefan Salvatore."

"Natalia," she purred, avoiding his gesture. "Obviously the pleasure is all yours."

"Ouch, is your girlfriend always so icy, William?"

"I am here you know," she growled. "Blame my Russian roots, I hate to waste my time with pleasantries." His eyebrows raised curiously, usually this kind of connection would be a red flag but given the brother's desire to crack the Russian market it was too good to be true.

"Take a seat here," Stefan patted the seat. "Turns out I'm just as competitive, if not more." She felt Elijah bristle, no doubt part of the act, choosing to take the seat next to him instead. If Stefan was offended, he didn't show it.

Bonnie

"And you are?" The Salvatore cousin Tyler asked, his question not interrupting his shuffling.

"Hello to you too."

"I don't remember that being the question." Before she could reprimand him for his rude question, Kol pulled her towards him possessively. Bonnie would have kicked him but knowing his martial arts expertise knew it wasn't altogether wise.

"Is that any way to talk to my girlfriend, Lockwood?" Kol growled.

"I was just trying to be polite, Benjamin," he lied, his brown eyes trained on Bonnie. "To…"

"Violet," he murmured, begrudgingly.

"Wow. If I wanted to be surrounded by so much testosterone," she drawled, "I would have stayed in and watched Fight Club on cable."

"She has a mouth on her," Tyler sniggered. Bonnie was fast losing patience, then she felt a comforting hand on her lower back. She couldn't explain it but this guy had a strange and mellowing effect on her senses. She made a mental note to tell him where to go in private.

Caroline

"You never told me Lara was such a shark," Damon laughed, throwing his hand onto the table while she pulled the chips towards her greedily.

"She's competitive," Klaus murmured. "If there's anything she hates, it's losing."

"I can speak for myself, James," she scoffed not bothering to make eye contact. "Just because your poker skills are average doesn't mean you need to take it out on me."

"Do I detect some trouble in paradise?" Damon chuckled, looking between the pair. They didn't say anything just refused to make eye contact. Klaus took his cue and made his way towards the bar for another whiskey.

"What are you planning to do with your winnings?" Damon murmured, making his way by her side. Caroline had to resist punching him in the gut.

"Thinking a holiday, far from here," she huffed, hoping her acting skills were as good as she remembered.

"How about a cruise on my yacht tomorrow?" He murmured, his lips finding their way to her ear. "I promise I'll be the perfect gentleman."

"Promises, promises," she tutted. "I need proof."

"I'm liking you more and more," he chuckled, producing a string of pearls and holding them against her skin. "I happen to think these would look gorgeous on that neck." The fact his eyes dipped below there and lingered on her cleavage wasn't a surprise.

"I can't be bought," she hissed, licking her lips for extra effect.

"And that's what I like about you," he grinned, placing the pearls in her palm discreetly. "Meet me at my yacht in the harbor at 10am." He was gone before she could respond. She felt her breath finally begin to even out, not because of Damon but because of the guy she knew was watching every word behind them.

Katherine

"Any chance you can teach your uptight boyfriend to let loose, Natalia," Stefan joked, scooping away his winnings. Katherine knew just as well as Elijah that this was a well thought out act.

"He's more of a saver than a spender," she argued, sending him a kiss across the blackjack table. "Given my exorbitant spending it's probably for the best."

"So, he's a kept man," Stefan chuckled. "Hardly surprising." What she wasn't expecting was for Elijah's glass to shatter in his hand, the red wine splattering every available surface, including his silk tie.

"He's far from that," she boasted. "I'd watch what you say in future." Instead of being upset, the gleam in Stefan Salvatore's eye was telling Katherine his attention was piqued. "Now, let's get out of here, baby."

"Feel free to come back anytime, Natalia,"

They were in the stairwell, Katherine holding onto the knot in his tie before his hands found hers. "What do you think you're doing, Ms Pierce?"

"Taking off this sullied tie," she explained, her hands not moving. "I know just how much you hate being unpresentable." He didn't speak but lowered his hands, allowing her to remove his tie. The silence between them was overwhelming, Katherine experiencing something completely foreign and by the looks in his chocolate eyes, Elijah was feeling the same way.

"Thank you," he whispered. "Looks like part one of the mission is complete." He was gone before she could respond. She looked at his tie, wondering just what had happened and why she was so confused by his unexpected exit.

Bonnie

"Looks like it's not your night, Hayes," Tyler joked, taking his winnings. "Blackjack can be difficult for newbies."

"It's all a game of chance," he growled, throwing down a glass of whiskey.

"On the contrary, it's all about strategy," he teased. "If you need any pointers, I'd be willing to help you out. We could make an agreement, my tutelage for some time with the lovely Violet."

"Excuse me?" Bonnie muttered. "I am here you realise?"

"Looking absolutely breathtaking too," he exhaled. "Just take it into consideration, sweetheart." She grabbed his hand, ignoring the warmth she felt as they made their way from the table and into the public area of the casino.

"What an..."

"Ass," Kol finished. "And you thought I was bad."

"Remind me how angering them is going to win this mission?"

"Oh please, darling," he chuckled. "You can read everyone and every scenario without fail, playing dumb isn't your strong suit."

"I'd so whip your ass right now but..." she threatened.

"Looks like someone has been reading my file," he chuckled knowingly. "I think this is going to be a fun ride, Violet."

Caroline

The night had been eventful, not completely unexpected, but Caroline couldn't quite shake Klaus or his effect on her. She'd rushed back to her room, excited their plan had fallen into place but confused as to their act. Yes, it was a scene but Caroline couldn't miss just how much he was effecting her as she was him. She'd paced the room for hours before finally falling into bed, knowing that she had a yachting date with Damon Salvatore the next morning.

She woke with a start. He was massaging her blonde locks and as good as it felt, Caroline broke free staring down her intruder. Of course she knew who it was given his intimate touch and the way he smelled. "I don't recall inviting you inside, Mikaelson."

"I'll admit I took a few liberties," he conceded.

"A few?" She hissed, sitting up and hoping that her brief, cream nightie had managed to hold her assets intact. "This is so unprofessional."

"Oh, says the girl who walked on me in the shower?" She couldn't argue with that but at least he was conscious.

"To remind you of the boundaries, which obviously you have ignored," she huffed, feeling her right nipple attempting to escape given the way he licked those familiar, crimson lips.

"I don't recall any boundaries being discussed," he offered. "In fact boundaries were the last thing on your mind last night, Caroline." She used her full energy to push him off the bed by surprise. It was the least he deserved after all. "Now, that was uncalled for, love."

"Funnily enough, I don't agree," she huffed stepping on his stomach purposefully and making her way towards the door.

"Get out."

"Now, that's not very nice love," he muttered.

"Says the guy who's breaking and entering."

"I'm a spy, it's part of the job."

"Thought you were smarter than playing the spy card, Mikaelson," she scoffed. "Get out."

"Damon Salvatore isn't a nice guy," he pleaded, making his way towards the door.

"Tell me something I don't know," she hissed. "Maybe it's news to you but I'm not the innocent, naive girl you met all those years ago and I'd appreciate it if you'd let me get on with the job I have to do."

"But," he protested. "I care about.."

She slammed the door in his face before letting him finish that particular sentence, ignoring the anger, the lingering and unwanted heat between her legs and determined to get some sleep. Unfortunately she knew from experience it would be difficult.

On FF Here

[titfest]

Title: The Chocobro’s Night Routine

Rating: T (just some slight suggestive themes)

Word Count: 2,701

Pairing: Gladiolus/Prompto/Noctis/Ignis

Summary:  The chocobros’ sleeping routine wasn’t something to laugh about. Even when the whole group was tired and aching for a bed at just 7pm, the team’s resident clown duo always found a way to stay up until 1am with all the ruckus and commotion they caused, and today was no exception.

A/N: Just a little something I wrote since I caught the ffxv bug and couldn’t stop thinking about these precious boys. I hope you enjoy! It’s also posted on my AO3 if you wish to read it there. (I’m always here to rant about ffxv and thank you to ADyingFlower for talking ffxv with me and reading this!)

The chocobros’ sleeping routine wasn’t something to laugh about. Even when the whole group was tired and aching for a bed at just 7pm, the team’s resident clown duo always found a way to stay up until 1am with all the ruckus and commotion they caused, and today was no exception.

After defeating several packs of voretooth, defeating magitek soldiers and having find their way around the terrain because someone (Noctis) just had to get lost, they finally made it back to the motel with much groaning and whining (Prompto). While Ignis checked into the room, Prompto and Noctis were already far gone with sleep and exhaustion. Prompto leaned a little too much against Noctis causing the prince to slouch sideways and slowly begin to slide over more and more. He was close to actually falling over, if it wasn’t for Ignis who caught him in time and started dragging him by the arm away from the Regalia.

Prompto was too out of it to even take a step forward. If he did he would’ve found himself face planting on the ground. Luckily Gladio was there to pick him up and throw him over his shoulder. It had Prompto whining at first from the sudden movement but he was quick to relax in Gladio’s hold and decided to take a quick nap on the way to their room.

Once they made it to their room, Ignis managed to unlock the door with Noctis still leaning against him and grumbling about it being too cold outside.

“Yes, yes, I’m sure once we’re inside you can warm up with a bath.”

Noctis smiled at the thought and was ushered inside by Ignis with Gladio and Prompto in tow. Immediately Prompto was thrown onto one of the beds with Noctis floating over and depositing himself next to Prompto. Their hands immediately grasped for anything that could feed them warmth and found each other, thus resulting in tangled limbs and blonde hair shoved in Noctis’s face.

Gladio laughed from the opposite bed as he watched the two snuggle up to each other. It reminded him of two chocobo chicks getting together for warmth late in the night.

Ignis found the scene endearing as well but had to sadly step in to spoil the tender moment.

“As cute as this, you do realize that I will not allow either of you to go to bed dirty and with those filthy clothes on.”

“Aw! Iggy, the bed is too warm!” proclaimed Prompto.

“Just a few minutes,” mumbled Noctis from Prompto’s mess of a hair.

“Ha, just a few minutes is a whole hour in your dictionary,” said Gladio. Noctis and Prompto still didn’t make any movement to get up, and as such resulted in Ignis sighing and looking to Gladio for support. They locked eyes and a whole conversation was exchanged between them before Gladio pushed himself off the bed and made his way to the two cuddling chocobo chicks. “Alright, time to get up.” Grabbing Noctis by the waist he hauled him up and started dragging the struggling prince to the bathroom.

“No, Gladio let go of me!”

“No can do princess, just sit tight and maybe i’ll be nice enough to wash your back,” Gladio said with a snicker.

Noctis complained by saying that he’ll just make him do it instead but the rest of his sentence was cut short as the door to the bathroom shut, blocking out any other noise that might’ve come from the inside.

Ignis took a breath of relief and started discarding his jacket along with his shoes and everything else in between. Prompto was still recovering from losing his only warmth and rolled around in bed until the blankets and sheets started wrapping around his body like a cocoon. Ignis chuckled, discarding his shoes and walking over to the bed.

“Prompto?”

“Hm?”

“You know you’re still going to have to take a shower as well.”

“But Iggy-”

“No buts,” Ignis spoke sternly. “Both you and Noct were thrown around too much during our hunt, resulting in more dirt on your uniform than usual.”

Prompto looked deflated with defeat, giving out a simple, “fine,” as he started unraveling himself from his nest.

Leaning down, Ignis placed a kiss along his cheek but immediately pulled away and stepped away from the bed when Prompto tried wrapping his arms around Ignis’ neck for another kiss. He looked at him with shock.

“If you wish for another kiss then maybe i’ll give you another one when we’re inside the bathroom, if you so desire.”

Prompto was quick to go red and stand up and out of bed with excitement. “S-sure!”

Prompto’s exuberant nature always left Ignis with a smile on his face, enjoying the way the young chocobo would chirp and flap around the room in joy. It was always something he quite enjoyed, whether it be out with the rest, or behind closed doors.

Speaking of closed doors, it seemed like Gladio and Noctis were taking their sweet time in the shower. Not that Ignis would blame him, but he sure hoped that Gladio wouldn’t leave the prince too tired for exercise tomorrow, he thinks, trying not to admit that he had a similar plan for Prompto in mind.

He allowed Gladio and Noctis a few more minutes in the bathroom before having to knock against the door and urging them to get out before they took up all the hot water. Gladio answered with a grunt with Noctis tried and failed to give a response. Ignis let their antics be and just five minutes after he spoke the door to the bathroom was slammed open with both Gladio and Noctis stepping out looking refreshed and rejuvenated. It didn’t take a scientist to figure out what kind of antics they got into.

“Oh dude, you better have not dirtied the whole place or else Ignis is going to get pissed,” Prompto said as he began to discard his shirt on his way to the bathroom.

“It isn’t dirty,” Noctis retorted. “Besides, the water washed all of it away.”

Prompto still wasn’t convinced.

“Not to worry Prompto, I’ll make sure the bathroom is clean and spotless. Besides, with how long both of you took, it wouldn’t be much of a problem if both Prompto and I decide to take our own time as well.”

“Oh! Can we take a bubble bath instead? I bought some cool chocobo shaped soap at the last stop we made!” Prompto looked ready to explode as he dug through his bags until giving an “aha” with a yellow chocobo shaped soap in his hands.

“I can’t see why not.”

Prompto yelled in excitement and hurried inside the bathroom. Ignis held the door for him and made sure to give Gladio and Noctis a look that told them to behave themselves before shutting the door.

“How much you wanna bet they’re gonna be doing the same thing?” Gladio asked.

“Bet? Oh Gladio it’s a fact that they will, you should have seen the look Specs was giving Prompt.”

“True.” Taking a seat on the couch he patted the spot next to him, signaling for Noctis to come. Without another word, Noctis threw himself across the couch and sighed happily. He leaned against Gladio who wrapped an arm around his shoulder and pulled him snug against his side. Noctis gave a hum of approval, enjoying the warmth emitted from the shield and took the opportunity to close his eyes for a while as Gladio took out a book to read.

“Already going to sleep?”

“Naw, just want to close my eyes for a bit.”

Gladio simply hummed and went back to his book with Noctis still laying by his side. Occasionally he shifted from one position to another, trying to relieve the soreness in his back until he found the right spot and  sighed in content. By this point Gladio was already running his fingers across Noctis’s hair, enjoying how quickly his damp hair dried up and became soft in his hands.

“Mm… feels good,” Noctis mumbled.

Gladio made sure to continue doing so for however much time kept going until the door to the bathroom was opened by a smiling Prompto humming the Chocobo song. Ignis stepped out after him, looking like he just got back 10 years in his life. This didn’t escape Gladio’s eyes.

“So, had fun in there?” he said with a playful tone in his voice.

“Yup!”

“Marvelous.”

Gladio’s laughed roused Noctis out of his half-asleep state and brought the prince back to reality. Opening his eyes, Noctis noticed Ignis sitting on one of the beds still toweling his wet hair while Prompto laid on the other bed in pajamas and phone out.

“Kings Knight?” Noctis asked, already moving from the couch to grab his phone and lay next to Prompto.

“Oh yeah, you’re going down!” Prompto loudly proclaimed.

Noctis made a noise like he didn’t believe Prompto and laid right next to him. “Psh, yeah right.”

Gladio and Ignis watched the two with a fond smile on their faces as the noise from Prompto’s and Noctis’s phone started filling the room. Since the day was a long and arduous one, Ignis found no problem in letting the boys have some extra time before bed since he did love spoiling them sometimes. Getting up from the bed he began making his way towards the small kitchen situated in another room of the motel and thought of making himself a warm concoction before going to bed himself. Gladio stalked behind him.

Leaning against the doorway to the small kitchen, Gladio watched Ignis work with skilled hands as he prepared the water and tea leaves for something warm to put him to sleep. While it was rarely mentioned, Gladio always loved watching Ignis cook, especially when one could see his fingers without the gloves getting in the way. Ignis always had long and bony hands that reminded him of the hands of a pianist. He was always entranced by them and couldn’t deny that they were skilled in many other ways than just cooking. Getting lost in thought for just a second too long he didn’t notice Ignis walking up to him and entering his domain of personal space.

“Gladio?”

“Oh shit!” Another thing about Ignis is that he was the stealthiest of the four and could easily sneak up on any one of them without the slightest of sound. “Sorry, got a little lost in thought there.”

“No worries, I was simply asking if you wanted me to make you some tea as well,” Ignis said as he pushed up his glasses. Gladio stared at those fingers again and wished he could bring them up to his lips to kiss and taste.

“Naw, I’m good.”

Ignis kept his eyes trained on Gladio for a seconds longer before chuckling. “You were enjoying the view weren't you.”

“Heh, nothing can ever escape your eyes.”

“Of course, you were practically stripping me. I do believe that I must remind you that it is very late and we should be resting up for the day ahead.”

Gladio sighed. “Yeah yeah, I hear you Specs, I’ll keep myself restrained.”

Ignis hummed, a smile adorning his face. He went to pour himself the tea in a mug and began walking out of the kitchen, of course not before stopping at the entryway and glancing up at Gladio with tempting eyes. “That does not mean we can’t indulge in a little bit of fun for a later time,” and with that said he exists the kitchen, hips swaying with every step he takes.

Gladio watches him go, eyes trained low on his hips. “That guy is definitely going to be the end of me someday,” he utters.

Turning off the lights he too goes back with Ignis to see both Prompto and Noctis making out on one of the beds. Prompto laying on top of Noctis and slowly sliding one hand under his shirt while Noctis makes quick work of massaging Prompto’s butt. God, Gladio and Ignis wish they could see a show but time has gone by way too fast leaving them already in the am hours.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough,” Ignis speaks.

Prompto is the first to pull away but looks up at Ignis with a pout on his face. “Aw, but we were just getting to the good part.”

“Mm, sure were,” Noctis comments.

“As delightful as that sounds, it is already 1am and you two should be heading to sleep,” Ignis states. He walks over to the opposite bed and sips his tea as he watches both Noctis and Prompto untangle themselves from each other. Of course just because Ignis says something once doesn’t mean they’ll get it all the way.

Prompto and Noctis do stop making out with each other but instead whip out their phones and start up the app for King’s Knight.

“Boys,” Ignis says, with a higher octave.

“Hey Noct, I bet I can get a higher score than you on the new campaign.”

Noctis makes a doubtful noise. “Yeah right, you’re on.”

And like that they’re tapping away at their phones again, trying to trip each other up by elbowing the other or getting in their personal space.

Ignis sighs. Knowing them they won’t listen to anything he says until at some point after 3 AM, so he’ll just have to use his secret weapon.

“Gladio.”

“I’m on it.” Walking across the room, Gladio hovers over Prompto and Noctis who are still laying in bed elbowing each other and reaches down to wrap his hands across Prompto’s waist. Prompto doesn’t have enough time to complain or do much of anything before he’s being pulled up from the bed and carried across to the other one.

“Wait Gladio wha-!”

“Pipe down, you’re going to wake up the neighbors.”

Ignis makes sure to move out of the way as Gladio throws Prompto into the bed. Prompto jumps from the force and tries to scramble back up, but Gladio pushes him back down before he can do so. Slipping in next to him he pulls Prompto snug against his chest, arms wrapped around his waist and chin on top of his head. He gives the biggest sigh of relief ever, as if his muscles that were cramped all day had finally relaxed now knowing that he was laying in bed.

“Gladio what the heck?!” shrieked Prompto. He tried moving away, even just pulling his hands up to look at his phone, but Gladio had him in too strong of a hold.

He simply uttered a, “you’re warm, just go to sleep,” and closed his eyes, quickly falling into slumber.

Prompto pouted next to him but quickly dismissed his anger after a yawn left his mouth. Maybe he did feel a little bit sleepy, just a little.

Noctis who laid in the other bed stared wide-eyed as Prompto and Gladio got comfortable in the other bed.

“Time to go to sleep your highness,” said Ignis next to him. He took his last sip of his tea and sat down at the edge of the bed. Taking off his glasses he laid them on the nightstand and pulled the covers out to get into bed.

“But what if I don’t want to?” asked Noctis, following suit and getting under covers with Ignis.

“Well we can’t have that can we. You need to be well rested for tomorrow and that requires a at least 7 hours of sleep.” He turns off the remaining light in the room and pulls the covers over, beckoning Noctis to come closer and wrapping a protective arm around him. “Would you like me to rub your back so that you can go to sleep?”

Noctis hides his face in his pillow and nods.

Ignis gives him a knowing smile and pulls up Noctis’ shirt from behind and starts rubbing his back. Not soon after Noctis is already in a deep sleep with Ignis following as well. Gladio and Prompto have been asleep ages ago. The moon outside is at it’s peak and the chocobros inside are finally resting for another long and adventurous day ahead.