#still. i miss them! they're my children!! one of them i wanted to repeatedly hit with a baseball bat on his stupid big head

[harrowscore]

i miss the ocs of my original novel... i've completed it weeks ago but they still have a grip on my heart, i can't fully move on 😭😔

[voidstilesplease]

Swords and Arrows

or That Summer When The Ares and Athena Cabins Finally Allied For Capture The Flag part 1 of 3

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(A Steo Demigod AU) || For @anonymous's prompt: "Scott as a Roman demigod instead of Greek" || word count: 2,647 || The Entire Demigod Series -> [AO3][Tumblr] (it's finally a working link tfg)

Stiles pulls back, "I was going to ask if you missed me," he says, face flushed and beaming. "But it appears I don't need to."

"You never need to."

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I.

"Why the long face, little brother?" Tara asks cheerfully, wedging herself on the bench between Theo and one of their half-siblings, and placing down her tray brimming with colorful food as opposed to Theo's bleak and half-empty one. She grins at Theo, but he's not in the mood to return the goodwill.

Theo pokes half-heartedly at the contents of his tray: a lonely sealed bag with a couple squares of ambrosia inside - the food of the gods - some cheese and two slices of wheat bread. "Don't call me little brother," he mutters with little heat, leaning to the table to whisper a request to his goblet, which immediately fills up with sparkling water.

Tara looks over Theo's head at Fred, their Head Counselor, sitting on Theo's other side. "He's not back yet?"

Fred shakes his head, wiping the bbq sauce at the side of his mouth. "Nope," he replies, popping the 'p' and catching on to the question without much elaboration. By now, there's only one 'he' that reduces Theo to a brooding and sulky man-child. "He hasn't answered Theo's last IM, too."

"Try the last five Iris Messages," Theo grumbles in annoyance. He turns to Tara, face contorted in a sour expression. "I mean, how difficult is it to take my call? He always has drachmas in his pocket exactly for this reason."

"He's probably busy disintegrating monsters," Fred says reasonably. Which, of course, makes sense. Monsters make the most infuriating and persistent roadblock of all. They make any journey twice as long for demigods - if they don't manage to kill you, that is. "Or, you know," Fred adds, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. "maybe he's being an accomodating companion to the Son of Jupiter."

Theo grinds his teeth hard and fixes his head counselor with a death glare. Fred only shrugs at Theo's reaction, obviously aiming for the exact response, and chuckling through a bite of ambrosia. Theo has half a mind to punch him in the jugular. He doesn't need a reminder of who Stiles is with, thanks. Spitefully, he harshly impales a piece of grape from Fred's tray with the tines of his fork and shoves it to his mouth in the most menacing manner he can project.

It only makes Fred guffaw, spraying bits of food onto the table. The campers across from him slide their trays away protectively, shrieking an indignant chorus of "Fred!" as they make sure no stray bits made it into their platters. Fred raps at his chest as he reaches for his goblet, still laughing his dumb ass off while trying to wave his hand in apology.

Their neighbors also share their opinion on the appalling table manners of the Ares brood - spitting out food may slightly be a common scene from their lot, unfortunately.

Brett from the Apollo cabin throws corn kernels at Fred, a strange display of solidarity if you can believe it, while Ara, the half-Korean junior counselor of Athena cabin, gives the Ares and Apollo tables a look of disapproval. She's a pretty terrifying 15 years old, which is why Stiles is extremely fond of her. With Stiles gone to New Rome the first week back to camp, Ara is doing a kickass job taking over the head counselor duty. (But, to Hades with it, Theo would much prefer Stiles to be scowling at their table.)

"Okay, first of all," Tara says over the little chaos. "Fred, you're disgusting. Second," she holds Theo's chin to compel him to look at her, then smirks, "Stealing a piece of fruit is not a cabin 5-worthy intimidation tactic."

Theo opens his mouth for his scathing retort, but at the same time, one of Stiles's younger siblings points in the direction of the cabins. "Hey, it's Stiles!"

Many heads look up, but Theo springs to his feet instantly, scanning the area for Stiles. He catches sight of him almost immediately, bounding to the Mess Hall in his orange shirt, face bright under the camp's enchanted borders, as radiant as the last time Theo saw him four long months ago. Without much thought, Theo finds himself carried by his feet towards Stiles.

Stiles sees him coming too, and his smile broaden. Theo sprints, forgetting himself and where they are. They meet halfway, by the entrance of the Mess Hall, with Theo knocking into Stiles's open arms strong enough that it's a surprise they're still upright on the ground.

Theo squeezes him to make sure his mind did not conjure a Spectre to appease his longing. Stiles feels solid under his hands, if a little sweaty, and he smells as if he was run over by monsters. But underneath the grime, he catches the scent of Stiles's favorite body wash. He feels himself sagging in satisfaction.

Stiles pulls back, "I was going to ask if you missed me," he says, face flushed and beaming. "But it appears I don't need to."

"You never need to."

Theo doesn't know how long they stood just smiling at each other, but they break apart at Chiron's pointed clearing of the throat. It's not even in Theo's head to be embarrassed by his actions despite the cackling and many leering faces of the other demigods. Mr. D merely raises an unimpressed eyebrow, though the twinkle in his eyes can only be from amusement.

Chiron is sitting on his wheelchair today, hiding his horse's ass behind the illusion of human legs - why he still does it is a wonder - and rolls forward to them.

"Stiles Stilinski," he greets merrily, the lines of his eyes crinkling when he smiles. "Welcome back." Chiron gazes a little behind them, then, nodding kindly towards another boy Theo only notices, is standing patiently at a distance.

The boy, Scott McCall, son of Jupiter and a praetor of the Roman demigods' army, the Twelfth Legion Fulminata, steps forward to bow his head in respect of the centaur. "Chiron," he also acknowledges Mr. D who didn't bother to get up from the head table. "Lord Bacchus."

"Hm," Mr. D hums without correcting the demigod, sipping on his diet coke dismissively.

Theo doesn't hate Scott, but he also doesn't like him - strongly, irrationally, dislikes him. Instinctively, he shuffles closer to Stiles as if his boyfriend is going to dissolve into the Mist if he isn't close enough to pull him back.

Theo's been agitated since Stiles told him, a week prior, that he was flying to New Rome in California where Camp Jupiter is, the Roman camp, for a 'friendly' visit. Everyone's allowed to cross borders, but no one has really done so just to tour around. After all, the camps are on opposing sides of the country and monsters don't pause to consider not killing vacationing demigods.

A couple of times before last week, when Theo visited Stiles in his Manhattan apartment, he'd, out of the blue, mentioned the varied courses and scholarships that New Rome University offered, as Theo laid his head on Stiles's lap while the latter read. Theo hadn't minded it at the time, as Stiles quickly dropped the subject. But another month passed and Stiles mentioned it again, randomly, during one of their IMs, adding that he might check into the enrollment requisites. Theo started to worry, then.

If Stiles goes to New Rome for college, Theo can't follow him. He never even got to finish eighth grade. And Scott, he's one of the Romans, their leader, and grudging as he is to admit, one of Stiles's friends now the more he visits Camp Half-Blood. He will eagerly encourage Stiles, telling him of the countless perks that Camp Jupiter has. He will be as big a hero there as he is in Camp Half-Blood, and he can rise to praetorship alongside Scott if the Legion so wishes it.

Scott is not a bad person per se, but he wears the color and insignia of the place Theo might lose Stiles to. And if Theo blinks the wrong way, he might not see quick enough that Stiles is being whisked away to the other side of the coast, leading a life without him.

⚔️🏹⚔️🏹⚔️🏹

After officially welcoming the son of Jupiter to the camp, feeding him, and getting him settled in Cabin One, the campers go about their daily routine of training.

The blade vibrates when it hits the shooting log, right on the marked spot. Then it disappears into thin air and reappears in Theo's hand only to be thrown back to the same spot. He does it repeatedly, unrelentingly, until Tara aims with his bow and hits his blade with an arrow to send both weapons clanging to the ground, a few meters away.

Theo heaves; he doesn't even know he's breathless just from throwing until then. Wiping beads of sweat from his forehead, he nods appreciatively at the bow in Tara's hands when his sister stands beside him with a smile. "If we aren't siblings, I'd mistake you for a daughter of Apollo."

"Please," she laughs, opening her palm, gesturing at the fallen weapons. Both her arrow and Theo's blade fly to her hands in a matter of seconds. "I don't want to light up like a glow stick while waxing poetry during a fight." Children of Apollo don't actually do those in the middle of a fight, but they do glow when they're healing, and they can make others speak in rhymes just for fun. Tara offers the knife back to his brother. "Also, we're children of Ares. By birthright alone, we should know to wield any weapon of war."

Theo takes the knife and snorts, "And yet, I suck at archery."

"I can't summon weapons out of thin air," She points out, grinning at him as she puts the arrow back to its sheaf. "I guess we just can't have it all or Zeus would be zapping us one by one."

Theo scoffs, leaning into position to begin throwing again.

"Speaking of Zeus," Tara says, a playful tone in her words. "Where's your favorite son of the Sky God?"

Theo spares her a glare before flinging his knife and burying it onto the battered practice log. He purses his lips before answering, "He's at the Big House with Chiron, Mr. D, Stiles, and the other head counselors." He clenches his fingers around the blade's hilt when it returns to his hands. "They're talking about a little orientation on New Rome University's scholarships and handing brochures and study guide for the DSTOMP." Theo doesn't bother hiding the acid in his voice from his sister. She'll recognize it anyway, even if he masks it with neutrality. He can't mask it with neutrality.

She quirks a brow, "You don't sound too eager," she notes. "Are you still jealous of Scott, little brother?"

"I'm not jealous of Scott," he says, gritting his teeth. "And don't call me little brother."

"Why are you so strung up, then, if you're not baselessly jealous?"

He finds his reply being interrupted for the second time that day, this time by a distant rumbling coming from the sky. All activities on the ground cease as everyone turns to the increasing volume of an invisible running engine. Theo scans the space above them, at first not grasping anything in motion, until a burst of light reveals a flying, glowing red bus coming down fast to the ground.

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Someone goes to alert Chiron as the rest of them scamper to the landing site by the amphitheater. The bus landed surprisingly smooth, despite its breakneck descent.

"Is that a Ferrari bus?" One of the campers points out.

Sure enough, the logo at the front of the vehicle, a black prancing horse on a yellow background, is of the famous luxury sports brand. But why would there be a flying Ferrari bus at Camp Half-Blood?

"Oh gods," Lori gasps somewhere on Theo's left. "Is that dad's sun chariot?"

As if on cue, the bus door opens, and a teenager who looks about Theo's age exits, wearing what he can only describe as a hipster look. He flashes a blinding grin - and quite literally at that, since they have to shield their eyes momentarily from the glimmer of his teeth - clears his throat dramatically, and announces:

"Hello demigods

The sun landed on your grounds

I am so awesome."

There's silence at first, then a series of enthusiastic applause from Brett and the rest of cabin seven comes next. The teenager bows theatrically, although Theo finds nothing extraordinary about what he just said. But soon, the others join in with half-hearted claps, recognizing the powerful aura suddenly seeping into their skins that could only mean there's a god among them - well, another god, aside from Dionysus, their Camp Director. And with the terrible haiku, there will be no mistaking who graced their camp today. The last time Theo had seen him, during the almost war on his first year at camp, the god had worn the body of a muscular mid-20's blond man. Now, it seems he favors to look even younger despite his four thousand years.

"Lord Apollo," Chiron's voice drowns out the applaud as he trots forward, now in his form as a white stallion from the waist down. "It's a pleasant surprise. Welcome to Camp Half-Blood."

Mr. D isn't as warm. He snorts, rolling his eyes. "Oh, bother, what brought you here now?"

Apollo's bright persona doesn't falter as he gestures at the bus - that is apparently his sun chariot. Theo remembers the time when he almost drove Apollo's chariot, if the Hermes cabin did not snitch it from under their noses, and thus putting three cabins grounded after a severe prank war. He had to take Liam's dish duties and pay him just so his present for Stiles could be delivered in time for Christmas.

"I'm here at the request of my little sister." The god says proudly, as the door opens again, this time with grumbling teenage and prepubescent girls coming out from the bus. All dressed in the same outfit: silver jackets, silver camo pants, and black combat boots, and they carry at their backs a quiver of sharp silver arrows. They glance at Apollo with apparent distrust, standing as far away from him as possible, as the god continues, "To deliver her hunters safely while she's away on a personal errand."

Several demigods groan in displeasure at the news, and even Chiron's lips form a thin line, though he tries to smile through the tension. Mr. D seems to be delighted now, though, happier to see the strange, vicious-looking ladies than his own brother. Personally, it feels like an omen of danger. Mr. D is never happy unless something perilous is about to descend upon his campers - even if his own daughter, Malia, is among them.

"Thank you, Lord Apollo." One of the hunters says albeit she looks physically pained by her words. She stands at the front of the group, a silver ring headwear around her head, with bouncing black curls, a pointed nose, and a strong chin. The other hunters also look at her when she speaks. It's easy to recognize her as the group's leader. "And thank you, Lord Dionysus, Chiron, for accomodating the hunters of Lady Artemis."

Chiron nods at the girl, eyes softening with kindness born out of familiarity, "You're always welcome, Allison."

Mr. D laughs boisterously, then. Like his punishment has just been lifted and he can go back to Olympus and away from the brats, celebrating by getting drunk on wine after years of prohibition. "Well, at least, Capture the Flag this Friday seems more enticing now, don't you think so, Chiron?" He gives a wicked grin at his campers, not waiting for a reply, his change in demeanor promising a torturous next few days for the demigods. "Ready to lose the Camp Half-Blood banner to these little girls for the 58th time in a row?"

~•~

[harveywritings92]

Soulmate AU: DK Arno x Reader 4/4

Soulmate if your soulmate gets hurt you feel it and share their scars. 

[Kinda mean and angsty to the reader at the beginning Because Arno rejects them at first because he thought Elise was his soulmate, but becomes it happy in the end.] 

[Time skip]

He screwed up...Arno royally fucked himself! Leon got angry at him when Arno told him how his efforts for France's freedom was pipe dream and he was just going to get himself killed! the child got upset and tried to strike the man instead.

Arno moved out of reach as boy grabbed his scarf and pulled it off exposing his face he heard Y/n gasp before he tried to reach out to her "Y/n-" she backed away from him "Stay away from me..." she croaked same look in her eyes when she was in that trance before running away from him.  

Arno felt hollow and listless as he finally tracked Leon down and found him hiding in the backyard of the orphanage trying to hide the manuscript under some stones. "Give me the manuscript now." he growled the boy hid it behind his back. "You liar you were never fighting for France, why do you really want it?" he demanded as the man took a few steps towards Leon. "I'm leaving the country and that's my ticket out of here." Aron huffed as the boy reluctantly handed it off to him. 

The former assassin began to walk away the boy just had to say it. "...I feel sorry for miss L/n, knowing she's stuck with a cowardly connard like you for a soulmate." Arno stopped walking then turned around and marched towards the boy. "I am no coward, little man. I just know how this twisted world works and that you can't save everyone!" and to add insult to injury he told the boy his parents weren't coming back, as a carriage rolled by Leon hid behind Arno when he realized it was Napoleon's carriage; the commandant hadn't even noticed them as he was preoccupied by a letter. 

later...

Arno hissed as he felt pain blossom in his left side like he'd been kicked, he ignored it and kept moving on, as the pain moved to his left hand like Y/n was hitting something repeatedly, the pain stopped leaving the feeling of pins and needles erupted in right shoulder something must've caused her to dislocate it again, Arno bit the inside of his cheek he didn't want to know what was going on. She already thinks him a monster... Well, that didn't matter anymore! Arno was done, done with Leon, done with Elise, done with... Done with this whole damn country.

Arno walked into the tavern looking for the Marque, but the pub owner said he wasn't there then told the assassin that someone was looking for him. He immediately assumed it was the Marque when he spotted a woman out of the corner of his eye, his heart stopped when he saw it was Elise?! 

Arno called out to her and gave chase before finally catching up to the girl and tackled her to the ground...it wasn't Elise it was a pickpocket who threw the coins she'd stolen at him before running away as Arno just sat there in the street defeated."I've been looking for you..Thank you for returning Leon." The voice of Madame Margot said causing the broken man to suck up what little pride he had left and pull himself up to face her.

"Good luck with him."

"I once had a son." 

"I'm sorry-"

"No, he's still alive. I left him, I began the orphanage afterward."

Arno let out a bitter laugh "Now, that's love." The madame cut him off "Sometimes love can be a prison, his father taught me that." she then pointed down the road. "The orphanage is my true calling..." then she gave him a sharp look. "Leon tells me You could've been the savior of France. Children..." Arno looked down at his feet as he though over what Madame Margot said Arno took a deep breath It was time to break out of his prison. "Madame Margot..." the old woman smiled victoriously.

"They're back at the orphanage." she mused guiding him back to the red building and were stunned to find marshals cleaning up bodies and a doctor tending to one of Rose's men whose body was bent in places that shouldn't bend. "What's happened here?" Margot demanded as her grounds keeper appeared before her with a black eye and a gash on his head being helped to walk by one of the older children.

"We was waitin on you, when this piss-pot and his boys barged in demanding to know where Leon and that [skinny/piggy] bitch was...they went after the kids, i tried to stop them, as you can see." He gestured to his injuries then took a breath and pointed at the broken window. "then there's this boom windows broken one of the connards drops dead bleeding from his head, then smoke started fill the house, the men thought the place was on fire." Arno reached for his belt and realized one of his smoke bombs was missing!

"Heard a struggle,when the smoke finally cleared his *nods at Arno* woman was standing over the bloke; I think she drugged him or something." the tween holding him up butted in "then she says: Go get the marshals and a doctor, I asked; why? you and the old man weren't that badly hurt! then she says to me; oh, it's not for us. no, it's for him. Seems in his haste to get away...He tripped and fell down the stairs.~" Arno looked at the the brutes broken body and winced.

The Marque was wrong about Y/n being bad at defending herself. "Exactly how many times did he fall down the stairs?" the assassin asked as the marshals hauled the brute onto the prison wagon, the old man just smirked. "Not really sure, seems in all the excitement we lost count..." he chortled as the kid giggled along with him. 

Madame Margot did head count of the children realized Leon was missing again! Arno went around back found him and Y/n who was sitting against the wall watching Leon practice sword strikes. "Little man." he called out to causing Y/n to flinch that didn't go unnoticed by Arno, the boy without hesitating Leon whirled around a pointed his sword at Arno who wasn't impressed as he lazily pushed the sword aside.

"We have three days till my ship sails."

"So what?"

"I'll get the artifact. then, I'm gone."

"Fine, But how? do you have a map to the temple in your coat?"

Leon asked in smug tone, Arno eyes as he realized something he pulled out the list of relics from his coat. "I knew I had seen those plates before. they're drawn here." he showed Leon "But this one is missing." the boy giggled, confusing the man "I'm being serious!" Arno huffed. "Moi aussi, meet me upstairs when you two have found the other plates." Arno almost impressed by the boy's self-confidence then walked over toward Y/n who tried to back away from him.

"Did I not make it clear when I said stay away from me--" She squeaked when Arno suddenly lifted her off the ground and tossed her over his shoulder like sack of potatoes. "Non, non I don't want this, put me down! " She demand while struggling in his hold. "I'll scream!" she warned Arno wasn't even fazed by her threat. "Go ahead, the guards won't help." He deadpanned just as two guards noticed them and approached. "Oi, what's going on here?" One as Y/n quick stammered out

"H-Help please! he's kidnapping me!" she pleaded as Arno happily chimed in "Sorry about her we're having a bit of a spat, I'm sure you understand." he chirped the guards were bit skeptical until they saw Y/n and Arno's matching scars, They chuckled and wished the brown haired man good luck, cause his soulmate looked pissed! the y/hc woman gawked at them in disbelief. 

"Told you it wouldn't work." He mumbled the walk was relatively silent Y/n stopped trying to get out of his arms but he still refused to put her down; Arno knows the second he does she'll bolt , they were almost at the first plate location when the french spoke up. "I meant it when I said I was sorry." Y/n snorted bitterly at him.

"Well can you take your apology and shove it." 

"You don't understand-"

"No, you don't understand!...I have been alone since I was 3! I had no home, no parents and no Madame Margot, I had to grow up before I even knew how talk, then your scars started showing up on my body, I actually felt hope that maybe, just maybe! I wouldn't be alone after all? someone was out there looking for me, then met I you and...*hnk* " She started crying Arno stopped walking averting his gaze to the ground, he immediately set Y/n down and rested her head against his chest in an awkward attempt at comfort; it had been a while since he held a woman in his arms, the tips of her ears turned pink when she cries... he noted eventually his other arm had wrapped her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"I'm sorry, At the time I blindly in love someone else, I thought she... no, I wanted her to be my soulmate. " He knew this wasn't going make everything better but, he promised before he leaves to tell her about Elise and how it all went down, but for now he needs her to trust him or at least tolerate him, She's the only other person besides Leon who can guide him in the catacombs.

His arms tightened on her when Arno spied some of Rose's men nearby, but because they couldn't see Y/n's face; the soulmates were brushed off a couple having a go at each other before continuing their patrol. after a couple minutes Y/n calmed down and the plan was to split up it'll be quicker that way, Again Arno tried give Y/n his gun and a poison bomb but she told him not to worry she'll be fine.

[Time skip]

A small fire had broken out in one of the dig sites Arno felt his stomach drop at the sight of the smoke and the raiders running for dear life, He was ready run down there and search for the archaeologist, but a hand grabbed his wrist before he could take a step, he whipped his head around lips curled into a snarl ready to fight whoever was holding him back, Only to stared stunned to see a smirking Y/n holding the second plate!

the former assassin was curious as to how she managed get hers, the only answer was "Honor among street rats." She said then winked a one of the raider's who was standing off a ways, the man smirked and saluted her before disappearing after the others, Arno cocked a brow now curious exactly what Y/n had given the man in return for his help, and how she knew him? 

But y/nat woman was already heading back towards the orphanage. "I said not to go ahead me!" Arno huffed as he caught up to her then noticed her bracer looked different, his brows furrowed and grabbed her arm to examine it, she added a gun? It kind of looked like the one on that Italian parchment... then the pence dropped now he remembered where he's seen that gun before! The statue in the sanctuary!

"You replicated master Ezio's pistol?!" He exclaimed stunned as Y/n looked at him bemused. "Ezio's gun? non You mean... Da Vinci's gun?" She said raising an inquisitive brow as the dark haired man shook his head. "Non, Da Vinci was an ally of Ezio's who translated....Altair's... codex..." he trailed off Arno's soul sort of left his body for a second there, and felt a little weak in the knees when he realized he held a piece of assassin history without realizing it! then the questions started piling up: did she find any other pages? has she tried firing it? But immediately he pushed those questions aside that life was behind him now...

When they got back to the orphanage Leon surprised them with a third plate which Y/n had a suspicion was why Rose's men were after him. The three of them set the plates down and stared at them stumped "So, what happens now?" Arno shrugged "You tell me." The madame Margot came in and the plates lit up when she brought her candle to the Arno carefully arranged and held them to the light to reveal the temples location. He grabbed Y/n's hand and told Leon to stay put. 

[Time skip]

Things got bad real fast Arno fell through the floor into an old cistern, while Y/n was taken hostage by Rose and apparently she wasn't making it easy for them as several of the men were knock out she eventually did get away after tossing a smoke bomb. 

They found each other by literally running into one another she was missing her jacket and bag, Said Rose stole it thinking the key the was in it, luckily Arno had it with him. 

They made their way back to the vault Arno told her to stay outside. but Y/n could see he was out numbered by Rose's men well the ones the raider hadn't killed anyways a few were actually running away while Rose was barking orders at and calling them cowards. 

Y/n saw Arno go down so she acted! She let out a whistle and getting Arno and Rose's attention the Assassin could only watch horrified as Y/n was shot in the stomach! he felt pain in his stomach he finished off the remaining men and tried to run to her, but Rose knock him down "Don't worry boy, I left her pretty face intact..."Arno glared up at the raider. 

Who smirked thinking he'd won, even went on a tirade about how much Y/n has been thorn in his since Paris and should of off'd her the second she fowled up that job!

Arno's lips curled into a snarl realizing who was responsible for Y/n's attack, before feeling the pain shift in his stomach, his eyes caught Y/n very much alive and pointing her hidden pistol at Rose The assassin smirked confusing Rose who heard a click then *BANG* now the shot wasn't enough to kill Rose, but it had enough force to knock him forwards; right into Arno's hidden blade which found it's way into his neck, After watching Rose's final thoughts. 

Arno shot up off the ground straight to Y/n who was holding her stomach trying to get up."Don't!" Arno barked making her tense he sounded scared... without a another word he pulled her shirt up much to the y/ht woman's protests! Only to find her very bruised but otherwise undamaged belly and he was so confused when he saw something on the ground a block of wood and some kind of bloody sack...

He looked at her Y/n rambled that Rose was always a selfish brute and knew he shoot her the second she confronted him "so I made a tr-" she was cut by Arno crashing his lips against hers in very intense kiss, before pulling away and resting his head against her shoulder. "Don't ever fucking scare me like that again..." he said voice hoarse from holding back screams.

A few minutes of collecting themselves Arno went and got the artifact from behind the door, and rejoined Y/n just a more raiders showed up to try and steal the lantern from them, Arno held the y/nat close as used the artifact on the men, it was terrifying watching bats come out of nowhere and attacking them and even turning some against each other! She locked eyes with Arno the two silently agreed that this Artifact can't fall into the commandant's hands...   

That night Arno had spent the night with... Y/n they mostly talked mostly about his past and resolve, and they moved on to the current situation where do they go from here, and what will he do with the lantern? He decided that it'll will be going to Cairo Y/n looked somberly assuming he still wanted to leave... got off her bed to get dressed Arno pulled her back onto him "It'll be going to Cairo alone.." 

She looked at him stunned unsure if she heard him right, He brushed her hair out of her face told this whole ordeal taught him how selfish and trapped he was feeling over Elise's death, it wasn't fair to Arno, and it certainly wasn't fair Y/n... He's decided to stay and return to Paris he didn't intend to go alone, Y/n hugged him so tightly he nearly got the wind knocked out of him!

The next morning after settled their debts with the Marquis and saying their goodbyes to Leon and Margot , Arno and Y/n were riding along the country side when they were stopped by courier he scrutinized her for a moment before handing her a letter.

 Arno curiously watched Y/n read before a smirk tugged on her lips. "Good news?" The assassin inquired his soulmate just looked at him with the same spark when they first met. "Depends, you up for another expedition?" the Frenchman looked at her curiously, it was rough the first couple years Arno though his life ended with Elise's death; turns out it just acted as a starting point for his new life with Y/n to begin...

End.       

[rainyrowan]

Sunkissed - Chapter 2

description: Wedding of the century rolls around as the previous college clique, along with the rest of their family members, stay in preparation for it. During this time, Riley meets Lucas, a gorgeous, green-eyed wallflower who happens to be immediately taken by her. Little did she know, he has a deep secret. One that will either change her views on him forever or make her feel closer to his world.

word count: 2,801

pairings: riley x lucas

Song: Troublemaker by Olly Murs (Ft. Flo Rida)

chapter two; lucas

"Please stop!" I pleaded. As much as I've begged for him to stop, he wouldn't. He kept going.

He began walking towards my mother. Her eyes were filled with so much sorrow and fear that it was too painful for me to even look at her. She quickly scurries over to me. "Lucas, listen to me. You need to leave, okay? Aubrey is in the basement downstairs. Take her with you and go as far away from here as you can." She whispers, but he then grabs her from behind and pushes her up against the wall.

I couldn't bear to see him do this. Again. "STOP HURTING HER!" I yell. He turns around and stares at me with his bloodshot eyes. In that very moment, I was ready for whatever would happen next. He lets out a drunken chuckle before taking a swing at me.

Like always, he doesn't stop. He only kept going.

Punch.

Kick.

Hit.

"No," I whimpered. I couldn't take him. I was too weak."No..."

"NO!" I suddenly jerk up, panting. I feel the sweat dripping down from my forehead. "Just a dream," I whisper to myself repeatedly. The same dream I've been getting for the longest time.

I glance over at my clock. Too early. I graciously plopped back down and wrapped myself in my covers.

I think I had a good ten minutes before someone came knocking on my door.

"Lucas," a voice from behind it says softly. Knowing who it is and why I'm being awakened so early, I ignore it.

"Hey, buddy. It's six-thirty, we've got a flight to catch." I feel a hand rub my back, but I still continue to ignore. "Fine! If this is how you want it-" All of a sudden, I hear footsteps skid across my floor before a crushing weight falls on top of my chest.

"Ow!" I cry as my eyes flung open to see my Aunt Rachel seated on top of me. What a goof.

"You know, that really wasn't necessary!" I say looking up at her.

"Um, it really was! I've been trying to wake you up three times already." She exclaims, getting off.

We're supposed to fly to California today in preparation for my Aunt Rachel and Uncle Jack's wedding. It's safe to say that Aunt Rachel is very, very excited. Apparently, they're hiring these two wedding planners, who were their close friends from college, to help them plan and run everything. However, their timing isn't really the best. Due to Uncle Jack's schedule complications, they had to move the wedding earlier than anticipated. Earlier as at the end of this week. How they're going to plan this whole ceremony in one week, I don't know. But, I'm quite certain that with Aunt Rachel around, they can surely do it. She's always been a believer of the fact that if you really put your mind to something, you can accomplish it. And she has. I've seen her done miraculous things with this mindset. She's someone I surely look up to.

I finally find all the strength to pull myself out of bed. "Is Aubrey ready?" I ask.

"Yes, sir. As a matter of fact, we all are. So, if you don't hurry, I will literally beat your ass!" She jokes, leaving my room. I let out a chuckle as she shuts the door behind her. She may be my aunt, but she treats me like a little brother on a day to day basis.

I quickly peel off my sleepwear and put on a pair of jeans, along with a black hoodie. I then grab my stuff before leaving the room.

The smell of freshly cooked bacon and eggs greeted me as I entered the kitchen.

"Good morning, Lucas! Your food's right over there." Uncle Jack points over to the plate next to my little sister, who is currently inhaling her breakfast. I laugh at the sight. Can't blame her, though. Uncle Jack never fails to delight our taste buds.

"Hi, Aubrey," I say, setting my bags down and taking a seat next to her. Still chewing, she smiles up at me in response.

I dig into my delicious meal as Uncle Jack sits in front of me. "You know, you didn't have to make us breakfast. We could've grabbed Starbucks at the airport or something."

"Well, I just-"

Out of nowhere, Aunt Rachel storms into the kitchen, picking up all our stuff. "Okay! I'll be bringing our bags downstairs since the cab will be arriving any minute now. Hurry up and finish your food! We don't have all day, so chop chop!" She yells. Before I could even offer any help, she's already out the door.

"As I was saying, I feel bad for leaving you two with all that craziness." Uncle Jack jokes. I let out a soft chuckle.

Uncle Jack mentioned something about this huge conference going on for his company, which takes place this week. So, he won't be coming to California until two days before the wedding. He really tried getting out of it, but it just impossible. I felt bad for him, of course, but all I could really think about is how on earth are we all going to survive this crazy week.

Aunt Rachel pokes her head into the apartment door. "Cab's here!" Uncle Jack quickly dashes over to her and grabs her arm. He spins her around so she's facing him, then plants a kiss on her lips. Smooth.

"You think I'd let you leave without saying goodbye?"She gushes.

"I guess it'd be a little out of character of you if you did."

"I'll miss you," He whispers, pulling her into a hug. "Take care."

"You too." She pulls away and kisses him once again. They're honestly so perfect for one another. Why didn't get married sooner?

Uncle Jack then picks up Aubrey and showers her with my more kisses. "You have fun, my little princess." It means the world to me that he loves her, loves us, this much. From the very first day we moved in with them, Uncle Jack, in particular, seemed far more understanding of our situation.

"And you," He turns to me. "I know how you are with others." I already know where this is going.

"Look, the people you're about to visit- They're our family. They mean more to us than anyone would ever know. Please don't push them away, shut yourself out, or anything else along those lines. They're special, so I expect you to keep an open mind throughout this trip, alright?"

He's not in the wrong for saying all this. Past experiences have allowed me to disconnect from the world, even with the people around me. I just find it so hard to trust people. Only ones I've ever really trust are them. They were my only family after all.

I purse my lips, offering him a slight nod.

"Good." He says, pulling me into a hug. He pats my back before letting go.

"Alright, I don't want to keep you guys for too long." Uncle Jack smiles. "So, take care."

Once we've all said our goodbyes once again, we finally head out the building and into the taxicab that had been waiting for us. Aunt Rachel gives the address to the driver before we head straight to the airport.

- - -

California isn't really that far from Seattle, which is pretty convenient on my end because Aubrey absolutely hates plane rides. She threw a massive tantrum at first, but I managed to tame it. I spent the whole two hours of the flight trying to calm her down but cradling her in my arms whilst telling her multiple stories. Nothing too bad.

Once we exited the gate, a woman instantly spots us and starts running towards us. Aunt Rachel dropped her bags and ran towards her as well.

"Angela!" She exclaims, pulling her into an embrace.

"How are you, sweetheart? What have you been up to?"

"The usual. Oh, no big deal, but I also got engaged!" She pulls away to show off her hand with the engagement ring Uncle Jack gave her. They both squealed.

Angela then turns to smiles at me. "You must be the infamous Lucas Friar. I've heard a lot about you." Great. Someone else who knows about my awful past. She pulls me into a hug as I shoot Aunt Rachel a despising glare. "Sorry!" She mouths silently.

"Infamous, I am," I mumble, pulling away. I already hate this.

Angela turns to Aubrey in awe. "Oh! Who might you be, you gorgeous one?"

"My name is Aubrey." She says sweetly. Angela places her hands over her chest, turning to Aunt Rachel. "She's adorable!"

Aunt Rachel smirks. "Takes after me, obviously!"

"Well, we better get going. Cory and Topanga are really excited to see you." Angela says. She offers to carry Aubrey's stuff as we walk out of the airport and into the parking lot.

"Oh my gosh. I miss them so much," Aunt Rachel beamed, getting into Angela's minivan. "How are they?"

Sticking the key in the ignition, Angela laughs. "They're doing great. And Riley, oh my goodness! She's growing up to be an absolutely beautiful woman."

"You're kidding?! Last time I saw her, she was only a little baby!" Aunt Rachel gasped.

"It can't be that long! She's practically running the flower shop!"

"Who's Riley?" Aubrey asks out of curiosity.

"Honey, Riley is the daughter our friends," Aunt Rachel explains.

Angela turns to look at me. "Yeah, and she's about Lucas' age." She winks. Everyone in the car giggles. I silently roll my eyes.

The last thing I need is to have a thing with some California girl that I would probably never see again after this trip.

- - -

One thing that I worried about before this trip was how much I'd miss the city. I was pretty much born and raised there. I've never really gone anywhere else. Although, I have to admit- The drive to Cory and Topanga's, made me realize that it wouldn't be much on an issue. Apparently, they live alongside the beach, so the drive only consisted of beautiful beach scenery.

I focus on the clear blue water glistening as a handful of children run around the shoreline, ready to jump into the water. Other kids would stick around the far end to build sandcastles. Aubrey would surely have fun. I thought, planning to take her as soon as we've settled in.

As we drove closer and closer to the beach, I also happen to spot a ton of girls. I don't really think that much of them. As a matter of fact, I try my very best to avoid them as much as possible. Back in the city, a lot of them would practically throw themselves at me. Sometimes I wonder if they've still got their dignity or if they even had it in the first place.

Most girls here on the beach were either sunbathing or taking photos. Although, there was one who caught my eye. She obviously stood out since she was doing neither of those things. Even though we were close enough to where I could still get a good look at her, I couldn't capture a glimpse of her face.

Unlike the others, she was sitting on a rock by the shoreline. She had on a maroon sweater as her long brown curls flowed behind her. She was staring off into the ocean. She also had a camera by her side. Probably a photographer. I think to myself.

We finally pull up in front of what seems to be a flower shop called The Floral Boutique. According to Aunt Rachel, The Floral Boutique is a family business which is currently run by Topanga.

My eyes then fixate over to Ever After, a bridal shop which looks like it's connected to The Floral Boutique. From what I've heard, both Angela and Topanga co-own this business together. Topanga must be some kick-ass woman for being involved with two businesses.

With our bags, we all walk into The Floral Boutique. Behind the counter, a man looks up at us with a smile. "Well, I'll be damned!" He exclaims.

"Cory!" Aunt Rachel yells, offering him a hug. "This is my niece, Aubrey, and my nephew, Lucas."

He bends down to shake Aubrey's hand. "Nice to meet you, sweetheart!"

His gaze then leads to me. Cory stands up and folds his arms. "What are you, like 20?" He asks.

"No, sir." I laugh. "I'm 17."

Cory gasps."BOYZ!"

I tilt my head in confusion as he brings his face closer to mine. "What are you doing?" I mumble.

"Just examining your facial structure," He answers casually. Once he steps back he turns to my aunt. "He's too perfect! He shall remain five feet away from my daughter at all times." Riley.

Angela scoffs. "Don't even, Cory."

"Yeah," Aunt Rachel says. "Lucas is a wonderful guy."

I press my lips together. I don't know why everyone's insisting on anything, rather, why we're even talking about this. I truly have no desire to start something up with anyone this week.

"Rachel?" Someone calls out from the back room. All eyes fall on her as she approaches us.

"Oh my god. Topanga." Aunt Rachel says with a smile.

Based on appearance, I could already tell that she is a bad-ass woman. She just seems so... Strong. Like a fierce Amazon warrior type.

After a few short minutes of rekindling with one another and greeting Aubrey for the first time, she turns to me. I've never really met her, at least I don't think I have. About ready to introduce myself, she stops me.

"You're Lucas Friar."

"We've met?" I asked.

"Well, you probably don't remember me," She pauses. "But, yeah. We have. A long time ago, though. You were probably about this tall." Topanga levels her hand by her hip. Then her eyes fall on me once again. "I know all about you," She says casually. Okay, so does everyone know about me?! I slightly clench my jaw, planning on making a comment on that fact. However, Topanga speaks before I could.

"You're really brave." She smiles before walking back to everyone else. No one's ever told me that before. Because I've had such a horrible past, no one seems to want to fully acknowledge anything about it. If they do, it would usually be more of a negative remark, which is why I definitely preferred it being that way. Although, I do feel just slightly better about myself after hearing Topanga's comment.

Everyone follows her and Angela as they offer to give us a tour of both shops. I quietly tap Aunt Rachel on the shoulder.

"Hey, is it okay if I head off for a bit?" I ask.

"What? Lucas-"

"Please, I want to go explore the beach." I plead.

"Well, alright." She says hesitantly.

I subsequently slip away from everyone and head out of the shop. The scent of saltwater lingers through the air, which evidently brings a smile to my face as I make my way down to the shore.

As I was walking, I glance at three girls who were staring at me, giggling. Not wanting to have to deal with any more of that, I throw my hood on and hang my head down. I continued to walk like this whilst my peripheral vision focuses on the sand beneath me. This goes on for a bit before I bump into someone. I look up and I couldn't believe my eyes.

It was her.

The girl in the maroon hoodie. Well, now looking at it, a Harvard hoodie. She was standing right in front of me.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She apologizes.

For a moment, I am unable to breathe. Instead of responding as a normal person would, I just looked at her. My gaze fell upon her chocolate brown eyes, that I surprisingly found quite mesmerizing. This can't be happening. Snap out of it, Lucas. I shake my head.

"It's okay," I mumble before heading off. For some reason, I still felt her stare. I had a feeling she was still watching me. I kept walking long enough so that when I turned around to look back at her, she was already heading her way.

What just happened?