#sorry story brain took over and expanded on this in a slightly different direction

[cha-melodius]

Gaby usually doesn't really pay attention when they start squabbling over her clothes. It's old hat by now, and she's more than happy to leave them to it. Frankly, they each have their strengths: no one does formalwear like Napoleon, but if you need something chic and hip, Illya's your man. For her part, Gaby'd prefer to live in her coveralls, like she did before UNCLE, but unfortunately that's not in the cards anymore. The good news is she has these two idiots to worry about it for her.

What she doesn't expect is when, after a few months of constant bickering, they quietly start dressing each other. Perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise that it starts with Napoleon taking over Illya's ties (she'd only heard about the 'bow tie incident' in Rome secondhand, but she'd definitely heard about it). She only notices because she knows the tie Illya shows up in is Napoleon's; he'd made a big deal about it, some kind of fancy silk weave that she couldn't be bothered to pay attention to. Illya had rolled his eyes too, but now there's no mistake: it's hanging around his neck. Neither of them even blink when she tells him 'nice tie' in her most pointed tone. Maybe it's just a fluke. Maybe something happened to Illya's tie, and he needed a substitute.

But then it keeps happening. She watches Napoleon agonize over selecting a tie at a fancy shop in Paris as Illya huffs impatiently and looks bored, but then it appears on Illya not two days later. And it doesn't stop with neckwear. Pocket squares. Cuff links. Any accessory is fair game, apparently. What's truly surprising is when it starts to go the other way. Illya had proven early on he wasn't too proud to take criticism on some aspects of his wardrobe, but Napoleon? Let's just say she had her doubts until she saw him wearing a sweater that Illya most definitely purchased when they were in Milan, and one that certainly skews trendier than Napoleon's usual style. Now that she thinks on it, she can't remember Illya actually wearing the sweater, so the fact that it's in Napoleon's possession would suggest...

Huh. This, she thinks, requires further investigation.

Random thought: Napoleon keeps claiming that Illya's fashion sense it terrible, not because it's really that terrible, but because he wants an excuse to dress Illya in his clothes. Okay, the size probably woudn't fit for everything, but it could work for some things. Napoleon would definitely at least force his ties on Illya. "How to tell everyone the Russian spy is yours even though you are not dating and he has no idea" - a guidebook by Napoleon Solo.

Also, Illya secretly likes it even though he always acts very annoyed about it.

[hakutaichou]

[CN] Main Story: Chapter 33-3 (Lucien Route)

⚠️ SPOILER AHEAD ⚠️

🚨 Warning: This post contains REALLY BIG spoiler from main story which some of them have not been released in JP, TW, Global, nor ASEAN servers. 🚨

A/N: cuz the cn server using “Wuhui”, in english means “ball, dance party, and prom”, I’ll use “ball” like victor’s dance date?

- Part 0 -

Waiter: Miss MC, are you going to the ball alone?

MC: ...Yes.

Waiter: Let me have a clear eye.

I put the invitation letter on the tray and walked into the hall of venue under the guidance of the waiter.

***

Three days ago, Commander Leto publicly announced that he would hold a Evolver Ball, inviting the backbone of society, which has almost become hot topic in the city.

Lucien, who was also invited by Commander Leto, agreed with me to meet directly at the venue.

The splendid banquet hall was full of chatting and laughing guests. I searched for a long time, but I didn’t see Lucien.

On the other side of the venue was a long floor-to-ceiling window, and the long table under the window was full of self-gathering food. I walked over unhappily and picked up a glass of champagne.

As soon as the champagne was brought to my lips, my phone suddenly rang--- It was from Lucien.

Lucien: Has arrived?

MC: Yeah, I looked for you for a long time but couldn’t find you.

Lucien: Don’t worry, there’s still some time before the ball begins.

Lucien: Compared with this, I’m even more curious why you chose to “get drunk” as soon as you come.

MC: Can you see me? where are you?

I quickly put down the champagne glass and looked around, but still didn’t find his shadow.

A low laugh came from the other end of the phone.

Lucien: Now turn around, go straight in the direction of 9 o’clock, see the long table at the entrance?

I followed his instruction and walked to the table near the entrance.

MC: And then?

Lucien: When people are not paying attention, squat down.

MC: What?

I clutched my phone, and squatted down in confusion according to his instructions, feeling quite an kind of undercover joint.

At the foot of the table lies a self-defense knife, which looked very familiar.

Lucien: I just remind you that something dropped when you came in.

Lucien smiled in a good mood. I was stunned. I quickly picked up the knife when no one was paying attention, and my face flushed.

MC: Lucien, where are you?

I stood up while whispering, but when I turned around. I was stopped by a strange man.

Strange Man: Miss, can I ask you to dance?

I covered the earpiece, put down the phone, and waved at him awkwardly.

MC: Sorry, I already have a partner.

The man walked away disappointedly.

Lucien: Mm, good job.

There was a low laugh on the phone, Lucien seemed to say something, but was disturbed by the intermittent noise. 

There were more and more people in the venue, and the signal was intermittent. I looked at the floor-to-ceiling windows and the terrace outside, and I had an idea.

Pushing open the door leading to terrace, the distracted voices and music are isolated, and the cool night breeze awakens people’s spirits.

MC: It was too noisy to hear you, what did you say?

Lucien: I said, you can turn around.

This time, the sound came not from the earpiece, but from behind me.

I froze for a second, the turned around abruptly.

In the blurry night, Lucien stood behind me, his dark eyes smiling.

Lucien: Why didn’t you speak?

MC: ...I thought that your hide-and-seek game would continue.

Lucien: Because my partner seems to be very popular, I can’t just sit back and watch.

He looked down at me, the curvature of his mouth bends again.

Lucien: Any interesting findings from the ball just now?

MC: No, it looks like a normal ball.

I thought this ball must be full of traps, but after so long, I couldn’t find any clues.

MC: But you must know something, right?

Lucien: To reveal the answer in advance, it’s better to experience the process of solving puzzles in person.

MC: Is it the same as before?

Lucien is noncommittal, at this moment, the door behind him was suddenly opened untimely, and a strange man walked towards Lucien quickly.

???: Professor Lucien, Commander has something to discuss with you.

Lucien turned around, looking at the man in front of him coldly.

Lucien: I don’t want to be disturbed right now.

???: But this is very important to Commander, you must...

Lucien: Do you want me to say it again?

The man was stunned, a trace of unwillingness flashed across his face, he turned and left.

MC: Lucien, that person was...

Lucien: It seems that this isn’t a suitable place to talk.

He blocked my question lightly, I didn’t speak, and looked straight at him.

MC: If you have important things to discuss, I can wait for you here.

Lucien: I don’t want my partner to be taken away again.

Lucien smiled softly, he leaned down, and kissed the back of my hand.

Lucien: Miss MC, can I ask you to dance?

His voice was gentle and tender, even the kiss that fell on the back of my hand was soggy.

In the depths of my mind, that similar and cold memory automatically played back---

[Flashback: Chapter 23-10]

Lucien: The one and only Black Swan Queen, I will witness your coronation.

.

[Present]

I bit my lips.

MC: Lucien, the person you are invited is Queen or MC?

Lucien was startled slightly, as if he understood what I was thinking, and the asked back.

Lucien: Will you accept Ares’s invitation or Lucien’s invitation?

I shook my head and looked at Lucien firmly.

MC: To me now, it’s all the same.

MC: No matter what your position is, since I have agreed to your invitation, This dance will always stand with you.

MC: Even if you and I choose a different position after this night, I will prove it to you in my own way.

Lucien tilted his head, meeting my sight, the breeze blew his forehead, and time was silent.

Lucien: Then I should cherish the time of this last dance.

He took my hand.

Lucien: It seems that it’s still too noisy in here.

Lucien: I know a secret place that won’t be disturbed. Would you like to go with me?

***

The door to the venue was opened at this time, and the long overdue star walked into the venue amidst everyone’s exclamation. His eyes looked around, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Victor casually rejected the champagne handed by the guests who came to show off, and he walked alone to the empty deck, putting on a specially constructed headset.

Outside the venue, the officer lurking in the dark turned on the communicator, and reported to the other side.

Officer: Report to Captain Gavin, their action is about to begin.

.

- Part 1 -

The noisy voices gradually drifted away behind me, I followed Lucien, and ascended the last step of the stairs.

He seemed to be very familiar with the structure of building here, and he let me straight to this very hidden attic.

The floor was white with moonlight, the ball downstairs seemed particularly lively, and the sound of music could be heard clearly even in the attic.

He turned to face me, leaned slightly, and made a silent invitation.

I put my hand on his palm, as if I was giving out my heart at the same time.

Lucien held my hand, like the leader of this dance, but very gentlemanly catered to my unfamiliar pace.

The distance was close, and I can almost hear his expanding breathing and heartbeat.

In the dim attic, the light floated up and down, and the surrounding objects turned into fuzzy black shadows, shaking in my field of vision.

For some reason, my consciousness seems to drift further and further with the music, and it doesn’t belong to me at all.

Even the body seemed to have lost control, it only moves with the lead of the person in front of me.

The chaotic mind seemed to be covered by fog, and only a vague voice echoed from far away.

???: MC.

Who is calling my name?

I tried my best to chase this voice.

MC: Lucien...

I murmured that name, and my thoughts were pulled back to reality.

I seem to wake up from a dream, my consciousness is a little fuzzy, and I don’t remember what just happened.

Lucien: Are you awake?

I looked at him blankly, my temple still aching.

Lucien watched me quietly, with surprise in his eyes, but also a little relieved.

Lucien: You really became stronger.

MC: What happened just now? What’s wrong with me?

Lucien didn’t speak, and let me to the stairs.

The air is extremely quiet, only music flows slowly in the air.

I followed Lucien’s eyes suspiciously to the meeting place downstairs.

I just noticed that, there were no people talking in the entire ball hall, nor the clicking of champagne glasses.

The people who originally danced were pinned in place motionless, with dull and hollow eyes.

Lucien: These Evolver are controlled.

MC: Controlled? Since when?

Lucien: That dance just now.

His gaze swept across Commander Leto on the stage, his voice was low.

Lucien: This piece of music combined with some kind of sonic jammer will have an effect on Evolver’s brain waves and play a hypnotic effect.

Lucien: Once they walk into the sound field of this melody, they lose their self-awareness.

MC: So I just....also because of this song?

Lucien’s words made me gradually realize the seriousness of the situation.

MC: In other words, Commander Leto’s motive is actually to control all Evolver?

Lucien nodded lightly, and looked back at me.

Lucien: These invited Evolver are all important figures in society.

Lucien: Once they are controlled by Commander Leto, his resistance to doing things in the future will be much less.

Thinking of the true motive of this ball, I shudder. Once this plan succeeds, the consequences will be disastrous.

Lucien seemed to have guessed my mind and comforted softly.

Lucien: Don’t worry, his plan won’t succeed so easily. Moreover, not everyone will play his tricks.

Lucien said very firmly, the anxiety in my heart eased a bit, but suddenly thought of another thing.

MC: Wait, did you let me be hypnotized just now?

Lucien gave me a calm look, and there was a curve in the corner of his mouth.

Lucien: In fact, this effect in quite interesting. I also want to see your reaction.

MC: Interesting? You won’t take the opportunity to order me to do something, will you?

Lucien: You might guess as well.

He suddenly drew closer, grabbed my wrist playfully, and pulled me close to his arms.

Lucien: Do you feel any difference?

His voice was stained with a faint ambiguity, and accompanied by a warm breath burrowed into my ears.

I ran away from his sight, the voice became smaller and smaller under his watch, with a guilty conscience that I didn’t even understand.

MC: No... I just feel dizzy, my consciousness is completely out of my control... It’s like being held tightly by someone.

MC: But what exactly did you order me to do?

Lucien: Just kidding.

Lucien: You woke up before I thought of something of a fun way.

Lucien: Perhaps this is what makes you unique as a Queen.

There was a smirk on his lips, I wanted to say something, but a strange noise suddenly came from behind him.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the empty and silent attic, Lucien turned his head, saw the person coming, his eyes became cold.

Lucien: It seems that some disobedient people are bothering us.

As soon as the voice fell, a person in black walked over from the side of promenade.

In the darkness, a small snake wrapped around the person’s wrist hissed, and the scales glowed with blue light.

The brightly lit hall behind her, with a snap, plunged into darkness.

.

- Part 2- (Mission stages)

.

- Part 3 -

Lucien: Why are you here?

Lucien turned to face the incoming person, the whole person seemed to have faded away from the illusion of gentleness, which easily made people feel a kind of fear.

Artemis: To solve you and Queen.

Lucien: Whose order is it?

Artemis: It doesn’t matter whose order is, you just need to know that tonight is your death date.

As soon as the voice fell, Artemis raised her hand, the gray mist that was born out of thin air carried a suffocating danger, and instantly rushed toward me.

Before I could react, I was pulled by Lucien and held firmly in his arms.

Even after avoiding that attack, the cramped attic had almost no room to escape.

There was a tension in the air, and I could feel Lucien’s tight murderous aura.

Artemis frowned, raised her hand again.

MC: Be careful!

The gray mist like a living creature, swiftly attacked him like a snake.

Without thinking about it, I raised my hand, feeling the convergence of the abilities flowing in my body, the kind of fluctuation that I had once appeared again.

The transparent water ripples that appearing out of thin air, spread out in circles, like a white barrier blocking us.

Artemis was shocked and ran back a few steps, the gray mist slammed back and disappeared into the air.

Succeeded!

The crooked attack was threatening to save his life, I happily looked back to Lucien, only to find a trace of complex emotions that I couldn’t understand flashed in his eyes.

MC: It seems that I forgot to tell you, this is the new power I have gained soon, although I’m not very skilled in using it.

Since I got Evol back, I have often rushed to many dangerous places in order to investigate. Several times I used this unskilled attack to resolve the crisis

Lucien: You did very well.

Lucien’s voice was very soft, and I thought in a daze that the expression had passed by just now was my illusion.

Suddenly Artemis stopped, put her head in pain, as if fighting desperately against something.

Even if I don’t know what happened, I dare not to relax my guard.

After hesitating to attack again, Artemis raised her head again, and looked at me.

This time, the expression in her eyes was more murderous than before.

MC: Lucien, she is...

Lucien responded with a faint smile, showing an expression that he could watch the game in his spare time.

Lucien: Let me see your growth.

MC: ?!

Before I had time to say anything, a thicker gray mist came towards me from Artemis’s palm.

I took a deep breath, tried my best to use my abilities again---

The next second, a whirlpool-like white beam pierced her.

Artemis who was got hit, clutched her chest and coughed violently, with a trace of blood on her lips.

I turned my head nervously, but Lucien gave me an approving look.

Even though she was injured, Artemis didn’t seem to feel any pain or mood swings.

She is like a murderous machine who has been programmed.

It’s no way to laugh like this all the time, my heart sank and calmly took out the knife hidden at the base of my leg for self-defense, and pressed it in the palm of my hand.

MC: Wait, you must have a reason to kill me!

Artemis still walked towards me indifferently, looking at me like a dead thing.

While she wasn’t paying attention, I threw the knife out quickly---

When the tip of the knife brushed her hair, it was corroded into a piece of scrap iron by the black mist in her palm.

The spreading mist was too fast, I couldn’t avoid it, and my arm that was rubbed instantly felt a tingling burning sensation.

Artemis forced me into the compelling space behind her, looked at me condescendingly, and raised her hands wrapped in black leather gloves again.

Lucien: Enough.

The gray mist that was going to swallow me in the next second, disappeared without a trace as Lucien’s voice fell.

The pain as expected didn’t come, I opened my eyes, saw Artemis’s had was tightly coppered by Lucien.

He stared at Artemis, there was a sharp and cold breath in his sight.

Lucien: It seems that you have a lot of laziness these days in the organization, and you have actually fallen into his plan.

Under his shackles, Artemis couldn’t move, she could only look at him angrily.

Artemis was about to fight back, but Lucien slashed the back of his neck with hand knife, and collapsed unconsciously to the ground.

I clutched my wound, looked at Artemis who was lying aside, a sense of unreality arose in my heart.

Lucien didn’t speak, squatted down and looked at me, checked my wound.

Lucien: Does it hurt?

I shook my head nonchalantly, I just wanted to speak but I didn’t know where to start.

Lucien: Sorry.

Lucien: I originally wanted to see where your abilities have grown, so I didn’t make a move for the time being.

MC: My ability?

Lucien: Mm, It’s far beyond my imagination.

I shook my head gently.

MC: Actually, you don’t have to be sorry... If I were to attend the dance alone, I would definitely encounter the same danger.

MC: If I can have more experience in the battle, maybe I can last longer.

Lucien was stunned, then smiled, and carefully treated the wound briefly for me.

Lucien: The wound is not serious, you can only endure it for a while. Follow me.

I followed Lucien and walked to the lower level of the attic, and there was a faint sound of messy and dull footsteps in my ears.

The brainwashing music stopped at some point, and the controlled Evolver gradually woke up.

A group of men in black with guns quickly broke into the hall and aimed their guns at all Evolver in the venue.

Man in Black: Don't move!

I couldn't help but take a step forward, have a panoramic view of the chaos in the entire venue.

MC: What's happening?

Lucien: Commander Leto just issued the shooting order.

He leaned against the wall, looking down at the chaotic scene below.

Lucien: The Evolver who came to ball tonight, none of them will go back alive.

MC: His brainwashing plan was ruined, so he wanted to seal it off?

Lucien frowned, suddenly walked to the corner of the attic.

He lifted the black oiled paper there, I took a breath---

There is a sniper rifle already prepared.

Lucien knelt on one knee, checked the magazine without hesitation.

Several dull gunshots were heard below the venue at this time, and the short flames were quickly extinguished in the dark, and it seemed that Commander Leto's men had started the action.

I looked at Lucien nervously, faintly guessing what he was going to do, but I was not sure.

MC: Lucien, you---

Lucien: Don't worry, just teach them a lesson.

Bang---

The sharp whistling sound brushed his ears, and the bullet's fire flashed in the distance.

Lucien's eyes reflected a touch of brilliance, his slightly squinted eyes, pointed the muzzle at the panicked man in black through the scope.

The messy gunshots and screams, mixed together to become the most perfect cover, and almost no one noticed what was happening here.

He calmly pulled the trigger again.

[Bang]

With a "bang" gunshot, another man in black fell over his shoulder.

It was the first time I saw Lucien like this, he was like a dangerous and calm predator.

The gunpowder turned the direction of the gun. This time the person he aimed at was, Commander Leto.

There was a faint smell of burnt in the air.

The bullet flicked over Commander Leto's head, hit the wall behind him like a joke.

Commander Leto, who was unable to control the development of the situation, realized the severity of the situation and quickly ordered his men to protect himself.

I looked at Lucien subconsciously, not understanding his intentions.

He wiped the muzzle, looked at the chaos underneath with interest, as if it was just an impromptu performance at the official festival.

He loaded the gun sharply again, squinted at the scope, and fired.

[Bang]

With the last shot, the bullet clanged to the ground.

Lucien turned towards me, as if not caring about what happened behind him.

Lucien: Never mind.

The gentle tone that seemed to have passed away made me feel unreal.

I looked down the venue, faced each other. STF officers still don't know where the bullet came from, and Commander Leto on the stage collapsed with his shoulders that had been shot.

It was only then, I suddenly remembered a fact that I had ignored just now.

Whether it was fighting Artemis just now or shooting right now, Lucien never used his Evol from beginning to end.

If as he said, Commander Leto's music is aimed at Evolver, then why can Lucien stay sober?

MC: Lucien, where's your Evol?

Lucien lowered his head, said briskly while removing the magazine.

Lucien: I threw it away.

.

- Part 4 -

The silent corridor was empty, my ears were still buzzing with gunfire.

Thinking of what Lucien had just left behind, I couldn’t calm down.

When was he, why did he abandon his Evol?

I raised my head, looked at Lucien who was walking ahead, hesitating to ask this question

MC: Lucien...

Before I could finish speaking, Lucien suddenly stopped and dragged me behind him.

Lucien: There’s a situation outside.

On the other side of the corridor, the cumbersome human voices and footsteps passed by, almost hitting us.

Fortunately those people didn't stop, they all continued to chase forward.

I was close to Lucien's chest, his steady and powerful heartbeat beside my ear.

It seems that he is so calm and powerful no matter what the occasion, It was nothing like the person who had just hit the commander with one blow.

After a while, the corridor gradually calmed down.

Lucien: Never mind.

Realizing that Lucien's direction was not leading to the venue just now, I couldn't help asking.

MC: Don't we need to go to the hall to see the situation?

Lucien: Don't worry, someone over there has taken over. Those Evolver will be fine.

Lucien's tone was very brisk, not as if it was fake, and my heart that had been hanging high since just now finally fell back to where I was.

Only then did I realize that Lucien brought me to the central control room.

The door of the central control room was hidden. Perhaps it was the chaos that had transferred everyone away, but there was no one to guard it.

Large and small surveillance screens were broadcasting the situation in the venue at this time, and indeed another team rushed over.

Lucien called out the archive monitored in the ball hall, copied a copy to me.

Lucien: I watched your new show, maybe these will help you.

MC: Thank you, I didn’t expect you to pay attention to these...

Lucien: Since my program consultant has not received a formal termination letter, I will still do my best.

Knowing that he was joking, my heartstrings were still lightly touched by his words.

In the half-bright and half-dark light, the computer behind me made a faint operating sound, and I suddenly had the illusion that Lucien would accompany me to work overtime at the company.

If everything goes back to the beginning, he's still the famous "program consultant" and I'm still the clumsy little producer.

Since then, those ordinary but unique memories in my life, he took me to appreciate it.

Many words come to the lips, but only one "thank you" is left.

Lucien tapped my forehead lightly, and the corners of his lips burst into laughter.

Lucien: What are you thinking?

I shook my head and smiled at him.

MC: I was thinking that the cooperation between us has been very pleasant.

When leaving the ball hall from the back door, the streets at midnight were quiet and deserted, and the helicopters hovering in the sky kept roaring.

Gunshots reverberated occasionally in the venue, the gate was heavily blocked, and team members wearing NW uniforms kept coming and going.

I looked at the tall building that was blocked behind me, realized that the night was over.

Lucien: Does the wound still hurt?

MC: It's better already.

I hesitated, but still spoke.

MC: Lucien, I have a question to ask you.

Lucien: What is it?

Lucien looked at me quietly, as if waiting for a long time.

MC: You... why you give up your Evol?

The flickering light spots swayed in his eyes, making me unable to see the emotions hidden deep in his eyes.

Lucien: Don't you ask how I did it?

MC: Because it is you, I feel that you can do anything easily.

MC: I never doubt that you can do everything you want.

MC: But in fact, many times, I just want to know the reason.

As I spoke, I looked at Lucien and waited for him to continue.

His expression was faint, as if he was talking about something ordinary.

Lucien: If you want to pursue true evolution, you must cut off some extra power.

Lucien: Those redundant branches may bear sweet and huge fruits. Many people will be attracted by these fruits and even forget that their ultimate goal is to grow upward.

Lucien: And such a person will die of his own greed, sooner or later, buried in the rotten fruit.

Lucien stopped and looked at the shadow of the tree swaying in the night. The shadow was stretched very long by the street lamp.

Under his calm eyes, there seemed to be a deeper shadow than eternal night.

This kind of Lucien gave me a strange sense of familiarity, as strong as the first I knew him, but it seemed that there was something more.

Police: Are you two the guests who attending the ball tonight?

The silence was broken, and a man in a police uniform walked up to us from the other side of the road.

MC: Who are you?

Police: I'm the police officer in charge of investigating this dance.

The man showed his credentials, his eyes flashed with surprise when he looked at me.

Police: Wait, are you the producer of "Miracle Finder" on TV today?

MC: Have you watched my show?

Police: Of course, it's not just me, people in our entire bureau are watching.

Police: Thanks to these programs you made, we learned more about the truth about social events.

Police: Since both of you have been invited to this ball, is it convenient for me to go back and make a report with me?

I looked at Lucien hesitantly, a trace of apology appeared on his face.

Lucien: Sorry, I still need to go back to the institute for something urgent.

Lucien: MC, can you do it yourself?

I let out a sigh of relief, smiled and waved goodbye to him, and the haze that had filled my heart that night seemed to gradually dissipate.

Lucien looked at the girl who was going away, put a smile away, and walked in the other direction.

.

Next: [F4, Assemble] Chapter 33-4

[icarusbuck]

14. you better leave now

FOX! 911 | trapped, description of a panic attack

∞

"This actually happens a lot more than you think," Buck was saying, his head lamp trained on the floor of the tunnel as they picked their way through it.

"Believe me, Buck. I've been a firefighter long enough not to question the lengths people will go to in order to prove their stupidity."

Buck snorted, his light temporarily blinding Eddie when he looked over. "Sorry," he muttered, turning his head back toward the ground. "Nah, this is different. There's all kinds of urban legends around here. See, people say that there's treasure somewhere in these caves. Pirates used to come in at low tide and hide their booty. Some people actually believe there's still gold stashed down here and get stuck, or lost, or drown."

They talked as they moved, slowly inching their way deeper into the caves off the ocean. The call came in at the very start of their shift; someone had indeed come down looking for treasure, and he'd been missing for hours.

Eddie didn't have much faith that they'd find him. He checked his watch and saw they still had over twenty minutes before Bobby expected them to turn back.

Buck reached the end of another story just as their tunnel emptied out into a wide cavern. A slow moving stream stretched across the expanse, moving toward the sea without much of a current.

"Wow," Buck breathed, his headlamp swinging around as he took it in. He looked first to the walls stretching out in both directions beside them, and then up at the ceiling. There were deep pockets in the rock, and dotting the stream were massive boulders directly below them.

A cold feeling settled in the pit of Eddie's stomach. "Call out for the guy," he muttered, moving along the wall where it was safer.

"Oh, right," Buck said. He yelled out the name of the man they were looking for and his voice bounced off the walls around them. In the distance, Eddie could just make out shadows on the far walls that could have been more tunnels. It was far enough away that his light didn't quite illuminate them properly enough.

Buck moved forward. Eddie followed until they were practically dead center in the cavern. He cupped his hands around his mouth to yell again, and Eddie plugged the ear closest to him. A beat of silence followed once Buck's call stopped echoing about them.

"Well," he sighed, turning in a slow circle, the bright beam of his headlamp searching the far walls. "Where do we go next?"

"Doesn't look like these go anywhere," Eddie said, nodding in the direction of the revealed alcoves. "Did we pass any other tunnels on the way in?"

"Not that I saw," Buck frowned. He put his hands on his hips and turned in a slow circle, his light trailing higher on the walls. "Do you hear that?"

Eddie tipped his head, listening for a voice. Instead there was the sound of shifting earth above them, a low rumble that was felt more than heard. He snapped his head back to look above them and counted one, two, five - too many boulders that could come loose any second.

"We need to move," Eddie urged. He hadn't taken half a step toward Buck when the sound of breaking rocks thundered around them, accompanied by a shadow just at the edge of his light.

He didn't think as he angled his body toward Buck and broke into a sprint. His shoulder collided with Buck's back and he shoved them both sideways to the ground. They sprawled into the water as rocks tumbled down from above. The sound of a dozen tiny splashes was covered by the thud of boulders colliding and crashing around them.

Eddie scrambled forward on his elbows and toes, searching frantically for the reflective stripe of Buck's gear. It was several long seconds before he realized he wasn't actually going anywhere. It was several more before he registered the pain blooming from his hip clear up to his ribs. He tried to take a breath, to cry out from the throb, and found that his chest couldn't expand any further. He groaned and instinctively curled his arms over his head to protect it, closed his eyes tight against the fear choking its way up the back of his throat.

The sounds of earth crumbling and crashing together slowed to a stop inside the cavern.

"Eddie?" came Buck's voice in the deafening silence that followed.

Eddie lifted his head slowly and looked around. "Yeah," he said weakly.

"Eddie? Where - oh my god," Buck choked on the words as he came into view. He splashed noisily through the shallow water and fell to his knees beside eddie. "Jesus, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

The questions fell from Buck's mouth at lightning speed, or maybe Eddie's brain was just slowing down. Either way, he raised his hand to stop the flow of words.

"I'm okay," Eddie groaned, afraid to test his theory. "I think."

"There is a couple thousand pounds of rock sitting on top of you, how the hell are you okay?" Buck leaned over him, his fingers finding Eddie's pulse.

"I think it's propped up on the other rock." He tried to slap Buck's hands away, but he couldn't get the right angle. The rock had him pinned half on his side with his belly toward the offending rock; he couldn't draw a full breath, but he could still get air. He was just good and truly stuck.

Buck's hand moved to Eddie's shoulder and squeezed. "You hurt at all?"

"Feels like I got kicked in the chest by a horse," Eddie admitted. He grabbed Buck's forearm, the only part of him within reach.

"Legs?" Buck lurched back onto his feet and his voice got further away. "I can see your feet!"

Eddie held his breath and told his ankles to flex.

"Okay, you're moving, that's good," Buck said quietly. He came back around the boulder and knelt beside Eddie again, fingers probing along Eddie's back and side as far as he could reach. When he was satisfied that there were no outstanding injuries, he sat back on his heels.

Eddie met his gaze. "I'm well and truly fucked, aren't I." He could raise his head far enough to get his it out of the water, but holding it at such an angle made his neck ache after only a minute or so.

"No," Buck insisted. He couldn't hide the fear and resignation from Eddie. He reached up to his forehead and pulled his headlamp free, propped it up in such a way that they could look at each other without being blinded.

Eddie breathed shallowly for several seconds, letting the information wash over him. He nodded after a moment. "Okay, then. Go get help before the tide rises."

"No," Buck said again, with a bit more feeling. "We've almost hit our time limit. Help is coming, and I'm staying right here with you."

"You better leave, now, or I'm going to hit you the second you get me out of here."

Buck turned his head away. His jaw worked from side to side. He finally looked back down at Eddie and swallowed. "I can't."

"God damnit, Buck," Eddie hissed, and tried to gasp as pain lanced through his chest. He took a moment to control his breath, then demanded, "Why?"

Emotions played across Buck's face. Pain and fear and sorrow gave way to something else entirely, and Eddie realized that Buck was shutting him out.

Buck dropped his head. His voice shook ever so slightly when he said, "I can't, Eddie."

Eddie swallowed past the ache those words caused, a different kind of ache. He'd been told after the fact, after his recovery, about what Buck went through the last time Eddie was stuck underground. They'd never talked about it, but he still knew how Buck felt. He reached for Buck's hand and missed, instead finding his knee.

"I'm okay Buck, but I won't be if you don't go get help."

"This wasn't the only boulder that fell," Buck said grimly. He shook his head and stared down at Eddie, holding something back.

"What," Eddie groaned, closing his eyes.

Buck hesitated, then confessed. "The way we came in is blocked."

Eddie's body went cold as the last dregs of determined hope leeched out of him. Water seeped through his clothes, and he just couldn't bear to sit still anymore. Panic bubbled up and a sharp ringing sound filled his ears. He twisted as much as he could, ignoring the burning agony in his side in order to claw at the boulder. He just needed an inch, maybe two; if he could only breathe, if he could just move a little more, then he'd just be stuck in a room with Buck. He could handle that, he just couldn't take being under several tons of rock for one more second.

Buck splashed onto his belly and reached over Eddie, his fingers closing firmly around Eddie's wrists and pulling them away from the boulder.

"Eddie," Buck said, his voice breaking.

Eddie fought against Buck's grip, but the angle was wrong and he had no leverage. He clawed at Buck's forearms instead, his nails catching on skin. Buck ignored it and leaned closer, his eyes hard.

"Diaz! Stop fucking moving!" Buck shouted in his face. He pressed Eddie's arms to the ground and crawled over them, then slapped his hand over Eddie's mouth. The ringing sound fell away. Eddie breathed shallowly and stared up at Buck. He finally stopped struggling and Buck loosened his grip. "You have to stop moving or you'll crush yourself to death," Buck said bluntly, pressing his forehead to Eddie's.

"Sorry," Eddie said weakly. He exhaled on a whimper as the aftershocks of a panic attack worked through him.

Buck patted his cheek and pushed up enough to look him in the eyes. "I'm not going anywhere without you," he promised. His hand stayed put on Eddie's face, a welcome warmth amid the cold water that surrounded him.

[roseherondale]

Where do you Think You’re Going? (Kit in Thule Part 1 of 2)

Summary: Day 5 of Whumptober 2020. In Thule, Kit was imprisoned for months. Now, he makes his escape, but at what cost? This is part 1 of 2 featuring Kit in Thule. Part 2 is Whumptober Day 6.

Word Count: 2261

Warnings: Major character death (you have been warned), implied/referenced torture, drug use and kidnapping

Read it on AO3 here

His feet ached and his heart pounded as he stumbled along the pavement beside the buildings. After several months of capture, he was unused to exercise and his mind was still hazy from whatever drug he had been repeatedly injected with. Kit huddled as close to the buildings as he could, in order to support himself and to prevent the demons from seeing him.

Thule was overrun by them; they were of every kind, each as hideous as the next, circling through the red skies. Kit needed someplace to hide, but first he needed to get as faraway from Sebastian Morgernstern as possible.

For a moment, he longed for his father; the only familiar person he knew, but he was dead; killed by demons that Sebastian had sent after him once he found out that Johnny had been hiding the descendent of the First Heir from him. Although his father had been stern and cold, he had died protecting him, and it had all been for nothing. Kit was determined to make sure it wasn't in vain.

He had been planning his escape for as long as he could remember. When the fog in his brain cleared long enough for him to think, he had made note of his cell and the people who visited. He had gotten complacent, and gradually they sent less and less people to him; convinced that he wasn't a threat. Though, he was pretty defenceless, with no Shadowhunter training (not that it mattered anymore, since they were all gone), or other skills; he was cunning and smart, and he used that to his advantage.

Within the span of his capture, he had waited and observed, endured taunts of "half-breed" and derogatory terms towards faeries, as well as the physical abuse, until he had the right time. He had heard the guards outside the cell, talking about a celebration that Sebastian was holding on the beach, and knew that it would be the perfect time to escape, as there would be less guards at the compound.

When one had come in to drug him, he had fought back, and managed to drug and lock him in the cell instead. It would only have given him a small headstart but he hoped, with all his heart, that it would be enough.

Each step was painful, like walking on knives, and Kit staggered along, pulling himself up using the building. Exhaustion took over him, and with a spike of panic, felt like the drug. There was no worse feeling than being conscious but unable to think or move, and being overcome by nightmares and memories of the worst kind. He couldn't go back to that. He would rather die.

Kit had grown up in LA, but seeing it now, he didn't remember any of it. It looked so different to the city he had lived in his entire life, and he hated how Sebastian had taken everything he loved and manipulated it into darkness.

The streets were deserted, and although it was likely more advantageous for Kit's escape, it made him feel uneasy and anxious. He glanced around often, and back over his shoulder; twitchy and nervous. Sebastian would have to know by now, and he would come after him.

Kit didn't know why Sebastian insisted on keeping him alive. He would not turn him into a member of the Endarkened because of his faerie blood, but it did not explain why he was still alive, especially since Sebastian was heartless and had no qualms killing anyone.

Kit ducked into an alleyway between two buildings and saw a path that led down to the beach. He ducked his head out and looked, but it was deserted. Sebastian's Endarkened had moved on, and Kit had a sinking feeling that they were after him.

The last place they would think to look would be the beach, and so he scrambled down the rock as quietly as possible, and headed along the edge, avoiding the sand, as it would leave footprints, and sticking close to reduce the chance of him being seen.

He had been travelling for a while, when he saw a cave entrance. Ducking inside, he let out a small breath of relief and dragged himself in further. There was a rocky wall further in and Kit groaned; it wasn't far enough in to provide shelter from the Endarkened if they came looking. Too exhausted to move any further, he lent against it, but fell through, as if it were an illusion.

Although the fall was short, it was painful, as if the drugs he had been given had made him more susceptible to pain. He staggered to his feet, unsteadily and was met with a sword pointed at his neck.

"Who are you and how did you find me?" There was a woman on the other end, her hand steady as she held it. Her skin was pale, and had a grey tint to it, as if she hadn't left the cave in years, and her brown hair fell past her shoulders, knotted and greasy. She wore a simple dress, though it was tore and stained in places.

"Please don't hurt me; I'm not one of them." Kit gasped, trying to move back from the sword. "I'm Kit. Kit Rook. He captured me and I escaped and I just lent against the wall and now I'm in here." He stared at her eyes, "please."

She lowered her sword. "Alright." She placed it against the wall, and came to his side. "I'm Tessa Gray; let me help you."

"Thank you." He whispered.

She led him to a chair in front of the fireplace and laid him down. It was warmer than he would have expected, and glancing around the cave, he was surprised by the amenities inside. There was a small kitchen, with a range, doors that he presumed led to a bathroom and a sleeping area, and the main space was furnished with chairs, cushions and rugs.

"It's not much, but it was the best I could do." She said.

"It's amazing." Kit said, honestly, and she smiled at him, slightly.

"Let me get you some food and water." She disappeared behind him and came back a few moments later with a tray. She took off the cup of water and handed it to him. Kit hadn't realised just how thirsty he was until he handed back the cup to her, empty. Smiling softly, she handed him a plate with bread, dried meat and apple slices, whilst she replenished his drink.

Whilst Kit ate, she sat on the cushioned floor, opposite him, studying him, though he pretended to ignore her. He had many questions adding up in his head; he was curious as to who she was and why she was hiding and how she managed to avoid the Endarkened.

Immediately after he finished eating, she spoke. "What's your story?"

"My story?" He asked, confused as to how much she wanted to know.

"What happened to you?" She asked, softly.

"Oh. I used to live with my father; he was quite shady; he knew everyone's business, including Sebastian's. He did some work for him; found out some information, I don't know what. But when Sebastian found out that he had been hiding me, he sent demons to kill him and Endarkened warriors to bring me back to him. For the last seven months, he's been keeping me locked up and drugged but I managed to get out..." He trailed off.

"You poor thing." Tessa said, sympathetically. "You must stay with me; we can keep each other safe, okay?"

"Why do you want to help me?" He asked.

"I don't know how many of us are left, and I think we should stick together, don't you?" She paushed, then added, as if an afterthought. "I had children long ago; James and Lucie. You remind me of them, somehow." Her voice was tinged with such sadness and heartbreak, that Kit didn't expand on that, nor did he want to ask her any potentially triggering questions. It was obvious, if not from the fact that she was living in a cage, from her empty eyes, that she had been through a lot, likely more than him, and if they were to live together, he wanted to make it work.

"Thank you." He repeated, quiet and sincere. For the first time in months, when the exhaustion caught up to him again, it wasn't tinged with fear, but was a warm blanket of comfort. He curled up on the armchair and rested his head against a cushion, allowing himself to close his eyes. Tessa took away his plates and he listened to her quiet humming as he drifted off. Right before he left consciousness, he could have sworn he felt a hand stroke his hair, and he sighed contentedly, drifting off.

<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>—<>

The next few days passed in a blur of joy that Kit had never expected to feel again. Both he and Tessa had been starved for comfort, and having each other was like a lifeline; a single buoy to hold in an ocean that spanned for miles in every direction.

He stood beside her at the sink, a tea towel in hand as he dried the dishes she passed to him.

"Will and I named our daughter after Lucie in a Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens." She said, continuing their conversation.

"Seen that movie." Kit quipped.

"Read that book." She responded at once, rather obviously. "Have you really?"

"Yeah. My dad had a bunch of old films on VHS tapes that I would watch in the evenings, when he went out." He stared down at the plate, ensuring it was dry before placing it on the counter. "What made you name your daughter after her?"

"We both loved the book. He quoted Sydney Carton at me a lot," she smiled, "I loved it and I guess it grew on him a lot."

"Who was James named after?" He asked.

"James Carstairs. He was Will's parabatai and my fiance but he became a Silent Brother before we could marry, and then I married Will. We stayed in touch though; he was important to both of us, and as Brother Zachariah, he died a hero, sealing the Mortal Sword inside the Silent City to protect it from Sebastian."

"I'm sorry." He said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"There is not a day goes by where I don't think of any of them; my family. There's not a day that goes by where I don't think about joining them," she admitted. "But, now we have each other, and that's enough for now. Something to live for."

He rested his head against her shoulder. "I'm glad we found each other."

"I'm glad you trespassed in my home." She joked, clearing the darker mood into something light and easy. Everything with Tessa was easy; she was the best thing that had happened to him, and if he had to be kidnapped to find her, he would gladly go through it all again. She was a star in the darkest sky; bright, constant and steady, keeping him grounded but full of hope that things could get better with each other.

Suddenly, she froze, eyes widened and alert. "Get behind me." She ordered, just as the Endarkened entered the cave, Sebastian at the front, his eyes cold but twinkling, and knowing his disturbed mind, Kit knew that it couldn't be anything good.

"Christopher, did you really think you could escape from me?" He asked, smirking as though it were all a game to him; as though Kit was nothing but a pawn to be moved around as he saw fit.

He refused to answer. Both he and Tessa were defenceless; the sword was on the other side of the room, and her magic had been weakened.

"Seize the child." Sebastian ordered, bored. At once, one of the Endarkened broke away from the pack and reached towards him. He threw Tessa to the ground and grabbed Kit. Outnumbered, he didn't even try to struggle; in an enclosed space like Tessa's cave, there was no way he could win.

"Leave him alone!" Tessa cried, lunging to her feed and moving forward, crazed. Kit saw her as a sisterly or motherly figure, even after just a few days, and if she felt the same, she now moved as a mother; willing to sacrifice her own life for her child's.

And that was what she did. The sword pierced through her stomach and Kit screamed as he saw it protrude through her back. She gasped, her hands falling to the wound as she fell to her knees. The Endarkened warrior that had wielded it, pulled it out, and the cry that escaped Tessa's mouth would haunt him for the rest of his life.

"Tessa. Tessa." He repeated, struggling to escape their grip to get to her. She couldn't die alone.

A prick stung his neck and he shook his head, pulling away. "No, no, no." He said, his voice immediately becoming distorted, and vision blurring. Though he could only see fuzzy shapes, he saw Tessa fall back, her hand that was outstretched to him, fall to the ground.

Through tears and blurriness, he stared one more time, before being dragged away. Whatever his fate, at least Tessa was back with her loved ones; with Will, and Jem, and James, and Lucie. He could only hope that whatever waited for him, that it spare him quickly so that he could join them.

Thank you so much for reading! I really hope you enjoyed it. I personally haven’t seen anything of Kit in Thule (though I haven’t looked) and I think it’s such an interesting concept that I’m glad I could explore.

Part 2 will be up tomorrow for the next Whumptober prompt. If you liked this and want more Kit in Thule, then please let me know - I’d love to make sure I’m writing things that you all like too. See you tomorrow!

[screamingatanemptyroom]

I Can’t Eat Love pt 10

Here it is guys! Here’s part 10, we’re at 23k words! I made the master post with links to the story and will just link that at the top from here on out! 

Link to master post here. 

Enjoy! 

__________________________________

Ten months passed, faster than I could have imagined.

The store “Prosperity” took off. True to her word, Milane had improved upon my own designs, and after showcasing the dresses at a few parties, (I had reluctantly resumed my social responsibilities, reminding myself it was for the business), and the orders came in, faster than we could fill them. Expanding production, Milane hired a few more seamstresses, and even then we were stretched thin. We continued making and selling new designs, however, with plans to open up another store before the next season.

The Duchy thrived alongside my business. The officials I “retired” left without further complaint, and their replacements worked hard to gain experience and independence. Until they were completely trained however, the bulk of the work was left to Nile, Terrence and Me. We met weekly, going over accounts and day to day issues in great detail. Fortunately we worked well together and rather than resenting the hands-on approach I took, they seemed relieved.

“The Duke just always told us to do what we thought best in difficult matters.” Nile confided one day. “But with no idea of the overall financial state of the Duchy, it’s hard to make these sorts of decisions. With you in charge, things are running much smoother.” 

Seeming to realize the improperness of what he had said, he panicked, waving his hands.  “Not saying that the Duke is incompetent! He’s a very kind man! And as a leader… of course he…” he paused as if trying to think of something else good to say about my father.

I chuckled, trying to relieve the poor man’s misery. “It’s fine. Father’s gifts lie… in other directions. “ I had no idea as to what direction that was, but as long as he stayed out of my way, I was content.

No longer hemorrhaging money, I was able to work on improving the infrastructure of the area, improving the safety and stability of the roads, increasing the schools and preparing some previously unused land for farming. 

Marile, looking ahead to our second store, convinced me to use some of our profits to open up a vocational school for seamstresses, taught by people she trusted. We charged a minimal fee, funding those who couldn’t afford it, and waited excitedly as they gained skill. I planned to hire some of the top students upon graduation, and as the number of skilled workers increased, the duchy of Armeny began gaining a reputation as the place to buy well-made clothes.

The success spread, and I was already being approached by other trades to expand the school to cover their professions as well.

__________________________________

I continued my lessons with Jim and Nate, although the assigned reading was decreased as more and more of my time was taken up with the business and the duchy. Instead, Jim had me bring practical issues and questions to the class regarding economics or governmental structure, and we worked though it together. I was often able to implement some of the answers we came up with, continuing to benefit my home.

 Nate and I settled into a comfortable pace. He was the calm one in class, frequently mediating between Jim and me when we began to get too loud about a certain subject. He listened well, and when he did speak up it was with purpose, often coming up with ideas that caught me by surprise.

“You should build a place that provides food for people who are starving.” After class one day, he was escorting me back to the carriage in thoughtful silence before suddenly bursting out with that suggestion.

I stopped in my tracks. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, it’s something that you obviously care deeply about, and since you’ll manage to free up some extra funds with the changes we came up with today, I thought it might work! ” He continued as he stopped as well, gesturing excitedly with his hands. “Think about it, a place where people who are starving can come by and have a meal. You can ask for donations and volunteers to offset some of the costs, it should be doable…”

He trailed off, staring at me with an uncertain expression. “Sorry, I got excited on my own, maybe it isn’t the best idea.”

__________________________________

“Do you have any food?” A young boy pulled on my leg, the bones too prominent on his already small for his size face.

I looked down at him, already feeling lightheaded and weak. I hadn’t been able to find work. I hadn’t had a full meal since Rig’s gang had been split up most of them lost, dead or imprisoned. I had begged on the street, only managing to earn enough for some bread, hardly enough to fill my stomach. I wanted to cry, but held my tears, they wouldn’t solve anything.

The boy saw my distress and slumped, sitting down beside me, as I hung my head, feeling hopeless.

“It’s okay.” He mumbled, using a dirty hand to gently pat my head, trying to comfort me. “I’ll help you.” A small hard object was pressed into my hand. I looked down at it, surprised. It was a regular stone, a little shiny but otherwise there was nothing special about it.

“It’s my lucky stone.” He tried to smile, tried to appear brave for me. “You can have it. It will protect you.”

I thought about the bread in my pocket, it wasn’t enough to fill me, but for a child…

“Here.”

I handed him the bread, leaning back with my head against a wall, closing my eyes to keep tears from falling. I wasn’t going to last much longer. I had long given up hope for myself. But that boy... maybe he would survive.

And that was something.

__________________________________

“Lenora?” Nate called out, concerned. I shook my head, I had been silent too long, thinking of a different life, a different fate.

One I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

I smiled at him; ignoring his visible shock at I did so. “Tell me more about this idea of yours.”

__________________________________

Between running the Duchy and the business, as well as continuing lessons and socializing with the nobility to advertise our new dresses, I was busier than I had ever been before in either of my lives. But despite the long hours and the hard work, I was surprised to find I was happy.

There was still just one thing keeping me from being fully content: 

The royal etiquette classes continued, despite the mastery I had displayed. Mrs. Rendler had greatly increased the speed at which we moved through topics as well as the difficulty in each lesson. The advantage I had gained over the extra three years of training in my previous life dwindled, and I reluctantly began scheduling in time to study those topics as well. 

I grew more and more frustrated each week. With all the other demands on my time, why was I bothering to waste any on learning something I would never use? If I were planning on trying to continue my engagement to the prince this would be worth it, but not even the chance to tackle management on a national scale could tempt me to stand by that worthless prince’s side.

I hid it, as best I could. Mrs. Rendler tried to keep the lessons fun and varied, likely sensing my lack of enthusiasm. We learned new dances, tried exotic foods and studied different cultures. It was interesting and I appreciated the effort the older woman placed on keeping me focused, but there was still one, unavoidable problem with the lessons:

Queen Amerande.

She was present every single week, as she had been in my previous life. Smiling, cheering me on, saying silly jokes to try to make me laugh, and picking arguments with Mrs. Rendler to distract her whenever the lessons were getting too difficult for me … she was every inch the mother I wish I had.

But it was a lie, and every minute I spent next to her was pure torture. 

It all came to a head around ten months after I woke up in this second life. The etiquette lesson had completed early. I was packing up my books, planning to take a walk in the gardens to waste the time before my lesson with Jim and Nate in the treasury. Before I could leave, however, Queen Amerande held out her hand, gently stopping me.

“Can we talk, Lenora?”

I nodded stiffly, disliking the thought of spending any time alone with her.

Her smile slightly sad, she gestured for me to sit down, and after I was settled continued.

“Has your mother returned home yet?” The discomfort on her face made it clear she knew this was not going to be my favorite topic.

I sighed, leaning back and shaking my head. “No, she’s still with her family staying in the southern province.”

Or so she tells us. I thought of the contents of the file Rig had brought me, the second assignment I had given him after the blackmail for the duchy officials. It had only confirmed what I already knew from my previous life, but it had hurt more than I wanted to admit to see it in writing.

“She’s been gone almost a year!” Queen Amerande muttered, looking furious for a few moments before poorly hiding her anger behind a smile, trying not to upset me. After being surrounded by expert liars like Angela and Edith, it was almost amusing to see someone who couldn’t lie well.

That’s not true though is it? She lies all the time when she says she cares about me. My brain whispered to me, but I shrugged it off, not wanting to be distracted by the topic at hand. She was already asking another question.

“Will she be back soon?”

I wish she wouldn’t. In my last life, her trip had only lasted a few months, but that had been due to limited funds and our large amount of debt. Once I had most of our debts cleared, I had sent her some money, and thankfully she had continued to extend her trip as much as possible. The servants seemed grateful for the break from her critical presence and my father… he was happier than he’d been in years. But as relieving as this time away was, it couldn’t last forever.

“She’ll be back in a few weeks, before my sixteenth birthday.” I answered, watching her eyes light up at the topic.

“So yes, about that…” Queen Amerande hesitated, “I knew your mother hadn’t been… around, and your father…”

“Forgot.”

“I’m sure he… remembers… deep down.” She looked angry again, but not at me. “But the point is, I didn’t want you to have to plan your own party, so I’ve been making some arrangements.”

“...” 

“Nothing that can’t be canceled if you don’t feel up to it, but I’d really like for you to have a chance to really have fun and celebrate with friends. You’ve been working so incredibly hard lately.” She smiled. “I know I don’t say this enough but… I’m so proud of you. I heard about the work with the duchy and the vocational school and even that charity to help feed those in need, it’s so amazing. YOU are amazing.”

She turned to the side to get something from her bag. I sat there, trembling, filled with anger, barely able to contain it. My fists were clenched, so tightly that the fingernails dug into my palms, starting to tear through the skin.

“I know it’s a little early, but I want you to have this:” She pulled out a necklace. It was beautiful, thin golden chains delicately interwoven, with a small sapphire amulet hanging from the longest strand. She placed it into my hand. “My mother gave this to me when I was a girl, and although I’m not your biological mother, I think of you as my own.”

My ears were ringing, the jewelry in my hand was cold, but felt like it was burning my skin

“I love you dear, and I always will.”

I could barely breathe, it felt like knives were stabbing me in the heart, I sat there frozen, staring at the gift I had once thought meant everything, but meant nothing.

“No matter what.”

__________________________________

“I love you, and I always will.” Queen Amerande hugged me, patting my back comfortingly with one hand.

I returned the hug, unable to hold back my tears of frustration and embarrassment. After being publicly humiliated at my own birthday party, I had come into the backroom to hide, She had been planning to give me her present, but instead found me a sobbing in a corner, and immediately dropped on the floor, ignoring the creases and dust that gathered on her expensive formal gown, comforting me. Once I had calmed down, she handed me a beautiful necklace, one I had always admired as a child, and reached out, wiping a tear from my face.

“No matter what.”

__________________________________

Thud.

The necklace slipped from my hands, falling to the floor between us.

“Liar.” My voice was quiet, but in the otherwise silent room she could clearly hear me. Her face paled and she tried to reach out for my hand, only to have me pull back, avoiding it.

“Lenora, what…?

“Stop lying. Please.” I forced the words out through gritted teeth, tears gathering in my eyes. “You won’t love me like your own child, and you won’t love me NO MATTER WHAT so please. Don’t lie to me. Don’t fool me into trusting you when you don’t mean it.” 

I stood up, planning to leave, but she ran after me, standing in the doorway, blocking my only exit.

“Let me out.” I ordered, throwing etiquette and caution to the wind.

She shook her head furiously, her carefully styled hair coming slightly undone with the force of the motion. “No! Not until you tell me what this is about!” She was shaking, but her hands gripped the doorframe tightly, refusing to move. “I’m not lying when I say I love you like my own daughter. I’m not!”

“Easy words to say.” I was sneering, hating that my voice broke with tears instead of sounding stronger. “But when your precious son drops me in a few years, and I’m disgraced, then you’ll forget all about this ‘daughter’ you love so much!”

“…” She stared at me, horrified. “You think he… that I… “ She was stuttering, trying to work through what I had said. “Ronan wouldn’t cast you aside. And even if he did I…”

“I’m not an idiot, Your Majesty. So don’t treat me like one.” I interrupted her, laughing, but it was an unpleasant sound. “I’m not so foolish as to believe that a boy who has absolutely no interest in me will keep this engagement the moment he finds someone he likes better.”

“…” Queen Amerande was silent for a few moments. I noticed she looked upset, saddened at my words, but she didn’t look shocked, not at all. She had seen her son’s lack of interest in me as well. She knew exactly what kind of person Ronan was, and that he was capable of doing exactly what I said. I continued onwards, not wanting to hear any excuses or explanations.

“And WHEN he casts me aside. You’ll move forward just like everyone else will, without a thought spared for me.” I clenched my fists, wanting to run. “You’ll forget all about me. So please, keep that necklace. Give it to the woman your son actually WILL marry. Or a grandchild whenever they have one. Someone you truly care about. Not a placeholder. Not me.”

Having said what I wanted to say, I pushed past the Queen, running out of the palace. I skipped my lesson with Jim, getting into the carriage. And it wasn’t until I was there, protected by the window covers and safe from prying gazes, that I finally relaxed, put my head into my hands, and cried.

[thebardisabird]

Sextuplets x Virgin!Reader

A little request I was asked to fulfill for @jessimatsu-girl after I was done with my love potion series. Let me preface this with: they’re ficlet scenarios and they’re gonna be on the short-ish side (and even then this post is still gonna be hella fucking long, I’m so sorry to those on mobile). But it was a fun request that I’ve kind of already done with one matsu (Jyushi - which you can read here) so this was just expanding my horizons with all the boys! Reader will be DFAB.  Sidenote: hi hello hey, if anyone wants to write me their spin on this prompt omg please do. 

Anyway, without further ado, Matsus x Virgin!Reader, UNDER THE CUT! 

Osomatsu For someone who was so eager to take your clothes off, he sure was nervous. But this was new for both of you, so expected it. Hovering over you like his heart knew what he should be doing, but his brain stopped turning gears. You were soft underneath him, curvaceous in all the right areas. It made him more nervous. He played with your breasts for a decent amount of time, giving them gentle squeezes and dragging long licks over your nipples - the sound of your moaning was his favorite part.  Soon his fingers traveled south, fiddling with your underwear, hesitant to approach any further. Your nerves were beginning to soar through the roof and it took some courage in your to find your voice.  “Osomatsu…touch me.” He swallowed a dry gulp. Twitching fingers slipped carefully into your panties. You winced in pleasure at the feel of fingertips grazing your folds. He sucked in a breath, a mix of excitement and embarrassment on his face. Digits dipped into you gently and you whined at the intrusion.  “Easy baby…” he shuddered out. Those noises of yours were too good. Working his fingers in and out of you slowly, you felt small tinges of pleasure wash over you. He shifted closer, coming to take a thigh in his hand as he curled his fingers slightly. You bucked into his hand, a small sigh leaving you. He withdrew from you, a satisfied look on his face. You had soaked his hand a decent amount, not knowing how truly turned on he must have made you. Your thighs were spread open to allow Osomatsu to rest between them. You closed your eyes, heart in your throat as you reached for his shoulders - you knew what was coming next.  He kissed your temple, “I’ll go slow, alright?”

He bit his lip, lining himself up nervously to your entrance. The look on his face read utter disbelief, never in his life did he imagine he’d be here. At the end of his virginity. He slid into you cautiously, groaning as his dick was slowly encased in sheer warmth. You winced at the extremely foreign feeling, whole body trembling.  “Come on babe, relax for me…” he coaxed you, the strain visible on your face. He rubbed gentle circles into your hips when he settled fully within you. You were so incredibly hot over his dick and he was itching to move, but he pushed those urges aside to give you time. Losing his virginity was one thing…but you were more than just this, and despite what everyone else thought of him - he wasn’t about to fuck this up.  You sighed softly, experimentally moving your hips against him. There was a slight discomfort there, but it wasn’t anything you weren’t willing to handle. His hands came to your hips, “Ready?”

A quick nod and you felt him rock into you slowly. You winced, feeling a slight sting in your hips, but a wave of pleasure up your spine. A few languid thrusts in and you were more acclimated, straight pleasure taking over your senses. Now you needed him to pick up the pace. You skimmed your hand over his shoulder, “Osomatsu…faster, please.” You didn’t miss the sleazy grin that crossed his face,  “Fuck I never thought you’d ask.”

Karamatsu 

“Unghhh Karaaa” you whined, fingers tangling into his hair. You heard him groan low in your heat, at which he was currently tongue deep. It took a great deal of convincing to talk him into going this far with you. You assured him that you were ready, and when his face mimicked cherries, you were almost worried he wasn’t.  “You don’t want to?” you asked, hand coming over his. His eyes cast downward, searching the ground, unsure of his words. He took your hand up to his chest, heart pounding against your fingertips. 

“It’s not that, angel…of course I want to,” he sighed, his fingers loosening their grip, “I just…I don’t want to disappoint you.”

You hummed in an exhale, your other hand traveling to caress his cheek.

“You could never disappoint me, Karamatsu. Everything you do is with love, and I know this would be no different…” you lifted his jaw to lock eyes, “That will always be enough for me.”

He nodded, tears sliding into the corners of his eyes as he took you in for a kiss.  To ease his nerves (as well as yours), you suggested that he use his fingers first just to get you a little more wet than you already were. He quietly helped you undress down to your underwear, and you to his. You had to admit you were deathly nervous for your first time, but even you had a little more sense of direction for sex than Karamatsu did. He listened to your suggestion, eyes closed in embarrassment or thought, you weren’t sure. He took you in his arms, hand easing you flat on the bed, 

“Lay back, my love” he whispered, peppering your face with kisses and descending downward. You weren’t privy to what he was doing, but the intimate gesture of your comfort and his tender kisses were helping you relax. It wasn’t until you felt fingers tugging your panties down your legs did you realize what was happening. You were relieved at how gentle he was being with his ministrations as he kissed your legs, though you could say you expected nothing less when his baseline was to shower you with affection daily. Your thighs were gently parted open and you braced yourself for something to prod your entrance, only to feel a sensation of wet softness slide over your clit. You gasped, realizing then as he pressed his lips against your folds that it was face between your legs and not his fingers.  You became a moaning mess quickly, and now you were here, having to call for him to stop because you were definitely going to come undone before either of you even started. He pulled up from your thighs, wiping his mouth with the back of his arm and you wondered who the hell was this man. His eyes were starting to take on an onyx hue smoldered by passion; but you could tell by the deep blush on his cheeks that there was great hesitance still about him. 

“W-Was that good, darling?” he asked, a nervous plea to please you seated in his voice. You bit your lip, lashes sitting low as you shook your head yes. Reaching around behind you, you unclasped your bra. Sliding the garment off you whispered, 

“I’m ready, Kara…” 

Cheeks flushed, he nodded slowly, brows upturned in trepidation. This was it - the last line before he could no longer call himself a virgin. Looking over your body, he drank in the sight before him - beautiful locks to frame your face, eyes that shone like precious stones, and soft curves that graced the heavenly figure that was you. But you were more than that…you cared. You made it easy for him to be himself, to be passionate and spontaneous, and feel supported as he was. He felt his heart swell at the thought of your smile and how you kissed him with nothing short of adoration. There was no one he would rather do this with and he wanted you to know it. 

He kissed across your chest, a few kitten licks favoring your nipples that made you moan his name breathlessly. Sighing into your skin, he kissed up to your neck, his hands busying themselves with his underwear. Afterward, he grasped your thighs, shifting you closer and you felt his hard length brush against your inner thigh. Your hand shot up to grasp his arm,  “G-Go slow, Karamatsu,” you said, voice quivering. He took your chin in his hand, steering your gaze to his.

“I would never want to hurt you, my love…I’ll be gentle, I promise.” He settled between your legs and searched your eyes, a last means for your consent. You pushed yourself to place a chaste kiss on his lips and gently laid back down. He exhaled deep, positioning himself at your entrance and slowly nudging in. You felt yourself tense at the sensation, your insides stretching to accommodate him. He was gritting his teeth above you, your pussy gripping around him extraordinarily - it was almost enough to make him cum then and there. He inched into you further and kept one eye open to gauge your face for any signs of pain. At the moment all you were feeling was a fair amount of discomfort - similar to an overextended appendage. You were relieved this was a little easier on you compared to the horror stories you’ve heard in the past - though you supposed eating your pussy had made it so. Before you knew it, he had stilled inside you, finally fitting the whole of him inside you. 

“Are…Are you o-okay?” he shuddered out, “I’m…n-not hurting you, am I?”

Teeth grazing over your bottom lip, you shook your head. You merely needed to relax the tension in your lower body. As if on cue, Karamatsu massaged up your hips, whispering words of how beautiful you were and how deeply he loved you. Kisses were trailed over your collarbone and shoulder and you melted into his affections. Resting his forehead on yours he finally said, 

“I’m going to move, my love…” 

A slow drawback out of you made your breath hitch, only to melt into a moan where reconnected his hips with your own. He took his time, keeping a slow pace and easing you into the gentle rhythm of sex while keeping him from completely losing it before bringing you to ecstasy. When the discomfort was lost to the haze of pleasure, your voice sang of only moans. You felt him brush a spot deep within you, your nails gently biting into his bicep. 

“K-Karamatsu…” his name falling off your lips in a heated breath, “Harder…”

His response was to pull your lips into a deep kiss, love and lust a delicious mix on his tongue. He wove his fingers with yours, 

“My heart,” he purred, feeling a little more confidence in his system at your request, “Allow me to take you to paradise.”

Choromatsu

He had sworn he was dreaming. You, there in front of him, wearing nothing but his plaid shirt. Literally nothing else. He had looked around your bedroom, sure there had to be another person in the room that you had put on the extensively sexy display for. You had to laugh at that, and you assured him that were there only for him. That was the beginning of his blubbering streak however, because when you mentioned going all the way with him - he froze. You touched your fingers to your lips in shock,

“W-We don’t have to, Choro!” you exclaimed, not wanting to overwhelm or pressure your poor boyfriend. The anxious face he had concerned you that he was en route to passing out. He shook his shock off, grabbing your hand, “N-No! Please, let’s do it!” and immediately bowed after. You blinked, wondering why your boyfriend acted like you offered him a handsome business deal. But you giggled, his head finally coming up and laughing alongside you albeit a little nervously. 

Choromatsu was a little meticulous in his movements. He removed his clothes in a mechanical fashion in order to catch up with you. When he was left in his underwear, you called for him to come over to you. He wheezed, face flushed as he nervously climbed onto the bed with you. You pecked kisses onto his face, mumbling affirmations in between. You nuzzled your nose against his,

“I love you, Choromatsu.

His heart fluttered, but he relaxed, a feeling of genuine love washing over his features. He took your hand and pressed a few kisses to your palms and knuckles. You couldn’t help but look at him, heart soaring in adoration. Scooting forward, you pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. He froze under your action at first, but slowly melted into the kiss, even going so far as to push his tongue into your mouth. You moaned into the kiss, hands coming to his shoulders to pull him closer. His hands hesitantly went to your waist, deciding to sit innocently at your sides. Breaking from the kiss, you cheekily pulled him down with you as your back hit the sheets. Choromatsu’s eyes roamed over the entirety of your body, face beet red. You were entirely too sexy sprawled out underneath him, his favorite plaid barely covering your breasts and rest of you not covered at all. To have someone as beautiful and loving as you were to want to share their first time with him…he was a truly lucky man. 

He squeaked out softly, “C-Can I touch you?”

A small smile and a nod as you pushed the fabric of his shirt off your body. He was shaking slightly when his hand descended to cover you breast. You hummed, arching ever so slightly into his touch. He sucked in a breath, squeezing your flesh gently, fingertips rolling around your nipple. You lent him your voice this time, outwardly moaning. He brought his other hand into the fray, caressing your chest fully. When his tongue came down to leave long licks across your chest was when you realized your thighs were rubbing together. There was a deep ache in your loins that you wished to chase, but was unsure how. Watching Choromatsu kiss your skin made you decide enough as enough. You wanted him, needed him. 

“Ch-Choro…” you moaned out slowly, “I want you…”

The blush that dusted his cheek stretched over his ears, but he nodded slowly. He pulled his underwear off of him, carefully placing the garment off to the side with the rest of his clothes. When he returned back over you, you reached out to wrap your arms around his neck. He nestled himself carefully between your thighs.

“You’re sure?” hi hand came to thread through your hair gently, “I don’t want you to get hurt or regret this…I…I don’t know if I could live with that.” 

You leaned your head to the side to kiss his palm, “I trust you with all of me, Choromatsu. I’ll never regret being with you like this.”

A shy smile crossed his face. He placed to hands at your sides, placing a soft kiss at your lips. He rested his head into the crook of your neck, “Promise me you’ll tell me if it hurts…I’ll stop.”

It was your turn to thread fingers in his hair, and you promised him you would. You felt his knees spread your thighs a little more open and took a deep breath. He pressed the head of his cock past your folds, 

“Oh god…” he shuddered, sliding into you another inch. You shook right along with him, feeling full but slightly uncomfortable. You could feel yourself clenched tightly around him, and you chalked that up to your body tensing at the new sensation of sex. Your heart went out to poor Choromatsu who could see was clearly straining not to thrust into you. Your pussy was so tight and warm around him it was near consuming his every thought. At the feeling of him finally filling you to the hilt, he exhaled shakily into your skin. 

“You’re not in p-pain, are you?”

You huffed out a soft no, actually moving your hips a bit to get used to him inside you. He hissed at the movement, giving a shallow thrust of his own. 

“You can move, Choro…I’m okay.”

With that he wordlessly thrusted into you, slow, but fairly deep. You moaned, clutching the sheets besides you. You willed your body to relax, hands travelling up to Choromatsu’s shoulders. He kissed the crook of your neck gently, repeating in your ear how good you were: good you are to him, how good you felt how good this relationship is with you, God, you loved him. His words made your heart ache with love, and you felt yourself sighing, his thrusts rolling small waves of pleasure over your hips and thighs. When you finally felt your body open up a little more, you felt his thrusts lacking. 

“Mmm…Choromatsu…” you moaned softly, “M-More…please…I need more.” 

You swore you heard a choked gasp above you, but his hands nevertheless gripped your hips a little harder now. 

“Y-You’re sure?” he questioned.

At your nod, he spread your legs a little further.

“O-Okay…but promise you’ll let me know how good it feels,” he began to pick up the pace of his hips, “I want to bring you nothing but pleasure.” 

Ichimatsu 

He snorted, almost choking on the air that near didn’t reach his lungs.

“You want to do what? With trash like me?!”

You rolled your eyes, “Yes, Ichimatsu,” you took his hand and he looked like he wanted to faint, “I love you, idiot, I want to take this step with you.” He squeezed your hand gently, a vibrant flush coming over his face. He was having difficulty processing what he was hearing - you, this beautiful woman who he’d been with for a while, wanted to give yourself to him, and just in any old way either. You were both virgins. This was extremely special. He felt like he was going to die right there, unable to bear how truly blessed he was to have someone in his life want to share something so precious. He didn’t deserve it, didn’t deserve you. Yet you constantly argued with him on his worth and what he meant to you. His heart swirled just thinking about it. 

Ichimatsu’s thoughts were interrupted when you grabbed his hand and led him to your bedroom. 

“W-Wait, tonight?!”

You turned to him, “Well y-yeah! I mean u-unless you don’t want to, which I’m totally okay with!”

A dumbfounded and nervous mix sat on his features, still trying to wrap his head around everything. He quickly shook it off, his other hand taking yours, thumbs brushing over your knuckles. Crimson painted his cheeks and ears,

“N-No…I want to…with you…”

He wouldn’t look at you as he said it, and you couldn’t help but feel a little unconvinced. Though you had to giggle a bit, his shyness was cute. You pressed in close, nudging his nose with yours and taking him in for a kiss. He was hesitant at first, but quickly returned your kiss, rubbing circles into your back as he held you. You pulled him onto the bed with you, clumsily falling out of the kiss and onto the sheets. Ichimatsu’s hands were planted firmly at the sides of your head, his body in between your thighs. He was visibly shaking, eyes frantic in disbelief. You giggled softly, reaching a hand to scratch the back of his head - you knew how much it soothed him. His head nuzzled against your arm and you spoke to him softly,

“We really don’t have to go any further, Ichi…I want you to be comfortable.”

His eyes opened slowly at your words and you could tell he mulling them over in his head. He placed a hand on yours. 

“I want to…” he mumbled. He cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice, “You’ve been…so good to me, and I don’t deserve it…but I want to show you my appreciation.”

Your eyebrows turned up in worry, “Ichi you don’t have to prove yourself to me. You definitely don’t have to do this to show me you love me.”

He lent you a small smile, “I know…but I do love you…and I want to.”

You almost felt tears welling at the corners of your eyes, your heart fluttered at his words. He lowered himself onto you gently, taking your lips in for a kiss. There was a braver energy in him this time around, you felt it in the way he slipped his tongue past your lips. Moaning softly, you shifted to try and relinquish yourself of your sweater and shirt. He broke from the kiss to help you, hunger flashing over his eye briefly as he took in the vision of you only clad in your bra and skirt. Heat drifted throughout your entire body under his gaze. Lips found their way to your neck and you gasped, feeling Ichimatsu press kisses and soft bites into your skin. Your hand flew into his hair, back arching into him. The sounds you made just from those small affections were already stirring a darkness in him he sought to release. But he fought it back, the necessity to be gentle outweighing his inner hunger. He loved you too much to push you to limits you weren’t ready for. 

His hands rested on your hips gently, hiking your skirt up slightly. Fingers skimmed over the front of your panties and he didn’t miss how damp your panties were. The smirk plastered on his face was deviously knowing and you shuddered.

“You wanted this more than I thought,” he teased, fingers pulling your panties to the side. He slid one digit in, drawing a soft gasp from you. Your insides clenched around his finger - especially when he stirred his finger inside you. You couldn’t help your fingernails from digging into his scalp as he fingered you. You cried out,

“Ichimatsuuuu please, I-I can’t take it anymore mmm, I need youuu.”

Your other hand traveled downward, pushing at the waistband of his sweats, wanting them off of him already. He obliged, drawing his hands back from your body and shoving his pants down enough to spring his cock free. Your eyes locked, and you heard his breath stutter in his throat,

“A-Are you…sure?”

A kiss of reassurance was your answer, “Yes.”

You hooked your thumbs into your panties and pulled them down, Ichimatsu sliding them off your calves the rest of the way for you. His hands shakily held your knees as he pushed them further apart. You didn’t bother to ask him to remove his sweater, you knew he’d be more comfortable that way, though you were a bit disappointed that you’d miss the opportunity to roam your hands over his upper body. Perhaps another time you’d get him to. Right now, you were quivering as the tip of his dick barely breached your entrance. 

He gulped, “R-Ready?”

You nodded, eyes falling shut. He pushed in slowly, his hands next to your waist now to control his hips. He grasped the sheets tightly, a low growl rumbling out of him; you were so tight around him it was agonizing. 

“Fuuuuck,” he groaned, gritting his teeth. You whined, hearing the dip in octave his voice took on; you were never able to resist when he sounded like this, all dark and gravelly in tone. It reminded you of the way he’d half-snarl every time you sucked him off. Oh the damage that did to your normally composed hormones. Inch by inch you took him, slight pain rolling up your hips, but nothing you weren’t willing to take on. When he stilled, you noticed he was already breathing heavily. You wondered just how much restraint he was putting on himself…was it really that good? He withdrew from you and you winced, a sharp sting shooting up your back. You didn’t realize you had shed a tear until you heard Ichimatsu above you,

“Fuck, shit, I’m so sorry! Please don’t cry! Fuck, I knew I was going to fuck this up…”

You shushed him, fingers trailing over his cheek. He quieted down as you explained you just needed a minute to get used to him. His eyes radiated anxiety, his mouth drawn into a thin line of pure upset. He was gentle when his thumb brushed your cheek, wiping the tear that cascaded down it away. 

“I’m sorry…” he whispered. You stayed that way for a moment, taking in small breaths to ease the tension in your legs. Pulling him close finally, you breathed in deep and rolled your hips experimentally. He hissed at the feeling, your wet warmth sliding over him effortlessly. A tiny moan escaped you as you started to feel fragmented pleasure ripple through the ebbing discomfort. He took cue of your shifting hips and added his own into the mix. Slow, languid thrusts he fed your body and you savored the reconnecting fullness. Soon you were moaning outright, loins yearning for more than just tender thrusts. 

“Ichimatsu,” you managed to drawl out after a deep kiss, “I need it…harder…”

Oh the decision you just made. The telltale grin of him scratching the surface of his lust for you came to light. His hands gripped your hips a little tighter and he hit you with a deep, hard thrust, a loud gasp ripping through your lips. He chuckled low in your ear,

“You sure you want that, kitten?”

Jyushimatsu

In his eyes you were glowing, sitting in his lap, donning his baseball jersey. Wearing nothing but that and a bright yellow pair of panties with the number ‘14′ printed on the back. He was used to seeing your breasts before as you two fooled around at any given chance, but you’d never made it to “the homerun” as you both affectionately called it. You explained to Jyshimatsu that today was meant to be special. You’d dressed so scantily clad so you could finally find the courage to say,

“I want you to take my virginity!”

His face beamed a bright red, and you swore he held you a little softer. He looked up at you, grin still plastered on his face, though his voice failed to match its intensity. 

“Y-You’re sure?!” he exclaimed softly, a twang of nervousness melding with his inevitable excitement. You giggled, guaranteeing you were sure and that there was no one else more special to you than he was. He kissed all over your face, arms coming around your waist. Your laughter soon melted into soft pants as he descended lower, pressing kisses into your neck, down your collarbone and eventually taking a nipple into his mouth. With his other hand he yanked the jersey off your shoulders, uncovering you completely. You moaned as he cupped your other breast, starting to interchange licks and gropes between the two. You arched your back, tits pressing into his wide mouth further. He grunted into your skin, erection straining his shorts at the sound of your needy voice. You weren’t without notice though, as you gasped when you felt him brush against your thigh.

“S-Sorry!” he yelled, “I really want to do it with you right now!”

You had to love him for being honest. With a tug to his sweatshirt, you were now almost even in clothing. Your fingertips traced the outline of his stomach, taut with defined muscle. You shuddered to think about how truly strong he is, the idea of him taking you while standing or easily pinning your back against a wall hitting you with full force as the testament to his strength graced his half naked body. Pulling his head up, you pressed a quick kiss lips before standing. He watched you as you slipped your panties down, tossing them off to the side and climbing back in his lap. You kissed him with fervor, your arms locking around his neck and his around your lower back. He ground his hips up against you and you moaned into your kiss, back arching. You’ve decided. You wanted him and it was starting to take a toll on you how badly you needed him so. Pushing on his shoulder, you laid him flat against the bed. Normally he’d be playful in this situation, but knowing the occasion, he followed your direction. You inhaled shakily, hands pulling down his shorts nervously. He was painfully hard, you could visibly see it - and the shudder he let out was your confirmation. Teeth clamped onto your bottom lip; you raised your hips over his, one hand grabbing his dick gently and placed him just under your heat. His eyes snapped shut, hands choosing to settle at your hips. Slowly you lowered yourself onto him, breaths coming in choppy gulps as you tensed at the foreign sensation. You felt him rub your hips, assuming he was attempting to comfort you. 

“Haaa, so warm!” he whined, his fingers gripping your hips soon after. It was taking all his of his strength not to thrust up into you; but he was going to be good. He was more afraid of hurting you and it wasn’t worth doing so to get his fill. You sunk lower on him, exhaling fairly loud when you finally took all of him in. His strained expression eased and he too let out a held breath. You rocked your hips gently, not necessarily withdrawing him from you, but helping yourself adjust to the fullness of him inside you. Finally you lifted your hips, the gentle stretch of your pussy over him eliciting a mix of discomfort and new found pleasure to roll up your thighs. You kept your thrusts slow and precise - soon you felt nothing but growing tides of ecstasy creeping up your spine. Jyushimatsu began meeting your hips halfway at your pace, peeking every so often to make sure no pain came to you. You tested your next move, as your hips came down on his fairly hard, a low groan escaping your boyfriend. 

“Ahh! Jyushimatsu, yes!” you mewled, that thrust shaking a need for more into you. A deep laugh was all you heard before he sat up, grabbing handfuls of your ass. He licked your chest freely, strong arms starting to pull your hips up only to slam them back down on his cock. When he heard you shriek wantonly, his grin only served to grow in mischievous delight,

“Aha!~ Homerun!”

Todomatsu 

“Haha, Totty please!” you laughed, trying to sway away his hands. He was trailing his fingers up your sides, dancing across your skin and making you squirm. You were super sensitive and SUPER ticklish at your waistline and you were aware he knew that. There was no reason for you to be upset, however, as he was only tickling you to calm your nerves.

You had been nervous to ask him about it, and although he may come off as air headed sometimes, you knew Todomatsu to be anything but.

“What’s wrong?” he had asked, taking your hand in his. The genuine concern only made you more nervous. You bit your lip, unsure how to bring the subject up without being blunt. He sensed your hesitance and squeezed your hand tighter.

“Talk to me,” he pleaded softly. A blush crossed your cheeks as you began to explain that you wanted some more in your relationship. When he looked at you in confusion, you blubbered out,

“I-I want us to have sex!”

Eyes wide, you saw him wince like he’d been yelled at. Perhaps you had said that a little too loud. You closed your eyes, embarrassment wracking your whole body. You were terrified of what he would say, but when you felt lips press against yours softly, you were slightly taken aback. He stroked your cheek before pulling away and you with him.

“If that’s what you wanted, you could’ve asked sooner,” he laughed. He led the way back to your apartment and you felt your heart slamming against your chest. What you had failed to see however, was the devilish grin splayed across his face knowing full well what he was about to do as soon as the doors closed. 

Now here you were, half naked on your bed, as Todomatsu planted soft kisses into your collarbone. He’d already relieved himself of everything except his underwear, explaining that the skin on skin contact would probably make both of you a little less nervous. You were sighing softly, as you felt his hands roaming over the curves of your hips. Todomatsu nibbled up your neck and you whimpered at the sensation. He purred at the sound of you cutely whining, but he wanted to hear more.

His hands grasped your breasts as he bit you just under your ear. Fingers toyed with your nipples under the fabric of your bra. 

“T-Todomatsu!” you gasped, chest pressing into his hands. That’s it, that’s what he wanted to hear. He smirked against your skin, spreading your legs open so he could settle between them. This time, that smug grin came out within your view. Dipping two fingers into your panties, he rubbed your clit in small strokes. Your heat was so inviting, nearly sucking his fingers in with how wet you were. Something about that shook Todomatsu, the gravity of you under him finally weighing on him. He was about to have sex for the first time ever, but not with just anyone - but with you. His brothers called him heartless, sure, but with you…things were different. He felt something for you. He was…less selfish. More giving; more willing to do things to see you happy. When you told him you loved him, he swore he felt his chest thump. He couldn’t help but love you back.

You grabbed his arm gently feeling yourself coming close at the mercy of his fingers. He shook out of his thoughts, face flushed; withdrawing his fingers, he tugged your panties off you, a wave of nervousness rushing over him. Your knees clapped shut shyly and you watched him slowly pull down his underwear. He laughed softly at your timidity, hands gently parting your legs back open.

“You’re ready…?” he questioned. You took a deep breath and merely nodded, voice failing to reach your lips. He lowered himself over you, the intimate contact making both of you blush. 

“I-I’ll go s-slow,” he stuttered out. A hand delicately grabbed your hip as you felt him slip into your soaked entrance. He whined at how extremely hot you were on his cock. You felt your hips tense, gulping down a breath to will yourself to ease up. You must’ve been wincing or making some sort of noise of discomfort as Todomatsu shushed you,

“Shh shsh, I know honey…” he gently stroked your hair “Just relax…I won’t move once I’m all the way in.”

Though the way his teeth grit when he slid all the way into you told you how badly he really wanted to. His hands rubbed up your calves and thighs, trying to ease whatever tension in you he could find there. When he saw your face finally relax, he pressed a kiss onto your lips, 

“I’m gonna start…”

He pulled out slowly, watching your face. When you expressed nothing but a quick bite to your lip, he continued, sliding back into you. You groaned at the reintroduction, more pleasure than pain this time. He blushed deeper now, unaware he was going to be hearing such sounds so soon. His hips start a steady rhythm, not to deep, but enough to stretch you out and get you used to him inside you. A rhythm you very much appreciated as you were feeling small sparks of pleasure begin to travel up your thighs. 

It wasn’t long before you were adjusted, your loins aching for more than what Todomatsu was giving you. You peeked your eyes open, lashes sitting low as you caught his gaze,

“Totty…mmm, I need more…”

The dark giggle threw you off guard as he took your thighs in his hands. He loomed over you, eyes flashing with something heavier than the careful adoration you saw earlier,

“So cute…” he purred, “You have no idea what you do to me…”

He supplied your hips with a deep thrust and you gasped, back arching into his chest, “Or what I’m about to do to you~”

[rauliskafan]

The Doctor and His Doll: Fractured Fairy Tale

Author’s Note: Happy Thursday, one and all!!! Following the big Halloween bash, Dr. Chilton brings his Doll home. And there, some secrets are revealed. Read on for more, and be sure to check out the previous parts of the story below!!!

The Doctor and His Doll

The Doctor and His Doll: Story Hour

The Doctor and His Doll: Date Night

The Doctor and His Doll: All Hallows’ Eve

Tagging @vintagemichelle91, @yourtropegirl, @mrschiltoncat

“Getting kind of late.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Would... care to join me for a nightcap, Doll?”

“I don’t know,” you said, quick to speak when his face fell. “I mean… Paulette probably has company, and our dorm is so small.”

Raising your eyebrows, you delighted in the sound of his laughter and didn’t utter another word while he played with beads dangling about your neck.

“Might I suggest my place?” he asked. “If you think that Paulette can get by without our assistance.”

“She’ll be fine,” you said. “The night is ours.”

You let him lead you to the town car and kicked off your heels once the vehicle moved.

“Are you alright?” he asked, placing a hand on your arm, his fingers falling down your skin so he could squeeze your palm.

“Just dandy, Doc,” you said. “Just that I haven’t danced that much since… well ever I guess.”

“Never?” he asked, letting one long finger curl around your wrist. His touch causing your flesh to tingle, and you lowered your eyelids, feeling your cheeks flush.

“Not with someone as fancy as you, Frederick,” you whispered, smiling when his lips grazed your cheek.

“I do not believe that,” he replied. “Not when you dance so divinely.”

“I… well…”

There was a story. From a soiree so long ago. A night much like this that you had looked forward to with baited breath… only for the evening to morph from a dream into something definitively different.

“Doll?”

His voice lifted an octave when you were silent, and you simply shrugged your shoulders. Willing the bad memories away, you slid closer to his side, the space that felt safest as the tires rolled across the pavement.

“Nothing,” you said. “No night compares to this.” The faint blush coating his cheeks seemed scarlet resting over the white suit, and his brow came to rest against yours.

“Agreed,” he started. “I did not even want to go to this party.”

“I know,” you said, leaning closer to continue the contact. “Any regrets?”

“Not a one.”

His lips drifted to your mouth in a deep kiss, and you stayed in his arms until the town car came to a halt.

“Here we are,” Frederick said. You heard the tapping of his cane and his voice thanking the driver before he opened your door, and you stepped back into your shoes before hitting the sidewalk.

“Oh!” you gasped.

“Is there a problem?” he asked.

“No!” you insisted. “Guess I just sort of pictured you like living on the outskirts of… everything.”

Saying nothing, Frederick and his cane guided you up a small set of steps. He reached in his pocket for a silver key that looked as if it was forged in the moments while you attended the masquerade ball.

“I used to live quite far away from… everything.”

Together you stepped into a darkened foyer. Frederick closed the door behind him, his heavy sigh hitting the air.

“After everything that… now I abhor a certain kind of solitude. Not that the neighbors invite me over for dinner or stop by to borrow sugar.”

“Should they?” you asked. “Do you have some hidden baking talents?”

“Maybe I will surprise you one of these days,” he teased. Reaching past you for an unseen switch, the house began to glow. Out of the corner your eye, you spied a slanted staircase. Below that were boxes pouring down a dark hallway. No question that they must lead to other rooms, still unpacked, and you bit back a tear. If he truly wanted to live like this, then why was he not making the house into a home, a place where he could feel as if he belonged? You swallowed the question as Frederick discarded his cane and turned you to his chest.

“A confession?” he asked.

“Please,” you answered. “You don’t have to feel ill at ease or anything.”

“No,” he said “I…” His voice stalled, his hand surrounding yours once again. Leaving his gaze, you looked to the two sets of fingers laced together, and a shiver ran up your arm before it seemed to shift to the left… to settle so close to your heart

“I took this place because it is close to you,” he admitted. “I do not know every time I will see you. Whether or not you will always want to see me.”

“Frederick, I---”

“But when those prized moments are near,” he continued, “I want to make my way to your side quickly... faster if such a thing is possible.”

You felt a fresh quiver when he extended his free hand to wipe a fresh tear from your cheek. His hand drifted down your face so he could trace the line of your lips… so he could see… so he could feel your smile.

“Do you write this way, too?” you asked. “I might need to pick up a copy of your book after all.”

“No,” he said softly. “Please. I prefer you untouched by… by that part of my life.”

Again, the questions surrounding the scars and the sadness in his stare swirled about your brain. But as desperate as you were to understand his secrets, you held your tongue and glanced over his shoulder.

“So… that nightcap?” you asked.

“Yes,” he started. “Unless…”

You watched as his one eye, the one that always seemed to sparkle most, shifted towards the staircase. He took a small step forward before stopping in his tracks.

“My apologies,” he said, hanging his head. You were quick to cradle his face in one palm, to return his gaze to yours.

“For what?” you asked.

“I… that was forward of me,” he said. “I did not mean to presume after one party… it was horribly disrespectful on my part.”

“No,” you assured him, shaking your head. “Come on! Give me the grand tour.”

“It might disappoint you,” he said.

“Not going to happen.”

His chest expanded slightly as he sucked in a deep breath, and he held your hand tighter. Together, you began the assent. He muttered another set of apologies when the fourth step from the bottom creaked.

“I really must have someone look at that,” he said.

“It’s all good,” you assured him. “Kind of gives the place that lived in feel. Don’t you like that?”

“Lived in makes me feel like a guest. In this home... in my own life…”

Saying nothing else, you helped him continue the climb. Another creak, and you waited until you were solidly standing on the second floor to press your palms to his chest.

“You’re not a stranger to me, Frederick Chilton,” you said. “You’re sweet. And seriously... I never danced that way before.”

Failing to wait for his reply, you removed the cap and let the beads spill to the ground.

“Shit,” you muttered.

“Is there a problem?” he worriedly asked.

“I… that was supposed to be so much smoother,” you admitted. “I wanted my hair to… but the pins.”

Frederick chuckled and removed one bobby pin, sending a single lock of hair spilling across your cheek.

“You know, the costume was… is stunning,” he said. “But you did not have to hide your hair. I… was rather looking forward to seeing it loose…”

“That can be arranged.”

Pulling at the other pins, your hair came cascading down. Frederick trembled slightly as he reached for you again, his fingers twirling the strands before he tensed and looked to a closed door.

“The grand tour… there really is the only room... halfway decorated,” he said.

“Oh?” you asked. “Why is that?”

Your touched his collar, wanting to bring his lips back to yours. Suddenly, he was an immovable object, but you still joined him in an icy space.

“I… so I can sleep,” he said. “I try to do that much.”

His tone told you that the mission was failing, and you opened the door.

“Come on, Doc,” you said. “Bet you want to kick your shoes off, too.”

“Well…”

“Follow me.”

His breath stayed sharp as you entered. Once inside, you saw a room sparsely furnished save for three pieces of furniture. A king-size bed fitted with pristine white sheets, an end table… and a large television mounted on the wall to rival the same surface. Grinning, you bounced on the edge of the bed.

“Comfy,” you said. “I get why you’re lonely though.”

“You do?” he asked.

“Doc, it’s such a big bed! You can’t like sleeping here all alone.”

You almost winked when he turned away from you, and you saw the tension suddenly writ large across his back.

“Hey, Doc, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by---”

“My pins won’t lead to such a pretty picture,” he said.

“What?” you asked.

“Come now, Doll,” he said. “It is not as if you haven’t kissed me. You must have tasted… it.”

“I… sure,” you admitted. Rising again to touch his face, you felt him trying to pull away. But his want to run and whatever lurked beneath his skin was no match for your hand.

“Is it uncomfortable?” you carefully asked.

“Is it---?”

“Don’t tell me how or why,” you quickly said to reassure him. “Forget the past. I’m asking about right now.”

He said nothing else, his eyes trained on yours, his flickering stare showing his mind racing in a million directions as he searched for a way to answer… or to deflect the question…

“Yes,” he eventually said. “It… it is bearable in the morning. But as the hours tick by…”

Nodding your head, you let your hand fall. Relieved when he did not race away, you bestowed a quick kiss on his cheek and helped his hand to his chin.

“It’s okay, Doc,” you whispered. “The party’s over. You can drop the mask.”

For a second, he still hesitated. Then, with a deep breath, he brought his hand to his lips. You watched as he pulled a cage from his mouth, and his left cheek sagged. Without giving you a chance to say anything, his hand kept moving, and he removed a lens from the eye that so often had given you pause. Unveiled, he stood before you and but still started to look away.

“Don’t,” you said. “Wait.”

Reaching for him, you smoothed the single patch of what you’d always known was makeup from his cheek leaving him scarred, exposed…

“Doc, thank you.”

“For… for what?” he sputtered.

“For trusting me with this,” you said.

“After seeing so many monsters tonight, what is one more?”

“Stop that,” you said while winding your arms around his neck. “You silly, sweet man. Don’t you know that you’re Beauty and not the Beast?”

His freed lip began to shudder, and he offered no resistance as you brought him to the bed. Sitting softly, you eased him to your side. Your hands started to undo the buttons on his shirt when---

“There is something else,” he said. “It is not as ghastly. The story behind it is. But…”

“But we’re not telling each other those stories tonight, Doc,” you reminded him. “We’re here. It’s not yesterday. Hell, it’s almost tomorrow.”

He let you unbutton his shirt, and you saw an angry red line running down his tummy. Looking like a bi-product of surgery, realizing that it had to be something far more sinister, you traced the mark and lovingly kissed the spot, moving upwards until your mouth was close to his heart. Pecking the rapid beat until it calmed ever so slightly, you met his eyes and saw his lids shut. Frederick pulled you into his embrace and together you slipped to the pillows.

“Thank you,” he murmured into your hair. “You are the first… I did not think I would ever be able to show myself to…”

Suddenly he was sobbing, and you gathered him closer. Trying to keep your voice light, you peppered his damp face with kisses. Stroking his hair and his rubbing his back, you shushed him until he quieted and stared at the sight of him finally fast asleep.

“Oh, Doc,” you whispered. “How long as it been since you had a proper night’s sleep? Since you felt like you were home?”

The warm breath passing through his lips made you smile. You left him for one moment to remove his shoes, and after kicking off your heels again, you settled into his side.

How long since you felt this way and believed in a good dream?

Waking at first light, it took you a moment to remember where you were, who you were with…

…seeing Frederick, you recalled the party, the way that your dreams seemed sweeter as your body rose and fell with his chest. Seeing him this way made you want more.

But now that it was tomorrow, you only needed today.

Slowly, his eyelids fluttered.

“Morning,” your murmured, stroking his cheek.

“Good morning,” he said after blinking fast and seemingly assured of the fact that you were real and not destined to disappear if he made any kind of sudden move.

“Sleep well?” you asked, cuddling back into him and sighing at the feel of his arm falling around your waist.

“Better than I have in years,” he admitted.

“Perfect!” you said. Starting to kiss his lips, you stopped when he slid one long finger under your chin.

“That word should only apply to you.”

“Doc,” you teased, playfully punching his shoulder. “Better be careful or I’ll start asking every mirror if I’m the fairest of them all.”

“You have no need to ask,” he said, his fingers threading through your hair. “If you will do me the honor, I will be your mirror. And when you ask the question, my answer will always be yes.”

You felt your smile grow broader, and you kissed him again, liking the feel of his face so soft, free of its trappings. No need to hide it from the rest of the world; but a part of you liked that this was just for you.

“It’s a deal, Doc. And such a lovely looking glass.”

Your head slid down to his chest, and you listened to the contented rhythm of his heartbeat until he spoke again.

“I… I am sorry if you… if you wanted something else last night.”

Propped up on one elbow, you gazed down at him and shook your head.

“I didn’t want to leave you,” you said. “That hasn’t changed.”

He looked like a parched beach refreshed by a rolling wave, and he turned to his side to hold you again, to kiss your temple before parting his lips.

“There is nowhere you need to be?” he asked.

“Nowhere else,” you told him. “What shall we do with this big, bright beautiful day?”

Frederick started to smile when he suddenly bolted upright and began buttoning his shirt.

“What’s wrong?” you asked.

“I... I have nothing for our breakfast,” he said. “I want to give you something---”

“Calm down, Doc,” you said. “I’m not hungry.”

“But the fact of the matter is I have absolutely nothing.”

“Then let’s order in,” you told him, sitting closer and taking his face in your hands. “I can do Italian or Chinese or anything that’s close.”

“At 7 o’clock in the morning?” he asked with one look at the clock on the bedside table.

“In a little while,” you whispered. “Come back to bed now, Frederick.”

It took him a few moments to acquiesce and lie in your arms. Kissing the scar surrounding his middle once and then turning your attention to his face, you savored the sight of his varied eyes, each one a glimpse into distinct parts of his soul, and you sighed into his neck.

“Are you always up this early?” Frederick asked.

“Oh yeah,” you said. “Even when I don’t have class. Paulette always whines when I…”

You said nothing else, but Frederick sank deeper into the bed and traced your profile while wearing a tender smirk.

“What do you do?” he asked.

“Nothing bad,” you said kissing his nose. “Just… you wouldn’t be interested.”

“Oh really?” he challenged “Now my curiosity is piqued. Are you going to let me in on the secret?”

After he had discarded his mask and shown you his true face in all its splendor, you felt foolish hiding this one thing. Glancing at his clock, you grabbed his remote control.

“You got Hulu on this thing?” you asked.

“Naturally,” Frederick replied. With a few clicks you found the main screen and raised one hand to cover his eyes.

“What are you hiding from me, Doll?”

“You’ll see… you’ll hear in a second.”

And you pressed one final button as the voice of Cynthia Fee filled the room.

“The Golden Girls,” he stated plainly.

“My morning cup of coffee,” you told him. “Hope you don’t mind.”

He said nothing else as the episode began, as a palm tree appeared after the opening credits.

“This is the one where the con artist pretends to have known Rose’s husband in the war,” he said.

Hitting pause, you dropped the remote and peered into his marvelously mismatched eyes.

“You know that?” you asked. “How---?”

“I used to watch with my Nana… my grandmother,” he said, correcting himself.

“Frederick, I had a Nana, too. She always used to say that only the best little boys and girls had Nanas.”

Smiling, he pressed play and kissed your temple as you settled in to watch.

“I am partial to Sophia,” he admitted. “To be that bold.”

“I know,” you admitted as the little old lady informed her daughter that she would go shopping on her own so she could pee when she pleased.

“A dress not the Alamo,” you said, echoing Dorothy’s line. “I’d like to be that witty.”

“You are,” he said. “And like Dorothy you deserve the storybook finale.”

You kissed him softly as one episode bled into another. Laughing at old jokes, you saw his eyes grow wide when you confessed that you would totally dress like Dorothy if you were taller.

“I believe that you could pull it off,” he said. “If you make me this happy, your powers are myriad.”

Breakfast or lunch would wait. The rest of the world was on hold. And when he cleared his throat you looked away from one set of closing to credits to see him struggling to speak.

“Frederick?” you asked. “Are you alright?”

“Perfect, Doll,” he promised you. “I… can I just say…”

He kissed you quickly and caressed your face.

“Thank you for being my friend.”

Maybe it would lead to more. You wanted more. But in this moment, a man comfortable in his own skin, laughing at four lovely ladies and holding you in his arms was its own kind of happily ever after.

[amandasarmada]

New York Mornings (Tumblr Exclusive)

Newt’s first morning back in New York.  (Takes place right before chapter 3 of my story “Summer’s Cauldron”, but you really don’t need to read that to follow along.)  Sweet, fun fluff. <3 <3 <3

The sun was already bright in the sky by the time Newt stumbled into the kitchen, still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. His body felt heavy as he collapsed into his chair, barely conscious as he took his first glance around the flat.  

“Good morning.”

Newt paused, his response sticking in his throat. Tina shot him a glance as she moved toward the pantry, offering him a tired, early morning smile. She was already dressed for the day, her shiny brown hair falling neatly an inch above her blazer. Newt's eyes followed her progress across the kitchen, watching as she threw open the cupboard and set to work gathering various items and assembling them on the counter. “Do you need any help?” he asked.

“I've got it,” Tina muttered, sounding distracted. She was pouring coffee now, her movements careful and deliberate as she went about her task. Newt watched her contently for a few minutes, still not truly awake. His enjoyment was two-fold; he liked just being able to study her as she worked, even in such mundane tasks - there was something about the way she moved that never failed to mesmerise him –  and more than anything, he loved this simple domesticity between them, how seamlessly they fit into each other's spaces.

Tina smirked, catching him staring as she turned around. Newt's heart gave a pleasant flutter as she crossed the kitchen to join him.  

“...Hi,” she whispered, her fingers brushing over his shoulder. Newt smiled, sighing deeply as he found her hand. She'd paused behind him, her arms draped across his chest, leaning down just long enough to kiss his cheek. Tina grinned, her dark eyes flickering over him. “Did you sleep well?”

Newt chuckled. “You could say that,” he agreed, turning his head to get a better look at her. Tina bit her lip, moving closer for a proper kiss. Something powerful rose up inside him as they made contact, his chest expanding as Tina's soft mouth cradled his own.

Taptaptap.

Newt frowned at the noise, hesitating for only a moment before bringing his lips back to hers. Someone was knocking on the door, he realized, but whoever it was could wait; he'd waited too long for this moment to be interrupted. Newt lifted his other hand, weaving it through her hair as he intensified the kiss. He could feel Tina smiling against his mouth as she allowed him to pull her forward.

Taptaptap.

Newt opened his eyes, blinking at the change in light.

Someone was knocking, on the outside of his case. Realizing with a jolt where he was, and when, Newt scrambled out of bed, tossing clothes and books haphazardly around the room as he tried to remember where he'd put the bag containing his new dressrobes. A glance at his pocket watch told him he hadn't overslept, but it was definitely time to get moving.  

Newt washed and dressed quickly, grimacing at his reflection as he yanked a comb through his hair. He was hurrying toward the ladder a moment later, sidestepping a stray runespoor and swearing under his breath as he tried to shake off the remnants of his dream. It had been a good one, but there was no time to dwell on it; he needed his wits about him today.

The Goldstein residence was quiet as Newt climbed out of the case, though a moment's pause suggested someone might be moving around in the kitchen. He set off in that direction, still blinking himself awake.

He found Queenie by the stove, her hair still in curlers. She looked half-asleep as she directed her wand all around the kitchen, bringing the kettle to a boil as a pancake flipped of its own accord in the frying pan behind her. She glanced at him as he hovered in the threshold, trying to smile and barely stifling a yawn. “Hey honey,” she said softly.  

“...Good morning,” Newt mumbled, his voice coming out slightly hoarser than usual. He grimaced, trying to avoid eye contact as he moved toward the table. “I wasn't expecting to see you back this early.”

“I could say the same for you,” Queenie said breezily. “Long night?” she added, barely hiding her smirk.

Newt flushed, knowing his memories of the evening before were probably flashing vividly across her mind. “A bit,” he said lightly, unable to meet her gaze. They'd been up past two, talking and playing cards in the sanctuary of case, retiring long after Queenie and Jacob had excused themselves for the night.

Queenie smiled at him as she crossed the kitchen. “I knew you twos had a big day ahead of you,” she explained, turning off the stove with a flick of her wand. “So I thought it might help if you got a good home-cooked breakfast.”  

Newt stared, his stomach giving a leap of interest at the sight of three heaping platters of eggs, pancake stacks, and toast floating over to the table. He felt a rush of gratitude as he suddenly remembered Queenie was very much not an early riser; she must have awoken specially to come over and prepare breakfast for them. Queenie beamed at him, overhearing his thoughts.

“It's nothin', sweetie,” she murmured, setting down his cup of tea. A shuffling noise by the doorway cut off Newt's reply.

“...Hmm. Morning,” Tina mumbled, covering her mouth to stifle a yawn. Newt glanced at her, finding it impossible not to smile. She was still in her pyjamas, her unbrushed hair creating a rumpled halo around her sleepy expression.  

He tried very hard not to remember his dream as he listened to Tina shuffle to the fridge, her slippers pattering across the floor. Against his better judgment, he risked another glance; she was now peering morosely into a jug of milk, looking contemplative before deciding it was safe to drink. Newt stared at his plate, still watching her out of the corner of his eye.

“Sit down honey, I'll take care of it.”  

Tina had reached for the coffee mug, only to have it slid out of her grasp before she could grab it. Tina nodded, yawning as she turned toward the table. “...Thanks,” she murmured gratefully, shooting her sister an exhausted smile.

Newt was still gazing stoically at his breakfast, rifling through ideas as to how to keep his mind occupied. He glanced up again at a flicker of movement, just in time to see Tina stretch. Newt tensed. He watched in silence as her pyjama top crawled up, revealing several inches of bare stomach. His mouth had suddenly gone dry. Newt clutched his fork a little tighter.

Tina slid into her chair, stifling another yawn as she pushed her hair out of her face. “Here, eat up,” Queenie whispered, setting down a plate in front of her.

“This looks great,” Tina mumbled, blinking down at it. “Thank you,” she added longingly, moaning as she brought the mug of coffee to her lips.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, teach us something please...

Newt winced, staring stoutly at the table top as he repeated the words over and over again in his head. Tina turned to him.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked, her voice low as she managed a tired smile. Newt started.

“Sorry?” He stared at her, wondering if his heart was pounding as loudly as he suspected.

Tina picked up her fork, glancing at him as she took a bite of her eggs. “Were you comfortable enough in your case? Do you think you'd prefer the spare bed next time you sleep over?”

The...? Newt swallowed, having an involuntary flash of her bedroom. He remembered with a shiver a dream he'd had shortly after she'd left England; it had come at the end of an evening in which he'd taken ages to fall asleep, unable to stop thinking of her curled up in his bed. His sheets had smelled of her for days...

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, teach us something please...whether we be old and bald, or young with scabby knees....

“Newt?” Tina pressed, raising her eyebrows.  He jerked up, startled. She was still staring at him, looking mildly concerned.

“Sorry.” Newt cleared his throat, his face burning. “I don't think I'm quite awake yet,” he said feebly, rubbing his temples.

Tina looked at him sympathetically. “It's probably the time difference,” she said calmly, taking another long swig of her coffee. Newt gave a quiet hum of agreement, cramming eggs into his mouth in the hope he wouldn't be expected to speak again.

“You want honey, honey?” Queenie glanced at him, her hand poised above his teacup.

Newt gave a noncommittal nod, refusing to look up. “Thank you,” he muttered.

Silence fell around the table, the only sounds that of a few stray pigeons chirping outside the window. Queenie moved away, starting to clear the counters. Newt barely tasted his food.

Once lodged in his mind, the sight of Tina spread luxuriously across his bed proved difficult to get rid of. She wasn't even indecent, he just liked imagining her looking so relaxed and intimate in her baggy old pyjamas, with that dark hair splayed across his pillow - yet the thought of another person sharing in these images was enough to leave a cold sweat all along his spine. Queenie took her seat beside him, taking a dainty bite of eggs before wiping her mouth. Newt felt a rush of dread.

Our heads could do with filling, with some interesting stuff – for now they're bare and full of air, dead flies and bits of fluff...

So teach us things worth knowing, bring back what we've forgot...Just do your best, we'll do the rest, and learn until our brains all rot.

Tina had finished with her breakfast; she laid her head down on her arms across the table, blinking sleepily. Newt took an enormous sip of tea, trying not to think about just how charming this image was. Next to him, Queenie sighed.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, teach us something please-

“NEWT!” she exploded, her corkscrew curls bouncing as she turned her head. Newt dropped his fork, startled at her outburst.  

“I’m tryin’ to stay out, alright?” she drawled patiently, flinching slightly nonetheless. “But you’re makin’ it impossible, sweetie.”

“Sorry,” he stammered, his cheeks twinging rosily. Tina glanced at him curiously, though resumed contemplating her breakfast without comment.

After a few awkward minutes Queenie climbed to her feet, announcing that she was going to start the laundry before going to pick up Jacob. “We'll be there at ten o'clock sharp though, don't you worry honey,” she added, flicking her wand so her dirty dishes began rinsing themselves off in the sink.  Newt looked up at her words.

“You know you really don't have to do that,” he said quickly, feeling his face turn red. “I'm sure it'll be just a small affair-”

Queenie waved him off, smiling slightly as she slipped into the hallway. Tina stifled another heady yawn.

“Forgive me, Tina. I feel like an absolute cad asking you to wake up so early,” Newt muttered, looking at her apologetically. “And on a Saturday-”

“Don't be dumb, I'm usually at the office by now,” Tina said sleepily, shivering as she brought her mug to her lips. “Have some coffee if you're that tired,” she suggested, closing her eyes as she savoured the rush of caffeine. “It helps.”

Newt smirked, flashing her a quick grin. “I'm sure it does,” he said lightly, a teasing smile playing at his lips. “It's just a pity about the taste.” Tina grinned, rolling her eyes.

“We need to get going,” she added, peering up at the clock on the wall. “I'm not even ready yet,” she mumbled, rubbing the side of her face.

“As I said, if you're not up for it,” Newt offered, not quite looking at her.

“Can it,” she muttered, climbing to her feet. “Give me fifteen minutes. I just need to shower and get changed-”

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, HOGGY WARTY HOGWARTS, TEACH US SOMETH-

They both jumped, hearing the unmistakable sound of something breaking in the next room.

[awkwardly-romantic]

Prompt idea: Delia has some important plans for Patsy's birthday this year. :)

Oh my goodness I love this one! I hope you like this… again it quickly became very very long. So I’m putting it under the cut. 

Sorry for the cliffhanger, I’m planning on continuing this over on Ao3! 

Until then enjoy a sneak peak into Delia’s *sexy* plans for Patsy’s birthday ;) 

Delia knew that thisyear was an important birthday for Pats. It was the big 3-0 and she wanted todo something really special for the woman who was, in every way except legally,her wife. The Welshwoman was especially excited for the date this year becauseit was the first birthday celebration in their very own flat.

Whatthey had longed for and dreamed of for years had finally come to fruition acouple months after Patsy returned from Hong Kong. While she didn’t ever gointo specifics, Delia suspected that Jonathan, Patsy’s father, had left herwith quite a bit of cash and investments. But ever the gentlewoman, Patsyagreed to split the first flat fees 50/50. They found a cute little place a fewblocks away from Nonnatus so they weren’t far from their friends.

Knowingthat they had a safe place, a home, to go back to after any celebration forPatsy, that she could lock their door, draw the blinds, and put on a record inperfect privacy, made Delia begin to fantasize. Fantasize about certain sensitive things she never used to letherself think about. Things like kisses unhindered by fear, waltzes withoutquestion or even a breath of space between them, and bodies covered only by themoonlight.

Sheshivered at the mere thought. It wasn’t as if she and Patsy hadn’t beenintimate or done these things since moving in last month, they had but Deliacould tell that Patsy was still holding back. She seemed to be waiting for theother shoe to drop, so she still handled Delia delicately as if she was worriedthat their new-found happiness would shatter if she ever completely let go orgave in fully to her desires.

Deliaknew that there was something fierce resting just beneath the woman’s coolexterior. She had experienced it first hand when Patsy had so brazenly kissedher, in public and later on in Nonnatus, on the night she returned from HongKong. It took nearly two weeks for the love bites across her hips and thighs todisappear and for once she was thanking god for the length of her hideousnursing kit.

Soshe had made it her mission to help Pats feel safe, loved, and perhaps justexcited enough to finally let go completely, to fully embrace the love theyshared together.

Acquiringthe necessary supplies had been a bit of a challenge.

First,she had to save up going as far as breaking into her hidden emergency cash.Then she had to find a shop far enough away from Poplar so she wouldn’t benoticed by a patient or heaven forbid a nun. And lastly, she had to come upwith a cover story, to explain why she was shopping alone for something veryfew single women would admit to owning.

Theshop she settled on was tucked away on a busy street in Chelsea. It had anondescript storefront with lace curtains concealing their stock and just asmall sign that read “A Women’s Retailer.” (Delia had done a practice run aftergetting the name from the bartender’s girlfriend at Gateways.) The cover storywas actually easier than she expected and had the added benefit that she couldactually wear her engagement ring. It was a beautiful, small thing that oncebelonged to Patsy’s mother. On the long bus trip to across London, Delia gentlyremoved the ring from the long chain she typically wore it on and slipped it intoits rightful place.

Steppingoff the bus, Delia adjusted her outfit, the most posh one in her closet, whichshe had ironed just for the occasion. Gathering herself together with a deepbreath she walked purposely down the street as if she had done it every day.

           *Ding, ding* The small over-doorbell rang out as Delia stepped into the subtly perfumed shop. It was nearlyempty, apart from the shop attendant and a young woman with someone who lookedlike her older sister browsing near the dressing rooms in the rear. They alllooked up at the noise, catching Delia by surprise and leading to a bloomingflush across her face.

           “Hello dear, how can I help youtoday? Are you here for your wedding kit,” the attendant suggested nodding downto the glittering ring adorning Delia’s hand.

           “Oh yes, my maid of honor simplycouldn’t make the appointment but yes I’m here to try some things, for *ahem mywedding.” Delia rushed out, hoping her lies would be read as truths by thesweet looking older woman.

           “Of course my dear, I can help youselect something nice for the evening if you’d like. I know it can be a ratherdaunting task all by your lonesome.” The attendant happily offered. “My name isGloria, the proprietor of this little shop. Now tell me about this chap ofyours. Certainly must be a smart fellow, dare I say that ring perfectly matchesyour eyes.” Gloria said as she gently ushered Delia into the small shop.

           Beyond grateful for the help andthat her story was believed, Delia let herself relax and be led around theshop.

           “My chap, well he really is thesmartest person I know. Not all brains though, you wouldn’t quite believe thelovely stock of ginger hair he have or his eyes, their like looking out at theocean.” She had to be careful not to mix his with her but all at once it feltgreat to be almost normal, to talk about her love so openly, to gush as shealways wanted to about just how much she loves her Patsy.

           “Look at you! He must have done anawful good job at courting you for you to be so smitten. We rarely get someoneso love sick here, mostly nervous wives hoping to keep the spark. But clearlyyou and your fellow have that spark already. Did you have anything in mind foryour special night?”

           “Perhaps something teal or purple,he seems to really like that color on me.” Delia wanted to expand, to talkabout how Patsy was known to stare intently whenever she wore the color or howshe often told her that teal made her eyes seem impossibly more blue thanbefore. But she restrained herself. The less she said the safer.

           “Sure sweetheart, we might not havethat exact color in bustiers or panties but I’m sure I could find you a nicepurple slip to cover your set that’s maybe a nice, creamy white, it will beyour wedding night after all.” Gloria prattles on as she pulls more and moreoptions from around the shop. “Do go sit dear, I’ll bring you what I’ve pickedout and you just let me know what you think.”

           Slightly overwhelmed, Delia sat inone of the many chairs that filled the shop and waited anxiously to try on herfirst set of lingerie. She and Pats had never had the chance to properly celebratetheir new life together. Before the flat Delia never really thought to dress upfor the bedroom, it had always been such a hurried, cautious affair, so Deliahelped that this little extra piece would be just the thing to let Patsy relax.

           “I set you up in the dressing roomdear, just over here.” Gloria directed her to a curtained off portion at therear of the shop. “Now I picked out three different sets that I think wouldlook wonderful on you.”

           Stepping behind the curtain, Deliareached out to touch the silk material of the pieces. This would be the nicestset of under garments she had ever owned, Delia thought to herself. As shelooked over the lace, her eyes were drawn immediately to the beautiful creambustier, panties, and garter belt. It was paired perfectly a brilliant tealsilk and lace slip. This was it, she knew even before she tried it on.

           “You alright in their dear? Need anyhelp with the hooks? I know they can be a bit intimidating at first glance,”Gloria piped up through the curtain.

           “No. No, I’m quite alright justchoosing which to try on first, they are all so beautiful.” Quickly checkingher watch for the time she knew she’d better hurry if she was going to make ithome in time to meet Patsy for their Saturday dinner at Nonnatus.

           With relatively little trouble Deliatried on the cream set. It was surprisingly comfortable, Delia thought as sheblatantly admired herself in the full-length mirror, and it certainlyaccentuated her bust and hips more than anything she’d ever worn before. In aword it was perfect. Patsy would love it, sure Delia was positive she wouldlove her even if she decided to wear a potato sack but this would definitelymake an impression on her love.  

           “Did you make a decision? Or need asecond opinion?” Gloria asked, snapping Delia from her daydreams.

           “I think I did, I think he’ll lovethis one.” Pulling back the curtain slightly to allow Gloria to look at thefinished product.

           “Oh my, I do say, it would be hardfor any sane man to resist you in that my dear. Your chap is one lucky fellow,I hope he appreciates you love.”

           “He does and more.”

           Delia couldn’t wait to share thissurprise with Pats, she just hoped she wouldn’t kill the unsuspecting woman. IfPatsy ever wore anything like this for her, she’s not sure her heart could takeit.

           After a few minutes of changing,wrapping, and checking out Delia was once again out on the busy street. With askip in her step she headed back to Poplar to execute part two of Patsy’sbirthday surprise, the part she was most looking forward too.  

[amesstm]

That’s life

Pairing: Reiner Braun x Reader

Summary: Once Reiner returns to Marley with survivor’s guilt, you teach him the beauty of life.  

WC: ~1.5K

Warnings: angst, mentions of suicide and depression (if you ever feel depressed, I’m always here!), character death

A/N: I’m writing a lot of angst rn wtf, I’ll change that in a bit hold up

“Tell me.” Clicking your pen to start taking notes, you asked, “What did you do today?”

“I tried to commit suicide,” Reiner stated. He wrung his hands together, posture curved so he could stare at the ground. His body language was so familiar to you now that you knew he felt insurmountable guilt. He continued when you only stared at him. “I took a shotgun and shoved it down my throat.”

“What stopped you?” These questions were uncomfortable but necessary if you wanted to remain in good standing with the government. You tried to maintain a stoic face to remain as professional as possible. On the inside, you wanted to pull the big man into a hug. The topic of suicide was always gut-wrenching. Yet, you knew that it came with the job.  

Reiner has attended sessions ever since he was recommended to have therapy by the military. You thought you made significant progress, but then there was always a step back. Today, you were experiencing the step back that would hopefully lead to progress. (remember love, it’s always about progress)  

“I heard Falco on the other side of the wall,” he muttered. “’Figured I should stick around for him.”

“That’s good. Have you done anything with Falco since then?”

“Yeah, we talked,” he stated. His responses always answered the question but he never chose to expand on them. You knew the only progress you’d ever make with him was how much progress he wanted to take himself.  

Unfortunately, the rest of the hour was spent prompting him to talk, but making little progress. At least, this was better when he wouldn’t talk to you at all. The events of this morning still clung to him like a shadow hovering over his shoulder. “I’ll see you in a week, Reiner.”

He nodded, but didn’t look you in the eye. Now, you knew he was lying. You were used to him lying to you about coming. Sometimes you’d sit in your office for an hour waiting for him. But when he did show up, he was always a minute early.  

~

“I don’t think that these sessions are working,” you stated at the very beginning.

Reiner looked up at you quickly, eyes slightly widened in his usual stare – one that showed fear for what would happen next. Although he never talked much about his childhood, you could assume that he always looked for parental approval. Or, that he feared about a parent leaving him. Perhaps his fear of being left behind was why he was here now.  

You continued, “I think that we should go outside.”

“Outside?”  

You nodded, “I don’t think these walls are doing you any good. Right?”

The rough man’s eyes softened, with tears that sprung to the surface. “Y-you’re right.”

A smile rose to your face, happy that he was responsive to you. Reiner always had a hard time following through with coping skills you advised him to take. Now, he’d have to do one with you right next to him. “Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that matter the most.”

You both stepped outside of your office, enjoying the celebration that was about to come. The Tybur family would be holding an announcement of sorts. Of course, everyone wondered what the prestigious Eldians had to say to those they left behind in their reach for power.  

For you, you only cared that there was more food in the internment zone. Ice cream was a precious food that you couldn’t have often. So, when it was here, you indulged in it at every chance. You dragged Reiner to the ice cream stand, like an invisible string pulling you along.  

“Do you want any ice cream, Reiner? It’d be on me,” you replied, gesturing to the vendor.  

He shook his head with a chuckle, “I already had enough from spending time with the kids.”

“That means more for me,” you grinned, rubbing your hands together.  

Reiner observed your transaction, especially focusing on the smile that stretched your face. He didn’t understand how you could be so happy in a world like this. Maybe it’s because you never witnessed the horrors that he grew up with. He shook his head; you’d tell him not to do this. Anything negative could have a positive side. Your lack of knowledge regarding the tragedies on Paradis was a reason why you were so safe for him. Here, he could escape those thoughts.  

Of course, that’s the reason why he was put into therapy. The military needed a functioning, rational, level-headed warrior, so they put the broken soldier into sessions. Yet, the fact that he could tell you everything? Without your judgement? He knew it was your job, but he hoped that you weren’t just forced into the job because of your circumstances; he hoped that you were there because you were as kind as he imagined you to be.  

But the way you smiled at him from simply enjoying a cold sweet? There was no doubt in his mind that every action you made was genuine. In a world where everything was dreadful, where he didn’t want to get out of bed, where he thought he wouldn’t find a will to life, you were here.

“Are you okay, Reiner?” You asked, tilting your head in real curiosity. The question solidified in his mind that only you would truly care about the people you counseled. “You’re staring.”

“Oh. Sorry, that’s my bad,” Reiner said, scratching the back of his neck. He smiled with a dusting of red across his cheeks.  

You giggled, “It’s fine. Sorry, that took so long. So, do you want to walk along the beach?”

Your hand reached out for his. His hand reached for yours.  

~

Soon, the Tybur family was ready to make their announcement. The night was abuzz, with officials and families watching from all angles. The dead internment zone was suddenly lively.  

However, you were anything but festive. Alone in the crowd, you anxiously searched for Reiner because he said that he would be there. Despite having a professional relationship, you still felt responsible for him outside of it.  

Yet, Reiner wasn’t near the stage with the rest of his comrades. In fact, it seemed like the Warriors were dropping like flies, going off in different directions. Reiner’s red armband and blond hair were nowhere to be seen, especially when he ran off with Falco. You gnawed on your lip, an unsettling feeling growing in your stomach. Something was wrong.  

But you still sat down for Willy Tybur’s announcement. Indeed, something was horribly wrong. Several reasons why he’d confess to his family’s secrets arose in your brain. Yet, those flew away when you realized something: the Warriors were still nowhere to be found. The strongest in all of Marley weren’t at the most important place to secure.  

As you were about to rise from your seat, the next statement of Willy’s truly chilled you. A declaration of war? Then, a Titan appeared. You didn’t have time to process any of it, but you imagined this was how the Eldians on Paradis felt.  

~

The sight of your grave sickened him. The words engraved in your tomb replaced your smile. Your eyes were no longer looking at him, as he was only met with a stony slab erected from the ground. Reiner looked down at your tomb. Sad scenes in stories were always rainy and grey, but not today at your funeral. If anything, the sun parted away the clouds to shine on the world and the birds flew freely without a care in the world.  

It was incredibly ironic.

He only saw it now that you were gone. You were right. The simplest things in life were the most beautiful.  

When would he have realized this?

When was the last time he cried this hard?

When was the next time he'd see you?  

Maybe if Eren killed him in the Rumbling he would die. He could die. No. He had to live to avenge you. Something told him that he wasn’t allowed to die. Not yet, at least (totally not Isayama lol). He found that purpose: it was you all along.  

As his knife cut into his hand and he transformed into a Titan – possibly for the last time -, he screamed. The Armor Titan couldn’t speak, but if he could, he would yell, “You said that you would fight for humanity, Eren! She was the humane one among us and you killed her! I wanted to find happiness! But then you took her from me!”