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scarletwitchproperty · 17 days ago

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Your eyes whispered have we met? - Chapter 6 (epilogue)

Pairing: Taylor Swift x Fem!OC

Words: 5,2k

Summary: It's the first night of the Eras Tour and something magical happens

Warnings: none (okay no maybe that's a lie I almost gave Tree a heart attack in this with Taylor and OC almost doing it in front of her lmao the poor woman)

masterlist

The End Of All The Endings (She knelt to the ground and said…)

‘’Are you sure about this Taylor?’’

‘’Of course I am, why wouldn’t I be?’’

‘’It’s just…it doesn’t look safe at all. I’m worried about you!’’

Four months. It’s been four glorious months since you met your soulmate, your Lover, the Queen of your Heart, your everything.

You got to know one another pretty quickly the days following that fateful Sunday, going on dates like any normal couple would do. Taylor took you to her favorite restaurants in the city, and more often than not she would also drag you along to her recording studio. You love these private moments the best, being able to listen to her enchanting voice away from prying eyes. Often times you record Taylor in front of her mic, completely bewitched by the passion she showcases each and every time she performs any of her song for you.

You met the rest of her family and friends on her birthday three months ago, which was an event in and of itself. Andrea had been nothing but sweet to you, and although Scott had looked at you with narrowed eyes at first it didn’t take long for him to warm up to you. Taylor’s brother acted as though he knew you since forever, telling you embarrassing childhood memories about the singer every chance he could. Taylor acted like it bothered her to no end, but you knew otherwise.

Robin had insisted that you invite Taylor and her parents over at her house for Christmas Day, telling you that it would be a good opportunity for all the in laws to meet. Your soulmate’s parents loved the idea, and now you knew where Taylor’s love language came from, because the way Andrea’s car was half full of presents for your nephews wasn’t even funny. As you predicted, Taylor fell in love with little James the first time she laid eyes on him. The little boy even had that weird but cute phase a month ago where he refused to sleep anywhere else other than in Taylor’s arms, but it all came to a stop the day you blasted Wonderland from your phone and the baby fell asleep on the couch. It was then discovered that while James loved your soulmate, it was the sound of her voice that lulled him to sleep. It still didn’t prevent Taylor from bragging about it to everyone. Even to Tree.

It was, of course, inevitable that pictures of you would start circulating all over the internet. You were aware that it was a possibility, but the day you saw a man standing outside your daycare with his gigantic camera filming your every move was the day you clearly lost your shit. That was a complete breech of privacy and the children didn’t deserve this, nor did you. If not for the countless bodyguards Taylor had patrolling around the block the man would be six feet underground, and you were sure the remains of his camera could still be found where you crushed it with all your strength on the street that day. Serves him right!

However, the thing that surprised you the most was that Taylor’s fans, the Swifties, defended you on the internet every chance they could. Someone tried to badmouth you in a video? Comments immediately flooded by angry swifties. Another tries to belittle you when they find out where you work? Best be sure someone would find out their name, address, phone number and place of work faster than you could blink and send it all to their boss, effectively getting them fired. Of course there were still those whom were less than supportive of your relationship with Taylor, but those who were supportive held a special place in your heart.

Speaking of Taylor’s fans, you could hear all seventy thousands of them talking and screaming out in the stadium, waiting for your soulmate to come on stage for her first ever show of her new world tour, The Eras Tour.

To say that you didn’t cry tears of joy when Taylor told you she was going on tour for more than a year would be a lie. You were so happy for her, glad that all her hard work would finally pay off. Although she didn’t tell you which song she would put on the set list, you know it’s going to be amazing to see. Simply looking at her sitting next to you in her pink and blue bodysuit as well as her brand new knee-high boots made you loose your mind.

Now the hazardous contraption meant to transport her unnoticed for the beginning of the show was another thing.

‘’But babe what if you die in that thing? What am I going to tell the kids?’’

‘’Darling don’t be so dramatic,’’ Taylor says as she holds you against her, head over yours. ‘’Olivia, Meredith, Benjamin and Bailey will be okay. They’ll have their second mom with them if I die.’’

‘’TAYLOR!’’

‘’What? They love you more than me anyway! But seriously Charlie, I’ll be okay. I promise,’’ your soulmate kisses you on the nose and you finally relax. You know it’s a bit childish of you to worry about something like this, because no one on Taylor’s team would allow her to do something stupid and/or dangerous (you still had doubts). ‘’It’s just a cleaning cart, and look! There’s a blanket at the bottom, and I’ll be sitting on it the whole time. You can even walk next to it before they bring you to the tent, alright? You won’t get rid of me that easily.’’

‘’Tay I love you too much to even think about getting rid of you.’’

‘’Say that again?’’

‘’I love you Taylor, forever and always.’’

Taylor kisses you then, her lips taking control of yours, but before it can go further like it usually does when you’re alone together and your soulmate gets too into it, someone clears their throat behind you. You almost yank yourself away from Taylor but she keeps the kiss going for another ten second before she releases you with a smirk upon her face.

‘’There, something to make you think of me for the next three and a half hours,’’ Taylor declares, giving you one last kiss on the cheek. She winks at you before she gets up and turns towards the redhead whom interrupted you. ‘’You couldn’t let me have this one moment with my soulmate did you?’’

‘’Taylor, you know as well as I do that you can’t miss your entrance, it’s the first night of your Tour, it must be perfect,’’ Tree, the woman of the hour, says as she waves at you. The publicist had made it clear at the very beginning of your relationship that she didn’t appreciate Taylor’s little stunt of not listening to her directives, but she was also smart enough to recognize that it was a little bit harsh to command the singer to stay away from you for months. Tree also quickly became one of your favorite people in the world, the main reason being that she was ready to ride at dawn for Taylor in the blink of an eye. ‘’Come on Taylor, get inside the damn cleaning cart. The sooner you get to the stage the sooner my headache will go away.’’

‘’Awww, are you saying I’m the solution to all your problems?’’

‘’You wish,’’ Tree rolls her eyes and turns to you. ‘’Your family is safe and waiting for you. Theo insisted that I tell you to hurry up, as he wants to ‘watch aunty TayTay singing on stage with aunty Charlie next to me or I’ll be mad at her forever’. I would do what he says, just to be sure.’’

You put your earplugs in your ear before anything else, observing with apprehension as Taylor gets in the cleaning cart. You’re able to see her smile up close one last time before one of her staff member closes the door and you’re all off.

Outside, the sound is almost deafening. Despite your earplugs being in, you can still hear the thousands of fans screaming and singing along to the music that’s playing before Taylor gets on. Some of them notice you walking behind the cleaning cart, confused but happy to see you there nonetheless. You put a finger over your mouth, winking at them and pointing to the cleaning cart with your other hand, laughing as you hear quite a few Swifties shouting ‘’OH MY GOD TAYLOR! TAYLOR’S IN THERE YOU GUYS!’’. You did help them in figuring it out, but honestly how they guessed it so quick is incredible.

Once you arrive behind the scene and away from prying eyes, Taylor finally gets out of her deathtrap. You swiftly jump onto her and the singer is all too pleased to let you do so, squeezing your backside as you wrap your legs around her waist.

‘’You’re alive thank gods!’’

‘’Honestly you’re just being dramatic darling,’’ Taylor whispers against your neck, pressing her lips against your skin. You shiver as you feel the ghost of her tongue tracing a pattern up and down your neck, a pleasurable pain radiating from it as Taylor bites down on your skin. She reaches your lips and proceeds to give you one of her special breath stealing kiss, teeth trapping your lower lip as she lets you down from her. ’’Now off you go. If you look for me, I’ll be the one in the sparkly outfits!’’

‘’Love you Taylor!’’

‘’Love you too Charlie!’’

Tree rolls her eyes at you when you join her, acting like she’s horrified by your display of affection but you know she secretly loves seeing Taylor so happy with you. There is a clock on the giant screen when you walk out, and Tree starts cursing under her breath as she urges you on. The security guards around you keep people from getting too close as you get to the VIP tent, but a teenager with her hand held towards you catches your eye. She has her arms full of friendship bracelets, a new tradition from Taylor’s fans that you love, and when you lock eyes with her something clicks in your head.

Despite Tree’s slight protest you go towards the exited teen, your own hand full of one of the many friendship bracelets Taylor helped you make. You hand it to her as she gives you one of hers, tears of happiness running down her face.

‘’OH MY GOD THANK YOU! We love you so much!’’ The teen shouts, showing of her new bracelet to her friend next to her. ‘’Mia look! Oh my god thank you so much again! Exile is my favorite one from Folklore, how did you know?!’’

‘’Just a hunch,’’ you answer with a smile and a wink. You see her hesitantly looking down at her phone. ‘’Do you want a picture maybe? It’s okay if you do, we have approximately…a little more than one minute until Taylor comes out.’’

‘’YES PLEASE!’’

The picture gets taken, and when you hand the girl’s phone back to her you sneakily whisper in her ear.

‘’Take care of that bracelet or Taylor will be very much upset you’ve lost one of her creation.’’

Tree drags you away with all her strength, the girl’s screams of surprise and joy still echoing in your ears as you reach yours and Taylor’s families. Andrea and Scott both give you a hug when they see you, quickly letting you go when you hear your best friend shouting your name.

‘’BESTIE FINALLY! Where the heck were you?!’’

You go to answer Sam but your best friend quickly cuts you off, laughing as she points to your neck.

‘’You know what? Forget I asked, it was a stupid question anyway,’’ Sam keeps laughing as your entire face turns red, acutely aware of Taylor’s parents watching over you and the apparent hickey on your neck. ‘’ALEX! You owe me fifty bucks for this! I told you she was late because they were fuck-‘’

‘’HUSH!’’ Try as you might, everyone in the VIP tent heard Sam. Even your own sister was laughing at you, the traitor. ‘’Must you always bet on us like that?’’

‘’What can I say? With these kinds of bets, I always win,’’ Sam answers with a wink, throwing her arm over your shoulder. She gives you a kiss on the cheek as she steers you towards your sister and the rest of your family. ‘’But you love me anyway Charlie. And Taylor does too, that’s why it’s easy to guess where you are and what you’re doing if you’re not with us.’’

‘’…are we really that predicable?’’

‘’Sweetie, you two were literally late for Christmas because Taylor couldn’t get her hands off of you,’’ you hear your mother say. She hugs you too, ruffling your hair in the process. ‘’She had her shirt inside out, and you were missing a sock.’’

‘’You were barely able to walk too.’’

‘’GET IT GIRL!’’

‘’SAM SHUT UP!’’

Suddenly the crowd goes wild and your eyes are inevitably drawn to the stage. The clock has reached its final seconds, and when it slowly disappears from the screen even you can’t help but share in everyone’s excitement. You hold your breath as the introduction starts, the dancers getting on stage with their gigantic colorful props. When one of them bends down with his giant prop touching the stage, your heart skips a beat because you have a pretty good feeling about what’s about to happen.

‘’GET IT AUNTY TAY TAY!’’ Theo screams when all the other dancers join the first one. His bright little mind apparently reached the same conclusion as you. ‘’I’m so excited!’’

Taylor appears on stage in her jaw-dropping bodysuit, capturing your heart all over again as she starts singing her seventh track of her seventh album. You must look like a fool as you stand there with tears running down your face, eyes glued upon your soulmate moving along to her own music. Everyone around you is either singing or dancing while your mind is still processing what it’s seeing.

You’re perfectly aware of your family filming your reaction to the show, can even see some of the fans doing the same, yet the tears won’t stop. Months ago you were living a normal life, in your cozy little apartment with your cat and going to work everyday, hoping and praying that one day your soulmate would show up.

And show up she did, stealing your body and soul as soon as she was able to get her hands on you. Taylor loves you, as you do her.

‘’Aunty Charlie are you crying?’’ Theo’s little voice asks you when Taylor is done singing You Need To Calm Down. You feel your nephew’s arms wrap around your waist as your soulmate gets handed a pink guitar. ‘’Are you sad because aunty Tay Tay is far away from you?’’

‘’I’m very much happy right now Theo,’’ you answer as you take him in your arms. ‘’I know she’ll get back to me before the night ends, and this is very much important to her. Do you understand that sweet boy?’’

‘’I think…’’

Theo suddenly gets this mischievous little smile upon his face as he turns his eyes back on Taylor.

‘’I think this night is very much important for aunty TayTay too.’’

‘’Of course it is Theo, it’s her first show of-‘’

‘’No! She wants to ask you to-humph!’’

Your sister is quick to cover your nephew’s mouth, glaring at him as if he was about to say something he shouldn’t. You get the feeling that it might as well be the case here, observing the way Robin is silently communicating with Theo. The little boy glances at Taylor on stage, then back at you, then once again at Taylor.

‘’I’m sorry mommy, I almost ruined it.’’

You don’t linger on this much longer as you hear Taylor say your name. She’s playing some chords on her guitar and you can feel her eyes boring into you from all the way up there on stage. The huge screen at her back even has your blushing face displayed for the entire stadium to see.

‘’I wrote this next song long before we met and I want the whole stadium…what am I saying, I want the whole world to know that from this moment and for the rest of our life I’ll sing it for you. Forever and always Charlie, remember?’’

The crowd goes wild again as Taylor sings the first lyrics to Lover but you’re still stuck on her very public declaration to you. Yes, she made a social media announcement about you two being together, yet somehow this right there felt like so much more. The whole time she keeps looking at you, her lips moving along to her lyrics, telling a story to the crowd while her eyes convey something of a deeper meaning to you.

You don’t stop crying when The Archer starts, not even when Theo jumps into your arms at the beginning of the Fearless era part of the show, screaming along to the song of the same name. The only thing able to bring you back to your normal self is Taylor once again saying your name at the end of Love Story and blowing a kiss your way.

‘’Are you feeling big feelings right now aunty Charlie?’’

‘’I-I think I am little man,’’ you whisper as you hug your nephew hard against you. Theo is holding onto you like a koala to its tree, little eyes jumping from you, to the stage, to the crowd and back to you again. ‘’I love her so much.’’

‘’Awww me too, I love her,’’ Theo admits, and you laugh. Your nephew starts playing with the bracelets around your wrists just as you recognize the first notes to Willow. ‘’Do you think I can sneak on stage with aunty TayTay?’’

‘’You could certainly try.’’ One glare from your sister makes you backtrack immediately. ‘’Although maybe that’s not such a good idea. There’s a lot of people on stage, you could fall and hurt yourself you know?’’

The rest of the show goes by and the more you see of Taylor performing, the more you think that your life and hers especially couldn’t get any better. You quite literally start drooling when the Reputation set starts, knees trembling all throughout …Ready For It?, admiring her red and black snake outfit. It sticks to her body like a second skin, and there comes a moment when your mind goes ‘’Damn, this would be a pain in the ass to get off of her…but so worth it.’’ and it must’ve shown on your face because the next thing you know Sam is smirking at you as her wife, Alex, keeps filming your face diligently.

When Delicate comes the entire stadium shouts the iconic chant to the song, and you know it shouldn’t surprise you yet it did, because Theo shouts the words right along with everyone. Your nephew is gleefully laughing afterwards, singing and dancing along to the rest of the song.

The transition between Don’t Blame Me and Look What You Made Me Do literally brings you to your knees. Taylor knows exactly what she’s doing, her electric blue eyes looking for you in the dark and smirking once she does find you. She moves this way and that, hitting high notes after high notes like it’s the easiest thing one could do in the world.

Before you know it the Speak Now, Red, Folklore and 1989 sets are over. Your eyes are still glued upon the stage where Taylor disappeared, cheeks red and sweat dripping down your back from all the dancing you just did. However a frown is quick to appear on your face when you notice a group of security guards walking towards the VIP tent.

‘’Andrea, do you know what’s happening?’’ You ask, confused. Taylor’s mother simply shrugs, acting like she is as clueless as you are. Yet you see it, the same glint in the older woman’s eyes that Taylor gets before she’s about to do something either stupid or completely mind-blowing. ‘’You know something. What is it?’’

‘’I’m not aware of anything.’’

‘’Come on, you’re just messing with me now and I just want to k-‘’

‘’Miss Walker? If you could follow us quickly,’’ one man amongst the security says as they stop in front of you. You just look at them with your eyes wide open, not knowing what to do with yourself. The man sighs. ‘’Please? The boss lady is waiting for you on stage.’’

‘’W-What for?’’

‘’We are not allowed to tell you, I’m sorry.’’

Damn you Taylor, trying to make me pass out aren’t you?

You do as you’re told, but not before you try and fail to make your nephew let go of you. Theo stubbornly stays glued to your body when Robin tries to get him back, stating high and loud that he wants to stay with you or he’ll scream ‘bloody murder’. You just shake your head at your sister and make your way backstage.

People put you on a platform to raise you up on the stage, not unlike Taylor for her 1989 set earlier. Your heart is beating wildly inside your ribcage, Theo squeezing you with all his might being the only reason you’ve not sent yourself into a full blown panic attack.

‘’Welcome to the acoustic session!’’

The stadium erupts into more cheers if that was even possible. You’re able to hear your soulmate talk about this fun new little tradition that she decided to add for the Eras Tour, and before you know it the platform your nephew and you are on starts moving up.

‘’Now before you hear the song I chose for you tonight, I actually have a very special guest coming here with me on stage! Would you mind giving a round of applause for my amazing soulmate Charlie? Yeah, come on!’’

There is a spotlight tracking your every move when you finally appear on stage, and as a reflex more than anything you turn your head away from the light as well as shield Theo’s eyes from it.

‘’Well, it looks like we might be getting two special guests tonight!’’ Taylor says into her mic, watching as you stay rooted to your spot. ‘’Little man do you mind telling your aunt that she actually needs to stand before me if she wants her surprise?’’

‘’YES AUNTY TAYTAY!’’ Theo screams right into your ear. The stadium erupts into a chorus of ‘Awwwww’ as your nephew jumps down from you and proceeds to drag you towards Taylor. He makes you sit down on the piano stool before assaulting your soulmate with a hug around her waist. ‘’Look I did it TayTay! Are you proud of me?’’

‘’Of course I am Theo!’’ Taylor tells your nephew, ruffling his hair as her mouth nears her mic once again. Her eyes are on you through it all, even as she addresses the crowd. ‘’It’s been a long time since I played this one on the guitar, so I ask that you forgive me if I mess the lyrics up a little, yeah?’’

There’s a smirk and ten seconds of notes on the guitar later you immediately recognize the song even before the lyrics come.

Our secret moments in your crowded room

They got no idea about me and you

There is an indentation in the shape of you

Made your mark on me, a golden tattoo

Taylor’s goddamn smirk is still on her face while yours turns red from her words. Theo is back at your side, clueless about the state you’re in and oblivious to the actual meaning of the song he’s singing along to.

All of this silence and patience, pining in anticipation

My hands are shaking from holding back from you

There are no words to describe what you feel right now. You’ve heard this one before, of course you did, but hearing it live compared to your home speakers are two completely different experiences.

Say my name and everything just stops

I don't want you like a best friend

Only bought this dress so you could take it off

Take it off

Carve your name into my bedpost

'Cause I don't want you like a best friend

Only bought this dress so you could take it off

Take it off

To be fair she did buy you a gorgeous dress a few days ago, and she did take it off of you…

Inescapable, I'm not even gonna try

And if I get burned, at least we were electrified

I'm spilling wine in the bathtub

You kiss my face and we're both drunk

Everyone thinks that they know us

But they know nothing about

Oh you were definitely going to tell her both of your families are perfectly aware that you were late to Christmas because Taylor was too busy doing…well, you.

"How'd we end up on the floor anyway?" You say

"Your roommate's cheap-ass screw-top rosé, that's how"

I see you every day now

Did she just-?

And I chose you

The one I was dancin' with

In New York, no shoes

Looked up at the sky and it was

Yes she did. Even your earplugs couldn’t save you from the deafening sounds of the stadium recognizing the mashup for what it was, Dress x Maroon. You still don’t know why Taylor wanted you on stage for this, yet you’re grateful that you get to experience it from up close. A part of you also wonders if Taylor planned this just to see the blush rising on your face in front of all these people.

The burgundy on my T-shirt when you splashed your wine into me

And how the blood rushed into my cheeks, so scarlet, it was

The mark you saw on my collarbone, the rust that grew between telephones

The lips I used to call home, so scarlet, it was maroon

Taylor turns to the crowd, winking to a few of her fans as she continues singing. Her ever permanent trademark smirk upon her face lets you know she’s perfectly aware of your current state. You have this big smile on your face with a hand over your heart, your other unoccupied hand playing with the necklace Taylor gifted you all those months ago.

And I wake with your memory over me

That's a real fucking legacy

There is an indentation in the shape of you

You made your mark on me, golden tattoo

Only bought this dress so you could take it off

And I…

You did not realize but Taylor had this tiny black mic-like thing attached to her dress. How did you notice it?

Your eyes were simply unashamedly checking out your soulmate as she was now walking over to you, talented hands continuing to play the guitar. Theo was especially squirmy at your side, jumping up and down as Taylor got closer to you.

In your mind your soulmate would just sit down next to you as she finishes her song, it certainly looked like it. And yet…

Taylor kneels to the floor right in front of you and the entire world stops.

Love you to the moon and to Saturn

You could hear a pin drop as the whole stadium waited in anticipation for Taylor’s next move, all watching as she put her guitar down on the floor and reached inside a hidden pocket on her dress. Taylor was steady on her knee as she retrieved what she was looking for, a tiny red velvet box.

Her eyes once again upon you, Taylor smiles as she notices the wonderstruck look on your face. It doesn’t escape her that you have yet to say a single word. But maybe that’s just it, because she knows sometimes you find yourself incapable of uttering a single word, brain thinking ten thousand miles a minutes while your mouth refuses to relay your thoughts.

And that’s okay, because your soulmate knows. She always does.

‘’I know when one has to ask this very specific and important question, there is technically this whole speech that you have to prepare, but I find myself thinking that I don’t even need one,’’ Taylor says as she opens the tiny box containing the most beautiful ring you’ve ever seen. You briefly glance at it, tearful eyes quickly going back to your soulmate’s face. ‘’Us two are inevitable. We are soulmates, destined to spend the rest of our lives together. You’re the best thing that’s ever been mine, so why not make it official? Would you make me the happiest person on earth and be my wife?’’

Tears immediately go down your cheeks. You want to move, do something, literally anything to make Taylor understand that your answer is very much in the positive. But your body betrays you, staying still with this gobsmacked look upon your face.

Theo doesn’t seem to be able to wait any longer than is strictly necessary, as before you know it your nephew is shaking your body like a leaf.

‘’Aunty Charlie stop gay panicking for aunty Taylor and answer her!’’

‘’YEAH! What the little boy said!’’

‘’Come on say yes!’’

‘’Don’t let her get away from you!’’

‘’Get a grip and marry her!’’

‘’You two love each other!’’

‘’BLOODY SAY YES WOMAN!’’

Taylor ever so gently puts her hand over your cheek, gently wiping some of your tears away with her thumb. She looks into your eyes, electric blues searching for what she is sure to find. Her hand stills at your neck and it is only then that you find enough strength to nod, if only a little.

Relief surges through your soulmate as she stands up, dragging you with her, and before all Taylor kisses you with everything that she has. You gasp as her tongue invades your mouth, surrendering yourself over to your one true love like you’ve done it the millions of times before then. Taylor’s hand grasps your thigh to get you to come closer to her, the need to feel you right up against her higher than it ever was before.

Before long and at your own protest, Taylor lets you go with a last searing kiss on your lips. Your legs are barely able to support your own body when the singer sits down at her piano stool and make you straddle her. Gently, as if you were the most precious thing on earth, Taylor carefully slides the ring on your finger.

‘’You can’t get rid of me now darling,’’ Taylor whispers to you. She grins as you laugh, hiding your face in the crook of her neck. ‘’Thank you for loving me Charlie, I could never be myself without you.’’

‘’You’re the Queen of my Heart, how could I ever let you go?’’

No matter what people thought about you, no matter what others might think about you, because in this moment nothing was more important. The world could burn for all you cared, and as Taylor kisses you once again in front of her sold-out stadium, you know you would do anything for her. As she would for you.

You are her beginning, as she is your ending.

a/n: so there it is, the ending of my pride and joy, my baby, the story my friend waited weeks to know the ending of (started writing it mid April of this year and finished it early July). Hope you enjoyed! (I know I did)

#taylor swift #taylor swift x oc #surprise song #taylor swift x reader #wlw

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dehydrated-turtle · 2 months ago

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The Robin Returns to The Nest...

//warnings// mention of blood and gore, trauma, death, depictions of panic attacks

//contents// Bruce Wayne & Jason Todd, angst, fluff, bruce being a good dad, dick being a good big brother - wc: 7.4k

//synopsis// What if Jason had never wandered around? What if he was planted in the Wayne family plot which is right near the manor so he just wandered home? What if Alfred had found him and brought him to Bruce? What then?

//a/n// this is totally not what I normally post so i am sorry for that but ive been working on this for a while now and i really felt compelled to write it. its not smut so dont worry, its super fluffy and kinda sad also, enjoy!!

//on ao3//

In the midst of the night, darkness finds a home in Gotham’s crevices like it feels it’s safe there, making it all the more dangerous. And rain covers the streets and floods the grass, if there is any to be found. The harsh droplets find themselves pattering atop a gravestone in the infamous Wayne family plot that has just found its new resident, the young but late Jason Todd. That certain smell of rain filled the air and the striking sound of thunder in the distance scared off small rodents and dogs in the city, miles away. A heavy feeling of dread and yet sorrow was strewn across the city, as it normally is but in these past few months the epicentre of these feelings was Bruce Wayne himself, hiding away in his palace of bats, deep underground, away from anyone that could hurt him anymore than he already was.

A small glimmer of hope shone purple six feet under that gave the young boy life once more. We all know how this story goes. With all his injuries still in place and no clue where he was, young Jason frantically awoke, screaming bloody murder and begging for his father to come save him only for no one to hear his pleas. His instincts and years of training came to good use, clawing his way out of his own casket with his belt buckle and bare hands, tearing away at the skin of his fingers and peeling back his own finger nails just to be free. The fresh air reached his hand and soon his face, the feeling of the cold rain was rejuvenating against his bloody and torn flesh as it mixed with the salty tears dripping from his eyes. Barely able to breathe, he hoisted himself out of his grave and tried to stand. Running off pure adrenaline from getting out, still in a daze and not quite sure what was happening, he went where he knew, home.

He wandered the familiar path where he once accompanied Bruce on some occasions to his parents’ final resting place just to hold Bruce’s hand as he wept. He passed Martha and Thomas’ grave while getting to the gates which were conveniently unlocked, looks like the groundskeeper had been slacking. He trudged his heavy legs along the muddy path to Wayne Manor, almost asleep and struggling to stay on his feet, falling in and out of consciousness and gripping his many broken ribs. The moon’s light illuminated his path from its place in the sky just above the manor, leading the way back home.

Of course Jason had known every way to get into Gotham’s Castle, he had his favourites as well. Finding the closest passage was not hard, for his muscle memory led the way. It wasn’t long before he had entered the manor and was met by a welcoming warmth, pleasing to the contrast of the bone chilling crispness of Gotham’s night. The low and yellow illumination from the manor’s lights welcomed him with a warm embrace and feeling of home as he walked the halls, looking for anyone to notice him and too tired and hurt to scream out for help. He eventually stumbled into Bruce’s study, hoping he’d be there but he was met with an empty room. He was trying not to cry as it simply hurt too much but the tears got the better of him as he sat on one of the luxurious sofas. He curled into himself as he bled out onto the expensive fabric, the only thing he could think before he fell asleep was how Bruce would be mad he ruined the priceless fabric on the one of a kind sofa.

* * * * *

The Bat cried alone in the solitude of his own making, cold tears falling on the keys to his comically large computer that served him no purpose other than to bury himself in his work. He had been working case after case with no end in sight for the past six months just to get away from the suffocating feeling of grief that he knew all too well. This time, it was worse because it was his son, a friend that he had grown to love in the four short years of knowing him, someone who he felt responsible for and legally was. There wasn’t a moment that went by where he didn’t feel like it was his fault; leaving Jason alone, trusting his mother that he knew nothing about, and thinking for a second that Jason would stay put. Bruce should’ve known better, taken the boy with him or made sure he was safe to leave alone. He was reckless and it was his fault that his son was dead. One of the very few people he allowed himself to love, was dead.

He feared he would be alone forever, basking in his own dungeon of horrors and trapped with his thoughts. This stupendous experience had thrown any sort of solace Bruce had out the window, he even pushed away the one person whom he had known his whole life.

“Master Bruce, I must insist you come eat or at least drink something. It’s simply not healthy. It’s late and I made tea and crumpets. Please, sir, I worry for you.”

“Well stop your worrying, Alfred. You must know that after all this time I don’t need your help. Or anyone’s.” his cold eyes drooped with fatigue and stained red by the tears as he looked his faithful friend in the eye, “Please. Leave me be.”

“I thought you might say something of the sort… I brought it all down for you. Please eat some, Bruce. I only want what’s best for you.”

With that, the old man left and The Bat began to weep once more, knowing that he is just pushing away the one person he can trust and that will love him unconditionally. He can’t stop himself, he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it most of the time. He wants Alfred there to console him but he doesn’t know how to ask and thinks that pushing him away will trick his mind into thinking he doesn’t need it. He took one look at the beautiful arrangement of tea, crumpets, and fruit all laid out by Alfred with care and love for his son. Even the thought of someone loving Bruce brought him back to tears as he dropped his head on the large desk with a thud.

“Master Bruce-”

“ALFRED, I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE ME BE. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE SO IMPORT- Jason?” The Bat turned to see his supposedly dead son, bleeding red in Alfred’s arms as he rushed to put him down and find medical equipment.

“I found him on a sofa in your study, bleeding out.”

“He’s alive…” he whispered, running as fast as he could away from his place at the computer and to his son instead. He couldn’t believe his eyes, “You’re alive.” he muttered softly against Jason’s rain soaked hair, kissing it as many times as he could and weeping while holding his son whose heart was beating again, slow but beating nonetheless.

“I’ve contacted Dr. Thompkins, she’s about ten minutes out. I’m sure we can keep Master Jason’s heart beating for that long.” Alfred said, confidently, taking out some medical equipment with his surprisingly steady hand and hooking Jason up to an EKG machine.

Bruce sat, impatiently waiting and watching Alfred do everything he could to help the young boy stay alive until Dr. Thompkins got there. She entered frazzled and like she had just woken up, but alert and ready to do whatever it took to get Jason back to proper health or at least something close to it. He paced the length of Jason’s med bay bed in anticipation and also just to be close while Thompkins does the best she can at saving what’s left of the boy’s life. Bruce stood wearing scrubs, for the first time in a long while he came out of his bat shaped shell, he was vulnerable, he had to be. He had a chance. A small glimmer of hope shone purple just as Jason had flatlined but only briefly before his heart rate skyrocketed then slowly went down to a somewhat normal pace.

“What was that?” Bruce’s eyes darted, looking for the source of the light.

“I’m not sure but it sure as hell saved his life.” the doctor replied, still working skillfully on patching up Jason but obviously perplexed by what just happened, “He just flatlined a second ago.”

“Well whatever it was, it wants my boy alive.”

* * * * *

Dr Thompkins had done all she could, he was alive and stable for the moment but he was in a coma. Bruce stayed by the boy’s side, leaving only to meet with Commissioner Gordon to make sure that the city was moderately safe and that they didn’t need him as he wanted to be by Jason’s side until he wakes up, if he ever does. Bruce ate his sparse meals on the floor beside Jason’s bed; he read books while sitting beside him, hoping that Jason could hear; Bruce cried while holding his hand, sometimes these were happy tears, just knowing that his heart was beating was enough.

“Master Bruce, it’s been days, please come out of there, give young Jason some space.”

“Is the world on fire? Is Joker out of Arkham?”

“Well, no-”

“Then I’m not leaving his side, Alfred. I need to be here when he wakes up. I need to make sure he knows I’m here for him.” Alfred could sense the concern and dead seriousness in his voice so without another word, he left The Bat to be with his son.

* * * * *

Speaking and yet, no words. Voices and yet, unclear. Light and yet, no shape.

Jason’s eyes started to open, almost blinded by the white LED lights directly above his head, shining violently in his retina. He struggled to lift his head but from his almost seated position in the hospital bed, he could vaguely see an outline of a person reading a book on a chair in the corner of the room. In his struggle, apparently he had caught the attention of this person because they had run to his bedside, not even stopping to put a bookmark in.

A fuzzy, almost incoherent voice said to him, “Jason! You’re awake, I thought you’d never actually wake up. It’s so good to have you back, lad.”

Must be Bruce, he thought, still not really able to see properly. He found himself at a loss for words, searching and thinking of things he would want to say but nothing came. He could think of what he wanted to get across to Bruce but no words formed. Barely an emotion arose either, he had felt nothing. Everything was all still blurry, physically and mentally for he had no clue what was going on and had no means to speak. All he did was look at Bruce with a blank stare, eyes pale and irises small.

“Jason?” He waited for a response, “you in there, chum?” Again, nothing because he couldn’t. His normally bright and illuminated eyes were lifeless and looked right through Bruce. “Oh god, something's wrong. This isn’t supposed to happen, IT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE THIS.”

“Master Bruce,” Alfred had heard the commotion, “is everything alright?”

“He won’t talk… look at him, Alfred, this isn’t my boy. I should’ve known, it was too good to be true.”

“Well let’s not jump to conclusions,” He came up and touched The Bat’s shoulder trying his best to comfort him, “We don’t know what’s wrong, maybe it's fixable, maybe it's just a matter of time.”

Bruce took a deep breath, “Maybe.”

“I’ll get Dr. Thompkins on the phone, maybe she knows what's going on.”

“Thank you, Alfred. I really don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Likewise, sir.” He replied with a warm, fatherly smile and headed out.

* * * * *

The news had come back from Dr. Thompkins, after not being able to properly diagnose the boy, she had come in to do a full exam. She declared he was brain dead and would not be able to go back to normal. Ever. He would be in a hazy state of mind and not be able to talk for the rest of his living days, she suggested putting him in a home or even the extreme, assisted suicide because he would be in pain and not even be able to express it. It would be a horrible way to live. Of course The Bat being The Bat, he knew there was another way. There had to be. He searched high and low, researched experimental surgery that said would cure brain death, he called all his friends and his late father’s old co-workers to see if they had heard of anything that could even remotely help. Nothing. He was at a loss, very lost and not sure what there was left to do. Then it came to him. The worst possible answer, but seemingly the only one.

Ra’s al Ghul.

He would have to call in a favour that Ra’s so conveniently owed him. He refused to tell anyone what he did that would constitute a favour from Ra’s al Ghul but apparently it was enough. It took him a lot of courage and telling himself it would be fine and gave The Demon’s head a call. Well, less of a ‘call’ per se, he showed up in his office at The League of Assassins.

“Detective.”

“Ra’s, I need a favour.”

“The boy is back I see. Pity he’s still dead, no?”

“That’s why I’m here.”

“Ahh, you need the pit. And why should I give you access, hm?”

“Need I remind you, you owe me, Ra’s. This is me cashing in my chit.”

“I do this, and I will no longer be indebted to you?”

“Yes.”

“Fair enough. I’ll ready the pit, you get the boy and bring him here. You have two days before I change my mind so be quick.”

With a sigh of relief and gratitude, he left out the window. Thank god that worked, otherwise he would’ve had to lose his son twice in one year.

Once he got back home, apparently someone other than Alfred was waiting at the manor for him, looking immensely worried and more scared that he had ever seen him.

“Dick, what are you doing here? Is everything alright?”

“Um, You know, I’m not too sure, B.”

“Why? What happened, chum?”

“Well uh, some kid showed up at my apartment the other day saying he knew about Nightwing, he knew everything Bruce. Even said he knew you’re Batman, he knew I was Robin, he knew Jason was Robin and that he’s dead.”

“Oh, um, about that; I’m not sure how I’m supposed to break this to you, chum,” He put a hand on the young man’s shoulder, “Jason came back. He’s downstairs right now but he’s not quite all here.”

“What.”

“Come, I’ll show you.”

What an emotional ordeal, Bruce brought Dick down to the Batcave to show him the shell of Jason that was still alive. The amount of tears that came from the young man’s eyes could have filled an ocean, all of this being dropped onto him so suddenly. Bruce had told him exactly what happened, word for word so he wasn’t left in the dark like he usually was. Dick really had grown to love his brother and the Titans will be the first to say that he was a wreck when he came back from space to find his baby brother dead. He could never forgive himself for not being there but now he had a second chance, a small glimmer of hope, if you will.

“So you went to Ra’s? Of all people who can heal the living you went to Ra’s?”

“Yeah, maybe not my best decision but he owed me one. A big one,” Bruce looked over at what should be Jason and felt a twang in his heart, “Dr. Thompkins said the Joker must have bashed his head in with something because his skull was very fractured and there’s a lot of brain damage. You have to understand that I can’t let him live like this and something is keeping him alive so putting him back down is out of the question. The Pit was the best option I could find.”

“I understand, Bruce. Do you want me to come with you to the League? For emotional support?”

“No. I think I’ll be fine. So what’s this about the kid who knows some stuff he shouldn’t?”

“Oh, yeah he just straight up said you need help and I should come back as Robin? It was definitely weird, he was also like 13 or something. I told him I didn’t know what he was on about but I thought I should tell you just in case.”

“Thanks Dick, I’ll look into it.”

“Alright, I gotta get back to Blüdhaven. I’ve got a meeting with the commissioner. I’ll call if that kid comes back.”

With that, Dick left the batcave and Bruce was left alone with nothing but eerie silence and his own thoughts, what a dangerous place. The Bat now had a day and a half to transport Jason to the alps which should be easy enough with the help of Alfred and the BatPlane. Now physically better, Jason was easy to transport as he could walk and such so they just led him to a seat on the plane.

After an excruciating 11 hour flight, The Bat had finally made it to the League of Assassins once more where they were met by Ra’s and Talia al Ghul. The exchange between Talia and Bruce was cold and distant and very much awkward for everyone involved. They didn't even say a word to each other, God knows what happened there.

“I see the boy is up and moving.”

“What about it, Ra’s?”

“Nothing.”

The Demon’s Head led the other three into the amazing almost palace-like building where he lived. They walked down endless hallways that were filled to the brim with stunningly beautiful, intricate designs of gold and colour along the walls giving a false sense of beauty, a red herring. Soon the colour had disappeared as they entered a small, narrow passageway that had walls of stone and a winding staircase. At the bottom of this staircase, the lazarus pit lay, glowing green and sending a sense of want within the room, the pit had that effect on people.

“Detective, know that this may not work and the boy could die in there.”

“I have to try.” The Bat said, knowing that Jason wouldn’t die from it because of whatever this thing is that’s keeping him just barely alive. He turned to the boy and knelt on one knee to get down to his level, “Ok, Jason. We’re gonna try this and if you’re in there somewhere, just know that I love you no matter what happens.” he was met with nothing more than a blank stare as his head fell in sorrow and a tear made a gentle ‘pat’ on the stone floor that echoed quite loudly against the also stone walls. This has got to work.

“Does the boy want his clothes on or off, personally I like to take my dips in something skimpy.”

“Ra’s, with all due respect, shut the fuck up. The poor kid’s still a minor.” Bruce then insisted he keep his clothes on for decency. Ra’s then led the boy into the pit by hand and dunked him like he was being baptised. The eerie silence of the vast cave made even The Bat shiver, although he was scared for his son and hoped with all of his being that this would work. He watched as Jason’s head fully submerged into the green and glowing pool and stood with his heart racing. Ra’s eventually let go of the boy and backed away saying that he needs time to soak, whatever that means. Bruce could see, very vaguely, the outline of his son beneath the surface, just floating there. After a long silence, bubbles began to arise from where Jason was and there was slight movement in the water before he broke the surface tension with a splash and a scream of horror and pain that subsided quickly.

“Atta boy,” Bruce whispered to himself, not being able to contain a smile and a tear falling into the lining of his cowl.

Ra’s led the boy out of the emerald waters as Bruce knelt down and opened his arms for Jason to run to. The young boy’s body hit Bruce’s chest with a wet smack as he gave him a passionate hug but was still dripping from the pit. Luckily none of the pit water touched Bruce because he was still wearing his bat suit.

“Dad…”

“C’mon chum, let’s get you home. And a change of clothes.” He picked the boy up and carried him out into the twisting stairwell once more, now with his son actually with him.

* * * * *

“We’re even now, Ra’s. Don’t even think about using this against me.” Jason looked back at Bruce who was talking to the demon’s head as the young boy boarded the bat plane where he had been told there would be a change of clothes for him.

All of this was very much for him, after all he basically just came back to life fully. He had a lot to think about and a lot to ask, his curiosity definitely did not die with him. He found the change of clothes that were left out for him on one of the seats in the first row. He went to pick them up but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw a note from Bruce atop the pile of clothes. He picked it up and it read: “I know this is going to be hard chum, please understand and keep an open mind. -Bruce Wayne” and signed with his signature. How ominous and very concerning, what happened while he was gone?

He picked up the clothes and took them to the rather large bathroom for an airplane in the back of the cabin and quickly got changed as his clothes were still wet and very uncomfortable. Amongst the pile, there was also a towel, how thoughtful so he dried off and put the fresh set on. They smelt like home, like Alfred’s favourite laundry detergent and dryer sheets, like his ironing board that always broke, like something familiar, it was comforting. He looked at himself in the mirror and saw himself, perfect and pristine but that’s not what he felt like. He still felt ragged on the inside, like he wasn’t sure of what he was doing or who he was. Maybe that’s normal for someone who just came back to life, how was he supposed to know, he’s never died before. He looked down at his hands and couldn’t help but think, ‘I should be dead, I should be rotting away in a casket… and yet I’m here. Why?’. Why was he alive? Why on earth should this boy be the one to live?

He heard Bruce call for him from the front of the cabin and he snapped out of it, unlocking the stall and walking toward the cockpit. Bruce stood there while taking off the cowl, tall and menacing yet somehow soft; his eyes followed the boy as he walked down the narrow aisle and he felt a smile creep across his face and tears well up in his eyes.

“Bruce, you ok?”

The large man knelt down, “Just c’mere, kid,” Jason, now a little bit taller than Bruce remembers, hugs him with a squeeze that was long awaited for, “I’ve missed you, Jaylad. Never ever even think of doing anything like that again. I don’t think I can handle losing you twice. Hell, I couldn’t handle it once. I’m supposed to die before you do.”

“How about we deal with that once we get there.”

“Sorry… I just love you, kid. You’re my son after all. Now, let’s get moving, I want to spend as little time here as possible, I can feel the evil sinking in already.”

They fly back to Gotham, out of the beautifully constructed artwork that is the League of Assassins, what a shame they use it to train murderers. Jason watched as the large buildings became small and distant, like he once felt not long ago. He could still see what was happening and remembered what was going on but he had no control, like he was seeing his life through a tunnel where he couldn’t reach the end, grasping and running and trying to catch up but never succeeding. As his mind wandered, the terrain completely disappeared below him, turning into white and fluffy clouds that he wished he could live on. What a childish dream but wouldn’t it be nice to get away from all of it? Get away from the terrors of the real world and live on a cloud where no one could bother you and no one could harp on about things you don’t care about. No one would ever interrupt his reading time to do the dishes, no one would ever have to even do the dishes as they were made from clouds.

Jason was abruptly snapped out of his daydreaming as a stewardess came and tapped him on the shoulder, asking what he would like for dinner. He told her that he didn’t care, whatever was easiest on the chef. After she had left with a smile, he took the time to look at the menu, for no reason in particular because he had already ordered but he saw on the dessert section that there was sticky toffee pudding, which he remembered was one of Alfred’s favourites. He thought maybe he could have one with Alfred when they got back after the long flight. He remembered waking up briefly in Alfred’s surprisingly strong arms before passing out again, he hoped he hadn’t scared him after all he was basically a zombie.

After a while, the clouds started to get dark and harder to see with the lack of sunlight but before long, the stewardess came back with his food, a simple burger and fries with some assorted vegetables, nothing special at all. The young boy thanked her politely and told her to have a nice rest of the flight with a smile before she left. A couple bites into the burger, he noticed he was actually very bored with nothing to do and the only other person on the flight, Bruce, working endlessly and typing furiously in silence on the other side of the aisle. Jason looked to his left only to see what he expected, Bruce’s eyes glued onto his laptop which was perched on the tray table and the screen illuminating his face. Not knowing what to do with himself, he went back to eating in silence and looked out the window of the plane again to see nothing but darkness.

“Oh!” Bruce exclaimed, “Jason, I almost forgot, I brought you a book. God, you must be bored out of your mind.” He continued to look in his laptop bag for the book he stashed there. “I took it from your room, I hope you don’t mind, but It’s the one you were reading before… well you know. I thought you might like to continue with it? I made sure to keep your page.”

“Oh, B, thank you.” He took the book gleefully, hoping he remembered where he had left off in the story. Maybe reading could take his mind from going too close to what happened. He got back to his seat and took a quick glance at the cover, it was in fact the book he left, The Colour Purple. He actually hadn’t read this one before so he was still on his first read but so far, it was a really good read.

He spent a while reading before it quickly came to 11:00 PM, in Gotham at least and Jason’s eyes were struggling to keep themselves open. He decided to use one of the beds near the back of the very bougie private plane that might as well have Bruce’s face printed on the side. He made his way down the aisle of a couple rows worth of very large–and dare I say comfortable–seats before he got to the two beds that had been set in the back. They were almost like a small room finished with a small TV, pre prepared snacks, and very comfortable looking sheets and pillows. The boy, with his book, went and laid down on the surprisingly soft and comfortable bed for an airplane. He turned on a small light beside his bed and began to read once more, however his eyes grew dreary so he put the book down and turned off the light.

His mind soon caught up with him as it started to race. As soon as his eyes closed, the darkness behind his eyelids only became darker with images of a ghoulish grin with bright red lips and yellowy stained teeth. And that laugh. That dreadful and ghastly laugh, sure to haunt anyone’s nightmares let alone the boy of whom it killed. He could faintly hear the sound of metal scraping on stone in the distance while the haunting smirk came closer, as did the sound. He looked down and saw his disfigured body, bloodied, bruised, and broken but it all felt numb. His breath began to quicken out of fear as his eyes started to well. He heard footsteps now, growing faster, faster, faster, and the grinding on the pavement getting louder, louder, louder.

Jason awoke with a gasp, upright, in a bed he did not fall asleep in. He looked around frantically, realizing quickly he was in Wayne manor once more. His breathing slowed once he discerned he was somewhere he knew, somewhere familiar. The room was almost pitch black, save for the dim lamps from outside the enormous window, shining in through the gap in the curtain, enlightening small parts of the room. The corners were dark and Jason was unable to see where the wall had stopped which made his heart beat just a little faster. The thought of not knowing what could be there, the possibilities were endless. His mind began to fill in the blanks for him, starting with that grin. He could just ever so slightly see the outline of a man standing in the corner and the outline of his mouth, creeping ear to ear, farther than any human’s mouth should go. He scrambled to turn on the lamp beside him on the bedside table and when he turned back, it was just a corner, perfectly normal with the pattern of the wallpaper continuing. He let out an exasperated sigh of relief knowing that he was truly alone in the room. Being able to see the entire room put his mind slightly at ease and he slept the rest of the night with the lamp on.

* * * * *

“Rise and shine, Master Jason! Oh it is great to have you back sir, I missed waking you up bright and early. Though it isn’t really early anymore as I let you sleep in. Master Bruce said it would be best. You know he carried you in last night, even tucked you in. I’ve never seen him so affectionate.” Alfred went on, talking about nothing in particular and just being cheery which is rare for him these days.

Jason’s eyes opened gradually as they adjusted to the light that had suddenly hit his retina so abruptly. He groaned as stirred and sat up to see Alfred walking back to the door from his window.

“Alright Master Jason, get up and get dressed and join Master Bruce, myself, and Master Dick down in the kitchen for breakfast. Sound good, sir?”

“Yeah, thanks Alfie.” Alfred began to leave, almost shutting the door, “Wait! Did you say Dick is here?” All the man did was smile and shut the door.

Jason leaped out of bed as fast as he could, not even bothering to get dressed save for putting on his slippers and ran at top speed down the halls, surpassing even Alfred’s brisk gate, sliding down the banister and slipping on the newly waxed hardwood floors before he reached the kitchen, bursting through the door.

“DICKIE-BIRD!”

“LITTLE WING!”

As Dick got up from his stool at the kitchen counter, little Jason ran to his big brother. They’ve had their ups and downs but at the end of the day, they’re brothers and after losing him, Dick was very content to see Jason. He may be a little salty but all of that was thrown out the window as soon as he found out he was gone. Now that he’s back? He’s vowed to himself to be a better brother, a better role model. Jason’s chest hit Dick’s with a thud while the older of the two lifted the younger off the ground and spun him around a couple times before putting him back down.

“Oh, kid you have no idea how much I’ve missed you. Not joking when I say I was haunted by you.”

“Trust me, I know. You also cried for like 3 hours straight when I was out of it.”

“Oh my god you remember that?”

“Yeah. I’m so gonna use it against you, loser.”

And they’re back. Dick brought the boy in for another hug before he went to sit down at the place left at the counter, a plate already there for him full with food. He sat down, beside Dick and dug into his serving like it was his last meal, as he does with all of Alfred’s food, it’s just that good. They talked about what Dick’s been doing in Blüdhaven and the Titans, his plans for the city and whatnot, little things. Bruce didn’t say very much but he smiled, and that’s enough from him, either way those boys know he cares, he just doesn’t know how to show it.

“Alright, boys, I’ve got a meeting in Metropolis. I should be back for dinner, if not, I’ll be back for patrol tonight. Dick, are you joining us?”

“Well, when in Gotham, do as Batman does.” He looked over at Jason with a joking smile and they had a laugh together while Bruce left.

“Do you think he’s going to see Clark?” Jason asked, kind of wishing Bruce had taken him along if that was the case.

“Probably, you know, they got really close while you were gone.”

“Like- close close?”

“Yeah, I think so. But don’t say anything about it, I’m not sure he wants us to know. That is if anything really is going on. Anyway, since Bruce is gone… wanna take the Batmobile for a spin?”

“DO I?”

They raced each other down the stairs, all the way across the manor to the grandfather clock, opening the glass and setting the time to 10:48 before it opened. They ran down the steep steps of the narrow hallway to the batcave. Jason’s adrenaline was pumping through his veins as they reached the bottom, searching now for the keys to the damn car when he found the glass case with his suit in it. His heart dropped abruptly into his stomach when his mind comprehended what it was, seeing the suit he died in without a drop of blood, not even a tear in the seams. The memories came, flooding his mind with the blood and tears and fear. A ringing in his ears filled the room and everything was gone except for him and his suit, in a dark void, spiraling. He collapsed onto his knees, struggling to breathe evenly as the tears began to fall from his eyes and his hands clutching as much hair as he could, pulling out of desperation. He was brought back to reality by a hand on his shoulder and a soft voice asking if he was ok.

“Maybe this was a bad idea. I’m so sorry.” Dick apologized, getting down on the floor with Jason, careful not to touch him too much as to not overstimulate him, just sit there with him for company until he was ready. Jason’s breathing slowed down and he wiped his tears away, thanking Dick for being there between hiccups. They both sat there for a couple minutes in silence save for Jason’s sniffling and occasional hiccup, but it was a comfortable silence and when he was ready, Jason put his head on Dick’s shoulder.

“Ok, I think I’m good now.”

“Maybe we should stay in then? We could have a movie marathon or something. I’m sure Alfie would play some board games with us.”

“Yeah that sounds good. Again, thank you, Dick. You’re the best brother a boy could ask for.” He replied, giving him a hug.

* * * * *

In the middle of a heated game of Clue–Alfred’s favourite– Bruce pulled up the driveway in one of his classic cars. He was later than he said he would be but when is he ever on time? He came in through one of the back doors and into the study where the others were planning, scheming, and thinking hard of what could be in the envelope.

“Alright, boys, let’s get ready for patrol.” Bruce announced as he entered the room. Jason shot Dick a worried look then looked down with shame. Dick instantly got the message and tried his best.

“Uhh, Bruce, why doesn’t Jay stay in tonight? He seems a bit tired. I’ll come with though, for old times sake.”

“Oh, uh, ok then.” He looked at Jason with a concerned look on his face, worried his son had something else going on. Maybe he should just cut him some slack, afterall he just recovered from being brain dead.

“Here’s my cards… good luck, little wing.”

“Thanks, Dickie-bird.” He thanked him not only for the luck but for helping him dodge a bullet and a whole lot of embarrassment if he had another panic attack down there in front of the Bat, also saving him from having another in the first place. The two men left the room, walking down the halls that Jason had traversed with Dick earlier that day. He was now left to finish his game with Alfred, although he was certain it would end soon as he was pretty sure he knew what was in the envelope. He let Alfred have his turn and move his piece, Mrs. White, six paces forward but not into a room yet. Jason only had two paces until he was in the room he suspected, so he rolled and got a 4, perfect. He was now in the ballroom.

“I accuse… Mr. Green in the ballroom with the wrench.” As his hand reached for the envelope in the middle of the board, his mind shifted the pieces in the ballroom. Mr. Green’s mouth morphed into a blood red smile and the wrench beside him became a crowbar. Jason blinked a couple times and the pieces went back to normal. His eyes flashed back to the goal at hand, being right. He opened the “classified file” and pulled out the three cards, the moment of truth. Ballroom. Check. Mr. Green. Check. Crowbar. Check. Wait, that’s not right. His brows furrowed in confusion as his breath quickened.

“Are you alright, Master Jason? You seem a little green under the gills.”

He looked up at Alfred then back at the cards, wrench. He was right.

“I was right, I win.” He put the cards down on the table and tried to force a smile and suppress the feeling of throwing up. “You’re right Alfie, I do feel a little off. I’m going to go to bed.”

“Very well, I’ll bring you some tea?”

“Thank you, mint if we’ve got it.”

Alfred nodded as he got up from his spot on the floor at the coffee table in the middle of the study and silently walked right out and down the halls to the kitchen. The young boy looked around the room for a second, taking in the familiarity of it all and the couch he was on mere weeks ago, dying again. Something on the corner caught his eye, against the pattern there was a splotch of brown, old blood, his blood. He let out an uneasy breath, then turned around and left the room with a speedy gate, trying to get to his room before he started to cry or throw up, whichever came first.

He almost ran down the halls, speeding to his room and shutting the door behind him. He stood there, back against the door, for a while just trying to catch his breath and calm himself down before the tears started to fall. There weren’t many but enough to make him feel better for getting something out. There really was no reason to be having a panic attack and yet there he was, crying over nothing. He slid down the door, curling up in a ball to cry into his kneecaps, trying to be as small as he felt in that moment before he was tremendously startled by a knock on the door. He wiped his tears the best he could and got up to open the door.

“Master Jason, your tea. Shall I bring the cart in?”

“Um… sure.” He said, sniffling and wiping his nose with his sleeve, trying to be discreet.

“Is everything alright, sir?” Alfred inquired as he rolled the tea cart into the young boy’s room.

“Yeah, I’m good. I just need some sleep. Thanks Alfred, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, my boy.” and he shut the door with a light click and thwang of the old brass door handle.

Jason obviously did not go to sleep, he instead sat at his desk, facing the window out to the yard of Wayne manor with his tea and book which was almost done by now. Every so often, he would look up from his book to peer onto the distant sight of Gotham’s busy streets and bright lights, contrasting the heavy darkness that loomed over the manor. The last time he looked up was not because he wanted to but because he heard the sound of the batmobile’s engine coming down the long and winding driveway. He saw the headlights coming closer, glinting off of the glass of his window. He went back to his book, however, after a sip of tea. A couple pages went by before someone else was knocking at his door. This time it was Bruce. He got out of his desk chair and hurried over to open the door once more.

“Hey, kiddo. Can I come in?”

“Uh, yeah, sure.” Jason responded, not quite back to reality yet but opening the door more, nonetheless.

“C’mon kid, sit down.” Bruce said as he pulled up Jason’s desk chair closer to the edge of the bed where he had sat down. He spun it around and straddled it in true detective fashion, although he was trying to be funny and lighthearted, trying to show Jason that he’s someone he can talk to without being scolded or lectured. “Dick told me about what happened with your suit earlier today. Wanna tell me what was goin’ on in your head?”

“Well, I dunno, it just brought me back. I got scared. I don’t think I can ever put that suit on again, Bruce.”

“And that’s ok. You don’t need to. If you ever want to stop the whole crime fighting gig, that’s your choice and I won’t stop you.”

“No, no. I still want to fight with you, I just think it might be time for some change.”

“Oh?” Bruce sat with a puzzled look on his face, “What kind of change?”

“Like a whole new suit, a whole new name. Like Dick did when he left. Well, when I became Robin.”

“Well, have you got an idea?”

“Yeah, Red Hood.”

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lesbians-all-the-way-down · 1 year ago

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A little Sable and Benny Scene I wrote <3

"I think," I was sitting up in bed, the lights off with the exception of the small lamp on my bedside table, still on to give some light while I fed my daughter. "We should have another baby." I was looking at my wife, spread on her stomach but still visibly awake in the bed beside me, her gaze falling somewhere in between me and our eighteen month old, still sitting on my lap, her chubby cheek pressed against my chest, mouth open and drooling.

"I think," Benny replied, "that you almost died last time. I don't- I don't know if it's worth the risk."

"There's not that much risk." I looked at our baby, with her red hair curling angrily away from her face, her eyes blue and big in her head looking between the two of us, her soft eyelids starting to droop as she fell asleep, now full and content. "And look at what it brought us."

"Sable, I watched you flatline last time. I watched you nearly bleed out without them even noticing. I don't want another baby if it means no you."

"I understand that," I moved a hand from my daughter's lower back, from the support I was giving her, to instead reach for the back of my wife's head, running my fingers through her thick box dyed hair, carefully detangling the knots in the loose curls. "But it wasn't something like an abruption, or eclampsia that will return in my next pregnancy. I wasn't high risk last time, and I wouldn't be high risk this time. It was a hemorrhage, they happen, and the doctors know how to help.

"Besides, Benny, it doesn't have to be me. Can you imagine a little you? With your pretty freckles all over them?"

"I don't want to die either." She said.

"I also don't want you to die," I sighed, moving my hand back to cup the base of my baby's skull, feeling her loose hair lick at my fingers. "All I'm saying is we have options, and we have no reason to worry, both of us are, most likely, low risk.

"We always wanted more than one, we wanted to give Aggie a sibling, have you really changed your mind?"

"I don't know, Sabe. I don't- I want more. I want another little Aggie with her red hair and her big eyes and I want one that looks like you for real, the blonde that'll darken to brown and the eyes that get a little darker when you think too hard. And I want one that looks like me, I want the brown that almost looks blonde in the right lightening but never really gets there.

"I want all of it. But I don't want to bury you, and if I choose to carry I don't want to be the one six feet underground.

"I want us to try and find a way to be happy with just Aggie, we can spoil her rotten this way, we can keep living here in the city. In the apartment. And we can keep living.

"We could also. . . We could get married."

"You want to?"

"I do. I don't- I don't know I thought you'd ask, at some point. I thought you'd want to."

"I assumed," I spoke slowly, not out of anger or anything close, but to be cautious. I didn't know if she would be mad, if she was getting there. And I didn't want to raise my voice, and have Aggie so close to fast asleep wake up. "that we would never be married. That we had decided we were happy to just be common law forever. I have no issue with getting married, I would love to see you put on a fancy gown, and walk down an aisle, and agree to love you for the rest of my life. I just didn't think that was something we wanted.

"It won't be a surprise anymore, but I would be more than happy to propose to you, Benny. I would make it special, more than you could ever dream, since you know it's coming. If you really truly want that, and aren't just trying to change the topic."

"I do," she said. "I do. I hate that Aggie wasn't automatically mine, I hate that if you would've died in labour with Aggie she would've gone to someone else because I wasn't written into your will as her "godparent" yet, and I don't count as next of kin.

"And I know that marriage isn't everything, I know you can have healthy relationships without it, but I want us to commit that strongly. I want people to see it happen, I want us to share a last name- yours, since it's the one Aggie has."

"Okay," I nodded, smiling just slightly, knowing she couldn't really see it when the on lamp was behind me, like back lighting, and I leaned forward to kiss her. My hand still cupping our daughters head while I kissed Benny once on the nose, lightly, making the bridge scrunch up, before moving down to her mouth. "Marriage first, baby second?"

#james is rambling again #ocs #rambling #thoughts #writer #writing #original character

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theweirdestroller · 2 years ago

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Bite-Sized: Lost Part 1

Sans was hungry. He had been for some time. Whenever he told Papy, the older fixed up a meal and Sans was starting to feel guilty because Papy never made anything for himself. So the young skeleton tried to focus on something other than his hunger. And that something just so happened to be the pain he felt in his skull. Sans had asked Papy about it, but the older always got really quiet and a bit teary-eyed, so he just stopped asking. The pain could be anywhere from a dull ache to a sharp sting. It was unpleasant and a constant bother.

It didn't take long to find a partial solution to this, of course. Being that Sans lived in Snowdin and the very thing that helped was snow. Or, anything cold really. But he didn't particularly fancy sticking his head into the far too empty fridge. Just as he was about to step outside, the voice of his brother sounded from just upstairs.

"AND WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?" Papyrus asked. Sans sighed and closed the door.

"i wanna go outside,"

"THAT IS ALL WELL AND GOOD, BUT YOU SHOULD BUNDLE UP." Papy strode down the stairs and scooped up his brother who squirmed in his hold. "DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT SCARF?" Oh. The scarf. Sans had it, yes. But he didn't know why. It was longer than he was tall, likely because it was torn off of Papy's scarf. If he thinks about it enough, Sans vaguely remembers being wrapped up in the red cloth, picking at the now torn edges, while his brother was panicking about something. Sans suspects he did something wrong. But nothing ever seems to come to mind.

"yeah, can i get it?" Papyrus gives a wide smile showing his teeth, a few of which have chipped or cracked.

"OH COURSE! YOU GO DO THAT WHILE I GET YOUR SNOW JACKET," The taller chirped happily. He set his wiggly brother down and watched as he ran into his room.

The scarf was easy to find. It was lying next to his pillow as Sans often used it as a blanket more often than a scarf. His bed was very simple, just a mattress really, but Papy got him a bed tent that had all sorts of neat stars on it. Neither of them had seen real stars, but Sans loved pulling his brother underneath and pointing out fun shapes he saw in them. But, scarf acquired, he headed back to Papyrus.

"i got the scarf!" Sans said to- not to his brother, Papy was in his own room, grabbing what appeared to be a small pair of pink snow boots. Oh no. Sans didn't like those boots at all, they made his feet hurt, he liked to wander in just his slippers if he could.

"GOOD JOB SANS! NOW, COME OVER HERE AND I'LL GET YOU AS SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG,"

"without the boots?" Papyrus shot his brother a look. "okayyy" Sans said, mumbling his complaints as he shuffled over to his brother. Papyrus made quick work of helping his brother slip into his blue puffy jacket and swiftly tying the scarf into a fashionably, yet snug, bow to keep the long tails from dragging. Then, the little skeleton was helped onto the racecar bed, sitting with his socked feet dangling over the edge. A faint embarrassed blush crawled up his cheeks. Even though he was six, Sans could never quite remember how to tie his shoes, so Papy always helped him. Sans tried to focus on what his brother was doing, making a loop with one lace and doing something with the other but...

"THERE WE GO! NOW YOU'RE READY TO GO OUT AND EXPLORE! DON'T GO TOO FAR, AND MAKE SURE TO BE BACK BY DINNER,"

"okay!" Sans agreed. Papyrus smiled and gave his brother a small pat on the head. He got a weird look on his face when he did so, but Sans ignored it and racing into the eternal winter that was his home. His boots left small footprints in the snow, a trail for Papy to find him should he fall asleep in the snow too long.

It was a short walk to Sans' favorite spot in all the Underground. This place was close-ish to home, but Papy disagreed. It was also a ways away from this giant door that Sans had no way of opening. Trees surrounded it and shielded the spot from anyone who didn't know where to look. There was a hollowed out stump covered with a tarp that held some joke books and coloring supplies. But that wasn't what Sans was here for, not this time. As soon as the skeleton arrived to his spot, he promptly fell backwards into the snow and let the cold numb his skull just a bit. A small hum of happiness escaped the little one. It was a welcome relief to the aching he had been feeling. A little nap in the cold comfort of the snow wouldn't hurt. . . And that was Sans's last coherent thought before he fell asleep.

-----

"Alrighty! Let's see here!" Sans groaned, burying his skull deeper into the snow. "Yep! This does seem like Horror..." Whatever the voice was saying, the sleepy skeleton did not hear the rest of it as he pushed the snow over his skull in an attempt to sleep just a bit longer. "Mhmm. A weird variation if you ask me. It's been a while since I've seen an older brother Papyrus," A bleary eyelight flickered to life and glared at the snow. This was supposed to be his quiet spot. Not for loud, noisy strangers to talk to themselves. Having enough of this blatant disrespect, tiny arms pushed the small body out of the snow. And then he saw it.

This intruder was someone he had never seen before. And with the Underground as small and closed off as it is, that was definitely something. And, this stranger was a skeleton. Papy said there wasn't any other skeletons left but here someone was. Their eyelights were two different colors and shapes, though the color and shape of each changed just about every time they blinked. A black mark stained their cheek, it looked like paint, or even ink. Their outfit showcased almost no color other than browns, but a sash held colorful vials of what the small skeleton was certain were paint. An absolutely enormous brush was attached to their sash on the back, and the skeleton startled when stranger removed it and held it in their hands.

"Welp, time to go, Dream's probably waiting for me to get back," The skeleton said to no one in particular, as he had yet to notice the child watching him with one red eyelight. The brush swiped across the ground leaving a wide black streak in the snow. The stranger jumped in and disappeared.

Unbeknownst to him, the tiny, toddling six-year-old decided it would be fun to fall in too.

#horrortale #sugar #horror #ink #bite-sized #the plot's finally starting!#one shot #i want to shorten the name but #guys guys bite-sized turned acronym is literally bs #what do?

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poisonwaterlily3 · 5 months ago

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I'm on Season 5 of The Magnus Archives and, unfortunately, this is maybe the best setting to use a little horror concept I've been dreaming of since first hearing The Hearse Song. So um. Lots of content warnings. Have fun :)

(Also, if I do write or post more Magnus stuffs, I'll be very unapologetic about jumping between Season 1-4 style statements and Season 5 style "reports")

The Graveyard

Domain report regarding those who wake underneath. Report taken in situ. by The Archivist of Richmond.

They awake. They scream. They pass out. They awake again. They scream again. They are not any closer to rest.

They are trapped beneath the earth, though it makes no difference to them. They could be trapped anywhere, it'd make no difference. Their coffins would be no roomier, their air no less absent, their screams no less unheard.

They cannot see, but this is not because their coffins are lightless. Rather it is because of the spiked eye caps each of them wear to keep their eyes closed, as is traditional for the dead. But they are not dead. And they will continue to be not dead for a very, very long time.

Ashley kicks and screams and pounds in her few minutes of consciousness. She does not know how deep underground she is. Three feet, six feet, twenty feet... a mile... it doesn't make any difference. She has run out of air of course, she never had any to begin with. So she weeps and sobs and cries into the oh so cramped box which her body is confined to. She gasps for oxygen which simply is not there and finally she falls asleep.

...

She has woken again. Nothing has changed. She is still trapped, she still has no oxygen, and yet to her eternal dismay she is still alive. She cries again, wailing meaninglessly as even I, nor anyone else, cannot hear her screams.

She tries to open her eyes though the darkness of her coffin would look no different, but even this too is unacceptable. The caps hold her eyes shut tightly, denying Ashley even the slimmest amount of control. At this she bawls again, screaming as much as her voice will let her, using breaths which are not there.

One may think that after long enough, this pattern which Ashley knows oh so well may become tiring after god knows how many repetitions, that one may grow accustomed to it.

But then again, one has not been sealed inside a coffin. Yet.

Again she falls asleep.

...

When Ashley awakes again, she is no less afraid than she was the time before the time before the time before the time before the last time she regained consciousness in spite of her empty lungs and unopenable eyes.

At first, she is again afraid that nothing has changed. Then, she becomes very afraid that it indeed has. For inside this realm of Tightness, pockets of PutridRot has festered as it always does.

Ashley has awakened to find that maggots have made residence inside the coffin with her.

She thrashes and fights and wails and kicks and swats and squirms but it is of course to no avail. She cannot see the bugs, she cannot twist her body well enough to kill them, and even if this was not the case, the maggots would continue to squirm their way inside through the thin gaps between the wood as they do now.

More maggots ooze their way in and crawl around on her skin. For Ashley's part, her nightmarish routine has not changed by this new addition. Her flailing and soundless screaming are little stronger and little louder than they were before her unwanted company.

As Ashley opens her mouth to scream again, a maggot crawls between her parted lips. She chokes and gags and retches, but her stomach is no fuller than her lungs and she spews no vomit. Yet again she passes out with terror and airlessness.

...

There are more maggots. They cover Ashley's entire body and they have now begun to feed, ripping and tearing into her skin, underneath her flesh, and between her bones. As Ashley returns to breathless life, she is met with the agonizing and vile sensations of tiny worms crawling all over her and eating her.

She tries to scream but where there was no air before there are now maggots.

She tries to scream, she tries to move, she tries to cry, but the maggots have already eaten into every muscle which would have allowed it.

A worm decides that now, when she can feel it, is the best time to gorge upon Ashley's left eye. It gnaws and pushes its way in from the corner and it hurts. Of course it hurts. Deeper in it goes, millimeter by millimeter, until it has reached it Ashley's eye and it bites into that too.

She passes out. She awakes. She suffers. She is reduced to bone.

End domain report.

#the magnus archive #fanfic #horror #claustrophobia #maggots #immersive experience #for the worse #have fun :)#rusty cage #the hearse song #nightmare superhell #writeblr

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thelediz · 8 months ago

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Sonic Underground episode 34: Sonia’s Choice

I’m watching Sonic Underground in search of inspiration to finish a fic I’ve been writing forever. It’s a sad state of affairs. See the recap of the first three episodes here, if you're interested!

The plot (for want of a better word): During an important mission to recover important royal artefacts, Sonic and Manic are captured by Robotnik, and held on opposite ends of the city in separate robotocisors! How can Sonia choose between her two precious brothers?

A thing that Sonic Underground really enjoys doing, but I have never commented on until now, is establishing shots. I think I internalised this as something I really like, because when I write, I often wish I was better at descriptive or poetic writing to be able to create establishing shots at the start of chapters and stories. They set a mood. In this episode, we’re introduced to Anés which is totally not Paris: a romantic noir cosmopolitan city resort. Robotnik is telling Sleet and Dingo how he’s going to set it as the death site of the Hedgehog line. Cheery!

This episode’s got a real sinister tone to it, as we watch the triplets getting harassed by heat-seeking missiles, only barely escaping by Sonic carting his siblings around until they reach a position to fight back with medallions, and Robotnik, Sleet, and Dingo setting a bunch of traps, underlain by some very effective music. Credit where due.

TREVOR! And Renee, who I have adored forever. Renee is the leader of the underground in Anés, and is a shockingly pragmatic female character for Sonic Underground. They have come to tell the triplets about some relics Robotnik is auctioning off: four Royal Hedgehog goblets.

Now, this feels like something that should have been plot important. It feels like the overarching story was supposed to be that they would collect these goblets and that would be proof the Council of Four was ready to rejoin. It feels like there was a bunch of trials and character developing and leadership guiding quests that should have led to these goblets. They even look appropriate to each of the four members of the Council, if you tilt your head and squint. Don’t bother. These feelings are wrong. The goblets are just relics that Robotnik is auctioning off to tempt the triplets into a trap.

For once, everyone is supportive of Manic’s thievery, because they need to plan a heist. Apparently the moral guardians were asleep when this episode got through approvals.

Sonic is having a hard time this episode, having to go undercover and not move fast or make rash decisions. Despite stealing being Manic’s whole thing, Sonia is of course on point for this episode, calling every shot and being responsible.

Let Manic be useful, show, PLEASE, WE HAVE LESS THAN SIX EPISODES LEFT, I AM BEGGING YOU.

Do you remember, back in episode 14, I mentioned that Sonic has gravity-defying sneakers? This is where they show up. Continuity, or something. It’s not weird! They seeded them! It's totally not out of nowhere, honest.

Also, it is my duty as a non-American to correct something they say in this scene. “Just two more metres!” “What?” “That’s one more step.” Guys. A metre is 100 centimetres. Sonic is a metre tall. A metre is basically three feet. So it’s a really big step, is what I’m saying.

Sonia tells Manic not to steal anything extra. Manic steals something extra. Manic’s thieving is a problem. Despite them being on a heist. This extra theft, combined with Sonic falling on Manic, causes the triplets to set off the alarms. The moral guardians must have woken up!

They get away, but this was all part of Robotnik’s plan. He has apparently coated the floor in something that went on the soles of everyone’s shoes and will therefore allow him to track them down. In natural fashion, Manic is immediately caught, then, because this is Sonia’s episode, Sonic gets caught too in 'mega-muck', which I think they probably meant to be the sticky stuff we’ve seen catch the triplets in previous episodes, but is brown and just looks like sewer water because that’s what the animators were drawing. To be fair to the script, which may just be a 4Kids style translation choice, that would make more sense than Sonic just being caught because they caught up to him. Sonia and Renee escape by diving into the river.

As he has foolishly done before, Robotnik decides he’s going to not immediately robotocise the greatest threat to his empire, but rather torture Sonia by placing Sonic and Manic in portable robotocisors on opposite sides of the city. She has to choose between them oh no. Now, all narrative tension aside, this is possibly the dumbest thing Robotnik has done in the series to date. Because Sonia makes the obvious decision here: she rescues Sonic, who is A) nearly fast enough to rescue Manic anyway, B) a much greater threat to Robotnik with or without his siblings, and C) would be a HUGE RISK if all his speed and power was put to Robotnik’s side. She won’t actually give reasons for why she rescues Sonic first (there’s a fic on fanfiction.net that goes into it if you’re interested), but just… even Robotnik knows she’s just going to choose Sonic. So why bother? This is needlessly complicated, and risky, and

And I'm going to move on.

The song: Never Easy For Us. It’s supposed to be a sweet ballad about the trials and tribulations of being in the Resistance, but... Look I’m a millennial, I was an emo kid too. I am pretty sure I bought the original Simple Plan album (all my old CDs are mixed up with my sister's. I don't know who bought what). But because of Sonia’s nasal-country vocals (and I’m sorry, her singing voice is usually okay, but she does not hit these notes), this just sounds more whiny than the early 90s girl group ballad they were going for. The instrumentals are okay though.

Anyway. Sonia decides she’s going to rescue both of them with Renee’s help, which… I mean, obviously? Again, not to trash on my trashfire here, but�� the Sonic Underground are not the only members of the Resistance. Trevor is literally talking to Renee through a headset all episode. They have a whole team of people they could call on to rescue Manic. This conflict is so narratively stupid.

But because they only send Renee, she gets pretty easily captured, and Manic is being taken into the robotocisor when SOMEONE flies in with a ship that shoots the robotocisor and destroys the guarding SWATbots. We hear Aleena’s voice. Shock. It was her, once again appearing to save her kid before running off again. At least her kids maybe even saw her this time? They don’t make a lot of it.

Anyway. We end on the triplets using the goblets to toast, and it’s a thing.

This episode was a weird one for me, because it was actually… not bad, except for the eponymous choice, which I CANNOT LET GO, Aleena appearing, and Robotnik being needlessly complicated. All the traps on traps on traps and… it was just a lot that didn't feel necessary.

…I actually wrote a whole rant about Sonia and Manic that explains further why my frustration bubbled over, but it moved away from the episode so I’ll leave it out. Maybe it will become part of an ending review about the series as a whole, or a character rant, who knows.

In the meantime, Manic’s thievery is a problem, so we must update our counters:

Sonic implying less than 100% American heterosexuality: 7

Sonia in love with Bartleby: 6/37

Sonia in love with someone who is not Bartleby: 3/37

Sonia’s got super strength: 4

Manic’s thieving Is A Problem: 6

And come back tomorrow, if you’re interested.

#sonic underground #lediz fics #sonic the hedgehog #sonia hedgehog #manic hedgehog #Sonia was someone's pet character #while Sonic Sez #Manic's stealing is Bad #why have a thief protagonist if you're never going to let him be skilled????#But I do love Renee for no particular reason

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cleverpsycho · 1 year ago

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11:23 pm

we fell asleep next to each other. he checked to see if i was sleeping before texting another girl. i’m getting used to things being casual -with everyone. i’m getting better at ignoring the bleeding pit in my stomach that spends the hours wondering.

i know it’s pointless to keep hoping i’m wrong about his apathy. i know i shouldn’t let him stay in spite of it. yet here i am, saying ‘i know’ without actually following my own logic -every time i write a fact, some hopeless, lovesick puppy in the back of my brain scratches it’s claws into my reasoning and i sink back into the habit of ignoring my gut. i dig my own grave and bury my standards six feet underground.

once, we were two people having a conversation with steel strings attached. things felt equal. mutual. and i know -i don’t feel lucky. the bare minimum isn’t getting deified. i also know that this is the most i’ll get it- that this is the most he gives to himself. it’s sick and twisted how something about that knowledge softens the lack of invitation into a silky bouquet of petaled flowers, and i pretend the way he treats me is at least halfway romantic.

i look at him while he’s sleeping. something about him is softer -easier to digest- when the morning light is shining and the room is quiet of his endless speaking of only himself. in certain shades of sunlight he nearly looks like a boyfriend. not mine, though. maybe that girl, mckenna he was texting next to me at one in the morning. next to him, if i’m too still, my world starts to feel like it’s getting swallowed up by my heart. i’m afraid, if i move, i will implode into a speck of dust on his bedsheets. and i don’t want to be there while she slides into this side of the bed like i did.

i woke up at 7am, thinking. the sun outside washing the walls with a brightness that peeks through my eyelids and i’m the only one awake to notice how my skin sparkles in that early morning sunshine. i turned to him in the privacy and studied the outline of his nose, the part in his lips. it could have been a mirror, showing me everything i lack, everything i’m not, everything i am. sometimes, when i stare at him too long, it hurts.

— ‘i won’t go down with his burning ship’

#poetry #love poem #thoughts and reflections #cleverpsycho

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rarepears · 3 years ago

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When a joke goes wrong and starts a zombie apocalypse... sort of

As a joke, adult! Jinah who makes a good salary gifts Jinwoo a custom made coffin shaped bed.

It’s comfy so Jinwoo uses it. He also may or may not have accidentally fallen asleep in it after Jinah’s death and woke up a couple centuries later only to find his coffin bed moved six feet underground.

Anyways, Jinwoo accidentally starts up rumors that the zombie apocalypse is about to begin and that he is the first zombie and the zombie lord.

#solo leveling au #solo leveling ideas #solo leveling #solo leveling jin woo #sung jinwoo #jinwoo #zombie au #zombie apocalypse

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bukojuiice · 4 years ago

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the way of the househusband — levi ackerman

ೃ pairing: (husband! levi ackerman x ceo wifey! reader)

ೃ There is the “ideal” nuclear family. The one composed of a working husband with a well-paying 9 to 5 job, loving housewife who cooks and cleans, and adoring children who do well in school. However, that idealization is looong gone. What about you and your family? You are the CEO of a Tech Start-up Company who ain’t no trophy wife, Your husband hails from the last line of Ackermans and who temporarily resigns from being a vice executive of your company (just because he doesn’t want to work with young, feeling philanthropist, and genius GenZers) to become a hands-on househusband, and then there’s your little daughter who has the most inquisitive mind and adventurous heart who idolizes her doting father in every shape, way, and form. A month’s absence in your home (due to a business trip) could lead to many many things. But, your husband randomly publishing a self-help book on parenting and being a househusband is not one of those things.

ೃ genre and warnings: modern au, domestic fluff, baby au, husband au,

ೃ my nav → my aot masterlist

ೃ 4k words

ೃ Will be referring to hanji as “aunkling” (a cute nickname that some kiddos use to refer to their non-binary relatives <3) because there are no official non-binary terms for aunt and uncle! + your daughter with levi is named amelia and she is just the most precious cinnamon roll

It’s done.

The Business Trip is finally over.

A long and painful month of no hugs and playdates with your little princess, Amelia and no time to be pampered with love and affection from your husband, Levi was finally over!

Sometimes, you wonder how you were even able to survive these long-ass trips and conferences. Sure, these month-long trips only happened once a year, but the thought of Amelia getting older and having to miss a day of seeing her grow up and discover the world, really hurt you as all mothers would. Video Calls were enough to satisfy you and give you happy hormones even for just a short while, but still- the longer you’re not with them, the more the yearning lengthens until you’re just riddled with endless thoughts of wanting to get home as soon as possible.

First, let’s set things straight: You are the CEO of a Tech Start-up company who was born into a middle-class family and rose her way up to success. It’s as cliche as it gets but hey! Living a life as if you were in a romantic comedy was the best compliment you’ve ever gotten.

Along with that, as far as rich families in rom-coms and coming of age movies go, are they all dysfunctional in reality? Not really. Or at least you and Levi promised each other not to end up like that. The Rich Girl meets Poor Boy (with a tragic backstory) cliche however? Yea, that’s a pretty accurate way to describe your love story. Meeting the love of your life in a Coffee Shop is actually pretty common and happens to a lot of people apparently. When Erwin Smith, Levi’s best friend (who is too smart and self-aware to fit the role of a rom-com sidekick by the way) approaches your table to ask if he and Levi could sit with you. (Because of all the days the cafe would be packed, it would be that day.) You said yes of course, and Erwin began oversharing details about the raven-haired man and you were all too invested in learning more about him anyway. Levi grew up in the orphanage after his mother had died and his father was the biggest asshole on the planet for never showing his face, he had to fend for himself after he outgrew the foster system. Starting out as an espionage in an illegal underground gambling empire to a bookkeeper at the Smiths’ bookshop. (Although this is a story for another day)

Internally swooning over his pretty eyes and resting bitch face...it didn’t take long until the two of you fell in love and... the rest was history!

You come home to your lavish yet homey apartment in 21 West End Avenue Manhattan to be surprised by your father-daughter duo absolutely knocked out on the couch. Amelia was snuggled up to her father, her feet on his lap and a sleeping position you could not possibly comprehend, a Disney movie playing in the background, and both of them were wearing matching Minion onesies whilst yours was folded neatly on the coffee table just waiting to be worn by you when you got home.

It was a rare sight to see and you can’t help but just stare lovingly at the wonderful scene before you. Not only was it rare to see Amelia asleep before seeing you (or in the case of your business trips, during your daily video calls with them) but it was also rare to see your husband sleeping so soundly and his insomnia not kicking in.

Amelia hears your footsteps, her eyes are still shut as she tries to predict what you will do next. She finally assesses when she will make her move and surprise you when you place another fleece blanket on top of them and plant a kiss on both of their temples. your daughter’s eyes suddenly flutter open. Her eyes beaming and glowing off the same light that twinkled in her father’s as she jumps off the couch, making sure not to wake up Levi.

“MOMMY!” She screams in the most quiet volume her cute voice could muster. She runs up to you and envelops you in a tight hug, jumping up and down as she does so. “I missed you Mommy! I missed you soooo much! How was sandbox in K-korea!? Was there a lot of sand!? Did you have a lot of pwaymates there!?”

You giggle at your daughter’s enthusiasm, combing your fingers through her hair. “Lili, Sandbox is like the Silicon Valley of Korea. It isn’t necessarily a sandbox like in a playground, baby.”

“OOOH! JUST LIKE SIWICON VAWWEY!” She chirps, tightening her hug and reaching for your hand and squeezing it. “AH WAIT!” She gently pushes you away and makes a beeline to her room. “ME AND DADDY HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU! BUT CLOSE YOUR EYES FIRST OWKAAY?!” She calls out from her room and you shout back a “yes!” to her in between your giggles, unable to contain the sudden rush of serotonin your daughter had given you from her simple yet adorable antics.

Another trope that you can debunk is that rich moms can be a hands-on parent too! After your maternity leave ended and when Amelia had finally reached her toddler years, you absolutely made sure that you were going to take care of her every second, minute, hour and day of your life. As soon as she turned two, she became the inquisitive, smart and ever so curious little girl you and Levi had always hoped for. She had your (h/c) hair and Levi’s icy yet warm and loving milky grey eyes. If the color of Levi’s reminded you of dark and stormy clouds, Amelia’s was gleaming. Like that of the clouds after a terrible storm. She was an absolute blessing and although you weren’t a perfect mother, (spoiling her more than you should) Levi was an amazing father. Growing up without parents was tough for him and he was going to make sure that Amelia is going to have an amazing childhood and be surrounded by the love of two parents that he never had and never got to experience.

You always and will forever have trust in Levi. There has never been a day where you doubted him. Despite the impressions and assumptions that people have of him. How he was cold, scary, and even calculating. But, you are always quick to shut down those rumors. They don’t know the Levi Ackerman behind the cold and mighty front he shows. He is a man who has gone through so much and yet has so much love and care to give. How he notices and remembers the littlest details, how he never takes anything for granted and how he loves and cherishes everything so wholeheartedly.

When Amelia turned six, you sadly had to go back to work formally. Right timing too because your genius (with very himbo tendencies) younger cousin, Eren, was about to be part of your start-up company and he had a lot of amazing plans that had to come into fruition. Even bringing in a group of his own friends (who all graduated in MIT by the way!) who are willing to contribute so many amazing ideas and hackathons that were just waiting to happen.

The entrance of these youthful and hopeful genius entrepreneurs also brought about the temporary exit of your very own husband from your very own company. Apparently, working with newly graduated Gen Zers (as a millennial) was too much for him. They were nice and they were going to be a very integral part of the company. But, the boomer inside Levi can’t just can’t keep up with this sudden surge of energy and youthfulness within the higher-ups. It was also a great opportunity for him to take care of Amelia even more. So, you didn’t stop him from doing so!

It’s been a year since he temporarily resigned and became an official-unofficial househusband. Or as your best friend Hanji likes to put it, You are the Girl Boss and he is the Male Wife. Amelia is now 7 years old and she’s currently taking Ballet classes (Levi picks her up during the weekdays, and the both of you pick her up on the weekends) and has developed a hyperfixation over Sanrio Characters and the Disney movie, Frozen. She was growing up to be a wonderful girl and you just can’t wait to hear what she and Levi had done during your absence.

She skips her way back to you, a book tightly clutched in her hands. “SURPRISE!” Amelia gingerly places a book on your hand. You open your eyes and tilt your head in question at the piece of literature she had just given you as you read the title aloud. “The Way of the House Husband… written by Levi Ackerman.” Your eyes shift to a little circle on the lower side of the cover, “The husband of (Y/N) Ackerman, the CEO of Survey Corp Tech…!?”

“Daddy and I made a book while you were away!” She claps her hands together and grabs the book back from you, turning it to the first page. “See there’s even a dedication! To (Y/N) and Amelia! The two brightest stars in my galaxy!”

“Oh that’s too cheesy. No way would your dad write something like this out of the blue, Lili.” You scoff, shaking your head in disbelief. Your daughter looks at you with downcast eyes while you were still trying to process that your husband literally just wrote a whole-ass book while you were away. “Who helped publish this so quickly, Amelia?”

“Uncle Erwin of course!” She’s frowning for one second and now she’s beaming at you again. “Please please read it mommy! Me and daddy worked really really hard on it!” She taps the hardbound cover of the book in rhythms. “This is the Amelia Edition! Daddy said he cut out some stuff so that it would be okay for me to read and for me to give to you once you get home! It’s my come back home gift for you mommy!” She moves the book to your lap and hops up next to you on the loveseat that you were sitting on. Before you know it, Amelia is resting her head on your shoulder and coaxing you to start reading to her like it was a bedtime story.

You clear your throat and hold her by the waist so that she can feel more secure in her seat. “Okay… okay… let’s begin shall we? In a kingdom far far away…”

“That’s not how the book is like mommy! Read it properly like the way daddy did!”

“I was just joking, honey. Let’s get started. Rule #1 of the House Husband is…”

Rule #1: Fathers, be good to your children. You are the weight of their world.

“One thing I learned as soon as I was at home practically 24/7 is that your child will be more cautious and weary of you. They will observe you because they look up to you. They will watch your every move, follow you around, and will imitate whatever you say and whatever they hear from you. Talk to them, teach them things they need to know, support them in their hobbies, interests, and even if you have to be the extra princess in her tea party, do it. The thing is, you will leave an eternal mark on the hearts of your children.”

Amelia got even more closer to Levi when he was finally stationed at home. Always grinning from ear to ear and boasting to her classmates how cool her dad was whenever he would pick her up from school. She was proud to tell them Levi’s heritage even if Amelia never got to meet her Grandma Ackerman and Grandpa Ackerman. When Levi would take her out for errands, may they be groceries, cleaning the house, baking, cooking, laundry, or just going on his morning jog, Amelia would be there to accompany him. In fact, she’s gone shopping with Levi so many times that she has memorized the brand names of cleaning detergent and bleach before she could even memorize the multiplication table.

She’s even caught up with her father’s cynical sense of humor. And because of that, Levi had to tone down on his sardonic jokes around the little girl. Levi wasn’t necessarily physically affectionate but he does soften around Amelia as the little girl never fails to supply him with endless hugs and kisses on the cheek. She may be both a Mommy’s and Daddy’s girl, but the way she looks up to Levi is the kind of father-daughter bond that you hardly see in real life. She aspires to be like him. Even if there were times where she would be scolded by you both, (most especially Levi) she never took that against you. She sees all the good and positive sides of your husband that others outside of your circle fail to see.

Rule #2: Let your children know that they have other “guardian angels” who they can rely on aside from their parents.

“My daughter has both my wife and I’s best friends to learn from or to look up to. Her kooky aunkling and her blunt uncle have become one of the most precious people in her life. Even the young ins working at Survey Corp Tech have become older siblings to her and get along with her so well. Remember that there will always be close relatives or friends who can and will help them when they lose their way. Let them spread sunshine and love to others.”

Whether it’s a regular trip to Coney Island or your monthly trips to Disneyland, Hanji or Erwin would totally tag along. Amelia absolutely loves and vibes with Hanji’s quirkiness so well. They would wear matching Mickey Mouse ears, ride the kiddie roller coaster that Amelia wanted to ride on a million times per visit, buy her all the ice cream and treats she wants (despite Levi’s warnings and the reprimanding that Hanji has to suffer from the both of you right after.) They just want Amelia to experience all the fun, the joy, and innocence of living in the moment. As a kid, it’s better if she sees how precious life is, how she should cherish it and that she doesn’t have to grow up so fast just yet.

Erwin on the other hand, brought out Amelia’s intellectual side more. As soon as a new and critically acclaimed children’s book hit the shelves, you bet Amelia has a copy right away. Whenever Levi would take her to Erwin’s bookstore, she wanders around like it’s this huge mysterious archive that can only be accessed by her. The Adults section is forbidden, so were the cheap romance novels in the back, and the books written by youtubers. God forbid she read those. When her Uncle Erwin got her into reading Roald Dahl’s children’s books, you had to watch Amelia run around the penthouse with a little red ribbon tied on top of her hair, wanting to be referred to as Matilda, along with you and Levi having to pretend that she had telekinetic powers for 6 months straight. It was her cutest phase yet and you just know there were many more to come.

There were also Eren and his friends who loved Amelia dearly whenever she came over to visit. Your little cousin refused to be called Uncle Eren and instead wanted to be called big bro, and in which Amelia happily complied. Whenever it was Amelia’s weekly “Visit Mommy at Work” day, she had her own room in your office where Eren and your other young associates would babysit her. In fact, they would actually take turns in babysitting at your condo whenever you and Levi went out for date night. Amelia was introduced to playing video games like Animal Crossing and Pokemon solely because of them (more specifically because of big bro Jean, big sis Sasha, and big bro connie.) They even ended up influencing her to watch anime when her big brother “Minmin” and big sis “Mimi” accidentally left the TV on and Amelia literally binge-watched half of the existing Studio Ghibli movies to this date.

Rule #3: Your children will think that you are Superman or Iron Man. Make sure to act like them and never let them down by ruining their innocence and imagination.”

(A little note was attached to this page: Please don’t let Amelia read this. Read her a fairy tale instead while skimming through this.)

“It all started when my daughter found an entire encyclopedia on ancient and legendary family clans around the world. The Ackerman clan was on the very first page after the intro and she read through all 50 pages of it. The look of awe on her face when she read that her dad’s ancestors exhibit physical abilities much higher than the average human. In a 7 year old’s mind and vocabulary, that automatically translates to a superhero akin to that of Superman.

Ever since then, My daughter has forced me to become more creative with doing very mundane tasks and chores. I pretend to have superpowers. Such as teleporting around the house whilst cleaning. I tell her to close her eyes or else my teleportation powers won’t work. Then when I cook in the kitchen and she watches me intently, I tell her that the salt and pepper have magical properties that only I can touch and hold because to her, at that moment, I was “Doctor Stwange.”

and one time, when I picked her up from school, she was babbling on about how she told her friends and playmates that she had two superhero parents she was very proud of. Then one of the other kids asked if I was a strong soldier who killed huge humanoid monsters using sharp blades. To which I replied that could have possibly happened in a different universe. Her hearty laughs and giggles whenever she sees me using my superpowers makes me anxious over the fact I have to tell her someday that my powers never existed.”

Whilst you were on your monthly trip, you and Levi would have private video calls whenever Amelia was finally put to bed. There, he told you about what happened in Amelia’s ballet classes that week and how the single mothers were more persistent than usual.

They could clearly see that Levi was not interested but apparently the fact that your husband waving his ring finger every single time someone approached him wasn’t obvious enough, apparently the fact that he was married made the risk even more worth it to these prying moms who had nothing better to do. It wasn’t until Amelia had enough and respectfully called them out by saying that his dad was married and he was never going to be interested in Karens (a slang word that she learned from Eren and friends) Since then, the invasion of parent to parent boundaries had finally stopped. Levi was very relieved and at ease whilst telling you the story yet you were laughing your heart out at the ingenious remarks of your very own daughter on top of the irresistible charm and looks of your own husband that made single mothers be damned.

Rule #4: The most important rule of all: Love your spouse as you want your children to be loved in the future.

“Since my wife is on a business trip right now as I type this and she may or may not know that I had written this book for her to read when she comes home, my daughter came up to me a few days ago and told me how she missed her mom so much. The video calls we had every night were not enough to satisfy her for the remaining days her mother would be gone. She then proceeds to tell me that she loves the way I love (Y/N). My daughter loved how patient I was and how I supported her through every endeavor that her mother had ever thought up with that brilliant mind of hers. She mentioned how I was there for her through every success and failure, through hardships, difficulties and misunderstandings. My daughter was happy because I stuck with her mother through everything. All the pain, suffering, conflicts that we both experienced individually and as husband and wife. Little ears and little eyes are watching and observing the actions and sweet gestures of their parents. Make sure to remember that.”

“What is gravy (grief) if not love persevewing?” (persevering) My daughter had even recounted a quote from the Disney Marvel show, WandaVision just to prove a point to me. That was when I realized something and decided to list down a few things:

1. The best lovers are the best of friends.

Levi’s relationship with you was rocky at first simply because the two of you didn’t have a lot in common. Your personalities clashed and the two of you could barely make things work in the beginning. He was always well-dressed, on time, and was very prim and proper. However, Levi was cold, strict, and unapproachable. You on the other-hand were quite the opposite. You used to arrive late, didn’t care too much about your style as long as you wore the appropriate outfit, but you were carefree, laidback and friendly. Having to set aside your differences was a process that required sacrifice, time, and effort. It took long and a lot of petty arguments before the two of you fully understood each other, accepted each other's faults and quirks, and became even closer. Both as friends and lovers. You and Levi treat each other not as just the “person I love and I’m married to for the rest of my life”, but also as a best friend for life. Soulmates

2. Their dreams are just as important as yours.

Levi’s dream was to open up a tea shop and start a family with you. That was all he ever wanted. The blissful simplicity of his in comparison to your techy and out of this world ambitions, goes to show how much they weigh as aspirations and wants in life. You have to value your significant other’s dreams and ambitions just as much as you highly value yours. No matter how hard or how simple they are, the both of you can achieve it with the help of each other. The only thing left in your agenda was to open up his long-awaited Tea Shop. You were about to surprise him with the plans of opening one up on the day of his birthday, and you just can’t wait for that day to finally come.

3. You have to let them be free.

Levi absolutely knew what he was getting into when he met you. It was love at first sight when he met you, He drunkenly admitted that one time when he’s had too much champagne on your friday date night. He knew that you were an adventurer. A wandering soul who had a goal and a purpose set in stone. He always knew you were going to reach greater heights and he knew that you would never leave him behind and would always have him go on a ride. He’s always known about your capabilities and your potential and he didn’t want you to stray away from that. And, if the time were to come that you had to leave him behind to soar greater heights, he’d understand that. He’d always let you be free and make sure you don’t fly too close to the sun. That was just how selfless Levi is. The thing is, he knows you would do the same for him. It was a perfect balance.

4. It is an honor to love and to be loved by them.

To be wrapped in the arms of someone who feels like home or has become the definition of home, To be stargazing with on a chilly summer night in where you talk about your future and your plans, To be sharing a cup of coffee or tea with in the morning and begrudgingly dancing with you against his will, To be watching your child playing in her room and do nothing but look adoringly at the most precious soul to have ever been produced by your encompassing love, and to be spending the rest of your life with someone who has done nothing but be with you through every pivotal moment in your life was such an honor.

It is an honor to be loved by Levi, as he is honored to be loved by you.

“...The end.” You close the book with a deep but contented sigh. Tears were welling up in your eyes and you’re trying your best not to break down in front of Amelia.

“Mommy… are you crying?” She tilts her head in inquiry. “Is it because you’re tired from work?”

“No. baby. These are happy tears, Lili. Don’t worry.”

Before you could speak up once more, you notice Levi had slowly sprung up from the couch, and began to stretch his arms. His eyes widen when he sees you from the opposite couch. “(Y/N)... you were supposed to arrive at 6 AM right? Amelia and I were supposed to pick you-”

Amelia opens her mouth to speak as she jumps down from the couch and crawls up to sit next to Levi. “Daddy! I showed Mommy the book you wrote! She loved it! Right, Mommy?”

“You did?” Your husband perks up from his seat, clearing his throat. “T-that’s not the entire book yet by the way. We had to give back the original copies to Erwin for reprinting. The self-help book is currently rising up the charts to be a New York Times Best Seller.”

Before Levi could properly react, you move to the free space on the couch next to him. Holding his hand and gazing into his forlorn yet loving eyes, you muttered. “Love, that’s amazing. I’m really really proud of you. Next time though, please do tell me that you’ve written a self-help book and dethroned all those mommy authors from the bestselling charts.”

Levi stifles a laugh, stroking your thumb and bringing you and Amelia closer to him for warmth. “I will. I will.”

Amelia looks up at the two of you, squeezing out of the sandwich, so that you and Levi can have your quality time with each other. “Goodnight Mom! Goodnight Dad!” She approaches the two of you so that she can be given her nightly kiss on the cheek as she retreats to her room.

“What if I write a novel too?” You joke, snuggling up to Levi, your husband wrapping his arm around you. “The title could be… The way of the Wife boss?”

“That could be a good sequel. A shared book universe. Then, Amelia could continue the collection when we’re old and sour as hell.” Levi mused.

“Pfft. I guess only time will tell. I love you Levi.”

“I love you too (Y/N).”

#attack on titan x reader #aot x reader #snk x reader #levi x reader #levi ackerman x reader #levi ackerman fluff #shingeki no kyojin x reader #snk fluff #aot fluff #attack on titan fluff #attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #levi ackerman

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just-jordie-things · 4 years ago

Text

Ghost

word count: 11,648 warnings: swearing, mentions of death, reader is an orphan, summary: John B was the closest thing to family that (y/n) had left, and now he’s gone and disappeared. Fortunately JJ’s there to help her feel whole again. based on this song ___

[ yelling at the sky, screaming at the world // baby why’d you go away?... heaven only knows where you are now ]

August 10th, 9:30 p.m (The Night Of The Disappearance of John B Routledge and Sarah Cameron)

“Unfortunately… we lost them” Officer Thomas said, hanging his head shamefully.

Pope broke down right away, Kiara at his side, comforting him with a hug and soft words.

“What do you mean you lost them?” JJ asked, jumping straight to anger. “They’re just gone? They’re dead!?”

(y/n) stood back, glancing down at her cold hands, finding that they’ve begun to shake with the new information. She didn’t know how to process what she was hearing.

“We don’t know for certain-” Thomas tried to explain, but JJ wasn’t having it, he lashed out completely.

“You drove them right into the storm!” He yelled, lunging for the cop, grabbing him by his shirt and shaking him violently. “You killed them-!”

“JJ..” Kiara cried out, clutching tighter to Pope’s side as she began to quietly sob.

He released the cop with a shove, turning back to his remaining friends. Pope pulled Kiara into his arms, crying into her hair silently.

But (y/n) was frozen in place, her expression hadn’t changed since Thomas had told them what happened. Tears were streaming down her cheeks quickly, more and more spilling over with each passing second. Her whole body shook, and she wrapped her arms around herself. She wasn’t sure if it was the grief or the cold, but either way, her own embrace provided no comfort.

“(y/n/n)- sweetheart…” JJ stepped towards her, his hands outstretched for her to take if she needed, but she didn’t move. Her eyes didn’t even meet his.

“John B…” She whimpered, her lip quivering as she sniffled. “Sarah…”

When a sob escaped her, JJ was there in a second, grabbing onto her and holding her as tightly as he could in his arms. She continued to sob, screaming and crying as her body finally reacted.

She thrashed in his hold, squirming and pushing at him, hands smacking at his arms and chest, trying to pry him off of her, even though deep down all she craved was to be held, comforted.

“It’s not fair! It’s not fair,” She was screaming, drawing the attention of the surrounding officers, as well as the Carreras and the Heywards who had shown up to comfort their children.

But (y/n) had no one to show up for her, they were all dead.

“It’s not fair- It's not fair it’s not fair” She continued to cry against JJ, until her knees gave out and she crumpled to the ground.

The blonde boy followed with her, gathering her back in his arms no matter how much she fought and pushed him away.

But eventually her body tired out, and she gave in. He could feel her slump into his shoulder as she rested all of her weight on him. His own tears soaked into her hair and tee shirt as he dropped his face to her own shoulder.

“Not fair” She mumbled, on repeat, until her crying made her too incoherent to understand.

He didn’t know what to say, he didn’t know what to do, he’d never seen (y/n) like this before, much less how you were supposed to react when your best friend, and your kinda new friend, were lost at sea.

“I’ve got you,” He said instead, knowing that there were no magic words to heal her. “I’m here, I’ve got you”

They didn’t fix everything, but they seemed to do the trick, because she finally wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her hands fisting into the material of his shirt as she clutched onto him with the same intensity that he held her with.

They spent hours in that tent, long after Pope and Kiara’s parents took them home, they were still there. Technically they were supposed to wait for a parent or guardian to pick them up. But JJ’s father was a coked up piece of shit, and (y/n’s) parents were six feet underground.

She didn’t push him away again. She spent the whole night in his arms, clinging onto him with an iron grip. And ever since that night, she hasn’t really let go of him. ___

[ how do i love? how do i trust again? ]

September 10th, 3:00 a.m (One Month After The Disappearance of John B Routledge and Sarah Cameron)

“Wake up, (y/n/n), wake up”

The girl gasped for air as her eyes flew open, and as quickly as she’d woken up, she settled back into her pillow, eyes falling shut again as she let out a sign.

“I was doing it again, wasn’t I?” She muttered, squeezing her eyes shut tight as she tried not to cry, and tried not to remember the vivid details of her nightmare.

Which was more of a traumatic memory than a nightmare, really.

JJ, who was lying next to her, was quiet as he gazed down at her, watching her calm herself down as best she could. He always gave her the space to relax on her own before stepping in. He wanted her to know that she was capable of recovering on her own, but that he would still be there for her as soon as she needed him.

After a few deep breaths, the girl rolled onto her side, her face colliding with his chest as she continued her steady breathing.

“Will you hold my hand?” She mumbled, and he simply nodded, reaching for her trembling fingers, and gently slotting his fingers through hers. She continued to tap her index finger over the back of his hand at a rapid pace.

She did this for a minute or two before speaking again.

“I’m sorry”

“Don’t be sorry, baby, it’s alright,” He murmured to her softly, followed by a kiss to her forehead. “I’ve got you”

A small choked sound came from her as tears threatened to well up in her eyes again.

She’d spent the last month in bed with him like this. No matter how much time passed, and no matter how much her grief started to melt away and she began her coping process, she’d still wake up in the middle of the night from awful nightmares.

She hadn’t planned on being a regular guest in JJ’s bed at the Chateau, but she also didn’t have anywhere else to go. She didn’t have a place of her own, she’d lived at the Chateau since she was six and John Routledge had taken her in.

She was just a child when her parents got into a freak boating accident and died at sea. She hadn’t understood why she was put in the system, or why she couldn’t go home to her mom and dad. But for some reason, her friend John B had gotten his dad to take her in, and after a day or two of moving in, she’d understood.

John and John B were her family now.

But then a year ago, John Routledge was declared lost at sea, and it was just her and John B. It was hard, since he was pretty much the only father she’d ever known, and since he was announced dead, in the same way her parents had been. At least she still had John B, who was a brother to her.

Fate had a sick sense of humor though, sending him off into a storm, likely killing him.

And she ended up losing him, too.

JJ’s free hand smoothed over her back, caressing her hair, and then rubbing circles over her back again. He always did his best to comfort her in any way she needed. And it had been a month of waking up with her to her nightmares, so he always knew just what to do.

“Can we go stay in his room?” She asked quietly.

That was a new request that JJ hadn’t been expecting, but nonetheless, he nodded, and helped her to sit up. He reached his hands out for her, offering to help her get out of bed, but she limply hung her arms in the air, silently asking him to carry her.

“Alright, you big baby,” He teased in a tired murmur, and leaned over to wrap his arms around her torso, picking her up and pulling her into his chest.

Her legs instinctively wrapped around his hips, and her head laid down on his shoulder. Had she not been so shaken up, she could have fallen right back asleep.

“But I’m only doing this cause you’re so damn cute” He told her as his hands shifted to hold her from under her legs, and he carefully made his way through the dark to get to John B’s room.

The flirty comment provoked a small and sleepy laugh from the girl. It wasn’t much, but it was something, and it provided a certain comfort to JJ. it had been a while since she truly laughed. He missed the sound dearly.

(y/n) had spent some time in John B’s room during the long summer days. But she’d never spent the night in it.

JJ would often find her in there, cleaning up, reorganizing his book shelf, playing his CD’s, feeding the fish he’d won at a carnival a year ago that was miraculously still alive- she’d do anything and everything to spend time in there. To her, it was all that was left of him.

JJ had even caught her putting on his clothes, worn tee shirts, strangely-patterned button downs, sweaters that were too big for her- but she always took them off before anyone could see. JJ pretended not to notice, and never said anything. Both because he didn’t want her to feel embarrassed, but also because sometimes when she spent all of her time in that room, he’d feel just the tiniest amount of jealousy, and it made him feel ashamed.

[ i stay up all night, tell myself i’m alright // baby you’re just harder to see than most ]

“Alright, here we go, baby,” He said as he delicately set her down on the mattress.

(y/n) visibly deflated as she melted into the cool sheets. Her limbs were still wrapped around JJ’s figure, so she pulled him down with her as she got situated, but he didn’t mind.

With great caution, he slipped out of her hold just enough to lay at her side, so that he wouldn’t pass out on top of her.

He watched as she seemingly relaxed for the night, finally. She pressed her face deep into the pillow her head was under, taking in a deep breath, the lingering smell of cologne and the beach and something that was distinctly John B flooding her senses.

“It still smells like him” She murmured. She doesn’t sound like she’s going to cry again, but JJ keeps a watchful eye on her, just in case.

When she exhaled, she opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. He gave her a small smile, which she faintly returned before moving in closer to him.

“Thank you” She whispered as her forehead touched his gently.

His arms wrapped around the small of her back, pulling her into him completely. And then he kissed her forehead again, and then her nose, before tucking her head against his chest, just under his chin.

She tended to lean her ear against his chest, using the steady beat of his heart to lure her to sleep.

“You don’t have to thank me, sweetheart” He told her, like he had a million times before.

“I know, you always say that,” (y/n) murmured, lips brushing over his neck as she spoke. “But I mean it anyways. Thank you, Jay”

Her hand finds a comfortable place to rest just over his heart, and soon she’s drifting back to a seemingly peaceful sleep. JJ just hopes she makes it through the night.

He lets his hand brush through her hair, untangling the locks until his fingers can run perfectly smooth through it. He does this until he falls asleep. ___

[ i put the record on, wait till i hear our song // every night i’m dancing with your ghost ]

July 4th, 10:00 p.m (A Month Before The Disappearance of John B Routledge and Sarah Cameron)

Neither of them had made a move yet, but they both knew all too well that there was something between them. Something fiery and exciting, something soft and intimate.

JJ always flirted with (y/n), long before he realized he actually had feelings for one of his closest Pogue friends. They’d been friends since they were kids, and they’d technically been living together for the past few months, but only recently had it dawned on him that he was falling in love with her, and it was happening fast.

“As flattering as I find your staring, you look very zoned out,” Her voice drew him from his thoughts, and he found himself grinning as (y/n) walked up to him, beer in hand.

John B and Pope had thrown a Fourth of July kegger, and it was probably the craziest party they’d had in years. Tourons and Kooks had shown up from all over the island, and every kid on The Cut made an appearance that night.

A couple of Kooks had even brought in their own kegs to help supply the party with enough beer.

But despite all the people here, all the hot Tourons to be exact, JJ had been content that (y/n) had approached him, with her sweet smile and revealing bikini.

“What’s goin’ through that pretty head of yours, hm?” She asked, only half teasing.

All summed had been like this. The flirting intensified, and they both stopped pursuing one night stands with the Tourons that came to these things.

“Absolutely nothing,” JJ grinned back at her, and she laughed, believing him. “Where you been all night? Fighting off all these guys I hope?” He asked, half joking.

Coincidentally, a group of basic white tourist boys walked past, one of them letting out a low whistle as their eyes wandered over (y/n’s) figure.

JJ scowled at him, stepping forward threateningly, one of his arms instinctively wrapping around the girl’s waist as he glared down the Touron until he cowered away.

“Wow,” (y/n) chuckled, one of her hands pressing against JJ’s chest, but she didn’t push him away, so he didn’t move. “You made your point tough guy, jesus,” She said, raising her brows at him. “Jealous much?”

“Me? Jealous?” He asked with a scoff, to which (y/n) mimicked the sound.

“That’s real hot coming from the most jealous and pissed off guy in the OBX” She teased with a growing smirk on her lips.

“Well, sure, but I’m not jealous of that guy,” JJ told her, gesturing at the lame Touron who was miserably failing at shotgunning a beer.

But as he watched the idiot with an amused grin, (y/n) just smiled up at the blonde boy, admiring his side profile for a moment.

Unlike most stories of friends who became lovers, where they weren’t sure when their friendship blossomed into something more, (y/n) knew exactly when she fell for JJ.

It had been last summer. They’d been on the HMS Pogue on a fishing trip, and while she’d never been fishing before, she was eager to let JJ and Pope teach her how. When she caught her first fish, JJ had cheered, but he could tell that it made her sad to throw it in the cooler. So he told her it was alright if she wanted to throw it back. He showed her how to carefully take the fish off the lure so it wouldn’t be as hurt, and let her throw it back in the water.

He must have felt her staring, because suddenly he was turning back to her, his eyes locking on hers instantly.

“Look who’s starin’ now” He teased, his fingers brushing against her hips in an attempt at tickling her.

She giggled and wiggled a bit, but she still didn’t pull away from him.

They were very close, so close that if JJ hadn’t been wearing his hat backwards, then its brim would have been bumping into her forehead. So close, that she could just faintly feel his warm breath hitting the bridge of her nose. So close, that it would be so easy to kiss him right now.

Curiously, her eyes wandered down to his lips, pink and inviting, begging to be kissed, she thought. No wonder girls would throw themselves at him, he had the most perfect looking pair of lips.

Of course, before she could decide if it was worth it to throw reason (and the only Pogue rule) out the window, Rafe and Topper were causing trouble somewhere on the beach, and soon JJ was peeling himself away from her and racing off towards the conflict.

He was always there to end it, never one to shy away from a fight. (y/n) had come to terms with that a long time ago, knowing it was something she’d never be able to change.

But looking back on it, if he hadn’t left her to get his ass kicked by Rafe Cameron, then they probably would have crossed that line between friendship and something more that very night. ___

[ Never got a chance to say a last goodbye ]

September 15th, 9:45 a.m (Two Months After The Disappearance of John B Routledge and Sarah Cameron)

The sun was unrelenting as it shined in through the window, forcing (y/n) to wake up despite her longing to sleep in bed all day. It wouldn’t be the first time that she refused to get out of bed.

But she told herself that she should. The sun was telling her that she should. Even if she did manage to close her eyes and ignore the brightness streaming into the room, she knew she wouldn’t sleep comfortably.

Today, she was going to get up and make herself breakfast. That felt like a good start for taking care of herself today.

She rolled over with a groan, in an attempt to reach for JJ to see if he was awake. Some mornings he would wake up before her and she’d find him laying there on his phone, but sometimes he would just peacefully lay there as he waited for her to wake up.

However, as she lazily slung her hand towards the other side of the bed, she only ended up hitting pillows. And suddenly the easy morning started to turn upside down.

Don’t freak out, she told herself, even as she scurried out of bed.

Don’t panic, it’s fine, he’s probably just watching tv in the living room.

As she was about to run out of the room, she decided at the last second it was probably best to throw on a pair of shorts. The large tee shirt she well fell just past all of her curves, but it would be embarrassing if she ran through the Chateau in front of Pope and Kiara in a worried panic without pants on.

Or maybe he’s making breakfast, like that one time he brought you breakfast in bed, that was really sweet.

None of the calming ideas that crossed her mind actually calmed her, as she searched through the living room, there was no sign of JJ. The kitchen was empty, the bathroom door was hung ajar, and also empty.

There was a logical explanation for him not being here, deep down she knew that, but then why didn’t he leave a note? Or wake her to let her know he’d be leaving? Why would he leave without saying anything at all? Didn’t he know that this was her worst fear come to life, again?

Panic took over, and next thing she knew she couldn’t take in enough air as her throat closed up and her legs stopped working. She stood in the living room for a solid minute, hands glued to her head, fists tugging on her hair tightly in a terrible attempt to ground herself to the moment and not spiral any further.

But her heavy breaths turned to sobs and she didn’t know she was crying until she felt the tears on her cheeks.

There’s a logical explanation, there’s a logical explanation, she repeated in her head like a mantra, hoping to god that she’d start believing it soon.

Slowly, she crouched down on the floor, because sometimes when she had panic attacks she got dizzy so it was better to sit down now.

Or maybe he went boating with Pope, they like to fish early in the morning, she thought. Maybe they hit something, the marsh is always changing with the weather. Maybe the boat capsized, maybe they drowned to their deaths-

No! Don’t think that!

The sobbing got worse as she assumed the worst, taking in gasping breaths of air, desperate to fill her lungs that felt like they were about to collapse.

Maybe they went into town to pick up breakfast. Maye they got stopped by Kooks, or Barry, maybe they were murdered in cold blood-

The girl whimpered, trying to ward off the horrific images rolling through her mind, but as terrible as they were, she reminded herself that these weren’t unrealistic worries, that these things had happened before, and would happen again.

He promised me he wouldn’t get on a fucking boat, he promised me he’d start biking around the island, she told herself. JJ wouldn’t break a promise to her, especially that one, but the anxiety inside of her was still whispering into her ear, telling her that all of her friends very well could have been gone forever.

Maybe he just left. Maybe he got sick and tired of waiting around. Maybe he was just being a nice guy the last two months. Maybe he didn’t care anymore. Maybe he didn’t miss John B or Sarah. Maybe he finally fled for the mainland like he’s been talking about since he was a kid. Maybe he’s with a girl. Maybe he didn’t care about you anymore.

Her hands covered her face, wishing that she could just stop and focus on something else, calm her breathing. She wanted to run out of the Chateau and go looking around the island, but she remained frozen on the floor.

“(y/n)?” A voice called, and she could faintly hear the screen door swinging open and then shut. “Woah, hey, (y/n/n)”

Through blurry eyes, she could just barely make out Pope’s figure, kneeling in front of her.

Pope, Pope is here, she thought to herself, and it sort of helped relax her. You’re not alone, Pope is here.

She shakily reached her hands out to him, grabbing onto his forearms and anchoring herself to him.

He’s real, he’s right here. His hands are holding your elbows, he’s real.

“Breathe, (y/n), deep breaths, you can do it,” His initially stressed voice calmed when he realized that she was having a panic attack. He’d seen her have them once or twice before, but it was always JJ who rushed in and helped her out of them. “Copy my breathing, can you do that?” He asked.

She nodded her head, eyes meeting his as he took in a long and deep breath, held it for three seconds, and then slowly let it out. He kept on repeating that action until her exhales weren’t shaky, and her body relaxed.

“There you go, you’ve got it, you’re alright…” He said smoothly.

His thumbs caressed over her arms gently, reminding her silently that he was there for her, that he cared about her.

“You want to talk about it?” He offered, and (y/n) shut her eyes tightly, willing the rest of her tears to dry up.

“I- I woke up and- and-”

When she began to stutter, Pope hushed her soothingly, and helped her through another breathing exercise.

“Okay, now try again,” He said softly, once her breaths evened out again. “Slowly”

“I woke up,” She said, slowly, and then exhaled. “And JJ wasn’t there- and then he wasn’t out here-”

When the rambling began again, she breathed in deeply again.

“It’s alright, he’s right outside,” Pope told her, relieved that the problem had an easy solution.. “You want to go out and see him?”

(y/n) nods back at him, and he helps her stand.

“Kie and I came over this morning, we brought donuts,” He said, hugging her into his side. “We were just on the porch, Jay said you were asleep”

Pope opened the front door for her, as they went onto the porch, and her entire body relaxed as her eyes landed on JJ.

He was sitting on the beat up sofa that had been out there since forever, while Kiara was leaning against the citing of the house, a blunt between her fingers.

JJ smiled as (y/n) came out with Pope, tucked into his side the way a child clings to their mother at large events.

“Morning baby,” He calls to her, and pats the space next to him on the couch, before resting his arm over the back of the cushions.

In no time she peels away from Pope and is sliding into the space under his arm, her side and her legs pressed up against him. It feels like that first sip of coffee in the morning, and she forgets about the anxiety attack she’d had just moments ago.

He eyes the way she’s twirling the ring around her thumb, almost obsessively. She hasn’t taken it off since he’d given it to her, and he doesn’t think she ever will.

“You hungry? Kie and Pope brought donuts” He offered, gesturing to the box on the decorative table Kiara was standing next to.

“Maybe in a little bit” She mumbled, her head falling against his shoulder as she let herself feel relieved.

Some days it was hard to feel content with being content. But JJ was a huge help with that. His presence alone was enough to calm her, that much was obvious.

He’s a little thrown off, but wraps his arm around her nonetheless. His rings are a chill on her hot skin, but it’s somehow comforting.

Panic attack, Pope mouths when the blonde boy looks to him, silently asking what happened.

JJ nods discreetly, before glancing down at the girl under his arm.

“How are you feeling?” He asked softly.

Kiara and Pope pretended to argue over the last chocolate sprinkled donut, so that they had a little bit of privacy between them.

“Fine, now,” She whispers back.

Her fingers aimlessly play with the chain around his neck.

“I- I had a panic attack” She admits.

“What happened, sweetheart?” He asked as the tips of his fingers grazed up and down her arm.

She lifts her head to look at him properly, her fingers still twirling his necklace around her fingers.

“Um… you just… you weren't inside…”

It felt embarrassing to admit that something as simple as that had set her off. When she was in the moment it was a lot more terrifying. But JJ made sure she wasn’t ashamed of that feeling.

“Well, I’m right here,” He told her with a grin. “You know you can’t get rid of me that easy” He added, hugging her tight against him and kissing the top of her head.

She always went pink when he did that, that’s why he did it more often than he used to.

“I know,” She mumbled back. “I just… you know…”

She doesn’t know what she wants to say. That she’s scared to lose him too? That he’s the only anchor she had left? The only remnants of family she had left? That she loved him more than words could describe?

Whatever she had planned on filling the blank with, JJ seemed to understand her perfectly. He’d gotten really good at understanding what she was trying to say in between the words she was actually saying.

“I know, baby,” He says softly.

Her head falls back onto his shoulder. Selfishly, she wished that she could sit here with him like this every day. Maybe then she'll start to really feel better.

Meanwhile there’s a nagging feeling in JJ’s chest. Worry, fear, something terrible that began to manifest. An anxiousness that (y/n) won’t emotionally recover from the disappearance of their friends.

He knew grief took time, that learning to cope took time. But she’d already had to face those things time and time again, what if this was it? What if this was the last straw, and she gave into them?

His arm around her tightened a little, and (y/n) hummed as she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck. She placed a little kiss there before sighing.

“Thanks, Jay,” She mumbles. “You always know just what I need”

He doesn’t say anything, just smiles and rubs her arm comfortingly.

Despite her words, he still worries on the inside. ___

[ i gotta move on, but it hurts to try ]

August 10th, 1:00 a.m (The Night Of The Disappearance of John B Routledge and Sarah Cameron)

(y/n) and JJ had been stuck under police supervision for the last three and a half hours, sitting under the large tents, listening to the heavy rainfall while passing officers would offer their condolences.

It was all bullshit though, and it was starting to piss (y/n) off.

But finally they were allowed to go home, and were escorted to the Chateau. Which is where they stood now.

(y/n) looked like she was glued to the floorboards of the porch, frozen in place like a statue. The wind whipped at her hair and the rain still hit them even as they stood under the little roof over them.

“Come on, let’s go inside,” JJ said, reaching out to take her hand, but even as he tugs, she hardly moves. “(y/n)-”

“I don’t want to,” She mumbles, eyes trained on the front door.

A part of her longed to see John B appear, open the door with a laugh and scold the pair for standing outside in the rain. The harder she looks, the more she wishes to see him there.

“But I don’t have anywhere else to go” She whimpered, finally tearing her eyes away from the door to look at him.

JJ steps forward, his arm wrapping around her back as he slowly guides her inside. Her feet shuffle along, but they barely lift off the ground, and she’s barely moving. He’s just glad to get her inside and out of the rain.

“I just don’t want you to catch a cold, sweetheart” He told her, which was true, but he just needed to say anything to get her to come into the house. He didn’t know what he’d do if she refused.

“I don’t care” She mumbled, but she was already standing at the inside of the doorway.

“Shoes off,” JJ told her, having already left his shoes at the door and was heading into the house. “You know how JB feels about shoes in the house”

(y/n) nods, shakily, and starts to kick off her shoes

But now all she can think about is the first time she’d accidentally tracked mud into the house, and how funny it was when John B freaked out. Thinking about it now, it was just sad.

When JJ came back in the room, she was crying again, silently, she might not have even been aware she was doing it. She was untying the laces on her boots as tears spilled over her cheeks.

“Come on,” He spoke, and suddenly there was a towel wrapped around her shoulders. “Let’s go get you cleaned up, okay?”

“No,” She mumbled. “I just want to lay down”

Her hands gripped onto the fluffy towel almost violently, her knuckles were white, and her hands shook from the force. JJ noticed.

“And you will, but you’ve got to shower first,” He said. “Look at you, you’re soaked to the bone from the rain-”

“JJ-”

“No arguments, lets go” He replied, quiet and calm as ever.

She gave in, mostly because he didn’t have the energy to argue with him. And then she was back to shuffling along with him to the bathroom.

She stood uselessly at the door while he turned the shower on for her.

“How hot do you want it?” He asked, one hand on the noz and the other under the stream of water

She shrugged, mumbled incoherently.

“You’ve got to speak up, honey” JJ said.

“I don’t care” She mumbled a little louder, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Yeah you do, I’ll put it on hot” He answered for her, and adjusted the nozzle accordingly.

But as he turned back, about to leave the room, she didn’t bother to move. Her eyes were downcast, and her hands had released the towel only to wring her hands together.

“Hey, I’ll be in my room, you can-”

“Wait-”

She grabbed his wrist before he could leave the room, and her glossy eyes met his, her mouth opened but no words came out, so she closed it again. He waited until she could find the right words.

“Please- please don’t leave me in here-”

Her breathing grew ragged and the tears started to fall from her eyelashes, and JJ nodded at her, silently confirming he'd stay so she would feel safe.

“Okay, okay, I’ll stay right here,” He told her, both of his hands wrapping around hers. “I’ll wait right in here for you, alright?”

She nods, still a bit shaky, but she turns towards the shower and slowly works on taking off her clothes, so he thinks he’s doing the right thing.

In all honesty, he had no idea what the right thing to do was. As he turned his back to her and stressfully ran his hands through her hair, he didn’t know what to say or do, what the right way to comfort someone was.

He knew that Kiara and Pope were at home with their families, probably hugging, telling each other they love each other, the kind of shit you see in movies.

But you didn’t see this part of the movie. The part where the girl you love is going borderline catanoic as she stands in the shower, limbs heavy and heart shattered.

Was he supposed to talk to her? Offer what few comforting words he knew how to say? Was he supposed to tell her he was there for her, that he loved her and he would never leave her? Was that an overload of information?

“JJ?” (y/n) called from the other side of the shower curtain.

“I’m here” He said, sitting on the toilet seat so he’d be right next to her.

She peeled back the curtain, just enough to peek her head out, and then held her hand out to him. A slight frown tugged on his lips, but he reached his hand out to hers anyways, softly clasping onto it, as though if he’d put any pressure into holding it, then she’d break like a porcelain doll.

She closed the curtain again and went about her shower. It wasn’t a bother with only one hand, but JJ could still hear her soft whimpers from inside.

After ten minutes she turned off the water.

“Close your eyes” She directed, her voice was still a mumble, but without the noise of the water running JJ heard her clearly, and followed her order.

Her hand let go of his as she grabbed her towel and wrapped it around herself, but it was only briefly, as she was grabbing onto it again as soon as she was covered up. She gave it a small squeeze to let him know that she was decent.

When he looked up at her, she was staring down at their hands, focused on the rings on his fingers.

The one on his thumb, she had given to him. Not for a special occasion, she’d just found it in a shop and thought it would look fitting and cool on him.

She was right.

He never took it off.

There was another ring on his middle finger, that one was from John B. He’d swiped it from a second hand shop because it had a neat but very faint engraving of a snake around it. He’d originally stolen it for himself, but it hadn’t fit right, so he handed it off to JJ.

(y/n) ran the pad of her thumb over the engraving now. The snake wasn’t very visible, but she could still feel it.

JJ squeezed her hand, drawing her eyes back to his.

She wasn’t whimpering anymore, but the tears hadn’t stopped. She had to be exhausted.

“I’ve gotta take a shower baby,” He said softly. “You want to go to bed?”

She shook her head, looking back at his rings.

“You want to wait in here?” He asked.

With a small nod from her, he stood up, pressing a quick and gentle kiss to the crown of her head before turning the water and going through the same routine again.

It took some time as he showered and (y/n) waited for him on the toilet. When he’d finished and gotten out to find that she was still wrapped in her towel, he’d convinced her to let him help her change into pajamas.

When she’d finished, she wrapped her arms around his neck, stepping forward and hugging him gently, with little to no force at all.

“Alright, let’s get you to bed” JJ said, lifting her up with ease, one arm hooked under her legs and the other.

“You’ll stay, right?” She asks meekly as he brings her to his room.

“Of course” He hums back.

They get situated under the covers, and finally (y/n’s) tears seem to stop. JJ doesn’t keep his hopes up, though.

He pulls her head to his chest, one arm wrapping around her back at his other hand takes a hold of hers. For good measure, she hooks her leg over one of his, just to be sure she won’t roll away from him in her sleep.

“You won’t leave?” She murmurs.

The exhaustion and the misery that her body is facing is clear to him as she tilts her head back to look at him.

He gives her a small smile, before letting go of her hand, so that he can take the ring off of his middle finger. He takes her hand again, and slides it over her thumb. It’s a little loose, enough that she can twirl it around with ease.

“Now you can have a little bit of both of us with you,” JJ says to her. “I’m not goin’ anywhere”

She doesn’t quite smile, but her expression relaxes as she looks at him, and he takes it as a good sign.

“I’ve got you, baby” He tells her softly as she settles against him, sleep finally starting to overcome her.

“I can’t lose you too” She tells him right before her body gives out. ___

[ how do i love? how do i trust again? ]

November 10th, 6:30 p.m (Precisely Three Months After The Disappearance of John B Routledge and Sarah Cameron)

(y/n) had been sitting on the couch all afternoon, replaying the day’s events in her head like a flashback scene in a movie.

She’d woken up with JJ, they made breakfast and went on a walk, avoiding the beach. They went to visit Kiara at The Wreck with Pope, and then went back to the Chateau to do some chores.

(y/n) liked to keep the place tidy and clean. It gave her something to do, and deep down, she knew that if John B came home, he’d be happy to see everything was just how he left it. If not a little more organized thanks to her.

And then they’d gotten the call from the Sheriff’s Department.

JJ came into the room, a glass of water in one hand and a bottle of advil in the other.

“Here” He said, handing them both to her.

“I don’t need it, my head doesn’t hurt” (y/n) replied quietly, barely even looking at him.

“Not now, but from the look on your face I can tell it’s going to soon. Just take it now, please” JJ said, holding out the cup and bottle towards her again.

(y/n) gave in, knowing he was right, and there was no use in arguing with him because he’d only bother her until she just took the pill.

JJ sat down next to her as she swallowed down the medicine, along with a few more drinks of water. She hadn’t realized how thirsty she was, and suddenly wondered how long she’d been sitting there.

“Where do you think they are?” JJ asked out of nowhere, and she turned to him.

“What?” She asked, voice barely above a mumble.

“John B and Sarah,” He said their names so easily, so casually her heart clenched.

She almost never spoke their names. And when she did, she was usually in a fit of tears.

“Where do you think they are?” JJ repeated his question.

(y/n’s) mouth opened, then closed. And then open and closed again. She didn’t understand what he was asking.

JJ could tell, and he sat back to stretch out on the soda, his legs kicking out as his back leaned against the arm rest. (y/n) turned her body to look at him properly, but didn’t crawl into his arms like he’d expected. She was too confused trying to comprehend what he was saying.

“I think they’re in Florida,” JJ thought aloud, realizing (y/n) wasn’t going to entertain the question. “And I think they got married”

“Married?” She mumbled, blinking at him. “You think they’re... alive?”

“Of course,” JJ said, as sincerely as he could. “Don’t you?”

She doesn’t answer, but she doesn’t have to.

“There’s no way they aren’t. John B’s a pretty tough guy, and Sarah’s the most stubborn person I’ve ever met. More stubborn than you” He spoke with such ease, it threw (y/n) off.

His knee knocked against her side, and he held his hand out to her, beckoning her to lay with him.

Warily, she leaned forward, crawling into the space between his legs, and then flipping over to rest back against his chest. JJ’s arms wrapped around her middle naturally, and he continued to let his thoughts roam free.

“Do you think they’ve got some new treasure hunt going down there?” He whispered into her ear.

“Yes” (y/n) replied, finally giving in to the conspiracy.

“Yeah?” JJ asked, glad that was entertained by the idea, and hopefully comforted too.

“Yeah… I’ll bet… I’ll bet they’re tracking more gold… or… or jewels… or something”

JJ smiled at how hard she tried to let herself get used to the idea. He knew how badly she wanted to move on, and how she felt stuck in the past. This was a significant step forward, and he was more proud of her than he let on. He just didn’t want her to think he pitied her.

“They’re probably filthy rich by now,” JJ told her. “She’s probably turned him full Kook”

“In a good way,” (y/n) spoke, her smile shining through her words. “He was so…”

“Whipped” JJ muttered.

“In love,” (y/n) corrected with a soft exhale. “They only had a week together before they… left,” She said carefully. “And I… I’ve known John B my whole life and he’d never looked at anyone the way he looked at Sarah”

From where her head laid on his chest, JJ couldn’t see well, but he just knew that she was smiling as she spoke, reminiscing in the good memories.

“So you think they got married when they got to Florida?” JJ asked, speaking it like it was a truth.

“Yeah, I think they just might have,” (y/n) said. She thought for a moment, and then let out a small giggle.

He was surprised by the sound, especially when it erupted into more joyous laughter.

“You know,” She ponders aloud, “I think that when they got wherever they were headed, and realized they were safe and alive, he proposed to her right then”

“Yeah?” JJ asked, amused, and revelling in the sound of her laughter.

He had missed the sound so much, he’d worried he’d never hear it again. He closed his eyes as he listened to her soft giggles, and melted at the way her back slightly shook against his chest.

“Yeah,” (y/n) confirmed, and one of her hands reached for his that lied on her stomach. “It probably wasn’t romantic at all. He probably didn’t even get on one knee”

“You’re so right,” JJ laughed with her. “He probably was just like ‘we should get married’ and Sarah was like ‘oh John B, i love you!’ And-”

(y/n) burst into laughter at JJ’s high pitched impression of Sarah. It didn’t sound like her, it didn’t even sound like any girl, but it made her belly laugh, and she sat up slightly so she could turn to look at him.

“Why are you laughing at me? That was a spot on impression” He told her.

“No, it wasn’t,” (y/n) said, shaking her head as she looked down at him.

There were crinkles at her eyes and her lips were pulled into the widest smile he’d seen from her in months.

He had convinced himself that he wasn’t 100% sure what love felt like, but right now it felt like his heart might just burst because of it.

He hadn’t just missed her laugh. He’d missed her.

“It’s almost like you have no idea what a woman sounds like- but Jay, you’ve been living with one for like three years now- what?” (y/n) had cut herself off from her teasing when she saw the way he was staring at her.

He looked sad, but he was smiling, so she didn’t know what to think. Usually she could read him pretty well, but she’d never seen this look before.

“What?” She asked again. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No reason, I just…”

JJ sits up, trying to find the right words as he instinctively grabs a hold of her. She turns to face him again, her legs hooking behind him as she waits for him to continue.

“I’m just thinking” He finishes.

“Well that’s dangerous,” She replies, the banter coming as naturally as it used to. She lets out a little snort of a laugh as she smiles at him. “What about?”

JJ’s hands smooth around her hips, the way they did earlier when they’d gotten the call from Officer Thomas himself, but now it wasn’t to comfort, it was simply because he could.

“You ever think about what would have happened if we never went on that treasure hunt?” He asked, quietly, like he was trying not to upset her.

She goes still, but she doesn’t push him away, and she doesn’t choke up.

“All the time” She murmurs back.

Her voice comes out through a quiet exhale, and if he wasn’t so close, he might not have heard it. But in the last three months his ears had been practically trained to hear her every breath, and catch on to every mumble.

“Really?” He asked, and she nodded, her bottom lip tucking in between her teeth as she looked back at him.

“Of course,” She quietly replied. “How else do you think I keep sane during all the quiet moments?”

It’s a sweet thing to say, paired with a soft smile that JJ felt relieved to see.

“Well then what do you think we’d be doing right now?”

“Something stupid,” She answered right away, followed by a small laugh. “Something sketchy. That’s all we ever did”

“We fished too, fishing’s legal. And surfing, that’s legal too”

“That’s fair,” (y/n) hummed. “Kie and Sarah would’ve gotten along better,” She added. “It would’ve been nice to have a girls day”

“I’ll have a girls day with you” JJ told her, making her laugh again.

“I know you would,” She said, setting her hands on his shoulders. “But it’s not the same”

JJ shrugged.

“You can braid my hair and put makeup on me, what else do you do on a girls day?” He asked, and again, she giggled.

He hoped he could keep making her laugh.

“What do you think we’d be up to?” She asked once the laughter subsided and she was left staring into those baby blue eyes again.

“Macking”

The laughter bubbled back over, her hands swatting at his shoulders as she threw her head back.

“Well you don’t have to laugh that much,” JJ said, brows furrowed as he pouted. “It’s true, we would be”

“Maybe,” (y/n) corrected. “If you’d ever actually made a move, maybe”

“What do you mean ever actually made a move?” He asked, offended. “I maed plenty of moves! Lots and lots of moves”

“Oh really?” (y/n) asked, quirking an eyebrow. “I don’t think we’re remembering it the same way, because I only seem to remember you scaring other boys away from me...”

“Well, yeah, among other things,” JJ said, shrugging casually. “Can’t have a bunch of lame Tourons crowding my girl”

She laughed at his idea of flirting, but she knew fully well that it had always worked. JJ Maybank was charming in his own unique way, and even now it made her melt in his hands.

“So you’re saying that eventually you would have done something about it?”

“About it?”

“Yeah, you know, whatever was… between us,” (y/n) clarified, her finger twirling around the space between them. “I have a hard time believing you would have asked me out”

“I would have!” JJ said, pretending to take offense at her accusation. “Eventually”

“Mhm,” She hummed, and then shook her head. “Well, we’ll never know now,” She sighed, dropping her hands to her lap as she started to fiddle. “I think we skipped a couple steps”

“I think we skipped all the steps, sweetheart,” JJ chuckled, taking her hands so she would stop fidgeting. “But that’s alright, I wouldn’t take it any other way. You’d be the only one for me no matter what happens,”

Her face turns a rosy shade of pink, which brings JJ to kiss both of her cheeks with a proud grin.

“You wanna talk about it?” He asked. “Have the what are we conversation”

Surprisingly, (y/n) shrugs and shakes her head.

“I mean, I don’t think we really have to, do you?” She asks softly. “If there’s no one else for you, and no one else for me…” She trails off, her eyes flickering in between his. “I think it’s pretty clear to me”

“Yeah,” JJ agrees, nodding his head. “Pretty clear,” He repeats. “I just hope you know what you’re getting into” He teases.

She giggles, wrapping her arms around his neck as she leaned in closer.

“I’ve lived with you for quite some time now, I think I know exactly what I’m getting into”

There’s a beat that passes between them, a quiet, contemplative beat.

But then (y/n’s) shaking her head, and she’s smiling at him so brightly that it’s contagious.

And then she leans over just a little bit, just enough to tenderly press her lips against his.

He’s quick to react, his hands reaching up to her face, pulling her impossibly closer to him.

She’s so slow and careful with her movements, and JJ thinks it might have been the softest kiss he’s ever been given. Her lips are warm, inviting, and he begins to kick himself for not making a proper move on her back when everything wasn’t so heavy.

They pull away, their grins equally wide, and (y/n) leans her forehead into his, her eyes still shut. JJ stares at her, awestruck, admiring every curve and freckle on her face.

His hands fall to her waist again, and he pulls her down onto the couch with him, allowing her to tuck herself in against his side as they lay comfortably.

They talk for a long time, theorizing on where they’d be now in another life, and what Sarah and John B are up to, wherever they are. There’s a few tears that JJ has to wipe from the girl’s cheeks, but she’s smiling.

She has hope, for the first time in months, she’s filled with hope and love and deep down she truly believes things will get better.

Even if the day started with the Sheriff’s Department calling to let them know that John B and Sarah Cameron are officially and legally declared dead, since they’d been missing for three months.

It might get worse before it gets better. But it was bound to get better. ___

[ i stay up all night, tell myself i’m alright // baby you’re just harder to see than most ]

February 19th, 2:45 p.m (Six Months After The Disappearance of John B Routledge and Sarah Cameron)

“I’m not sayin’ that I will key their cars,” JJ argues, “I’m just saying that I would!”

Pope and Kiara burst into fits of laughter, knowing full well that JJ would bust up Kook property at any given chance, even unprovoked.

(y/n) rolled her eyes from next to him, patting his arm gently.

“Sure, Jay, sure” She says, completely unconvinced.

Normally he’d continue to argue that he was just making a joke, but no one would believe him, and truth be told, he wouldn’t even believe himself.

They’d all gotten together today to hang out and eat lunch at The Wreck. It was one of Kiara’s off days, so for once she actually got to sit at the table with her friends. It was a nice afternoon, and definitely much needed quality time.

“You want more water?” (y/n) hummed, already picking up her and JJ’s empty glasses.

“Sure, thanks,” He answered with a charming smile while she got up. “Oh, but wait” He called, reaching out for her arm before she could walk away.

“What?”

He tugged on her arm so she would bend over and he could swiftly kiss her cheek. She giggled, swatting gently at his bicep, but nonetheless she blushed as she headed off to the counter.

Kiara and Pope each made their faces at JJ. Winks, wiggling eyebrows, wide eyes, smirks, they couldn’t help it.

“Shut up, both of you” JJ chuckled before they could even say anything.

“We didn’t say anything” Pope grumbled.

“It’s just about time, that’s all,” Kiara said, putting her hands up in surrender. “You two have been dancing that dance for years”

JJ didn’t say anything, just smiled as he poked around his plate of fries.

“Look at him, he’s so in love with her” Kiara cooed.

But Pope wasn’t looking at him at all, he’d turned in his seat when he’d caught sight of Rafe Cameron eyeing (y/n). He’d known it wasn’t a good sign.

“Pope,” Kiara called, trying to get his attention, but realized his gaze was focused elsewhere. “What are you…” She trailed off, turning to follow his line of sight.

She only groaned at the sight of Rafe, before turning back to their own table. Kooks came to The Wreck on occasion, but not usually Kooks like Rafe Cameron and Topper Thornton, who were in a booth across the restaurant.

“What’s he doing?” Pope mumbled, now watching Rafe get up from his booth, and make his way to the counter, where (y/n) was chatting with one of the servers.

JJ started to get up, but Pope was quick to put a hand up.

“Wait, doesn’t start anything,” He warned, and for some reason, JJ listened to him. “(y/n) was friends with Sarah”

“That guy’s a fucking prick- and a murderer-” JJ started to argue, but Pope hushed him, telling him to keep his voice down.

“Just wait a minute before you swoop in there and make a scene,” Pope said. “He’s Sarah’s brother, Sarah was a good person”

JJ muttered a string of profanities, but sat back down in his seat. He didn’t take his eyes away from the counter though.

“(y/n) (y/l/n),” Rafe called, letting out a low whistle that made JJ bristle. “Long time no see”

(y/n) barely looked at him before shooting her gaze down to the cups of water. JJ can tell that she’s playing with the ring on her thumb.

“Yeah, I haven’t really been… around” She’d answered.

“Why doesn’t he just say his piece and leave” JJ muttered, both of his hands in his lap, curling into tight fists.

“That’s too bad” Rafe responded.

(y/n) wasn’t giving him any of her attention, so JJ knew he shouldn’t be so upset right now. But he didn’t trust Rafe for as far as he could throw him, and he definitely didn’t trust him around (y/n).

“She can hold her own” Pope reminded him, knowing that JJ was starting to see red.

Yeah, but he’s a creep, he thought to himself.

“I’m sorry about Sarah,”

(y/n) spoke suddenly, soft and sweet, displaying nothing but kindness to a boy she knew wouldn’t know what kindness felt like if someone handed it right to him.

“I didn’t get to know her as well as I would have liked, but… I did like her a lot. She was definitely a special-”

Rafe cut her off before she could say anything more.

“Well, you move on fast, don’t you?” He snarled.

(y/n) blinked, eyes going wide at the rude comment, even if she didn’t understand it.

“What-?”

“Your Pogue boyfriend’s only dead for a few months and you’ve already latched onto another, huh?” He asked, gesturing towards JJ.

(y/n’s) eyes wandered over to her boyfriend, who had just stood up from his seat with such force it fell backwards, and was now making his way over.

Please don’t get in a fight, she begged silently. Please don’t make a scene, this isn’t worth the attention of the whole restaurant.

“Rafe, you’ve got it all wrong,” She told him quietly, trying to diffuse the situation herself. “John B wasn’t my boyfriend, we grew up together, he was a brother to me-”

“You’re disgusting,” Rafe spat at her. “If it wasn’t for your Pogue friends and your Pogue slut self, Sarah wouldn’t be dead right now!”

It felt like (y/n’s) heart stopped at the cruel accusation, and for a moment, she thought she might burst into tears in front of him.

“She’s not dead” She mumbled, her throat going tight.

JJ was at her side in a second, his arm winding around her hips and pulling her into him, about to drag her away without a word to Rafe. He knew she didn’t want him to act out, and as hard as it was, he didn’t want to let her down.

He prompted her to follow him back to the table, forgetting about the water on the counter, he just wanted to get her out of this restaurant as fast as possible

“She is dead, they’re both dead because of you!” Rafe called after her, desperate to get the last word in.

“Why don’t you shut the fuck up?” JJ hollered back, throwing the Kook a threatening look over his shoulder.

“That’s fine sweetheart!” Rafe shouted, and (y/n) tried her best to block him out. “Let your shiny new toy fight your fights for you! Just like John B did. Do all the Pogues you fuck become your guard dog?”

That was it.

Any chance of her crying went out the window and next thing she knew, she was ripping herself out of JJ’s hold and lunging towards Rafe, swinging without any aim, but enough force that when she hit the Kook in the nose, she could feel the crunch of cartilage against her knuckles, and blood splattered onto the counter.

“You bitch-!”

Rafe barely had a chance to fight back before JJ was grabbing (y/n) by the waist, lifting her up and physically carrying her out of The Wreck. Pope and Kiara hastily followed them out, laughing joyously.

“Are you crazy?” JJ asked, only setting her down once they were down the street, and they were certain that a group of Kooks wouldn’t follow after them to finish what (y/n) had started.

She was still scowling, and rubbing at her jaw where Rafe had just barely nicked her with his knuckles.

“Fuck,” JJ grinned at her, taking her by surprise. “You are crazy”

“You’re not mad?” She asked, and all three of her friends laughed.

“Mad? Of course not, you just broke Rafe Cameron’s nose, baby!” JJ cheered, cupping her face in his hands and pressing a quick kiss to her lips, and then her nose, and then her cheek. “That’s my girl!”

The whooping and hollering of her boyfriend, echoed by Pope and Kie, made her blush red and butterflies erupt in her chest. Breaking a Kook’s nose was a strange thing to feel bashful about, but the attention made her shy.

“Come on, let’s get home and ice that before it bruises” JJ said, nodding to her jaw.

As they made their way to the Chateau, their hands latched and swinging between them, JJ continued to gush over how badass and amazing she was, no matter how much she laughed it off and begged him to stop making her blush. ___

[ every night i’m dancing with your ghost ]

February 19th, 3:15 p.m

“You’re lucky I pulled you outta there before he landed a whole punch,” JJ told (y/n) as he pressed a bag of frozen peas against her jaw. “This coulda hurt a lot worse, why didn’t you duck babe?”

(y/n) let out a huff, swinging her legs from where she sat on the kitchen counter. JJ was standing between them, coddling her much more than necessary.

“I dunno, I’m not some pro fighter like you” She retorted, and hissed when he pressed a little too hard against the sensitive skin.

“I know that was supposed to be sarcastic, but I’m gonna take it as a compliment anyways,” JJ retorted, earning a good natured eye roll from the girl. “You know I’m proud of you, right?”

“I know,” She giggled back. “You haven’t shut up about it”

“Can’t help it, it was fuckin’ awesome,” JJ gushed again. “It was so hot, the most perfect punch, I wish I coulda taken a picture of the look on Rafe’s face, priceless. You’re such a badass, I fucking love you”

He didn’t seem to catch what he’d said, but (y/n) did.

Her eyes blew wide, and her lips parted momentarily, at a loss for words. And since she didn’t know what to say, she decided the next best thing was to lean forward and capture his lips in a passionate kiss.

The kiss took JJ by surprise at first, but then the realization of what he’d said hit him, and he pulled away from her abruptly.

“Oh my god, I didn’t mean- well I did, but I-”

“JJ,” (y/n) giggled as he rambled, her hands laying across his cheeks. “It’s okay, I-”

They were cut off by the phone ringing, which was odd, because it wasn’t their cellphone’s ringtone. It took a second to even realize that the Chateau had a landline.

“What the fuck?” (y/n) pushed the bag of peas JJ was still holding away from her face, and hopped off the counter. “Who even has this number? Oh my god, do you think it’s Thomas again?”

(y/n’s) heart began to race as she darted out of the kitchen towards the phone hanging on the wall.

“(y/n/n)- do you want me to take it?” JJ asked, worried that she’d freak herself out too much to actually answer the phone.

But she’d already unhooked the phone from the wall.

“Routledge Residence, (y/n) speaking”

There was a chuckle on the other side of the line, followed by a teasing, “I just knew that you weren’t gonna move out”

JJ couldn’t hear what the caller had said, but from the look on (y/n’s) face, he knew it couldn’t have been a telemarketer.

She dropped to her knees, the cord on the phone uncoiling completely as it stretched all the way down. A choked sound between a sob and a gasp escaped her, and in a second, JJ was kneeling in front of her, jumping right into panic attack mode.

“(y/n/n), what is it? Who is it?”

“JJ there too? How are you guys-”

“John B?” (y/n) mumbled, voice shaky, scared that this was some practical joke at her expense.

JJ’s eyes went wide, and she finally looked up at him, his jaw slack.

“The one and only,” He laughed again. “Guess I’m lucky you were at the house, I don’t remember any other phone numbers”

“I can’t believe it- are you okay? Is Sarah okay? Holy shit, John-”

“We’re okay, we’re both okay,” He chuckled, cutting her off. “You’re not gonna believe this… but… we’ve got it”

“You’ve got it?” She repeated, confused.

“The gold, (y/n), we’ve got the gold”

“No shit-”

“Sarah says hi by the way,” He added. “We’ll be back as soon as we can with it, okay? I don’t know when, but we’re working on it”

“What’s he saying?” JJ asked, but (y/n’s) brain was in a clusterfuck of information.

“I miss you- well all miss you- we miss you so much” She stammered out.

“We miss you too, (y/n)!” Sarah called, sounding distant through the speaker.

“We miss you a lot,” John B added, “I’m sorry we didn’t call earlier, we just had to be sure there way it could get tracked-”

“It’s okay, it’s okay, I forgive you,” (y/n) said through a watery laugh. “Just- just be safe, and get back as soon as you can, okay?”

“We will, promise,” John B replied. “And I’ll try to call more too, okay? Look we’re… we’re working it all out right now”

“Okay, good,” (y/n) sighed, and wiped her teary cheeks with the back of her hand. “I can’t wait to see you both”

“And when you do, we’ll be millions of dollars richer,” He told her. “Look, we have to get going, Sarah has work. The Kook Princess has a job here!” He told her with a laugh. “I’ll call you when I can, alright?”

“Alright,” She agreed. “Okay, call soon”

“Stay safe, (y/n/n), talk to you soon”

“Bye, John B”

He hung up, leaving the phone to ring a low dull sound, and (y/n) and JJ to stare at each other in amazement.

“They have the gold” (y/n) mumbled out.

“For real?”

“For real,” She nods back at him. “They’re working on a plan to come home-”

Before she can finish, he tackles her to the ground, hugging her tight, and just letting the phone hang by it’s cord. They’re laughing, she’s crying, and they can’t remember the last time they’ve felt joy like this before.

(y/n) sits up slightly, enough to wrap her arms around him and kiss him chastely.

“They’re in the Bahamas, and Sarah has a job, and- and they’re gonna come home” She rambled on as tears streamed down her face faster than JJ could wipe them away.

He’s grinning at her, kissing her whole face, everywhere he could.

She starts to giggle from the kisses, her shoulders raising from the ticklish feeling.

“JJ- JJ!” She cried out, having to grab him by his shoulders to get him to chill out. “We have to go tell Pope and Kie!” “Okay, come on, let’s get going, I’ll drive you there now” JJ said, pulling her up to her feet, but before racing for the door, he wrapped his arms around her and spun her around in the air.

“I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it!” (y/n) cried out, giggling when he finally set her back down, and grabbed her hand before dashing for the front door. “We’re going out tonight, baby!” She was so ecstatic, her body was practically vibrating.

He laughed, grabbing the keys to his dirtbike from the counter.

“Wait wait wait, JJ!” (y/n) called, her grip tightening on his hand as she pulled him back towards her.

“What? What is it?” He asked in a hurry, his eyes wild as he looked back at her.

She just grinned at him, before pulling him in closer, and leaning up on the tips of her toes so she could kiss him.

She could feel his tenseness fade away, and when she smiled it broke their kiss.

“I love you too,” She told him, her smile brightening before she reached up and stole another kiss. “And I’m glad you’re here with me, always”

“Well, we do live together, sweetheart,” He teased. “But you know I’d never go anywhere else”

“I know,” She hummed, and leaned in to kiss him one more time. “You ready to go?”

“Yeah, quit trying to distract me!”

(y/n) laughed as she followed him out the door, an overwhelming amount of delight flooding through her as she got on the back of JJ’s bike, rehearsing in her head what she wanted to say to their friends, and how impatient she was to see John B again.

___

xoxo ~ jordie

#outer banks #outer banks fanfiction #jj maybank #jj maybank x reader #jj maybank imagine #jj maybank scenario #jj maybank fanfiction

256 notes · View notes

solarwonux · 4 years ago

Text

Lucky || Joshua

Dad!Joshua x f!reader

w.c: 3.0k

warnings: mentions of suggestive themes, mentions of pregnancy

note: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays today on this fine night I bring you Joshua Hong as a father let’s all cry together thank you very much. I hope you like it let me know your thoughts <3

pspspspsp: @sunlightwoo it’s back hehe

masterlist

“Are you and momma still friends?” Joshua’s daughter questioned tilting her head to the side, clinging on to his neck as the waves crashed around them. Joshua grinned and pushed back her beach hair. “Of course sweetheart why are you asking?” He wiped her running nose with the back of his hand before splashing a small amount of water in her direction. An annoyed expression forming on her face reminding him of the similar scold you had given him hours ago.

“She put you in time out.” She shrugged and reached to the side of Joshua’s body. Cupping her hands underneath the clear blue water before throwing it in his direction missing his face completely. “That wasn’t very nice sweetheart.” He chuckled. A wave crashed pushing them back slightly causing his hold on her to get tighter.

She pouted and pushed his face away, turning her attention to where you and his mother were sunbathing. “You made momma mad, that wasn’t very nice either.” She argued and pinched his arm, a mannerism she had inherited from you and the only thing that you did that he hated. But no matter how much your pinches hurt, because they did. He couldn’t imagine living his life without your stupid quirk.

“Momma’s not mad anymore though.” Joshua smirked and attacked her cheek with kisses, whines fell out of her mouth. Eyes burned holes in the side of his and he knew you were sending him your infamous glares. The ones that could send him six feet underground, that is if looks could kill and being married to you would’ve sent him underground years ago. He was thankful they couldn’t.

“She said you were in time out for three days.” She held up her hand signaling four with her fingers. Numbers weren’t her forte. You and Joshua had tried everything to get her to understand that three and four were two completely different numbers but she was at an age where listening wasn’t something she liked to do. The two of you figured she’d eventually figure it on her own, though sometimes Joshua suspected she was doing it on purpose. Her teasing attitude was another thing she had inherited from you making Joshua’s list longer by the second. “One less finger bubs.” He brought his hand out and pushed down her pinky to form three with her small fingers. A smirk appeared on her face as she raised it again only proving Joshua’s suspicions.

“Okay love, but momma isn’t mad at me anymore.” He stated confidently meeting your eyes only to have you send him the middle finger making his mother laugh beside you. He silently cursed but thanked god that your daughter wasn’t looking because the questions would’ve been endless. And he had barely survived the where do babies come from interrogation last week.

He knew you were still mad at him. You were fuming to the point that you were giving the summer sun a run for its money. But he had a plan, one he was sure would have you forgiving him in seconds. Only problem was the little demon in his arms innocently playing with the water surrounding the two of them--hated sleeping in her own bed. And he couldn’t ask his mother to look after her tonight because she had taken your side in the stupid fight.

In conclusion he was in a bit of a pickle.

Half an hour, that’s how long it took him to put his daughter to bed. She had requested a bedtime story, Joshua over the moon had no problem in reading one to her. But then when he was done she had requested another one and this time he had to act out every single character while she judged his performance. This had gone on for half an hour until finally her breathing got steady and she was fast asleep. How the beach hadn’t tired her out was a mystery he would eventually solve one day.

Joshua carefully turned off the lights and placed her favorite stuffed animals around her, so that when she woke up she would be met with a familiar set of faces. He tiptoed out of the room and turned off the lights. Taking a quick glance around the room, making sure nothing was out of place and that her night lights were on before carefully closing the door. His body cringed at the sound of squeaking hinges and he swore he had stopped breathing while he stood there in the dark hallway, motionless. His ears perked up to see if he could hear any sound of movement from the other side of the door and once he was sure his daughter was still fast asleep he quietly made his way to your shared bedroom.

“She’s asleep, let’s hope she doesn’t end up in our bed tonight.” Joshua walked over to where you were standing in front of your small vanity that also doubled up as a dresser. “We wouldn’t be trying to break this habit if you hadn’t insisted on her sleeping with us for the last few months.” Joshua let out an inaudible groan knowing very well he was the one at fault. “How am I supposed to say no when she asks with that sweet innocent voice and then gives me the look?” He eyed you through the mirror before wrapping his arms around your waist. His chin resting against your shoulder while you applied your eye cream gently. “It’s like she knows my weaknesses and then uses it against me.”

“It’s not that hard to break you Joshua.” You met his stare through the mirror, a knowing smirk forming against your lips. You sent him a wink before grabbing your cherry flavored chapstick and slowly applied it on your lips. The action sending shivers up his spine, his mind racing as he imagined your lips on his. The thought of the bitter sweetness of the cherry flavor hitting his taste buds made his mouth water. But alas you were still mad at him and his plan hadn’t gone in full effect yet. Patience is what he needed.

“Are you still mad at me?” He pouted slightly making you shake your head in annoyance. You huffed at his obvious question and removed his arms from your waist, pushing him away gently before making your way to your side of the bed. “I already apologized, what more do you want me to do?” He threw his hands in the air before letting them fall to his sides in defeat.

“You lost my necklace the one you gave me when our daughter was born, sorry’s not gonna bring it back.” You took off the many throw pillows that decorated the bed and threw them on the floor. Usually you would put them on the lounge chair by the window but tonight you couldn’t be bothered.

“I already told you I’d buy you a new one.” He groaned and walked over to his side of the bed peeling back the covers, stopping when he saw the tears start to roll down your face, his plan long forgotten.

Lately your mood swings were giving him a hard time and although he suspected why, he wasn’t sure if he should bring it up when the thought hadn’t even crossed your own mind. At least that’s what he concluded when you hadn’t brought it up. “It’s not the same Joshua, I know it’s stupid to hold such sentimental value over something so miniscule but it meant a lot to me and you lost it.” Joshua sighed letting the sheets go and crawled on top of the bed, kneeling in front of you and bringing his hands up to your face.

“Baby I swear I thought I had put it in the pocket of my coat when you gave it to me.” He wiped away your tears gently and placed a kiss on your forehead. “It was there when we left the reception. I even called Minghao to see if the venue had contacted him but he didn’t pick up.”

“Of course he’s not going to pick up, he's on his honeymoon, Joshua.” You sniffed and blinked rapidly trying to keep the tears at bay. “My point still stands, I’ve looked everywhere for it.” He sighed and wrapped an arm around your waist as he brought you close. Your knees hit the edge of the bed making them buckle, your body landing on top of Joshua’s as he laid the two of you down gently.

“Did you check your car?” You raised an eyebrow locking your eyes with his tender ones. His eyes grew wide and faint blush creeped on his cheeks as he recalled the very inappropriate events that went down in the passenger seat on your way home from the reception. “N-No the thought didn’t even cross my mind.” He cleared his throat, your face breaking into a smile as you removed yourself from his embrace and laid back, letting your body sink into the softness of your bed.

“I knew you hadn’t checked everywhere.” You placed your arms underneath your head watching the ceiling fan. He was chewing the bottom lip as the realization finally washed over him a very annoyed groan fell out of his lips as he dropped his head. “When did you find it?”

You laughed and moved so your body was now facing his defeated one. “Right after we dropped off your mother at her house. It was peeking out from underneath the back seat as I was putting bubs in her car seat.” You placed a hand underneath his chin and raised it. “This a new form of torture. I’ve been suffering all day today.” Joshua whined snaking his arm around your waist and pulled himself up so his chest was against yours. “I deserve an apology?” He pouted before pecking your lips.

“I’ll think about it, right now I’m exhausted.” You grinned and pushed your hand through his dark locks leaning up and kissing his nose. “I want to keep talking to you. You barely said a word to me all day and watched me suffer. I’m in a drought come and save me.” He finished and cuddled himself further into your body, his head on your chest. You giggled scratching his scalp, small satisfied sighs escaping his lips.

When you and Joshua first met on a disastrous blind date set up by your mutual friends where he accidentally spilled wine all over your new white dress, marriage was definitely not in the cards. But nothing is ever set in stone and you should’ve known his charm would win you over when he walked you home that night. Silence raining over the two of you except for the sweet apologies he would spew out every few minutes, thus beginning your loving journey together.

“What are you thinking about?” Joshua whispered drumming his fingers down the side of your body before resting them on top of your stomach. “How dramatic you are.” You joked wrapping your arms around his neck. He hummed and cuddled himself further into your body placing a gentle peck against the skin of your collarbone. “I think you might’ve rubbed off on me then.”

You giggled feeling his hand rub soothing circles against your stomach. A smile played against his lips and you wondered if he knew the secret you had been carrying for the past two weeks. It had started out as a suspicion when the food at Minghao’s wedding had made you sick. Then your emotions started getting the best of you, snapping and crying over everything and anything. When his mother came over to visit and noticed your weird cravings she had made you take a test while Joshua ran to the grocery for some parsley his mother had asked for. He didn’t question it. He had no reason to since his mother had insisted on cooking dinner for the four of you that night. But when he noticed the parsley had been left untouched in the fridge his suspicions started to grow.

He had been oddly observant lately, doing everything with caution, putting your daughter to bed every night a task you usually did and no problem in doing. Acting out all the characters in the story for your daughter was one of your favorite past times. He had insisted that you needed to rest, claiming he didn’t want you to stress out too much and just relax. So you expected he knew and was just waiting for you to tell him so he could finally celebrate. You had to admit it was fun seeing Joshua walk around as if he were avoiding the cracks on the sidewalk and the unsolicited back massages were to die for but you couldn’t keep living like you didn’t know he already knew. As clueless as he had acted, he hadn’t done a very good job at it. And After your secret doctor’s visit yesterday confirming what you had already known, you had been dying to tell him.

“Cut the shit Joshua, when did you find out?” You looked down at him as he smiled widely causing you to roll your eyes. His insides bubbling up with joy as he laid back facing the popcorn ceiling. “You aren’t very good at hiding things. I found the test a week ago when I opened your bathroom drawer looking for the tiny rubber bands to finish our bub’s hair.” He turned his face sending you a playful wink. You groaned running a hand through your face, finally realizing that your plan of total secrecy was a total bust.

“And our daughter can’t keep secrets no matter how many green gummy bears you give her before dinner.”

“I knew it was a little weird when she asked for just green gummy bears. She’s never liked them.” You nodded and grabbed Joshua’s hand. You brought it up to your lips and kissed each of his knuckles gently before resting on the side of your neck, scooting yourself closer to his warm body. “But I do, really honey you should’ve known better.” He smiled and pinched your cheek gently before leaning down and capturing your lips with his. He kissed you slowly at first, the kiss getting deeper by the second as he rolled you onto your back and carefully straddled your hips.

Joshua smirked the taste of your cherry chapstick hitting his tongue making his mind run wild. Slowly he pulled away and kissed down your neck, making his way down your clothed body not caring that small pieces of lint were getting stuck on his plump lips. He rolled your shirt up and sent you a wink before peppering kissing over your soon to be growing belly. Excitement was an understatement and he couldn’t wait to show you how much he truly loved you making a mental note to shower you with more love than usual. His plan finally going into action as he heard your soft sighs escape your lungs.

“Mommy is daddy out of time out?” The two of you panicked and you pushed Joshua off your body making him fall off the bed landing on the hardwood floor with a painful groan. Your daughter laughed hard at her father’s pain while she climbed up on the bed before sitting down next to you. “He’s on probation, baby.” You stuck out your tongue at Joshua who was looking at you rubbing his lower back. “And when were you going to tell me he knew about baby bean?” You raised an eyebrow at her. Her eyes grew wide with realization and launched herself at you hugging you tightly.. “I’m sorry momma, daddy said he’d take me to see uncle Hannie if I didn’t say anything.” She sent her father an evil look and he knew he had lost this argument just like all the other ones.

“It’s okay baby.” You kissed her temple and pulled away taking her pouting face in your hands making your heart clench. “I can’t believe you Joshua bribing our daughter into secrecy.” You scoffed. Joshua looked at the ceiling wondering what decision in life he had made that lead him up to this moment where his favorite girls were ganging up on him again.

“That’s not fair you did the same thing?” He stood up and sent you an accusatory finger making you gasp out in shock. Your daughter copying your mannerisms. “I did no such thing right baby?” You looked down at your daughter who had taken it upon herself to get under the sheets and cuddle up to your side. “That’s right momma’s innocent.”

“I should’ve known the odds were forever going to be against me when I met you.”

“It’s what you signed up for.”

“Yeah and I wouldn’t change it for the world no matter how many times the two of you gang up on me.” He smiled and stood up before quickly jogging over to his side of the bed and laying down. He wrapped an around you and your daughter bringing the two of you close humming happily. Your daughter squirming as she tried her best to let herself lose which only made Joshua’s arm grow tighter.

“But make no mistake one day I will get my revenge.” He sent you a wink before reaching over and pecking your lips lightly and then your daughter’s forehead and laid back. “Baby bean is gonna be on my side and I can’t wait.”

“Don’t get too confident, I don't want you to end up disappointed.”

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physicalturian · 4 years ago

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[G] My Prince - Nikolai Lantsov x Fem!Reader

[Spoilers for : Shadow and Bone; Siege and Storm; Run and Rising] [No spoilers for : King of Scars ; Rule of Wolves; Six of Crows; Crooked Kingdom]

[She/her pronouns used for the reader, no physical description; Everyone +18] Words : 9569 Archive of our own

Tags : Flirting / War / Fluff / PTSD / Cuteness / Awkwardness / Soft / Love confession

Request stated : Hi ! Could you do a Nikolai Lantsov x reader request ? Where they are in love and have been together since she joined his crew after running away from the Little Palace but then everything happens and they break up because he has to marry Alina and then after he becomes human again and the Darkling is killed they get back together.

- - -

Everything happened so fast, the attack on the Little Palace by The Darkling, the explosions, the blinding light from the roof, all my fallen friends on the ground bathing in their own blood. Names were screamed in despair; we all retaliated the best we could, but we were outnumbered by far. I did not know what were those things that came flying straight for me, but I couldn’t move, I was paralyzed by fear. I tried to get out of the way, no matter how many times I told myself to dodge, I couldn’t. And yet, I saw the demon-like bird’s claws pass right next to me, only grazing my cheek as I was thrown out of its way.

“Now, I understand those creatures are fascinating, but they’re not exactly the friendliest,” I heard next to me, a hand gripping my arm tightly. I couldn’t move, but felt a gloved hand turned my face and look at me, “You!” “Your knight in shining armor, the honor was all mine,” The blond said with a smirk, but there was still urgency behind it.

Looking around quickly, he told me to hide behind one of the trees and came back with a few other Grisha before hurrying us back to what looked like a flying ship. I wanted to stare at it a moment before the man lifted me off the ground, “I know it’s impressive, they all say that, but now’s not the time to look,” He said in a light, playful even, yet serious tone as he helped me on deck, he once more told me to stay, maybe even sit then left.

This was my first encounter with Nikolai Lantsov, the bastard son, the witty only living heir to the throne of Ravka.

I did not remember much of that night until I got on the ship, I know I was brought of change of clothes, my red kefta was a tone deeper, wetter than it used to be. When I placed my hand on the fabric, and looked at my palm, blood stared right at me. I did not know what to say, and only stared at it until a hand placed a wet washcloth on mine. “Unless the Little Palace hid blood-sucking people in their basement, which I wouldn’t be surprised of, and you’re hungry- then it’d be better to clean yourself up, dear.”

“I’m not a vampire.” I uttered before grabbing the cloth from his hand and slowly getting the blood off myself, taking off the kefta, I still had clothes underneath, but I did feel the frilly temperature of the night. I throw a glance at the prince and found him looking anywhere but at me, “Why aren’t you looking?”

He huffed, a smug smile adorning his features, “Is that a request? If so, I’ll gladly-“ “No, not a request. Just curious.” I replied with a huff. I couldn’t help the tired smile on my lips as I dipped the cloth back in the water to finish removing the blood before putting on the clean clothes I was offered. “I might be known as the bastard son, but I still have the education of a prince,” He paused. “But don’t worry, I’ll gladly look when you’ll ask for it-“

“Gross, no thank you,” I glanced at him and nodded, “But thank you for the clothes. I should probably… do something-” Then I remembered, my eyes widened when the penny dropped, I quickly scrambled to my senses and got up, giving the best curtsy I could muster in this state, “Your highness, your highness, pardon my being improper I-“ He shook his head and stood up, laughing charmingly but also what seemed to be exhausted. “Don’t, right now call me Nikolai, some call me Too-Clever fox,” A smile made its way on his lips, “But you can also call me handsome, pretty face,”

Laughing, I interrupted him, “I think Nikolai is a fine name, I’ll be sure not to remind you of your title, your high- Nikolai.” He looked at me for a moment, his mouth widening into a grin as he asked me my name. When I told him, he shook his head and held my hand gently, “I think ‘gorgeous’ suits you better,” he then pressed a kiss on my knuckles. I pulled my hand away, rolling my eyes.

“Call me as you please, I do not really care,” When he was about to reply, Zoya called him, if not pressed him, to come, saying they had to talk. I was ready to leave, but he pulled my hand once again, “Ah, duty does not wait, but my heart does, hopefully you will?” I scoffed and swatted his hand away, “I’ll be going, no one makes Zoya Nazyalensky wait, you should hurry if you do not wish to be thrown overboard.” I said playfully before leaving.

This was the extent of my first encounter with Nikolai Lantsov.

We encountered one another a lot more, but those happened at night. I kept having dreams of the attack on the Little Palace. I would wake up in the middle of the night, breathless, sweating, and unable to go back to sleep. Not wanting to wake the people around me, I’d go back on deck, there would be squallers and inferni, making the ship work, while the prince would be sitting with plans in front of him. A thoughtful expression on his face. I blamed my tired state for the first time the thought crossed my mind, but under the moonlight, his expression determined and focused… He was almost handsome.

I must have stared too long that time, he lifted his head from the plans and looked at me curiously before smiling and beckoning me to come closer. I turned around to leave but he called my name, I couldn’t ignore it, or perhaps was it because he was royalty and I felt like I couldn’t ignore him. So, I joined him, sat by his side and did not say anything. He was the one to start the conversation, “The dreams are the worst, but you get used to it, for what it’s worth. I have them every night, from the front.”

“Is that why you are awake, my prince?” I did not realize I had used his title; I was overcome with exhaustion and couldn’t think straight. I heard him chuckled, “War does not wait, gorgeous. We need a plan of attack,” I looked at him a moment, then at his plans. “And where do you think we’ll find the resources to build this? Ravka is overcome with debts,”

This is when he started ranting, with eagerness, about what he had planned. What was going to happen, the steps to follow, I listened intently, finding it almost endearing how passionate he was about it but forgot that thought as I fell back asleep.

I did apologize when I woke, about falling asleep, telling him it wasn’t boring, but that I was exhausted. He tutted me and added, “Nonsense, I enjoyed watching you sleep, did you know you snor-“ “I do not snore. And it’s definitely creepy to watch someone sleep, my prince.” He only laughed in response. Something in my stomach churned, I shouldn’t be friendly with him, but it felt easy to be as such with him.

He had this easiness about him, this charm that one couldn’t help but let themselves be drawn to. It was a useful skill if he were to become King of Ravka, a skill that he had honed throughout years of… What had the young prince been doing these past few years? I never saw him inside the palace, as if he wasn’t even there. But he hadn’t been doing nothing, he seemed full of resources.

While I pondered some more, I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up, Zoya gestured for me to get up and to look. As I did, I saw a gorgeous looking building made of glass, “What is that place? Did you know it existed?” I asked her in awe, she only shook her head before adding that the prince was full of surprises and for now it was useful, but she was keeping an eye on him.

“I do like to keep a few tricks up my sleeve, it comes in handy when I want to see that look of surprise on the face of pretty women,” Two sighs followed his words, one from Zoya and another from me before we moved away from him and made our way to slightly unsteady lift that led us deeper inside what Nikolai introduced to us as the Spinning Wheel. I did not feel safe underground, and yet, when our feet met the ground, it felt as if a weight had been lifted from my chest.

This place was foreign to me, I was used to the safety of the Little Palace’s walls, knowing all that was happening, when it’d happen. When the attack had happened, that routine had been disrupted and I knew it was never coming back. It was the beginning of something big, something I did not want to get used to. And yet, right now, between these gorgeous walls, with people running around, crates in hands, sweat dripping from their foreheads as if they had been working non-stop, and with few peoples I knew… I felt safer. Not entirely safe, but a step closer to feeling such.

“You do like to daydream, I can’t blame you, I am quite the sight,” Said the blond prince as he joined my side, looking where I was looking. I felt his shoulder hit mine and shuffled away, still wanting to put some distance between a man I knew I should fear for he had power where I had not. “I got lost in thoughts. I’m still trying to take in what this all means,” I said softly, meeting the blonde’s joyous gaze, when he met mine, he seemed to be shaken only for a moment before fondness replaced the excitement.

“It’s something big, bigger than all of us,” he started, making me sigh in loss of hope, as I mumbled, “What are we even doing if it’s impossible to win?” It made the prince laugh as he grinned at me. I did not like how lightly he was taking the situation and was about to give him a piece of my mind when he said, “When people say impossible, they mean improbable,” “We lost the only possible person who could take the Darkling, I don’t see Alina anywhere around,” I stated, my arms open wide as I turned around to emphasize her missing.

“Being optimistic is sometimes very close to being delusional, my prince, I do not buy that bullshit attitude of yours-“ “Hope is what keeps us alive. Soldiers and Grisha alike, we’re all tired, exhausted even and even though you do not appreciate that bullshit attitude of mine, it is what we all need.” He said in a very political way, with that charming smile, “And even without the sun summoner, I’m pretty sure I can outwit that old geezer,” He said in full confidence, almost puffing his chest as he said so.

“What we need is to be better prepared, they did not teach us how to fight at the Little Palace,” I paused and observed the young prince a moment, “When you become King, you should change that, because this is only the beginning, my prince,” Before I could leave to join Zoya that I could see at one of door, not only did she disappear out of sight, but I felt the King grab my wrist. Scowling, I stopped in my tracks and looked at him, “Grisha will be training with soldiers, you will not go unprepared,”

His tone was serious, then a smug smile drew itself on his lips as he let go of my wrist, “But what did I tell you, gorgeous? Call me Nikolai, this situation does not call for formalities,” He was changing topic, perhaps he did not want to talk about such matters with me, or perhaps he wanted a change of air. I played along and gestured for him to walk with me, “Well, Nikolai, if you could show me to the Grisha quarters-“ “Oh it’s now mixed rooms, hope you do not mind,” He threw me a playful grin, “If you do, I shall let you know that I am the owner of a single room. Now, it’s close to the King and Queen’s room, but I’ll be sure to ask the fabrikators to help with the acoustic, the King does snore very loudly,”

I rolled my eyes, hopefully hiding that I thought he meant something else with the acoustic. We didn’t talk more afterwards, for I did not ask him any other question and he seemed to understand I was not in the mood to talk. The situation we were in stressed me out and talking about it in details did not help. When he led me to my shared room, he slipped away to meet up with Zoya along other Grisha and soldiers.

I never considered taking him up on his offer of the single room.

While everyone trained during the day, and it was tiresome, so tiresome that I would pass out the moment my head would hit the pillow, I would still wake up during the night. My body almost shaking in fear. I could still see those screeching creatures coming for me, the dread I felt that night, bodies surrounding me. Blue, red or purple, it did not matter, every kefta had ended up tainted in blood. We were taught to use our power, promised safety but never taught to deal with such things.

Running a hand on my face, I got out of bed without a sound and made my way out once more. If every night was going to end up like this, I might as well find a quiet spot to sleep and give my room to someone who could use it, I thought as I tightened my kefta around my form. I walked up the stairs to, hopefully, find peace and calm down by staring at the stars. I let out a sigh of relief when I found nobody there and sat against the wall to look up the stars.

I do not know how long as stayed there, trying to steer my thoughts away from the depressing feelings I was feeling, and it was hard, I could barely manage it. When I remembered a good memory, I was reminded that the friend I shared it with was laying on the ground, dead. I tried not to cry, I promise, but failed. My peace was interrupted by someone clearing their throat nearby. I turned around and instinctively tightened my fist, slowing their heart before I could see who it was.

I let go just as fast when I saw the blond prince in front of me, he breathed out heavily, “Usually, I’m the one who has the ladies say ‘my heart stopped’ but dare I say, you left me breathless,” he scoffed humorously. I rushed to his side, wiping my tears away, apologizing as I patted his chest, his arms, anything, I did not know what to do. “I’m fine, don’t you worry gorgeous. It takes a lot more than that to take me down, I’m quite resilient, something the King never quite liked.” I squinted my eyes, not knowing what it meant before stepping back.

“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t the brain of the war be resting?” I asked with my arms crossed over my chest. It made Nikolai chuckle, “You flatter me, I am indeed smart and do require sleep,” He paused. “I should also let you know, I have people on watch who warn me of the whereabouts of everyone here. You can imagine my surprise to hear you sneaked out at this hour, gorgeous.”

Sighing, I turned around and sat back where I was, “I feel like you’re not going to leave until I tell you,” I pondered out loud, nodding, Nikolai joined me saying I was very right then added, “But I’m fairly confident I can guess what’s bothering that pretty mind of yours,” I quirked a brow at the blond, wordlessly telling him to go ahead. “The nightmares are not going to leave just like that,” he snapped his fingers. “I know… I know… I’m just trying to clear my thoughts, I can’t fall back asleep when I wake up from that,”

“You did not seem to have any trouble on deck,” He pondered out loud, his eyes observing all my moves. I looked straight ahead, not wanting to let him read me. I shrugged, brought my knees to my chest and rested my arms on it to lay my head on them. “I guess my focus was on you and not my thoughts, maybe that’s why… it doesn’t matter though,” Turning my head, I looked him up and down, and changed topic, “Sorry again for the,” I moved my hands vaguely, talking about moments ago when I slowed his heart, “Thing, you startled me,”

He laughed and shoved his hand in the pocket of his coat, pulling out a notebook and a pen, “It’s all in the past, we can go back to you loving the sound of my voice so much you fall asleep to it,” “I did not say that,” Opening his notebook, he started doodling as he spoke, “No need to, I reckon it’ll be demonstrated when you’ll fall asleep once more as I start explaining this great idea I had with David earlier this afternoon, it’s underwater boats and…” If someone asked me, I’d say I was bothered by the prince’s presence.

But no one asked. It was just me and my thoughts, and his presence was secretly welcomed. He was funny to be around, light-hearted. I know behind all of this, was a man riddled with responsibilities, problems and perhaps as much stress as I was. But maybe we both needed this, someone else to simply hang out with. Not talk about the civil war, simply enjoy one another’s presence. I do not know what I brought him, if anything I thought he’d want to leave.

But he stayed. We met up like this almost every night, on this very spot.

It became close to a habit, when I’d wake up during the night and sneak out of my room, I’d see the blond leaning against the door frame, a smile on his lips. He’d wave at me before following my steps. Sometimes he’d remark how I was earlier or late, I’d just laugh it off and gesture for him to just follow. One night he suggested we’d perhaps take blankets, adding that as much as he enjoyed those little escapades of ours, he would rather avoid losing his toes. Since that night, there was a crate outside with blankets.

Tonight, I’d taken upon myself to bring a book too. I felt bad, falling asleep when Nikolai would enthusiastically rant, it did not stop him from talking though. He would often mumble to himself or ask me questions I couldn’t answer but I’d try nonetheless, making him think before his face would light up as if he had the greatest idea. He would resume his scribbling.

Tonight, however, he went silent, when I looked his way, I saw he was reading over my shoulder, I quickly placed my hand on the pages and closed the book. He whined, going for the book, “Come on, it was getting to the best part,” When I felt his cold hand touch mine, I simply let him take the book and shrugged, my face warming up, I was not going to play tug war to keep my book. His face was startled for a moment, if not hurt.

I felt bad. I did not mean it as anything bad, I simply got caught off guard. And I also knew the feelings that had started developing within me and knew I could not act on it nor let myself believe anything would happen. He was royalty, he was a war leader… he was funny, and brought warmth to my cold, cold, heart.

So, I chuckled nervously, “Your hands are cold, my prince-“ “Nikolai, it’s Nikolai. I’d think you’d remember it by now considering the many nights we’ve spent together, most women would remember it by the end of the first night,” He said charmingly, as he opened the book on the right page on my lap and leaned back against the wall to face his notes.

“Am I most women? I find myself to be quite different from others, the nightmares add to the charm do they not? I even thought we had something special,” I said in a jokingly dramatic manner as I turned a page and waited anxiously for his reply, inside I regretted saying anything. Why did I want him to tell me we had something? I was being delusional, this was but companionship, we both had trouble sleeping and found one another’s company enjoyable, that was all. Pure, platonic companionship.

I heard him chuckle and dared look his way, I felt my face warm up when I saw him looking at me with a huge smile as he was leaning on his fist, his elbow resting on his knee. He looked slightly stupid in this position, but also cute. “I think I found the pattern; all things have a pattern. It’s only a matter of finding it to understand,” I quirked a brow at his words and closed the book on my lap, making sure to put the bookmark. “For example, I like my women strong and hard to get,” I felt my heart skip a beat but only rolled my eyes in response.

“How charming, where are you getting at, my prince- Nikolai,” He made a victory sound, and leaned forward, pointing at me with his index as his grin widened. “This, exactly this, oh this is good,” He said excitedly. I couldn’t help the small smile on my lips. I was waiting for him to develop, “Tell me if I’m wrong, gorgeous, but I think you’ve fallen for my charms.”

I raised my brows in surprise and hid my embarrassment by simply questioning, “That’s quite the reach, I do wonder how you came to the conclusion,”

That cocky smile never left his lips, he grabbed my book and set it down on the ground, then resting his hand next to it as he leaned in. I leaned back. “I’ll wait longer, I need to test that theory first, I’ll keep you up to date gorgeous,” He winked, brought my knuckle to his lips and pressed a delicate kiss on it before returning to his thinking.

This time he talked loud enough for it to be thought a conversation, which ruined my reading plans. I rested my head on my knees and looked at him as he talked. It was a close call, maybe I should be more careful with what I do if he knew I liked him. I was not going to abandon our late-night talks, but maybe I should be more aware of what I do. I did not know what was my tell, but I was going to make sure to not let it slide anymore.

I fell asleep soon after. I think I felt something cold touch my hand before passing out, but it was probably the ground.

We never stopped the late-night conversations. Only, I felt like the young prince was more insistent with his flirtatious ways, and I couldn’t say I was immune to his charms. He would say the most ridiculous things, and yet I would laugh and feel weird in my stomach, like,

“Focused and determined, if I did not know it was a romantic story, I’d think you were doing hard maths. One would wish you’d look at them as intensely as you stared at those pages, gorgeous.” He once said, I huffed a laugh, suddenly feeling self-conscious with his intense gaze, “Perhaps my prince wishes I’d look at him that way?” I said half-jokingly. “Oh, you already do, I can feel your stare when I’m talking about my inventions, it’s endearing to see you so enthralled when I talk,” He said with a smug smile.

I looked away, focusing my gaze on the sky, “I’m not enthralled, I’m confused, go back to your notes,” I mumbled, opening my book again.

Another time, we were talking heatedly about a topic we both had in common that I found the most interesting. At some point during the conversation, he would only pitch in from time to time, it took me some time to notice that I had been rambling. When I stopped and told him to go on, he shook his head, “Nonsense, I find there’s a certain glow to your pretty person as you talk about things you hold close to you heart. One’s mind tends to wonder if an expression as beautiful as yours could be brought at the mention of one’s name…” He trailed off with a slight smirk.

“Nonsense” I imitated his tone playfully, “One could maybe talk as themselves if one feels there is something they’d like to share, wouldn’t you think my prince?” I asked rhetorically, my face was warming up. I hoped I read it right, I hoped he wasn’t just flirting for fun and hoped he felt the same way, but I was not going to take the first step. Would it not be considered arrogant of someone like me to think I had a chance with a prince?

His laugh reached my ears, then an excited huff as he moved away from the wall and scooted closer to me, sitting perpendicular of me. “Are you curious of my theory, gorgeous?”

I was, if he was asking, it meant I hadn’t been able to hide it as good as I thought I had been, “Not in the slightest, no,” I replied off-handedly. He turned me around, his hands gripping my shoulders as I faced him, “But you are, I can see it! You are curious, and a bad liar, but don’t worry, your secret is safe with me” He winked as he drew a cross over his heart. “See, this theory of mine,” He paused and pulled out his notebook, “Which has been proven, right here,” He showed me his notes, but I could barely read it.

I knew he wrote well, but when it was more of a brainstorming, or rushed notes, he wrote like a pirate. I nodded for him to continue. “You like me, we’ve been over that-“ “I don’t think we have, you seem very confident though,”

He tutted me and continued, “You only call me ‘my prince’ when you’re flustered or embarrassed, as if you’re trying to distance yourself, am I wrong?” He asked with a breathtaking smile, he was overjoyed by this. As if he had solved the most difficult problem of his life, which I hardly think it was.

“I don’t-“ “Did you notice, in casual conversations, you call me Nikolai, as you should. But the moment I flirt with you,” He changed his tone when he continued and imitated a sort of shyness, “my prince,” he said with a heartful laugh.

I know he meant it as a joke, but I took it at heart and scoffed. I threw him a cautious glance, taking in how handsome he looked under the moonlight. How his hair was still a bit messy from waking up in the middle of the night, I never knew if he couldn’t sleep either or if he woke up for me, but I believe the former was more probable.

There was moment of silence, which was rare with Nikolai Lantsov. As if he could not bear the silence, but he never said so, instead he did the conversation all by himself. He always knew what to say, no matter who he was talking to, maybe that’s what was going on here.

Or perhaps he wanted me to tell him I liked him… “One tends to distance themselves when they know that liking a prince only ends up well in fairytales,” I mumbled, shrugging. I had to try hard to calm myself, even considering using my power to calm my fast-beating heart.

“Are you saying liking me is only possible in a fairytale?” I took the bait, I had already started talking when I looked at him in panic and saw the smirk on his face, “No, I’m saying it’s not as simple as one would think to … get together with royalty,” Chuckling, he grabbed my hands in his and pulled me closer, our knees touching.

“Let’s talk properly, shall we? I want you, and I am fairly certain you want me too-“ Nikolai started, I had to interrupt, “Pardon?” I uttered in shock; my eyes as wide as a diner plate. An unusual nervous sound left his lips, as the blond quirked a brow, “It’s hard to believe I read the room wrong, from what I gathered you do not look at anyone else the way you look at me. Though it is only fitting that I’d receive all the attention.”

“I thought you were fake flirting Nikolai, I thought I was being delusional,” I let go of his hands and let myself fall back on the ground delicately, now staring at the starry sky, a chuckle of disbelief escaping my lips. I heard him shuffle closer as he laid down next to me. Heat was emanating from his body, making me want to scoot closer and hold him but I stood there.

“I’ll admit I am of flirtatious nature, but you’re the only one who enjoys my talking, that is something I am grateful for,” He started, “You are also very smart, and beautiful. I wouldn’t say as beautiful as me, I am quite the charming lad,” we both chuckled, as I nudged his hand playfully. He stopped me by grabbing it and intertwining our fingers, my breath hitched, and I turned my head to face him, slowly. Nikolai was already staring at me with a lovely smile.

I loved the idea of being with him, but I knew it wasn’t possible, “It would have been nice… to be with you that is…” I said with a sad smile, “But I don’t think the King and Queen would appreciate it, for Ravka’s sake-“ “There, already thinking like a true Queen,” He said half-jokingly, I don’t know what he was doing. He was supposed to tell me I was right, it wouldn’t work, he was supposed to cut everything off. Instead, he was entertaining the thought.

“Dear, let’s not think of what’s to come and enjoy our time while we can, shall we?” “You say that as if we were going to die, that’s not the optimistic Prince I know.” I said humorously, not enjoying the dark turn the conversation was taking.

“You are very right, gorgeous. You are correct that the King and Queen won’t like it, not one bit. They’re quite set on marrying me off to some wealthy princess, but I do love a challenge, let’s first win this war. Anything can happen, and until then, I would gladly have you by my side.” There was some uncertainty in his tone when he continued, almost timid. Uncharacteristic of him, but I found myself relax slightly knowing he was not always brash and charming. As if we had a common ground here in both being new to this. “If you desire to not go forth with this, I’ll respect your wish, gorgeous.”

“I want you too Nikolai,” I heard a short sigh of relief, “And my wish is for you to kiss me, can you respect that-“ I was interrupted by a breathless laugh as two hands cradled my face gently and pulled me closer, his lips pressed against mine, I could feel the smile on his lips and could only oblige in returning it. “Good, do you want to keep this secret or-“ “I think keeping it between our closest friends would be better, not that I’m ashamed. I’d flaunt you in a heartbeat, not that people would care, but…” “-But let’s not have the court talking just yet, I’m sure women will be jealous. Who wouldn’t be with such a handsome man by your side, after all? I’m quite the catch,” He paused.

“And maybe let’s avoid the wrath of the King and Queen’s for now,”

“Well… I never went fishing, but I’d say you’re an OK fish,” I told him teasingly, jumping back on his saying of being a good catch. He huffed in faux-shock, “An ok fish? I’ll have you known I am more of a very handsome fox, have you seen my lush hair?”

This was the night I find out Nikolai felt the same way I did about him. From that day, I did start considering his offer of the single room but was afraid of people finding out.

Meeting in his bedroom would be more comfortable, in a way we wouldn’t be sitting on the floor and freezing ourselves to death. But I love the blanket of the wide-open night, the darkness of it, the secrecy it brought us, something I doubt a room next to the King and Queen’s room could bring.

We’d play the game well. The one where we weren’t supposed to be close, it was hard to keep it up with Nikolai’s subtle flirts when we’d cross paths. During the day he’d be running around, getting things done, with other people around him and would still dare to look my way while I’d be training, and wink at me. When I’d receive a hit from losing focus and look back at him frustrated, he’d grin and mouth “careful”.

The soldier I was training with was starting to catch on, I thought she had found out when she chuckled. “Has the little Grisha taken a liking to the young prince?” I scoffed in response, playing it off and retaliating her previous attack. “I’d be a fool if I did, let’s resume,” I was indeed a fool and there was no helping it. I was falling more and more in love with the witty prince the more I spent time with him.

He grew bolder in his moves, making me look at him exasperated the day he asked the person I was training with, if he could practice a bit. Thinking he meant for me to leave, I stepped aside but he laughed, “You can go Zeke, I’m a bit rusty but I want to see how our little Grisha is fending for herself,”

I looked him dead in the eyes, without showing my true feelings. I threw a glance at Zeke, hoping they wouldn’t try to read the room, instead they left a bit confused.

We stepped closer to one another, reading our weapon, “Nikolai, what are you doing,” he grinned, oh so charmingly, “Making sure my training programs is working, of course!” He exclaimed as we started fencing. I had a hard time getting a hit on him, I tried to argue that he had been doing this since he was a child, probably. Adding to that his great side life as privateer, he must have been in many fights, but then I remember he would mostly fight with pistols.

When he was about to hit me another time, I used my power to make him feel dizzy. I fell back, avoiding his sword, he only lost a bit of his balance and stood standing right there. “I believe that’s cheating gorgeous,” He whispered, extending his hand to me to help me up. I didn’t take it and stood up on my own, leaning in and gritting through my teeth, “I can’t concentrate when you’re looking at me like that,” His grin only widened at that, “With burning passion and awe? You truly are stunning when you’re fighting, dear,”

I gave him a deadly glare once again, unable to hide my blush, “Nikolai, no!”

“Nikolai, yes, I believe I won. See you tonight?” He looked around mischievously before placing a delicate kiss on my cheek and slipping away without an ounce of regret in his strut. I stood there in shock until Zeke returned and we resumed our training. No one had seen a thing.

Later, the return of the Sun Summoner happened. The worry I felt upon being discovered with the prince grew in a different direction. Upon her return, a lot went down, one being the making of Nikolai a King. His father had abdicated, both him and the Queen were to stay away from Ravka. Talks about an alliance between him and Sankta Alina was going around, meaning, a marriage. I ignored it the best I could.

One time we almost got caught when I was told the King had asked for a meeting with me, I held back a groan at how this lacked discretion. I made my way to the room dedicated for the war meetings with the most important people, and saw Nikolai looking at the map on the table in the middle of the room. He signaled for the person who accompanied me to leave, that this was important and needed all his focus. They nodded and closed the door behind. His diplomatic attitude fell to the ground like a cape being removed off his beautiful person.

“Your majesty, you’re growing careless,” I was afraid someone was listening on the other side of the door and kept some distance between us, something he did not seem to be in the mood for. Instead, he grabbed both my hands and pulled me deeper into the room, whispering, “I wanted to see you and as your King you cannot refuse me,” He said playfully, “Nikolai, do you not care what people might think of this?” I asked, exhausted.

“The people think there is something between Zoya and I,” I felt my heart clench, sighing heavily as I rested my chin on his chest, looking at him from a weird angle. “Which… there is not, right?” I felt his arms tighten around my waist, it felt comforting to be in his embrace like this, I felt untouchable. He looked at me with a big smile, “Is my darling jealous?” I rolled my eyes and looked off to the side. “I love you Nikolai, Saints do I love you…” I paused. “But there is talk about getting married to the Sun Summoner, the people need a Queen they can look up to, and I think you should make that alliance…”

He sighed and played with my hair as he spoke, “I’ll only accept one Queen by my side, I do not wish to marry Alina,”

“What you want is different from what Ravka needs, Nikolai. You and I both know that. We both knew from the moment we started this that, things will change, and I hardly think I would be fit for the throne. A Saint is what the country needs-“ “Funds is what Ravka needs, I am already considered a bastard, I have been called many names at the court but I meet their insults with laughter, I can add fool to the many titles I have been given it means I can marry the one I truly love,”

I took a deep breath as I cradled his face in my hands, “Funds is what the country will need once we won… But hope is what keeps us alive, is it not? The people need hope right now, hope from a Saint ruling over them, I will stay by your side always, but you need this alliance with the Sun Summoner Nikolai,” We were interrupted by heavy knocks on the door before Zoya came rushing in, a scowl on her face. I had had time to step away from Nikolai and slump quickly on one of the seats to make it look like it was just a conversation.

His mask came back the moment the door open, we did not talk more about it.

I later heard he did propose with a big ring to Alina, Zoya informed me. But she had turned him down. I had to tell him to try harder, giving him tips of what I think could make her swoon. But deep down, I felt offended for his sake, why would she refuse him? He was handsome, smart, kind, gentle, funny- I stopped my thoughts for a moment, realizing how much I loved him and how much my heart ached for him. This situation was affecting me more than I thought it would, I knew he did not love her, and I also knew it from the start that it’d come down to that, but it still hurt.

That same day, in the evening, I left my room late but did not find him following me. There was a pinch in my heart as I climbed up to reach the outside. When I arrived there, I saw Nikolai sitting on the railing with Alina a bit further away from him. My heart shattered but I kept my composure, Alina stepped away from the railing and met my eyes with surprise. I was the first one to speak, “My apologies, your majesty, Sankta Alina, I will leave you be,” with a curtesy I moved to leave but heard Nikolai call my name.

Turning around, I held his gaze. I clenched my jaw, feeling jealousy build inside me. It was unlike me, but I couldn’t help it. I bowed once more, “Does your majesty require-“ “Gorgeous, I told you to call me Nikolai,” Many thoughts crossed my mind, but mostly, what is he doing? I heard him a lot closer this time, his hand reached for my cheek as he lifted my chin. I uttered his name in a warning tone, barely above a breath. “Oh, don’t worry, he told me about both of you. I wouldn’t have guessed; I mean sure I could see you clearly had a crush on the Too-Clever fox here.”

“Alina, who wouldn’t? No one can resist my charms, I make women swoon with just a wink,” “And make them leave the moment you open your mouth, a shame you cannot for the life of you shut up Nikolai,” She replied playfully, making him fake gasp.

I watched the interaction in shock, stepping back from the King, still not sure I could display anything else but curtesy to the King of Ravka and his little Saint. Daring to speak, I looked at the Sun Summoner, “I like listening to him talk, it’s interesting, don’t you think Sankta Alina?” She stared at me, before looking at Nikolai then back at me, “You managed to him blush!” “I do not blush; the air is frisky here. Let’s go back inside,” He ushered us both towards the door, only to have Alina stop us. “I’ll go back inside, but you,” She pointed at me, “Call me Alina, I am no Saint, and you,” she pointed at Nikolai, then at the ring on her finger, “I’ll only keep it until we win, but we are not getting married,” Then she left.

Nikolai’s hand reached for mine and pulled me to our usual spot, pulling out a blanket and wrapping us in it quickly before talking, “As you can see, it’s unfortunate but the Saint does not wish to marry me, there is nothing I can do to force her,” He said a bit too happily. His hands both held mine, warming them up. The night was warmer the previous one, but it was still too chilly for any of us to stay outside without the proper blankets. “If the court does not call you a fool, I will. You have to be more persuasive with her, I know full well you could persuade a rock to move with just your charms,” I said with a light tone, but I was being serious.

He brought my hands to his shoulders before helping me sit on his lap, it felt strange to be this close, but I did not say anything. “Would my charms work on you if I asked you to marry me?” I huffed a laugh; He was joking at the worst moments. “Nikolai Lantsov, Major of the Twenty-Second Regiment, Grand Duke of Udova, King of Ravka, the man who proposed to two women in one night. You’re-“ I scoffed, pausing as I rested my forehead against his, a small smile on my lips, “Don’t joke like that, I know if you ask again I’ll say yes, and it’s not… not until we won,”

“Then how about a promise? I want you, no, need you by my side, I’ll wait until we won,” He paused, smirking. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and observed a moment, “Since the big ring is in Alina’s possession, no one will notice if…” He dug inside the pocket of his coat and turned my head just slightly; His hand grazed the shell of my ear as he spoke so close to me that I felt his breath hit my skin. “Sturmhond is a very fashionable man, I’m sure you’d like him, very charming too,” I made a confused face, moments after, he let go and gestured for me to touch.

I felt a metallic thing on the shell of my ear, “Is that an ear cuff?” “Absolutely, I might be very eager to show you off, but I am not an idiot, and if any of us wore a ring, it’d be a bit obvious. Don’t you think?” He did not wait for an answer, “We’ll both know what it means. I will definitely buy you a gorgeous ring once this is over, but let’s settle for this little trinket for now-“ I cut him off by kissing him deeply, earning a surprised sound from him before he returned the kiss.

I looked at him with a huge grin, he seemed embarrassed but recovered quickly, “I’ll take that as a yes,” “You are very thoughtful, thank you. I like it, I don’t have anything for you, not that you could wear anything without everyone being suspicious.” I chuckled.

“Oh my heart, I have plenty. Know that you are in my thoughts always,” “I think that’s my cue to leave, I have had my quota of…” I gestured at him playfully. The blond man pulled me closer, “Affection? Well, I have not, and as your King, I demand you stay until I am fully satiated.” And I did. We stayed there all night, until we fell asleep. It was good.

This happiness did not last long. Some way, The Darkling found the Spinning Wheel. Everything went south from there, people dying, running around. I saw the woman who had taught me to control my power, jump into the void, I saw my lover getting snatched from in front of me, his screams reaching my ears. I called out for him but tried to hide my sadness, my heartbreak, behind fear. I failed. I yelled his name in despair, he fell back on the ground but was in searing pain. I approached him but saw his form change, it had taken the shape of something close to a volcra. “Nikolai!” I reached out for him, he stopped midair.

His hand reached out for mine, for a single moment. I was not paying attention to what The Darkling was saying but was solely focused on the King that had transformed into a demon. I tried to pull him towards me, his claws dug inside my arm, but I didn’t let go. He pulled back, leaving red marks on my arms as I fell to my knees.

This was what this man left behind, this bastard. The man I believed a mentor. He took everything for himself, he did not care. He claimed it was for the greater good but was a selfish- “Piece of shit!” I continued insulting him, but he only laughed, mocking me, saying I looked a poor little puppy in love.

Soon enough, he disappeared. I do not know what happened next, I was out of it.

I was later asked to join the Saint’s team in the search for amplifiers that I believed were legends, myths. Until it was not, I did not talk much during the trip. No matter what happened, I kept my composure. Or did I? I would play with the ear cuff Nikolai offered me, thinking back on our moments together. Zoya would sometimes try to have me talking, we would talk a few until none of us found the strength to keep up this charade. We were both exhausted, unable to fake being anything but terrified, lost, confused.

During the trip, Alina disappeared and came back out of breath telling us she saw Nikolai, adding he was still himself, she knew. I did not want to believe her. I knew her to be way too optimistic, maybe more realistic, but I did not wish to believe her. I did not wish to have false hopes, believing Nikolai was lost seemed easier than spending my energy on hoping.

Hope is what keeps us alive, I heard him say in my head. And I knew, Saints did I know that hope kept us alive… And part of me was still hopeful. I would later be glad this part hung on until the end.

As much as I’d deny it, Alina’s news of having seen Nikolai, even in his demon form, and telling us he was still in there… it kept me going. Even in the hard times, even as we entered the fold, I was still thinking, maybe he’ll come out of the sky, grinning as usual, explaining us how he oh so easily escaped the hands of darkness. How he was back and ready to outwit that geezer of Darkling.

It was anything but. The attack in the fold went awry at some point, I did not know when, I knew I got shot but kept going by stopping the bleeding. We couldn’t see anything anymore, I had gotten separated from the squad, and was now cornered. I tried to fight off the Volcra the best I could, but there were no inferni around, no Sun Summoner. I was going to die, but hopefully it wouldn’t have been in vain and in the end, Alina will have killed The Darkling.

Death did not happen. Instead, an ear-piercing screech did. I felt talons grip my shoulders, it hurt but they did not dug fully into my skin, I tried to fight off the Volcra that had grabbed me. Fear coursing through my body, but as I did, I realize it was bringing me closer to the limit of the Fold.

Then, a blinding light.

Alina’s power. She was using it, she was helping us, she was winning. Darkness was going away, everything was clearing up, the Volcra- I was now falling. The Volcra that was carrying me had let go, I looked where it would have been standing and saw a blond mop of hair. Nikolai? I thought, before I could see who it was, I hit the ground hard and lost consciousness.

I mustn’t have passed out long, since when I opened my eyes, the brightness was only dispersing. I stood up quickly, and looked around me, a naked body on the ground next to me. Turning their head, I gasped and tried to get them to wake up, “Nikolai! Nikolai, please wake up, for the love of Saints, wake up!” I took off my kefta and covered him the best I could, repeating his name over and over again. I knew he was still alive, I could feel it, but I was afraid to use my power in this state.

The adrenaline coursing through my vein would make me fuck up, which I did not want. After a few moments, I heard groans and the man in front of me sat up, I moved the kefta to cover him properly. When I met his gaze, my heart stopped.

He was exhausted. Covered in bruises, his hair messy, his gaze confused. “You’re back…” I whispered, reaching out for him, he took my hand in his and brought it to his chest, “Did you ever doubt it? I am well-versed in achieving the improbable.” He said with a grin, I stared at him in awe, feeling the tears welling up. I wiped them away before they could even roll down my cheeks, “I’ll admit I did, but I am relieved you’re alive,”

He brought me in a tight hug, which I broke quickly as I leaned back and quirked a brow, looking at him insistently. He looked down at himself then back at me, “I do hope you are enjoying the view, gorgeous, it’s a sample of what you’ll get once we-“ “Your majesty! Are you alright?”

And here, our moment got ruined. I stood up and was about to explain hat had happened, when Nikolai spoke, “The Volcra did not seem to enjoy my fashion sense, they ripped it to shreds. You have spare uniforms laying around, yes?” The soldiers nodded and led him to the tents set nearby.

I waited until everyone left what remained of the Fold. The survivors returned to the camp, we counted our wounded, healers did their work. I saw Alina bring in a wounded man and noticed by the look in her eyes this was the person that mattered to her. She seemed different than before, she also kept her head low, as if she was hiding. So, I did not say anything.

Nikolai had her brought in, they talked a long while, whilst my wounds were getting tended to.

Part of me hoped they weren’t arranging a real marriage. I knew it was stupid, but I still thought it could still happen. My daydream was interrupted when the healer went for the gloves around my hands, I stopped him, “No need, there’s nothing-“ “I must check, I’ve taken care of everything but I have to be sure,” I did not want them to see, I tried to snatch my hand away and heard a throat clearing by the entrance.

“The lady said no, out you go, I would like to have a word with her. No one is allowed, this is important matter,” Just like that, Nikolai had kicked the healer out of his own tent. I told him off, telling him he was making a scene and yet let him hold my hands gently as he looked at me without a word. The prettiest smile adorned his features, even as I berated him. When I was done, he smiled wider, “You are so beautiful when you’re passionately yelling at me,” “Nikolai,”

“What’s with the gloves, dove?” he asked in all seriousness, his fingers grazing the edge of he long gloves. “I…” “May I?” He asked. I nodded. He pulled them off and saw the dark lines on my left arm, “It’s healed up, there’s just nothing they could do about that. I don’t know… I-“ “How did this happen? Tell me,”

I paused then pulled him closer, “You did, but it’s alright, I forgive you- It wasn’t done out of malice or anything of that sort, I had tried to keep you closer but the-“ he ran his hands through his hair and apologized. He seemed to be truly regretting it, even though he was probably unaware of his own actions.

“Nikolai, please, it’s nothing. It’s over,” I grabbed his hand and only now noticed he had the same marks as I did. His hands were covered in black threads almost. He looked at our intertwined hands a moment, “What if it’s not over?” Vulnerability, something the King rarely showed. “Then I’ll be here every step of the way,” He pulled me into a hug and stood there a moment.

I broke the silence, adding, “It has some charms, don’t you think? It’s almost matching tattoos,” I said jokingly. The blond man laughed wholeheartedly as he leaned back, “I say it’d look even better with,” he grabbed my hand a slid a golden ring on my ring finger, “this, don’t you think it complements it?” I looked at it in bewilderment, gazing up at Nikolai. My hand went to the ear cuff he had offered me, he stopped me, “Keep it, I think Sturmhond would agree it suits you better than him,”

I laughed. “I suppose we did win… I am still not fit to be Queen, and I am still very set on you being a complete fool for doing this,” I said calmly, but inside my heart was soaring. “It’s a lot of words to say yes, don’t you think?” He said teasingly, his hands cradling my face, “Let me try again,”

He kissed my lips tenderly, “Will you marry me, gorgeous?”

I nodded and pecked his lips softly, “Yes, my prince,”

“I am actually a King now,” “Please Nikolai, just this once, shut up,”

He leaned in, “Gladly,” and kissed me once more.

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drifting-manatee · 3 years ago

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bnha fics by manatee: a master list

Series

Here Lies Shouta’s Hopes and Dreams (Ongoing- Crack)

The trials and tribulations of Aizawa Shouta’s battle with 20 dumbass teenagers and the sex education curriculum.

Pairings: Erasermic, Kiribaku

Part 1. Here Lies Shouta’s Hopes and Dreams

‘Shouta is a dead man walking.

He knew this day was coming. Indeed, ever since Nedzu had sat serenely in his office as if he wasn’t about to make Shouta pray for the ceiling to collapse and crush him faster than Midoriya crushes his bones. Because apparently the principal eats his breakfast cereal with the tears of his staff, he had sat in his armchair, smiling angelically like the psychopathic man-bear-mouse-demon that he really is, and had handed out lesson plans like they were pixie sticks and not harbingers of destruction that would ruin Shouta’s life.

OR: it's time for Class 1-A's Sex Ed lesson and Aizawa is suffering.’

Rated T

Part 2: Are You There God? It’s Me, Shouta

‘Shouta has a bad feeling about this.

Perhaps it’s nothing. Perhaps it’s paranoia. Perhaps it’s the lack of sleep finally making itself known (that’s the last time he forgets to stock up on earplugs for whenever Hizashi falls asleep before him. The rest of hero society should be grateful that only he has to endure his eardrums being ruptured by supersonic foghorn snoring on a nightly basis).

Yeah. Perhaps everything is fine.

(Everything was not fine).

(AKA: the fake baby project sequel that no one asked for).’

Rated T

Multichapter

Weightless (Complete- Angst, Hurt/Comfort)

Pairing: Kiribaku

‘He wants everyone staring at him in the corridors to get a fucking grip, because Katsuki is doing just fine. The world’s still turning and he’s still at U.A, he’s doing his calculus equations when asked and he's still training to become the number one hero.

He also happens to just... not have a mom anymore. Something that apparently has contaminated him in the eyes of every single person in the school.

(Bakugou Katsuki loses his mother in a freak and tragic accident. All he can do is watch as everyone else in his life treats him like glass and wonders why he hasn't fallen apart yet.

Maybe he won't. Maybe he's fine.

He just can't let Kirishima talk to him).’

Rated T

CW: Heavy discussion of bereavement and mental health issues

2. Lazarus (Ongoing- Psychological Thriller, Angst)

Pairing: Kiribaku

‘He registers his surroundings. The shape and width of the container he’s been stuffed inside. The wood that crowds every inch of his vision, a distinct long and rectangular shape that forcibly pins his legs together-

Cold recognition lances through him and electrifies the blood in his veins.

Because it’s a coffin.

Katsuki is inside a god damn coffin.

(Katsuki Bakugou wakes up buried six feet underground, blindsided and trapped by a faceless villain. His quirk has been rendered useless, and his only tools for escape are a faulty cell phone and his own perseverance. With time running out, he is forced to confront not only his increasingly futile odds for survival but the rising tide of feelings he's kept buried all these years).’

Rated T

CW: Heavy discussion of claustrophobia and mental health issues

3. Make Room Among the Shadows (Ongoing- Supernatural, Urban Fantasy)

Pairings: Tododeku, Kiribaku

‘Midoriya Izuku is 22 years old (not that he feels it), he's always tired, his godawful day job is slowly sapping his will to live- and he's one of Yuuei's rising young Hunters, doing battle on the streets of Tokyo with the things that go bump in the night.

But then, his team receives a startling premonition; something is building in the shadows, a seemingly indestructible power that threatens not only Izuku's city, but the very world in which he lives. With time slipping through his fingers, Izuku and his team find themselves tangled in a race to unlock the mystery of this impending supernatural force before it brings about the destruction of their world as they know it.’

Not Rated

NOTE: CURRENTLY BEING REWRITTEN

#bnha #bnha fanfic #fics by manatee #boku no hero fic #kiribaku #drifting-manatee #my fics #kiribaku ao3 #ao3 feed #mha #my hero academia #boku no academia

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donteattheappleshook · 4 years ago

Text

There is a Pirate in the Dungeon

Summary:

There is a pirate in the dungeon. All the serving girls are too afraid to go down the steps and bring him his meal. All but one.

This fic is based on a beautiful little story from The Starless Sea that just screamed of Captain Swan so strongly that I couldn't resist.

***

Happy Birthday to @elizabeethan who supported this fic and is just an all around great friend and writer <3

Thanks to @kmomof4 and @the-darkdragonfly for looking this over!

***

There is a pirate in the dungeon. All of the servants are in a flurry over it, gossip filling the halls of the Evil Queen’s palace. They say it’s him. Him who? You know, him, with the hook. The girl pays little mind to it. There is always someone in the dungeon. It doesn’t take much to upset the queen. One foot out of place, one word out of turn.

There are always people in the dungeon. Some are former servants, some former friends, some simply people who had the misfortune of crossing her path on a bad day. In fact, this pirate may be one of the few - if not the only - prisoner being held for any real crime. But the girl keeps her head down and goes about her work. No need to get involved. No need to stand out.

***

The pirate sits in the dungeon. He finds himself bored. It’s a strange emotion to have when facing down one’s inevitable end, but it’s the emotion he feels all the same. He wonders when Death will come. He wonders if this time he will stay, if they’ll meet like old friends, if Death will smile - not in self satisfaction, but in fondness for this game they’ve played so long. It’s only fair. He’s slipped through Death’s fingers so many times, it was bound to be his turn sooner or later.

A key hangs on the wall, six feet away from his cell, a tease of freedom just out of reach. He appreciates the metaphor. The guard is old, and drunk, and asleep most of the time. In a past life, the pirate may have attempted escape, may have hatched some elaborate ruse to win back his liberty. But he is old now - though he does not look it - and he is tired. And so he sits in his cell, bored, and waiting for death.

***

The girl does her best to ignore the chatter, but it follows her everywhere. She hears it in the kitchen, ears catching the whisper of a name, or perhaps a title. She hears it in the hallways, a guess at what he’d done to earn his date with the gallows. She hears it in the small bedroom that she shares with another girl, a rumor of his terrifying reputation, of a man more monster than human. But she isn’t afraid. There’s no such thing as monsters.

***

On the first night of his captivity, a girl comes into the dungeon carrying a tray of food and water. The pirate makes the mistake of standing too close to the bars, of looking over perhaps a tad too suspiciously, too threateningly, and the girl gasps, dropping the plate and running from the dungeon in fear. The guard wakes, and shrugs, and the pirate goes hungry.

On the second night there is a new serving girl. She makes it halfway across the room before the candlelight gleams off his hook and she stumbles. Half the food and water spill from her hands before she sets it on the floor far enough from the bars that he needs to remove his hook and use it to pull the tray close enough to have what’s left.

The third night no girl comes at all, though he hears her retreating footsteps at the top of the stairs. By the fourth night, the pirate has resigned himself to dying of starvation. It’s not quite the death he’d always pictured for himself, but he supposes it’s as fitting as any other.

The guard is asleep again when the girl comes down the stairs on the fifth night, this one also new and more striking than any of the other servants who have fled from him. More striking than most women he’s ever seen and suddenly something that had started to go out in the pirate’s heart begins to stir.

There’s a wariness about her, a hesitation as she approaches, but there is no fear, and it surprises him. As she approaches the bars, she meets his eyes and he watches in wonder as the doubt melts from her features, making way for confusion, relief, and even, he thinks, disappointment. It makes him laugh and he nearly startles at the sound of his own voice after so many days of silence. The girl, however, does not startle.

She sets the tray in front of him and he thanks her. That does startle her. He wonders briefly if it’s at seeing manners in a prisoner or from having become accustomed to never being thanked for her work at all.

The girl studies him, gaze falling over his face and his greatcoat, settling finally on his hook before finding their way back to his eyes. He wonders what she finds there, what she may have been looking for. He takes the chance to study her himself, her long golden hair and bright eyes, the rags she wears unable to disguise a certain dignity with which she carries herself.

He holds her gaze for a long moment, neither compelled to speak as they take each other in and draw their conclusions. Soon, however, his stomach cries for him to eat the bread which she’s brought him and he’s too tired and too hungry to deny it. But as he takes note of the thinness of her cheeks and the smudges below her eyes he feels a certain obligation towards her, a long forgotten sort of duty.

The pirate tears the bread in two and holds one half out through the bars. The surprise returns to her face and he wonders at the fact that it’s kindness that seems to scare her, rather than danger. She watches him, closely, carefully, more curiously than she has yet, and he’s stunned when an older - younger - version of the pirate makes himself known, one he hasn’t seen in years, but that he hopes is still worthy of this girl’s scrutiny, perhaps even of her trust.

She takes the bread from his hand and neither miss the way his fingers brush across her wrist as she pulls back. But she doesn’t recoil. She doesn’t run.

“You’re not afraid of me, are you?” the pirate asks, trying to remember the last time his presence wasn’t met with fear or dread.

She considers him a moment before answering, her voice low so as not to wake the guard. “I’ve met scarier men than you,” she says, and he believes her.

“I’m sorry,” he tells her, because he is, and because he doesn’t know what else to say. He himself has met few scarier men.

The girl does not stay to eat her bread. The guard begins to stir and she hurries out of the room before he can ask her name. The pirate cannot chase after her. He would like to, but the bars pose a certain problem. When the guard wakes he finds the pirate with his forehead pressed softly to the iron rods of his prison, a soft, faraway look in his eyes. He does not, the guard notes, look at all like a pirate anymore.

***

The girl walks swiftly down winding steps that lead from the kitchen, which is on the second floor of the palace, deep underground to the damp, carved out tunnels that serve as a dungeon. She doesn’t pay attention to the strange looks she receives from the other serving girls, or the judgemental ones she receives from the men. She is the first to make this trip twice since the pirate’s arrival and it has earned her the distrust of her coworkers.

“Aren’t you afraid of him? Haven’t you heard what he’s done?”

“He’s behind bars,” she answers simply whenever this question is posed. But she knows that the bars are irrelevant. She does not fear the pirate.

She is more concerned with the second question, that of what he has done. The girl, who grew up near the palace and was orphaned near the palace and now works in the palace, has never done anything, not truly, not anything worthwhile or worth remembering.

She wonders how many places outside this palace the pirate has seen. She wonders how many places outside this kingdom he has visited, or perhaps even, outside this realm. She decides that she’ll ask him to tell her about them. The worst he can say is “no” and then her life will be no different than it was when she woke up this morning. She thinks however that if he says “yes”, it could be a little bit better.

When the pirate sees her coming down the stairs he looks surprised, and then relieved, and then pleased. A small smile pullis at the corner of his lips and she feels it makes him look even less the terrifying monster those upstairs believe him to be. He looks young, his eyes which yesterday had betrayed an ancientness of one who has lived many lives, perhaps, more lives than they’d have liked, are now bright and anxious like a boy’s.

The guard is predictably asleep and the girl makes her way to the bars where the pirate waits and hands him his food. He takes it with a thank you, as he had yesterday, and while she’d expected it, she was still not prepared for it and it catches her off guard, her cheeks flushing. Then her cheeks flush at her embarrassment over her cheeks flushing in the first place.

He is handsome, dark hair and dark lashes framing blue eyes and a soft smile contrasted by a strong jaw. But she has seen handsome men before and paid them little mind. She wonders what it is that is different about this one. Whatever the difference, it makes her lose her nerve, and with no other reason to be here, and no question bold enough to ask, she turns to take her leave.

“Wait,” the pirate says, and the girl stops, glancing back. “Will you tell me your name?” he asks. When she does not answer, he speaks again. “If I’m to see you again, I’d like to be able to thank you properly for your service. If I’m not, then I’d like a name to associate with the memory of you.”

The girl is grateful for the darkness in the dungeon, and the distance that hides her stricken expression. “Emma,” she tells him, and he smiles at her in the same youthful way he had before. She offers a clumsy curtsy, and leaves.

When she returns the following night, the girl has slipped whatever extra treats she could find onto the tray. A roll of bread with honey stolen off a table while serving breakfast, meat leftover from the servant’s dinner, and a small, baked good that the queen had sent back. She imagines the pirate must be hungry. She is only sent to bring him food once a day and there are no other servants making trips to the dungeon.

He looks relieved, and then happy to see her. And then something crosses his expression that she doesn’t recognize. Likely, because no one has ever looked at her like that. She finds that she likes it. She hands him the tray, watching a little too eagerly as he notices the contents. He smiles, one eyebrow jumping up, the pull of his lips lopsided, and it spreads warmth through her belly.

“Thank you,” he says, adding “Emma” to the end. It’s the first time he’s said her name, and Emma is surprised at how much she likes hearing him say it.

The guard is asleep, and she imagines he will be for a while, his snores resonating annoyingly through the room. She wonders if the pirate gets much sleep. She imagines it would be hard to sleep with the threat of impending death looming over her. But she imagines it would be even harder to sleep with the guards snores echoing in her ears. Either way, the guard seems unlikely to wake, so she chances stealing a little more time in the pirate’s company.

He watches her as she makes her decision, and when he offers up some of his meal again to share, she accepts it. She feels guilty, taking his food, but it allows her the excuse to step closer to the bars and to brush her fingers carefully against his as they had last night.

When their hands have been touching as long as they reasonably can while passing food, perhaps even a little too long at that, the pirate pulls his arm back through the bars. She notices the hook on which he balances the tray. He notices her noticing it, but says nothing.

After a moment, he sits on the floor, resting the tray against his knee as he picks at it. While he doesn’t ask her to stay, the invitation is clear in both how close he sits to the mouth of his cell and in the way he watches her, waiting. Feeling bold, Emma sits down beside him, shoulders near close enough to touch, were it not for the bars between them. They sit silently, letting the guard’s snores fill the quiet that would be filled by their words. After a long time, Emma speaks.

“They say you’re a captain,” she tells him, wondering if any of the gossip is true.

“Aye, that I am,” he answers. “Or… was,” he corrects, acknowledging his current predicament. Can a captain be a captain without a ship? She takes a breath before speaking again.

“They say you’re a pirate.”

He smiles, mirthful, his eyebrow ticking up again. “Aye,” he says, “that too.” Emma only nods and it seems to surprise him. She wonders if he was expecting shock, or fear, or perhaps even fascination. She gives him none of it.

“Have you been a pirate long?” she asks then, and this time his smile is melancholy as he nods.

“Yes. Too long.”

Emma draws her knees up, holding them in her arms as she gazes forlornly at the floor. “I can’t imagine you could ever tire of being a pirate. Not when there are so many places to see.” When she says it, she’s thinking of the freedom he must have had, the chance to go wherever he pleased whenever he pleased. But then she feels guilty, remembering where he is now.

“I suppose you’re right,” he agrees, offering her an accepting nod.

“And have you?” she asks, breath held in her lungs until he answers.

“Have I what, love?”

“Been many places.”

“Aye. More than you could imagine.” She can imagine quite a bit, but she supposes he’s probably right.

“You must have many stories,” she suggests, and he smiles at her the same way he had when she’d asked him about being a pirate.

“As many stories as there were places,” he promises.

“Will you tell me some of them?” She looks at him when she asks and is met with eyes that are both old and young all at once.

Before he can answer the guard starts to stir and she jumps to her feet. The pirate follows suit, hand reaching out to catch at the sleeve of her dress before she can leave. She turns to him and is shocked at the look in his eyes, she can’t quite place this one either, but if she had to name it, she’d call it... hope.

“I will,” he promises. “If you come back tomorrow. And I’ll tell you more if you come back the following night, and more after that.”

Emma meets his eyes and knows he isn’t lying. And the promise of hearing his stories is nearly as powerful as the promise of being able to sit next to him in the dungeon again, with their shoulders just close enough to touch, if not for the bars. She agrees.

***

When Emma returns the following night, there is more food on his tray. The pirate imagines she must have stolen or kept most of it, sharing her own dinner with him. So it feels only right to share some of his own meal with her.

He’d tried to hide his excitement at seeing her come down the stairs, though he’s sure it was written all over his face. And she’s quite perceptive, he’s noticed. It feels strange, to have something to look forward to. He never imagined being excited for or anticipating anything while in this dungeon, apart from perhaps death. He prefers it this way.

“So what would you like to hear?” he asks after he has touched her hand and sat next to her on the dirty floor of his cell. She contemplates his question for a while, putting serious weight to her decision and he smiles. It’s been a long time since someone was so interested in learning anything about him.

“How did you become a pirate?” she asks finally, and his heart settles like a lead weight in his chest. It must show on his face because she begins to apologize. He stops her. He had not expected to have to share such a painful story so quickly, but he tells her anyway. He tells her of his childhood, uncertain why he starts so far back but the more he continues the more he feels it suits the story.

He tells her of his upbringing on Silver’s ship, of his time in the Navy, of his brother, of everything he was and everything he himself wished to be. He tells her of his brother’s death and her eyes fill with tears, the kind that speak of understanding rather than sympathy. He’d learned long ago to spot the difference, to pick a kindred spirit out of a crowd. Tonight, he picks a twin soul out of a dungeon.

When he has finished his story he waits for her appraisal, wonders if he did it justice. He embellished in parts, if only to make himself more dashing or the dangers greater. He could read on her face that she knew what he was doing and it only made him smile, even as she rolled her eyes. That made him do it more.

“I’m sorry,” she says, he imagines in much the same way he had said to her that first night, and he knows then that they understand each other, perhaps in a way nobody has ever understood him before, not really.

The guard is still asleep but he doubts they have much time left. Nevertheless he offers her another story, if only to keep her here a little longer, to watch her eyes light up with wonder and excitement as he spins his tales. Emma considers again, as carefully as she had the first time.

“Will you tell me your name?” she asks.

He smiles. “Killian.”

***

Killian tells her of Neverland, of evil little boys and fairies and mermaids. He tells her of a land covered in snow, of one where sand reaches as far as the eye can see. He tells her of krakens and monsters and heroes and damsels, of kings and knights and pirate queens over the course of the following nights, each tale more fantastical than the last. But he never lies. She knows he doesn’t. He may embellish but his stories are true, and that makes them all the more unbelievable. She begins to pity the guard, who sleeps through such magical stories, but does not begrudge the privacy it allows them.

His fingers tangle in her hair through the bars, as they do every night, playing with each stand before letting it slip delicately between his rings. He likes her hair and she likes that he likes it. He’d made a comment when she asked, about pirates being drawn to gold. She’d rolled her eyes and he’d laughed.

“What tale would you like to hear tonight?” Killian asks, smiling that smile which always makes her stomach warm and her cheeks flush.

She thinks carefully, as she does every night, wanting to ask the right kind of question to hear the right kind of story. With every tale he reveals more about himself, whether intentionally or not. She knows he is brave but also protective, charming, but also solitary. Dangerous, but kind. He’s seen the whole world, known countless people, but he carries a loneliness that breaks her heart in a way her own never could.

There is a story she wants to know, one that she’s held off on asking. In part because it feels rude, because she is unaware of the rules around asking such things. But also, because she imagines this is the tale that everyone asks him, and she doesn’t want to be everybody. She hopes she can ask and still be Emma to him.

“Will you tell me how you lost your hand?” she asks finally and his fingers still in her hair. She fears she’s crossed a line, but when she turns to face him he’s watching her with that same expression he had when he told her the first story. She knows that this will not be a fanciful tale.

Killian nods and his fingers return their attention to her hair, his eyes fixated as he begins to speak. He tells her of a woman, of a great love and a cruel man. Of adventures and romance and the promise of happily ever after struck down by one monster’s hatred. His eyes water and she wants to ask him to stop, to beg him not to continue if it pains him so much to speak of it, even after all these years. But he finishes his story. Nothing embellished, nothing softened. And when he is finished she’s the one with tears in her eyes.

He does not look at her, preferring to watch the strands of her hair slip through his fingers as he brushes it over her shoulder and back again. She wonders if he’s awaiting her judgement, disgust or forgiveness. Neither are fitting. There is only empathy, and anger, and a feeling she has not felt before but is certain of regardless - love.

She reaches through the bars, takes his hook which rests in his lap in her hand and turns so that she can face him. He looks up in surprise as the movement steals the strands from his fingers, and then in greater surprise when she brings his hook to her lips before holding it to her chest, hoping he can read what she cannot say.

He does.

***

The following night is the last night. Killian knows this and while he’d always thought he’d leave this world with no regrets, he is left with one. He regrets not meeting her sooner, regrets time, not having enough of it, having wasted too much of it. For the first time in a century he fears death, resents it, because death will steal her from him and he is not ready to let go. But the gallows await him in the morning.

The guard is, shockingly, awake when Emma arrives, and he flatters himself that the redness around her eyes is because she knows as well, because she will miss him as well. His heart tightens, loathing that their last night will be cut short, impeded by the presence of the guard who will prevent her from staying. But he should have known to expect more of her.

Emma smiles at the guard, offering him something from the pitcher she carries on the tray. She imagines from his enthusiasm that it is wine or rum and he supposes he was to be offered a last drink on his last night. The guard drinks greedily and Emma continues to smile that lovely smile until he suddenly falls against the table, face colliding painfully with the wood. Killian looks at her in surprise as she comes to meet him. She shrugs.

“He’s not dead,” she dismisses and he smiles, proud and impressed.

“Perhaps there’s a little pirate in you yet, love.”

She gives him his food and they share it as they always do, sitting side by side yet too far apart to truly be together. Killian is aware of the metaphor here as well, though he appreciates it less than the keys on the wall.

Tonight, perhaps because it is their last night, perhaps because she is feeling the finality of it, the grief for all that could have been and what little was, Emma slides her fingers through the bars and takes his hand, letting her fingers slide along and play with his own and his rings as he had her hair. His whole body warms from his hand, rolling through him like a wave, like the sea, like magic.

“I thought, perhaps,” he starts but then hesitates, fingers tightening against hers. “I thought you might tell me a story,” he suggests. She watches him, eyes still red, thumb stroking along the back of his hand. “I’d quite like to know you before I die,” he admits, his voice more strained than he’d like. He realises it's not death he fears, but never seeing her again, never again touching her hair or holding her hand, never having so much as kissed her. He brings their hands to his lips and kisses her knuckles. It’s a poor substitute, but it’s something.

She nods, eyes watery and lip caught between her teeth. She tells him of her life, of being born near the palace, of losing her parents young, of being left by them, sent to live in the castle before she even had a chance to know them, of having looked for them but only having been met with dead ends and disappointed hopes.

She speaks of growing up in the castle, of the queen’s temper and the constant fear and he can see where her strength comes from, though he believes she may have been born with it. She tells him of a man that she believed she loved, one who left when things became too much. All her stories speak of abandonment, of loneliness and perseverance and hope, despite it all, hope.

When it’s nearly dawn she asks if she can have one final story and he cannot deny her anything so he says yes. She asks him what he did to be imprisoned by the queen. He laughs, because there is nothing else to do. He is not a good man, he has not believed himself to be one for a long time. But he likes to think that his last deed, the one that sent him to the gallows, was. That it was one that Liam could be proud of, and Milah, and Emma.

“I refused to kill someone for her.” Emma’s eyes widen. Clearly, this was not what she’d expected. “The Queen learned that someone in her castle had been placed there by the former king and queen, the ones she overthrew so many years ago, and that she, a girl - a daughter - had the power to destroy her. She wished me to find and kill the girl for her, as she cannot. I refused. I am many things, but a killer of innocent women, I am not.”

The booming of a drum brings his story to a certain, poetic end. It is followed by another and it is only a moment before they recognize them for what they are. The gallows await. Emma turns to him, fingers tightening against his until her knuckles are white, eyes wild.

“No,” she says with all the strength and stubbornness he’s grown to love in her.

“Emma,” he starts, not wanting their last moments to be anger and pain and sadness. But she pulls away, standing and staring at him for what feels like an eternity as she makes up her mind. She lunges for the keys, fingers fumbling as she tries to find the right one, to fit it in the lock. “Emma,” he tries to stop her. “Go,” he warns, fearing what fate awaits her if they catch her trying to help him escape. But she doesn’t listen. He did not expect she would.

When she finds the key the gate is wrenched open and she stands in the open doorway watching him with frantic, panicked eyes. He is frozen in place, unable to move, shaken by the risk she is taking. For him. She frowns at him then, confusion and just enough disbelief and annoyance to make him want to laugh.

“Run!” she commands, gesturing towards the stairs. He knows he could make it, he could run now and get out before the guards catch him. He’s gotten out of more dire situations before. But he can’t. She may save him from death but the result will be the same. Either way he will be without her. Being without her when he knows she is somewhere he cannot reach is far worse.

“What are you waiting for?” Emma demands, voice raising. “Get ou-”

He strides forward, takes her face in his hand and kisses her. He kisses her as though this may be the last time, because he fears it will be, regardless of whether they catch him or not. But once he’s kissed her he can’t let her go.

He’s held the whole of his world in his hand and against his lips and he doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to let her go. He’s lived a very long time, and been to a great many places, but nothing has felt quite like this. Nothing has felt so much like home.

“Come with me,” he pleads, knowing that if she says no he’ll wait here for them to come for him, because it won’t matter, not without her.

The guards burst in, catching them with their faces still only inches apart and it takes them a moment, registering their own shock before they lunge at them, at him. Emma screams and suddenly there is a burst of white light, a light so bright that he has to shield his eyes against it. When he opens them again the guards are on the ground - breathing but unlikely to wake up anytime soon - and Emma is staring at her shaking fingers.

She looks at him with confusion and fear, helpless he thinks for the first time in her life. He takes one of her trembling hands, kisses it softly, and asks her again.

***

They run. They run until they reach the shoreline, Killian gazing out at the sea, and Emma imagines them on any of the ships out there as he attempts to figure out which he could commandeer most easily. She’s quite pleased with how easily she’s taken to piracy. Or perhaps, she’s just taken to pirates. He hasn’t released her hand since they ran from the dungeon and he still won't. She’s not sure she wants him to, for fear that what happened in the dungeon might happen again.

He’s only just picked a ship and started to pull her towards it when they hear the commotion behind them. The guards have caught up to them. The Queen is with them, fury on her face. They stop only a few feet away and Killian steps forward, attempting to stand between them and her. She attempts the same, and so they end up standing side by side, hands clasped tightly, ready to face whatever comes together.

“Well, Captain,” the Queen says. “I underestimated you. It seems you found her after all.” Emma’s breath catches, putting together the pieces of Killian’s story, of her own. Killian’s fingers only tighten around hers and she realises that he must have put it all together much sooner than she had.

She calls for her guards and this time Killian does stand before her and the Queen has him on his knees without even taking a step, sick pleasure in her eyes as the man Emma loves gasps for breath. She screams and she cries and she begs but the Queen doesn’t stop. She won’t lose him. It’s not a question or a choice but a fact. She refuses to lose him, not when they’re so close to freedom, not when she’s only just found him.

She isn’t sure how she does it, but before she has time to question how she does it now, or how she did it then, a light bursts from her fingers and she only just has time to see the fear in the Queen’s eyes before it engulfs them. It flows out of her. Like magic. Like love. And she’s certain that’s what it is, at least, that’s what it feels like.

She helps Killian to his feet and he takes her hand as he had in the dungeon, thanking her. She asks if he still wants her to come with him, warns him that if she is who they think she is, the Queen will never stop hunting them. He smiles, that same smile from their first night. His fingers find her hair, slipping through the strands from her ear to the ends and letting them fall around her shoulders.

“I’ve been hunted before,” he says. “And for far less valuable treasure.”

Someday, her parents will find her. Someday they will defeat the queen and they will ask her to come back with them. And she will, for a while. But she will always go back to him, to the adventures that wait for her in far off lands, and to the love that waits for her aboard a ship. But that is only someday. For now, the pirate takes the girl’s hand and asks her to follow him as he will follow her always, to the ends of the earth, or time.

The End.

*****

@kmomof4 @snowbellewells @teamhook @resident-of-storybrooke @stahlop @hollyethecurious @artistic-writer @gingerchangeling @bubblegum1425 @jackieorioncat @darkcolinodonorgasm @xhookswenchx @lfh1226-linda @searchingwardrobes @winterbaby89 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @xsajx @thejollyroger-writer @elizabeethan @carpedzem @spartanguard @tiganasummertree @demisexualemmaswan @itsfabianadocarmo @courtorderedcake @yasbio2015 @the-darkdragonfly @klynn-stormz

#captain swan #cs #cs fanfic #cs ff #captain swan fanfic #cs au

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inscribed-in-asteroids · 3 years ago

Text

AN: Took a while but here’s chapter six! Make sure to reblog and like, or leave comments and kudos on AO3, which is still the best place to read it.

Title: The Ripple Effect

Characters: Hordak and Entrapta, feat. Glimmer, Bow, Aurora and Eon (OCs)

Rating: M (for smut)

Repairing Harm Done

Hordak walks through the center of their new home away from home. Entrapta and he share their enjoyment of space, and going on adventures with her has been some of the greatest years of his life; however, Beast Island has been transformed into a multicultural landscape, where anyone could come here if they wanted, and stay here if they chose. While Odessa has been away with her friends, they opted to expand the lodgings here to accommodate growing numbers. Talon and he weren’t the only ones with children, and even without offspring, his siblings were finding life partners, and to add on top of that, visitors from nearby planets come to Etheria as well and, sometimes, like it so much they wish to remain.

Upon this realization, they made an organization to discuss blueprints, schedules and funding for such a project. The funding was no issue: Glimmer and Bow were more than happy to aid them, and have visited the island several times now to see what else was needed. It wasn’t necessarily money they needed, either, as everything on Beast Island was based on a trade system and very loosely; they have utilized the technology on the island well, and created elaborate new machines for daily living. Glimmer and Bow, simply put, love being involved. They offer their expertise, Bow on his own inventions and Glimmer with her magic, but they were enthusiastic to be present at all.

He notes his brothers above him in the trees, connecting large trunks with man-made bridges, where a community of apartments will be launched high above them. The groves are to be interconnected this way, allowing for more freedom of development and making use of every inch of the island, eventually establishing long pathways that will join all shores of the island. This will be the new dwelling place for many of the citizens on Beast Island, while the area he’s moving through will serve as the marketplace, with recreational centers, hospitals, schools and restaurants lined throughout the ground floor. They have been constructing it for a while, but high demand has allowed for a speedier process to take place. Underground it will be primarily used for laboratories, as he and Odessa have the largest ones. It’s also their excavation site for First Ones tech, which they still continue to find more than twenty years later, the deeper into the earth they go; it’ll also serve as their mausoleum, for when those days come.

Animals chirp in the branches, shadows moving along his frame. Looking up, he meets the eyes of his brothers hammering boards into place, and they wave down at him. Being in a good mood, he waves back—

A sharp pang goes up his shoulder. Wincing in surprise, Hordak holds his hand up for a moment. Confused, he shakes off the sensation and continues toward the direction of his residence. Opening the door, Hordak steps inside.

“Entrapta? I’ve returned,” Hordak announces.

No answer.

She must be out. Maybe he’ll go check up on Emily and Imp. The latter has been growing, which came as a surprise to everyone. No one believed Imp could actually get bigger. It’s about the time Imp needs to have tests run to check if he’s still healthy as his body develops, Hordak muses, beginning to climb up the steps—

His legs suddenly lock, and they buckle, causing him to sprawl on the floor. His palms and knees slam into the hard stone, sending waves of pain up his frame. Another shortly follows, stabbing through his body. And it’s never one type of stab—it’s sharp, a knife slashing through; or painfully dull, akin to being jabbed with a worn, flat spear. It may not cut, but it’s relentless. And he can’t ever tell which is worse.

Trying to stand, he finds himself unable to. He pushes up with his hands, and the pain stings up his nerves, all the way to his neck.

Hordak lets out a breath of shock, of anger, of fear.

No.

No no no no no no no—

He looks down at his hands, and the color recedes—the blue drains, melting from elbow down, streaks forming along his wrist, and he can feel them weaken at the shoulder.

Hordak yells out loud, hunched over from the agony, watching as his forearms split in two without warning right down the middle until they’re merely the width of bone within the muscles thinning blood flow slowing unable to move or feel or sense or know why—

Hordak lets out a cry of shock, jolting himself up. Breathing hard, he turns to his right. Moonlight cuts through the dark of his bedroom, the blinds never being tightly sealed enough for his liking. But for once, he’s relieved to see it.

His head falls into his hands, and he breathes in. Breathes out. He withdraws to look at them. His forearms show no signs of disease, stark in the dim room. His shoulders move as they should, and he rotates them to be sure. He claws the air with his fingers, two quick movements. Then he lets them go toward his palm, slowly, pinky first as the rest follow, moving in synchronicity. He repeats this motion four more times, and none of them hurt.

Entrapta shifts beside him, her arm reaching out for his body. Automatic. When she finds only the pillow, Entrapta opens her eyes. She props herself up on an elbow, reaching out to touch her husband.

“Hordak? Are you okay?”

Blinking, Hordak turns to look at her. Her hair is loose about her body, draping across her shoulders in long strands. She doesn’t wear clothes to bed, finding it more comfortable. She followed his example on that one. After decades of being in pain, he didn’t want to be constricted as he slept. It reminded him too much of how often he had to be bound in place by something or another to keep from falling apart. His body was attached by sinew and muscle, like anyone else, but it never felt like that. It always felt like one small gesture would render him incapacitated, and his shoulders would fall from their sockets.

Entrapta sits up, touching the small of his back, “Did you have a bad dream?”

Hordak sighs, “I… did.”

Entrapta brushes the side of his face, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Hordak reaches up to take her hand in his, “It… It was the usual dream.”

Sidling next to him, Entrapta lays her head on his shoulder, “I know. It’s scary.”

He lets out a breath, unable to disagree. Adora had fixed him, permanently, in that other lifetime. Horde Prime wouldn’t allow something defective in his midst, so his body had been healed at the expense of his mind’s free will. But when Adora expelled Prime out, he was released from the confines of both mental and physical anguish.

He knows this.

His body has not known that pain in many, many years.

But there are days when he’s walking, sitting, breathing, and his thoughts turn to anxiety. Anxiety about the day, the moment, when his body will fail him again. He exercises every day, relishing in the activity he had been denied. The strength and power and agility that he long forgot about and wishes to keep. He makes sure to have that routine set out for himself, to have those thoughts at bay, to stop worrying him. He recalls how nervous he’d been when Odessa had been born—to have his daughter in his arms, and he would panic about the pain coming back and he can’t grab her in time before she collapses onto the floor and she dies. In a second, just like that.

Pulling his knees up, Hordak stretches his arms out onto them, giving a heavy sigh.

Entrapta rotates a bit, brushing his hair out.

“Entrapta?”

“Yes?”

“Can you check?”

Without further question, Entrapta moves forward, inspecting his back first. She notes the perfect coloration of his body, from neck to fingertip. Drawing aside the covers, she makes similar mental notes from his hips down to his feet. She looks up at him, smiling, “You’ve never looked better!”

Hordak sighs, relieved.

Entrapta lays her cheek on his forearm, “And I do mean that.”

He meets her eyes, and she wiggles her eyebrows.

Hordak laughs, allowing the anxiety to leave him, “You’re a pervert.”

Entrapta’s grin widens, “Can you blame me?”

Hordak leans forward to kiss her forehead. And she tilts her head back so their mouths can touch. Her hand caresses the side of his cheek, and he relaxes.

“I didn’t mean to wake you up,” he whispers, after a good while.

“Don’t worry about it,” Entrapta says. She pushes him onto his back, brushing her thumb along his mouth. “You’re not alone, you know.”

Hordak nods, staring up at the ceiling. Entrapta lays next to him, and she taps her chest.

Without a word, he turns, burying his face into her collarbone. Warm and inviting.

Her hands play with his hair, humming quietly. Stroking her fingertips down his neck, careful of the port located there. Entrapta doesn’t stop until he’s taking measured breaths, long and deep; once he does, only then does she fall back asleep.

Hordak steps out into the bright outdoors. Everything is in place. From the new construction in the trees, to the bustling shoppers around him, and, below, he knows Imp and Emily are taking ownership of Odessa’s lab while she’s away, as they tend to when she’s absent. Her friends are missed as well, and he will admit to himself, it’s good for her to have them.

Tristan’s general apathy tends to keep him anchored, but it lifts away as soon as he knows she’s back home, becoming more involved and energetic. Hydrangea’s eagerness to keep peace always stays in place, but she defers to Odessa’s knowledge and skill more often than with anyone else. Hordak knows that there could be no better allies to his daughter than those two.

They’ve been her friends since childhood, and they gravitated toward one another in a manner he found interesting. Despite being born a clone, he knows who he is, and he tends to keep to himself, save for Entrapta’s presence. His brothers tend to be more gregarious, which baffled him at first on how willing they were to interact with Etherians, and he surmised that, even among replicas, he stands out as incredibly reclusive. There are a few who took to his more stern and introverted nature, of course, he isn’t unique to averting social events, but he continues to have the shortest temper, if pushed enough, and is withdrawn. Talon is one of those individuals to match it, as he tends to be around his wife alone, but he doesn’t mind the spotlight, and that’s their difference.

Hordak’s gotten better at being around others, but he finds it exhausting after a while. Entrapta says that’s okay, and she wouldn’t change that about him and has outright stated to prefer it. Large groups are only ‘fun’ to watch, not be part of.

Odessa, meanwhile, enjoyed company, and Tristan was the first person she brought home. Hydrangea and Odessa liked each other very much, which delighted Entrapta and Scorpia; however, Tristan’s addition caught them by surprise. Mermista wasn’t the warmest woman when it came to who associated with her son. Hordak knows that his actions from the past were to blame, but she hasn’t done anything to damage his child’s relationship with her companion, so he says nothing.

Hydrangea’s mother, Perfuma, is no different, though she tends to have a lenient grip. Which he knows is due to her bohemian attitude, rather than an acceptance of Odessa. She wouldn’t stifle her child, as she has asserted that children should be allowed to do as they please and grow up how they will. It’s not a sentiment he disagrees with—he gave Odessa all the freedom she wanted. Entrapta was the one to spoil her, and he took on the disciplinarian role, for when it needed to be done, but overall, he and his wife encouraged Odessa’s desire to do what she wanted. Sometimes, her strong personality could be overpowering for others, but she’s not a bad person.

Despite what others may think.

“How are you doing, hon?” Entrapta asks, getting up to his level.

“I’m doing fine,” he responds. “Did you need something from me?”

“No,” Entrapta smiles. “You always ask that.”

“Ask what?”

“If people need something from you.”

He pauses in his tracks, “Do I?”

“You usually ask that when I’m looking at you, or wondering how you are,” Entrapta states. “And when I say people, I mean just me. You don’t do it with others.”

Hordak looks at the ground, silent.

“That’s not a problem, Hordak! It’s an observation,” Entrapta assures him.

He doesn’t question it further, for now.

“Oh, hi, guys!” Entrapta says.

Hordak faces behind him, finding Glimmer and Bow waving at him. For a flash of a second, he’s stricken with concern, but remembers that they’re supposed to be here today. That must be why they were in his dream, and it has nothing to do with premonitions of impending doom.

“Hey! Hope we’re not late,” Bow says.

“You’re right on time!” Entrapta replies.

Glimmer smiles, “Good! I hope you don’t mind—we brought Aurora today.”

Hordak looks past them, their daughter standing near the portal. Utterly disinterested. Without thinking, he says to Glimmer, “Was it wise to bring her?”

She looks at him, surprised, before waving her hand and laughing, “Oh, Hordak, she’s fine! She’s a big girl. Aurora, come here please!”

Aurora’s expression belies her unwillingness to be present, a polite smile on her face.

He doesn’t want to be rude— Well, that’s not true, he wants to be rude. It just isn’t prudent. Aurora isn’t a person who tends to be engrossed in what’s going outside of her social circle.

Glimmer looks up at Hordak, “I brought her because as future queen, she needs to participate in what’s happening throughout Etheria. You and I are working on this together, so I figured she would benefit from learning how things work with other kingdoms outside of a council meeting!”

Hordak nods in understanding. Makes sense.

Entrapta looks at Aurora, “Hello!”

“Thank you for welcoming me,” Aurora curtsies.

“What’s first on the agenda?” Bow asks.

Entrapta laughs, “We’ll go up into the trees first! We’ve designed a mode of transportation that takes us all to the top!”

Hordak silently walks behind the group. Entrapta leads them to a lift that operates when people enter into the rectangular container, made of nearby materials, predominantly the wood and bark of trees, as they’re the sturdiest thing at the moment. It’s in its rudimentary stage, Entrapta explains, and hopefully it will be changed into solid metal soon, since they didn’t want to waste resources at once. They had to see if it worked first, and they needed to design a glass case to hold it. All of them are elevated toward the top, allowing them a view of everything below.

Glimmer looks over the side of the box, “Wow, where did you come up with the idea?”

“Remember Horde Prime’s ship? He had this sort of thing aboard. We figured it would help get people around easier,” Entrapta says.

“So, you took the contraption of someone deplorable and used it for yourself?” Aurora asks.

“Yep!” Entrapta says.

Glimmer stares at her child, and Bow’s brows rise an inch.

Hordak’s arms remain folded, glaring at the back of Aurora’s head. Not liking her tone.

She doesn’t approve of it. And while he may not like owing Prime anything, it isn’t conducive to advancement as a group to ignore advantages simply because it came from a heinous individual. Good people have bad ideas, and bad people have good ideas, it depends on how it’s used.

“I don’t see how this is sensible of your time,” Aurora says.

Entrapta laughs, “Not everyone can teleport like you and your mom! We have people who can’t jump and climb the way we can.”

Aurora gives a delicate sniff, unimpressed with the explanation.

Glimmer claps her hands together, “Well, I think it’s a phenomenal idea. Prime was a monster, but his ship was incredible.”

“Mama—” Aurora begins.

Bow points at the distant grove, “Oh, look, pookas! Aurora, these were the animals that I met with Adora while looking for Entrapta.”

“The very things that would’ve eaten you all, and my grandpa, alive. You don’t say,” Aurora dryly answers.

“They’re friendly now!” Entrapta corrects, hair morphing into a hand with a forefinger pointed up.

Aurora grimaces when a pooka chitters at her, stepping away.

Hordak comes forward, unable to deal with it any longer, “Perhaps, it would be better for Aurora if she went and explored on her own. There is a plethora of activity in the market, and the main thing we would all be discussing is infrastructure.”

Bow turns to him, “Oh, I don’t think it’s necessary for her to leave.”

Glimmer nods, his suggestion more than welcome, “Actually, he might be right. Sweetie, why don’t you go down and check things out?”

“Thank you, I will,” Aurora says, giving another polite smile. With that, she teleports to the ground.

Entrapta yells over the side, “Byyyeeee!”

Bow and Glimmer share a long glance at one another. Aurora is a pleasant young woman, and now at eighteen, she should be engaging with more outside of Bright Moon. Neither Glimmer or Bow could imagine not wanting to go out of their comfort zone, whether it’s irritating or boring. But Aurora had never been quite as easy with ventures toward the unfamiliar.

Aurora is a creature of habit and routine, so she tends to stick with people that she knows, which is why they gave Marlena and Clawdeen the day off, both to allow Aurora to expand her horizons on her own, while giving their goddaughters well-deserved rest. Adora and Catra serve, too, as Aurora’s respective godparents, for they had all promised to be the guardians of each other’s children. And it’s why they decided, when Aurora asked if she could visit her extended family on the outskirts of the Whispering Woods, they pushed her to join them on this trip to Beast Island.

Aurora’s behavior since arrival was troubling Glimmer; she’s sure it wasn’t obvious, but her daughter radiated displeasure. Aurora is normally so genteel, with impeccable manners, which were inherited from Angella, and nurtured more by Bow and his relatives. Glimmer, even as she gets older, could never get rid of her fire to engage with every little aspect of life as much as she could. There was so much to do and see and experience, and she likes to believe that Aurora’s the same, even with her personality being softer than her own: mellow, caring, even shy. She knows her daughter is a good person.

Everyone always says so.

Bow and Entrapta have gone ahead, chatting animatedly about inventions and the latest in revolutionary designs. Addressing Hordak, Glimmer murmurs, “I’m sorry about Aurora.”

Hordak looks at her, “I don’t see the need for an apology. She doesn’t have to hide her disdain.”

Glimmer pokes him lightly in the arm, teasing, “Why? Because you’re the same?”

“Exactly,” Hordak replies, giving a light chuckle.

Sighing, she holds up her face with her hand, “Still, I don’t know why she’s upset today. I know kids don’t like to be with their parents after a certain age, and want to be with their friends—I was definitely that way—but I thought maybe she would have fun, you know? Engaging with the people, the mix of culture. Beast Island is so grand now!”

“I’m glad to hear you approve of what we’ve accomplished thus far,” Hordak says.

“That lift contraption is useful, but nothing will ever overshadow the day we got indoor plumbing in the palace.”

Hordak smiles, letting himself relax in the easy conversation.

Aurora walks through the throng of individuals bustling around. She didn’t expect so… many clones. She knows this is one preferred habitation, along with the kingdom of Dryl, and they are sporadic in other parts of Etheria. But to have so many of them present is a sight to behold.

She doesn’t approach any of the shops, but watches closely. Etherians, too, are wandering from stall to stall, store to store, and she ponders why any of these citizens would want to leave their kingdoms. Do their leaders not provide enough for them that they feel the need to come to a place still in development? She has heard of Beast Island’s many, many changes from childhood to adulthood, but she doesn’t see the appeal of coming to a location that isn’t as established as the rest of Etheria. New Chelicerata is an exception, since restoring a ruined kingdom isn’t a simple task, and that was in no part thanks to the Horde destroying the land and water.

To add on top of that, Aurora notes the strange carts being driven around the area. Compact metal transportation vehicles that are hovering above the ground, or whizzing through the canopy. An invention from Entrapta, no doubt. She tends to be the mind behind the majority of the designs. Those cannot possibly be safe.

Aurora treads lightly along the ground, a little dash of levitation magic that she’s been practicing. A gaggle of children, both Etherian and mixed, run past her, and she sidesteps out of the way. None of them are paying attention to where they’re running, almost doing the same to a couple of people. She quietly shames their parents for not teaching them respect better.

“Hey! You all have to slow down!”

She recognizes the voice, stopping in her tracks.

“Aww, but we wanna run!” chime youthful voices of reckless abandon.

Her eyes shift back and forth from either side, not risking looking behind herself, wondering if she can slip into a nearby building.

“You want to run? Go that way into the woods and return after a while. Whoever’s fastest wins and gets bragging rights.”

“What if one of us gets lost?”

For a moment, she wonders if she could master the invisibility spell this very second—

“Your parents didn’t tell you, but that’s the price of being fools running around without a care: you didn’t get to learn map reading. It’s a curse, so it’s inevitable you’ll die in the jungle.”

The children laugh, “What? No way!”

As the conversation turns to protest, Aurora darts behind a wall, letting out a breath. Crisis averted.

“You know, I heard that if you run like mad back to your homes, and don’t get lost, the curse is lifted! But you can only try when the moon’s half full.”

A gasp comes from one of the children, “Oh my gosh! It’s half full tonight!”

“I guess you kids better practice for this evening!”

Aurora peers around the corner, listening to the children fall for the outlandish lies, while unable to see anyone.

She’s startled when the next sound is that of quick steps coming her direction, darting past her—

Instinctively, she teleports, narrowly avoiding collision with a child. She closes her eyes and sighs.

Why can’t she go home?

“Aurora? What are you doing here?”

She tenses.

She didn’t plan where she’d wind up.

Slowly, Aurora tilts back her head, giving her signature smile, “Eon. I didn’t expect to see you.”

Peering down, Eon quirks a single brow, “You didn’t expect to see me where my family is? Do you not know how visitation works?”

Aurora withdraws, realizing with embarrassment how her head had been resting on his chest. He stands there, nonchalant, several stacks of flour levitating above his palm. He wears Mystacoran attire, deep, noble colors of purple with the usual white or gold accents replaced with his signature black.

Standing out as much as her, if she’ll admit anything. She attends any event wearing dresses, colored soft pink with whites trimming her sleeves and the hem of her skirt. She smoothes out her outfit, looking at the fabric, “I know how visitation works. Normally, you’re locked up in your room.” She side-eyes him. “Doing nothing to better yourself.”

Eon gives a cocky grin, “At least I don’t fake being busy to drown out the monotony enveloping my life.”

Decorum be damned, Aurora’s expression turns mocking, “I happen to like monotony. Schedules keep things together.”

“Another way of declaring you’re uptight,” Eon retorts, sauntering past her.

Aurora emits a light scoff, teleporting beside him, “I am not uptight! I appear that way to the lethargic. It wouldn’t hurt you to make an effort.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Your Highness,” Eon replies, spinning on the ball of his foot and giving a small bow with his head. “I forgot that commoners like myself need your example to show us how we could improve ourselves.”

Aurora tosses back her hair, “That’s part of being a princess—leading by example.”

Eon rolls his eyes, continuing his path, “Of course. I wouldn’t want to contradict you.”

“But I would contradict you,” Aurora replies. “I don’t understand why you’re carrying the sacks like that.”

“Like what?”

“Magic isn’t something to do menial tasks with. Did your muscles atrophy from being bedridden?”

“I happen to enjoy using my magic for all my needs,” Eon says. “If it makes things easier, why not do it?”

Aurora shakes her head.

“So, what are you on the island for? Did your family finally admit you were found among the beetles, and that’s why you have those wings?”

“Are you insinuating I’m a pest?” she questions, annoyed, folding her arms.

“Beetles happen to serve a very good purpose,” Eon tells her. “I wouldn’t imply such malicious concepts about you.”

Aurora gives him a pointed glare, “If you must know, I happen to be tagging along with my parents. They wanted to check on how construction is going for your people.”

“Ah. That’s nice,” he says, sincere.

“For you, maybe.”

Eon resumes being distant, “Well, I thank you for showing you care. Your presence graces us.”

“I suppose this will do as I’m waiting for them to be done,” she replies, looking around with annoyance.

Eon stops in front of his destination, setting the cargo carefully on the ground. He waves at an uncle, who nods his thanks before continuing to help a customer.

“Why don’t you take it inside?” Aurora asks.

“They know where it is.”

“It’s nicer to put it inside,” Aurora insists.

Eon grunts in annoyance. Levitating them back up, he goes around the corner. He halts, turning to her, hiking a thumb in his new direction, “Are you coming?”

Blinking, Aurora glances behind him. “This job doesn’t require two people.”

Eon leaves the sacks floating, pivoting around, “If you’re going to make demands of me, the least you can do is watch me do it.”

“But—”

He gestures to the building, “Would you rather loiter outside this public establishment?”

Aurora concedes, following him to the back door. She supposes it’s better than being out in the open.

Hordak lets his mind wander as his companions take rein of the conversation.

The nightmare threw him off more than he’d care to admit. He has had this sort of dream before, however, he was shaken to his core with this one. It was the most vivid he had ever experienced, and an aspect of slumber he’d care to not go through again.

Bow and Glimmer head to a group of his brothers who are in the midst of adding beams together.

He took it upon himself to take a break in a home that was under development. It needs a little more work left, but it’s otherwise complete and ready for furnishing. No one will bother him here.

Entrapta looks into the house, noticing his posture. He’s staring out a window that overlooks the trees, the drop going straight down, hands behind his back. His thinking position. She swings over to where he stands, closing the door behind her, “Are you still holding up?”

Hordak’s brow twitches. He doesn’t tell her that it’s a poor choice of words, because he knows he’s a little more sensitive to this matter than usual.

But Entrapta touches his shoulder, “Oh, I’m sorry! I meant to ask if you’re fine.”

“That is not something you need to concern yourself with. They’re mere words.”

“Words that are insensitive,” Entrapta replies. He doesn’t give a reply. She sits on her hair, gazing right at him. Unmoving.

Hordak’s eyes flick over to her for a second. He continues to stare straight ahead. “Entrapta, you needn’t apologize or feel responsible.”

“I believe you when you say that,” Entrapta says, not removing her eyes from his features. Suddenly, she gives a bashful smile, “I just care about you.”

Heart twinging, Hordak stiffens. He knows that her concern is sincere, and he appreciates it. He raises a hand to her cheek, brushing it, “I know.”

Entrapta flushes, his gaze intense. She can’t help but look down then, soft giggles leaving her lips. His finger traces the shell of her ear, and a shudder snakes along her spine. Body growing warm from the attention. He always knew how to make her feel special. After Prime’s defeat, Hordak had layers of emotion to sift through. He had been angry for many years, and she knows there’s parts of that residual rage underneath the calm. But one aspect of his nature that blossomed was a sensitivity that left her speechless. Hordak doesn’t believe it, but he can be very romantic by simply being honest with her.

“Hordak,” Entrapta whispers, touching his hand.

He tilts his head, “Yes?”

“You know I love you,” she says.

“Yes, I do,” Hordak replies, surprised. “And I love you too.”

Entrapta gives a breathy laugh, turning her face into his palm, hiding. She peers up at him with one eye, “Really?”

“More than you could comprehend,” Hordak tells the truth.

“Aww!” she coos, pressing his hand into her cheek, slightly muffled as she buries her face into his palm again.

A light blush tints his face, and he gives a soft laugh, “Entrapta, what’s this about? Are you upset that you cannot help me with my problem?”

“A little,” Entrapta holds his hand in hers, kissing the inside of his wrist. “I don’t know what to do sometimes, and I don’t know if me being around helps at all.”

“You’re a great help,” he assures her, thumb stroking her cheekbone. “Don’t doubt your affect on me.”

Entrapta grins, “I know some of the ways I affect you, silly!”

Hordak steps closer, smile widening along his lips, teeth flashing. His voice lowers, “Do you?”

“I like to think so,” Entrapta teases, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, fingers moving into his hair.

Her lips touch his, and he pulls her close. Her body curves against his, and even after decades of being near her, he’s always amazed at how she feels. Hand angled behind her head, his other one shifts down her back, sliding down her thigh.

Entrapta moans into his mouth, and she realizes that she’s been wanting to do this all day. His breathing grows ragged, moans interspersed with her name, sounds that she never gets tired of, because he only makes them with her.

Hordak pushes her against the wall, and he feels her hair slacken through her frame. Her legs wrap around his waist, allowing herself to be held up by his hands. Entrapta gives a soft groan, pulling him close. Her mouth caresses his neck, causing his body to shiver. Her hands glide down his back, grazing over exposed skin.

His hand snakes up her frame, and angles between her legs. Against the fabric, he begins to rub her clit, and Entrapta gasps in welcome surprise. Grinding against his fingers, she gives a small bite to his ear lobe, hot breath tickling his skin.

Hordak presses harder with his fingers, and he knows she’s growing damp. He captures her mouth with his, swallowing a moan she emits, flushed and excited. She grins against his chin, giving a small chuckle.

Encouraged, Hordak stops petting her. He looks at her, “Entrapta, remove your clothes.”

“Ooooh!” Entrapta does as he says, discarding everything but her shirt.

With ease, he lifts her back up, pushing her securely upon the wall and placing her legs over his shoulders. He has no hesitation as he leans in, breathing in, and glides his tongue up slick folds, rubbing over the clit with the end of his tongue.

Entrapta gasps, closing her eyes in pleasure. His tongue moves slowly, taking his time. It moves through the sides, around, teasing the clit, but never going in. Entrapta’s hands caress his hair, brushing through dark blue locks. His moans vibrate into her skin, mouth burning hot on burning flesh.

Hordak’s tongue suddenly darts in, and Entrapta’s back arches, mouth parting open. Groaning deep in her throat, Entrapta’s fingers grip his hair harder. Hordak pushes her legs further aside, nails digging into tender skin. He pulls away, giving her a brief glance, as his teeth graze along the delicate skin of her inner thigh.

“Hordak…” Entrapta whispers.

“Hmm?” he hums, mouth covering her clit, sucking hard.

Her moan escapes in a staccato, trembling. Biting her lower lip, Entrapta forgets what she’s supposed to ask. Lost in the sensation of his mouth on her clit, tongue dragging along swollen lips. His fingers squeeze the sensitive flesh of her backside, his ears twitching when she says his name. Soon, she’s soaked, unable to think or speak, overcome by physical touch. His arms, once the most obvious area of his defect, don’t waver from the weight, keeping her steady without qualm.

She would love him no matter his appearance, but she’s happy that he has the body he lost before. It brought him so much pain and agony, leaving him enraged and bitter. Entrapta would watch him suffer every day in the Fright Zone, even with her modifications. He felt inadequate, pathetic and alone. She would never think of him this way—he was the most brilliant mind and kindest heart she’d ever met, valuing her for who she was. Loving her despite her own imperfections. She never gave a thought to her physical appearance. What she always worried about was how her mind, her personality, her feelings would be perceived.

He accepted all of it.

And she wants to help him overcome whatever fears remain in him. That the imperfections of his body wouldn’t ever be the only thing of him she’d accept—it would be the doubts, the worries, the anger. He was her friend and husband. He, and he alone, would always be enough.

The heat in her stomach spreads throughout her body. Growing feverish, sweat shining on her skin, her toes curl into his back. Hordak’s ministrations are relentless, breaths muffled as his tongue moves back in, deeper than before, making circular motions within her body.

Shaking with incredible force, it bowls Entrapta forward, clamping her hand over her mouth. Eyes shut closed, brows knitting together, she trembles from the orgasm rocking through her every nerve and muscle. Slowly, her eyelids open, finding him staring up at her.

“Wow…”

Hordak smiles, pleased at such a reaction.

As he wipes up his chin, Entrapta brushes aside his hair, tugging strands over his temple. “Oh... I remembered what I was going to ask…”

“Yes?”

“I was going… to ask… if you think anyone will notice us gone…”

“Perhaps. But I don’t believe there’s a problem, so long as we begin going back now.”

Entrapta gives a gentle pat to his shoulders, and he sets her down. Beginning to dress, she grins, “I think this house is ruined.”

“Nonsense,” Hordak returns, waving a hand. “We need only open a window.”

Cackling wildly, Entrapta leaps up into his arms, nuzzling his neck, “You’re so bad!”

Hordak kisses her cheek, “I try.”

“I can be bad too,” Entrapta says, leering down at his groin.

“I don’t think we have the time,” Hordak replies, arm wrapping around her waist. “As favorable as that outcome would be.”

“Awww… You don’t want to make an attempt?”

“I believe, unfortunately, we have been gone long enough to arouse suspicion.”

“That’s an understatement,” Entrapta replies, wiggling her eyebrows, hand stroking over his clothes. “We definitely can’t hide that.”

A boyish grin and light blush changes his normally stoic demeanor. The expression staggers her mind to a halt, mystifying her on the rare moments it occurs. He’s so pretty...

“Entrapta?” he asks, smile still in place.

Finally recalling what needs to be done, Entrapta moves toward the door, grinning, “I’ll go on ahead, okay? You take your time!”

He nods, and she blows him a kiss that he, on reflex, pretends to catch.

Squealing at his playful attitude, Entrapta bounces out the door.

Hordak hears her voice grow distant, and he notes the faint replies from their friends. Hordak looks back out the window, catching his reflection in the glass. He looks down at his arm, touching it where he can remember missing bone and sinew. He takes in a breath, feeling the air move through his nose, into his chest. The power in his body undeniable.

It’s an odd feeling. Being afraid of nothing.

Aurora follows Eon throughout the market. He, apparently, was needed today. His magic lent significant help to his people, restoring broken objects, fixing machinery, and taking deliveries to several places. She won’t admit it, but it was a welcome relief from simply milling about by herself. Granted, these are tasks servants would be doing, but it made her feel normal, like she was accomplishing objectives at Bright Moon.

Eon looks down at her, “Don’t you have other places to be?”

“If I did, I would’ve left,” Aurora replies.

“Are you bored?”

“No, not at all,” she shakes her head. A little surprised she means it, too.

Eon takes her word for it. He hadn’t expected her to trail after him the entire time, and he would catch her standing by, occasionally offering unwanted critique, but he wasn’t going to argue with her. Early on, he certainly did. But the day has been long and he’s hoping to rest soon. She always does what she wants.

“Are you almost done?” Aurora asks.

“Yes,” he replies. “This is my last spot.”

Aurora looks at the sparse appearance, not even a sign put outside. Eon opens the door, singing its soft chime, and Aurora steps in after him. She’s struck to find rows of jewelry arranged along the four walls, painted navy blue, with cases planted into the middle of the floor. Though empty, they are meant for future displays.

Eon heads over to the case closest to the back door, tapping a bell resting on top.

Aurora joins him, “Is anyone present?”

“Should be,” Eon replies, turning around to face the front. He puts his hands in his pockets. “It’s not an issue if no one is—I can come back later.”

Aurora peers at the glass case, looking at dazzling necklaces, bracelets and rings aligned on vermilion velvet stands. She didn’t expect a store of this magnitude on Beast Island. The quality of the items are beautiful, with delicate designs.

Eon watches her from the corner of his eye. Her expression is intrigued, perusing the case with calm interest. He closes his eyes, waiting for the merchant to arrive. He listens to the faint tread of Aurora’s feet on the ground, the soft tap of her fingers on the surface of glass. He lets his mind wander in peace, glad to have a moment to himself.

Aurora eventually returns to his side, “Are you sure they’re here?”

“Yes,” he answers, not opening his eyes. “If you prefer, you can go find your parents.”

Aurora turns around, skirt slightly shifting about her feet. She stares up at Eon, debating whether to take him up on the suggestion or not. Her parents might be done, but if they’re not, she wouldn’t be able to leave again as smoothly as before. Staring at each side of the room, she says, “This is rude.”

“Uh-huh.”

“This wouldn’t happen in Bright Moon.”

Eon gives an exasperated sigh, “No, of course not. Nothing bad ever happens in Bright Moon.”

She ignores it or doesn’t hear. Aurora boasts, crossing her arms, “Right! Glad you see it my way.”

“Your Highness,” Eon scoffs, turning to face her. “If everyone could see things your way, we’d have a greater need for service animals.”

She blinks, “Why is that?”

“Everyone would be blind,” Eon answers.

Aurora says, tone clipped, “Oh, what would you know?”

“A lot more than you,” Eon replies, feeling vigor return.

“I doubt you possibly could!” Aurora’s head tilts at an arrogant angle. “The only thing you’ve proven today is that you make an excellent mule.”

Feigning injury, Eon clutches his chest, “Ah! You hurt me. But I could’ve sworn that you were fine with loyal, hard-working creatures. Unless that only matters when it’s useful to you.”

Aurora crosses her arms, huffing quietly.

Eon has known Aurora his entire life. Aurora has proven time and again that she has an elitism that tends to push her away from most people. Her parents are open-minded, cheerful individuals, and together they tend to liven any situation. Aurora can be charming, but she lacks sincerity. While not brash, her keeping an absurd distance from the folks around them during his errands proved that she was around him because he was the one thing she knew, rather than any intention toward actual civility.

Aurora inspects her shoulder, finding a loose thread. She points at it, and it dissolves in the air.

“I thought magic wasn’t a toy,” he says, taunting.

“This isn’t the same,” she snaps.

Before Eon can retort, the door opens behind them. The two turn around and find a woman standing there. Full-figured, with brown hair, hazel eyes and pale skin, the merchant is dressed in Bright Moon garb. Silver arm bands go up to mid-forearm, and she removes a light blue cape to hang on a coat rack.

“Eon, hello! I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. My meeting ran late.”

“No worries. I thought as much,” Eon replies.

The woman stares at Aurora for a moment, stunned, then smiles, “Your Highness! Welcome to my shop.”

Returning the warm greeting, Aurora nods at her, “Hello, I’m pleased to meet you. What’s your name?”

“Minette, Your Highness. If I may ask, what are you doing on Beast Island?”

“Royal duties,” Aurora gives a dainty laugh. “It’s been lovely!”

“I’m glad to hear that!” Minette says, walking over to a desk.

Eon bends down, giving Aurora a deadpan stare.

Aurora shoos him back, returning it with a glare.

“So!” Minette begins, causing the two to stand upright before she can notice. “Eon, I was wondering if you could help me with something.”

“What is it?”

With an excited skip in her step, Minette returns to the chair behind the larger collection of jewelry, “I needed a model for some of my jewelry, and using you would be really helpful!”

“Really? That’s it?” he asks, a bit surprised. “I don’t need to patch a hole in your roof or magic up boxes?”

“Sorry! I understand if you’d prefer to do those things instead,” Minette jokes.

Eon takes his seat, a little relieved that this is the easiest job he’s had today. Aurora sits in a chair nearby, crossing her right ankle under her left, hands in her lap.

“Your Highness, you can scoot closer,” suggests Minette.

Eon gives Aurora a brief glance.

“No, thank you, I’m comfortable where I am,” Aurora says.

“Nonsense! You can try anything on too!”

Aurora is about to decline when Eon rises to his feet and stands behind his seat. He indicates to it with a quick motion of his head, and Aurora elects to accept it. He pushes the chair under her, before levitating the one she’d been in next to it.

Minette smiles, bringing out her first batch, “How is Nyxia?”

“She’s doing well,” he informs her. “She’s likely in a meeting herself.”

“Your mother isn’t usually doing business with other people, correct?”

Eon peruses the jewelry that she places out on the table. Picking up a silver-banded ring, a crimson gem laid in its intricate center, he says, “I suppose she isn’t. But she will occasionally meet up with someone. I think she had to discuss matters with the council on Mystacore.”

“No doubt causing a stir of some sort,” Aurora adds, slipping a white bracelet onto a delicate wrist.

Eon glances at her, “You would know how to do that, wouldn’t you?”

Aurora gives a demure grin, “Whatever do you mean?”

“Playing coy only works on the dim, Aurora," he tells her with a smirk. "But I don’t blame you for being outside of familiar company that you think it’d work on me.”

“Ha ha.”

Minette watches with curious fascination, beaming at them, “You two must be good friends.”

Aurora and Eon turn to her at the statement.

“Am I wrong?” Minette asks, unsure now.

Aurora gives an awkward smile, a little odd on her lips, “Oh, it’s not that! We’ve known one another for years.”

“For how long, if I may ask?”

“A long, long time,” Eon replies, trying on a bracelet as well, shining black. “My mother knows her aunt.”

“Ohh, I see! I wasn’t aware that you knew the royal family, Eon.”

“Not many do,” he answers.

“How do you know Eon?” Aurora returns the question to the other woman.

“He lived near me at Bright Moon,” Minette explains. “I was a resident of the complexes there.”

“Really?” Aurora asks, shocked. “Why did you move here?”

“I always liked to engage in the unusual,” Minette tells her. A happy smile grows on her face, “It was delightful having Eon move in next door. I had become acquainted with his family when they would visit, and they informed me that my designs might strike a chord with a different crowd too, so I decided to set up shop outside of Bright Moon. I’m going to live here permanently, but I’ll be keeping my place over there to be in touch with my family.”

“Oh, I see…”

Minette notes the slight change in Aurora’s disposition. She sets down a narrow container on the table, “Do not misunderstand, Your Highness! Eon and I had been neighbors for a good few years, and he talked to me about the changes occurring on Beast Island. It seemed like a good opportunity to try my business out here too and build a second location. I grew up in Bright Moon, of course, but a change of pace now and again doesn’t hurt, right? I love my home, but knowing that Beast Island had potential was exciting!”

Eon gives Aurora a brief glance, “Surely, you understand what she means.”

Aurora goes quiet, not wanting to look at him. The two enter a chit chat that doesn’t involve her, to which she finds relief. She doesn’t fully… understand Minette’s motivations. He, unfortunately, is correct. An overachiever herself, Aurora can comprehend pushing toward her goals. But her ties to her home are so valuable, that she can’t help but feel a little slighted that a subject of hers decided that it was better to live here, in an underdeveloped metropolis. She can’t disconnect that success is tied to her kingdom and all its facets. It figures that Eon would be capable of convincing someone that, an idea they’d never considered before, might be what they want. He was always good at that.

It has been… ages since they’ve been in each other’s presence. They don’t interact often, but when they do it can be rather... tense. Tense is how she describes her relationship with Eon. His personality is both sardonic and frigid, which can lead to frustrating discussions. He has been more than pleasant thus far—even with his tendency to argue with her. She attempts to be cordial when she can, but she finds his quips to cut to the quick bothersome.

Then he does things like hold out chairs for her, or open doors and allow her to enter first, and she’s a little confused how someone can hold her with contempt and yet high enough esteem to do favors.

Maddening is also how it can be expressed being around Eon.

Aurora’s curiosity rises when Minette pulls out another box, dark and smooth, with a simple crescent moon latch on the front.

“These are my latest earrings!” Minette says, opening it. An array of different sets are revealed, but Aurora’s eyes hone in on a simple pair: pink tear-drop shaped earrings, not looking like anything special, but they have a soft sheen to their color that’s appealing.

“Your Highness, you seem taken with these,” Minette pulls them out. “Would you care to try them on?”

“Oh! Um, yes, thank you,” Aurora holds them in her hands, delicately pinning each one through her earlobes. Minette places a mirror in front of her, and Aurora discovers that she not only finds them pleasing, but she’s enchanted by it. They dangle as she moves her head, and she smiles. Genuine and delighted. “These are beautiful.”

“Thank you!” Minette turns to Eon. “And what about you?”

Eon stares at Aurora, and he pulls himself out of his reverie before Aurora can turn to face him. He looks down at the velvety interior, checking the selection. He does find his eyes trained on a similar pair, but in lovely lavender rather than the rosy pink she chose, their diameter wider a bit at the tip before becoming more rounded at the bottom by comparison as well. He picks it up, staring at it for a moment.

“Try them on, try them on!” encourages Minette.

Eon does as she says, and he checks the mirror too. He gives a light chuckle, the side of his mouth tilting up, “You do know how to win a man over.”

Minette claps her hands excitedly, “Good! Do you two like them enough to get them?”

Aurora nods, beaming, “Yes, absolutely!”

“Yes, I definitely want them,” Eon begins. He reaches for his pocket, “How much is this, Minette?”

“Eon, you silly boy,” the older woman giggles. “Consider them a gift from me to the both of you, hm?”

Aurora waves a hand, “Oh, that’s sweet of you, but you should be paid for your work!”

Eon nods in agreement, taken aback, “It doesn’t feel right to have them handed over. I can pay for Aurora’s set as well.”

Aurora, a little flattered despite herself, coos, “Aww, really?”

“Yes, really,” he answers.

Minette wags a finger, “Ah-ah-ah! I won’t hear of it. It really is my way of saying thanks to Eon for helping out today and times past; and Your Highness, I’d be honored if you wore them!”

Grinning, Eon shrugs, reclining in his seat, “Well, who am I to turn down a free present?”

“Thank you very much, Minette,” Aurora says. She looks at the mirror again, enjoying herself for the first time today.

Glimmer stands next to Entrapta, looking over a couple of blueprints that the engineer created with a team of clones. The day has passed with little event, and Glimmer was glad about that. She addresses Entrapta, “How is Odessa, by the way? Will she be home soon?”

Entrapta nods, widening her smile, “Yes! She will be home in a month.”

“Ooh, that’s exciting!” Glimmer says. “I bet you’ve missed her.”

“I knooooow!” Entrapta flips in place through the air. “I told her if she found anything interesting to bring it back!”

“Where did she go again?”

“She went to visit our family in Inicos. It’s a long journey, but the return trip is much shorter.”

Glimmer nods, then glances at Hordak. She leans in, whispering, “Do you think Hordak is excited?”

Entrapta picks up the cue, and whispers back, “Yes! Hordak doesn’t show it, but he misses our baby too.”

“That’s so cute!” Glimmer says.

“I know!”

From where he stands, Hordak’s ears twitch a little, looking over his shoulder at the women. They simply wave at him, and he resumes conversation with Bow.

Glimmer turns her attention toward the darkening sky. It’ll be about time to head back to the castle. She’s been enjoying herself since she’s arrived. Even with all the experience she has now, she cannot help but feel unsettled when she’s in the palace for too long, and it has been an overdue time in regards to going out. Beast Island may not be what individuals think of for relaxation and enjoyment, but without all the technology trying to kill you, it’s fun. Bow can attest to that.

The sound of the elevator is familiar by now that none of them turn to it. But a moment later, Glimmer hears, “Hi, Mama!”

She looks over Entrapta’s shoulder, and she rises to greet her daughter, “Aurora! Hi, honey. Did you have a good time?”

The princess gives a delicate shrug of her shoulders, “I suppose.”

“Are those earrings?” Glimmer asks, pointing to her ears. “You didn’t have them on before.”

Aurora touches one, “Oh, yes! Do you like them?”

“I adore them! They’re such a compliment to your face—” begins Glimmer, when her eyes slide over to the left. She lets out a loud gasp, “Eon!”

Eon continues his strides, giving a salute with his hand, “Hello.”

Glimmer, despite being dwarfed by the younger man, teleports over the remaining four feet and crushes him to her. “Oh my gosh, how’ve you been?”

“Not broken,” he remarks.

“Oh, I know you’re fine!” Glimmer laughs, releasing him. She holds his wrists in her hands, appraising him. “By the moon, you’ve gotten tall.”

Eon brushes his hair from his face, grinning down at her, “Thank you, it’s genetics.”

Entrapta bounces over, giving him an affectionate pat on the back, “And your strict diet!”

“That too,” he agrees. “I’d kill to have a slice of cake.”

“Were you with Aurora just now?” Bow asks, walking over to them with Hordak.

“She accompanied me all day,” Eon informs the couples. “She performed good samaritan duties.”

Glimmer can’t help her astonishment. She looks at Aurora, “Really?”

“He happened to be walking by, that’s all,” Aurora explains. “He worked, I watched.”

Bow holds his daughter by the shoulder, pulling her to him, giving her a happy shake, “You learned a thing or two though, didn’t you?”

“Sure, Papa.”

Eon leans down to Glimmer, “You know, she actually got dirt on her.”

“For once, huh?” Glimmer jests back.

Flushing, Aurora crosses her arms, “Mama, please…”

Hordak turns to Bow, “Will you three be returning to Bright Moon now?”

Bow nods, “Since Aurora is here, and it’s getting late, we likely should.”

Glimmer turns to the clone family, “Would any of you be interested in coming back and having dinner? The cooks don’t mind that!”

Entrapta shakes her head, “As much as I’d like to ask for tiny food from your chefs, Hordak and I have a previous engagement to attend to, so we’ll have to say no!”

Hordak nods at them, “Perhaps another time.”

“Got it!” Glimmer says, looking up at Eon. “What about you? You can have that slice of cake with us!”

“I got something to finish up here, but thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Eon, please, it’s Glimmer!”

“Sorry, Glimmer.”

Bow adds, “You should come by the next time you’re around!”

“Thank you,” Eon says, glancing at Aurora. “I’ll consider it some time.”

After a few more pleasantries, Eon bids farewell first. Hordak and Entrapta accompany the family to the portal about halfway before they veer off to their own place.

Glimmer stares up at her husband, “This was a great outing, wasn’t it?”

Bow stretches his arms toward the sky, “You bet! It’s good to get out of the stuffy meetings now and then.”

Aurora purses her lips, “I think we could’ve gone home sooner.”

Glimmer looks at her daughter, “Didn’t you have fun with Eon?”

“I had as much fun as one could while watching someone do menial labor,” Aurora replies.

“It’s good to get out regardless,” Bow says.

“I did always like that boy,” Glimmer tells them.

Aurora sighs, not understanding how he can win her parents over. He can be charming, to be sure, and he surprised her today by how useful he was to others. Even thoughtful. But he doesn’t have anything else going for him. She finds it to be a lucky thing that he enjoys being distant from her too.

Today was a fluke.

After all, he is a clone’s son.

Entrapta holds Hordak to her chest, brushing his hair as he falls asleep, “Did you have fun earlier today?”

“In the house or with our friends?”

“Both!”

Hordak smiles at her. His fingers slide up to touch her face, “I did enjoy myself.”

Entrapta leans forward, kissing the bridge of his nose. She puts their foreheads together, “Are you sure you don’t want me to do anything?”

“You can return the favor to me later,” Hordak says. “I’m comfortable.”

Entrapta continues petting his scalp, finding that she is also in a cozy position, and maybe they will just have more fun tomorrow. She yawns, voice getting drowsy, “Are you happy Odessa is coming soon?”

“Yes, I am,” he replies. “There’s much to discuss with her.”

“There is…”

Hordak’s eyes drift to his wife’s collarbone. Breathing in the scent of her skin, Hordak pulls her closer. His thoughts begin to pick up in the quiet of the room. Churning. Once his mind finds something to think about, he can have as much a difficult time letting it be as Entrapta could. And their daughter was, for better or worse, the same.

He asks, with unusual hesitation, “Is Odessa keeping something from me? She has a strong wanderlust, and she enjoys visiting family but... she doesn’t feel like herself. When she left, it seemed as if she was unsure of how to approach me. That she didn’t want to inform me of any event she experienced. Am I imagining it?”

She doesn’t answer.

“Entrapta?”

The question receives light snores as a response.

Sighing, Hordak kisses the column of her throat before settling into her chest, unable to stop thinking of his dream from earlier. The sense of unease he has balled in his chest.

He is curious what this odyssey would entail for his daughter and her friends.

And he is worried what the outcome may be.

#hordak #entrapta #entrapdak #odessa #fanfic: The Ripple Effect #shera #spop

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