#shrieked w delight when i opened the box

[plushiebi]

ignore my messy ass room. STARDEW VALLEY JUNIMO PLUSHIE BE UPON YE

[slamminslamminmcgill]

brother i swear to you your saul/reader fics got me creaming for my life I've never been fed this well ever in my entire life. may i make a request/suggestion? I'd kill for you to write some overstimulation involving one of those remote controlled vibrators while on working hours, that shit would slap so hard from you omfg

hi!!! hope ur ok w/ a drabble for now :3

You swore one of these days you were gonna look for a new job. 

Today was not that day. You had left work yesterday carrying a delicately wrapped gift box, courtesy of your boss, who told you very specifically not to open it until you were home. And that you were to come in to work the next day wearing it. You remembered being flattered by his generosity, excited all the way home about what it could’ve possibly been. 

And then you opened the box and remembered your boss was a gigantic pervert. 

Still, you figured you didn’t fare much better, especially since you were the one standing outside your job with a vibrator inside you. It was off, thank god. You considered it a stroke of luck when you realized you had no idea how to turn it on. You fished your phone out of your pocket, about to text him that you were outside, when the front door swung open.

Saul Goodman was there to greet you with a shit-eating grin. “Right on time, kid! Come on in.” He was as giddy as a kid on Christmas, and it was fucking irritating. You thought about the pros and cons of cold-cocking him in his smug face, but figured great sex and steady income were worthwhile rewards of being his sexual guinea pig.

He pushed open the doors to his office, beckoning you inside. When you entered, he grabbed your wrist and pinned you to one of the columns. You were understandably caught off guard, which he saw as the perfect opportunity to start kissing and sucking your neck. His other hand wasted no time in getting to your crotch. He pulled away to ask you, “So… did you follow my instructions?”

You yelped, your mind racing to find the answer to his question. “Yes, sir. It’s… it’s inside.”

He pressed two fingers down hard against your clothed sex, searching for the toy. He gasped in delight when he felt it. “Good boy. Can I see?” He asked, letting go of you and stepping back.

He had you trained so perfectly. The second his hands left your body, you were scrambling to undo your belt. You slid your pants off and braced yourself against the marble before spreading your legs. Between them was a hot pink vibrator nestled inside you, just barely touching you where you needed it.

Saul gave a wolf whistle at the sight of you. “God, I knew this was a good idea. Though, just one more thing…” He reached into his pocket and grabbed some small plastic thing. You couldn’t quite tell what it was, but you figured it out seconds later.

He clicked a button and the device ignited inside you. Your knees buckled and you grabbed the column for support, already a whimpering, disheveled mess. Just how he liked you. He stepped closer to you, forcing his leg in between yours to keep you upright, and grabbed your chin.

“Look at me,” The command made you feel even weaker than you already were, “Here’s how today’s gonna go. We’re gonna have all our scheduled meetings in the morning. Then we break for lunch, and do walk-ins after. Regular day, right? Except you’re gonna keep that toy inside you the whole time. And you’re gonna do exactly what I say, when I say it. Understand?”

You nodded frantically. Verbal confirmation would have taken too much brain power.

Saul was not impressed. You knew he expected a verbal answer. “Hm. You wanna act like a brat today? Fine,” He tapped the up button on the remote a few times, and the vibrations grew stronger. You shrieked, back arching, knees buckling, your body practically liquifying but for his firm grip keeping you up. “Act like a brat all you want. But I’m in control here, and I’m not gonna let you forget it.” He turned the vibrator up to its max level. “Now I’m gonna ask you again. Do you understand?”

“Yes!” You cried, already on the precipice of an orgasm not 5 minutes into your shift. “Yes, fuck! Yes, Mr. Goodman! I understand!”

“Good boy,” Saul answered, clicking the vibrator off and letting you go. You whined at the lack of closure. He’d snuffed out your flame before it barely got to burn. “Get dressed. First client is gonna be here in a minute.”

You couldn’t even do that in peace. When you bent over to pick up your clothes, Saul flicked the vibrator on and off a few times just to watch your body jolt in response, laughing to himself each time he did it.

This was gonna be a long day.

[demona-andariel]

Object of Obsession - 1 / 46

Fandom: Halloween

Pairing: Michael Myers x OFC

Summary: In Haddonfield everyone knows the legend that was Michael Myers. Content and at ease, they’d forgotten what it was to feel fear in the month of October. But now, he finds himself back and ready for blood but then a bond forms between him and one of his victims. A bond he can’t seem to break. And it starts to make him do things he never thought of doing before.

Warnings: (Encompassing the whole story in no particular order) kidnapping, noncon, explicit sexual content, smut, loss of virginity, rough sex, blood and violence, knifeplay, canon-typical violence

Author Note: Minors DNI!

Word Count: 3,172

Chapter 1 - The Beginning

A fake witch jumped up, cackling through a terrible voice box, causing Gretchen Carter to jump and let out a small scream. Hugging her books closer to her chest she let out a sigh, trying to calm her heart. The damn witch always scared her when she left the public library. She hated the month of October, she hated Halloween and she wasn’t a fan of Haddonfield. But for the fact, that her boyfriend lived in town, she never would have moved. Not that she was staying for very long. Once Brandon figured out what he wanted to do she’d join him. Twenty-two and already financially independent due to her parents dying and her inheriting a bunch of money. It left her with the unique ability to live wherever she wanted and do whatever she wanted.

Nearing her car, she pressed the key fob to unlock her car.

A hand wrapped around her waist and twirled her around, causing her to shriek in delight. “M’lady?” her boyfriend Brandon said as he tipped a non-existent hat. “Will you be joining me on an adventure tonight?”

Her heart jumped at the thought as she leaned up to kiss him. “It is not an adventure we planned?” she asked.

His eyes twinkled. “Can I help you?” he asked as he grabbed the books from her hands. She gulped, not entirely comfortable with it, but didn’t fight him letting him take half the pile. “Learning to cook?” he teased.

She smiled. “I mean, I gotta learn how to be a good housewife right?” she teased back.

He gave her a look then shook his head. “You’re far too independent to be stuck at home all day long,” he commented. Opening the back door to her back seat, he placed the books he had into the backseat and then turned to grab the rest of them. Setting them down, he cocked his head to one side and picked one up. “The Occult World,” he read.

She shrugged her shoulders as she took it from him and set it in her backseat. “It’s almost Halloween and I always get in the mood to read about the supernatural.” It was a half-truth, half-lie. Halloween wasn’t the only time she liked to read up on the occult.

He smiled, taking her words at face value. He rarely questioned her. “Yeah, Haddonfield loves Halloween. As you can tell. You’d think we’d hate it after all those murders years ago. But I don’t know. I remember my mom saying that a mayor wanted to make some money off the tragic events and decided to embrace the Halloween theme. She doesn’t think it’s right since she remembers. She was just a kid then. But, people like making money off tragedies.”

She nodded then shuddered as chills ran through her body. The myth and legend that was Michael Myers. Part of it was based on a true story of that she was sure. He had killed his family as a child, and when he was all grown up, he’d escaped from the mental hospital he was kept in and went to finish the job by trying to kill his sister. While getting to her, he killed multiple other people. He’d been shot and killed, but the locals claimed they never found his body. And his sister disappeared, leaving town to never be seen or heard from again. There were other rumors of sightings of the masked man holding a knife.

Her mind seemed to travel and suddenly she was in a forest area filled with a dense fog. The leaves danced with a sudden breeze and whispered. Danger. She looked up and there he was. He walked out from the fog wearing coveralls, a shiny clean knife in one hand, white mask over his face. The Michael Myers of myth and legend. And he was walking straight for her. She gasped in surprise. The ground was slippery from the morning dew and she slipped on it as she was trying to get away from him, falling on her ass to the ground. Somehow he’d easily walked the distance between them in moments. She looked up as he raised his knife over his head to plunge it down into her heart-

“Gretch?” Brandon asked with concern as he gently pushed her, snapping her back to reality.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?” she asked. She hated her imagination. It always brought her to places she didn’t want to be.

“You’re looking a little pale. Are you feeling alright?” he asked as he gently cupped her face.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

He searched her eyes. “You know, we don’t have to go through with it tonight. We can do it tomorrow or next month. Or any day.”

She looked up at him, using her hands to roam his body till she could get under his shirt and touch his skin. She rubbed his sides. He let out a cough.

“I want us to have sex tonight. I’m done waiting. You, me, your car, virginity gone!” she demanded.

He gulped, lust entering his eyes. “Then I shall pick you up at 8,” he said, grabbing her hands, he brought them up to his mouth and kissed them.

“And don’t forget to dress up,” she called out. “We’re going to Michaela’s costume party tonight.”

He smiled and blew her a kiss before briskly walking away.

She was glad he left. She wasn’t sure she could control herself much more. Although they’d been dating for a year, they didn’t actually meet in person till this past summer when she’d come up to see him. After that, it was her getting her finances in order, finding a place to rent, and figuring out how to move. She’d been living in town for a little over three months and they still hadn’t done the deed.

Sighing, she got into her car and started the engine. It wasn’t that she was against sex. She just never found the person she wanted to have sex with. But when she met Brandon she knew he was the one. Her soulmate. Her mind had immediately taken her away into a vision of sorts. They were in his car, kissing, touching, petting. They were going to have sex. They both knew it. They both were ready.

A shiver ran down her spine as the idea of what she knew was going to come slowly clouded into darkness. She let out a sigh. Her brain was a funny thing. It liked to tease her about things, but never finish them. But tonight, oh tonight. She was going to finish what her brain started. She felt her stomach flutter at the thought.

A rumble overhead caught her attention. She looked up and frowned as a storm started to take shape.

The sound of people laughing and celebrating grated on him. He wanted to kill them all. He had no reason for it. It was just what he was supposed to do. He watched a group of people in costumes walk along a road as they made their way into a house that was much too loud. Unfortunately, too many people. For now at least. He could pick them off, one by one as they left, most likely drunk and too stupid to notice he was there until he dealt them the killing blow.

But, it wasn’t quite Halloween. Not that day or time mattered, but this time he wanted to start out slow and progress. The town of Haddonfield had made a mockery of him. He was going to make them fear his name. His hand clenched around his knife.

The wind rustled around him. And he looked up toward a hill situated a little bit outside of town. His breathing deepened. He knew that place. The kids called it Lover’s Lane. During his wanderings, he’d seen a car or two parked up there. Young teenagers were fucking. Easy targets.

His body moved automatically as he tried to control his breath. People were wrong in thinking he didn’t feel. He did feel emotion. Butterflies fluttered in his chest at the thought. He was going to start his killing spree again.

Gretchen stared out of the window of her car as Brandon drove them. It was going to rain, she could smell it in the air, she’d seen it in the clouds earlier. Not that it mattered. It wasn’t like they were going to fuck outside.

Brandon looked over at her, putting his hand on hers and squeezing. She smiled as she looked over at him. She hadn’t talked much since he’d picked her up. He’d arrived dressed as a knight, and she had dressed up as a princess, making sure that her costume had two separate pieces and a loose enough long skirt to hike up in case she got impatient.

She let him drive her car since her car had the biggest seat of the two. But after they had kissed and headed on their journey she’d been quiet. It wasn’t that she was having second thoughts. Something was bothering her, and she was trying to figure out what.

She’d packed an overnight bag with some extra clothes and she wasn’t exactly sure why. She had a feeling she would need it and she had learned to listen to her feelings.

“Is this it?” she asked excitedly as he turned down a hard-to-see dirt road. The first words that were spoken since they started their journey.

A smile crossed his face as he winked at her.

Her heart skipped a beat. This was it. She couldn’t wait. Before her parents died she’d promised that she’d wait to have sex till she was eighteen. Once she hit eighteen she figured she could wait some more till she found the right guy. She wasn’t in a rush. Looking at Brandon, his wavy short dark-brown hair, dark eyes, and handsome features, she knew she’d hit the jackpot. She shook her head at her silly thoughts. It didn’t matter that he was handsome, that was a bonus. He was kind and gentle, and most importantly, they were connected.

He pulled up to a clearing and parked the car to overlook the town. She let out a gasp as she looked at it from above. It did look quite beautiful.

“You look beautiful,” he said as he looked at her dreamily, running a hand through her long brown hair. His brown eyes met her hazel ones. She caught his hand and planted a kiss on it, looking up at him through her eyelashes. “Fuck,” he whispered as he leaned over to kiss her.

She felt her cheeks go red as she blushed, greedily kissing him back.

“How did I ever get so fucking lucky?” he finally asked, pulling away.

“The gods smiled upon you,” she teased as she pulled down her strapless top. Her breasts popped out and he bit his lip while groaning. She reached out, locking her fingers behind his head as she pulled him into a deep kiss, her tongue demanding his. He obliged. His hands ran along her sides till he reached her breasts. She let out a moan as he flicked her nipples and played with them. Why in the world had she waited so long?

She couldn’t wait much longer. Her hands traveled down his body onto his pants, feeling the bulge. She could feel a tingle in her pussy. She was getting wet. Her hands found the button and zipper and she quickly freed his cock. Breaking free from their fondling she looked at it, a smile crossing her face. He was hard and ready for her. He grabbed her hand as she reached for him.

“Uh, Gretch,” his cheeks blushed a deep red. “You got me really hot and bothered earlier today. I don’t think I can last much longer. For right now that is.” He breathed heavily.

“Oh,” she said. Thinking quickly, she climbed over the front seat into the back and slid her underwear down. He quickly joined her, rubbing up against her as he felt for her sex while kissing her again.

Her heart thumped in her chest and she moaned as his fingers found her clit. She let out a giggle as her body filled with intense emotions.

“Are you sure you want to do this here?’ Brandon asked her in concern as he lay over her. “I mean, your apartment.” She nodded then shook her head in answer to his questions. Her mind went back to the images she had when she first met him. They’re in the car. He’s over her. They’re going to fuck. She knows it. Her soulmate- A frown crossed her face as her thoughts turned into darkness once again.

“Gretch?” he asked, noticing the change in her face.

She shook her head, banishing the dark cloud away. This was a good thing. She wanted to lose her virginity to Brandon. He was her soulmate. Her destiny. Her future.

“It’s nothing,” she said, leaning up to kiss him. Her heart pounding with anticipation and- fear?

“This might hurt a little bit,” he said with a shaky voice. “What I’m told.”

“I’m not an idiot,” she grabbed her purse from the back of her seat, digging through it till she found a condom and pulled it out as well as a small bottle of lube. “Safety first! And lube it up, let’s go.”

He let out a chuckle then his breathing deepened as she slowly tore the condom package while looking at him. One of his hands vigorously rubbed one breast, while the other went under her skirt and played with her ass.

“You’re so fucking hot,” he growled.

Her eyes danced with mischief. “I know,” she replied. Suddenly, she grew shy again.

She handed him the condom and lube for him to put on. He rolled his eyes as he let her go to roll the condom on. “You’ve done this before,” he commented. It was true. She’d given him blowjobs and handjobs before with and without condoms. But this felt different. For some reason, she felt shy and timid. She wanted him to take charge right now. He’d had sex before. He knew what to do. She wanted him to lead her.

They weren’t exactly comfortable in the backseat of his car. She moved her skirt up, wishing she hadn’t worn her costume. She should have taken the whole thing off, but she was worried that someone else would come along and see her naked.

“Oh wow,” he said, staring at her pussy, making her blush again. He kissed her again and she eagerly returned his kiss, his hands wandering her body, fondling her breasts. She moaned as she moved her hands under his shirt. They had on too many clothes, her brain complained. Deep down she knew it would be way easier with fewer clothes, but they could get real naked another time. Right now, she wanted to get this done. Finally, pulling back he nodded toward her. “Ready?” he asked.

She nodded and looked down to watch. She could feel him staring at her. She could feel the love in his eyes as he started to enter her.

Her senses screamed danger. “Brandon… Brandon!” Gretchen screeched, pushing him away from her, but accidentally toward the danger she saw. Her eyes widened in terror, pressing herself back into her door, quickly covering her body.

Lightning flashed as thunder struck while at the same time the car window busted as an arm with a knife came through, slashing Brandon’s back. He screamed in pain and turned. The hand not holding the knife unlocked the door and threw it open. He didn’t have much time to react as the knife plunged into his leg. Gretchen screamed as she grabbed Brandon, trying to keep him from being dragged out of the car. It was useless. The man pulled Brandon out with ease and he landed with a hard thump on the wet ground. The skies broke and water poured down.

Gretchen screamed as the man pulled Brandon up by his neck with one hand. Brandon started to struggle to escape and to breathe. But the man didn’t seem bothered and barely even moved by Brandon’s effort. Instead, he slowly and deliberately put his knife through the fake knight’s armor, into Brandon’s chest.

Gretchen covered her mouth with her hands in horror as the man waited till Brandon stopped moving. He let the body go and stared at it for a moment as it dropped in a heap at his feet. Her Brandon was dead. Her future was gone. The killer’s body had no real features that she could latch onto. He was a shape in the rain. Slowly, he turned his head and through his mask, looked back at her. Coveralls, a bloody knife, a white mask, emotionless eyes. Michael Myers was real.

Her fight or flight instincts kicked in as she pushed the passenger door open and toppled onto the ground. There was no time to grab her shoes, not that they would have helped as they were high heels. She ran, slipping in the fresh mud, ignoring the pain as she stepped on rocks and twigs. If she made it to the main road she could get a car to stop. Maybe… No! They might not see her with the new downpour. Her mind showed her the way. She had to go into the woods. Michaela’s house was only a mile and a half away if she took the shortcut through the woods.

She had to make it. The trees were within reach. She could make it! She let out a scream as a hand grabbed her hair, pulling her back. How in the world had he caught up to her? She fell to the ground at his feet. The knife was inches from her face. She looked up at him. Was this why the images of her future were dark? Was this how she died?

She could see his eyes through his mask. No emotions. A killer. His hand reached down to grab her neck with one hand while the knife was raised up with the other. He wanted to kill her like he killed Brandon. No! She wasn’t going to die like this. Quickly, she bit his hand, surprising him as he pulled back. She tried to get to her feet and run. This was her moment. His fingers grabbed at her, and she felt a sharp stinging pain as his knife sliced her somewhere. Her feet slipped in the wet grass without having her arms to save her as she was struggling to free her hair from him, she fell. Pain shot through her head and she couldn’t move as the wind was knocked out of her. He stood above her. Brandon’s blood, still coating his knife, slowly dripping down thanks to the rain. So, she was right after all. Brandon was her soulmate. Her blood would soon join his. Damn, she should have had sex with him months ago. It was difficult for her to keep her eyes open. She wanted her killer to see the anger, the defiance. If she became a ghost, she was going to make sure she haunted his ass. The last thing she saw was his knife raised above her and then her world went dark.

Chapter 2 - Unexpected Turn of Events

[jordanstrophe]

Hey I was wondering how do you think Walter would celebrate Gabriel's birthday if at all?

Gah! Y-you.. You know I can't not write this!  You know too much   Of course he would celebrate his only child’s birthday!

CW: Whump, held captive, drugging slightly referenced, parental, possessive, creepy intimate whumper.

Masterlist

Gabriel scrubbed away at the pile of dishes. Even for just the two of them, they generate quite a lot somehow. Maybe if Walter didn't get a new cup for every single tea he drinks in a day there wouldn't be so much...

He froze with a gasp when he felt two arms slither around his waist and a chin settle on his shoulder.

"Darling! I- oh, this is going to sound embarrassing. But I realized I never asked... When is your birthday?" He murmured with shame.

Gabriel slowly lowered the plate in his hands as his face went pale.

It was tomorrow.

“In a few months.” Gabriel smiled, before quickly grabbed a cup, hoping if he appeared busy it would be the end of the conversation. 

“Gabriel.” 

He froze the second he heard Walter’s tone. 

He was in trouble. 

A hand wrapped around his chin and forced his head around. “Don’t ever lie to me again. Do you understand?” He hissed.

“I understand.” Sweat beamed on his brow, he didn’t have the bravery to make eye contact. Walter’s thumb traced his lips as Gabriel forced himself to be still.

“If I catch these lips lying to me again, I’ll either wash it out with soap, or into the basement you go until you learn to respect me, got it?”

“Yes sir!” Gabriel yelped. 

“Good boy... Now my dear! This is very important.” His hands cupped both his cheeks with a pinch.

“When is your birthday?” 

Gabriel took a deep breath. Walter really wasn’t kidding when he said he could catch anyone in a lie. 

“It's.. To-tomorrow.” He gulped.

“It’s to-" Walter repeated back in a stutter.His expression went pale and his eyes went wide. He was stuck frozen in time as Gabriel was starting to get worried about him.

“W-Walter?” 

“IT’S TOMORROW!?” He shrieked as Gabriel jumped. 

“Oh have mercy! My baby! You’re growing up so fast!” He squished his cheeks even more. “Ah! There’s so much to do, so little time! I have to bake a cake and set up some kind of decoration, you need presents!” He hollard.

“I-I-It’s fine! I don’t need anything, really! I never did anything big in the past anyway.” Gabriel folded his arms uncomfortably.

“What? You never-... You.” He fumbled over his words. 

Oh, the pressure was on. 

The next morning after Gabriel had made his bed and sorted his clothes, he found his bedroom door, locked.

“E-eh?” He murmured, jostling the door back and forth. “Walter!” He called. “I think the door is jammed!”

“It’s not jammed, it’s locked!” Walter called back from the other side.

“... What?!” Gabriel cried. “Why? What did I do?” He thought back to everything he had done that could have been bad that week. Was it because of the lie?!

“Nothing dear! Just stay there for the day, okay? There’s books and tea on your dresser.” He could hear Walter clambering with things in the living room. He cranked his head around, sure enough there was a stack of books and steaming tea with bread and honey on a plate. 

How did he even get that there without waking him up? He sighed as he collapsed back on his bed with a book. Today was going to be a boring day. 

Several hours passed as Gabriel let out a goan with his face pressed into the pages. 

*click* the door sounded behind him. His head slowly lifted his head as he glanced back waiting for Walter to burst through. 

But there was nothing but silence.

He crept up, his heart thumping in his chest as his fingers twitched reaching for the doorknob. Was he even allowed out? 

Nothing held the nob back as he pushed it open. His eyes glinted with light as he saw the living room dazzling with a warm gleam.

It wasn’t the traditional cheap streamers or neon balloons, nor burst of color or obnoxious music. 

Instead, there were beautiful crafted lanterns draped from the ceiling, a warm yellow glow filling the dark cabin. Dim fairy lights rounded the table in the center spotlighting a gorgeous three tier cake worthy of a wedding. A soft yet happy tune playing from the record player in the kitchen. 

His hands clutched nervously as his shirt collar as he wandered around in wonder. It was like a fairy tale! 

“Happy birthday, Gabriel.” A voice spoke behind him. He whirled around to find Walter with a smile plastered on his face leaning against the archway between the living room and kitchen.

“Do you like it?” He leaned his head against the wall.

“I-.. I love it!” He gasped, he couldn’t help but to bob up and down a little. Walter chuckled as he sat down at the couch, waving him over as Gabriel tucked himself beside him.

“It was a bit last-second, but I wanted you to have something nice. You deserve it.” He smiled, pressing a kiss to his temple. He handed him a perfectly wrapped box with reflective paper and a shiny ribbon bow. 

“I don’t understand how you made all of this so quickly, the cake too?” He asked, as Walter nodded with a smile. He was a phenomenal baker, after all. 

Gabriel looked down at the delightful looking box in his hands. As pretty and innocent as it looked, he couldn’t help but to be terrified of whatever continents it may contain. 

This was from Walter, after all.

His hands trembled as he pulled the ribbed, undoing the bow that peeled itself off the box. 

What if it was something to control him?

He broke the first tapped seal as he unfolded the wrapper.

What if it was something to hurt him?

He swallowed his fear as he ripped the box open, squeezing his eyes shut.

What if it was something cruel?  

His eyes fluttered open to see a bag of coffee grounds. 

“YES!” Gabriel shouted, raising the bag in his hands like it was Simba.

“Thank you! Thank you so so much!” He cried, cradling the coffee bag in his arms. 

“Oh! You-.... You’re welcome!” Walter stuttered. “I- I didn’t think you would like it that much! I know you weren’t a huge fan of the tea. You’re more of a coffee child.” Walter shrugged with a chuckle. 

Maybe if he didn’t drug him with tea the first time, he would have been more of a fan.

“Hey hey! You got one more, come sit back down.” Walter coaxed as Gabriel was still parading around the room. His excitement got killed, but he did as he was told. 

He set another thinly wrapped gift in his hands. Gabriel wasted no time delaying the inevitable as he tore through it. In his hands laid the newest edition of the book series he was reading! He didn’t even know the next book was out! 

He gasped as he quickly flipped through the pages to get a glance at some of the sketched art in the back. 

"Aa! One more thing.” Walter murmured, disappearing into the kitchen. Gabriel hardly paid attention, he was taking in every detail of the pictures and reading the descriptions. He stopped when he felt something soft get thrown over his shoulder, a warm fuzzy red blanket. He cranked his head up in confusion to look at Walter, standing behind him from the couch.

“I didn’t have enough paper to get it wrapped.” He smiled, ruffling his hair. 

“Alright! Who wants cake?” Walter asked, clapping his hands together. “Because I do.” He grumbled, taking a knife to cut a slice. He felt something press into his back as he gasped, glancing around to see Gabriel, slowly and nervously attempt to give him a hug without giving away the fact he was scared and trembling. 

“Thank you.” He whispered.

Walter bit his lip as he wiped away a tear. 

“Y-Your very welcome, son. Happy birthday.”

The whole rest of the day, Gabriel laid curled up on the couch wrapped in his blanket, a fresh coffee cup in hand with the book laying in front of him. His feet rocking back and forth in the air with content. 

@alien-octopus @yesthisiswhump  @lave-whump @whumpasaurus101 @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @hamiltonwhumpdump @just-another-whumper @castielamigos-whump-side-blog @approach-me-and-ill-cry  @whump-it @kixngiggles @as-a-matter-of-whump  @five-fictions-5-9 @rippedjeansandfadeddreams @thelazywitchphotographer  @sophierose002 ​

ʕっ• ᴥ • ʔっ  Thank you for reading!

[nad-zeta]

Headcanon: MC taking care of the boys’ pets feat; Leonardo, Sabastian, Comte and Dazai

Hi hi, dears! ❤☺🌻Hehe so here is the final Hc for Mc taking care of the vampy bois pets! Thank you so much for all the sweet comments on my previous posts ya guys make my heart so happy! Thanks so much! ❤❤🌻Love yass lots and I hope yall enjoy this and have a super good day! ❤🌻So as requested to be tagged by these lovely wonderful people here ya go!🦊🌻🦋

@jiyuu-chan​ @datenoriko​ @briars7​ @jeandarc-cant-draw​ @stardust-dreamer13​  love ya guys hope yall keeping safe and warm! 🥰☺

Leonardo

Leonardo had a couple of errands to run in town and his little kitten was being rather clingy

Leo had a full day planned of helping the towns’ people, most of which were somewhat superstitious when it came to pitch-black cats

He looked over at you peacefully sleeping away and gently leaned down to place a kiss on your forehead, “Cara mia I have a few errands to run today, would you mind keeping Lumiere company while I’m away?”

He smiled as you groggily mumbled something

At the sound of his name, the back kitten jumped up onto the bed and curiously looked up at Leo

“I’ll be back soon Lumiere be a good kitten while I’m gone,” he gave the cat a final head pat, before leaning down to place a final parting kiss on your cheek

You lazily reached out to scoop up the little kitten and bring him into a warm embrace as you continued to sleep in

You woke up the playful kitten clawing at you face, bouncing around on your bed in an attempt to play with you

The second you got up the little cat got a fright and dove under the covers only to reappear moments later, to wish you a good moring by rubbing his body against your arm as he purred

Lumiere watched from the bed tail swishing from side to side, as you lazily got dressed and ready for the day

You made your way to the dining room with the small black cat in tow

After the little creature had eaten his breakfast he started pouncing on your feet as you sat and finished your breakfast

You couldn’t help but adopt the cat’s playful mood as a mischievous smiled crossed your face, the second you saw the van Gogh brothers enter into the dining room

The minute the two newcomers entered into the room Lumiere’s attention was on them

The little kitten couldn’t help but start playing with the grumpier Van Goghs scarf

Both you and Vincent locked eyes and giggled as the gruff brother was blissfully unaware of the cat destroying his scarf as he ate his beloved pancakes

Once the pancakes had been devoured Theo’s gaze drifted down to the little critter playing with the ends of his scarf

He fell back on his chair and let out a shriek

Both you and Vincent broke out laughing as Theo finally discovered the little kitten playing by his feet

You couldn’t help but chase Theo around the mansion with the little kitten, to get him back for all the times he and Arthur had pranked you

After spending a better part of the morning terrorizing Theo, you and Lumier found a warm spot in front of the library window to take a nap

Which lasted much longer than anticipated as when you woke up you were cuddled in Leo’s arms with the kitten curled up in a ball nestled in the crook of Leo’s neck

Sabastian

You woke up that morning with a sticky note stuck to your forehead

Groggily you sat up and read the little note left to you by Sabastian

It had said that he had some urgent business in town and that he needed someone to feed and keep his dear little pet company for a few hours

You were slightly confused as you never realized that Sabastian had a pet

You had met everyone in the mansions furry, feathery and prickly companions but have yet to meet Sabastian’s

He indicated that his beloved pet was in the last room in the stables

You smiled thinking that perhaps Sabastian had been a secret equestrian and had a beautiful pet horse

You got up and dressed, and make your way to the stables

You walked through the rows of beautiful horses when you finally reached the end

You opened the stable door and was shocked as you had come upon a lavishly decorated room

And instead of finding a horse, you found a snow while lamb peacefully sleeping in a pile of the fluffiest blankets, you had ever seen

The second the little thing heard you, he bounced up and curiously pranced his way towards you

He rubbed his head against your hand affectionately as he let out a content “meh”

The little creature then skipped out of the stables and to the mansion’s kitchen and looked up at you expectingly

That’s when you remembered that you were supposed to serve him some breakfast

You opened the kitchen cupboard designated for the mansion’s residents pet’s food, and found a bottle

You then filled the bottle with milk and fed the little lamb, you honestly enjoyed the experience so much that you made a mental note to ask Sabastian if you could feed the lamb every morning

Once the sweetheart had, had his fill, he jumped around excitedly and full of energy.

He gave you a small headbutt as if asking you to play with him.

You smiled as you chase after the snow white lamb wondering if this is how Sabastian’s spent his early mornings before getting breakfast service ready

After a while, you were so tired and out of breath that you flopped down to lay on the plush grass

The little lamb skipped over to you and nuzzled you affectionately before hopping off to case some butterflies in the field

You sat on the grass for a few moments watching the sweet scene before you

You panicked for a moment when you saw Arthur’s dog, start to chase after Sabastions dear pet

But relaxed when you saw that sweet little Vic was continuing your game of tag with the lamb

Sabastian made his way up to you and plonked himself down beside you on the grass wearing a fond smile

“Thank you for feeding Lotte this morning for me.”

Comte

Comte had a day full of meetings with some important people out of the mansion

He sat at his desk and looked down at the letter before him

His little ferret, Thyme, was peacefully resting on his lap enjoying the feeling of Comte’s gentle hands stroking his soft fur

Comte sighed as he summoned Sabstian over to let him know the plans for the day.

Usually, Sabastian would watch his sweet little ferret while he was away, but today he needed Sabastian by his side, as he took care of important business

Suddenly you appeared carrying a tray of tea and snacks for the pureblood and he smiled a charming smile at you

He beckoned you to take a seat and enjoy some tea with him

He asked you the favour of watching his beloved pet while he was gone for the day

You beamed up at Comte and nodded.

Comte stood up and placed his beloved little Thyme on your lap as he and Sabastian made their way into town.

The ferret looked up at you expectingly as he walked a little circle on your lap in an attempt to get comfortable once more.

Finally comfortable the little critter started barking at you as if to say “Please pet me”

When you finally started petting the little creature, he let out happy chittering sound

You spend most of the afternoon with the little critter curled up in your lap as you stroked his soft fur and read

Waking up from his afternoon nap, thyme was full of energy and ready to play

He jumped down from your lap and ran over to a chest in the corner of Comte’s room.

The second you opened the box the little creature climbed in and pulled out a ball

The excited little critter started running around the room with the little ball, barking in delight

Soon the noodle creature escaped the confines of the room and made his way straight to the garden

You ran after the little guy only to find him playing in a puddle of mud

The second the critter spotted you he made a beeline for you and jumped into your arms. His once soft snow-white fur was now covered in mud.

You decided to give the little trouble maker a bath to restore his soft snow-white fur to its former glory

This playful creature was having a ball playing with the little bath toys that Comte had bought for him, as you cleaned his fur,

He hopped and splashed about the water without a care in the world, until you were thoroughly soaked.

He whined when you took him out warm water and placed him on the ground, however that was short-lived, as soon he started happily chirping away at being towel-dried

Thyme honestly loved the attention

You had noticed that in Thyme’s little chest, Comte had kept small outfits for the little creature, so you decided to play dress-up with the ball of energy

You sat in front of the chest filled with various cute little outfits, you finally decided on a yellow dress with sunflowers

Thyme absolutely loved playing dress-up and the second, the dress was secured he scurried over to a small mirror to check himself out

You laughed as the little ferret started doing a few poses in front of the mirror,

Even more so, when you placed a tiny flower-crown on his head

Comte walked into the room and couldn’t help but chuckled at the sight of his beloved pet running over to him to show off his cute little outfit

Dazai

Dazai’s books started gaining a lot of traction under the people of Paris and his agent had summoned him to do a book signing of his newest release

Dazai had been writing under an alias for a while now, and was low key surprised that his newest books had become so popular

His agent had given him no choice in the matter forcing him to do the signing.

Dazai, however, had one major problem, who was going to keep his sweet little bird company while he was away

He looked out his bedroom window and spotted you outside in the garden reading a book.

He hopped out the window and made his way to the garden to ask you the favour

You now found yourself in Dazais room holding the tiny bird, as Dazai thanked you for watching his companion and affectionately ruffled the little bird’s feathers with his fingertips

The second Dazai left the room the sweet little bird flew over to the stack of papers on Dazai’s desk and started tearing them up

Your eyes went wide as you weren’t exactly sure what to do, you hoped that whatever the little creature was tearing up hadn’t been of too much importance

You sat on his chair and watched the bird cheerfully chirping away as he happily tore up the papers into shreds and then proceeded to make a little makeshift nest in the corner of Dazai’s desk

Once the little bird was satisfied he hopped into the little nest and looked up at you

The second he noticed the bag of seeds you were holding, he excitingly hopped his way over to you, accidentally spilling some ink on the desk

The little bird without a care in the world, tracked small ink footprints all over Dazai’s desk to get to where you were sitting

You smiled as you placed a few seeds in the palm of your hand and watched as the bird happily ate them

In the distance, you could hear Mozart playing the piano and you heart absolutely melted, when the little bird comfortably nestled himself in the palm of your hand and chirped along to the tune

Once the song ended the little birds face dropped

You decided to cheer him up by singing a little song of your own

You were super surprised as the bird now happily chirped along to the song that you were singing

Suddenly little Buntas eyes lit up as he got an idea. Still singing you curiously eyed the bird as he found a little bell

He flew back to you, rest in your palm now shaking the small bell ball and chirping along to your song

The little guy was honestly so cute you couldn’t help but carefully pet him

The little bird returned you affection by giving the palm of your hand an affectionate head rub

As Bunta hopped around your palm he noticed your gold bracelet

Bunta LOVES shiny things

The little bird tried to steal your bracelet off your arm by gently pulling at it with his little beak

You giggled slightly, as the bird started getting frustrated, and decided to take off the bracelet and hand it to him

The second the bracelet was freed the little bird carried it in his beak and flew to his cage where he placed it on his little swing in front of the mirror

You couldn’t help but laugh at the little bird, as he added your golden bracelet to his shiny treasure-trove of stolen jewellery

You could tell this little bird had been stealing shiny belongings from all the residents for a while now

You spotted a golden pocket watch, cufflinks, buttons, earrings and even one of vincents paintbrushes.

By the time Dazai got home from his book signing, he found you cleaning up the mess Bunta had made while the bird watched you from his tiny swing, happily chirping away

That’s the end of that hehe hope ya guys enjoyed this! 🥰☺And I hope everybody is having a good day! :)🦊🦋❤

[maatryoshkaa]

young god | chapter 4

serial killer!han jisung au

chapters: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | epilogue |

word count: 1.8k

warnings: themes of domestic abuse, descriptions of violence, and foul language.

description: jisung keeps getting flashbacks, and he’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep them at bay. tonight, however, he makes one mistake that sends everything spiralling out of control.

watch the trailer here!

04| two roads diverged

A light fog was seeping into the night air when Jisung stepped out of your apartment complex, flinging the empty takeout boxes into the Dumpsters as he staggered past. There were no cars on the street at this hour, the campus having shut it gates an hour or so earlier. He checked his phone. 1:00 A.M. on the dot. 

He ducked into an alleyway -- a shortcut -- which was also dim, lined sparsely with flickering street lamps that split his shadow into distorted fragments. In his peripheral vision, it almost looked like someone was following him. Yanking his hood over his head, Jisung began walking faster.

“You’re dead,” he mumbled, eyes darting around as he wove through the alleys. A dull throbbing was beginning to ebb and wane in his head. “You’re dead, you’re dead, you’re supposed to be dead.”

His fist slammed into the brick wall on the last word, entire body slumping forward. The sound of his own heavy breathing seemed to echo in his ears as he screwed his eyes shut, images flashing behind his eyelids. Your smiling face under the veil of moonlight, eyes softened into crescents. Her bled-out, empty one, eyes staring back at him but not seeing. Jisung had thought he could take it -- the hot flashes of memories you seemed to draw out of him without even trying. He’d thought that maybe, he could last one night, that if you were by his side, the nightmares would finally stay at bay. That maybe, if you thought that he was a normal boy, he could convince himself, too.

Feet feeling like they were dragging through cement, he stumbled to the end of the alleyway, which opened up into the clearing of a park. In front of him now was a children’s playground. During the day, it was alight with shrieks of laughter and joy, mothers and fathers chasing their delighted children up and down slides and colourful swing sets. Now, however, it was hollow and barren as a graveyard, cold metal waiting for the new day to bring back its warmth.

On his left lay the Yellow Wood, where two paths of the park diverged into a thicket of sparse forest. Across from the playground, Jisung could see the main street, lined with shops. Their windows were dark now -- if he wasn’t wrong, the latest shop on campus closed at 1 A.M. -- the buzzing of their dim neon signs echoing like sinister whispers down the empty street. 

Jisung felt two eyes watching him, the back of his neck prickling, and he turned to see a stray dog, small and scraggly. It had floppy ears and matted fur that might have once been blond -- like a teddy bear that had been through the wash one too many times. Letting out an incredulous laugh, Jisung bent down, shaking fingers reaching to scratch it behind its ears. A breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding escaped his lips. He was okay. He was still in control.

“Why the fuck are you crying? Get the fuck up.”

Jisung’s head snapped in the direction of the voice, squinting through the hazy darkness. He held his breath, and heard muffled crying, the voices growing closer.

“I said, stop crying!” 

A sharp slap rang through the night air, and Jisung’s hand froze in the stray dog’s fur. He narrowed his eyes, making out the outlines of two figures by park entrance. It was a man who was speaking -- yelling, really -- his voice slurred, evidently drunk. Cowering in front of him, face buried in her hands, was a smaller woman. The man’s hand shot out again, seizing a fistful of her hair.

“Fuckin’ bitch. You want to leave me? I’d like t’ see you try.” He yanked her head up, sneering. “If you make another sound, I swear I’ll--”

Crunch.

Jisung didn’t register his feet moving across the playground until he felt his fist connect with the man’s jaw, sending him flying back with a surprised squawk. When the man turned his head back, eyes blazing with fury and confusion, one flared nostril was gushing blood.

“What the--who the fuck are you?” The man’s voice was shrill, gruff hands shoving at Jisung’s chest. “Do you want to die?”

Jisung glanced at the girl, whose hands had flown to her mouth in shock. The two looked as if they’d been back from a night out, the girl--a brunette--wearing black heels, a ripped, damaged blouse, and a skirt. The man looked not much older than Jisung -- maybe a senior, it was too dark to tell. Tears shone on the girl’s cheeks, an angry red welt where her boyfriend had hit her blooming across her face. Jisung’s eyes flashed back and forth between her and the man, back to her again, head beginning to spin. 

This was all so, so familiar.

“I asked you a question, kid!” The man was still screaming, the stench of alcohol on his hot breath momentarily jarring Jisung out of his thoughts. “Hey, are y’ fucking crazy or sumn’--”

Wrenching himself from the man’s grasp, Jisung snapped his arm back and buried his elbow in his face. Blood seeped through his hoodie as the man gave a roar of pain, crashing to the ground. The girl screamed, and Jisung turned to her. She flinched, and he jerked his head towards the main street. “Get...out of here. Go--go home.”

Her wide eyes flickered from her boyfriend, who was currently groaning on the pavement, to Jisung, and took off running. The sound of her frantic heels clicking grew fainter as Jisung stepped closer to the man, who was scrambling to his feet like a chicken with its head cut off. Sighing, Jisung looked around -- his apartment was still a few blocks away, but making a scene on the main road was practically begging for someone to see. His eyes landed on the Yellow Wood.

Ah. That would do.

Seizing the man by the front of his jacket, which was already wet with dark blood from his shattered nose, Jisung dragged the drunk across the artificial sand, through the playground, and into the forest, stopping only when the glow of the street lamps had disappeared behind them, and slammed him against a tree. The man felt like a bag of wet cement and moved like one, too -- limbs sluggish and waterlogged with too much alcohol. Jisung shook his head, a humourless laugh bubbling in his throat. Some people almost seemed to be looking for death.

“Wha--whaddaya think you’re doing? Who--you can’t--”

Jisung picked up a rock from the base of the tree, fingers absently rubbing its cool, jagged surface. It was heavy, with one blunt side. His head was beginning to pound again, cold sweat beading on his forehead as he studied the man. Fear was scrawled all over his features, fingers scrabbling against the tree as he tried -- hopelessly -- to crawl away.

“H-hey! Calm down! I w-won’ do it again, promise -- j-jus’ lemme--”

“You have his eyes,” Jisung breathed, and drove the rock down. They were all he could see -- those eyes, the same ones from thirteen years ago, burning into his own, soaking his vision with red, red, red, as his fist came down again, and again, and again. His own face felt wet, the metallic tang of someone else’s blood trickling through his lips as it spurted from the dying man’s gaping mouth. The screams had turned to gurgles, the hard skull he was striking was beginning to cave in, the jerking of the man’s body beneath him subsiding into feeble twitches instead. And yet the blood in Jisung’s ears was still roaring, and his head was still splitting apart, a thousand voices hissing in his mind.

You killed her. You killed her. You. Killed. Her.

                                                ────────

Yang Jeongin wiped away the sweat dripping into his eyes, slapping his face lightly to stay awake as he pedalled through the alleyways, a list of deliveries rustling in his hand. He had just dropped off his last parcel. Earlier today, he’d gotten hired for deliveries at another store -- this one specialized in late-night shipments, with his latest one running until 1 in the morning. It was probably closer to 2 A.M. now.

Jeongin stifled a yawn. He’d been up since 5 in the morning, and, though he was used to working long hours, he had to admit that this first day was a little hard. Near the end of his shift, his mind had begun to wander to his one-bedroom apartment -- sure, it was small and rundown, and the AC was broken beyond repair, but it was still home. He thought of the warm herbal tea he would drink before crashing for the night. He thought of the stray dog -- it was small and scraggly, and looked more like a worn-out teddy bear -- that often slept outside his window, and smiled, pedalling faster.

His hand reached into his back pocket and pressed the Record button on his Walkman, straightening his earbuds before speaking.

“I.N. here!” He cleared his throat, voice a little hoarse and out of breath from all the biking he’d done. “It is currently...2:04 A.M.! It’s my first late-night delivery -- or is it early-morning? Anyways, it’s exciting, huh? The whole campus seems to be sleeping; no one’s out on these streets at this hour. It feels pretty cool, like I’m carrying out a secret mission or something.

“Anyways. Why did I take up another job? Well, today Hyunjin -- he’s the barista, owner, really, of Glow Cafe -- asked me why I didn’t apply for, you know, a driver’s license or something. At first, I thought, well, there’s no point -- I can’t afford a car, anyways. But --” he let out a long sigh, and laughed. “I’ve decided that it’s worth a try, right?

“I want to pay off my student loans soon. Maybe fix my bike up. It’ll be hard at first, but nothing Yang Jeongin can’t take! Me and my bike, we’re unstoppable.”

He turned onto the main road, cutting into the children’s playground across the storefronts. He knew Miroh Heights like the back of his own hand -- every nook and cranny, hidden alleyways and shortcuts -- and the trail that ran through Yellow Wood led almost straight to his neighbourhood. The leaves and fallen tree branches rustled and snapped beneath the wheels of his bicycle as Jeongin hummed lightly.

Not too far into the Wood, though, an odd sound began to prick at his ears. Was that...breathing? Or just the wind? He looked around, and, as his eyes adjusted in the darkness, he saw the vague shape of...a boy? The figure had his back turned to Jeongin, and was trembling -- as if an electric current was running through him. 

Jeongin skidded to a stop and hopped off his bike, pulling out an earbud. “Hello? Is everything okay over there?”

Silence.

The boy had his hood up, and seemed to be holding something heavy in one hand. Jeongin stepped closer, and realised with a start that there was another man -- was it a man? -- lying at his feet.

“U-um. Is he--do you need help? I can call an ambulance. What hap--”

Without warning, the boy swung around and slammed a rock straight into Jeongin’s head.

[chysgoda]

Chew Toy

Summary:  Emet-Selch learns a valuable lesson in toddler proofing.

Cross posted to my Tales from the Architect’s Bureau collection on Ao3

Idunn adjusted how her daughter rested on her hip as she walked into the Bureau of the Architect. Next to her Lahabrea was poorly concealing his amusement with the toddler’s new favorite game, pulling mommy’s hood down. When Idunn walked past the counters the Speaker arched an eyebrow at his fellow professor and the wife of Amaurot’s emissary. “Surely this is something the counter staff can handle?”

“Yes, however in an attempt to maintain his image as an incorrigible grump to everything and everyone, Emet-Selch is holding my paperwork hostage so that he can see his niece rather than just come visit like a well-adjusted adult.” Idunn huffed in annoyance as she absently pulled her hood back into place. Out of the corner of his eye, Lahabrea caught sight of one of the counter staff biting their knuckles as they turned around to hide their amusement.  

“He doesn’t do a very good job of convincing his staff,” Lahabrea commented as he pressed the call button for the elevator. On Idunn’s hip little Ananke had figured out she could pull mommy’s hood back up as well and was utterly delighted by the new addition to the game. The Speaker chuckled as the doors opened and they stepped into the box. Ananke leaned towards him to coo and babble in the peculiar sounds that toddlers made. He let her grip his fingers and examine his large hand. “I’ve heard it said that children this age know all the secrets of the universe if only they could communicate.”

“And then they lose it to brain trauma because they don’t have any sense of self-preservation,” Idunn said dryly. Lahabrea laughed from his gut causing Ananke to startle, her jade eyes went wide as she looked at him. He ruffled the little one’s hair and she tried to catch his hand again, which he allowed. Idunn watched out of the corner of her eye. “Be careful she’s got teeth coming in and will chew on anything.”

“She’s not even walking yet Idunn I very much dou-“ the Speaker’s words were cut short by an exclamation of startled pain. Ananke had leaned forward so that she could get her mouth around one finger and bite down on her improvised chew toy. Idunn smirked at the door while the renowned Lahabrea reclaimed his finger. He looked down at the toddler who smiled broadly showing off her three white teeth. 

“You know, my freshmen listen when I tell them something in the greenhouse will bite them.” Idunn made no effort to hide her amusement at the Speaker’s expense. Lahabrea glared at her, but the elevator doors opened before he could utter his rejoinder. He followed the younger woman out into the hall and down to Emet-Selch’s office. 

Both Emet-Selch and his Chief were in the office when Idunn knocked on the door and both men grinned broadly seeing the matched set of purple curls. Ananke stopped trying to steal her mother’s mask and shrieked happily when she saw her uncles. Idunn set the suddenly squirming toddler on the floor so she could handle her own hellos. Emet-Selch’s grin turned to a neutral, professional expression when the Speaker followed the mother and daughter in. Lahabrea caught the side-eyed glare the younger man was giving his colleague and snorted. “None of that Emet-Selch, you are the one that insisted on making a production of this rather than letting normal procedure take its course.”

“A concept that requires the signature of two convocation members hardly falls under the category of-“

Idunn split her attention between the arguing convocation members and her crawling daughter. There was a box by Hades's desk that the toddler was determined to investigate. She glanced over to Hythlodaeus who was leaning against the wall ignoring how his husband and Lahabrea were bickering in favor of watching his niece make her way to the box.  Ananke sat next to the shallow box and took a few moments to figure out how to wiggle the tight-fitting lid off. What she pulled out was a painfully, pink rod shaped like a phallus. Idunn’s eyebrows rose but Hythlodaeus caught her eye and shook his head slightly to keep her from automatically going and taking the thing from the toddler. Ananke cooed at the color, and then she began gnawing on the side of the thing. Idunn arched an eyebrow at her brother in law who just grinned. 

“And what pray tell are you two discussing?” Hades asked testily. Idunn and Hythlodaeus looked at him and both opted for silence. The Architect stared at his husband and sister in law hard. Lahabrea glanced down when a flash of bright pink caught his eye. The Speaker’s eyes went wide as he stared at what the toddler was happily chewing on.  Idunn blinked when she felt a shift in the aether in the room. 

SQUEAK

Every set of adult eyes turned on the child who had pulled her new chew toy out of her mouth and stared at it wonderingly. She bit the side and squealed happily when it squeaked again. Idunn looked at Hades and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Behind his mask Hades’s gold eyes were wide and his lips pulled in startled, open mouth horror. 

SQUEAK

“She’s chewing on it!” The startled exclamation made Hythlodaeus roll his eyes.

“Wonderful observational skills most esteemed Emet-Selch.” The Chief drawled. 

Hades turned to Idunn, “Why is she f-” SQUEAK “-ing chewing on that?”

“She’s teething Hades, she f-” SQUEAK “-ing chews on anything that holds still long enough she can put her mouth on it.” 

“Idunn! That’s a s-“ SQUEAK “-oy”

“Given the shape I’m assuming that someone wanted a t-“ SQUEAK  “- that provides a more realistic experience than a zucchini.”

“People use zucchini to fu-“ SQUEAK “- themselves?!” Lahabrea cut in becoming even more horrified. 

“That goes in someone’s-” SQUEAK “- or -“ SQUEAK 

“Are you telling me that you don’t clean your -“ SQUEAK “-s?”

“No! And IT'S NOT MINE!”

 SQUEAK 

“‘Daeus dear please stop the squeaking,” Idunn asked as she glanced at the other man. 

“But she’ll be upset when her inappropriate t-“ SQUEAK “- stops working.” Hythlodaeus protested on behalf of his niece. Idunn leveled a glare at him and he sighed. The bureau chief flicked his fingers in the direction of Ananke and her new favorite chew toy. The toddler had just opened her mouth wide to chomp down and get the loudest squeak possible. Her jade eyes went wide with distress when her toy produced no sound. She tried another few chomps and then looked up into the mask of Emet-Selch and wailed her distress. Hythlodaeus turned to Idunn, his mouth twisted in exaggerated concern. “See she’s distressed.”

“The pair of you are insufferable,” the mother waved the troublemaker off. She turned her attention to Hades. “Well?”

“What am I supposed to do?!” Hades’s tone almost matched the distress of his niece. 

Idunn rolled her eyes and reached into the pocket of her robe to pull out a pastel green ring filled with a gel. She ran her finger around the edge and applied a bit of ice aspected aether to chill the chew toy. She tossed it to Hades who almost fumbled the catch. “Take the other toy away and give her that, then hold her like you actually want to and be a well-adjusted adult for once this decade.”

Hades cast a sidelong glance at Lahabrea through the mask of Emet-Selch before he bent and swept the little girl up in his arms. He offered her the chilled ring, “Now that’s enough Ananke.”

Ananke sniffled and took the offered toy. She examined the mint green ring for a moment and then waved both toys enthusiastically with a giggle. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of Idunn pinching the bridge of her nose. He decided to ignore it, Lilith had mentioned that her sister wasn’t getting enough sleep so it may well just be a headache. He reached for the new concept and frowned when his niece scowled at him and hugged her new toy close to her side with one arm and shoved the chilled ring in her mouth. “Now we had a deal dear.”

“Really? When did you make that arrangement?” Hythlodaeus’s silver eyes sparkled. There was another shift in the rooms aether and the ring squeaked. Three sets of adult eyes turned on the Chief of the Bureau of the Architect. He held his hands up to protest his innocence. “That one was not me!”

Lahabrea turned to Idunn, “Idunn are you really going to continue to allow your daughter to.. to..”

Idunn’s eyes flicked from the speaker to her daughter, who was squirming to keep Uncle Hades from taking her new toy. She decided to address the speaker by name, “Cicero, the only things in danger in this room are Hades’s pride and your sensibilities, both of which perished many centuries ago. Ananke is just fine.” 

SQUEAK

A high screech of pleasure the purple-haired toddler gave when her new toy made the noise again made every adult in the room wince.  Hades glares at his husband, “Hythlodaeus! What the -“ 

SQUEAK

“It wasn’t -“ SQUEAK “- me this time!”

“Idunn! I -“ SQUEAK “- re-“ SQUEAK

“Of course it w-“ SQUEAK “- you ‘Daeus!”

“That will be enough.” Idunn’s voice cut through the cacophony. She did not shout, but the tone was... big and threatened immediate retribution to any with the temerity to disobey. Ananke and Hades wore matching expressions of guilty awe. Lahabrea was watching his fellow professor warily, he’d heard that tone used with freshmen before. 

Hythlodaeus pouted, “It wasn’t me this time.”

Idunn pushed down the urge to sigh. She went to Hades’s desk and picked up the box and lid that had housed the new concept. She turned to her daughter and plucked the pink toy from her hands ignoring the devastated look on the child’s face. She replaced the concept prototype in the box which she gave to Hythlodaeus. “I know ‘Daeus, your aether doesn’t smell like lemon polish and old books.” 

At the very edge of her peripheral vision, Idunn saw Lahabrea freeze. She rolled her eyes to the ceiling in silent prayer, Father Zodiark give me strength Mother Hydaelyn give me patience. She stepped back to Emet-Selch’s desk and scanned the documents until she saw her concept report with a tidy approval letter on top. She swept it up and thumbed through the pages to ensure that both Emet-Selch’s and Halmarut’s approvals were attached. 

Hythlodaeus looked over her shoulder and smiled when he saw what it was. “Finally happy with the apples you cultivated I see! You know there are going to be a few that will try to use creation magic to create the tree rather than take the long way.”

Idunn shrugged indifferently. “My official notes are very clear that if they want to get good results that it is best to harvest the seeds, plant them, and tend the tree. Unless you have unparalleled knowledge of how the sun, soil, water, weather, and other vagueries of fate affect a tree from seed to harvest all you’ll get is an apple shaped thing that tastes like horseshit. Best to just show some patience and grow the damned tree.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Hythlodaeus saw Lahabrea grimace and he resolved to ask Idunn the story behind that expression the next time they all met for dinner. Still, it wasn’t often that he got to needle Lahabrea. “And ignoring the instructions and advice of a concept’s designer is a good way to have a botched creation.”

“And end up with walking trees that we still haven’t cleaned out of the forest.” Idunn said dryly. She ignored the flush in Lahabrea’s cheeks as she focused on Emet-Selch. “Hades since you seem to have so much time on your hands as to drag me away from my work, I’m sure you can handle babysitting tonight. I’ll let Danu know to pick Ananke up from your apartment tomorrow morning.”

Hades blanched hearing the name of the Emissary’s mother. Hythlodaeus snickered, thinking of the lecture the matron would give the newest convocation member about respect and examples. Idunn leaned over the desk and kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Have a good time with Uncle Hades dear.” 

Ananke cooed and laid her head on her uncle’s shoulder. Absently Hades adjusted his hold so that she was more comfortable. Hythlodaeus provided a formal farewell for Lahabrea and a warm hug for Idunn as he saw them out of the office. When he turned back his grin softened to a smile. Ananke had pulled her uncle’s mask off and was now trying to figure out what to do with the toy that was the same size as her chest. Hythlodaeus circled behind Hades and wrapped his arms around his husband’s waist. He leaned over Hades’ shoulder to kiss the top of the toddler’s purple curls. “Let’s head home.” 

[diyunho]

The Joker x Reader - “Raven”

Y/N is a very unusual metahuman that can use her powerful abilities just once before being turned into a Raven forever; that’s why it’s really strange she decided to sacrifice herself in order to save The Joker’s life. But there’s a reason for everything and maybe the unbreakable curse is nothing more than a blessing in disguise.

“It doesn’t look good,” you hover over The Joker, analyzing the gunshot wound that keeps on bleeding through his green shirt.

“It’s not bad,” he growls, pressing his abdomen.

“Where are you, prick?” someone yells and the echo carries over the words around the abandoned building.

“Do you believe you can escape?” another voice resonates in the vast premises.

“Tick-Tock, Clown!” another man howls in the quietness, certain The King of Gotham has no escape.

“Fuck…,” J tries to get up but he slides back down against the wall.

“I think it’s pretty bad,” you state the obvious. “You’re injured, out of bullets and they are near: your crew won’t find you in time.”

“Shit…,” he groans in pain, the throbbing ache intensifying with each passing moment.

“I’m gonna help you,” Y/N shares her scheme and although the news should make him happy, it doesn’t.

“W-what do you mean?!” The Joker stutters even if he knows the implications of such statement. You’re quiet and he continues: “Why would you do something like that?...”

You smile at his bafflement, the affirmation completely surprising him:

“Because you’re the only one that never asked.”

“You shouldn’t use it on me!” J’s truthful reply is interrupted by the henchmen entering the desolated space where the fallen Prince of Crime has found refuge. “Who am I supposed to talk to if you’re gone?” the genuine question makes you realize there’s actually a soul in this world who’ll miss you.

“We didn’t really talk too much,” you softly chuckle and turn to confront the men halted in their tracks seeing you’re positioned in front of The Joker.

“The freak is here,” a goon whispers loud enough to be heard by the ones arriving behind him.

“Hey Y/N!” their leader detaches from the crowd. “What are you doing here?!”

The lack of an answer combined with the feral expression on your face prompts the mobster to wave his pistol as a sign for truce.

“Let’s not do anything hasty, shall we?... …. Hm?... I’m aware you had so many offers over the years; consider mine again: if you wield your powers to finish the green haired asshole, I will triple the amount of money from the highest bidder!”

You scoff at the absurd idea, describing how stupid you considered the monetary proposals suggested by numerous individuals in the past:

“And what am I supposed to do with the riches once I cease to exist?!”

A bullet shrieks by your ear, ending up in the wall behind where J collapsed a couple of minutes ago.

“Sorry I missed, boss!” the man apologizes and this is enough to set you off; you turn your head to gaze at The Joker, delivering a last warning.

“Close your eyes or you’ll go blind!”

“Don’t let her clap her hands!” the kingpin shouts but it’s too late: a deafening bang fills up the air and the strong light emanating from your body burns J’s closed eyelids. He covers his face with bloody fingers while the screams and smell of torched flesh makes him nauseated; it’s so disgusting he gags yet the insane King can’t help a smirk at the sweet victory, even if comes  with such a heavy price.

Gurgling noises and muffled cries persist for another 15 seconds before they abruptly halt.

“Meet me in dreams,” is Y/N’s final sentence and immediately after the sound of flapping wings queue The Joker to finally open his eyes.

The view is cringe worthy: puddles of steamy, boiling tar scattered all around bearing witness to the consequences of your rage: nobody’s alive anymore except J and the Raven picking at the clothes you wore earlier.

His cell phone goes off and he has difficulty searching the purple jacket for the item he has no need for.

“Sir! We’re coming! Almost on the 32nd street!” Frost reports in a frenzy and The Joker sneers, wheezing from the effort of trying to stay awake.

“Nice timing,” and he hangs up, muttering to himself: ’”Goddamned jerks…”

The bird suddenly flies in his lap, curiously checking him out.

“I think I’m gonna pass out…” the damaged Clown slowly blinks before losing conscience which is alright since he had to speak to you anyway.

Every time you meet in dreams, you are always waiting for him on this deserted, calm beach staring at the waves in the distance. Today is not different.

He takes a sit by the woman that saved his life, silently analyzing her features: The Joker knows he won’t see them again except in this place.

When you said you didn’t speak much, it was true; if he tries to remember the first instance you showed up in his life, the moment blurs out and disappears in the background of his troubled mind. You would just randomly pop up while he was alone, keeping each other company for hours and often barely uttering a sentence. The eerie Y/N preferred J’s presence simply due to his lack of interest in her unusual power and he tolerated her because she never sought any kind of reward from their awkward connection. In the matter of fact, J never even tried to touch you; it was relaxing to be with an individual that plainly didn’t want anything from you whilst the rest of the world begged for attention: how many requested you aid them and manipulate your ability in order to annihilate their enemies? How many promised compensations beyond measure in exchange of your mighty gift? Way too many.

Yet The Joker didn’t care about it; the most he would do was to share his favorite drink after a new brand of grape juice hit the market.

And now the person he shared with was gone forever.

“Your team is almost at the warehouse,” you address him, bending your knees until your chin touches them. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”

“I’m not worried,” J indifferently replies. “Told you it’s not serious.”

You snicker at his stubbornness, pointing out the evident reality:

“That’s why you fainted and started to dream about me?”

Your escort huffs, struggling to confess stuff hard to articulate in these circumstances.

“Thank you for…umm…for…”

“You don’t have to thank me; it was my choice and I fulfilled my destiny. It’s over and I’m free. I’ll still visit, ok?”

“Mister Joker! Sir, can you hear me?” Frost’s voice interrupts J’s dream: the gang is searching the deserted property for their leader and the only thing he notices is The Raven flying in circles above his head.

***********

Three weeks later, 9:37pm

The Joker extends his arm and you land on it, gently digging your claws in his skin for equilibrium.

“Where were you all day?!” he scolds and you caw, evoking complaints from the man that can’t sleep without his bird. “I wish you were a nightingale, this way you can chirp some cute songs.”

You fly on his shoulder to peck at the diamond earring, annoyed at his remark.

“Ouch! Ouch!” he shrugs, but doesn’t chase you away. “I recognize crows appreciate shiny things, but it hurts.”

Poking escalates and J vaguely apologizes on his own terms:

“I meant Raven! Raven!!” he repeats and struts inside The Penthouse where your pillow awaits. “Are you hungry?” the Prince of Crime offers a bunch of crumbs and expensive seeds he ordered for the spunky pest. You hop on the nightstand and play with the food, not particularly captivated by the lavish feast.

The Joker rolls in bed, gesturing for the pillow next to him.

“My girlfriend’s out of town, you can crush on her side of bed,” the affirmation makes you float to her cushion, instantly plucking the fabric with your beak, then jump up and down, cawing some more.

The Clown laughs, entertained at the temper tantrum.

“I know you don’t like her and the feeling is mutual,” he caresses the soft, black feathers as you continue to shred Lara’s pillow. “Stoooop! These are fresh sheets!” he pleads and distracts you by showing his patched up abdomen from under the t-shirt. “Look, my lesion is healing; wanna see?” a corner of the bandage is peeled for the guest to properly inspect the stitches.

Y/N bounces on The Joker’s chest, cautiously examining his wound.

“Cool, huh?” he grins and reaches his hand for the book resting under his pillow, surprisingly enough containing your favorite poem. “The Raven. By Edgar Allan Poe,” J emphasizes and you spread your wings with delight, quickly rushing to his neck and cuddle against the playing cards tattoo.

The King of Gotham holds the book with one hand and pets you with the other, his husky tone recites the verses you love so much.

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary…” the beautiful, dark rhyme soothes a tired Y/N scarcely recalling what it means to be human.

Yet being near HIM reminds her on how much she longs for what was lost when she willingly sacrificed herself to save the one that didn’t ask to be saved.

*************

Following morning, 8:21 am

The Joker is swimming outside on the terrace and you’re having a blast in the inflatable pool he set by his lounge chair for the enchanted, feathered companion. This is a thousand times extra enjoyable when his new girlfriend is not home!

She’s a complete nutcase, totally obsessed with The Clown and certainly doesn’t understand why he’s paying so much attention to a filthy, gross creature.

Who the hell gets a crow as pet?! Apparently her boyfriend, although he didn’t tell her who you truly are. Why bother? It’s a secret you and J share; nobody has to find out, although plenty of concerned parties would spend a fortune for an update: Y/N hasn’t been spotted recently and it’s troublesome.

“Raven Queen!” J emerges from the pool since he has to take it easy; the doctor said no more than 15 minutes of physical activity every day. “I have a little present,” he yanks at the towel on the lounge chair, unraveling a box full of gold rings, Rolexes and chains under it.

Oh my God, so shiny and sparkly in the morning sun!!!

You fly from your pool straight into the container, happily tapping at the treasures. The Joker dries his body and chitchats with his bird, excited you enjoy the shimmering gems.

“You can steal them and hide them,” he winks and you sure are taking advantage of it as soon as possible. “Do you have a nest?” J inquires and teases afterwards: “Did you find yourself a Raven King?”

That’s pretty rude, you think and swiftly attack him, careful not to scratch his face in the process.

“Cut it out!” The Joker demands and gives up the fight really fast. ”OK, OK, I surrender!” he chuckles as you rise up, gliding in the wind gushing above The Penthouse. The plan is simple: charge at the toxic green locks and pull on the strands, assuring at least two or three hairs will be removed as revenge.  J takes a defensive stance, preparing to catch and keep you captive in the fluffy towel until you calm down.

BANG! the gunshot halts the fun and The Clown Prince of crime watches in horror as The Raven falls to the ground in front of his girlfriend.

“Babe, are you alright?” Lara squeals, kicking the bird at her feet. “I told you having a wild animal as pet it’s an awful idea! I saw the crazy bird attacked you, it might have rabies!!” she kicks you again and the small body convulsing on the hard concrete makes him lose his marbles. “Thank heavens I returned sooner than expected,” the woman explains, nervous to detect the angry Joker stomping towards her.

“What the fuck are you doing??!!” he screams and violently pushes her, slapping the gun out of her hand. Lara stumbles on her own steps, not comprehending why her partner is livid rather than showing gratitude.

“What do you mean?” she gulps and J bends over to pick you up when you let out a cry, the sinister noise resembling a human’s wailing. “The bird was attacking you, I was afraid!”

“It wasn’t attacking me, we were messing around!”

“Messing around?!” the woman mumbles, confused.

“Get a hold of Frost and tell him I need a veterinarian! NOW!!!” The Joker barks as he enters The Penthouse.

“Jesus…,” Lara sniffles and texts, irritated at his behavior. “Why is he so mad about?! The dumb beast is nothing but an outbreak of infection and bacteria!” she maliciously grumbles, sending the message to Jonny.

Something whooshes by her and before she has a chance to see what it is, a bunch of ravens and crows unexpectedly storm at the petrified Lara: they are answering your call, mercilessly tearing and scraping at the enemy.

“J!!! J!!!!” she runs without noticing where she’s going, panicked at the multitude of birds relentlessly chasing her; it’s a miracle she stumbles upon the tiny shed which stores pool supplies and manages to squeeze inside.  

The birds keep on bombarding her temporary hideout as she begs for assistance:

“J !!! J !!!! Please help me!!! J!!!!”

Yet The Joker can’t hear: he raced upstairs to the master bedroom and placed you on the comforter, trying to assess how severe the injuries are; one of the wings is bleeding and there are probably broken bones also.

“Don’t die…” J whispers because it sure seems Y/N is fading away: the bird can barely breathe and for the first time in ages he feels sad. “If you leave, we won’t be able to meet in dreams…”

The King of Gotham crawls in bed, unsure if he should caress you or not; what if he dislocates something else by accident? Instead he kisses the top of your head, the velvety feathers tickling his lips.

The sudden glow radiating from The Raven makes him close his eyes tight: it’s so strong it burns just like when you used your powers to rescue him. It doesn’t last longer than 10 seconds and sensing the light dimmed, J decides to open his eyes. A few black quills still drift in the air and he glares at the tearful Y/N, shocked to see her:

“Everything hurts,” you start sobbing and the bloody arm, plus the bruised torso urge him to cover your naked body with the corner of the quilt. “H-how am I h-here?!” you stammer and grab his thumb while The Joker is in a trance, speechless at the witnessed phenomenon because it’s impossible to come up with a logical reasoning.

Such a shame neither of you realize that even affection coming from a rotten heart can be pure enough to shatter an unbreakable curse.  

 Also read: MASTERLIST

You can follow me in AO3 and Wattpad under the same blog name: DiYunho. 

[queenofcats17]

The Fault Of A King

So, I still have a lot of feelings about Doctor Roman, and I saw a bunch of @secondmagic ‘s Fate artwork, especially this, and I wanted to write something. 

David had known from the moment he’d met Romani Archaman that the doctor was his son. 

Although he hadn’t spent as much time with Solomon as he likely should have, he knew his child. He saw Solomon’s wisdom and compassion in this man, in the way he interacted with David’s Master and Mash. Roman could try to hide his true capabilities all he liked, but David could see through his bumbling act in an instant. Still, one thing struck him about the man calling himself Doctor Roman. Something vastly different from the Solomon David had known. He was so…free. So open. He laughed and smiled easily. His words were always carefully chosen, David could tell that much, but Roman felt no need to hide his nature from the people he was close to. He wasn’t afraid of saying exactly how he felt to the people around him. He was so much more open and honest with his emotions. He looked so genuinely…happy when he was with Haru and Mash. And, slowly, David began to realize that he didn’t think he’d ever actually seen his son happy during his lifetime.

No, he told himself. He just hadn’t been present in Solomon’s life enough to see his son smile like that. Surely, Bathsheba had seen Solomon be carefree and open. However, the longer he spent in Chaldea, the surer he was that Solomon had never truly known happiness while he’d been alive. It was a sobering thought. David knew he hadn’t been a good father. He’d allowed Amnon to get away with raping Tamar simply because he’d been his eldest, allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem after murdering Amnon as if nothing had happened. And when Solomon had been appointed to the throne, David had forced his son to carry out a massive purge against those who had supported Adonijah’s bid for the throne. There had been a multitude of expectations placed upon both of them. They’d been kings, blessed by God and expected to make the right decisions regarding their kingdom and their people. It was a terrible feeling, looking back over his life and seeing all the mistakes he’d made. All the damage he’d done to his son.

David told no one of his realizations, of course. Roman didn’t want anyone to know his true identity. After all, he’d made a wish to become human. To not be Solomon anymore. Besides, it probably wouldn’t have been good for Goetia to realize Solomon was right in front of him. David was sure his son could handle this. Most servants may have seen Roman as a bumbling fool, but he was, in all honesty, a very capable leader. David had made sure of that. If anyone could bring down Goetia, it would be Romani Archaman.

Meanwhile, David tried to do everything he could to make sure that Roman was happy. For the most part, Roman didn’t want anything to do with him, so David worked in secret. He could understand Roman’s desire to be away from him. When they were alone, they fell into old habits. Roman had had to stop himself a few times when he’d started to call David ‘father’. David would have been lying if he’d said his heart didn’t ache every time the word almost crossed Roman’s lips. But he resisted, staying out of Roman’s way.

Still, he couldn’t help meddling occasionally. Such as on Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day was chaos at Chaldea. All of Haru’s summoned servants were preparing chocolates, both for their Master and for each other. Mash herself was busy making some chocolate for her senpai under Emiya’s watchful guidance. He was in charge of most of the cooking since he was by far the best cook of the lot of them. Haru was sent rushing around all day, delivering and receiving chocolates all day. When night rolled around, David fully expected that he’d find her firmly wedged in her bed. Instead, he found her in the kitchen near midnight. She was wearing a shirt that was too large for her, likely borrowed from Roman, and a pair of shorts under the apron Martha had sewn for her. Or were those boxers?

“What are you doing up so late?” David asked, walking up behind her. Haru shrieked and almost dropped the bowl she was mixing ingredients in.

“You scared me!” She hissed, putting the bowl down.

“Sorry.” He smiled apologetically. “But what are you doing up so late? We all had a long day. I thought you’d be in bed.”

“I was going to go to bed,” Haru admitted. “But then I remembered that I forgot to give Doctor Roman some chocolates.” David stared at her for a moment, his face blank. Then a shit-eating grin spread across his face.

“Weeelll~” He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Does my Master have a crush on the good doctor?”

“W-What? N-No!” Haru sputtered, trying to push him off. “Shut up!” Her face had turned a rather delightful shade of red and she was waving her hands in what appeared to be an attempt at denial.

“You protesting only makes me think it’s true~” David’s smile widened. Haru groaned, covering her face with her hands.

“Alright. Fine. Maybe a little.” She finally said, lowering her hands. “He’s just…He’s such a nice guy. And he’s most of the reason me and Mash survived in all the Singularities.” She started fidgeting with the hem of her apron. “I know it’s kind of weird, cause he’s almost 30 and I’m only 17, but…he deserves to be appreciated. He’s just so awesome…” She smiled softly at the ground.

“I wouldn’t say it’s weird.” David patted her back. “Roman’s a good man.”

“Really? You think so?” Haru seemed surprised by this response. “Most of the people here talk a lot of shit about him.”

“We give him a lot of shit, but he’s a good guy.” David shrugged. He would never speak ill of his son. Tease him, yes, as was his duty as his father, but never insult him. Honestly, he couldn’t have been prouder of who his son had become. Solomon had managed to become human, had gotten the chance to live out his life for himself. But he’d come to Chaldea to prevent the Incineration of Humanity. He’d given up his chance to be free and happy to help save the world. Roman was out of his depth, he was scared, he was powerless, and yet he continued.

“He is.” Haru nodded dreamily before quickly snapping out of her stupor. “A-Anyway, I thought he deserved to get some chocolate too. I didn’t have time to make him any today so I wanted to make it before I went to bed.”

“Mind if I help?” David glanced at the counter to see how much she’d gotten done. So far it seemed as though she’d just made the chocolate batter or whatever it was called.

“You…You want to help?” Haru tilted her head to the side. She had such interesting facial expressions. They were so expressive.

“I’m pretty sure the others’ll kill me if they found out I let you stay up this late.” David lowered his voice to a conspiratorial tone. “Two of us working will help get it done faster. That way you can go to bed sooner.”

“Well, alright.” She smiled shyly, then began explaining what she needed help doing.

It warmed his heart to know that his master was in love with Solomon. She was such a sweet girl. He was certain she’d make a lovely daughter-in-law. Were she not 17, he might have even meddled a bit and tried to get her and Roman together. But she was 17 and it was awkward and for now, he’d just let her little crush run its course. At the very least, it was good to know that Roman had someone in his corner to cheer him on despite all the obstacles.

“It’s done!” Haru proclaimed, holding up the finished chocolates. David had helped her wrap them too, although his wrapping skills left something to be desired.

“Do you want to give it to him now or in the morning?” David asked, glancing at the clock. It was a little after 1 am. Far too late for either Haru or Roman to be up. But David knew Roman was probably still chatting with that Internet idol.

“Now,” Haru said. “I don’t want him to think I forgot about him.” She held the box to her chest, her eyes bright. She was covered in flour, cocoa powder, and a little bit of butter and would probably need a shower before she went to bed.

“Well then, let’s go.” David gave her a wink. Haru nodded fervently, making an excited little noise.

Together, they crept through the darkened hallways toward Roman’s room. It took everything both of them had not to start giggling. The more responsible servants, and Mash, wouldn’t hesitate to chew them out if they caught the pair sneaking around this late. Emiya was the first to come to mind, but Boudica and Jeanne were just as likely to scold them. They were almost caught once when Jekyll heard them moving around and came out of his room to look for the source of the noise. Thankfully, they were able to hide in time and he didn’t see them.

Once they’d reached Roman’s room (the light was still on, as expected), Haru knocked and waited. It took a moment or two for Roman to respond. He answered the door dressed in a t-shirt and shorts, not unlike Haru’s attire. Peering past him, David could see that the computer was on and open to Magi Mari’s web page.

“Haru? What are you doing up so late?” He asked, worry immediately clouding his features.

“I realized I forgot to make you chocolate today.” Haru smiled shyly, holding out the box. “So, um, happy Valentine’s Day.”

“You didn’t need to make me chocolate,” Roman said, although he accepted the box all the same.

“But I wanted to!” Haru insisted. “We all give you so much shit. I thought you deserved something nice.”

“I helped,” David added. Roman’s smile faltered a bit as David stepped into view.

“That was…nice of you.” He forced himself to remain cheerful, but David could tell the good doctor was incredibly uncomfortable with his presence.

“I hope you’ll like it.” Haru began to fidget with her apron. “I mean, I know I’m not all that good of a cook-”

“I’m sure it’s very good,” Roman assured her, reaching out to pat her head with his free hand. “I’ll try it in the morning. Right now, I think we both need to go to bed.”

“Yeah.” Haru giggled. “Um…I’ll go now.” She ran off down the hallway before Roman could say good night. Roman smiled to himself, laughing softly. David slipped away as well, not wanting to overstay his welcome. The look on Roman’s face lingered in his mind, however, once more reminding him of how much happier his son was now.

.

After Babylonia, David went to see his son. The end was nearing and if his son was going to die, and David had a feeling he would, he wanted to give Solomon a proper apology. He found Roman in his room, hunched over his desk. His gloves were off, revealing a single ring on his right hand.

“Doctor.” David knocked politely on the doorframe. Roman nearly fell out of his chair, scrambling to put his glove back on.

“There’s no need for that.” David closed the door. “I know who you are, my son.”

Roman paused, glove half on. “How…How long have you known?”

“From the moment I was summoned.”

Roman stared at him. His expression was hard to read, but he appeared torn between frustration and something like sadness.

“…Why didn’t you say anything?” He asked, his voice soft. He put the glove on the desk, resting his hands in his lap.

“It was pretty clear you didn’t want your identity known,” David said, sitting down on the bed opposite him. “And…You seem happy like this. As Romani Archaman.” He smiled gently. “Are you happy?”

“I am,” Roman replied without hesitation. David’s heart felt heavy.

“I’m glad.” He cast his gaze downward, resting on the ring. One of ten. He assumed the false Solomon had the other 9. They were silent for a moment or two. David was the one who finally broke the silence.

“I came to apologize.” He said. “We seem to be close to the end of whatever this is, and if there’s a chance I won’t get to see you again, I wanted to give you the apology I never did when we were alive.” He took a deep breath, getting up and crossing the room so that he was standing above his son.

“You were never allowed to be a human being because of me. I abandoned you to God so that you could be the perfect king.” He hesitated. “I…I was not the father I should have been. You deserved far better than the life I forced upon you.” David might have been summoned in the prime of his youth, but at that moment, he looked so much older. Almost like the man Roman remembered from his childhood, always so solemn and serious.

“My son.” He cupped Roman’s face in his hands, smiling softly. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Really?” Roman’s voice was quiet and hopeful.

“Really.” David nodded. “If anyone can defeat Goetia, it’s you. I know you can do this.” Roman reached a shaking hand up to place it against David’s.

“Thank you…Father.”

“You’re welcome.”

Everything was going to be fine. They would beat Goetia and Roman could finally be a normal person.

.

Then came the Temple of Time. And…He was gone. His son was…gone. He’d erased himself from existence to finally defeat Goetia. Quite a few conflicting emotions roiled in David’s chest. On one hand, his son was gone. And that was awful. But Roman had truly been happy during his existence. David wasn’t sure how to feel. So he went to see his Master.

“You knew, didn’t you?” Haru said. Her back was to him. She hadn’t changed out of her Chaldea uniform, still covered in dust, debris, and blood. David hesitated in the doorway.

“Yes. I did.” He finally said.

She curled up tighter. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It wasn’t for me to tell.” He answered. “He wanted to keep his identity a secret. To protect all of you.” Haru sniffled loudly. She’d been so happy when she’d discovered Mash was alive and the two of them had gone out and seen the sun for the first time in a year. But the happiness had eventually worn off. Even if Mash was back…Roman was still gone. And he wasn’t coming back. She couldn’t even summon him since he’d erased himself from the Throne of Heroes. He was just…gone.

“It’s not fair.” She muttered.

“Life isn’t fair.” He walked in and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“It’s not fair.” She repeated, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. “Everyone else was fine! Everyone else was alright! Why…Why did he have to go?!” The tears began to stream down her face as she curled tighter around her favorite stuffed animal. “I don’t want him to be gone! I don’t want him to be dead!”

“I know…” David reached out and put a hand on her back. He’d never expected that he’d have to see his son die. He’d died before Solomon had when they’d been alive. He’d seen his children die before, and it had been terrible every time. It certainly hadn’t gotten any less terrible, that was for sure.

“I don’t want him to be gone…” Her whole body was wracked with sobs, to the point where she could barely talk. David sighed, drawing her into his lap and stroking her hair as a father would.

“I won’t tell you that everything is going to be alright.” His voice was gentle and calm as he spoke. “I won’t tell you it’ll get easier and you won’t stop missing him. But I want you to remember that he was happy while he was here.” Haru sniffled loudly, looking questioningly up at him.

“He was happy here.” David continued, smiling reassuringly. “You and Mash and Da Vinci made him happy. I know you did. His life was worth living because you all were in it. And don’t forget that.” Haru just sniffled again, burying her face in his stomach once more. David continued to hold her, stroking her hair until she fell asleep. Once he was sure his Master couldn’t hear him, he turned his gaze skyward.

“Take care of him, please.” He whispered. Perhaps Bathsheba would be waiting to welcome her son into the kingdom of Heaven. He certainly hoped so. His son deserved a reward. He just wished it could have been a life of his own.

[merurysmay-blog]

just a baby

pairing: roger taylor x reader, freddie mercury x reader (past, platonic now) 

can be read as ben hardy! roger taylor or actual roger taylor and can also be read as rami malek! freddie mercury or actual freddie mercury. i didn’t specify. 

word count: 2.13k 

warnings: none 

rated: pg

please send in requests! i’m awfully bored and want to write! thanks, xx, e

READER REPLACES MARY, BUT IS DATING ROGER. EVERYTHING WILL MAKE MORE SENSE LATER IN THE STORY.

You frowned down at your underwear, your period was nearly two weeks late, and that never happened. You had been regular since the month you got your period, it always came right at the start of the month, then you had three weeks off, then it would start up again. It was always at the start of the month, now, you were nearly three weeks into March, and no sign of the baby.

You heard Roger rap his knuckles on the door, and his husky voice nearly calmed all of your thoughts; nearly. “You alright in there, love. We’ve got to go in like five minutes, Freddie will have our heads if we even dare be late.” Roger spoke as he leaned against the door. “Yeah, yeah I’m fine I’ll be right out.” You spoke quietly. “Okay,” And you heard Roger walk away. You wanted to get a pregnancy test, you knew it was a shot in the dark that you were pregnant, but you wanted to know. Your period had never been late, and just the other day, you were turned off by the sight of your favorite food, you had never been so distraught in your entire life when you looked at the beautiful food in front of you, and thought that you never wanted to eat it again.

You shook your head, and made a mental note to buy a test later. You finished your business and pulled up your pants, and washed your hands, spritzed yourself with some perfume and unlocked the door and left the bathroom. You met up with Roger, “You look stunning,” Roger smiled and lent down and pressed a kiss on the top of your head and smiled. “Thanks, love.” You smiled. You were distracted all the way to Freddie’s, thoughts of pregnancy swirling around in your mind. You left a hand squeeze your thigh and you looked up at Roger, you hummed in question and looked at him. “What’s wrong? We’re already here and you haven’t said a word all ride. You feeling okay? Do you wanna go home?” Roger questioned. “No, no. I’m okay. Just had a hard day at work today.” You smiled and got out of the car, dropping the subject. Roger wrinkled his nose in confusion but followed anyways.

You walked up to the door and knocked lightly, Roger following and setting a hand on your back. “Just tell me if you wanna go home, okay? We’ll go if you want.” Roger said, into your ear softly, and pressed a small kiss to your cheek as he stood up to his full height. You nodded, but smiled at the thought that even though you told Roger that you were okay, that he still knew that something was wrong. Freddie opened the door, and beamed at you two. “Darlings! You’re here! How are you?” Freddie smiled as he ushered you in. You giggled at his forwardness and followed him in, “Excellent, Freddie! How’ve you been doing? Thank you for having us.” You smiled up at the man. “Oh, love! So much to talk about! Come, come. Let’s get a drink.” He smiled, wrapping you up in his arms, tearing you away from Roger.

Roger chuckled, and shook his head because he was used to it. Everyone in Queen loved you with their entire hearts, but none more than Freddie. Roger sometimes even questioned if Freddie loved you more than he did, then chuckled and would shake his head because he had never loved someone as much as he loved you. Whenever Freddie was around you, he would steal you away to talk about anything and everything. You would always giggle at your best friend’s antics.

When Freddie dragged you into the kitchen, just as you got a small hello thrown into everyone else there. Brian and Deaky frowned because they wanted a hug, but understood how much Freddie loved you, so they went back to talking, knowing that you would stop Freddie so you could run out and give them a hug sometime during the night. Roger appeared beside them, watching as Freddie tugged you into the kitchen, away from everyone’s prying eyes. “Freddie stole my girl, again.” Roger chuckled as he sat down into the chair beside them. He said it with no venom, knowing that Freddie loved you more than life itself, and that his love for you wasn’t as if he wanted to date you. Roger knew Freddie was very much so gay, and never doubted the relationship that you had with him, he trusted you, and he knew that you would never cheat on him.

“My love, what is wrong? You seem upset, did Roger do something? I’ll kill him.” Even after Freddie told you he was gay, and had someone else in his life, just as you did, he was still just as protective, if not more, and never called you anything besides lovey pet names. To him, you we’re still the one human being he would ever love, the one person he would ever be able to love as much as he loved you. You believed in each other, and that was all that mattered.

“No, he didn’t. Well maybe he did. I’m not sure.” You muttered looking down, “What’s wrong, my love?” Freddie asked, “I want to take a pregnancy test.” You said, looking up into his large brown eyes. Freddie shrieked in delight, “Oh my love! That’s wonderful.” He screamed. You giggled and shushed him, “Fred, Roger mustn’t know until I know.” You giggled, “Oh, right. Of course.” He spoke, and you laughed. “I’m gonna be an uncle, and if that child is not my godchild I will throw a fit.” He spoke, you giggled again, “Of course, if I’m pregnant, you will obviously be a godfather.” You smiled, and leaned into his arms. He wrapped them around you, “Come we will go buy one now.” He smiled and pulled you into him again, but linked your arm with his.

When you walked out, Roger stood up, “We’re just going to the store, darlings. To get some wine.” Freddie smiled, Roger walked towards you and leant down and pecked your lips. “Alright, love you.” Roger smiled. “Love you to, darling!” Freddie smiled. “I was talking to (Y/N), Fred. But yes, I love you as well.” Roger laughed and walked back to the couch. You took the time and sprinted right at Brian and into his arms, he laughed and wrapped them around you, you then pulled out of his arms and launched yourself into John’s. “Alright, I must be going. Be back soon!” You smiled. “Love you all!” You yelled and linked arms with Freddie again and walked out of the house.

When you two got back, you smiled and walked into the room again, seeing the boys talking as Freddie led you into the kitchen. “Okay, I’ll unpack the wine and you go take the test. I’ll be up in a minute.” Freddie smiled. You walked out into the area, “Come sit with me love,” Roger smiled. “I will, darling. I just need to use the restroom, be back in five.” You smiled, and walked up the steps.

You walked into the bathroom and smiled nervously down at the test. “Oh, lord.” You breathed, and then took the test. The box said that you needed to wait for two minutes after you took the test, so you set it on the counter and waited for Freddie. You felt good knowing that Freddie would be the first to know because he had been by your side through everything. You didn’t even know if Roger wanted a kid, you had never talked about it, and in your mind, you thought that Roger might be angry about it, as you both we’re relatively young, but you knew that if Roger broke up with you because of this, Freddie would be there to pick up the pieces, and help you. He was always there, and you loved him for it.

Freddie was thinking of an excuse as he walked into the room with the boys, knowing it would be weird for him to follow you up to the bathroom. “Oh my! I just remembered that I agreed to give (Y/N) one of my jackets that she loves so much. I must go get it!” Freddie smiled gleefully and ran up the stairs. Roger looked at the boys, shrugged and continued the conversation.

Freddie knocked on the door softly, and you let him in. He wrapped his arm around you after he shut the door, and looked at you as you flipped the test over. It was positive. You we’re pregnant, you were having a kid, with Roger fucking Taylor. “Oh my God.” You breathed, and raised a shaky hand to your mouth. “Oh my.” Freddie spoke looking down at the test. “I’m gonna be a mom.” You gasped, and raising a hand to rest on top of your belly. “There’s a baby in there, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God.” You muttered. Freddie knew you were about to freak out and turned you to look at him.

“Listen to me. Don’t freak out. You are going to be an absolutely wonderful mother. You are going to love that child more than anything. Don’t worry about anything, my love. You  are going to be a perfect mother,” He looked at you. “What if Roger doesn’t want a baby?” You asked. “He would be foolish to not want your child. And if he doesn’t, I’ll kick him out of the band, and will be there with you for every step of the way, I mean I’ll be there even if he wants the baby, obviously.” Freddie smiled. You laughed and let yourself fall into his arms.

When you two walked back down stairs, it had already been fifteen minutes, but Freddie made sure to give you that jacket you liked as a coverup. “Sorry, we got sidetracked looking at all of Freddie’s wonderful clothes.” You smiled, and walked to Roger, and sat down beside him. He right away wrapped his arm around your stomach and you nearly flinched, but he pulled you into the safety of his lap and rested his chin on your shoulder.

When you two got home, you made sure he was sitting down when you told him the news of the child you were bearing; his child. “Rog, can we talk about somethings?” You questioned him with wide innocent eyes, “Yes, of course, sweetheart. What’s up?” He questioned. On the ride home, you were thinking of all the different clever ways that you could tell him, but now, as he sat before you with wide eyes, looking up at you with all the love in the world, and like you held the stars and moon in your hands, you blurted it out before you could stop yourself. “I’m pregnant.” You said, and looked down at him as he sat on the couch, and you stood before him. His mouth fell open in a gasp, and he looked up at you with even wider eyes. “What?” He asked quietly, even though he had heard you perfectly the first time. “I’m pregnant.” You said once again, and it felt weird, feeling those words fall from your lips. “Oh my God.” He muttered, but a huge smile broke out on his face, and he nearly shouted, “I’m going to be a dad?!” He asked in excitement, and tugged you into his arms. You giggled and nodded into his shoulder, “Yeah, yeah you’re gonna be a dad.” You smiled, “Oh I love you, so fucking much.” He spoke, and gently pushed you up so you would be standing, and dropped on his knees in front of you and tugged your shirt upwards and laid a kiss against your stomach, multiple kisses actually.

“You’re going to be a wonderful mother. I just know it.” Roger smiled and stood up. “When did you find out?” He asked, sitting down and pulling you down beside him. “Tonight actually, I told Fred I wanted to take a test and he made us go out and buy one and some wine, and then he made me take it,” You smiled. “Why am I not surprised, he was happy wasn’t he?” Roger asked, smiling fondly at you. “Oh yes, he said if he wasn’t a godfather, he would throw a fit.” You smiled. “Of course he did. I would like all the guys to be godparents if that’s alright?” Roger questioned, “I wouldn’t want anyone else to be godfathers. And, I wouldn’t want to have this baby with anyone but you.” You smiled at him.

[katie-dub]

Great British Traditions

Emma Swan is an American student in Nottingham, who's been invited by her friend Killian Jones to spend Boxing Day with him, to see what’s so special about the 26th December.

It was the delightful @distant-rose‘s birthday last Saturday. However I was deep in the throes of celebrating her birthday twin’s special day, my own Tiny Giant. I’m sorry that this is so late dear, I’m not so good with the deadlines. This is intended to be part of a big story, but I think stands alone and I hope it makes you laugh. If you like it, let me know and I’ll get the rest written.

“So … What's Boxing Day all about? Does Mike Tyson come down the chimney to give all the ungrateful girls and boys a punch in the face?”

“He should do, but no, it’s a time for leftovers, family and board games traditionally I gather. But for me, it's all about the football.” Killian scratched behind his ear, before smirking at her. “Proper football that is.”

“What’s soccer -” she emphasised the word just to rile Killian up “- got to do with anything? Shouldn’t you be watching, I don’t know, replays of Muhammad Ali fights?”

“I’m going to ignore your funny little colloquialism, you can’t help being born amongst the savages across the pond after all, and extend to you some proper British hospitality, and ask you to join me for the football. What do you say, Swan? Want to experience a traditional Boxing Day the Jones way?”

And that’s how Emma found herself in a Wetherspoons in Nottingham on 26th December, merry on more than a few pints, surrounded by happy Manchester United fans singing at the top of their lungs. “Glory, gloorrrryy, Man U-niiiiiii-ted!”

“We won!” Killian was weeping openly. “In your face Mourinho, you wanker! It’s like Christmas!”

Emma laughed at him. “Funny you should say that -” She broke off with an undignified, disgruntled squeak of alarm as Killian scooped her up and spun her round.

“I’m so happy I could kiss you!” He said the words in a rush, clearly swept up in a tide of sports-induced euphoria and schadenfreude over the club’s success in the wake of the disgraced former-manager’s recent firing.

That’s when they both realised how close they were to each other.

Killian slowly set her back on her feet, but kept his arms around her. She found herself gazing at his lips, transfixed by how perfect they were. The singing faded in her mind to a dull hum in the background, her ears zeroing in on the sound of Killian’s panting. He sounded wrecked. So did she.

She could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin, the heat of his arms surrounding her, and yet the feel of him so close to her was sending goosebumps across her skin as she shivered in anticipation.

The tension between them was growing, threatening to turn into a monster that would devour them whole. She found that she didn’t much mind the thought if it meant that she could kiss Killian.

Someone knocked into them and sent them flying to the ground. Killian lept to his feet and offered his hand out to help her up. She went to take it, but was distracted by something hovering just above his head.

There was mistletoe above them.

“Everything alright, love?”

Emma shook herself and allowed Killian to help pull her up. “Yeah, I’m fine, it’s just, well there’s mistletoe.”

He looked up then back to her with a grin. “I think a little festive offering is in order,” he said, tapping at his lips with a cheeky swagger.

“Please, you couldn’t handle it.” She dismissed him with a hint of a smile playing at her lips, enjoying the flirting in spite of herself.

He moved closer to her. “Perhaps you’re the one who couldn’t handle it.” She could hear the smirk in his voice, his challenge to her set. And for once, she was ready for it.

She seized him and pulled him close, practically leaping on him in her eagerness to kiss him. He was stunned at first, but it only took him half a second to catch up and throw himself into the kiss with joyful abandon.

He wrapped his arms around her, apparently as desperate as she was to get closer, his hands finding their way under her shirt.

“Get a room!” someone yelled at them breaking the spell they were under.

But Emma wasn’t quite ready to give up the magic yet. “Let’s get out of here,” she whispered decisively into Killian’s ear.

He looked dazed. “Yeah?”

When she nodded he grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers together and tugging her towards the exit eagerly. He weaved in and out of pot-bellied football fans with tears in their eyes, giggly and glassy-eyed slightly orange women and furtive teenagers slurping on their bacardi breezers and looking around in glee, thrilled with their own success at getting served.

It took a ridiculously frustrating amount of time to get to the doors of the pub. Killian pushed her up against the door and kissed her roughly and quickly. “Right, taxi, I can’t wait any longer.”

They stumbled their way through the Market Square, past the crowds shrieking “Merry Christmas!” and the merrymakers stumbling away from the garish lights and the discordant music emanating from the fake snow-encrusted Winter Wonderland in the square.

Killian steadily guided her towards a taxi rank, propelling her forward with fierce determination. He sped up a little on seeing that there was only one taxi waiting and a group of revellers was staggering towards it. They reached it first and she heard him mutter a little “ha!” of celebration under his breath.

“108 Portland Road,” he said to the driver, as he opened the door to the black cab and helped Emma in, following her in eagerly. As soon as he had closed the door behind him, he moved for her, capturing her lips in a kiss that quite literally took her breath away.

She pushed back a little to gasp for air and he nibbled along her jaw, making her pant harder. “Don’t you -” he nuzzled behind her ear, then started kissing his way down her neck. “Maybe we should w -” he found that perfect spot on her neck that made her gasp as he sucked it. “Wait?” she asked, entirely losing track of what she’d been trying to say.

“We’re here,” said the bored-sounding driver, louder than seemed entirely necessary. Even if Emma could admit to herself that she likely wouldn’t have heard him without the yelling.

Killian shoved a tenner at him, which Emma was sure was far too much for a five minute ride, if that. “Merry whatever you celebrate mate,” he said, and opened the door, once more finding Emma’s hand and helping her out.

It was Emma’s turn to distract him. As he fumbled about for his keys and tried to unlock the door she wrapped herself around him and pushed her fingers under his shirt, allowing just the tips to brush under his waistband. When he finally got the door open he spun around and gave her a fake glare.

“Bloody hell, you’ll be the death of me, Swan!” he said and pulled them into the house kissing and laughing their way to the stairs.

He tried to walk backwards up the stairs while still kissing her. His foot slipped and he stumbled, so she grabbed onto him and pulled him steady, giggling.

“Are you laughing at me, Swan?” he growled.

“What would you do about it if I -” he swooped her up into his arms. He swayed a little as he got used to her weight, then steadying himself, he carried her determinedly up the stairs.

He made her to the second floor house before he dropped her unceremoniously. “Sorry, love, had an awkward grip on you.”

She laughed out loud this time. “Yeah, yeah, awkward grip. Thanks for trying to spare my feelings, but I know I was too heavy.”

He blushed - right to the pointy tips of his elen ears - and shook his head emphatically. “Don’t impugn my honour, Swan! I’ve carried crates of beer heavier than you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sure.”

This time he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder while she shrieked in surprise. They made it up to Killian’s room without further incident, whereupon he threw her onto the bed. And crawled on top of her. Or tried to. She had forgotten that Killian had the world’s smallest bed in a room big enough to fit at least two luxury king size beds in with room to spare. They both shuffled awkwardly, trying to find space on the pathetic waste of space calling itself a bed. Fucking student housing and their cheap ass beds.

It was ruining the moment to the extent that she started to wonder if hooking up with Killian was really such a great idea.

But then looked at her with his smouldering eyes. “Having second thoughts? We don’t have to.” And she wanted to again, she really wanted to.

She pressed her mouth to his, a light kiss, a reassurance. “Nope, I’m still in,” she said, and to prove her point she sat up and pulled her top off. At least, she intended to pull her top off. She actually twisted herself around awkwardly, getting herself somehow caught in the sleeves as she tried to pull it over her head. She tugged hard to free herself and fell backwards onto the floor.

“Are you hurt?” Killian’s voice was muffled by her top currently masquerading as a ski mask. She wriggled a little, finally got it off and looked up to see Killian peering down at her over the edge of his bed.

“I totally meant to do that,” she said, he merely raised an eyebrow in surprise. “It’s my latest party trick. Might need some work.”

She got to her feet and held her hand out to him, he looked confused but took it and allowed her to pull him upright. She planted a kiss on his lips before her brain could catch onto the fact that everything seemed to be telling them that this was not a good plan. She took his hands and guided them to her bra clasp. “I figure it’s safer if you undress me, I seem to have forgotten how.”

He grinned and kissed her again, pulling back just enough to murmur, “I’d be delighted to show you how it’s done.”

He kissed her slow, deep and dizzying as he stripped off her clothes one by one. He trailed kisses down her legs while he eased her out of her trousers setting her nerves alight with every touch of his lips. When she was completely naked he gently guided her to the bed and sat her on the edge of it. He settled on his knees between her legs and just seeing him there sent ripples of excitement and anticipation running through her.

She pounced on him, kissing him with all the force she could muster, desperate to feel him closer to her. “Clothes off, now,” she demanded with a grin.

“Aye aye captain,” he said and began to unbutton his shirt, letting his hands brush against her as he went.

When he was finally naked she pulled him down for another kiss and tried to pull him on top of her, but she was once again thwarted by the minuscule proportions of the bed. They were shuffling uncomfortably, kissing then moving, trying to find space to be together.

“I give up!” Emma announced, “let’s just fuck on the floor.”

Killian let out a snort of laughter, but then his eyes filled with desire and he kissed her hard. “You’re a marvel,” he said sincerely and leapt to his feet. She rolled over towards him, grumbling internally that he seemed to possess more grace when drunk than she did sober.

When she stood up he surprised her by pulling the duvet off the bed and throwing it neatly to the ground instead of kissing her.

“Huh?”

“I don’t fancy carpet burn,” he explained with a shrug, then lay down on the duvet.

Emma immediately climbed on top of him, her body still screaming for his through all of the awkwardness. She pressed herself onto him, kissing him as she shifted her hips into just the right position and for one moment it was completely and utterly perfect. Then they both moved at once. And their foreheads collided with a painful, audible crack.

“Oh fuck!” “Bloody hell”

And Emma started to laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of the whole situation. She had decided to do something completely absurd and have a one night stand with a good friend and it was a disaster. She was lying on the floor - well, on him - cold as hell and nursing what felt like the beginnings of concussion. Nothing about it was funny to her. But she couldn’t stop laughing. Killian Jones, her friend, was literally inside her and she was in hysterics, struggling to breathe through the waves of laughter that kept bubbling out of her until tears sprang to her eyes and her stomach muscles hurt.

She chanced a glance at Killian and was relieved to see that he was laughing too. She finally recovered enough to move off of him and she immediately felt cold.

He must have seen her shiver because he went over to his drawer and pulled out a jumper and some jogging bottoms and threw them over to her. She turned her back on him to pull the clothes on, which seemed faintly ridiculous, but now that the night was certainly not going to have a happy ending, she felt embarrassed for him to see her naked.

When she turned back around he was dressed too, and a little pink in the cheeks. “I promise, I’m usually good at this,” he said.

“Yeah yeah, keep telling yourself that.”

“Speak for yourself! Your moves weren’t all that either!”

She laughed at him. “Can we just pretend that this never happened and never tell the others?”

“Absolutely, you think I want Scarlett knowing that instead of orgasms I gave us both potential concussions? I’d never live it down.”

“Right. Good. So … What now?”

“How does leftovers and board games sound?”

“Perfect.”

[picturetoburnnn]

Lovey Dovey | Calum Hood x Reader

Pairing - c.h. x reader

Word Count - 1.6k

Warning - fair bit of cussing and enough fluff to make you sick

A/N -  F L U F F and S W E E T N E S S

TAGS - (dm me to be added) @cxddlyash @emomack @merryblueberry02

(we love drunk calum)

Calum leaned in to give you a short kiss before running off to the stage, as per your usual pre-show routine. He cradled your cheek with one hand, his lips were mere centimeters away from your own.

“Good luck,” you muttered, and he could feel your warm breath on his skin.

“You’re all the luck I need,” he whispered.

As he leaned in to connect your lips, Michael spoke from across the room.

“He leans in closer, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, staring into her ey--”

“Michael, I have had it up to here with your bullshit!” He held his hand far above his head.

Ashton and Luke giggled in the corner as Michael snorted. “Whatever loverboy. C’mon, we’ve got a show to play. You can be all mushy gushy later.”

By that point, you were a blushing mess, and pretty sure your face was red enough to resemble a tomato. Calum seemed to not be bothered by the blonde boy’s teasing, however. He simply rolled his eyes, glancing back to you. “I love you,” he mouthed.

“I love you too, you cutesty bastard,” you smiled and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. He smiled lightly at the action.

“One more?”

You were about to turn him down when Ashton pulled him back by the collar of his shirt. “Play music now, do couple stuff later, Calum.” Ash huffed, feigning annoyance. The drummer shot you a wink as you giggled, your boyfriend whining incoherently.

“Go,” you told them. All four of them waved at you before stepping out on the stage, greeting their screaming fans.

Throughout the majority of the concert, Calum would shoot a look to you through the doorway, winking, smiling, or sticking his tongue out. After they played Want You Back, Ashton groaned into the microphone.

“Calum, can you not ogle your girlfriend for just thirty more minutes?”

A blush erupted over the boy’s face, leading to screams from the excited crowd.

“Sorry mate, Y/N is over there and I can't take my eyes off her.”

Your face reddened violently as the screams of the excited crowd sounded again.

“No, no, no, I don’t think you guys realize exactly how much of a lovey dovey couple they are. We literally had to drag him away from her to come out tonight.” Michael’s announcement had Calum running to his mic.

“That is not true.”

“Mate yes it is, I grabbed you by the collar to get you out of the dressing room,” Ashton accused.

“Calum’s in loooove,” Luke sang into his microphone.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Have I told you guys lately how much you fucking suck?” Calum raised a teasing middle finger in the boys’ general direction.

Luke let out a fake gasp. “Calum, how dare you? I thought you loved us.”

“Nah man, he only loves Y/N,” Ashton snickered.

Michael ran over to Luke and whispered something in his ear, then to Ashton and did the same. The three of them shared a devilish grin, and Michael spoke into his mic. “Can we have the woman in question come out here? I gotta know what she thinks of all this.”

Your eyes went wide, and you shook your head.

“She’s a little shy, so you might need to lure her out. Y/N, come on, your man’s out here without you!” Within seconds, the crowd was chanting “Y/N, Y/N, Y/N!” A crew member handed you a mic and all but shoved you out on the stage. The audience erupted into cheers of excitement, and you shrunk into yourself, holding to the microphone in your hand like a lifeline.

Calum set down his guitar and ran over to you, wrapping you in his embrace. “It’s okay, baby girl. Just relax, it’s not too awful,” he spoke in your ear to be heard over the crowd. You nodded slightly, and he let you go. You took a deep breath and brought the mic up to your face.

“You’re sweaty and gross,” you joked.

“Even your girlfriend thinks you’re gross,” Ashton quipped.

“Yeah, nasty,” I teased, pushing my nerves back.

“Babe,” Calum whined, “what happened to you being on my team?”

You shrugged, and the audience cheered on your teasing.

“You know, it was very rude of you to make me fall in love with you,” Calum accused.

“Not what you had in mind?” You goaded.

“Not at all.” He shook his head.

“I’m not sorry.” The shouts of the fans grew even louder.

“Me neither.” By this point the shrieking and cheering was almost deafening.

“Hey Cal, not to be an ass, but hurry up, we’ve got six more songs to play,” Luke laughed.

Calum waved him off, but nonetheless grabbed both of your hands.

“Y/N, I have loved you for the past four years, and in all that time, you’ve loved me back. Through tours, trips, and long distances, you stuck with my lame ass, and I don’t know how or why, but I’m endlessly grateful. My life would suck without you, and I don’t know what I would do without you. You’re my best friend, my lover against all odds, and you make me happy when no one else can. I love you, the boys love you, and most importantly, my dog loves you.”

This, of course, led to an eruption of laughter throughout the entirety of the building. But that was nothing compared to the outburst of cheers when Calum got down on one knee.

“I was gonna wait until after the concert was over, but I can’t wait anymore. It’s you, it’s always been you, and it will only ever be you. The way I feel when I’m with you is something I can’t even begin to describe. I’m better when I’m with you, you bring out the best of me. I want you, only you, for the rest of my life. I’ll love you forever. Please, baby, please, will you marry me?”

He reached into his back pocket, pulling out a blue navy box that you’d only ever seen in movies. You clasped your hands over your mouth, frozen in place. Flipping it open and holding it out to you, Calum looked up at you with the eyes that you could get lost in all day long.

“What do you say, sweetheart? Y/N Hood doesn’t sound too bad, does it?”

Not trusting your voice, you nodded your head furiously, tears slipping out of your eyes.

A priceless grin broke out across his face as he stood, lifting you up and spinning you around. In that moment, everything else faded away - there was no crowd, no concert, no instruments or stage. It was just you and Calum, and your pressed your lips against his in a passionate kiss. He pulled away, resting his forehead against yours as he pushed the ring onto your ring finger.

“I love you,” you breathed.

“I love you more than you know.”

The pair of you were snapped out of your moment by Ashton’s voice. “I call best man!”

Michael groaned, “Augh, I wanted that!”

Ashton snickered. “But I called it. Plus, he called me his soulmate on my birthday. I automatically get first dibs.”

You raised your eyebrows at Calum, who was staring at the boys incredulously. “You sure it’s me you want to marry, and not Ash?” You jested.

The crowd broke out into screams of amusement, and you swore you could hear a couple people screaming ‘Cashton!’

“Alright, congratulations to the happy couple!” Luke yelled. “However, as much as I love you, Y/N, I gotta send you back so your fiance can do his part in this concert.”

You smiled, nodding. You pressed one more kiss to Calum’s lips before stepping back through the stairs into the backstage area. A couple crew members gave you smiles and thumbs up as you passed by them. You smiled back, silently thanking them.

You listened as the boys played their hearts out on the stage, and you could’ve sworn Calum’s vocals were stronger than ever in Valentine. Slowly came the end of the show, and the boys took their bows before running back down to the room you were in. Calum came straight for you, lifting you up once again and spinning you around. You squealed in delight.

“You’re still all sweaty and gross.”

“Usually, you don’t mind me being hot, sweaty, and all over you,” he purred in your ear, causing a fierce blush to take over your features.

“Go shower,” you told Calum. “I’ll be right here when you’re done.”

He nodded. “There’s room for two?”

“Oi, none of that around us,” Ashton called.

Calum groaned, but obediently left you to seek the shower in the locker room. Ashton shot you a wink before following suit, Michael and Luke not far behind.

You plopped down on the couch, admiring the rock on your finger. Grabbing your phone, you snapped a picture of it and sent it to your best friend, who immediately replied -

<- Babe, are you for real?

-> Yeah, he dropped on one knee during his concert. im sure theres already a vid of it somewhere online

<- HOLY SHIT Y/N THATS HUGE!!!!!!!

-> I KNOW!!!!

You continue conversing with your best friend until a pair of hands covered your eyes from behind you.

“Guess who?”

“Hmm, it’s either Calum, or the cold, clammy hands of death.”

The hands moved away, and Calum’s upside down face filled your vision. “It’s Calum!”

“Dammit,” you muttered jokingly.

“You know you love me.”

“Unfortunately, I do,” you smiled and slotted your mouth against his own.

“Baby girl, the things you do to me,” he smiled against you.

“You love it.”

“Marry me,” he whispered.

“I already said yes.”

[michael-hearteyes-wheeler]

Movie Night

Hey Everyone! So this is the first oneshot of my new series. Its all based on an au where The Losers Club and The Party are childhood friends. Its going to be sweet and sappy, and explore the hilarity that would come from having all thirteen of these teens living in one town (and more or less all living at the Byers house).

Hope you Enjoy! And Check out @losers-party​ for headcanons based on this verse. (Read on AO3)

“Are you sure we can trust you with this?” Stan crosses his arms, looking down his nose at Richie.

When the prospect of a movie night was suggested, the entire Byers home excitedly debated potential films and genres. After much bickering, Richie ‘graciously’ offered to walk to the blockbuster himself. It seemed like a good idea, but Stan was unconvinced of his motives being pure.

“Aw come now Stanley! I'll make sure to pick something brilliant.” Richie, chuckling through his famous british guy and winking.

“Ugh I'll go with him.” Max groaned, rolling off of the couch.

“So that you can get some cheesy gore fest? No thanks. I'll go.” Mike W sighed, rising from the floor next to El and Will.

“Why don't you all just go.” Joyce offered, emerging from the kitchen with a smile that said ‘its not an option’. Mike and Max shrugged, and joined Richie on the lawn.

It was the perfect day for a walk, so no one bothered to grab their wheels. Even Max left her board at home. The blockbuster hadn't been open long, but the kids frequented it enough to know the best shortcut, and for the bored store clerk to know them by name. Mike debated between The Goonies, and The Breakfast Club for awhile before getting both. Max slipped in line behind him and cleverly hid the title of the undoubtedly horrifying movie she picked. The two of them waited outside, taking in the afternoon sun, waiting for a suspiciously long time for Richie to finish finding his movie. It probably was for the best that he didn't go alone, because when asked, he only smirked in reply and clutched the black plastic bag tighter to his chest.

Back at the house, Dustin and Ben were back from their own trip to the supermarket for snacks. Dozens of boxes of candy, bottles of soda, and cookies from the bakery lined almost the entirety of the Byers kitchen counters. The smell of burnt popcorn seeped out from the open windows and filled the yard at they walked up the dirt driveway.

After some bickering over who got which box of candy, who got to take the couch, and who got to sit where, it was almost sunset. Max and Richie whispered and giggled with one another as they hid there vhs tapes, and squeezed into the weathered armchair.

Mike W ignored them and decided to play The Goonies first. It was one they had rented before, but the magic of the film, and the inspiring group of kid characters was all too familiar. It felt like a life each of them had lived.

Mike W, El, and Will crowded the couch next to Joyce. Dustin emerged from the kitchen with the last of the bowls of popcorn and found an open place on the floor next to Lucas and Ben. The coffee table had been pushed against the far wall long ago, leaving room for the tangle of blankets and pillows that seemed to permanently litter the living room floor. Thirteen teenagers crammed together, eyes transfixed by the movie on screen, laughing at jokes they had heard dozens of times before.

Stan and Mike H held hands under a warm blanket. Bill doodled absentmindedly in a sketchbook while Bev leaned her head on his shoulder. Dustin and Lucas tossed popcorn back and forth before Hoppers booming voice filled the room.

“Hey, if you are going to have a food fight then you need to actually clean it up.” The police chief got home just as the credits began to role for the first movie, and an inky blue night sky settled outside.

“Oh like you didn't start the last one.” Bev teased, turning to look up at him.

“And I won too.” Jim winked, leaning over the back of the couch to kiss Joyce's head and ruffle El’s. All he had to do was snap at the giggling kids in his chair to send them to the floor. “What’s playing next?”

“I grabbed The Breakfast Club.” Mike stood to change the tape, stepping in between the unoccupied spots on the floor.

“Actually, now that it's dark, I thought we could watch something a bit more... thrilling.” Max smirked, unearthing her secret movie pick. Dr. Terrors House of Horrors. A horribly dated looking and well loved box cover depicting the classic style of 1960’s horror.

“God Max! I knew you would pick something messed up!” Mike sighed, but reluctantly let her play the movie. He could see where this was going, so he pulled Will’s hand and dragged the smaller boy into the dining room. Neither being a big fan of horror, whenever Max got her way they would settle for finding something else to occupy their time.

As the sounds of sweeping orchestral music played from the tv set, Mike grabbed the scrabble set from the shelf. Everytime a shriek from on screen made the smaller boy flinch, Mike would grab his hand or make him laugh by placing down a ridiculous word. Mike was no scrabble champ, at least not compared to Stan or Max, but he was good enough to keep Will’s attention away from the gore on screen.

After the first act, Stan and Mike H joined them at the table. Stan looked practically woozy from scenes that were making Max and Richie cackle with delight. It didn't take long for him to get in the zone however. Playing words like ‘Foliage’, ‘Oxazepam’, and ‘Philanthropist’. They had an unspoken rule to not even bother keeping score if Stan was playing (although he kept his own score in his head). One round turned to three, and then five, and then they lost count. Giggling and sipping sodas and ignoring whatever was happening in the living room.

Eventually the numbers in the living room dwindled. Ben and Bev decided to leave to one of the back rooms when they had been aggressively shushed for the last time. Bev thumbed through a magazine while Ben put his New Kids on the Block tape in Jonathan’s old boombox.

Eventually Lucas joined them too. Not even lying shoulder to shoulder in between Max and Dustin could save him from the headache all the screaming was causing. Lucas really enjoyed spending time with this quiet couple. Lucas curls up at the foot of the bed and flips through a stack of comic books, making sure to share his favorite panels with the other two. Ben has his nose buried in a journal. He keeps sneaking glances up at the other two on the bed, and Bev takes notice. Part of her wonders if he is writing another poem, and the way he curls the edge of the journal up to block her view, she thinks he might be. She blushes at the thought.

Some point later they can hear the stomping of a sleepy Hopper make his way to bed. As well as the giddy laughter of the board game turning into more of a ‘lets see how ridiculous of a sentence i can make’ game when Bill and Dustin join the table.

That leaves only Richie, Eddie, El, Max, and Joyce in the living room. Eddie fell asleep some time during the beginning of the movie. Richie runs a lazy hand through his hair while his eyes stay glued on the screen. Joyce smiles out at the group of kids in the dining room, and silently wishes Jonathan could be here too, as well as those two terrific partners of his.

Stan and Mike H get up to get ready for bed after Stan realizes his nightly routines have run a few minutes behind. Not long after, a sleepy Will shuffles back to his room as well, followed slowly by the others one by one. Mike W collects El from the couch and walks with her to Will’s room that has more or less become a community slumber party room.

Mike H comes back out and scoops up Eddie, carrying him to his sleeping bag with a smile. The chatter in the house quiets to only a few hushed whispers as one by one the kids drift off to sleep.

Once the movie ends, Max drags herself to curl up in between Bev and Lucas on the small bed, certainly only meant for one person.

“Are you tired?” Joyce smiles down at Richie, the only person left on the mass of blankets in the darkened room.

“Not really. You up for one more movie?” He swaps out Max’s tape for his own and Joyce nods.

“What do you have in store?” Joyce smirks. It has become a secret tradition between the two near-insomniacs. Richie makes a game out of finding the strangest movies in the ‘foreign’ section. Whatever has the most interesting box art, or the most obscure description.

“It's called ‘The Holy Mountain’. Its spanish, from 72, but the back said that it isn't for the faint of heart. I figured we could handle it.” Richie took his seat next to Joyce on the couch and let the film play.

Usually Richie feels the need to make jokes during movie night (much to everyone's chagrin), but that need is never present with Joyce. Her unceasing understanding and patience. It's like she just gets him, no strings attached.

Inevitably, the droll of spanish lulls him to sleep. Slumping against the arm of the couch with his glasses falling crooked. He never remembers it, but he always wakes up in his sleeping bag next to Eddie.

Movie nights don't get to happen as often as they all might like. Given their various schedules and after school activities, but it's always a reminder of what they are. A family. Strange and often chaotic, but full of love and acceptance.

[kaythejay]

congrats on 200!! prompt for dnp- them just waking up on a lazy sunday morning?? w/ kids and a dog. like flash forward 10 years. thanks :)

Prompt: DnP waking up on a lazy Sunday morning with kids and a dog

Other Specifics: two kids, one 3, one 5, two different genders

Two Kids, One Big Mess

Dan and Phil woke to two kids pounding at their bedroom door and a dog barking. They looked at each other and shook their heads. Of course Simon and Paige had gotten Harry involved with the wake up routine. They always did. Phil sighed.

“I suppose we ought to let them in,” Phil said. Dan smiled and kissed his husband.

“We could, or we could play it off as if we’re still sleeping,” Dan replied and rolled over. Phil shook his head and sat up. He poked Dan, trying to get him to sit up too. Dan groaned, but didn’t move.

“You’ve got two seconds before I tell them to come in and Harry attacks you,” Phil said. “Do you want to be awake for that?” Dan muttered something about needing five more minutes, or another hour before pulling the blanket over his head. Phil laughed. “Door’s open,” Phil shouted. He hadn’t even finished the sentence before the door opened and they had two kids and a dog sitting in their bed, Harry pulling at the blanket with his teeth, and the kids jumping up and down on their hands and knees. “Hey, hey, be careful,” Phil said. The two stopped jumping, Simon first (being the oldest and all), then Paige.

“What’s wrong wif Daddy?” Paige asked in her sweet three-year-old voice. She poked at his head. “Danny?” She asked. She saw a bit of his curly brown hair sticking out of the top of the blanket and grabbed it. She pulled, causing Dan to shoot up.

“What the h-h-hey sweetie.” He pulled her into his lap and tickled her in her ticklish spots. She giggled.

“St-stop it!” She said between giggles “Danny!” Dan relented and let the little girl go. She squirmed away and ran out the door. Harry followed her.

“We made you breakfast,” their son, Simon said. Dan and Phil looked at each other. They knew all that was going to be waiting for them in that kitchen was a mess. They sighed. “Come on!” Simon said. “It’s getting cold!” A look of alarm crossed Dan’s face and he ran out to the kitchen. Two small kids plus heat never ended well.

As expected, the entire kitchen was destroyed. There was brown mush sitting in two bowls. And on the counter. And on the walls. Harry sat by Dan’s feet and wagged his tail. Dan sighed. Paige held up a spoon in triumph.

“Try it Danny! It good!” She spooned some more of the mysterious mixture into her mouth.

“Hey, hey, hey,” he said as he rushed over to her. “Don’t eat that!” He took her spoon away and threw it in the sink. Paige looked at him quizzically.

“Why? It chocolate!” Dan sighed and rubbed his temples.

“You can’t have chocolate for breakfast,” Dan said. He looked at the slop and wondered what else was in the mixture. There was no way it was just chocolate. And there was definitely no way he was going to be even attempting to eat whatever it was.

“Why?” Dan was starting to get a headache already. It was too early for Paige’s questions. He loved her to death, but sometimes he just didn’t know how to answer some of her questions. Sometimes it was because he didn’t know the answer, which would only lead to more questions. Sometimes it was because he didn’t think she was old enough to know the answer. Like her favorite question: where do babies come from?

“Because it isn’t good for you.” He went to the cupboard and pulled out the box of her favorite cereal and got her a bowl. “Do you want milk in it?” Paige nodded happily. Dan put Paige in her booster seat and gave her a spoon. He knew she would end up soaked in milk, somehow, but it was better than her eating whatever Simon had made. Dan felt arms wrap around his waist.

“Isn’t this perfect,” Phil whispered into his ear. “I can’t think of a single thing that would make this day better.” Dan smiled.

“Maybe if  our five-year-old hadn’t destroyed the kitchen,” Dan whispered back. Phil kissed Dan’s neck.

“Secrets don’t make friends!” Simon shouted at them.

“But friends make secrets,” Phil playfully shouted back. Phil ran to chase Simon down. Simon shrieked in surprise when Phil got him. Dan laughed.

Of course he couldn’t have everything. Like a kid who didn’t wake up early and destroy his kitchen, but he felt like he was living his best life. He had his perfect husband. Well, almost perfect. Dan still couldn’t get over the fact that Phil left socks everywhere. He’d hoped that would stop once they had kids. He had two beautiful kids, neither of which he would trade for anything (although, he would rather not have to clean the kitchen mess that was all over). His son, destined to be a chef. His daughter and all of her childish pride. Plus, they’d finally gotten the dog they’d always wanted, a corgi. He literally could not think of anything that could make his life any better.

“Danny help!” Simon shrieked. Dan smiled devilishly and decided to help “get” Simon with Phil. Simon shrieked in delight.

[nalufever]

Fairy Tail December Drabbles

I’ve compiled all my December Drabbles, most of which are ‘5-sentencers,’ all featuring my OTP of Nalu, some with a few additional Fairy Tail Characters to round out some of the drabbles. They’re a mix of mostly-canon and mildly ModernAU.

Ice Skating

“You know, I never figured you for the ice skating type,” Lucy shrugged and reached out to boop Natsu on the nose. “You’ve got hidden skills.”

He laughed and grabbed Lucy by the hips, pushing her ahead of himself. She shrieked with mock fear, threatening to pull Natsu’s hair out if he made her fall.

Natsu ignored that, holding his partner closer, whispering into her ear. “Not just at skating, Luce!”

“Yeah?”

Natsu slowed their pace, gliding to a stop at the far end of the rink - away from all the other skaters.

Lucy turned and grinned, mischief and desire an equal mix on her face. “What else are you good at?”

Natsu blinked owlishly - astonished by Lucy’s tone and hands that were busy stroking his shoulders. “Lots of things?”

Lucy played with Natsu’s scarf, tugging his face closer. “Like what?” She laughed and apologized, “Sorry, you’re so cute when you’re flustered!”

Her eyes widened as Natsu smirked. The fire kindling in his eyes made her stomach twist and flip in the most delightful way. Natsu’s feet slipped and he grabbed at Lucy, who reflexively hugged him close.

Feet now steady and voice smug, Natsu bragged, “I’m good at pretending. Didja forget how well I skate, weirdo? We’ll see who gets flustered more.” He bridged the gap between them, connecting his lips to hers. Long minutes passed as they kissed, lost in their own personal wonderland. 

Scarf

Natsu thrust a gilt-wrapped box at Lucy, “This is for you, I’m sorry I destroyed your other one - I couldn’t find one that was close, so I hadda make it myself.”

Lucy pulled back several layers of tissue to reveal a scarf, knitted from glittering white yarn.

She wound it around her neck and smiled. Lucy ignored the uneven stitches and lop-sided fringe, and the fact that it was wider on one end than the other. Natsu had made this for her and she’d treasure it always. 

Frost

“For the last time Natsu, the line isn’t ‘Frosty the idiot’!” Lucy elbowed her partner, stabbing her finger on the printed lyrics. “It’s Frosty the Snowman!”

Natsu grinned and shook his head. “This song is obviously about Gray - it’s got a few details wrong, but 'made of snow’ and all the dancin’ around, pfft, that’s a dead giveaway!” 

Family

A gasp and crash from the bathroom had Natsu racing over and forcing the door open. “Are you okay, Lucy?”

“I will be,” came her shaky reply, “in around nine months - no, make that eight months.”

“Are you telling me what I think you’re telling me?” Lucy yelped as Natsu gathered her in his arms, kissed her cheek and swung her around, “We’re gonna be a family!” 

Blizzard

“Stay right where you are,” Lucy whined, clutching Natsu tighter and snuggled her face on his chest.

“I was just gonna get up to pee, I’ll be right back.”

Lucy nodded reluctantly, allowing Natsu to climb out of bed. “Fine, but you’re gonna have to warm me up again.”

“You’re insatiable, but I like it.” 

Candy Cane 

Natsu dropped the new pair of panties into Lucy’s underwear collection, leaving a corner sticking out. Grinning, he shut the drawer and hollered, “Lucy, I can’t find it!”

“Seriously -” Lucy marched into their bedroom and nudged her boyfriend aside, yanking the drawer open. She stared slack-jawed as she picked up the frilly undies decorated with tiny candy canes.

Natsu blushed, “I wanted you to know I love eating candy canes.”

Cold

Lucy rolled over in bed, flopping into the spot where her personal heater should be - ah, make that Natsu, love of her life. “What’re you doing so early, out of bed?”

“Nothin’, totally not wrapping your Christmas gift,” insisted Natsu, “gimme another minute and I’ll warm you up.”

“But I’m not cold,” Lucy purred, “I’m feeling hot - so get over here and let’s blow off some steam.”

“Hells yeah.” 

Hot Chocolate

Lucy sat and waited on the couch, Natsu had promised to make dinner - including dessert. Who could pass up something like that? The smells coming from the kitchen were amazing. The sizzling meat, roasted garlic and chocolate scents mingled in a mouth-watering way.

><><><><

“That was heavenly, Natsu.”

“Just wait ‘til you taste the cake - you wanna guess what the secret ingredient is?”

Lucy took a bite of the rich chocolate cake, closing her eyes, savoring the flavour. After a long minute she asked, “Chocolate?”

“Pfft, I said 'secret ingredient’ - of course there’s chocolate in there - but what kind?” Natsu could barely restrain himself from wriggling about like a puppy. “Guess again!”

“Coffee?”

“Not a big surprise either, you were the one to tell me about that trick.” Natsu rolled his eyes in an exaggerated display, “Guess again!”

Lucy giggled, “You should just tell me, I’m out of ideas.” She took a sip of her beverage and sighed with pleasure. “You made the most incredible meal though, Natsu.”

“One last guess, and I’ll give you a hint.” Natsu grinned. “Wanna make a bet?”

“Now I’m intrigued,” Lucy sat on the edge of her seat and considered her chances. “Winner takes control?”

“Is there any other bet worth making?”

“Do I still get a hint?” Lucy fluttered her eyelashes and pouted.

Natsu nodded, “Even if I lose I still win - yeah, you can have the hint. The secret ingredient is something we drank with dessert.”

“Wow, way to give it away, Natsu,” Lucy crowed, “Not so much a hint as it was the answer. The secret ingredient was hot chocolate!” In the thrill of winning the bet, she jumped to her feet in celebration. “You’re under my control tonight.”

“Ain’t I always?” Natsu laughed as Lucy dragged him to the bedroom, telling him the dishes could wait - but she couldn’t. 

Snow Day

“Take that!” Lucy threw a snow ball straight and true - tagging Natsu full in the face because he’d whirled around at her gleeful shout. She gasped in horror, “Oh my god, I’m so sorry!”

He spat snow and laughed, scooping up a new round of ammunition, “You’re gonna get it!”

“Yeah -” Lucy giggled, “but right now, it’s a snow day and getting’ it can wait until tonight!” 

Lights

“What’s so important we need to go to your house this late at night?”

Natsu slung an arm around Lucy’s shoulders, “Don’t be so impatient - you’ll see - keep walking.”

“Fine, but…” Lucy gulped - the largest evergreen nearest to Natsu’s house blazed with light, glittering with ornaments and garlands.

“You said one of the things you missed from your childhood was the giant tree your parents decorated,” Natsu scuffed his boot in the snow, “ - this isn’t prolly as nice, but me an’ Happy made all the decorations ourselves, an -”

Lucy launched herself at her boyfriend, peppering his face with kisses, “It’s beautiful, I love it, and I love you.” 

Fireplace

Happy dragged a stocking so big it could be considered a sack, offering it to Lucy with a mischievous grin, “Hang it on the fireplace for me?”

Lucy shook her head but accepted the item, “Don’t expect me to fill this to the top with fish.”

Affronted, Happy slapped his paw on his chest, “Of course not,” his voice lost the shocked tone and became overtly derisive, “Santa fills the Christmas stockings!”

Natsu laughed, “He’s got you there.”

Lucy let a little smile play about her lips, “And if you’re naughty, he fills them with coal.” 

Slippers

Lucy tilted her head and begged for a kiss; Natsu brushed his lips over hers, coaxing a moan from his lover. He cupped her chin and tasted her mouth, tongue gliding - the languorous heat in his blood starting to blaze.

Natsu hoisted Lucy high on his waist - her legs wrapping around him - never stopping kissing. Shuffling backwards, he moved to their bedroom, kicking his slippers into opposite corners. “Time for that ‘quality alone time’ you wanted,” Natsu panted as Lucy nipped at his neck, “-so don’t hold back.” 

Cookies

“Can we make a double batch of cookies?”

“Mmm, sure - or we can make two different kinds,” Lucy offered, “How about some shortbread and sugar cookies?”

Natsu charged into the kitchen and threw on an apron, gathering tools and ingredients. He shouted over his shoulder towards the living room, “Hurry up Lucy - I wanna do it with you!”

Lucy sneaked behind Natsu and pinched his butt, “Cookies first, doin’ it later!” 

Snowflake 

“Don’t move,” Natsu clutched Lucy’s arms and looked over her head, eyes tracking the meandering snowflakes drifting gently down.

“W-what?”

“I’ve never seen one so large or beautiful,” Natsu leaned closer, his eyes suddenly switching to stare into Lucy’s, “But not as beautiful as you.” His cheeks flamed and he continued, “Will you marry me?”

Lucy nodded and then a wide smile bloomed, “Yes.” 

Decorate

“Hand me the silver and blue one next,” Lucy instructed Natsu, “It’s got polka-dots.”

Natsu grabbed the ornament and gave it to Lucy, “When do we put the tree topper on?”

“Soon,” said Lucy, “I have a silly request for when I do, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure,” came Natsu’s reply, “This is our first time to decorate a tree as a couple - so I’m invested in doing this right.”

Lucy turned away from the tree, smiling at Natsu, “I want to turn on the tree lights, hold hands share a kiss - like my parents used to do.” 

Winter

“Lucy, you never look like you’re cold,” said Levy, “here we are in the dead of winter, half a foot of snow on the ground and you’re still wearing crop tops and miniskirts- not to mention that jacket is more decorative than functional.”

A charming blush on her cheeks, Lucy giggled. “Fashion is enough to keep me warm.”

With a sly smile Levy asked, “Is that what you’re calling Natsu these days?”

"Natsu keeps me all fired-up, if you know what I mean."

Stars

Natsu wrapped his arms around Lucy, pulling her into his warmth, nestling his head on her shoulder, “How’d you know there’d be so many stars out tonight?”

“Am I or am I not, the greatest celestial mage you know?” Lucy topped off her words with a giggle, “You don’t know very many celestial mages, but -”

Natsu cut off Lucy with a long, lingering kiss. Pulling away he caressed her cheek, “The biggest, brightest star is always you.”  

Candles

“Lucy, don’t you already own more candles than clothes at this point?” Levy picked up a package of emergency candles and dropped it back into Lucy’s groceries, “Did your landlady turn off the electricity or something?”

“Nothing like that,” Lucy blushed, “Natsu keeps complaining about how strong the scented ones are - and this is going to be his stocking stuffer.”

“Why the red cheeks and sparkle in your eyes?”

“Natsu does some of his best ‘work’ by candlelight.” 

Christmas tree

“Now why do you suppose I had you carry an axe, Natsu?” Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head, “You said you wanted an authentic experience - using an axe is part of the tradition.”

Natsu looked down at the still smoldering tree and back at Lucy, poorly hiding her smile. “You don’t care about that,” Natsu grinned, “you know what I’m like.”

“Still,” Lucy giggled, “I suppose a burned Christmas tree is exactly your style - let’s get it home and decorate!”

Gingerbread

"Lucy, did you make extras?” Natsu chewed and swallowed the rest of the gingerbread man he’d stuffed in his mouth.

“What kind of question is that?”

“An important one, ‘cause these are delicious and I want more!”

Lucy dropped a kiss on the side of Natsu’s head, “Yeah, I made extras.” 

Mistletoe

Cana let out a long, low whistle, “Wow, you guys have gotten pretty bold in a short amount of time.” She walked around the still kissing couple under the mistletoe and poked Natsu on his back. “Times up, there’s other folks who wanna make out in public!”

Lucy pulled away with a pout, “If I know Mira - and I do, there’s more than a dozen balls of mistletoe decorating the guild.”

Cana nodded slowly, “Yeah, but you guys are blocking me from getting inside!” 

White

Lucy accepted the white dove and placed the ornament high on the tree. “This one reminds me of my mom,” Lucy said to Natsu, “always a peace-maker - but if you pissed her off, watch out!”

Natsu dug into Lucy’s collection of second-hand and home-made decorations, selecting a nut-cracker soldier, “Who does this remind you of?”

Lucy grinned and brushed off some the flaking paint, “"Who else but my dad? Rigid and seeking order, but in his heart looking for his balancing better half - my mom.” 

Ribbons

"Oi, ashes-for-brains, you have something in your hair-,” Gajeel snickered, “-tryin’ to look pretty?”

Natsu ignored Gajeel, giving Lucy a wide fang-tipped grin, “We can go eat breakfast somewhere else if you want - it’s kinda noisy and stupid over there.”

Lucy shrugged and made a show of considering her reply. “If Gajeel can’t get over his jealousy that you rock ribbons in your hair better than he ever could - that’s his problem. I did a great job on your braids and we’re not going anywhere.” 

Presents

Natsu grinned, Lucy had fallen asleep on the couch reading. Removing the book from Lucy’s lax hands, Natsu tucked the blanket tighter and kissed her forehead. Now was the best time to wrap and stack her Christmas presents he’d hidden in the back of the closet. He hummed, happier than he could ever remember being - this year was special. This was their first Christmas as a couple and he wanted to treasure every memory. 

Holiday

Natsu tossed a crumpled piece of paper at Lucy, “So, which present did you like the most? Was this the best holiday ever, or what?”

“I’m kinda partial to the one I’m giving you later,” Lucy picked up the missile and fired it back at her boyfriend, giggling as she scored a direct hit. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving, all night, if you know what I mean.” 

Icicles

Natsu broke the icicle overhanging Lucy’s bedroom window, letting it drop once he determined it safe, “Lucy, what sort of reward will you give me?”

“Reward? I could have done that for myself,” Lucy crossed her arms and mock frowned at Natsu. “Actually, I liked how the light made the icicles shine.”

“Heh, I can make you forget all about that,” Natsu advanced on Lucy and kissed her deeply - instantly following through on his promise. 

Snow globe

Natsu took the largest snow globe in Lucy’s collection and polished it before placing it on the end of the display. He shook each one in order, smiling as the fake snow inside swirled and calmed, “One more time?”

Lucy sat up on the couch and coughed, rasping weakly, ‘yes.’

“All right! One more time and then I make you some soup and more tea with honey.” 

Shiver

Lucy hugged Natsu tighter in her sleep. A shiver wracked her body and she mumbled nonsensical words into his chest.  

Natsu petted Lucy’s hair and stroked her back, surrounding Lucy with comforting heat. Pressing a kiss to Lucy’s temple, he began to hum a song. The early morning light was still hours away and Natsu would do his best to soothe Lucy deeper into slumber. 

Evergreen

“Move over a few steps, get right under the evergreen tree.”

Natsu looked at the snow laden branches and then at Lucy, “Did you booby trap this tree or something?”

“As if - what kind of person do you think I am?”

“The kind that vowed vengeance on my sorry ass last night after I won the snowball fight,” Natsu played with the ends of his scarf, “Did I mention how pretty you look today?”

“You worked hard to earn mercy last night in bed, so just smile and let me take a nice picture.” 

Memories

Natsu held Lucy's hands, squeezing gently, thumbs rubbing over her soft skin. He looked at their friends packed into the church and then back into his bride's eyes. "I remember the first time we met as if it were yesterday. I vow to cherish you even more than all our shared memories, in sickness and in health, until death us do part." 

New Year’s Day 

"Make the light go away," Lucy rolled and tugged her blanket over her head - or rather, tried to - the heavy weight of Natsu making it impossible. "I'm never drinking so much ever again. Why'd you let me keep drinking?" 

"Luce, I don't 'let' or 'not let' you to do anything," Natsu said, shifting so his girlfriend could pull the comforter. "New Year's Eve only comes once a year, and from the amount of screaming you did, we both had fun." 

[adisgracetomyrace-blog]

The Haven- Part 8

Dew awoke to the sound of tweets and caws from birds, and her eyes widened at the sight of a huge, multicolored black raptor’s face only inches from hers.

“G-Gah!”

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, it’s just Finny.” Ash said, who Dew now realized was carrying her.

“Y-YOU HAVE A BIRD-” “Shh! Quiet, technically I’m not supposed to be here!” hissed Ash. “But yes, I do. This is Finnegan. I think I heard Lady Red call him a grackle. I have no idea what a grackle is but in my opinion that’s a stupid name for a bird that has shiny feathers-” she said, rubbing the avian’s neck and head as if it were a harmless creature.

“W-why’re we here....?” Dew muttered as a sparrow hopped up and tried to tug at Dew’s sleeve.

“To bust Finny outta here. Oh, and to get him used to you. But you should be fine, he’s dealt with people shorter than me before.” Ash responded, putting Dew on Finnegan’s back. “Just don’t pull too hard on his feathers.”

“W-w-w-wait you ride him, what kind of a borrower are you, we don’t ride birds!” Dew squeaked, hugging onto Finnegan’s neck as Ash brought out her huge x-acto blade and began cutting at the yarn keeping Finny tied to the walls of the area.

“Well, I am what my parents would call, a disgrace to my race. I don’t live in a cult or under the floorboards of some dumb human, I travel freely with Finny and go wherever.” Ash explained, pulling the yarn off as Finnegan trilled in delight. “And I also don’t kill people like the assholes running this place.”

With that, Ash climbed onto Finnegan, and was about to motion for Finnegan to take off before Dew said, “Wait... they’ll catch us too easy.”

“What?”

“If they see anything flying in the sky they’ll be super panicked and everyone will be out for us, but.... if we set free the rest of the sparrows and have several birds flying throughout the Haven.....”

Ash and Dew silently looked around, before Ash climbed off of Finnegan and brought out her x-acto blade.

“Don’t kill either of them- Bring them both back alive to me.” Lady Red hissed. “I want to make sure that damned little brat suffers and I will personally make sure she does!”

“Okay, but what about Ash, then?” Flicker inquired.

“Bring her to me as well, and I’ll teach her some manners or two about who’s in charge. Besides, she’s just my type, I don’t want to kill her. Just instill terror into her and abuse her a bit.” she explained casually.

It was then Clawface poked his head through the curtains. “Lady Red, please don’t be mad at me.”

“Oh I swear on all that is holy if Geoffrey’s back to complain about the Ash incident again-”

“No, no, it’s not Geoffrey. ...It’s worse.” Clawface said, before exiting as quickly as possible before Lady Red could take out her anger on him once she looks outside the window.

“What do you mean by that?” Lady Red snarled, about to follow him until she heard several bird calls from her window. “What on earth...?”

As she approached the window, Flicker took the opportunity to slink out and retreat to hide with Clawface. He was halfway down the stairs before he heard Lady Red shriek and pull her chandelier made of glass beads onto the floor in anger.

“GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!!” she roared, knocking several trinkets over as Flicker quickened his pace to the safety spot behind the stairs made of boxes. “GUARDS!!!”

“So, do you know a way outta here?”

“Wh- no! If I did, my parents and I would’ve escaped, alive, and unharmed ages ago! Now they’re just burnt corpses in an alleyway and-”

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

The two were silent for a moment, looking down upon the city made of boxes and cans and empty guitars and other items now erupting into chaos just because of a few sparrows rampaging around town.

...Okay, they might’ve released more than a few sparrows.

Dew and Ash might’ve set about 20 sparrows free before they lost count.

“I think if we go to Lady Red’s place, we might find the exit.” Dew suddenly said.

“What? Are you insane?”

“She and her guards are probably out looking for you and dealing with sparrows, they won’t expect us there.”

“.....You might be right about that....” Ash muttered.

“Besides, if we break in, we could snoop around to find any maps and whatnot.”

“....Ugh, fine.” hissed Ash, nudging Finnegan with her right foot to cue him to fly to the right.

Once they arrived, Finnegan forced his way through the open window carved out from the wooden box Lady Red’s main office was set up in, and Ash and Dew hopped off to start tearing apart the room in search of items.

“What’re we looking for, exactly?” Ash asked, tossing out some beads and clothing.

“Some maps or blueprints.” Dew responded, scanning through Lady Red’s papers at her desk.

“Okay, uh... what do those look like?”

“..You don’t know what a map is?!” Dew gasped, peering up from the desk’s edge.

“I know how to kill a mouse in 5 different ways without hurting myself, do you think I can afford to know what a map is when I literally live outside?!”

“Ugh- listen, it has pictures on it! Pictures and words!” Dew hissed, diving back down to pull out papers.

“I have no idea what a picture is-”

“ASH!”

Suddenly, Dew heard footsteps and the sound of a curtain being drawn back. “Lady Re- OH MY GOODNESS!” a female voice exclaimed.

Dew peered up and Ash glanced over her shoulder to see a female servant staring in horror at the sight of the overweight, now wanted rebel, the dirty and pale child, both rummaging through her boss’ stuff, and an over sized black sparrow with piercing yellow eyes staring straight at her.

“G-Guards! Guards!” she cried, fleeing the room.

“Hey hey hey HEY!” Ash snarled, running after the lady and tackling her.

“....It’s probably better this way.” Dew muttered, going back to glancing at papers for maps that her mother could’ve written. Her eyes widened as she pulled back another one of Lady Red’s weird drawings of Clawface and Flicker without clothes on, and she found herself staring at the map. “Oh my gosh- O-oh my gosh! Ash! Ash!” she exclaimed, clambering onto the desk and jumping off of it.

“I found it, I found the map!” Dew said as she walked in on Ash raising the woman above her head. “I- ....What are you doing.”

“....Throw her into the water down below.” Ash responded.

“What?”

“Hey, it won’t kill her! It’s just water!”

Dew rushed over to the edge, and gasped as the lower levels were filled with rising water. “O-oh my gosh, no...! We started a flood!”

“What?”

“The lower ranking guards maintain the water levels to make sure the Haven doesn’t flood! But with the guards dealing with the sparrows and trying to find you..!”

Ash’s eyes widened as she realized the severity of the situation. “...O-Oh fuck.”

“We have to get out of here!” she exclaimed, pointing back to Finnegan in Lady Red’s office.

“Okay, okay, I’m on it!” Ash exclaimed, before throwing the servant into the water and running behind Dew.

As she did, she heard the sound of footsteps pounding behind her, and she shrieked as she saw Clawface and Flicker rushing towards her.

“Fuck!” she yelped as Clawface grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to the ground. Meanwhile, Flicker leaped over Ash to deal with Dew and Finnegan.

“C’mon, Ash, we got-” Dew broke off with a gasp as she saw Flicker enter the room, with Clawface and Ash wrestling behind him.

“Hello, little child.....” Flicker wheezed, Dew trembling and backing away into the wall. Finnegan cawed and charged at him with his talons, knocking Flicker down, but Flicker drew out a knife and began to slash into the dark colored bird. Drops of blood splattered onto the wood, and Finnegan backed away, screeching in pain with his head held down.

Dew realized what had happened once she saw the blood pooling around Finnegan’s lowered head. Flicker had gotten Finnegan in the eye.

“Oh, how it’s always little childish bastards like you who cause such a mess...” Flicker snarled, pulling out a match from his belt. “Lady Red told me to keep you alive, but honestly.... She won’t torture you enough. She’s never heard the screams of a borrower or a human burning alive as their body’s consumed by the flames...” And with that, he struck the match.

“No, no no no no no, no, please...!” Dew whimpered, backed away into a corner now.

“Let’s see where to start the fire.... How about your pretty hair?” he snarled, grabbing her and yanking her closer to him. “After all, a dirty little street child has more flammable hair than a human child.... That’d be a great place to start. It’ll spread from your hair, to your face, to the rest of your body....”

Dew was sobbing uncontrollably as Flicker lowered the match closer and closer to her, feeling the heat of the gently bobbing flame increase. Then, suddenly, she heard the sound of talons clicking on wood behind her, and Flicker cried out in pain as Finnegan charged beak-first into him.

Flicker released his grip, and Dew pulled back, noticing he had dropped the match and the fire was starting in the corner Dew had previously been in. The fire, like a snake, slowly began to spread and slither about the walls and objects of the room. Dew, bathed in the flame’s glorious light, crawled away from it, and stared in concern as Finnegan remained by the fire, still bleeding heavily from his right eye. Until she noticed Finnegan had his foot pinned down on Flicker, refusing to let him up.

He was waiting for him to be consumed by the fire.

The air was filled with blood curdling screams as the flames reached Flicker’s body, and Finnegan backed away, knocking a rather heavy box onto Flicker to keep him held down. With that, he turned to look at Dew with his left eye, and ushered her out of the room, nudging the trembling child with his beak.

Once there, they had noticed Ash and Clawface still wrestling on the ground. Except Ash was on the bottom and she appeared to be holding Clawface’s knife away, which was inches from Ash’s face.

Finnegan charged forward and grabbed Clawface by the arm, ripping him off of Ash with extreme strength neither Dew nor Ash could imagine a bird could possess. Clawface was flung off of the edge, and fell onto one of the levels far down, down below not yet flooded. Ash hesitantly crawled to the edge and peered down to see if he was going to spring back up to try to kill her.

Then, the railing holding him up (composed of string, mind you) broke underneath his weight, and he fell face-down into the water with the servant still helplessly wading in the water. She tried to sit him up, until she felt his pulse, and she shrieked.

Clawface was dead.

Now, with the sounds of shrieking from down below and Flicker dying in their ears, Ash grabbed Dew and placed her on Finnegan’s back, followed by Ash. “W-we’ve got to get out of here...”

“I have the map,” Dew responded, showing Ash the now crumpled wad of paper.

“G-good.... C’mon Finny, let’s fly.” Ash whispered, stroking the grackle’s feathers. The bird approached to a balcony, and was about to take off until a guard from below shot at him, making Finnegan screech in pain again as he was hit in the wing.

“Back up, back up!” Ash hissed, as they re-entered the safety of the building. “Shit, okay okay okay, new plan, new plan, we’re just gonna... keep going up.” Ash responded, jumping off and leading Finnegan up to the higher levels, to avoid the fire, the smoke, the rising water, and the shrieks of that servant.