#sorry to anyone new who did not know about my Dark Past as an aos blog lmao

[creacherkeeper]

How do u feel about the season 7 premiere of aos tonight?

im not saying this to be mean but. literally dont give a shit lmao. i’ve finally moved past actively resenting aos to “do not care about its continued existence” and i think thats the healthiest im ever going to get about it. have it blacklisted, unfollowed a bunch of blogs. hopefully me and it will be like ships in the night. no hate to anyone still partaking but i think the best i can do at this point is indifference 

[ussjellyfish]

Work-Life Balance pt 1/? | AoS | Philinda | mature

(so uh, write all the fics, because the finale kind of begged for it) 

Melinda May has done her best to settle in to her life at the Academy. She has a great apartment, she sees Yo-Yo and Mack as much as she can and Daisy and Ftizsimmons are just a phone call away. Her students are great. Her job is fulfilling.

Except, her apartment's way too quiet and she doesn't have any personal life to speak of and her weekends are empty. She has a plan to fill the void, but then Phil Coulson walks back into her life exactly as she remembers him from Tahiti.

Maybe it is pretty magical after all.

Notes:    

Finale fix-it where I tired to give May a happy ending, and Coulson, and another Coulson and another May.

Many thanks to Tina and Nicole for listening to me.

read on Ao3

<hr>

Field Work 103 - you should have a life, even if you're a spy. 

Daisy and her team gave him the car keys to a newly upgraded Lola, his wallet, his SHIELD badge and a change of clothes. His former self had a very minimal go bag in the trunk and he'd need more clothes for the rest of the week. He could pick those things up at the new Headquarters, or the Academy and he began a list in his head. Last time he'd been back from the dead he'd had his apartment, just like he'd left it, this time...he had a car.

A really cool car. Maybe too cool. He wasn't entirely sure. 

The very new, very nice, Coulson Academy was certain to have a way to requisition supplies, or he could find a store. Stores existed, even if he felt like he hadn't walked into one in years. Well, that wasn't true, he'd gone into little corner stores, the tiny grocery store in Tahiti, which was a far cry from whatever huge monument to consumerism he'd have to enter for some more clothes here. 

Walking past his own name was weird, the statue was weirder still but at least it wasn't a painting, and at least it was fairly modern. It didn't really look like him in a way that kept him from behind here. Couldn't really walk around a building with your face on it and be subtle. Was that Melinda's doing? He saw her guidance in the layout, how the buildings were tactically arranged, how the grassy mall was large enough to land the Zephyr- a Zephyr, apparently there were more now.

Daisy and Sousa (Daniel Sousa, the Daniel Sousa who was alive now) had filled him hin with as much as they could but he'd been fine for more than a year and the world had changed without him. 

She'd changed. Melinda is a professor now, just like they talked about, training the next generation. He can't think of anyone better, or a better place for her to be after all she's done in the field. She's not going to get hit in the face here and she is the best teacher he knows. It's good, and he's excited for her.

And maybe a little nervous. He just saw her, just held her while he fell asleep, apparently for the last time. Still not the most okay with that, but he's here now and she is and they'll make it work. 

He stops at the little cafe and guys a green tea and a coffee because he's still a little nervous and it's easier to meet her with something. 

Maybe he's stalling. He doesn't even know where her office is or her classroom and he's not sure if he has access. The other him did, the LMD and they're the same. Sort of. It'll be easier to find Melinda after he has coffee. 

"Hi, sorry, you're Professor May's husband, aren't you?"

He blinks. Husband? That's...new. He smiles over the cups as he puts their lids on. "Well, yes, that's right, how'd you know?"

"Your picture's in her office, sir." The cadet smirks a little, holding her books to her chest. "She said you're very busy but you might stop by someday."

"You know how it is, fieldwork." 

"I don't know yet, sir.." She tilts her head to the right. "I can walk you to her class, I have it next."

"That would be great, thanks." He follows her through the crowded corridors, moving through the students as if he's just another agent. Maybe a visiting professor. A lost husband. 

"What class is it next?"

"It's a fun one, sir. Interdepartmental introductory course, work-life balance for field agents. I'm just a first year cadet, but I heard Professor May insisted on it being added to the curriculum. Is that true?" 

It sounds like her,especially after all that's happened, but he has no idea. She's lived two years without him, been through hell, died-- She'd want new recruits to be safe. To look after themselves. 

"She worries." He winks because she'd kill him. "But I didn't say that. 

"Of course not, sir."

Wincing a little, he rounds the corner past more busy classrooms. Must be passing time. "I'm sort of retired, you don't have to use sir." 

"Sorry, sir. Everyone's a sir when you're first year." 

"I remember that." Several lifetimes ago.

"Here we go. Her office is over there in the tall building with the big windows, Victoria Hand Hall but we're going to Mockingbird Auditorium."

Phil has to smile at that. Bobbi was disavowed, with Hunter, but May found a way to honor her. He's going to have to get a map of campus and really look around, find all the little touches. "Great." 

"Do you want to let her know you're here? She's usually early if we have questions."

"Oh no, that's fine, you need your time for questions, I'll just sit in the back and surprise her at the end."

The cadet grins a little, her dark brown eyes soft with amusement. She reminds him a little of Akela Amador, same enthusiasm. "Nice."

"She loves surprises."

"Maybe from you, sir."

Chuckling, he watches the cadet walk down and join her friends taking out her notebook. The auditorium's filling up and there are more cadets near the front than the back, which he remembers from the classes with the more interesting professors. Of course May's incredible. She has to be, and the view's probably better down there. 

May's three minutes early, startling the cadets by coming in a side door. She has her hair up today, which along with the suit makes her exactly what he expects: hottest professor he's ever seen. The room quiets, everyone paying attention as she starts to talk. 

She's different, and he assembles a list of little changes as he listens to her explain why it's so important to have a home base, something you can return to. Maybe that's your parents, your sister, your cat-- something that's outside of SHIELD, because you can't let your work be your everything. You have to find your balance. 

They ask their questions and she answers them, calmly, with great patience. It's a whole room of Daisy's and junior FitzSimmons' ready to change the world, and they're all enthusiasm, all heart. She's reminding them to stay anchored, to keep something of themselves. 

"One last thing before you all disappear to your next class, I know this is difficult. I know you're buried in mock field reports, fitness training, computer training, flight simulator training and languages- it's all right to feel overwhelmed. You're training to save the world, and that's a hell of a thing."

It's good advice, and it wasn't standard when they went to the Academy. New Academy, new ideas. Some of the students crowd the front, surrounding her as class ends. He's a little jealous of them, getting to see her every day and listen to her wisdom. She has so much to give them, and it seems like they appreciate it. 

He saw her three days ago and it seems like a millenia. He fell asleep wrapped in her arms and woke up looking at himself. Kind of a downgrade in the view, really. The students ask their questions and move on and eventually it's just Melinda, standing in the pool of light at the bottom of the room. She takes his breath away, always does, and this time it's all her, not his heart dying inside of him. 

What does he say? How can he make up for the time she's been alone?

She looks up, shutting her briefcase, and she smiles and it's brighter than the spotlight. 

"Well, this is a surprise."

"Brought you some tea, professor." 

She circles the table at the front, heading up towards him. "I thought you were leaving--" 

"I just got back." He holds out the tea but she doesn't take it. Her hand doesn't move from her side. 

"Phil."

"Hi."

"It's you."

"Yeah."

She stops like she's been shot, dropping the briefcase with a muffled thud. 

He takes a step closer but maybe that's wrong. Maybe he's too close. Simmons said she had powers, is this it? He completely forgot.

He nearly drops her tea, but manages to set it down on the floor. Holding up his hands in surrender, he smiles a little. 

"Sorry."

"It's all right I--"

She doesn't look all right, she's too pale all of a sudden, concerned, her expression's so soft. 

"I'm so sorry May."

He touches her shoulder and she gasps, blinking.

"It's really you."

"It's complicated."

"I just saw you, you left you went--"

"To Zephyr Two, with my team. Well, his, team. That's another me."

"The LMD." She nods and her eyes are too bright. He wasn't prepared for her to tear up. Really, he wasn't prepared for any of it. How could he be? How could she? She  watched him die. He fell asleep but for her, he died. She lived. 

"Sit, please." Melinda's the toughest person he knows but right this moment, she looks so unsteady. 

"I'm all right."

He guides her into one of the seats, kneeling beside her. "You're so pale."

"I wasn't expecting  you ." She takes a breath, grabbing his hand. "This you. You."

"Next time I'll try to stay dead." 

"No."

"I'm kidding."

She takes another breath, touching his face, his cheek. "It's too soon for that." 

He covers her hand with his, smiling. "I missed you."

"You missed me? Phil it's been years."

He moves her hand, kissing her palm.  "I asked if I could come back earlier, stay with you in Tahiti, but the timeline--"

"Now is fine."

"I'm sorry."

She leans forward, resting her forehead against his with a sigh that aches. "You are so nervous, I could feel you all through class. Thought the poor cadets had an exam, but it was you." 

"You felt that?"

"And you. You feel so loudly." She rests her hand on his chest, covering his heart. She takes another breath and it's almost a sob. 

Phil focuses on his love. How much he missed her, how much he adored every moment in Tahiti. Melinda gasps, leaning into him, crying. 

"I love--"

"I know, it's all I can feel."

He wraps his arms around her, holds her close and time gives them a moment long overdue. Her tea's only lukewarm when she gets to drink it and he downs his coffee, wishing it was something stronger. 

He pulls his handkerchief from his pocket and daubs her face. "You're great at this."

"Its exhausting."

"You enjoy it."

"A little."

He starts to kiss her cheek, but she turns into it, finding his mouth and it's the sweetest thing he's ever tasted. Phil swallows a joke about being hot for teacher. He'll have time for that later. 

"I hear this is your last class of the dary."

"It would be now."

He picks up her briefcase and offers his arm. "Let me buy you dinner, we've got a lot to catch up on."

"You have time for that?"

"I'm newly back from the dead, unemployed, living out of my car. I've got all the time in the world." 

"You can stay with me."

"I don't want to impose."

"You can't sleep in Lola, you'll ruin the leather." She meets his eyes and there's that little smile. He'd cross oceans and universes for that smile. 

"My couch is nice."

[blog-sliverofjade]

Hearth Fires 13: Briefing

Pairing: Remi Denier x OFC

Summary:  Lorel Maddox just wants to live as a human, run her bakery in peace, and forget. Unfortunately, the alpha of the local leopard pack has very different ideas.

Remi Denier doesn’t know what to make of the female Changeling who wants nothing to do with him or the RainFire pack. He does know that he has a driving need to protect her. Even if it’s from herself.

While they’re embroiled in a battle of wills, there’s a war brewing on the horizon. The outside threat could not only destroy everything they hold dear, but tear apart the fragile new bonds of the Trinity Accord, plunging the world into bloodshed to rival the Territorial Wars of centuries past.

Word count: 2128

Hearth Fires Masterlist

Beta read by the magnificent @pandabearer​

A harsh reputation can be the first line of defense.

      -Hawke Snow, alpha of SnowDancer

      Briefing the sentinels on the meeting with Sheriff Shaw was like chewing glass.  The violence simmering under his skin was nearly at the combustion point by the time he was done.  The darkness was taking over, a maelstrom churning in his gut because the strength that came with the frenzy was dangerously tantalizing.  More than most alphas, he knew that strength could harm those it was meant to protect.

      Good alphas maintained order with a balance of heart and harsh discipline.  Without that balance, packs didn’t last long.  The pack haemorrhaged members left and right until only unmated dominants, mostly males, remained.  The subsequent battles for dominance tore the remnants apart.

      He would never hurt their most vulnerable, even if that meant abdicating as alpha.  Both thoughts were abhorrent.  While it would be equivalent to cutting off a limb, he would do it in a heartbeat to protect them from himself should it come to that.

      There hadn’t been time for Remi to take a hard run, which was the only way he could vent the brutality that had been bred into his very bones.  A good, hard fight would be better, but not even his sentinels could withstand the full brunt of Remi’s wrath.  Perhaps later he’d see if Aden was available, the Arrow could take whatever Remi dished out and serve it back with interest.

      Taking a deep breath to cleanse the caustic memories, he clamped down on every vicious tendency with the unbending will that made him alpha and continued.

      “Lark, I want you to negotiate an alliance with StormWillow, see if they’re willing to trade intel.”  Information from an aerial perspective would be invaluable, and RainFire’s network on the ground was stronger than theirs.

      There was already an agreement in place to respect borders- they didn’t fly over RainFire lands, and the cats stayed out of raven territory- but nothing more formal than that.  When things hit the fan, the changelings looked to the predators for protection, and if his gut was right, it was best to start building on that foundation now.

      “Are you picking on me because of my name?”  She narrowed her eyes at him, not realizing he wasn’t in the mood for teasing.

      “Don’t crows eat songbirds, like larks?” Elijah quipped with a waggle of his eyebrows.

      A low growl was the only warning she gave before launching herself across the table at the other sentinel.  They fell to the floor while the others provided a laugh track for the scuffle, some helpfully calling out advice.

      “Hey!” Remi barked and dropped his control for a split second, allowing his power to lash across them all like a whip.  All heads snapped to target on him, the hooligans freezing where they were on the floor.  More than one face went ashen.

      “We’ve got a compromised area on the eastern border, a submissive in recovery from a vicious beating, increasing hostility from Enforcement, and you two think now’s a good time to fuck around?  Can you look Stian in the eye and tell him a little grab ass was more important than protecting the pack?”

      All eyes dropped from him in shame.  He let them stew in their mortification.  Yeah, he could be a bastard, but that was part of the job description.  This was his first true test as an alpha.  If they- if he- wasn’t up to the challenge, word would spread like fire through drought-parched grass.  Other predators would pick them off like wounded deer from a herd.

      “Out,” he snarled.

      After quickly putting the room to rights, they filed out without meeting his furious gaze.  Theo was the last one to leave and paused by Remi.

      “The restlessness is starting to affect more than just the juveniles.”  Without an alpha’s calming presence, teenagers could get aggressive and he sure as shit hadn’t had the internal calm required to maintain order.

      The darkness raised its head at the perceived criticism.  It wanted to rend and maim the offending party.  Fortunately, Theo didn’t wait for a response and made his exit.  Once he was gone, the malevolence settled again.

      The sudden ebb and flow of his ire had him worried he'd inherited the madness after all. Leaning forward to brace his hands on the table, Remi took a steadying breath, though his muscles remained tense as ever. Perhaps it would be best to give Aden a call sooner than later, before he did something he couldn't take back.

      Lorel fussed with the plate one last time; no matter how delicious they were, scones were nearly impossible to arrange aesthetically.  Pressing a hand against the cobalt blue teapot, handmade by a local artisan, she checked the temperature again.  Still warm.  Should she have made herbal instead?  Probably would have been the better choice, judging by the way her hand shook from the three cups she’d already had.

      There was a knock at the door, and she jumped.  Definitely should have made decaf.  She’d been too distracted fretting over the food that she hadn’t heard the car pull into the driveway.  That wasn’t too difficult when hover mode was used, but she normally would have heard it park.  Hurriedly scrubbing her palms on her black capris, she went to answer the door.

      “Tien, thank you for coming.”

      The woman on her doorstep wore a dusty pink ao dai with three-quarter sleeves over flowing white pants.  The long, clean lines of the clothing emphasized her slender form.  Lorel smoothed her own pear green sweater and wondered if she looked like a big, fat apple, because she sure felt like one in comparison to the other woman.

      The little rituals of hospitality as she welcomed her guest helped ease some of her nerves.  Once they’d settled in and been plied with pastries and tea, she sprang the reason for inviting Tien to afternoon tea.

      “As you no doubt heard the other night, I haven’t lived with other changelings since I was six years old,” she admitted, tucking a wayward curl behind her ear.  “I know nothing about what it’s like living in a pack.”

      “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have laid into you like that.”  Tien gently laid a hand on her arm, easing another knot of anxiety in Lorel’s gut.  “I get a little protective, but that’s no excuse.”

      “You already apologized.”  She laid her own hand over the other woman’s with a small smile.  “Would you mind giving me a Cliff notes version of what it’s like?”

      “Oh, honey, you’re going to regret asking me that!” she tilted her head back and laughed, onyx-black hair sliding like silk.  “That’s like asking a grandparent about their grandbabies; they’ll never stop!”  Lorel’s natural smile slipped into the customer service one and she took a quick sip that she didn’t need.

      “As I was saying, however poorly, we can’t afford to appear weak.  RainFire isn’t as big, powerful, or as established as DarkRiver or SnowDancer.”  Even Lorel had heard of those Californian packs.  They were involved in the events that had changed the world and worked to build Trinity.  “Some might see a pack unable to run off a stray cat and think we’re easy prey.  Our laws help keep the peace; without them, it’d be the Territorial Wars all over again.”

      “It sounds like a dictatorship.”

      “Hm, it can be in unhealthy packs,” she conceded after a moment, looking out at the middle distance of the backyard.  The tiny sunroom off the kitchen was set up as a dining nook, and Lorel left the French doors open to take advantage of one of the last warm afternoons of the season, giving them an unobstructed view of where the civilized backyard gave way to wild forest.

      “And in healthy ones?” prompted Lorel when it was apparent Tien wasn’t going to continue in that vein.

      “Anyone, even Jojo, can approach Remi.  Whether or not he actually does what we suggest is another matter because he has to weigh in all the factors.”  She grinned, no doubt imagining the types of proposals her daughter would come up with.  “The mark of a healthy pack is the cubs and submissives.  If they don’t feel safe and secure, then they’re not happy.”

      “So, you’re not a submissive, but you’re not a soldier?”

      “I’m mid-range.”  A slender hand held horizontally and tilted side to side.  “I’m what’s called a maternal.”  Drawing back, Tien gave her an appraising look.  “You’re a little hard to peg, but you’re probably either submissive or maternal.  Definitely not a dominant; you don’t strike me as stubborn, competitive, arrogant, domineering, aggressive…”

      “Don’t hold back, how do you really feel about them?”

      “Dominants will both treat you like spun glass and push and push until you set boundaries.”  Tien chuckled at her wry tone.  “And even then they might try and test those boundaries.”

      “Maternal or submissive?  Makes it sound like I should be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen.”  Practically radiating feline mischief, Tien gave Lorel’s bare feet a pointed look, then slid her eyes towards the kitchen a few feet away.  “You know what I mean!” she laughed.

      “Maternal doesn’t just mean motherhood.”  More throaty laughter that instead of being directed at Lorel, encouraged her to join in.  “We’re the ones that keep us all together, organize fun things like the party the other night.  A submissive’s role isn’t about power, it’s about love.  They help the rest of us maintain our humanity.  If we were all dominants, we’d end up at each other’s throats before long.”

      A familiar ache stabbed through her chest and she turned away on the pretext of topping up her cup.  Once she had herself back under control, she found Tien staring at her with the unblinking intensity of a predator in her dark, triangular eyes.

      “Uh, does that happen often?” she coughed, hiding behind a quick drink.  “Turning on each other?”

      “Dominants are built to protect, but too many of them for too long and it usually doesn’t end well.  Packs need a balance of dynamics.  It’s up to the alpha to ensure that, and really, in the end, the alpha can either make or break the pack.  Like humans, we have our own tragedies and evils,” she sighed and rubbed a thumb along the handle of her cup.  “As far as I know, and I’m not an expert, we’re no better and no worse statistically speaking.  Some of us in RainFire come from… less than ideal situations.”

      “Jojo?”  Both ocelot and woman were immediately on alert, bristling at the thought of any harm coming to the little girl.

      “Oh no!”  Eyes widening in earnestness, Tien put a reassuring hand on Lorel’s shoulder.  Surprisingly, she found herself leaning into the touch, even imagined what it’d feel like on her bare skin.  It wasn’t anything sexual; it just felt so good that Lorel imagined her skin was greedily soaking it up and feeding it directly to her soul.  Even her animal- usually an angry, semi-feral thing- calmed until it was practically purring.

      “Not my family,” she shook her head and removed her hand to take another apple cheddar scone.  The cat snarled at the loss of contact, its typical surliness rushing back in to fill the void.  “I just meant that some of us didn’t really know how to live in a pack, either, so I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”

      Lorel’s primal half, hurting and denied release from the prison she kept it in, lashed out in the only course it had left.

      “I’m not an idiot, I know where I’d stand in the hierarchy and I’m not about to be anyone’s bitch.”  The vitriol in her voice, harsh and throaty with the cat, startled even her.

      Utter silence reigned.

      Cold slithered down her spine.  Normally, given its druthers, her ocelot would always choose fight over flight, deranged thing that it was.  But some long-buried instinct in the cat surfaced, warning that Tien was more powerful.  Experience taught that, that always boded ill for her.

      The animal she kept so tightly controlled scrabbled to escape, raking her insides bloody in a demand to be set free.  It needed to run and save them both from the situation it created.  She’d long ago learned to allow fleeting bits of freedom to that aspect of her nature before it grew too wild, too painful to contain.  Because of that balancing act, it had been years since she last lost control and shifted involuntarily.

      The pain and ecstasy of the shift didn’t even register to the cat.  Not pausing to settle her fur, she bolted out the open doors, leaving the woman to call after her in surprise.

[blancasplayground]

Best and Worst of AoS Season 5

Here is my season five postmortem, in the form of a roundup of what I loved and didn't love. It got really long, so I won't spend too much time on the intro. Let's just dive in. Obviously, major spoilers for the entirety of the season follow.

Best: The Future

For the first half of season five it felt like the team was stuck in a dystopian YA novel. In a good way. It was a bold move to completely change the look and feel of the show, but it worked from both a narrative and production standpoint. Not only did it make the best use of the reduced budget, since they could film primarily indoors on smaller-scale sets, but they didn't have to deal with the goings on in the MCU back home (that would come later -- and it's not on the "best" list). Creating a future from scratch requires tremendous imagination and planning, and they delivered a rich backdrop. I was sorry to leave behind the characters we met there, like Tess and Flint. Of course, they had to return to the present eventually, but they did a really good job of world-building for those episodes.

Worst: Contradicting Time Theories

The showrunners have said in interviews that there were a lot of heated discussions in the writer's room about time travel logic, and it shows. Back in the season-three episode "Spacetime" they gave us one answer (which happened to be one I really liked) -- time is an illusion. As Fitz explained, the past, present and future happen simultaneously. We just experience it in a linear way because we're limited to the third dimension. So it cannot be changed. But when they blew up the Earth for the season’s main storyline, they also blew up that theory, because they HAD to change the future now. They weren't going to allow the world to be cracked apart. It's not that kind of show. Plus, they’re still tied to the MCU, so they couldn't let that future play out. And yet, when they returned to the past they had characters still behaving as if it were fixed (the whole "invincible three" idea, which so many people disliked), but trying to change it anyway. Either the future is pre-determined or it isn't. Trying to have it both ways makes for sloppy and confusing stories. It also gives viewers a headache.

Best: Fitz's Journey

Fitz's absence was notable in the first few episodes, but to make up for it we got "Rewind," one of the best episodes of the season. We saw Fitz struggling with his dark side, only to have to embrace it in the future to save Jemma and Daisy in the most badass way (a total "baller move" as Daisy put it). The blend of pre- and post-Framework Fitz was exactly what they needed at the time. Unfortunately, it may have opened the door for The Doctor to take control in "The Devil Complex." He got a chance to marry the love of his life, but that happiness was short lived. His psychological break (which was an incredible reveal and riveting to watch from an acting standpoint) and what he did to Daisy split the team and the audience, sparking a lot of debate about the nature of good and evil both on screen and off. Which, I think, was exactly the point. Was he redeemable? Could he have learned to control his dark side? Could the team ever learn to accept this new version of Fitz and his morally questionable, yet undeniably effective, methods? We'll never know. Which brings me to . . .

Worst: Fitz's Death

(Jemma gif because I can’t watch that death scene anymore.) 

(But this is almost as bad.)

We've been over this, and the wounds are still fresh, so I won't rehash what so many others have said more eloquently. I will point out that the issue is not with the death itself. They had to do it in order to bring back Cryo Fitz (or perhaps because they knew they could), who hasn't experienced the majority of season five. It's an intriguing idea, and should open up a lot of pathways for his story next season. Also, it gave Iain another chance to show off his crazy talent (like he needed more this season, but whatever, we're grateful). It's just the way they did it, and the fact that anyone thought this would be an acceptable sendoff for a fan-favorite character if it really was the last episode. The fake-out (which wasn't even a proper fake out because they REALLY DID have to bury Fitz) undercut what should have been a bigger moment -- Phil's departure and impending death as well. They botched it, plain and simple, and there's no taking that back.

Best: Philinda Endgame

They took their time getting there, but May and Coulson finally expressed their feelings for each other (at least, the human versions), each in their own signature way. May finally telling Phil she loved him just to shut him up was classic May. And that kiss behind the shield ought to go down as one of most iconic TV kisses in history. I sincerely hope they get lots of parasailing in, and, despite it being a lovely sendoff, that we'll see one or both of them back next season. Incidentally, I believe the fact that Robin drew the two of them on the beach in Tahiti before they changed the future means that they wound up together in the previous version of the loop too. Of course, Phil had to be gone to allow May to become Robin's mom, and now I'm giving myself a headache again. See what you've done, season five!

Worst: Team Infighting

This show is never better than when the characters work together as a team, whether it's on an action-packed mission or simply solving a problem on the ground. Which makes the decision to split everyone up along multiple fault lines later in the season a confusing and super frustrating move that wasn't at all fun to watch. Families fight, sure, but the divisions this year were deep, involving the loss of trust and respect, and the questioning of each other's core moral principles. These are not minor squabbles. I'm not sure what they were trying to accomplish by stepping up the tension and having them take sides against each other in the face of their greatest challenge yet, but I don't think it worked out the way they wanted it to. I would love to see everyone come back together and be a family again, as long as it's done realistically without sacrificing characterization.

Best: Graviton

With this season possibly being the last, the writers took the opportunity to pick up a thread they'd left dangling in episode three. Ever since the introduction of gravitonium way back when, fans have been wondering if the show would follow through and deliver the major comic-book villain Graviton. Considering this season could have been the show's swan song, it was a good time to deliver on that promise. And they did, in a way that was surprising yet somehow fitting. Glenn Talbot has been a thorn in Coulson's side since he showed at the end of season one, so to have him become the final Big Bad is a satisfying, if tragic, fate for the character. Especially since, in his twisted mind, he believed he was doing the right thing, right up until the end.

Worst: Ruby Red Herring

Sorry Dove Cameron fans, but the show let your girl down. Despite the potential in her first few episodes, Ruby never lived up to the compelling, cutthroat (or cut-arm, haha) villain they set her up to be (her hooded alter ego never even got a cool villain nickname). As it turned out, she was only there as a distraction, to confuse the characters and the audience about the real identity of the Destroyer of Worlds. And just as she was getting interesting -- the way she watched and mimicked Fitzsimmons alone told us more about her cold upbringing and the lack of human connection in a few moments than we got in all her episodes before that -- they killed her off to give the team something else to fight about.

Best: Nostalgic Callbacks and Fan Service

We got so many callbacks to previous seasons throughout season five. Maybe it's because the writers knew there was a chance this would be the last year, so they packed in as many references to the history of the show as they could. There was also the milestone 100th episode, which naturally lent itself to looking back. In addition to paying off older plot points (see above re: Graviton) they directly acknowledged their loyal viewers with that "small but active fan base" line. It was exciting seeing Mike again. And good to have Davis back too, with his mysterious survival story (that I hope they never reveal). Not to mention Hunter (which I will, down below). These were all gifts to long-time fans and we ate them up.

Worst: Infinity War Tie-In

If you're going to go there (and yeah, they had to, given the show's history), then fully commit to it, rather than using the cop out of ending the season just before the movie's biggest moment. Anyone who's seen it knows that the ending could potentially have a major impact on the show. So embrace that (imagine Phil handing Mack the keys to Lola, only to watch them fall to the ground). Or they could have used the multiverse to disconnect from the MCU once and for all. There were already so many questions going into the finale, whether they would or wouldn't go through with the snap was one debate I could have lived without. And it's still up in the air as to whether it will be a factor next season. Given that the airdate is after the next movie comes out, I'm inclined to think not, but I kind of wish we didn't even have to worry about it.

Bonus Bests:

The Return of Lance Hunter

Every single moment he was in was pure gold. I really hope we haven't seen the last of him.

Fitzsimmons Wedding

I mean, obviously. So beautiful and emotional. A shining moment of light to balance the darkness of the rest of the season..

Deke

I love Deke. End of story. He is still around and he will be back. See my explanation post here. I have no official confirmation of this, I'm just thinking positively.

One final note: These gifs were pulled from all over. I’m still rather new to Tumblr, so if you see something that’s yours and would like credit, let me know (and also if you could let me know how to do it that would be great).

[sspiegoski]

73 Questions

WEARING: SUGARHIGH BOHO CROP TOP | AOS WHITE DENIM | PATRICIA GREEN ESPADRILLE | ANA LUISA EARRINGS | OLIVER BILOU BAG  | SUNGLASS WAREHOUSE FLORA SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUGARHIGH & SUNGLASS WAREHOUSE.

Happy Monday! It's a rainy morning here in New York and after compiling and sorting through all the questions from this past week on Instagram, I've decided to do more regular posts answering your questions through my blog rather than social media. Reason being is for the sole purpose of having enough space to answer everything. You only get so many characters on your captions on IG! I was initially selecting and answering 10-theme questions every Sunday on my Instagram, but after some consideration, I think it'll be much more effective on here. So without further ado, let's jump into some questions! This week's theme is inspired by Vogue's 73 Questions, where I went through them myself and did one for you! Since there were a ton of similar questions within this questionnaire from you guys, I thought it was a perfect way to start the new week and also getting the chance to know me better! So come along and take a quick read! Fun and easy :) 

1. What’s your favorite movie?  Fried Green Tomatoes 2. Favorite movie in the past five years? The Shape of Water 3. Favorite Hitchcock film? Psycho 4. A book you plan on reading? Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell 5. A book that you read in school that positively shaped you? Lord of the Flies by William Goulding 6. Favorite TV show that’s currently on? Sharp Objects 7. On a scale of one to ten how excited are you about life right now? 8 8. iPhone or Android? iPhone 9. Twitter or Instagram? Instagram 10. Who should EVERYONE be following right now? Jamie Beck from @annestreetstudio

11. What’s your favorite food? Korean 12. Least favorite food? Tripe. I. Just. Can't. 13. What do you love on your pizza? Green pepper, mushroom, onion & black olives. My fav combo. 14. Favorite drink? Cherry Coke 15. Favorite dessert? Chocolate cake 16. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Dark 17. Coffee or tea? Coffee 18. Lace or latex? Latex 19. What’s your favorite band? The Rolling Stones 20. Favorite solo artist? Al Green

21. Favorite song? Rich Girl by Hall & Oates or Sign My Name by Terence Trent D'Arby, or Tom Petty's, American Girl. Hard to choose just one!!! 22. If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be? Ha ha, Eminem! 23. If you could master one instrument, what would it be? Piano. 24. If you had a tattoo, where would it be? On my spine. 25. To be or not to be? To be. 26. Dogs or cats? Dogs. 27. Bird-watching or whale-watching? Bird-watching, but much rather prefer people watching. 28. Best gift you’ve ever received? My beautiful German shepherd, MaQ. 29. Best gift you’ve ever given? A sterling silver card holder from Tiffany. 30. Last gift you gave a friend? Lotion

31. What’s your favorite board game? Monopoly 32. What’s your favorite country to visit? Ukraine. 33. What’s the last country you visited? UK. 34. What country do you wish to visit? South Korea. 35. What’s your favorite color? Toss up between black and green. 36. Least favorite color? Pink. 37. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds. 38. Heels or flats? Heels. 39. Pilates or yoga? Neither? HAHA! If I had to pick then yoga. 40. Jogging or swimming? Swimming.

41. Best way to de-stress? Read a book. 42. If you had one superpower, what would it be? Telepathy 43. What’s the weirdest word in the English language? Oeuvre. 44. What’s your favorite flower? White lily. 45. When was the last time you cried? Last week. 46. Do you like your handwriting? Sometimes. 47. Do you bake? Yes. 48. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? My impatience. 49. What is your most favorite thing about yourself? My relentlessness.  50. Who do you miss most? My parents.

51. What are you listening to right now? Uptown Funk. 52. Favorite smell? Bergamot. 53. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My husband. 54. Who was the last person you sent a text to? My girlfriend. 55. A sport you wish you could play? Polo, but I can't ride horses to save my life! 56. Hair color? Originally jet black, now I'm almost blonde. 57. Eye color? Dark brown.  58. Scary film or happy endings? Scary film.  59. Favorite season? Fall. 60. Three people alive or dead that you would like to have dinner with? Lisa Ling, Michelle Kwan, and Frida Kahlo.

61. Hugs or kisses? Kisses. 62. Rolling Stones or the Beatles? RS 63. Where were you born? California. 64. What is the farthest you have been from home? Ukraine.  65. Sweet or savory? Savory. 66. Lipstick or lip gloss? Lipstick. 67. What book have you read again and again? Anything by Murakami and Bukowski.  68. Favorite bedtime story? The Princess Bride.  69. What would be the title of your autobiography? Sorry, can't fully answer this as it conflicts with what I'm currently working on! And NO, it's not an autobiography, but definitely within that realm.  70. Favorite sound? Rain. 71. Favorite animal? German shepherds, or dogs in general.  72. Who is your girl crush? Natalie Imbruglia.  73. Last photograph you took? An art mural. 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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[all-the-fandoms-stuff-blog]

My First Fanfiction

Theo Raeken Imagine

Part One

AO: This is my First Fanfiction so Be nice. 

Warnings: Fighting and Curse words

This is going to be a Series so i have To say a few Things First. The reader has a Pretty Messed up Past. Which i will Explain later on. The Reader Has Green eyes (Sorry ) And I Thought of Let her have White Hair tell me in the Comments what you thing about it. This will be a series. I hope you enjoy it.  

Ps: English is not my First Language so I Apologies for every Mistake. 

  I was running down the Streets. I Turned Left and Stopped. Scott was supposed to be here waiting for me. I didn’t dare to look back so I continued running. I cursed under my Breath when I heard that they’re were coming closer. I turned Right this time, there were Trash cans and a wall blocked me the way. I’m Trapped I cursed again. Scotts plan seemed so good. But of course we forgot something.

-Pack Meeting this morning-

I came a Little Late but nobody said something.  There wasn’t anything in the room expect a big table with a map on it and an old Armchair. Scott looked up and gave me a little smile “Y/N were going over the Plan one last time” I nodded and sat in the Armchair. Liam gave me a weird look and I raised an eyebrow. He was about to say anything but then decided to not. I looked at everybody in the room while Scott explained the Plan for the 1000st time. Malia often looked to Scott and gave him a smile when he looked at her. Stiles and Lydia were holding hands. They both were scared for the other. Mason and Corey gave one another a look like they wanted to memorize every little detail about the other. Derek was the only one I think who gave his attention only Scotts speech. Liam actually looked lost which made me chuckle a little bit. Scott just looked at me for a second but then returned to his speech. The Last one in the Room was Theo. He was looking at me right now.  I Remember the first day I met Scotts Pack. I Saved a Werewolf from Hunters. Back then I wasn’t on anyone’s side. But I wouldn’t let some hunters kill people who did nothing wrong in their life. Well After I saved the Boy, Scott came Around a Corner with Liam and Theo. I remember that this day I had many wounds and there were Bleeding. Not because of the Hunters but Because of my past. And well Scott Came to me that day and said “Thanks for saving him. Come give me your hand I will take away your pain and then I we will take care of you” I Remember Laughing at him and saying “No Thanks. I’m used to pain, I don’t even feel anything right now and I can take Care of myself but thank you.” I turned around and walked away when he screamed “Who are you?” I turned around smiling “Do you really want to know who or What I am” Hey Smiled “Both” I Laughed again “My name is Y/N. And I’m not a werewolf or a Chimera or a Banshee or a werecoyote” Scoot went serious. He was about to say something when the dark haired boy next to him was faster. Theo “where do you know all this?” I just turned around and said “It was nice to meet all of you but I have to go”. 2 weeks later I met them again. This Time they were fighting against some Hunters. At first I watched from away but then I jumped out of my hidden Place and walked casually down the Streets to them. When the Hunters saw me the leader screamed something and with that they were running away.  I looked where they’re running and looked back to the Pack. Scott came towards me but not too close. “Y/N” I smiled “Mccall” Somebody with many freckles came to Scott and Asked “You know her Scott?” Scott looked me in the eyes and nodded “Yeah she saves Petro a while ago” I turned around and started to walk away. “Hey Arya Wait!” I looked to a girl with strawberry blond hair. “Banshee” I said and she nodded. “You- you are save here. It’s better for you to-“ I took a few steps towards her “Nothing against you Banshee but you don’t know what is good for me” Scott was standing behind her. I looked at the pack again and cursed loudly. I didn’t saw the Snipers on the Rooftop. I pushed Scott and the Banshee,, and then I felt three bullet going throw my body. Scott was running towards me but I stand up myself and looked towards the roof. I saw they’re next Target was somebody in the pack I Knew I couldn’t be there in time to take the bullet for them. I signed and closed my eyes for a second and when I opened them again I knew there were Golden. I Punched the 2 Snipers with my Powers. I heard how there were escaping now so I let me eyes be Green again. When I Turned around to see if everybody was Alright I fell to the ground and saw only black. I Remember Waking up in a house and a Woman with dark locks Taking Care of my Wounds. Nobody else was in the room. She was about to lift up my shirt, when I grabbed her hand. She looked scared to me and the relaxed when she saw I was awake “Child let me take care of you” I shook my head “No thanks” I stand up and walked out of the room.  With the Woman chasing after me I entered an new room where many faces looked to me. I recognized Scott and the dark haired boy who once asked me why I know everything about this pack. “Scott she just walked out of the Room” Said the women behind me “It’s alright mum” His mum. Ok. I looked for an Exit and when I saw it I walked toward it. When I was about to reach for the doorknob the dark haired Boy stood in front of the door. I was about to say anything but Scott was faster “Arya you lost Blood and you shouldn’t be walking around alone with these Wounds” I Still stared at the Dark haired boy and he stared at me. “I can Take care of myself” The dark haired boy smirked “Yeah but you shouldn’t” I looked at him confused but The Person with the Freckles started talking “You are on the verge of dying. You saved us out there and only God knows how you walk perfectly fine with these wounds, let us help you” I looked at him and then at Scott “Ok. But I take care of my wounds myself. I don’t Like People doing it” Scott nodded and smiled “Y/N let me introduce you to my friend. There is Stiles here my best Friend,  My Mum Melissa here, Lydia, Liam, Mason;,Corey,Malia,Derek and Theo” I Nodded “Hey I’m Y/N” Melissa took my hand and leaded me to the room I walked out before. “Here is all you need. I will make something to eat. Come out when you are ready” She gave me a kind Smile and left the room. I started cleaning my wounds. When I was ready I left the room. It was immediately silence when I walked in the room. There weren’t as many people as before but still enough. Melissa came to me “Ok come in the Kitchen I made soup for you” When I left the room I felt the stares still on me. I sat on the old kitchen island and ate the soup. Melissa left the room but Scott Liam Theo Malia Lydia and Stiles entered the kitchen. Malia slammed her hand next to my Bowl. I dint moved an inch I just kept eating. "What are you?” I looked up in her eyes that were now Blue “Malia Jesus We said that we would be Calm” Liam said and Scott just nodded but then looked at me. “I’m sorry but we know that you aren’t anything we have seen till now “ I looked in the soup and said “I know that you didn’t met somebody like me because you’re still alive” Malia Growled but I kept eating I heard her deep voice saying “Are you threatening us?” I shook my head “Nop” Theo walked besides me and saw down at me in confusion “Why did you took the Bullets for them? Why are you here? What are you?” I looked him in his Blue-Grey eyes. They seemed like they have been through some tough stuff. I Signed “I saved your Friends because I couldn’t live with the Thought that I could have saved them.  So I did save them. I don’t have something called a home. I bought me a little house in Beacon hills to start over again, because of the nemeton  there and I can’t say what I am” Theo looked surprised but didn’t said anything.  I Remember that after this I Fought with them.  I realized that I was still starring at Theo at the meeting I quickly turned around and looked at Something else. Scott finished his Speech after a while “So everybody knows what to do?” I stood up and saw on the clock. “It’s Time to go” Scott nodded “Y/N’s Right Lets go everybody and take care of yourself!”

I Took out my two knives and stood ready. I heard Footsteps. And when I saw somebody 4 Guys Turning around a corner I ran to them . I punched the first one in the face and kicked the second one in his guts. The third one pulled out his gun but I kicked it away. The fourth one wanted to punch me in the face but I dragged his friend in front of his fist. I kept fighting till they’re down. They’re were still alive so I kept running were I came from. Scott wasn’t here. I looked around waiting for a sign. Above me I heard Somebody screaming. I looked up and saw someone falling down. He was still alive when he met the ground. And after a while I saw that this guy was a werewolf but not one on our team.  He stood up and Looked at me with his Red eyes Great a Fucking Alpha. I put one Knife back in the Knife pocket. The Guy Growled at me and smiled “Oh I’m afraid that one little girl won’t do anything to me” Heard Something and before I Knew somebody Punched the Alpha in his Face. Theo looked back at me Smirking “Hey heard your Lonely so-“ I Run past him and Punched the Alpha before he could have Punched Theo. This Time I turned around smiling “ I missed Scott on his Place but it’s nice to see someone”  I turned Back to The Alpha which was running away.  “What do you mean you missed Scott?” I Looked at him Confused “Hey wasn’t where he was supposed to be”  He took out his Phone and I looked at who he was calling. Liam. “Hey Liam Where is Scott” “You Have to find Y/N. It was a Trap. You guys Have to go away Know” Theo Frowned “I’m with Y/N. What do you mean it was all a Trap?” Liam cursed “Theo these People aren’t Hunter. They want Y/N I called the others they’re running Back to the Base.”  Theo took my Arm and started walking down the Street. I Looked at the Phone “Liam where are you and Scott” Theo Shook his head but I ignored it. “We Are on the way to the Car” I nodded “We met you there” I ended the Call. I walked towards The Street and took a left. “Hey Y/N Why do we go Scott, when we Could be somewhere save like he told us to?”  I Looked back at him “Scotts dying” He stops “What?!” I signed “Yes Theo Now Come on we have to go." We could see the car in the Distance. But Liam and Scott where nowhere to be found. “Where are they’re?” I Looked at Theo He  just shook his head.

To be continued

[whereisvanderwood]

Fate Decides.

Yona of the Dawn | Akatsuki no Yona

Kija x Reader - Angst

My Yona of the Dawn x Reader List for more one-shots! Check it out!

"Are you really sure you want to do this?"

"More than sure. I can't stay here any longer. I want to explore, and see the world for myself."

"That is true, but it is dangerous out there. What if-"

"I'll be fine, White Dragon."

"Please, I told you to call me Kija."

With the night's veil creating a beautiful darkness over the white dragon's village, the white dragon warrior conversed with (Y/N). "Close friends" was what the other villagers referred the two as, but they knew they were closer than that. Much closer. With a glum feeling pulsing through the dragon's soul, he sighed hopelessly.

"It isn't like we won't ever see each other again; this isn't goodbye."

"I know, but-"

"Kija... I'm sorry you can't come with me. But I've become desperate. This isn't how I want to live anymore; isolated from the rest of the world in one small village that is practically unknown to anyone outside."

"...Are we really going to see each other again? I get the feeling you will be travelling around the country for some time."

"If we believe that we are meant to be together, then we'll let fate prove it to us. If we are meant to be, I know you will find me." The beautiful girl (Y/N) grabbed a homemade sack that lay on the ground beside her, filled with essential things to keep her going out in the alien cities and villages.

Setting it over her shoulder, she was more than ready. She stepped closer to the one who was precious to her, and wrapped her arms around his sullen figure. "Believe me when I say... I love you."

"And I you." Kija pulled away and forcibly held (Y/N)'s shoulders. "Swear to me that you will run away at the slightest hint of danger, and you will keep yourself healthy and strong." (Y/N) smiled gently at the warrior's soft heart. The title "dragon warrior" was misleading as it gave the impression of a fierce monster of war and battle. But when (Y/N)'s heart drifts to her loved one, she thinks not of his fighting destiny set out for him, but of his gentle heart.

"I swear on King Hiryuu's name," she replied with her hand in the air as if to take an oath.

"Then... I wish you good luck," Kija said, as he knew it was time to give in. He pulled her a little closer and softly kissed her cheek, wishing that this girl wasn't so definite in her decisions.

Slowly, she parted from his side and backed into the mysterious darkness, not turning away from the one she loved until he was out of her sight.

That was four years ago.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Pleasure doing business with you, ma'am." The silver currency jingled in (Y/N)'s hands as she handed over the basket of vegetables. "Have a lovely day!" she smiled warmly.

"Wow, lots of people want to buy your things, Miss (Y/N)!. That has to be like the one hundredth sale today!"

"I wish it was. How ever many sales I made today, I've made enough money to keep me going for the next couple of weeks!" (Y/N) shook the small bag holding all of her profit she had made that day. From only looking at how much the small bag sinks at the bottom, you could tell it weighed a decent amount in her hands. "I should be finished for today then."

"I'll help you pack up then!" a boy, whom had been assisting (Y/N) for the past few days, cheerfully offered. Although he was younger than she by at least three years, it didn't stop from either one considering the other as a best friend.

"Oh! I almost forgot..." (Y/N) opened up her pouch full of her well-deserved earnings, and took out a decent handful as she placed it in the boy's small hands. "Here's your pay for today, Haru."

"B-But you're not even going to count it!? This is... this is way too much!"

"It's fine, really! You deserve it. You worked very hard today with helping make all those sales. I couldn't have done it without you," (Y/N) spoke whole-heartedly, the boy known as Haru completely enraptured by the girl's kindness.

"Th-Thank you so much!" As if he had just remembered what his parents taught him, he bowed as low as he was able to, showing his utmost respect. (Y/N) finished gathering the rest of her things, and ruffled Haru's hair.

"Come on, I'll take you home now." The two walked with their arms full of (Y/N)'s unsold items, strolling down the settling streets of the port town. As they walked, (Y/N) ignored the flirtatious remarks of the wandering fire tribe soldiers, as well as making sure Haru stayed close to her side at this time of day. You could never know for certain what dangers were lurking in the shadows.

"Thank you, Miss (Y/N)!" Haru bid farewell as he gladly accepted what he had been given that day. (Y/N) was feeling rather generous, and wanted to be a blessing to this boy's poor family.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Haru!" (Y/N) walked further on to reach her own small house she was currently renting for the time being, just until she had decided where she would travel to next as a merchant. Out from the corner of her eye, she saw a man walk out of a store about to take down a sign. After reading the sign, (Y/N) quickly rushed over to the man to inquire about this job they were hiring for.

"U-Umm, excuse me!" The man turned around, and (Y/N) placed her things on the ground as she continued to approach him. "Are you really hiring new girls for this job?"

The man had a look on his face (Y/N) wasn't able to make out. She couldn't tell if he looked like the shady type, or perhaps he had just finished a long day of his work. (Y/N) definitely understood how that felt.

The man appeared to look her up and down, checking her figure. His expression turned to a softer, less intimidating one before he spoke. "We certainly are. If you like we could interview you now so you could start tomorrow."

"R-Really? I hate to be a bother at such a late hour-"

"Nonsense," the man rather bluntly said. He opened the door to reveal the inside looking dark and dusty, almost as if there was no shop here at all. He walked further inside, (Y/N) following behind, and opened another door on the far end of the room. "Wait inside here. I will go get the manager."

"Oh, alright then." (Y/N) was hesitant to step inside such a tiny room with very little light illuminating the walls. She walked inside, and subconsciously stood in the centre.

"Please... make yourself comfortable..." the man said as he closed the door ever so slowly. (Y/N) shuddered, knowing that this was no ordinary store. After the door was completely closed, she tiptoed towards it and pressed her ear against it as she could hear two men conversing.

"What are you doing? It's closing hours. The boss said no more today."

"Yeah but this one is a real beauty. She knows how to make money, too."

"Fine. I'll go talk to him to see what he thinks." (Y/N) backed away from the door as she heard footsteps cause creaking in the floorboards. Suddenly very nervous about the reason why the man had really asked her to wait in this room, she began to contemplate how she was going to get out of there without being seen.

But before she could take another step, the floor beneath her opened up, and she fell far below into impending doom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ropes tightly wrapped around her hands, walking blindfolded in a line of more women who had fallen victim to the same trap, (Y/N) knew that she had gotten herself caught up in human trafficking by Yan Kum-ji. Thinking that her life is more greatly in danger than her freedom to travel, (Y/N) had become terrified.

She was lead up ramps, around corners, down multiple flights of stairs and forced to sit silently on the floor of what she could assume was an empty room. (Y/N) knew she wasn't sitting on solid ground, as she could tell from the swaying motion in whatever she was being held captive in. She knew she was on a boat, which could only mean that they were about to set sail into the middle of the ocean.

(Y/N) recognised this feeling; being trapped away from the world without a say. Her thoughts drifted to her dragon warrior friend, whom she wished was here now with her more than ever. They both knew they had feelings for one another, but where they wanted to be were both different. (Y/N) couldn't stand living in one village all her life and wanted to explore and discover the world with her own eyes. But of course, it being called the white dragon's village, Kija was not permitted to leave under any circumstance.

(Y/N) wished she only considered how lonely she could possibly become after being away from her home for so long. Thinking about her family and friends back in the village, far away from where she was now, it brought a sort of comfort to her trembling body. It gave her a new motivation to break free from this imprisonment.

"Ao..." (Y/N) faintly heard a voice next to her whisper. The next moment she heard some sort of scurrying across the floor, like a critter. Her hands suddenly fell slack and she could move them freely. She was more puzzled than ever.

"Don't move yet," another voice whispered. "Your ropes are free, but stay still for the moment." Uncertainty echoed softly amongst the women, who were now more than ever confused as to what was happening, (Y/N) included.

After some moments of obvious commotion, the women removed their blindfolds and saw that a guard had collapsed with a sort of needle in the back of his neck. (Y/N) hated needles, and averted her eyes from the sight.

"D-Did you kill him?" one of the women asked in fear.

"No, it's only a sedative. But he'll be out for a while, twelve hours at least. We still need to act quickly though."

(Y/N) stared at the two women in awe. How daring and confident they were to take a stand put (Y/N) in some sort of trance. She knew that she herself was strong willed, but not all the time. Not in life-threatening situations like this one.

"We're here to rescue you, all of you. So don't worry, we'll get you out of here soon," the one with bright, vibrant red hair spoke self-assuredly.

"We have an entire army behind us," the other one spoke with just as much confidence.

"Well, maybe not an army exactly... but a ship full of allies. They're coming to help us. I promise you."

The two women began making their way up to the deck, when one of the other ladies, Yuri, volunteered her help. (Y/N) stood up with her, really wanting to work towards being a greater blessing than she believed she could be.

Climbing up the ladder out of the basement of the ship, she felt as though a force was lifting her out of the darkness. Like Kija was right above her, extending his kind hand to break her free from her chains of dread.

"Now... we just need to figure out how to light the firework on deck-"

"I can do that!" (Y/N) jumped at the opportunity to help.

Yun stuttered at her eagerness to help, but also at the determination in her voice. He couldn't say no. "B-But how will you do it?"

"There has to be all kinds of lanterns on the deck, so I could light the firework there. But I would need you to distract the guards for me. I'm sorry I'm asking for you to do something dangerous-"

"Think nothing of it," the beautiful red haired girl spoke. "You can count on us!" Yuri, bravely decided to do the distracting with Yun and the red-haired girl, Princess Yona. But of course, the other women did not know that fact.

The three of them took the lead and crept out on deck first, causing a fair amount of ruckus. (Y/N) hurriedly snuck around the commotion and found the nearest lantern. She held the wick to the flame, setting off the firework with no problem at all. Unfortunately, it didn't take long before all four ladies had been caught and pinned onto the deck by guards who were hiding.

"What did you set off back there?" one of the men questioned (Y/N). He took the weight of his foot of her back, and walked around to her front to forcibly grab her chin. "Well? What was it!?"

(Y/N) didn't croak out a single word, and stayed silent. She noticed how the man had positioned himself, and took the chance to spin her legs around, causing him to trip over.

The other men fumbled with their weapons as (Y/N) started charging through, knocking a few overboard into the cold water. Out of nowhere, someone dropped in front of her from high above, and stood tall.

"My my, for a beautiful lady such as yourself, you sure put up a fight," he spoke in a seductive tone. After a few moments, she recognised him to be one of the pirates protecting Awa. She felt at ease once more.

"Jeaha, you made it!" The princess called out with a smile. Snapping back to reality, (Y/N) went around to help everyone up, all the while Jeaha was holding off oncoming enemies.

Abruptly the ship was rocked viciously and the group realised that another ship had attached itself to the one they were currently standing on. "Mercenaries!?" Jeaha exclaimed.

Many more men than before filed onto the ship, heading straight for the women and Yun. Before they began retreating to a safer place, a sword cut through the men swiftly. They all fell, and behind them was a man wearing a freaky mask.

"Shinah!"

"That's two dragons on our side now!" Yun happily exclaimed. "I can't believe Thunder Beast isn't here yet."

"Hak is fighting valiantly on the other ships along side Kija. I thought it would be handy to bring someone who could see in the dark," Jeaha explained.

(Y/N)... froze. Her heart beating faster than the flapping wings of a humming bird.

That name...

Was it true...?

"Where is that ship?" (Y/N) asked in a low voice, needing the answer at that exact moment.

"It's quite far away. You'd have to go through at least 3 other boats to reach it-" before the green dragon could finish, (Y/N) had already made a dash across the ladder attached between the ships.

"Wait, (Y/N)! It's too dangerous!" Yona called out after her. Shinah quickly sped ahead of (Y/N), and beat down any men that were standing in her way. The noises were draining out, and the blue dragon was almost invisible to her eyes despite him being directly in front. Her legs didn't stop.

(Y/N) had already crossed three ships, but still could not see the dragon warrior she was looking for.

"Calling my weapon barbaric? Says the guy with a dragon claw!" (Y/N) suddenly heard a voice say, and she knew instantly who they were referring to. She turned a corner where dozens of men held their weapons...

and there he was. Standing in the middle of it all.

"Kija!" The words echoed throughout the air, and the white dragon turned around, ceasing all fighting he was doing only one second ago. His mouth open in disbelief, and his entire body turned stiff.

Something glinted in (Y/N)'s vision, and she looked up to the crow's nest of the boat. She recognised a faint silhouette of a man, pulling back a bow and arrow, aimed straight for the white dragon's head.

Not having the words to cry out in warning, (Y/N) sprinted to Kija as fast as he could, and pulled him out of the arrow's direct line of fire. She stood protectively in front of the man she was hoping for so long she would meet again, and there...she took the shot.

Staggering backwards a few steps after her breath hitched in her throat, she grasped her right shoulder as she fell backwards into a pair of arms.

"(Y-Y/N)!" Kija frantically shouted. He knelt onto the ground of the deck, and Hak was instantly in front of them as well as Shinah, providing a cover for the two.

"Get her out of here, now!" Hak yelled as he fought on. Terrified, Kija delicately slipped his arms around (Y/N)'s body and hurriedly carried her away from the scene.

"(Y/N)... W-Why did you do that for me!? What are you doing here!?" Kija's eyes brimmed with tears as he tried finding Yun as soon as possible. Of all places, of all times... why here and now!?

"B-Because he was going t-to kill y-you," (Y/N) struggled out.

"S-Save your strength! Yun can help you, okay!?" (Y/N) couldn't help but smile at Kija's frantic expression he had every right to express. (Y/N) held onto the arrow where it lodged into her to stop it from shifting every step.

(Y/N) couldn't remember the last few minutes with Kija holding her close, and so she was surprised to find herself already being treated by Yun far away from where any fight was. "We have to pull it out now, (Y/N). It's going to hurt..."

Scared, (Y/N) felt her hand around the floor to find Kija's, where he instantly held her hand with his dragon hand. She breathed deeply. "Y-You'll be alright, (Y/N). I promise," the white dragon's trembling voice dared to speak. He gently lifted her head into his lap, where he stroked her face gently. It was so warm.

With a firm grip, Yun yanked out the arrow as cleanly as he could. (Y/N) tried to hold it in, but couldn't help but scream bloody murder. Kija tried his best to ease her pain as much as possible, whilst trying not to show his pain either. Yun wasted no time in applying pressure to the deep wound whilst Yona got the bandage and medicinal herbs ready.

After Yun covered carefully but quickly applied stitches to (Y/N)'s shoulder and tightly wrapping the bandage, he said that she should be alright. "I'll give you two some time alone," Yun said as he saw their expressions.

Kija brushed his human hand across (Y/N)'s face covered in tears, both hers and his own. "I... can't believe you're actually here." He bowed his head lower, trying his best to cover his emotion. "And to think you'd end up here... in the middle of all of this..."

(Y/N) squeezed Kija's dragon claw as much as she was able. "I wasn't expecting... you here either..." she huffed out. "But remember.... what I said that night?"

Kija raised his head a little and subtly nodded. "If we were meant to be... fate would prove it to us."

(Y/N) smiled. "So this proves... that we're meant to be together now... No rules..." Kija could see that (Y/N) eyes were struggling to stay open, clearly from exhaustion. He bent over low, and kissed (Y/N) passionately on her lips.

In the distance, loud cheers could be heard and the rising sun could be seen across the water.

"It sounds like we won..." Kija sighed with relief as he looked to the horizon, as well as stroking the side of (Y/N)'s face. He looked back down, where (Y/N) was smiling with content. "Get some rest, (Y/N). You deserve it."

My Yona of the Dawn x Reader List for more one-shots! Check it out!

[auduna-druitt]

The One He Forgot

Fandom: Star Trek AOS

Pairing: None

Word Count: 2126

Rating: Teen

Beta’d: No

Permanent tags: @feelmyroarrrr, @mccoymostly, @wonders-of-the-multiverse, @pinkamour1588, @goodnightwife, @ryon1101, @medicatemedrmccoy, @mrkrychek, @southernbellestatues, @goingknowherewastaken, @emmkolenn

Jim: @yourtropegirl, @dudahmautner @sergeantangel

A/N: This is the second part of a series of fics featuring The Many Companions of James T. Kirk.

Their family had been on Tarsus for a few months and Noah had already been bullied by some of the other kids. Abra, as her brother called her, had become his guardian while their parents were busy. She had just turned thirteen and they thought she was ready for the responsibility. The boy with the bluest eyes she’d ever seen had saved him from the bullies after he’d run off on her.

He was looking at her funny and she worried she had dirt on her face or something. She’d recently discovered that boys weren’t quite as gross as she had originally thought and J.T. was particularly cute. His shaggy blonde hair falling over his crystal blue eyes and the way he smiled at her, she couldn’t help but smiles back at him.

He’d helped her brother and seemed really sweet. When he offered to play with Noah she’d been excited that Noah had found a friend, even if he was older, she decided to tag along. J.T. didn’t seem to mind and his friend Charlie was really nice too. J.T. led them off into the woods and together they discovered a series of caves and tunnels. J.T. would hold her hand and help her through the dark while she kept an even tighter grip on Noah’s hand.  

She enjoyed their little picnics in the cave, the peace and quiet away from the crowded colony was really nice. She had always loved the woods at the back of the property back home. Noah didn’t remember, he’d been to young when they had to move. Abra noticed when the lunches started shrinking. She didn’t want to draw Noah’s attention to it, she knew he’d ask way too many questions and she didn’t have any answers.

J.T. shared his lunches with Noah when he whined that he was still hungry. Abra had tried to share her own but J.T. said he wasn’t that hungry. She knew he was lying though. She was still hungry after her own lunch and the morning and evening meals weren’t much better.

It wasn’t long before they were splitting a meal that would have been packed for one of them. J.T. gave up his lunch entirely so that they wouldn’t be as hungry.

After a month and a half of steadily decreasing rations, the announcement was made that there would be a selection of people gathered in the square. There was a rumor that there wasn’t enough food for everyone until the relief ships arrived. The rumor was also that those chosen by the governor were going to die. Abra and her parents stood on the doorstep of their house listening as the governor gave his speech.

"The revolution is successful. But survival depends on drastic measures. Your continued existence represents a threat to the well-being of society. Your lives mean slow death to the more valued members of the colony. Therefore, I have no alternative but to sentence you to death. Your execution is so ordered, signed Kodos, Governor of Tarsus IV."

Abra watched her parents faces fall. They knew something. Something they weren’t telling her. She went inside and found Noah in his room. She sat with him until their parents came in.

“Abra, you need to take Noah out for a walk. Why don’t you see if J.T. wants to play?” Her father asked pointedly. He knew that they went out to the woods almost every day and she had told him about the caves.

She shook her head. “Not without you. All together.”

Her mother sighed, “Abra, things are changing. You need to take your brother now. We’ll be alright…”

“All together.”

Her parents looked at each other and finally nodded. “Alright. All together.”

They quickly grabbed what little food they had and slipped out onto the crowded streets. Abra gripped tightly to her little brother’s hand. “Don’t let go Noah. Whatever you do, don’t let go.”

He nodded as they ducked in and out of the crowd. Halfway across the courtyard his hand slipped from hers and he disappeared in the chaos. She led her parents to the cave the farthest up the hillside. They huddled in the dark cave, Abra crying in her mother’s arms. “I’m sorry! I should have held on tighter!”

“Sweetheart, It’s not your fault.”

“But I was responsible for him!”

A month after the massacre Abra was scavenging for food when she heard what sounded like a child crying quietly behind a large boulder. She cautiously approached and peered around the rock. “Noah?” she said, barely a whisper.

The little boy looked up. “Noah! You’re alive! Mom and dad are going to be so happy to see you! Come on let’s take you back to them.”

When help arrived at the colony a couple of weeks later there were rumours of a group of kids that had hidden in a cave. Noah said J.T. had saved him too but he’d gotten lost when he followed him into the woods the day Abra found him by the boulder. He’d talked non-stop about J.T. ever since. Abra had asked if she could see him but the Starfleet people wouldn’t let anyone near him or the other kids. They were still trying to find out if the children had any kin and until they were notified the only people allowed near the kids were medical personnel.

Not knowing what J.T.’s name was made it difficult to find him. If Starfleet knew they weren’t telling anyone. Their parents tried to find him, they really wanted to thank him for saving Noah and wanted to make sure he was alright. There was no way to know for sure, all they could do was hope.

The year Noah graduated from high school was the first time they’d seen him since Tarsus. Abra was reading the news and saw his picture, she’d have recognized those bright blue eyes of his anywhere. She smiled, “I knew he’d do great things.”

After that she watched his career very closely, saving every mention of him she could find. Searching old records to see what he had done before his time in Starfleet only to find out he’d had a rough time. He wasn’t the only one that had struggled though. Noah still had the dreams but he was doing better.

He enrolled in Starfleet academy and was there when the Vengeance crashed. Abra raced to the school to find him and wouldn’t let go once she did. So many died that day.

Then she heard that the Enterprise had been involved and that the captain was seriously injured. She couldn’t get any more than that out of anyone. Even Noah didn’t know more.

A friend at the hospital was able to tell her that Captain Kirk was one of her patients and that the doctors in charge were being very possessive over him and not allowing any visitors outside of the Enterprise crew. Abra managed to slip inside about a week later after “borrowing” her friend’s uniform. She just had to see him.

He was pale as death and was still hooked up to a number of machines. She leaned over and kissed him lightly on the forehead. “Thank you Jimmy. Thank you for saving Noah.” she whispered in his ear. Wiping a tear from her cheek she walked away.

In the next few years Abra married and Noah got transferred to a starbase. He loved his work with Starfleet. He loved helping people, meeting people from different planets, and getting to see things he’d never seen before. Abra and her husband had been there for about a week when things went wrong. A dark cloud appeared outside of the dome and alarms sounded. Everyone ran to secure areas and waited.

Abra’s husband held her close. Her first instinct was to run for her brother and he was the only thing keeping her from running to him. A ship broke through into the square and people ran to help the crew. Rumours of the Enterprise rippled down the ranks and to the secure areas. Abra relaxed and looked up at her husband. “It’s him.”

He frowned and looked into her glistening eyes. “Him? Who?”

She smiled, “J.T. He’ll protect us. He always does.”

The next day Abra and Noah were walking to meet her husband for lunch when they passed a bar full of people. She stopped and walked over to the door.

“Abra? What is it?” Noah asked her stepping up beside her.

She smiled, “You remember the boy who saved your life on Tarsus?”

He frowned slightly, “Yeah, his name was...Jimmy.”

“He also went by J.T. but yes, Jimmy.” She nodded into the bar. “That’s him. The one with the blonde hair.”

“How do you know? I thought they kept his identity a secret?”

“They did, but I’ll never forget what he looked like. He had the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.”

“And you’re sure that’s him?”

She nodded, “Positive.”

Noah grinned and stepped past her into the bar. She watched him walk up to Captain Kirk and the two men smiled. Noah turned and motioned her to come in. She hesitantly walked into the bar and over to them. “This is my sister.”

Jim smiled.

Oh that smile. The way his eyes lit up, the little creases, the smile that melted her heart. “Hello.”

“I’m really sorry but we just had to say hello to the famous James Kirk.”

“It’s no problem.”

Noah glanced at his sister and shook his head. “Honestly that’s not even really the reason I came in. I don’t know if you remember but we’ve met before.”

“Oh? Where did we meet?”

“Tarsus.”

Abra stared at him as he stilled and his face fell. Of course he remembered Tarsus. They all remembered Tarsus. Some of the detail may have become a bit blurred over the years but they all remember Tarsus.

A dark haired man walked over and clapped Jim on the back. “Who are your friends?”

“This is Lieutenant Davis.”

Leonard shook hands with Noah, “Nice to meet you. Are you stationed here?”

“Yes sir. My sister and I just wanted to come by and say hello to the captain.”

“Oh.” Jim turned slightly and Leonard looked at him. “My god man, you look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

Jim nodded, “Bones, this--this is…” He took a deep breath and looked at Noah. “This is Noah.”

Leonard paused and looked at him. “Noah? I know that name. Jim, why do I know that name?”

“Tarsus.”

Leonard almost dropped the drink he was holding. “Noah?! THE Noah? The kid you lost?!”

Jim nodded. “Yeah…” he said quietly.

Abra smiled and wrapped her arm around her brother. “My parents...OUR parents wanted to thank you for saving Noah but the Starfleet personnel wouldn’t let anyone near you. We looked for you for years…”

He put a hand up and shook his head. “I did what I had to do. I just wish I could have done more. I’m sorry I lost him that day….I thought he was dead…”

“I found him. Took him back to our parents.”

He gave her a little smile. “Thank you…I’m sorry I don’t know your name.”

Noah frowned, “This is Abra.”

“Thank you, Abra.”

“Jim!”

He turned to the person calling his name. “I’m sorry, If you’ll excuse me.” He nodded to them and walked away.

Leonard sighed. “So you’re Noah. He told me about you. In fact I think you’re the only one of his kids he ever talks about by name.”

“Really? Wait, his kids?”

Leonard smiled, “Yeah, He’s always called you that. Threw me at first too. He didn’t talk about Tarsus for years. I’d known him for about two years I think before he ever mentioned it. The nightmares came back and he had trouble sleeping for a while. I think talking about it did him some good but unfortunately it brought old wounds to the surface.”

“Did he ever mention anyone else?”

Leonard shook his head. “Don’t remember him mentioning anyone else by name. He had a friend that died.”

“Charlie, That was Charlie.”

“He saved his friend’s little sister.”

Noah smiled, “I remember Oona.”

“And there was a girl.” Leonard shook his head. “All he remembered about her was how much my little Joanna looks like her.”

“Nothing else about her?” Noah asked glancing at Abra.

“Sorry, he’s been through a lot in the past few years. Nero, Harrison, Krall...and then there was everything that happened on Tarsus.”

“It’s understandable. I just wish he could remember her…”

Leonard looked from Noah to Abra. “I’m sorry he doesn’t remember you.”

[goingknowherewastaken]

Princess of the Stars (pt. 1)

Title: Princess of the Stars

Prompt: I heard it was Jim’s birthday; thought I’d get something done for it :)

Fandom: Star Trek (AOS)

Relationships: Reader x Jim Kirk

Warnings: n/a

A/N: So this is actually my first reader insert that I’ve done! Yaay!! Felt like trying something new :) I started it a few weeks ago, but hearing that Jim’s birthday was today spurred me to hurry up and finish the first part. I didn’t plan for it to be in multiple parts buuuuut it got longer than I expected and breaking it up seemed like a good idea. Let me know if you want to be tagged in the following installments of this series or be on one for all of my fics :)

Princess of the Stars (pt. 1)

Hitting the grating with a light thump, you started to weave your way through the engine room, wiping your greasy hands on your crimson uniform.

It had all started when you were little; the intense fascination with how things worked caused you to pick apart nearly every single piece of technology you could get your little hands on and, more often than not, breaking it. Everyone just thought you were clumsy and destructive. Eventually it got to a point where your parents decided to assign someone to keep an eye on you all the time. 

You had grumbled about it back then, but soon you realized that Miss Margaret following you around was a good thing. She was the one who pieced together your interest in mechanics. She was the one who, instead of letting you break open the expensive Padds and Comms that got left around your home, bought you vintage and dated devices to figure out.

To her, it was clear what your vocation was, but to your parents...

The only reason you were able to join Starfleet when you got older was by promising to join the Command Track.

Not that you did.

The moment you got off the shuttle you signed up for Operations, figuring out every single class you needed to take in order to score a job as a starship engineer.

By graduation, you were proud to say that your assignment to the Enterprise was due to your hard work and determination. 

Not your name or family.

“[y/f/n]!”

Your head whipped around to see Ensign Stevens waving frantically from by the water turbines, her curly hair bouncing with the movement. You swiped a stray lock of [y/h/c] away from your face and changed course, heading in the direction of your friend. The two of you joined the Academy on the same day and, as luck would have it, both of you were to share a room. The two of you were thick as thieves from then on. As you got closer, you saw Scotty emerge from behind the other side of the tank. A smile spread across his face as he saw you. “Ah, [y/f/n]! Was wondering where you were.”

Scotty may be your commanding officer, but after two years of serving under him, you thought of him as more of the older brother you never had.

“Hey, Caroline! Scotty! Just checking over some panels.” Reaching the two, you put your hands on your hips. “What’s going on?”

The older man shrugged. “Nothing too important, but a few of us were meeting for drinks later in the main rec room after this shift.”

A grin blossomed over your face. A group that included Scotty gathering for drinks? You didn’t even have to say anything for the Scotsman to know exactly what you were thinking. “Aye! Been working on this one for the past three months. I call it Purple Nova. I’ll be tastin’ it for the first time myself tonight,” he said giddily. 

Your excitement didn’t last long before you caught sight of Lin poking the Chief Engineer in the side, giving him a look. “Aye! What?!” She twitched her head in your direction and he looked back at you in confusion. A second later a light-bulb seemed to go off in his head and his eyes widened. “Ohhhh...”

That wasn’t good. Concern flickered inside you. “What? What is it?”

They exchanged a look that could only be described as ‘scheming’ before Lin said, “The Captain will be there.” 

His title alone caused your breath to hitch and your heart to flutter. You were loathe to admit it, but the second you saw the brilliant blond captain, you were smitten. With everyone else, you were calm and collected right off the bat, but it took months before you could have a conversation with Jim Kirk without stuttering or blushing. 

It took even less time for your friends to start teasing you about it.

While you were friends with Scotty, you most certainly weren’t friends with Kirk. You never had the honor of spending more than a few moments here and there with him. Just enough for him to be aware of you, but not enough to be considered friends...or more than friends.

The only thing that managed to happen were further developed feelings on your side.

You suddenly snapped out of your trance, realizing that one of them must have said something more to you if their expectant expressions were anything to go by. “Ummm, sorry, what was that?”

Lin snorted and Scotty merely shook his head in amusement before moving to walk past you, giving a quick clap to your shoulder. You heard him mumble something, but it was too low for you to hear.

You turned back to Lin and raised a brow at her in confusion. Finally taking pity on you, she answered, “We asked if we’d be able to see you there, but I think we all know the answer to that.” 

- - -♔- - - - -♔- - - - -♔- - - - -♔- - - - -♔- - - - -♔- - - - -♔- - - - -♔- - - - -♔- - -

You knocked back the remaining purple liquid in your glass grimaced, the face you made must have been rather odd because you heard Kirk’s laugh bubble up next to you before he said, “That bad, huh?”

Unconsciously smoothing your hand over your floral dress, you gave your head a shake and turned to face the grinning man. Your mind gave an exuberant, internal squeal at the sight of him. Gold shirt no longer in sight, his lean, yet muscular frame wore his black Henley and dark wash jeans like a dream. Combined with his tousled, blond hair, sparkling blue eyes, and the fact that his sleeves were rolled up, it took every bit of your self control to not swoon out loud. You shoved down your feelings enough to coherently say, “Surprisingly, no - tastes a bit like cherries. It’s just rather strong. Wow!” 

If anyone was ever looking for something to wake them up more, you knew what to suggest. 

You were also keeping your intake of Purple Nova to one glass. A strong tolerance of alcohol was something that you prided yourself on, but whatever the hell Scotty made could put anyone under quickly if they weren’t careful. And you wanted to keep a steady head with Kirk around. His presence already did enough on sober you; the affect on drunk you could be catastrophic. 

“Cherries, hmmm?” Placing his glass of amber liquid on the bar, he sat down in the empty stool beside you, twisting it so he could lean his elbow on the bar and face you. 

“Yup.” You popped the ‘p’ and met his eyes. ‘Damn! They were pretty.’ “You should try some. And I do mean some. This stuff could be deadly.”

A sheepish look crossed his handsome face. “Sounds good, but unless Bones has a hypo on him I probably shouldn’t.” At your look of confusion he added, “I’m allergic to cherries.” 

Your eyes widened. “Shit! Sorry, Sir, I didn’t know. I -”

Kirk cut you off with a wave and an amused chuckle. “Hey, that’s okay. You didn’t know, but now you do.” He took a quick sip of his drink before making a face at you. “Wait, did you call me ‘Sir’?”

A faint blush heated your cheeks and you gave a sheepish shrug. “Y-Yes?”

He clicked his tongue at you. “No. No, [y/f/n]. No. My name is Jim.” He shifted on his stool and leaned closer to you, extending out a leg to rest on the lower rung of your seat. “Say it with me now: J-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-m,” he drew out his name with a slight quirk in his lips. A quirk that grew into a face-stretching grin when you giggled at his antics. 

Unconsciously, you leaned a bit closer to him. Either the Purple Nova was having a stronger affect on you that what you expected or Jim’s presence was far more intoxicating than what you figured because the warm-fuzzy feeling was steadily filling your body. “ Okay, J-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-m. I’ll make sure to remember that.” 

Hell, it was probably both.

He rewarded you with a mega-watt smile. “Excellent.” He then spoke in a more serious tone, “Now it’s especially important that you remember that tomorrow night.”

“Oh?” Your brows raised in interest. In your peripheral, the crewman behind the bar moved past the two of you and - with out breaking eye contact - you waved for a new drink. “What’s going on tomorrow night?” You happened to catch a glint of something in the blue eyes before you.

“Our date.”

...to be continued

[fanscribbling]

Terra Nova ~Part One: New Town~

And so it begins! Part One of a ten-part series written for @outside-the-government​‘s ‘Write Away the Winter Blues’ challenge! I’m thinking 1-2 instalments per week as it goes. I’ll put it together in one long post at the end. Beware, the prompt may look fluffy, but this story is definitely more adventure-suspense (with fluff involved of course!)

UPDATE:  This fic is now complete! Please see my MASTERLIST for all following parts :) 

Because I love them both, I’m melding the TOS and AOS Bones timelines. If you so desire, there are Easter eggs to be found!

Fandom: Star Trek (AOS/TOS). Pairing: Reader X Bones

Words: 1,489

Warnings: some suspense, a few mild swear words. Can’t think of anything else!

Tagging @medicatemedrmccoy :D Thanks for letting me ramble about this fic! If anyone else wants to be tagged just let me know!

“Captain’s Log, Stardate 2285.4. We are orbiting an unknown planet, which lies beyond Starfleet’s updated star charts. I’ve elected to call it ‘Surak’, because it looks peaceful, but it appears there’s turbulence under the surface. Plus I’m 99% certain it will annoy Mr. Spock, a fringe benefit of being Captain.”

“Captain, I am incapable of experiencing annoyance.”

“I amend my statement. I am 100% certain it annoys Mr. Spock. Regardless, we have detected a Starfleet medical distress signal coming from this planet, which - according got our sensors - currently houses humanoid life with a culture distinctly similar to early 21st century Earth. To limit possible disruption, I am only sending Dr. McCoy and security officer Y/l/n to the planet’s surface. They are scheduled to report back in one hour.”

Pressing the button to end recording, Kirk looked out at the slowly rotating planet, the red land gleaming in sunlight. You and Bones were down there somewhere. It was the right call but still, he hated not being on the away mission. Drumming his fingers on the arm of his chair, Kirk realized it was useless.

“Mr. Spock, you have the con.” rising from his seat, Kirk moved to leave the bridge. Maybe if he practiced some more he could finally get that nerve pinch to work.

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

“I swear to God Jim did this.”

Looking down in disgust, Bones stuck a finger through a large tear in the left leg of his jeans. “How the Hell am I supposed to treat a patient in these? One bend and they’re gone!”

Smiling to yourself at his words, you let your eyes move to the trees that surrounded you as they swayed softly in the cool breeze, heavy with the promise of rain.

“Of course he did,” you replied, not taking your eyes off the scenery. “Did you expect him to miss a chance like this?” You toyed with the edges of your own costume - a loose chiffon top with white pants. White pants - yeah those were going to be dirty in two seconds flat.

“Why couldn’t it have been Victorian,” Bones grumbled, moving to your side. “At least I look good in a suit.”

“But why have that,” you retorted, pushing the image from your mind, “when your legs could look like a smurf threw up?” You finally turned to look at him, grinning, and he smirked back at you.

“All right smart-ass, we’d better get on. You ready to become Mrs. McCoy?”

You felt something jump in your stomach, but as usual you ignored it. You took his arm and leaned into his side, batting your eyelashes. “Let’s go darlin’.”

His eyebrow quirked as you laughed, and although he tried to stop it, you could see the corner of his mouth twitch upwards. Feeling the first few drops of rain, you opened your umbrella, and the pair of you moved quickly down the road, towards a small sign labeled ‘New Town’.

The back lanes were just as densely wooded as the spot where you’d beamed down. It had been at least half an hour since you started walking, but you’d seen nothing at all - no animals, no people, and certainly no town.

“I don’t know if I like this Y/n,” Bones said, his voice low and tight. “Scotty said he’d placed us close to the beacon. This doesn’t seem - ”

In one move you’d released his arm, pulled your phaser from your back pocket, and stepped in front of the doctor. You’d both seen it, that flash of colour behind one of the trees.

“Hello?” You called into the empty lane, trying to hide your phaser and keep up the act. “Is anyone there?”

There was a small scuffling sound.

“My name is Mrs. McCoy, and with me is my husband Leonard. He’s a doctor - we heard that there was someone hurt here, and since we live close by, we thought we’d come and -”

“The doctor!”

You tensed automatically as a man’s smiling face appeared, followed quickly by the rest of his body as he stepped out from behind the tree and bounded over to you. “Oh thank God. I’m so sorry - can’t be too careful around these parts!” Taking your hand in his the man grinned at you, his teeth and hair shockingly white against the darkness of his skin.

“I’m a doctor, yes,” Leonard replied, brow furrowed. “As we said, we heard something -”

“Yes, yes,” the man waved away the explanation, “I know the story. They’ll all be so glad you’re here. Follow me!” Without another word he took off down the road, walking briskly. Exchanging a silent look, you and Bones followed him. The lane snaked onward until you began to see the dark outlines of wooden houses bloom out of the foliage. With them, you heard the quiet hum of generators, just like on the Enterprise. Immediately, you felt your stomach relax.

“Tanya!” Your guide called, running forward to meet a tall woman with dark hair that ran in knots over her scalp. “He’s here, the doctor!”

Turning her hazel eyes on you both, she grinned along with the man. “Truly? We’re so glad you’ve come, welcome to New Town Dr -?”

“McCoy,” Bones answered, moving forward to shake her hand. “And this is my wife, Y/n.”

“A pleasure,” Tanya replied, shaking your hand in turn. “I am Tanya, and this is my husband, Ayo.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself before,” Ayo said. “We were just so anxious to have you here.”

“How did you even know-” Bones began, then stopped himself. “Never mind that now, we heard someone was hurt.”

Tanya and Ayo looked at each other. “Not hurt, exactly-”

“Not hurt?” You could hear his frustration growing, and placed a steadying hand on Bones’ arm. “What do you mean?”

“We were told this was an emergency situation.” you rejoined.

“It could be!” Ayo said, eyes wide. “We don’t know, it’s just -”

“Wendy’s pregnant,“ Tanya cut him off. “We’ve never had to deal with this before!”

“You sent out a priority one distress signal!”

“Bones!”

With your shout all talk died. A small, wistful smile crept onto Tanya’s face. “We knew it would be Starfleet. Is it Enterprise?”

“What-” both you and Bones started to say, but Ayo jumped in.

“Yes, Enterprise! Ha ha ha, it’s a little game we have here! The town you came from must have been called Enterprise!”

He was still grinning, but now instead of feeling welcomed, a shiver ran through you.

“Oh yes!” Tanya laughed along with him, the sound harsh and false. “Was I right?”

“Yes.” you said slowly.

“Did you send the beac-”

“Come with us, we’ll show you to the patient!” Ayo cut Bones off, grabbing his hand and moving towards the nearest house.

“Okay!” Bones said, wresting his hand from Ayo’s grasp and rubbing at his wrist. “We just have to - call home first.”

At Bones’ words, Tanya’s smile relaxed slightly. “Go right ahead Doctor!”

Bones sent her an exasperated look, then took out his communicator. “Dr. McCoy to Enterprise Township. Come in Enterprise.”

The communicator was silent for a moment, then a slow, low hissing leaked out of the speakers. As it lingered, a staccato melody began to weave itself into the sound.

“Let me try.” you took the communicator from Bones’ hand, noting that the dials had somehow changed position. Turning the knob, you pressed the small green button. “Mrs. McCoy to Enterprise Township. Enterprise come in.”

“Spock here… Mrs. McCoy.” came the Vulcan’s cool voice.

“Checking in on the hour. Nothing here to alarm- we’ll keep you informed.”

“Have you located the emergency?”

“Not an emergency after all Spock,” Bones piped up, leaning in. “Turns out one of their number is pregnant, and they’re concerned. I know it’s a misuse of the-” he looked over at you briefly, “the phone call, but they seem very worried. I’d like to stay to ensure everything goes to plan, and find out who called in the first place.”

“You are correct regarding the phone call doctor. However, if you wish to remain that is within your jurisdiction.”

“Thank you Spock,” you said, “we’ll check in again soon. McCoy out.”

You flipped the communicator closed and handed it back to Bones, who smirked at you. “Enjoyed that, did you?”

“Immensely.”

A scream echoed through the small street, and all four of you jumped.

“Lead me to her!” McCoy ordered, and the three of them took off towards the nearest house. You lingered for a moment longer, taking in the row of uniform houses, and the eerily silent street.

“Help us.”

The hairs on the back of your neck stood up. Looking around for the source of the whisper, you saw a young girl walk past your left shoulder, long blonde hair blowing. As she moved down the road she turned back to look at you, her eyes almost as wide as her grin.

[nekoabiwrites]

Lullaby For A Duke

Okay, so I refound the Lullaby For A Princess animation that was made a few years ago and I am still blown away by it.

But as I was watching it, I was like “wait, warring sides of royalty? welp, i guess i got an idea.” and thus, this was born. I did edit some of the lyrics, but the original song credit goes to PonyPhonic - the original song can be found here.

AU: Royal (Based off of MLP:FiM) Pairings: None Words: 1271 Warnings: Mention of Remus. Anything else, please let me know.

Summary: A prince walks the castle hallways, towards his morning duties. Memories float by and he relives them once more.

---

Passing by the open doorway, the prince stopped and stared into the pristine room. It was still odd and uncomfortable to see it in such an orderly state. It felt too… clinical. The least he could have asked for was it to be left unclean, but the maids of the castle would not leave any room untouched. It gave the empty room a false sense of life, as though someone could wander past and head in there once more.

The prince shook his head harshly and continued walking through the corridors, ignoring the ache in his heart. Once at the end of the hallway, he slowly pushed open the large, ornate balcony doors and stepped out into the early morning air, taking a deep breath.

As he exhaled, the royal looked up to the sky and was faced with the image in the moon. One would have expected that the pain he felt from seeing it would dull as time passed, but that would be foolish to assume. The prince scoffed to himself as the thought crossed his mind.

He stared up at the face in the moon, drinking in each detail and letting his memory take over his mind.

Many years prior, the prince had revelled in the feeling of being loved by all his subjects. He couldn’t think of anyone else in the entire kingdom who was more beloved and revered as him. The subjects around praised him for bringing them the light of day, for leading in such a benevolent manner, for giving them all such wonderful creatures to live alongside. The prince took it all with a smile and a thanks, letting their love fill his being to his core. Somehow, all of that adoration had blinded the prince to the shadow that he cast.

The prince’s brother was far from loved. Their subjects ignored and slept through the night that the other brought, sometimes even cursing it for stopping their fun and games. They were frightened of any creatures that the prince’s brother introduce to the world, despite their helpful nature and their purpose to balance out the world. Some had even gone as far as to curse the brother himself, blaming him for anything less than ideal that happened near to them.

Days and nights passed by, each one bringing more and more frustration and tears to the prince’s brother. One fateful day sealed both of their fates, however.

The prince approached the brother’s chambers, finding the door to be open. He looked inside and found his brother curled up in his bed, sobs racking his body. It was in that moment that the prince realised he’d not given his brother the love he deserved, and the prince made a promise to fix that immediately.

The promise was broken within seconds. After he’d called out, trying to be kind to his brother. The scorned man turned and screamed at the prince, telling him to leave. Reflexes kicked in and the prince yelled back, angry at being dismissed so easily.

Doors were magically slammed in his face. The prince turned away in a huff and started down the corridor. A loud scream had him stopping after only a few steps.

It was transforming, becoming deeper and evil. The prince could only take a shaky breath, his eyes wide with fear. He soon steeled himself and continued on, walking away from the one who needed him.

Only a few nights later, the prince found himself warring with the man who was supposed to be his brother, though he was almost unrecognisable as such. Had any subjects living near the castle been awake to see the spectacle, they would have been terrified to watch the two rulers soaring through the sky and throwing attacks at one another. One of which had the prince being thrown hard through the wall of a nearby temple.

He cried out in pain as he hit the statue in the centre. In his dazed state, the prince felt as though time was slowing to almost a halt. He went to push himself up, but found his hand covering one of the magical symbols that usually hung upon the statue he was against.

An idea came to his mind. He hated it, he didn’t want to do it, but it was what was best for the kingdom. The prince looked back up to see his brother headed straight for him, magical energy surrounding his outstretched hand, ready to attack.

“I’m sorry.” was all the prince could say before he harnessed the power from the statue behind him and let out a large blast of energy that consumed the temple.

Once the light from the magic had dissipated, the prince could see the devastation around him. The temple walls had crumbled, the windows blown out, the floor cracked. But that was all unimportant, his attention was brought to the moon that still hung high in the sky.

New patches of darkness had appeared, forming a familiar shape. The shape of his brother, who was nowhere to be seen around in the destruction. Silent tears slid down the prince’s face as the realisation set in that he’d sent his own brother away, sealed and imprisoned him in the moon. Before he knew it, the prince had dropped to his knees and let out an anguished, tearful scream.

Back in the present, the prince ran a hand through the coloured part of his hair at the memory of the change, still looking up at the image of his brother in the moon. It was about time for him to bring about the daylight, so he reached out his hand and summoned his power. The moon shone with a red glow and it slowly slid down through the sky. As the prince watched, he began to sing softly.

“Lullay moon prince, goodnight brother mine And rest now in moonlight's embrace Bear up my lullaby, winds of the earth Through cloud, and through sky, and through space

Carry the peace and the coolness of night And carry my sorrow in kind Remus, you're loved so much more than you know May troubles be far from your mind And forgive me for being so blind

The years now before us Fearful and unknown I never imagined I'd face them on my own

May these thousand winters Swiftly pass, I pray I love you; I miss you All these miles away

May all your dreams be sweet tonight Safe upon your bed of moonlight And know not of sadness, pain, or care And when I dream, I'll fly away and meet you there Sleep...”

The moon had just dropped past the horizon, the sun beginning to rise behind. Tears began to drip off of the prince’s chin, shining in the light of the sunrise.

“Prince Roman.” A voice called from behind the prince.

Without wiping away the wetness from his cheeks nor turning around to face the knight that had joined him on the balcony, the prince responded, “Here to escort me to the throne room?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“I shall be inside in a moment. Please wait in there for me.”

The sound of the decorative armour clanking as the knight moved and the sound of the balcony doors shutting once again had the prince smiling sadly.

“Well, dear brother, until tonight.” Prince Roman finally wiped the tears from his cheeks and took one last deep breath of the fresh air, before he turned and reached out for the large doors. Only one thought crossed the prince’s mind as he was escorted back past the empty bedroom, ‘158 years left.’

---

My other stuff: http://nekoabi.tumblr.com/myworks Mobile Accessible Masterlist: http://nekoabi.tumblr.com/post/181954641376/fic-masterlist

General Tag List: @not-so-innocent-bi-sander @didsomeonesayprince @llamaly@justanotherpurplebutterfly @iaminmultiplefandoms @ultimate-queen-of-fandoms2 @lowkeyvirgilobsessed @louisthewarlock @fangsandrainbows @xxladystarlightxx @sleepyssnail @ao-koshka @notalwaysthevillian @pumpkinminette @doces-e--tuga @coloursintheblur @safesandersides

[akatsukinoawesome]

An Affordable Winter Festivus For All (An AnY X-Mas Fic)

Dearest @uta-chan-meganekko I am SO SORRY that your gift is late, but as they say, MERRY BELATED CHRISTMAS AND SORRY SORRY SORRY (ok, so that might not be an actual saying, but I am still really sorry). 

The prompts you gave me were: 

Hak x Yona Zeno x Kaya Any and all HHB brotps (including Yoon and Hak) Kija x Jae-Ha is fine too! Just Yona and the HHB Shenanigans Angst/Fluff/Humor everything goes I don't mind nsfw, but it isn't something I particularly request for, here

I tried to combine a bit of everything and ended up with a group fic with general interaction between everyone and a healthy dose of Hak x Yona. I hope you enjoy (again, sorry, sorry, sorry and I sincerely hope you enjoy!) 

Very Bestest Wishes for the New Year! 

CharlieChaplin2 (of Akatsukinoawesome)

Title: An Affordable Winter Festivus For All (or an AnY Christmas Fic).

Characters: Yona, Hak, Yun, Kija, Jae Ha, Shin Ah, Squirrel Ao, Zeno.

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Author’s Notes: Written for the @akayonagiftexchange (thank you for organising this and having patience with me!). Manga compliant. Full of fluff. This is the fluffiest of fluff to have ever fluffed. Enjoy! 

“Do you think it'll have a lot of bugs in there?”

The trepidation in Kija’s voice was clear even though his stomach growled loudly enough to nearly drown out his question. Jae Ha grinned but otherwise ignored the noise, saving the Hakuryuu from further embarrassment. To be fair, they were all ravenous after their long day spent climbing up the steepest part of the mountain path, but fortunately their efforts had paid off: just like Yun’s excellent map reading skills had promised, they were about to arrive at a cozy (but suitably large) cave which would do nicely as a shelter for the night.

“Would you rather sleep outside in this freezing cold, White Snake?”

Despite knowing he was being teased it was obvious that Kija was actually considering it as an option. “Once we get a fire going there won't be any need to worry, it’ll chase any bugs away,” Jae Ha offered by way of reassurance.

Hak was having too much fun, however, to let it go. “No it won't,” he said, “creepy crawlers are attracted to heat and light. If anything, more will come towards us.You don't need to worry, though, I'll be happy to protect you through the night in exchange for your portion of dinner.”

“Stop frightening him, Hak.” In spite of her attempt to hide it, Jae Ha could hear the exasperation in Yona’s voice - a sure sign she was also very tired and hungry. He guessed it was that, more than what she actually said which made Hak stop his teasing. “Kija, if you sleep outside you'll catch a cold,” she said as she pulled her cloak closer, “besides, since they'll be so many of us moving around we'll be the ones frightening the bugs, they'll go into hiding and won't bother us. You’ll be perfectly safe in the cave, I promise.”

“Thank you, Princess.” Kija turned to the Thunder Beast and gave him a look of smug triumph. “And while I thank you for the offer, Hak,” he said sarcastically, “I can protect myself just fine. You keep away from my food.”

Hak shrugged. “I was only offering my services, and at a discounted rate for a friend, too.”

“None of you will get dinner if you don't hurry up!” Yun called out from a little further up the mountain road, the Seiryuu and Ouryuu standing on either side of him. “Shin Ah says we’re almost there but it's getting dark quickly.”

Jae Ha’s own stomach rumbled in protest at the thought of going the night without food. “Best we pick up the pace,” he suggested to the other three, “before we upset mother too much.”

“I heard that!”

“He's got ears as keen as a falcon’s eyes, that one,” he grumbled. Yona chuckled lightly, her mood lifted since they were so close to their destination. He couldn't help feeling pleased at having made her smile and it nearly made him roll his eyes at himself. I'm almost as bad as Hak, he thought, go away, dragon blood, leave my poor heart in peace. As per usual, though, it wasn't listening.

~*~

Immediately upon arrival at their new site, and despite the overall fatigue of the group, everyone fell into a well-practiced routine as they each did their part to make camp. As per usual Yun was the one preparing dinner and once the food had been made ready everyone formed an orderly queue… if by ‘formed an orderly queue’ Jae Ha actually meant that while Zeno and Kija bickered and fought between themselves to snag the first bowlful of stew from the pot, Yona had tried to sneak past them, only to be caught by Hak (which started an additional kerfuffle on a whole other level). In the end, whilst everyone was fighting over who was hungriest/oldest/had most seniority, it was Shin Ah who managed to get first dibs on the food… it’s always the quiet ones, Jae Ha thought to himself. Being the big brother and knowing that bickering over dinner was unattractive, he’d stayed out of it, surveying it all instead from his spot next to his sleeping mat. He might have been last to eat, but watching his pseudo-family interacting with each other with such normalcy and comfort was more than worth it.

The only thing that was out of place was the fact that Yun wasn’t telling them off as loudly as usual. Jae Ha might have been hungry, but an empty belly hadn’t dulled his senses. He made a note to ask Yun about it when they were alone but Yona beat him to the punch and spoke to him while everyone was still eating around the campfire.

“Yun, is everything alright? You seem a little… contemplative tonight.” Her voice echoed louder than she intended it to in the cave and drew the attention of the others.

Jae Ha’s sharp, violet eyes flicked over to the boy, curious to see if he would open up.

Yun stopped munching on the wild herbs he was eating and to Jae Ha’s surprise, he looked a little sheepish. “Well, the famous Kouka tradition of Winter Festivus is coming-”

“Ah, my favorite holiday!” Kija sighed, interrupting. “I’d almost forgotten it’s that time of year. Granny will be busy supervising the decorating of the village right about now. There’ll be presents for everyone, warms fires, plenty of feasting, fireworks and sweet drinks!”

Yona heartily agreed with him. “Winter Festivus was so much fun at the palace, we had the best food and games! Father would open up the palace doors for the whole kingdom and finding gifts for everyone was so much fun!” She laughed, revelling in her memories. “Mundok used to dress up as Mr Festivus and give all the children gifts. Do you remember, Hak?” Her eyes creased with nostalgia at the corners. “He used to chase after you when you tried to sneak a peek from his sack!”

Hak unconsciously rubbed at the back of his head, her infectious grin spreading easily to him. “Sometimes he actually caught me, too.”

“Ik-Soo used to pretend Mr Festivus came to leave me a gift in the night,” Yun piped up, that false irritability ever present whenever he spoke about the priest, “but I never fell for it. It was so obvious it was him,” he said, “but I would pretend not to know because it made him so happy.”

“You must miss him,” Yona said kindly, “and I'm sure he misses you, too.”

Yun waved it off. “Bah, since he's on his own he'll probably go visit the mountain shrine. Lots of people from the region travel there for Winter Festivus, they'll be plenty for him to do to in order to help set everything up for the influx of holiday tourists…” he said, deliberately dodging Yona’s point, “although he'll probably cause the other priests more harm than good,” he added in a low mumble.

“I'm sure he'll be fine. And between all the food preparation, decorating, music and fireworks, Ik-Soo will likely have a great Winter Festivus holiday,” Yona reassured him.

Shin Ah’s face lit up under the mask as he listened, imagining all the events which supposedly took place during the celebration. “It sounds nice.”

Kija turned to the Seiryuu, aghast at the implication. “Don't tell me you've never celebrated a Festivus before?”

Shin Ah sat momentarily paralysed, his spoon halfway to his mouth, as if worried he'd somehow given an incorrect answer, and then shyly shook his head. Ao stopped sipping broth from his bowl to mimic him.

“That's terrible!” exclaimed Zeno, his voice echoing loudly within their cave. “We’ll have to throw a Festivus celebration so you can experience it! Zeno loves celebrations.”

Yun’s initial frown had returned. “As I was trying to say before I was interrupted, Winter Festivus is coming up and, well… we’re all dirt poor.”

“That's not new information, Yun-kun, why does it bother you now?” Jae Ha asked.

“Well,” Yun sat up a little taller, evidently proud of his potential new idea, “I've come up with a plan - a way for all of us to celebrate the holiday together in an affordable manner.”

“You never let us down, such a good mother,” Jae Ha teased, seeing the boy was already looking happier.

“Watch it, you exotic leg-beast, or I won't let you take seconds.”

Jae Ha feigned being being distraught. “I take it all back, then. What's your plan, bishi-Yun?”

“We’ll pull names out of a pot. Whoever you get, that's the only person you'll get a gift for. The only person.” He looked specifically at Hak and Yona. “No extra gifts for anyone, got it? That way we’ll all get presents and it'll still be fair and cheap.”

“That sounds like fun!” Yona beamed as a thought occurred to her.  “Do you think when we pull out the name of the person we’re buying the gift for we keep that name a secret until Winter Festivus Day?”

Yun shrugged. “Sure, if you think it'll make it more interesting.”

“Yay!” Zeno threw his arms out in celebration “Seiryuu gets to experience his first Winter Festivus and Zeno will get a present! This is going to be great!”

Simply because Zeno was doing it, Shin Ah raised his arms out, too. “Yay,” he said in his soft voice and smiled, tentatively excited at the prospect of his first Festivus.  

“I'll write everyone’s names down and put them in a pot.”

“Not you, Droopy Eyes,” Hak warned. “I don't trust you to put your own name in only once.”

“Fufu, how mean, Hak.” Jae Ha pretended to pout.

“You can try and look cute all you like, but you're not my type so it won't work.”

The Ryokuryuu’s eyes lit up like stars. “You think I'm so cute when I pout that you tease me deliberately? Oh, Hak-kun…”

Hak sighed. “That’s… that's not what I said.”

“I’ll get the pot ready with everyone’s names,” volunteered Yun, “once we finish dinner.”  

He was rewarded with a chorus of “Thank you, mother!”

“I don't remember raising any of you as children!”

~*~

On the day of Winter Festivus they'd spent the morning and afternoon in the town taking in all the sights and sounds and smells the holiday had to offer them. They ate too many sweets, (some of them) drank a little too much and they spent as much money as they had on games (sometimes even winning little prizes). Shin Ah’s cheeks ached from smiling so much, more exhilarated than frightened at all the hustle and bustle. Zeno got lost in the crowd on more than one occasion and for a while Jae Ha was somehow roped into acting as a substitute for a band whose flute player was ill. For an hour or so Yun even set up shop and sold a few medicinal herbs (and what he marketed as ‘hunky beast’ hugs, building on previous experience and exploiting not just Hak, but Kija and Jae Ha as well), although he guarded the money he earned from that business venture tightly, staunchly refusing to allow the others to waste any of it at the Festival.

As the afternoon dragged on and the sensations began to overwhelm them all a little, they agreed to return to their inn until the fireworks began at night. They’d rented two rooms (a small one for Yun and Yona, and a much larger one for the others), and gathered in the bigger of the two for the highly anticipated exchange of their Winter Festivus gifts.

They all sat in a circle, their presents hidden behind their backs as they gleefully tried to spy on one another, each of them brimming with anticipation.

“So, who wants to go first?” Yun asked when everyone was ready.

The Ouryuu volunteered immediately. “Zeno does!” Without waiting for permission he whipped out the gift from his sleeve: a rolled piece of cotton with something wrapped inside it. “This is for the Ryokuryuu! Happy Winter Festivus!” He tossed it to Jae Ha, sitting opposite him. “Zeno hopes he likes it and makes good use of it.”

Jae Ha looked up in surprise once he'd unrolled the cotton and realised what his gift was. “How did you know I needed this?” he asked.

“What is it?” Yona asked, not recognising what it was.

“It's Python skin,” he explained, “for my erhu.”

“Zeno noticed the Ryokuryuu wasn't playing as often after he dropped his bag during that fight in Sei, and that when he did play, the sound wasn't quite right. Zeno guessed that it was damaged and the Ryokuryuu was probably having trouble affording to fix it.”

Jae Ha nodded, surprised at Zeno’s perceptiveness. “This would have been expensive,” he said.

The Ouryuu smiled broadly. “That's why Zeno caught the python himself. It was free!”

Yona’s eyes widened in horror. “But didn't you get bitten?”

“Only a few times,” Zeno said in an attempt to placate her concerns, “but everyone knows the Ouryuu will always recover so it was no problem!”

“‘Only a few times’ is a lot, you careless dragon,” Yun said, “it’s not like a simple thorn prick!”

“But the python isn’t very poisonous and it only managed to break Zeno’s wrist once!”

“That doesn’t make it any better!”

Zeno simply laughed and patted the boy on the head.

“This is a very fine gift,” Jae Ha said, “the quality of the skin it high, and it’s been dried and treated perfectly. This was skillfully done. Thank you, Zeno-kun, I really appreciate it.”

Zeno scratched his hair, embarrassed at the sincerity of Jae Ha’s thanks. “Zeno’s happy his gift made the mister happy, too. Maybe the Ryokuryuu will start playing more for us in the evenings again?” he asked. Without waiting for an answer, he turned to the group. “Who’s next?”

“Well, since I got my gift, I think it's only fair I give my present next, right?” Jae Ha suggested.

“Oh, that's a good idea! Who did you pick from the pot?” Yona asked.

“That would be…” Jae Ha paused for dramatic effect, “Hak!” He pulled a large, white bottle out from behind him. “I hope you like it.”

“Cheongju, huh? Good choice.” Hak took the gift from Jae Ha and inspected the name. “This is a good brand, too,” he said appreciatively.

“It was difficult to get a hold of, I had to barter for it in a very dubious place, but it’s definitely the real deal.”

“I don’t want to know more,” Hak said, grinning, “but let's enjoy it together later tonight.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“No fair,” Kija protested, “you guys are always sharing drinks together.”

“Anyone’s welcome to join us, White Snake, if you can keep up with us.”

“It's Winter Festivus, the least you could do is call me by my proper title!”

Considering he was in a good mood, Hak felt there was no harm in obliging. “Fair enough, Hakuryuu. But just for today.”

Kija’s jaw fell open and Yona thought he looked adorable enough to giggle over.

To everyone’s surprise, Shin Ah spoke up. “What about you, Hak?” he asked, “who did you buy a gift for?”

“I’ve never seen you so excited, Shin Ah-kun.” Jae Ha said, highly amused. The boy blushed at the attention but from the way he was smiling and how tightly he was holding his hands together, it was obvious he was struggling to contain his glee. This was his first time celebrating a holiday and he was as excited to give a gift as he was to receive one.

Hak reached for a small bag in his robe and then went back in to pull out a pretty cloth folded in half as well. “It’s funny you should ask because it’s you,” he said, grinning, as he handed the goods over. “There are some nuts in the bag for Ao, and the gift in the cloth is yours.”

Shin Ah beamed and even though he was wearing a mask, Jae Ha was convinced the smile had reached those beautiful eyes of his. He held the cloth reverently, as if it could dissipate with a whisper, and stared at it without moving.

“Well?” Kija asked. “Don't you think you should open it, brother?”

Shin Ah looked up at Kija and it seemed to break the spell. He smiled again before laying the cloth onto his lap and carefully peeling it open. Inside were two medium-sized silk, yellow tassels, connected together with an intricate knot and decorated with two round green stones. Ao would have beamed too, except she’d already begun stuffing her cheeks with the nuts she'd found in the bag Hak had given her. “Just like Yona’s earrings,” Shin Ah whispered, holding his gift up for everyone to see. “Thank you.” He immediately got up and collected his sword, looping the tassels easily in the handle’s hoop.

“Hak made those himself,” Yona informed him, unable to hide her pride in her bodyguard’s hidden artistic talent. “That's why he could afford to buy materials of such good quality; he was able to purchase some silk string and unpolished gems and fashioned the tassels himself out of it.”

“Hak can make jewellery?” Yun asked, impressed. Jae Ha snorted with delight at the very idea.

“Weapon accessories,” Hak corrected, half embarrassed and half preening over the Princess’ praise. “It's important to know how to tie knots well, and I know how to polish things because it's an essential skill for weapons’ care.”

“The Mister is amazing,” Zeno exclaimed.

“I’ll treasure it.” Sitting back down with the group (his sword clutched lovingly) Shin Ah placed a clear jar of ointment in front of Kija. “I… I found this in the market. There were lots of different types, but… the lady there, she said that this was the best one. It should work to repel the toughest bugs. Happy Winter Festivus, Hakuryuu.”

Kija all but had hearts in his eyes and grabbed at the large jar eagerly. “Oh Shin Ah, how thoughtful!”

“I hope it works,” Shin Ah said, still holding his sword, “if it doesn't, I'll… I’ll go back and find you something else you might like.”

Kija shook his head vehemently. “No, no, there's no need. It's the thought that counts most of all, although I am sure it will aid me effectively in my battle against those terrible creepy crawlers from hell!” He opened the top and took an experimental sniff, scrunching his nose. “It’s certainly pungent,” he said. Ever the optimist he smiled broadly. “I can’t see how this will fail me!”

Shin Ah’s heart began to pound, happy beyond words at having succeeded in his first attempt to buy someone a present.

Jae Ha, however, smirked, knowing who was next. Almost everyone knew whose name Kija had picked from pot due to his ensuing panic and subsequent dedicated hunt for the perfect gift. “It’s your turn to give your gift now, Kija-kun. I wonder, who on earth could it have been?”

Kija went bright pink. “You know very well who it was! You made fun of me the whole time and turned my shopping experience into an absolute nightmare!”

Jae Ha shrugged his shoulders. “I was only trying to help...” he said, dolefully.

Kija wasn’t buying the act and angrily shook a fisted claw at the Ryokuryuu.  “You made too many suggestions and doubted all of my choices!”

Hak and Zeno couldn't help but laugh at his expression.

“Oh Kija, please don’t worry, I am sure whoever you got will love whatever it is you bought them, especially when you've obviously put so much thought and effort into finding their gift. Like you said to Shin Ah, that’s what really matters, right?”

Yona hadn’t realised it was possible for Kija’s blush to have gotten redder, but it did.

“Well, Princess, I hope that what you say is true because my person is you.” Without looking at her, he extended out his other hand, clutching a small wooden box. “I hope you like them,” he said shyly. “If not, I can always take them back and get them changed.”

“Oh.” Yona was pleasantly surprised. “I had no idea it was me!”

“Everyone else did.” Hak grinned. “He spent ages discussing what he should get you when everyone was trying to sleep and he wouldn't shut up.”

“Zeno remembers that night… he was so tired!”

“These are so pretty!” Yona was smiling widely from ear to ear, holding up a pair of new walking boots. “They look so comfortable, too!”

“Well I noticed your shoes are a bit worn and I know these ones are less slender but it’s the winter and I was thinking about the cold and how your feet might be getting more uncomfortable with the change in season-”

“Kija-”

“-and so when I saw them I thought you would like them but I wanted them to be pretty too because you’re a princess who deserves only the very best-”

“Kija…”

“-so I asked the cobbler to put some decoration on them and he did but if you don’t like them I can get you som-”

“Kija they’re wonderful and I love them,” Yona said loudly, interrupting his babble and doing everything she could to contain her laughter. “I could not be more grateful.”

“Oh,” he puffed out, utterly relieved, “I’m very glad.”

“I was just asking Hak the other day about whether or not I should get a heavier pair of shoes,” she said. “You've done me a great service because now I don't have to look for a new pair myself.” She smiled and held up her new shoes. “I'll start breaking them in tonight when we go to see the fireworks.”

Kija turned to give Jae Ha his familiar look of smug triumph.

“Well, considering there’s only the eternal seventeen year old and me left, I think we can easily figure out the rest.”

“The little lad is clever,” Zeno said, patting Yun’s head again. “Zeno’s excited to see what the little lad’s got him.”

“You’ll have to wait your turn. It’s Yona who’s supposed to give a present.”

“And here they are,” she said, presenting him with two books. “I know they’re a little boring,” she apologised, “I wanted to get you something more exciting, like a epic ballad or a historical romance but all I could afford was this old book of complicated maths. I bought it from a merchant who’d gotten it from a nobleman’s retired school tutor. I found the book on flora and fauna of the Xing Kingdom abandoned in one of the inns we stayed in a while ago.” She smiled at him. “One day, I’ll take you to the library at Kouka palace. You’ll be able to read anything you want, there are so many books there it’ll make your head spin, I promise. But for now, I hope these will do as a start.”

In a rare state of open emotion, Yun, unable to contain himself, got up to hug Yona tightly. The initial act took Yona by surprise, but the boy’s strong grip around her shoulders was a welcome thanks. Once he came to his senses he let go and sat himself back down as if nothing had happened and tossed Zeno a large, heavy bag. “Here,” he said while trying to duck his blushing face into his arm. “I made these for you.”

Zeno’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Sweets! The little lad made Zeno sweets! How joyful!” He shoved three into his mouth, one straight after the other and beamed, throwing his arms up into the air and making a ‘V’ with each hand. “In Zeno’s opinion, this is the best gift of them all! Happy Festivus Day to all!” His exuberance turned suddenly to trepidation, however, as everyone seemed to get the same idea at same the time. “No! Get away!” he yelled as they all pounced on him and tried to steal a sweet for themselves. “The little lad made them for me!”

~*~

“Uh… Princess, wait,” Hak said as the group made their way out of the inn to go watch the fireworks.

Yun eyed them both with suspicion and was about to open his mouth to berate Hak but Zeno caught him by the shoulders and pulled him away. “Come on, little lad, you and I aren’t as tall as the others, we have to go save spots up in the front or we won’t see anything!”

“That’s a good point,” Jae Ha added, winking quickly at Hak as he passed by. “I don’t want to have to carry you to higher ground, it’d be quite tiring, come along everyone.”

Once they were alone in the room, Hak began rifling through his things.

Having had no indication as to why she was asked to stay, Yona stood watching him awkwardly. Her eyes wandered over his muscular form - as they tended to do when she had an unimpeached view of him (stop it, she told herself, your cheeks will go red and he’s sure to notice!). She swallowed down the lump in her throat. “So… tonight was… um, fun? I really enjoyed celebrating Winter Festivus with everyone.” Yona tilted her head to get a better look at what he was pulling out of his pack when he didn’t respond. “What’s that?” she asked, uncertain if her suspicions about what he was about to do were correct. “Is that a new…”

“Yeah,” he said, standing up again and handing her a sleek, large bow. “For you.”

She gasped lightly. “Hak, this…” she took it from his outstretched hands and ran her fingers along the gift, “it’s beautiful.”

He nodded. “Bamboo core, ears of sandalwood and mulberry, and reinforced with buffalo horn,” he described, proud of his own find. “It’s a good bow.”

“But how did you-”

“I traded in the old one and a dagger I wasn’t using as part payment,” he answered, having anticipated her question. “It was worth it, though.”

“Oh…” To afford something so expensive he would’ve had to have sold one of his better weapons. Her heart ached at the thought of his generosity; he already gave her so much. “You didn’t have t-” she stopped herself when she noticed that of all things, Hak - the Thunder Beast of Kouka - was blushing. She immediately thought it better to simply take the gift in the spirit it was given. The last thing she wanted was for him to feel awkward about his kind gesture. “This is perfect, thank you.” As she was about to test the string she noticed something special about the decoration on the inner side of the bow. “Is that the royal crest in the design?” she asked, surprised.

He smirked. “You noticed. It wasn’t safe to make it obvious but this bow should last you a long time if you take care of it properly. I wanted it to be personal for you, so I kept it subtle and worked it into the pattern. It isn’t easy to see unless you’re really looking. I’m glad you like it. The crest is difficult to replicate, I wanted to do a good job with it.”

“You did,” she said, a smile blooming, “and I do really love it.” Her eyes pricked with tears, but she reigned them in.

“It’s a little bigger than the last one,” he said, “so with more training you’ll be able to reach targets which are further away. It’ll be harder to use but you’ve grown a lot in strength and in skill, and even a little in height,” he added with a grin, “so I’m sure you’ll adjust well.”

At his compliment she grinned, too. “I thought we were only supposed to buy a gift for the person whose name we pulled out of the pot,” she teased.

He stretched his arms out and yawned before answering, feigning nonchalance. “Technically it’s not a Festivus gift. It was about time you had an upgrade and it just so happens that I am giving it to you on Winter Festivus day.” His eyes glinted with mischief. “I broke no rules. Yun can’t punish me.”

Yona’s, however, widened with worry. “Wha? Will Yun really punish us for breaking the rules?” she asked in a panic. “You think he’ll deny me breakfast tomorrow?”

Hak lifted an eyebrow. “You bought someone else a gift?”

It was her turn to blush. “Sort of,” she said, looking down suddenly and finding her new bow very interesting all over again.

“Oh,” he said, mildly surprised, “then yes. I heard Yun say that anyone who bought more than one person a gift wouldn't be allowed food for two whole days.”

At that Yonas gaze shot up. “Whaaaa?! Noooo!” she wailed, “I would have eaten more at dinner if I’d-” she stopped when he burst out laughing at her, clutching at his stomach as he doubled over.  “Hak!” she yelled as she marched over to his pack and drew out an arrow from his quiver, “I'll test out my new bow by shooting you.”

He lifted his hands in surrender. “Sorry, sorry,” he apologised amid residual chuckles. “It was just too easy.”

She huffed, putting her bow down gently to pull out a piece of paper from a pocket in her dress. “I'm reconsidering whether I want to give you your Festivus gift.”

He stopped laughing completely at that. “Me?” he asked, surprised.

She began blushing as the rare look of shock in his gaze turned to assessment. He had a way of piercing straight through her, as if he could read her heart like it was an open book. It took all of her strength not to toss the folded sheet of paper at him and run away in embarrassment.

“What’s this?” He opened it, genuinely curious, and read.

“Your gift. I didn't have enough money so…”

“Princess, this is a list of my chores,” he narrowed his eyes in suspicion as they tore themselves away from the paper and peered into her face. “Are you trying to tell me I'm being a slacker?”

Of all his potential reactions, that one had never actually occurred to her. “What? No!”

“Then-”

“You work so hard,” she explained, “you’ve always- well,” she stopped herself, “maybe not when we were in the palace when you used to take naps all the time-”

“It wasn’t all the time,” he mumbled, but she was too far into her spiel to notice.

“-but maybe even then you probably used to nap a lot because I was always such hard work to protect,” she was blushing furiously as she struggled to get back to the focus of her speech, “but that's not the point, you see my point is-”

“Princess-”

“-you do so much, not just for me but for everyone, but also mainly for me, and you never, ever stop. You're always helping out and you’re always on the lookout and you care about everyone so very much. I'm trying to become strong like you, Hak, but it's taking a little while so in the meantime I wanted to just-”

“Princess, slow down.” Hak placed his hands firmly onto her shoulders, bending slightly so that he was eye-level with her, grabbing her attention. “You're sounding flustered,” he said and gave her a gentle smile of reassurance. “I don't mind doing what I do, truly. I work hard because it makes me happy. There's no reason for you to get so stressed about it, especially when I have so many friends that I can count on to take care of me, too.” Pulling away, he waved the paper briefly. “Thank you for laying out my chores for me in an easy list. I’m grateful, for you and your kind gift,” before she could answer he continued on, “Yun would appreciate how organised I'll be from now on. It'll definitely help.”

It was Yona’s turn to frown. “That's not what that is.” Honestly, she thought, he can be so obtuse sometimes. It was half cute and half irritating, which sort of made it even more endearing to her. “They're gifts,” she explained. “The next time you have to do one of those chores I'll do it for you, instead.” She looked up at him, eyes hopeful that he'd like it. “It's not much, but even you need a break too, sometimes.”

For a second she worried she’d said something to upset him. He stood perfectly still, his gaze intense and focused entirely on her.

“Hak?” Before she could say anything more he’d gripped her into a tight hold, just like Yun had done earlier, only this one was much, much fiercer. He’d pulled her close to him, enveloping her small frame entirely, and then pulled away just as quickly. She’d barely had time to register what had happened.

“Sorry,” he said, smiling broadly and not looking sorry at all, “I was greedy and took two gifts from you instead of one.”

“That’s… that’s ok, I didn’t mind,” she said quietly.

They stood grinning awkwardly at each other for a few moment, happy to be within the presence of the other. 

Eventually Hak cleared his throat. “Maybe you should go put your bow away,” he suggested, “we’ll need to catch up with the others soon or we'll miss the fireworks.”

“Alright,” she agreed and bent down to pick up her gift. “Thank you for this,” she said, smiling happily. “Happy Winter Fesitivus, Hak.”

“Happy Winter Festivus, Princess.”