#surprised her hair isn���t long again yet

[chiefduckgarden]

Last dinner.

Wanda maximoff x Reader

Angst.

A/N: I wrote this a little rushed, I'm sorry if I made some mistakes. Btw, english it's not my first language so please, if you see any mistake let me know, I promise I'll get better :)

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It was 6 pm, and you were alone in your house cooking dinner for you and wife. She was at work and you knew she'll be coming home soon. Earlier in the afternoon you decided you wanted to take some snacks for her to eat at lunch time, so you made a little unanounced visit to her office. She told you she would see you at the house.

The sound of the oven letting you know the food was ready dragged your attention from the soup, leaving the wooden spoon on the counter you went to take out the chicken you cook. Oh, the salad wasn´t ready yet!

Holding your sharpest knife you grabbed the fresh lettuce and began to chop it.

- Wanda it´s not here now honey, she´s at the supervisor's office, maybe you want to wait, she´s been in there for quite a while now, sometimes their meetings can last and hour or so.

- That´s fine, i´ll wait.

- Okay, but don´t say i didn´t warned you...

You smiled politely at the secretary and took a seat at the white bench. You could wait for Wanda.

Wanda´s favorite food was all over the large wooden table. The soup, the salad, the drinks, the paprika, the meat. Everything you knew she loved was there, waiting for her to arrive.

Looking at the clock on the wall you realized you still had some minutes to fix up your make up, so you took your little mirror from your purse and began to apply some lip gloss.

- She´s been there a little too long, isn´t she? - you asked with a little laugh.

-Yes, told you it could be even an hour.

-Yeah... i need to use the bathroom, do you think i could use the one in her office?

- Oh sure, you're the wife after all, i don´t see the problem.

-Thank you... And if she comes back don´t tell her i´m here, it´s a silly little surprise

- Oh sure, don´t worry - the woman told you, simulating the closing of a zipper in her mouth.

The candels and the roses were spread all over the room and the romantic slow music was the perfect tuning for the night.

You walked into your shared room and looked at yourself in the big mirror. Your dress was perfect, and special for the occasion. Your hair, your make up. Everything was fine. And your shiny little ring was the best detail to wear that night.

Before stepping out of the room you looked at the prepared suitcase in the corner. You grabbed it and took it with you to put it at the living room.

Walking down the stairs again you took a seat on the couch waiting for your wife. She would be there at any time.

Washing your hands you were thinking about leaving the snacks you prepared for Wanda and go back home. Maybe she was really busy and you were just interrumpting her day. But the sound of the main door in her office told you your wife was back.

- Those files you sent me were amazing Wanda - you heard the voice of her supervisor, Vision, talking.

- Thank you Vis, i really looked forward for something nice.

You smiled thinking about the hard work of wife. Maybe you´ll do something nice for her to celebrate her amazing work.

- I can´t wait to be there with you, just the two of us - Vision said.

You frowned, confused.

- Me too, i told my wife i´ll be out for two weeks, so we´ll have enough time, the vacation house it´s beautiful, and i can´t wait to be there.

- It could be like this forever Wanda, just us, be with me, be mine -his voice was soothing and full of love, like he wasn´t telling atrocities to a married woman.

- I am yours, i love you and only you, someday will be just the of us, i promise, i just need time.

And then you felt like vomiting.

The sudden sound of keys and the door announced Wanda´s arrival. You smiled and stood up to welcome her.

- Y/N where are you? - she called out for you.

- I´m in the living room honey - you said.

She stepped in quickly, looking tired and rushed.

- Y/N, i can explain everything, what you saw at the office...

- Dinner is ready darling, I have everything prepared - you cut her off and walked into the dining room.

She followed you confused.

- What? I'm telling you I need to explain...

- I made paprikash, and even cooked your favorite meat and cut fresh veggies for our salad.

- What? I... - Wanda rubbed her face with her hand in exasperation trying to understand - What's all of this? And why... - she looked at you from head to toe - Why are you wearing your wedding dress?

- It's a special night, a special dinner Wanda - you said like it was obvious.

- I don't know what is happening but we need to talk... - She said getting closer to you, trying to hold your hands.

But you avoided the contact.

- Oh we're gonna talk, but we're gonna have dinner in the meantime... What do you say darling?

She shook her head shocked.

- What are you doing? I need...

- JUST TAKE A SEAT! - you finally yelled, little tears falling for the corner of your eyes.

She jumped a bit for the sudden reaction and looked at you confused.

- Sorry - you said - I had a shaken day, but I made dinner for us, please let's just eat... At least give me that.

She gulped and nodded.

- Thank you.

You stepped out of the office bathroom just to see your wife and her boss kissing in her desk.

- Wanda...

She froze in her place and turned around.

- Y/N, what are you doing her? - she asked.

- I just came to bring you some snacks for your lunch but... - you looked at Vision trying to fix his tie - I think I better go home.

- Y/N I can explain, Vision and I....

Then someone knocked on the door and the secretary walked in.

- Sorry for the interruption but Mr. Hart wants the report of the week now, he asked for Mr. Vision and Mrs. Maximoff at the conference room now, the investors are waiting for you...

- I'll be there in a minute, thank you - Vision said walking to the door as the secretary left the office - Are you okay Wanda?

- Yes, tell Mr. Hart I'll be there in a minute too I just need...

- Go now Wanda, they need you, I'm leaving - you said without looking at her in the eyes.

- We need to talk Y/N, just wait for me in the house, I'll explain everything.

You nodded numb and left the office as quickly as you could.

You didn't want someone to notice you were crying.

- I'm sorry it's a little cold, but it's still warm at least.

- It's fine, thank you - she said eating awkwardly.

- You know, I tried to recreate the exact dish they served that night, but I don't think i nailed it - you said laughing a little.

She frowned her eyes and looked at you a bit confused.

- You don't know what I'm talking about? - you asked with trembling voice.

- About the food? - she tried.

Tears started to fall silently from your eyes again, this time ruining your make up.

- It's the same food we ate at our wedding... Ten years ago.

Both of your hearts broke a little at the confession.

- Y/N I'm sorry, it's just I'm really distracted, I need to talk and you... - she said, starting to sob.

- And the music... - you cut her off again - It's the song from our first dance... And the one you showed me in our first date.

Wanda looked at you astonished as she listened to the music playing in the background for the first time in the night.

'How sweet it is to be loved by you' was on repeat.

She couldn't help but cry, and so did you. But both for different reasons.

You were crying drowned on so much feelings. The day drained you emotionally and took your life away in a matter of hours.

She was crying because despite the constant reminders of your shared love she couldn't help but feel nothing. She didn't love you anymore.

- Y/N...

- Yes? - you asked smiling through your cry and eating. To be honest, you knew you looked crazy. She probably thought you had lost your mind. But you didn't care.

- Can we talk please? About everything.

You slightly nodded and drank from your wine, looking at anywhere else but her.

- Vision and I - she started and you regretted letting her talk the second she mentioned his name - We are together.

- You're having an affair - you corrected her.

She looked at you hurt.

- What? It's the truth. You are my wife, you are cheating on me with him. Don't call it any other way.

- Y/N...

You reached your breaking point, you couldn't help but cry and be mad, and disappointment.

- For how long? - you said, with a trembling voice.

She gulped and looked at the floor, playing nervously with her hands.

- One year.

Oh that hurt. More than anyone could think.

You let out a breath that you were holding. Your cry was intense, intense and silent.

But you were still eating.

- A year?... That's a lot of time... How?.... Why?

She sniffed.

- I don't know, we spent a lot of time together and it just happened... I felt attracted to him... I just couldn't help it.

- But you were supposed the be attracted to me, you are my wife...

She finally looked at you again, with pity in her eyes.

- I'm not... I don't.... - she tried to find the right words to tell it with touch, but there was no easy way to say it - I don't think i love you anymore... I fell out of love a long time ago... I just don't know why.

That was it. Those words you were so afraid to heard. She broke you.

- Y/N, it's not your fault, I just can't love you anymore, I'm sorry for the damage, but I can't help but feel nothing... But it's all on me, you did nothing wrong, i swear...

But you didn't respond. You just couldn't. You felt numb, like you were dreaming, like your soul had left your body and there was only the shell of you left.

- And Vision, he was there for me all the time, and when we started to spend more time together I fell for him...

You looked at her. Your stare was heavy, it looked tired, disappointed... And blank at the same time.

- Please say something - she asked.

You sighed.

- What's going to happen to us?

She stared at you sadly.

- I think it's better for us to get a divorce Y/N, you deserve someone better, someone who can love you completely...

- Did you never love me completely? - you suddenly asked her.

- I did, for a really long time you were my everything... But now...

- Now it's him.

She gulped, closing her eyes nodding.

- Yeah, now it's him.

You were still in some sort of trance, but you knew it was enough for that night. You needed to rest.

You got up from the chair and started walking toward the stairs. But before leaving the room you stopped to look at her.

- Give time to process this... Situation. I'll let you know whenever I'm ready to fill the divorce papers...

She stand up to look at you.

- I need time Wanda, I know that for you this marriage ended a year ago, but for me... I just lost my wife this evening.

She nodded, whispering sorry again and again.

- The suite cases you prepared for your 'business trip' are in the living room... You can leave whenever you want, it's still your house too anyways.

- Y/N... - she stopped your tracks when you were about to leave - I'm sorry for everything, for the lies, and the affair, and pain... You don't deserve any of this... I'm really sorry.

You smiled bitterly.

- Your apologies mean nothing to me Wanda... You're the most coward and horrible person I ever met - you finally said angrily - You ruined my life... Ten years of marriage ruined by you...

- I know, I know, I'm sorry...

- I don't forgive you, and I will never forgive you... But still, I hope you're happy with him, you two really deserve each other...

You left and locked yourself in your bedroom. And only then, you allowed yourself to cry, to scream, to throw and break things that reminded you of Wanda.

After several minutes of pain and chaos you ended up laying in your bed, curled up in fetal position, embracing yourself crying.

Even after everything you said to Wanda you still loved her. Just that morning you were still thinking you had the perfect marriage and the perfect wife. And you thought at some point she would knocked on your door, begging for your forgiveness, saying how much she loved you and telling that she wanted to be with you.

But that never happened.

After thirty minutes you heard a car parking in the front door. You looked through window and saw Wanda and Vision putting the suit cases in the car and then leaving together.

You went back to bed only to cry again.

It was 10 pm and you were alone in your house.

[octupus-on-the-moon]

A table

~It's been done *laughs in Dr. Frankenstein*. After a lot of sweat, cursing and repeatedly flipping of my laptop and tablet. A new part of a nightmare is ready. It's a bit longer because of my absence and I hope I can keep my motivation up~

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Ninth part of nightmare

Word count: 1,814

Pairing: Bucky X Reader

Warning: Non I guess. Just some fluff and a burned gratine.

Bucky opened the door, awaiting the cold, baldness of the walls. To end up being surprised by the green he saw everywhere.

He totally forgot the little plants, y/n bought for him. They really made a difference. A welcome one. His clenched jaw and frowned eyebrows disappeared.

After taking of his jacket, he took an empty glass and went around pouring some water in all the colorful pots. He cursed under his breath, after he spilled some water for the second time. Mentally making a note to buy a watering can. Without noticing that his dark thoughts lifted and the silence around him was a welcome one, rather than a threatening menace.

Barnes looked at his wristwatch. It was still over an hour, till y/n would come back from college. He felt a sting of joy in his stomach.

That was new, Bucky wondered. It was probably just the excitement of finally having something to look forward to, instead of enduring one day after the other with the same maddening routine.

In the meanwhile, he could be useful and cook lunch. Y/n would be hungry after college and he had promised to cook the next time. Bucky looked in the fridge and cupboards. Potatoes, cheese and bacon. Exactly what he needed

Y/n had 30 minutes of lecture left, till she was free. She really wanted to go back to her little room in James’s apartment after the first class, but Monday was full of important courses, so she somehow managed to convince herself to stay.

The short call with James lifted her spirits considerably. It was his stoic way of talking, as soon as she showed a bit of interest in him, that made her feel warm inside. Her thoughts wandered off. To him. To the unpleasant night and how she finally saw the scared child he was. But then they went off to his blue eyes and the little crinkles around them when he frowned.

He must have been quite a look back in the forties.

Of course she had seen the photos in the Smithsonian, but she pictured him in a classier way. With a fitted suit and a fedora hat, walking down the street stealing hearts. Maybe a girl at his side and his eyes constantly lingering around her, as if she were the whole world and more. At the thought of it, y/n caught herself picturing a girl just like her, beside his tall figure.

That made her stop and turn back to reality. It was not a good sign. Or maybe it was. It felt like forever, since she let someone into her life and James was pretty much the last person she would have thought of. But she also did not expect her father being a criminal and her whole existence a facade.

Life was full of twists and turns lately. Some good, some bad. Maybe it was time to let something good happen.

“Ms. y/l/n, could you resume the discussed topic?” The professors sharp tone ripped y/n out of her train of thought. This will be the longest 30 minutes of my life, she thought.

A quite knock on the door distracted Barnes from intensely starring at the oven. He decided himself for a simple potato gratin, that would hopefully suite y/n’s taste. With is heart beating a bit too fast he neared himself the door.

And there she was. Her hair a little mess. A bag casually hanging around her shoulder and a beam as bright as the sun itself.

“Will you let me in or just keep starring?” Her playful greeting made Bucky’s heart stumble and without wasting words he stepped aside. He made another mental note. His gaze is not to be trusted. “How was therapy?” she asked letting her bag slide to the floor entering the kitchen in on smooth motion “Who of you two bit off the other one´s head first?” It took Bucky moment to get out of his trance.

“I….. We…. It went good” Barnes cleared his throat closing the door behind him “But she got a little suspicious about me deciding to cooperate” Y/n was drinking a glass of water leaning against the counter and once again Bucky could not get his eyes off of her.

“I did not think about that. We should have done one thing at a time. But I guess it´s too late now. Oh! And it smells amazing” she replied signing over to the oven. The quick hand move, the way her voice floated in the air, that one fuzzy hair in her face, everything captured him. “I…” A sharp smell tingling his nose interrupted Barnes. It came from the hot oven in the middle of the kitchen. His concentration fully gathered again, let him act quickly, reaching over for a rug and rescuing his gratin in the last moment. The crust was now a bit darker than needed but it was still acceptable.

“It´s a burned potato gratin” Barnes darkly commented, placing the form in the center of the already ‘set up table’.

“Hey, don´t be so hard on yourself. It still looks amazing”

“I´m not being hard with myself, I´m blaming you. It wouldn´t have burned if you wouldn´t have distracted me” Bucky’s eyes were glimmering amused.

She gasped overly dramatic, laying one hand on her chest “Me?”

“Yes. You” He broke out into a smile, without wasting another thought he reached over to her, brushing that fuzzy string of hair out of her face. Y/n’s giggle stopped for a moment at the closeness between both, making place for a shy smile, her eyes searching the floor. Barnes retreaded himself, feeling a heavy stone inside his stomach, as he realized how intimate the gesture was.

She did not expect him coming so close, her heart was already fluttering and was about to explode at his touch. Then he moved away causing an emptiness inside her. The same emptiness she always felt since the day of the notification. It was the last time she felt truly fulfilled and at ease, she had dreams and goals. Then everything changed. Life suddenly was a landscape of grey. Every task dull and meaningless. Time passed. She soon enough noticed that the emptiness would stay and the grey would only flourish.

Then the nightmare happened. And the already grey landscape had now even dark shadows to be afraid of.

James moved away to cut and serve the gratin. Giving her a little time to calm down her heart beat and ‘take a seat’ on the kitchen counter. After another heartbeat of discreetly observing Bucky serve the plates, y/n decided to break the silence “James”

He looked up with a shy grin “Yes?”

“We really need to get you a table”

….

“Is it really necessary?” Bucky and y/n were standing in front of the furniture store. Bucky incredulously, Y/n exited.

“Well at least I am not going to keep eating on the floor and, or the counter. My back is literally hurting from eating the gratin”

“Yes, it’s true. But. I…” Barnes closed and opened his fists a few times weighting his options “Okey. I guess we can take a look around” She nodded enthusiastically leading the way into the shop, James sighted heavily and followed.

The store was more or less deserted, which relieved Barnes. He didn´t like being in a already overwhelmingly filled hall with an ever more overwhelming count of people in it. The exit routs were explicitly signed which calmed his anxiety a bit more.

The most urgent thing for y/n was definitely the table, which led them to the dinning room section.

“I feel like a mafia boss” Y/n declared sitting down on the front side of a heavy wooden table. The chair, throne-like, up-holstered in a red velvet.

“Yes. A very scary mafia boss” Bucky jeered from the other side of the aisle.

“Hey! I can be scary if I want to”

“Jupp, as scary as a teddy”

She got up from the huge seat and walked over to him “Have you ever started into the cold dead eyes of a teddy bear?”

Bucky thought for an overly long moment “No, I haven´t. What about this one?”

“James. That’s a plastic table and it isn´t even a good quality one. In half a year, you will need to buy a new one” grabbing his arm she dragged him away “Come on these place is gigantic, we can find something better”

Yet, they didn´t. Every table y/n suggested was rejected by Bucky and vice versa. It was mostly to big, to small, to pompous, to dull, to much seats, to little seats and so on.

Both had almost reached the end of the section, when y/n suddenly dragged Bucky over to another exemplar. It´s design was simple, a glass top and a blond wooden frame with matching metal legs. Four chairs coated in a clear fabric rounded the dining set.

“This one. It´s the perfect size and I think I saw stools that would match, for the counter” Y/n sounded near desperate. Bucky took his time to look around the table. He was searching for something specific on it.

The price tag.

Y/n had picked out the most beautiful and practical tables, but the price was often more then exorbitantly high, which led Bucky to refuse all her suggestions. And the same happened with this one, it was by far the best table she had found today. It would look amazing between the plants, near the window, the chairs comfortable to sit on, in the early mornings to drink coffee and read the paper. It was a shame the table was out of Bucky`s scarce budget.

“I don´t know” Barnes commented “The chairs will get dirty pretty fast” Y/n´s face dropped.

She really didn´t expect it being so hard to satisfy Bucky´s furniture taste. Y/n thought that given Bucky´s cloth taste, he would have somewhat the same taste for furniture. Modern, comfy and in style with the room. Yet, every piece he had found acceptable was old styled, plastic or just straight out in a horrible color “You really liked that plastic table didn´t you?” She sighted.

For the break of a second Bucky frowned disgusted, then he nodded convincingly. But it was enough for her to know, what was keeping them from agreeing for a piece of furniture.

Cheap.

Every single table he elected was not because of its design, colour or material, it was because it was cheap. For a moment y/n felt bad. It was selfish of her not thinking that way, even though she truly believed that she didn´t have a rich complex, sometimes she did forget that not everyone had unlimited resources.

“Maybe it´s time for a little break. I think I saw a popcorn stand outside” Bucky’s conflicted face lit up a bit at her words.

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Tags: @ginger-swag-rapunzel

[aliceaddellheidde]

Worst week

A/N: This one is for HBC 24 hours surprise drabble challenge by @the-ss-horniest-book-club​​

THEME: Conversations with a stranger.

WORDS: 869

WARNINGS: bad language, screaming, crying, angst a bit

PAIRING: Bucky Barnes x reader (angst,fluff)

DISCLAIMER: English isn´t my first language.

Pic stolen from here.

Bucky was watching her dancing, light reflecting from her long silver dress. From his spot next to a bar he could see her mesmerizing smile, her shining skin and her long hair moving like silk wave when she moved. She was beautiful as far as he could say because of mask on her face.

„Man, if you will stare her even more she will have hole in head.” Sam laughed next to him and drank from his glass. „Shut up.” Bucky hated Stark´s parties and Sam was not helping. „Hey, I´m just messing. Go and ask her for a dance.” „She's always taken.” „Night is still young my friend. You have nothing to loose.” With that Sam took hand of his girlfriend and walked back to dance floor. Bucky still couldn’t believe that Sam found someone. He was annoying little shit and yet Gabriele thought he’s amazing. Bucky looked away from them and his eyes automatically found her again.

She was dancing with different guy now but it seemed like he was too touchy. She pushed him slightly away from herself but he didn’t budge. Bucky stood up and quickly walked her direction.

He was right next to her when one dancing couple bumped into him and she moved the other way. He heard ripping sound and in next moment his beautiful girl was screaming at him. „Oh for fuck sake! Can´t you be more careful?! I swear this party is full of dumb idiots!” She picked her torn skirt and almost run away. Few people around him stopped dancing and were watching him. He lifted piece of fabric from floor, walking to table with food and punch.

He approached her carefully this time. „Hi.” he smiled sheepishly. She turned to him with blank expression. „I'm sorry for the dress.” „You should be. It wasn’t cheap.” She wanted to pour punch in glass when he had same idea. To his luck his leg slipped on wet spot on the floor and his arm hit bowl and it flew in air and its sticky content landed on her, completely drenching her. She had tears in eyes and ran towards elevators. Bucky´s heart was pounding and he rather didn’t looked around himself and went after her. She was still standing there, holding herself and Bucky heard muffled sobs.

She heard him and turned away. „Don´t. Just let me be!” „I can´t. I want to apologize. I´m big mess around you. Can I do something to make you to forgive me?” She shook her head. „Please?” She sighted and sat down on near bench.

„I have to admit I was not very nice to you. I just didn’t have good week, you know? On Monday some idiot spilled coffee on me, didn’t say sorry. On Wednesday biker splashed me when he drove like someone was chasing him and puddles were everywhere. And oh Thursday! On Thursday I was rescuing puppies. It´s my job. And then from somewhere Bucky fucking Barnes came and was like: „Ma'am, I´m sorry but you have to leave. It´s dangerous here.” in his serious tone. I was arguing with him because I had to save puppies but he didn’t listen so I ran for them. I still have few scratches when he was protecting me. He's idiot I tell you that. But he´s still my favourite Avenger and I know he was doing his job but so was I! And yesterday I almost burned my apartment down. And now look at me.” she sniffled.

Bucky was stunned. And mortified. „I'm sorry doll for all that.” „Why? It wasn't your doing.” „Actually yes. It was.” He took down his mask and her eyes widened. „You douchebag! What have I done that fate did all those things to me? And you caused them!” „I said I´m sorry!” „Fuck you! You ruined my whole week and I bet this was meant to be great finale! Congratulations.” „Do you hear yourself? I said I´m fucking sorry! What more you want?” „Let me fucking be!” „Fine!”

She was crying now and when elevator came she quickly walked in. Bucky surprisingly right after her. He hugged her and she let him even when she punched him in chest. He almost didn’t feel it. „F.R.I.D.A.Y. take us to private quarters.” „Sure sergeant Barnes.” „What are you doing?” „You really think I would let you walk away like this? It´s least I can do for all your troubles.”

They walked to his room. „Take shower. I will prepare clean clothes for you.” „Thank you Bucky.” She left and he ran to party and took few things.

When she came back, room was dimmed, TV on. „Fancy some cheeseburgers, champagne, cake and movie?” Now she was beaming like small kid. „I´ll give you privacy.”

Bucky took shower and when he walked into his room again she was already sitting on his bed. „I don’t even know your name.” he chuckled. „Oh shite.” she laughed. „Y/N.” „Beautiful name for beautiful girl.” She flushed and made room for him. „Thank you again Bucky.” „It´s nothing doll face.” He hugged her and she lied her head on his chest. „Best night of this week.”

[mariamermaid]

The witches wrath (2/3)

Tommy Shelby X fem witch reader

Summary: You meet Thomas when you were just a little girl travelling as a gypsy…

Words: 2.6k

Warnings: mentions of blood, death, violence

Halloween Masterlist

 “I love you, Y/N.” A sob escaped your lips again. “And I love you, Thomas Shelby and if you don´t come back, I´ll come and get you myself.”

Time was a funny thing, without time things were put out of perspective and eternal thinking turned to dust. As Tommy stepped back into his city, his home, he inhaled the scent deeply. Oh, how he missed the dirty ol´ city, but there was nothing he kept looking for more than you. The thought of being only minutes, hell only seconds away from you, send endorphins through his body and an exhilarating a thrill of anticipation. Things had changed, shops were closed, new ones opened, people died and people were born. It felt like ages since Tommy had wandered through the streets he knew so merely; he could tell them apart by the gravel on the ground. Finally, he turned the last corner and he braced for the sight of the small herb shop with the hand painted sign, but his smile just as the eagerness in his eyes, vanished. Your shop was gone.

Tommy furrowed his brows and with quick and hectic steps, he hurried to Shelby Company Limited. In the pit of his stomach, there was an unwell growling. On the way, he lit himself a cigarette and without knocking or ringing the bell, he entered through the backdoor. Arthur, who had gone to their home before, was sitting at the table in the kitchen. Polly, Ada and John gathered around and they all looked surprised and somehow anxious when Thomas practically stormed inside. “Where is she?”

“God fucking dammit!” Tommy let out another cursed as the horse just didn´t want it his way. He felt so out of place in his own home and even the animal in front of him, sensed his inner turmoil. When he managed to find his seat in the saddle, he pulled the reins closer. Polly, who had followed her nephew to the stables, sighed audible.

“Tommy, things changed and it wasn´t as easy as it might seem to you”, she explained with sadness in her voice. He was angry. Angry at her, angry at you and angry at him, but most importantly angry at war. If he hadn´t gone, things would be different, he knew it.

“She isn´t here, is she?” Tommy replied infuriated, starring down at Polly. Behind her eyes laid a dark filter, she knew what happened.

“She came back to see if you´d come home, but then she came less and less. She said she had a vision.” Tommy huffed, nonsense, it was all bullshit to him. But dear Thomas only looked at a fraction of the truth, intrigue and hatred grew its roots deeper than trees.

The horse was tall and strong as it made its way through the city and then over the roads. It was almost fifteen minutes later when he reached the junction Polly told him about. The road split, but right in front him he saw the faint hint of a trail into the woods. He was warned, that it wouldn´t be easy to find your cabin, to which you had moved about a year ago, but he was determined. While the horse continued to surge ahead, he started wondering what he was expecting. Would you fall into his arms, relieved to find him alive? Would you recognize him? Or would he recognize you? Nonsense, Tommy would always know you. At least that´s what he told himself…

It was almost another twenty minutes later, the horse had to slow down since the thicket seemed to be unbreakable and Tommy left the saddle to guide his companion. Your cabin laid on a small glade, even though it was a foggy day. A small river with ice cold water ran down the trail and a wooden table with tools was build outside. The horse became unsettled as Thomas noticed the two Doberman hounds as well. They didn’t have a leash and as he stepped closer, they quickly started growling and barking echoed through the forest. No light was on inside the cabin, but then he watched as you came running out of the woods, alarmed by the dogs. A long dark robe hiding your figure and face, a shotgun in your grip and you aimed it right at Tommy. Slowly you stepped closer, Thomas was frozen in place. He didn´t yield or hold up his hands, he just starred at you. You came closer, he realized you were limping with your left foot and when you were close enough to recognize him, he saw the face underneath the cape. A scar from your eyebrow down to your eye, skin pale and you had lost weight. You lowered the shotgun, starring thunderstruck at the dark-haired man in front of you.

“Tommy?” The dogs had lowered their howling and watched now as their owner seemed to know the unknown man. But Thomas had realized that they would listen perfectly at your command and he was truly scared. The woman in front of him wasn´t you, she had changed. Your voice was almost a whisper, so raspy, he wondered when the last time was, when you had talked.

Both of you just starred at each other, time passing; seconds and even minutes. You didn´t know how to move, your muscles didn´t react.

The was a longing to jump into his arms and there was pain holding you back. “What happened?” Tommy asked into the silence. The two Dobermans, who had settled next to you, looked back and forth, their ears pointed up. “Come in, I´ll make some tea.” You answered reluctant and made a head gesture for him to follow you. The Dobermans were first to enter the cabin, then you. Tommy tied the horse up, you didn´t even wait for him. He sensed you feared him, or at least his arrival.

As he entered the cabin, his eyes wandered around. It was completely built out of wood; he was sure you had built it yourself and a small fire was crackling. A string hung from one end to the other, herbs drying in the air. A bed, a small kitchen isle and a table, which you used more for writing then eating. Papers were spread across it, and a single shelve was filled with books. He recognized some of the symbols on the books from the gypsy, other were foreign to him. You avoided his glance, but you still felt it. You hastily put away the papers and the books on the table, by the handwriting Thomas knew they were written by yourself. You clearly didn´t want him to get a closer look. Placing the kettle from the fire on the table and taking two cups, you poured in steaming hot tea. As you finally sat down at the table as well, you pulled down the cape from your face. Your hair had gotten long, but it was beautifully braided and he eyed the scar, wondering how much luck you had, that you hadn´t become blind.

“It started out small, incidents I didn´t pay much attention to really.” It was your voice talking, yet Tommy knew nothing about the woman sitting at the table with him. But you knew that he wanted answers, it was his right.

“Comments and remarks about me and the shop.” You paused, your glance on the mug in front of you. “But it became quickly worse. About six months after you had left, they started boycotting the shop. Spreading word that I sold poison, painting the glass panel and driving away customers.” You swallowed, he felt how hard the story felt against your chest. But he didn´t push you. “One night, I had closed the shop early, knowing nobody would care at this point. I was attacked in a back alley. Luckily, John found me, anyway I would´ve bled to death.” A sharp pain in his stomach dropped as the words settled in Thomas, the image of you bleeding on the dirty ground in a dark alley with no one caring, anger grew like a bushfire in him. His jaw was tensed and his high cheekbones stiff. “I slept for an entire week, dreaming only of you, Thomas Shelby. Buried in a tunnel system with Arthur and your dad, with no air to breath. With no one searching for your body. I couldn´t stay afterwards.”

 He didn´t know what to say; Thomas Shelby was speechless. For a long time, the two of you had sit at the table, time passing like leaves falling in autumn. Tommy opened his mouth, but you immediately shook your head. You knew what he would imply. “I´m not coming back with you. This town doesn´t want me and I don´t want it either.”

“What about our promise?”

“It didn´t change now, did it?” You asked instead and started tidying up the kitchen. “You´re back, I still love you.” His eyes shot up to you, he was angry.

“How can you just say that? Like it meant nothing!” The silence and the quiet that had settled before was gone, you spun around filled with hatred. Hatred that really just hid the fear in you. “They tried to kill me, purposely! I almost died and for what?!”

You never, not once, had yelled at him and he flinched in response, too numb suddenly to answer with any words. “Do you know what happens when I move back? With you? They´ll do the same with you, Tommy! With your family! The company!” Tears had started forming in your eyes, you felt so angry you were already shaking. Your two dogs, Apollo and Cerberus, cocked their ears, clearly interested in how the situation was involving. After their initial calmness when Tommy had entered your house, they now started growling at him again. Tommy on the other hand knew, that you wouldn´t release them on him, but what if the dogs decided on their own? They were loyal to you, only to you and as of right now, he was a risk in their eyes.

Suddenly he realized how the room had become warmer, hotter to be honest. He glanced to the fire, then back to you; was your anger awakening the fire? It couldn´t be! The cups in the cupboard had started clattering and he knew, that it was your power moving them. After all these years knowing you, he forgot that you were born into a witch´s family of gypsies. He had forgotten that there were things no one could explain and a terrible thought crossed his mind; what if the people were right to feel threatened by you?

 He left after that.

He continued with life in Birmingham.

But there wasn´t a day, hour or even second, where he didn´t think about you.

It was two weeks after Tommy had come back, two weeks after your first encounter when he saw you again. The nights were truly the worst; either his sleep was filled with nightmares of being buried alive and screams from war, or he laid awoke with nothing but pictures of you wandering through his mind.

It was an early Sunday morning, half of Birmingham was trying to sleep off their hangover, the other one was enjoying the luxury of sleeping in before the work week was starting again. Like so often, Thomas was awakened by a nightmare, he starred at the clock; 5.37 a.m. He sighed annoyed and brushed away the sleep in his eyes while sitting up on the bed. The sun wasn´t out yet, but it wasn´t fully dark out either. He was just about to lit himself a cigarette, when he heard something from downstairs. Who else was awake? Or was it an intruder perhaps?

He threw an old shirt over his bare chest, and started slipping down the stairs, careful to not make any noise. He realized voices coming from the kitchen and for a second, he held in listening.

“Give him this tea, it helps with the sleep.”

“I don´t think he actually sleeps, or eats for any matter.”

The second voice was Polly´s. The first one yours.

The two of you looked up startled when Tommy entered the kitchen, eyes widened and mouth opened. You wore a dark coat, thick and with a big hood and a pair of pants. “There´s nothing in this house that Thomas won´t get wind of”, you sighed and threw the bag, which previously laid on the table, over your shoulder. Polly watched carefully, her eyes wandering back and forth between the two of you. The smallest hint of a smile was on her thin lips, she was a gypsy and she wasn´t dumb.

“I need to head out before the sun starts rising, there´s a full moon coming Polly. I feel it waxing.” Polly let out a chuckled while Tommy observed from the side. The conversation between the two of you was so smooth and he envied Polly for it. “You know the waxing moon brings healing and growth.” You patted Polly lightly on the shoulder. “I know.”

Then you left the kitchen with swift steps and Polly, who had her back turned to her nephew, rolled her eyes at Tommy. “Go after her if you want to talk to her and don´t stand around.”

 He stepped outside with slippers on his bare feet and caught sight of you vanishing behind a corner. “Y/n.” He called out your name just before finally reaching you again. You didn´t turn to him and continued making your way out of the city. “Tommy.”

“Why didn´t you tell me?” “Tell you what?”

“That you´d come and visit.” “And how should I tell you that?” He sighed and grabbed your wrist to stop you from walking. “You have your ways, ravens or something.” You huffed.

“Yeah I´ll send a raven, maybe a dragon just to make sure you´ll get the message.”

“I missed your remarks.” Taken back by his honesty you stepped a little back to bring distance between the two of you.

“I missed you”, he continued quietly. Carefully, as if he was afraid, he raised his hand to caress your cheek. “Have I told you, that you´re still as beautiful as ever?” You swallowed the lump in your throat and grabbed his hand. “Tommy don´t.”

“What?” It was his time to play dumb.

“This won´t change anything.” “I know.”

And then he leaned forward and kissed you and everything felt in place again. It felt like in the old times, where you were young and stupid and so dearly in love with him, nothing mattered but him. For a few seconds, the world was okay and it didn´t feel lonely and cold around your heart.

“I´m sorry it has to be like this, I truly am”, you explained whispering when his lips left yours. He nodded. “Make sure you´ll get safely home, Apollo and Cerberus will watch out for you.”

You chuckled. “How do you know their names?”

“You always loved the Greek mythology.” He smiled as well. “And their names are on their bowls in your kitchen.”

 It wasn´t a raven he received a few days later, it was a pigeon. Tommy sat in the office of the Shelby Company, late at night, calculating numbers, when the grey pigeon picked against the window. A smile immediately grew on his face, he took the letter from the pigeon and gave the bird some water.  

“Dear Tommy,

I saw a wild horse this morning at sunrise, it was beautiful.

How are the nightmares? Does the tea help?

Be careful, there is a blood moon coming. Things tend to shift then.”

The letter was simple signed with your initials. But it was enough for now, it sparked something that had been in Thomas since he met you; hope.

---------------------

tags: @octaviareina @theamuz

[cinaja]

The road to peace

Summary: The meeting at the end of acowar, told from Jurian's perspective. (It`s like, 50% just the Fae getting roasted, really)

Note: I am extremely annoyed with how the humans are being treated in acotar in general and this is basically just me venting (with a bit band of exiles and some stuff with Jurian, Miryam and Drakon thrown in because I love all of them). I think Feyre and Rhys are... not handling the situation well, so this fic won't cast either of them in a favourable light. I am not tagging either of them and anyone who is really into them probably won`t like this.

Disclaimer: The exchange in the end is taken directly from acowar, chapter 80.

----

The meeting does not begin well. For some reason that goes right over Jurian`s head, the Night Court decides that they should hold the meeting in some destroyed manor over an hour away from the camp, yet they fail to take into account that not everyone can winnow. Meaning the humans have to walk. By the time they finally reach the manor, they are already late and Jurian had to talk Grayson out of turning around five times already.

“I put you on opposite ends of the room”, Feyre Archeron tells them.

She seems to consider it to be a favour, but it feels like an insult. Like they need to be separated from the other participants. Something tells Jurian that it`s not for their comfort, but because Feyre doesn`t want them close to her family and friends.

Jurian doesn`t bother with a reply. Neither does Grayson. They just exchange a quick glance and stride into the meeting room, heads held high. Jurian does not look at anyone in particular as he walks through the room and takes his seat. Only then does he allow himself to look around the room.

The room is crammed with people, but somehow, his eyes still go straight to her.

Miryam isn`t looking at him. Both her and Drakon appear deep in conversation with one of the High Lords – Tarquin. She looks so much like in his memories. Only her clothes are different. During the War, she always made sure to be dressed as elegantly as the Fae royals, even when she despised the dresses and jewellery – like she wanted to proof to them that she might be but a child by their standards, but she could still play their games. Now, she wears a simple tunic that makes her look like she either came straight from her camp without having time to change, or like she purposefully dressed to keep attention away from herself. If it`s the latter, it fails miserably.

Tarquin says something and Miryam smiles in return, tugging a strand of hair behind her ears. Her smile is still the same. It´s like a punch to the stomach.

Jurian doesn`t know how to feel, what to think. Just looking at her is enough to make the memories rise. Miryam smiling at him from across the meeting room. Leaning against him as they sit by the fire with his soldiers. Frowning as they study a map. But then, there are the less pleasant memories. Her crying, and the sinking feeling that it`s because of him. Shaking her head and backing away. I think I should leave.

The worst part is, Jurian can`t place the memories. He isn`t even sure if they are all real. And the only person who could tell him the truth will probably never speak to him again.

“I don`t know what impression you`re going for”, someone says from next to him, “but if you keep staring at your ex like that, it`ll be firmly in the “creepy” territory.”

Jurian forces himself to look away from Miryam and turn around to Queen Vassa who sits down on the chair to his right.

“Your Majesty”, he says and inclines his head.

“General”, she replies.

Before Jurian can tell her that he doesn`t think he holds this title anymore, Feyre Archeron steps forward to welcome them. Then, she tells her story. She talks of years in poverty, of the trials under Amarantha and how she found love in Prythian. Jurian honestly wonders what part of the story is supposed to reassure the humans. The one where she got kidnapped, tortured and killed by Fae? Or maybe how her Fae lover locked her up and how she only managed to find acceptance as a Fae. And how is her relationship drama even relevant to this meeting? Well, maybe she just wants to humiliate her former lover, who is stone-faced by the wall. Jurian smirks at the male, who growls softly in return. Jurian can`t say he pities him. After all, he knew his father during the War and he`ll only believe that the son is better when he sees proof.

By the time Feyre finishes her story, Jurian is barely listening anymore. He immediately jerks to attention, though, when Miryam and Drakon step forward. It seems like they`ll be the next speakers. Jurian isn`t sure what he hopes for. He supposes if they do tell the story, he`ll be the next to be publicly humiliated. But no matter how unflattering the story might be, at least it would give him something to sort his memories by.

As they begin to speak, though, Jurian quickly realize that, unlike Feyre, they don`t tell the stories of their lives. They gloss over anything personal, mention what went down with Jurian only in passing and instead tell a story about the seemingly impossible work of uniting their people. They talk of unforgivable crimes, amends that were made and the long road towards peace. Neither of them so much as looks at Jurian as they speak.

He supposes he should have known. In Prythian, it might be considered normal to let the personal bleed into the political, but rules are far stricter on the Continent. Even if Miryam and Drakon chose to settle matters between them, they would never do it during an official meeting. Besides, Miryam was never overly fond of telling the world her story.

When they sit down and Helion takes their place, Jurian makes himself listen to what the High Lord says. He doesn`t want to be like poor Grayson, who keeps staring at Elain Archeron with longing and fury written equally on his face whenever he thinks no one will notice. No, thank you. He very much plans to get through this meeting with his dignity intact.

Helion and a few others talk of the War and the friendships they made, too. Jurian considers getting up as well, but decides against it. He is still trying to sort through his memories, muddled by five hundred years of torment, and he isn`t entirely sure he could give an accurate account of anything. Or if he could manage to get through telling his story without breaking down.

Soon, the first humans step forward and begin to talk of the crimes the Fae committed against them. Entire villages slaughtered. The Treaty violated again and again. (Jurian could have told them of worse things – and he knows those accounts would pale against anything Miryam might tell – but this meeting is supposed to lead to peace, so he remains silent.) But then, the Fae begin to counter the human tales with ones of their own, about humans who treated them with mistrust. And somehow, these pointy-eared bastards manage to make it sound like their grievances are equal.

After a while, Jurian has had enough.

“Right”, he says, just loudly enough that every Fae in the room hears him, “Because humans trying to defend themselves against Fae is just as bad as Fae slaughtering entire human villages for fun.” He snorts. “If you want to get this to work, maybe you should start treating our lives as equal to your own.”

The humans nod along. Most of the Fae shoot him disapproving glances.

“I`m not surprised that you would say that”, one of the Fae hisses, “We all know your stance on Fae. The matter with Clythia -“

Jurian flinches at the name. He squeezes his eyes shut and tries hard not to think of her.

“Jurian merely stated that human and Fae lives should be treated equally”, Miryam cuts in, “Surely you don`t mean to contradict that.”

The Fae opens his mouth, then seems to consider who, exactly, he is speaking to. He squirms in his seat and quickly averts his eyes. Jurian grins. He tries to catch Miryam`s eye, but she refuses to look at him.

“Perhaps”, Rhysand says smoothly, “we ought to return to the true purpose of this meeting. The Wall is gone and it is up to us to find a way to shape this world.”

Jurian rolls his eyes. He wonders how Fae considering human lives and grievances to be unimportant is not relevant to the future of their world.

The discussion begins raging in earnest. Grayson outright refuses to trust the Fae on their word alone – the Treaty, he says, has been violated far too often, even with the Wall in place. Queen Vassa nods and adds that she is not about to leave her people at the mercy of any Fae who decide to make a meal out of them. It is a perfectly valid concern, yet somehow, half of the Fae manage to take offence at it.

It doesn`t take long for the first person to suggest another Wall.

“Might be hard”, Helion drawls, “Without being sure how the first one was created.”

Jurian can`t help it, his gaze flickers to Miryam. For the first time since the meeting started, she, too, is looking at him. Jurian smiles slightly and dips his chin. She nods back, then returns her attention to the discussion.

Drakon begins to explain why another Wall won`t solve their problems, just delay them. Patiently, he describes how they can only achieve lasting peace by having humans and Fae develop a way to life together and that dividing them will only make hate fester and, ultimately, lead to another war. The only way to overcome prejudice, he says, is by having people interact and teaching them about the other side.

Not everyone agrees with him. A few High Lords argue that a Wall would be the better alternative. They talk of security for the humans, but all Jurian hears is that they don`t want to bother with working for peace.

He promised himself not to, but Jurian still finds his gaze drifting over to Miryam, Drakon and their people. Drakon is frowning slightly and keeps flaring his wings in annoyance. Next to him, General Sinna, the commander of his Seraphim legion, keeps whispering with a human man who as far as Jurian knows is their armada`s commander. They both look torn between annoyance and amusement. Miryam`s face doesn`t betray anything, but she keeps scanning the room.

“I think we can all agree”, Feyre Archeron finally says, “that both sides have made mistakes. But it is time for all of us to move past them.”

For a few heartbeats, silence reins. Jurian finds himself staring at her open-mouthed. He can`t believe what he`s hearing and is about to say as much when Miryam beats him to it.

“Both sides have what?”, she asks softly.

Even after five hundred years, Jurian recognizes the look she gives Feyre. There is no mistaking the way her eyes seem to glow. In spite of the serious situation, Jurian grins. He once fell in love with Miryam for her kindness – but damnit, things get entertaining when she stops playing nice.

Feyre seems to realize that something is not going the way she planned. “I was just saying that both sides are to blame. No one is really innocent in this.”

“Then would you kindly explain to me”, Miryam says, and now, there`s nothing remotely friendly about her tone, “how I or any of the other fifty thousand slaves in the Black Land were to blame for what happened to us. Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of slaves in different territories, or the millions who came before us.” She sits up straighter in her seat. “Honestly, I`m curious. How did we deserve being beaten and tortured and killed? What was our crime? Beyond being born human, that is.”

Feyre suddenly finds her the sleeve of her dress in dire need of inspection. She begins fiddling around with it, looking increasingly uncomfortable. But of course, her mate jumps to her defence.

“You`re being unfair”, Rhys says.

Jurian nearly jumps from his seat, Drakon flares his wings so hard that he almost hits Tarquin in the face. It takes Jurian half a heartbeat to decide that Miryam won`t be happy at all if he punches that prick of a High Lord in the face. Across the room, Drakon seems to come to the same conclusion. He tugs his wings close to his body again and mutters an apology to Tarquin.

Rhys continues, “That`s not what Feyre meant and you know it.”

“Then perhaps she should choose her words more carefully”, Sinna hisses. She gives Rhys a look that usually sends her enemies on the battlefield running. Nephelle puts a hand on her arm.

Miryam looks around the room, nailing each person into place with her gaze. “I want peace, too”, she says, “I have only ever wanted peace. But just choosing to forget everything that happened is not the way to achieve that. The past still affects the present and pretending it doesn`t is stupidity. Especially for people who live as long as the Fae do.”

“Forgive me, Lady”, Kallias says. Jurian wonders if he`s purposefully using the wrong title, or if he genuinely does not know that it is common on the Continent for women to hold leading positions, and for married couples to rule together. Sometimes he forgets how annoying Prythian can be. “But did we not fight for your freedom in this very war?”

Jurian snorts softly. As if Hybern hadn`t invaded Prythian before it ever approached the human lands. They were fighting for themselves at least as much as for the humans.

“Yes, you did”, Miryam says, “And I know some of you fought in the War as well.” She pauses. “But tell me, High Lord, who do you think built the palaces you live in? That goes for all of you. Whose hands built your palaces and temples, whose blood paid for the gold in your troves?” She looks around the room. “Every single court in Prythian once owned slaves. Yet, no one ever so much as considered an official apology – not to mention paying reparations to the descendants of the people your ancestors exploited.” She shakes her head. “I`m not saying any of you are bad people. But if you truly believe that you deserve applause for not wanting to enslave us, then perhaps you should consider that you may be setting your bar a little low.”

“Thousands of years of history”, Thesan says says, “you cannot expect us to-“

“Who is talking about a thousand years?”, Grayson asks. Seems like he stopped staring at Elain Archeron long enough to focus on the conversation. “Ever since the Wall was built, Fae have been illegally crossing it and slaughtering humans. I`ve seen entire villages reduced to rubble. Yet not a single Fae lifted a finger to help us.”

“Nothing new, there”, Jurian supplies, “I have yet to see a Fae being punished for ending human lives. After the War, all these Loyalist commanders got away unscathed. Amarantha”, he nearly chokes on the name, “had every single one of her slaves killed, yet no one cared enough to see her punished.” He snorts. “Really shows how much you value our lives.”

At least the Fae now seem somewhat ashamed. Some of them are shifting around on their chairs, refusing to look at the humans. Feyre Archeron is still fiddling around with her dress. Unfortunately, she does not choose to remain silent.

“I, too, was once human”, she says, “I understand your struggles because they were mine as well. But hate and fear are not the way towards peace. We need to move past these things.”

Queen Vassa crosses her arms. “Didn`t you just tell us during your nice little story time that you started out hating Fae and only began to trust them after you saw proof they were better than you thought? And now you just expect us to do the same in one evening, without more than your word to go on?”

“That`s not what I`m saying at all”, Feyre snaps, “But humans, too, have their prejudices. As a human, I experienced first-hand the way the Fae treat us. But I have seen equal amounts of prejudice on the human side. I have seen the hate, the iron walls and ash arrows.”

Grayson lifts his chin and mutters something under his breath. His voice is too low for Jurian to make out words, but the tone makes it clear enough what he is saying. A reply is burning on Jurian`s tongue, but he swallows it. He knows how the Fae see him – his word would probably not help matters.

Again, it is Miryam who replies. “You`ll forgive me for saying this, High Lady”, she says, “but your experience with the Fae must have been pleasant indeed if you believe this to be a fitting comparison. You talk of prejudice. Well, I watched thousands of humans be slaughtered for no crime other than existing. I saw children get beaten to death just because they spilled a drop of water they were supposed to serve – and those were the lucky ones. When someone did something truly bad, you know, like stealing some rotten bread from the trash because none of us had eaten in five days, they drew out the punishment over hours. I…” She shakes her head and takes a deep breath. Drakon itches a bit closer, the movement barely noticeable. When Miryam continues, her voice is calmer. “I want peace as much as you do. Truly. I have spent most of my life working for it.” She turns back to Feyre. “But I won`t stand here and let you disregard thousands of years of human suffering.”

For a heartbeat, there is silence. Then, Rhysand lets out a soft growl. His power rumbles through the air. “Don`t you ever”, he says with cold command in his voice, “speak to my mate like this again.”

Drakon arches an eyebrow at him. Sinna leans in to Nephelle to whisper something into her ear, making the smaller female laugh softly. Jurian just leans back in his seat. This is about to get entertaining. Maybe he should have brought snacks.

“I spoke politely and I will continue to do so”, Miryam says, completely unfazed, “Since I am not one of your subjects, though, I would appreciate you not giving me orders.”

Rhysand`s power flares so hard that a few of the humans flinch back and one of the windows begins to rattle. Jurian rolls his eyes. If that is the Prythian version of politics, he can only hope for their sakes that they don`t ever go to the Continent. He can`t think of a single Continental ruler who would tolerate that behaviour.

“Are you having trouble controlling your power?”, Miryam asks softly, “In that case, taking a deep breath usually helps.”

Rhysand opens his mouth and closes it again. A few of the Fae are now trying to hide their laughter. Jurian grins. He hasn`t had such fun in… well, in a while.

“No”, Rhys finally growls and reins his power back in.

Silence follows. A few of the Fae exchange uncomfortable looks.

Finally, Mor laughs, perhaps a bit too brightly, and winks at Miryam and Drakon. “Well, seeing how difficult this meeting is, I`m twice as impressed that you got things working on Cretea.”

Drakon grins back. “If that`s any consolation to you, it took us quite a while.”

“And I can assure you”, Sinna mutters, “that we did not run around blaming the humans for being scared or try to make ourselves into the victims.”

A few people laugh. Most don`t.

“Having our people learn to live together”, Drakon says, much more seriously this time, “is the only way towards lasting peace. But every one here should be aware that this takes work and that the work will be mainly for the Fae to be done.” He inclines his head towards the human side of the room. “Humans are afraid, some angry, and rightly so. But that is not the problem we are facing, it`s the consequence.” He turns to the Fae. “Because the problem is that many Fae consider humans beneath them and have committed unspeakable crimes against them without punishment. This is what needs to be addressed and it`s why it`s up to us Fae to prove that we, as a people, have changed. Not through words, but action.”

“We now fought two wars for the humans”, Rhys says, “I`d say that`s plenty of action.”

Jurian considers banging his head against the wall. “Yes”, he says slowly, “Because your… brethren first enslaved us and then went to war to do it again – if this skirmish can even be called that.”

“And if you`re looking for actions you can take”, Vassa says, “then how about you start by stopping your people from entering our territory and killing us. Might be a good first step, you know.”

“Another Wall”, Thesan says, “would solve this problem.”

Drakon puts his head in his hands. “No”, he says, voice muffled through his fingers, “it would not.”

Jurian grins. He still isn`t entirely sure how he feels about Drakon (after all, he spent the most part of the last five centuries hating the male`s guts and is only now beginning to remember that there might have been a time when they were friends), but on this, they are in agreement.

“And how can you be so sure of that”, Beron drawls, “Suddenly became a seer?”

“No, but through the magical power of having studied these things, I can predict what consequences certain actions will likely have on society. In this case, though, I wouldn`t even need to have studied it, because it`s literally what happened last time.” Then, almost like he can`t help it, he adds, “Which I tried to warn you about back then already. So we can either try to get it right this time, or we`ll all meet here again in a few years.”

This, Jurian supposes, is where the argument might have ended. Had they been in a reasonable company, they now might have begun discussing how to actually solve these problems. Unfortunately, most Fae are not overly reasonable. So instead, another argument breaks out.

By the time Feyre Archeron finally declares the meeting to be over, Jurian has rolled his eyes so often he fears he may have pulled a muscle. She thanks them for their time and everyone gets up.

“That was fun, wasn`t it?”, Vassa asks, grinning broadly.

“Absolutely”, Jurian mutters. He stands up on his toes.

“She left already”, Vassa says, “By the way, constantly staring at your married ex-lover is kind of weird.”

Jurian glares at her. “It´s not like that. I just want to talk to her.”

“Do it, then. What`s the worst that could happen?”, Vassa asks. She frowns, then laughs. “Well, she could try to kill you again, I suppose.”

“She didn`t want to kill me”, Jurian mutters.

Vassa laughs and says, “Well, then you guys have a really strange way to discuss your break-up.”

Jurian feels his face beginning to burn. “It wasn`t about our relationship at all”, he says with all the dignity he can muster. Unless his old friends really changed in the past centuries, they would not react like this to a personal problem. But with him putting their people into danger… “It was about me sending Hybern after them.”

When he made the split-second decision to name revenge against Miryam and Drakon as his price to Hybern, he hadn`t considered what that might mean for them. The people who might have died if Hybern had managed to track them down and sent an army after them. Not to mention what might have happened if Miryam had been dead, as he first believed, and Hybern would have brought her back.

No, Jurian does not blame her and Drakon for being angry at all. And he still hasn`t figured out a way how to explain. He isn`t even sure he can put into words how he`s feeling about… well, everything.

“Well”, Vassa mutters, “I guess they can count themselves lucky. At least they didn`t get turned into birds.” Her tone is light, but there`s a bitterness underneath.

Jurian winces. “I never apologized”, he says, “for the role I played in that. They didn`t tell me what they had planned – I would have tried to stop them otherwise.”

Vassa waves him off. “You just did what you had to. I don`t blame you.” She winks. “I mean, I don`t think you are the traitorous piece of shit I first considered you to be.”

In spite of himself, Jurian laughs. “Well, thank you for the flattering compliment.”

“You`re welcome.” Vassa grins, then sobers up. “But there was something I wanted you to talk about. My general did not survive this battle. I have to find a suitable replacement before I have to… leave again.”

Jurian blinks. “And you`re asking me?”

It seems ridiculous. Why would anyone want him around, much less in a position of power? He isn`t even sure if he`s in any state to lead again.

“Who`d be better suited than the most legendary General in human history?”

“Oh, I…” Jurian hesitates. “Thank you.”

Vassa smiles again, but he doesn`t look happy at all. “You`ll look after my people, won`t you? When I`m gone.” She stares down at her fingers like she expects them to turn into claws again any moment.

“Is there no way to break your curse?”, Jurian asks.

She shrugs. “I had hoped Feyre Archeron might be able to help. That was before I found out that she got her title as Cursebreaker by solving a riddle, though.”

“I could ask Helion to look into it”, Jurian says, “He has over eight hundred years of experience. We knew each other during the War and as far as I know, he doesn`t hate my guts, so I might be able to get him to help you.”

“That would be great”, Vassa says.

“And you might want to talk to Miryam.”

“Why? Want me to put in a good word for me?”

Jurian groans. “First of all, don`t you dare. And no - she`s good with spells and doesn`t know the word impossible.”

“I might as well give it a try”, Vassa says. She sounds like she`s trying hard to not get her hopes up. “It`s not like I have many other options.”

Before Jurian gets the chance to reply, Lucien Vanserra appears next to them.

“Quite the meeting, wasn`t it?”, he says and nudges Vassa in the side. “I have to say, watching our dear Lord and Lady Night get their asses handed to them was quite enjoyable.”

Jurian nods his agreement. Looking around the room, he finds that they are now almost alone in the destroyed manor. Most of the others have left already.

“Do any of you know where Grayson and the others vanished to?”, he asks.

“Left already”, Lucien says.

“Oh, charming”, Jurian mutters. It seems like Grayson was so desperate to get away from Elain Archeron that he`d forgotten that they had arrived together. “I should probably go after them.”

He waves goodbye to Vassa and Lucien and makes for the door. However, he finds Feyre Archeron standing in the doorway, looking out into the dark. He is about to push past her when she says, “Where do you go now?”

Jurian pauses besides her and stares into the darkness, trying to make out Grayson and his men.

“Queen Vassa offered me a position in her court”, he says, not really willing to discuss this with Feyre.

“Are you going to accept?”

Jurian shrugs. He doesn`t know where else he would go – it`s not like he has any place he belongs anymore. And the offer was certainly an honour. But still-

“What sort of court can a cursed queen have?”, he asks, “She`s bound to that death-lord – she has to go back to his lake on the continent at some point.” And he knows what that would mean, what she`d expect. He just isn`t sure if he can lead the humans again after everything that happened. It should be someone else – Vassa herself, preferably. “Too bad the king was so spectacularly beheaded by your sister. I bet he could have found a way to break that curse of hers.”

“Too bad indeed”, Feyre mutters.

Jurian grunts in amusement.

“Do you think we stand a chance?”, Feyre asks, motioning in the dark to something Jurian`s human eyes can`t make out. “Of peace between all of us?”

Not with attitudes like the one you displayed at that meeting, Jurian thinks. But she looks so hopeful, so young, that he doesn`t say it. Besides, does he truly think that they don`t stand a chance?

He thinks back to the meeting. The humans who came in spite of the history and held their own against the Fae. Miryam, Drakon and their people who already achieved what they are now trying to do five hundred years ago. And if he`s being honest, there were several Fae who were willing to try, too. They might have argued, but at least they took the first step towards peace.

“Yes”, he answers softly, “I think we do.”

After all that suffering, they would certainly deserve it.

----

Another note: What I've written is canon compliant, but I've added certain things. Some of the implications I make about characters fit with the story I'm writing about the War (although everyone gets along significantly better back then, and Rhys is not that much of an ass yet)

Tags: @sjm-things @herpowerisdeath @clolikescloquetas @sunsummoner

[harrystyleswatermelon-sugar]

Gas station encounter - Part I

I hate this day, I really hate it. It´s pouring, I got soaked on my way to my car this morning because my fucking umbrella broke due to the wind and I arrived late and very wet at the hospital. Luckily I have everything there to fix my appearance just in time for the big meeting with very famous doctors in our hospital.

It didn’t go well is the best I can say about it. I sigh and pull into the gas station. I would rather like to go home directly but I need to get gas.

I get out in London´s cold and wet weather, pulling my coat tighter around my body. I shut the door a bit too aggressive and turn around to get the pistol. As I move, I can feel a rip and the sound of ripping clothes. Oh no, please not my very expensive and very new coat, I think as I turn back around and look at what I ripped.

It is my coat that’s hanging in my closed door. Dangling in the wind and I growl frustrated as I look at my back, to see how much I destroyed my coat.

“Ma´am please hurry up, there are other people here too,” an elderly man says annoyed and I sigh, as I pull the gas pistol in my car. I hate humans and I definitely hate this day. I see a young man in short sports trousers, a T-Shirt and a beanie, who is talking on the phone while filling up his car. This is irresponsible and while the pump fills my car, I walk over to him and say:

“Not to be rude, but you are risking everybody´s lives here when you use your phone. That’s dangerous and most of all, forbidden” the guy turns around and I freeze. Holy shit, this is Harry Styles right in front of me. I look at the car and see a red sports car, probably very expensive. He smiles at me and says:

“I´ll call you back, Jeff” he hangs up and shoves his phone in his pocket.

“You are right, I am sorry. Please forgive me” he says and I roll my eyes at him. I still have a bad day and I am not in the mood for an arrogant pop star.

“Fine, just please don’t light up a cigarette, when I turn around” I growl and head back to my car. I try to catch another glimpse of him, but he seems to be done and walks inside to pay. This is a bit odd, to see someone like him do totally normal things like getting gas. My tank seems to be full and I pull the pistol out, as Harry comes back out of the station. He winks at me and I shoot a half-smile in his direction.

He drives off and I sigh, as I walk in to pay.

“Number 4 please,” I say to the cashier and he nods, looking at his screen.

“Actually, it already has been paid. The young man with the red sports car took care of it” he says and I look confused. He paid for my gas? Why?

“Oh…okay then. Eh…have a nice day” I reply and get back to my car. No one will ever believe me, that Harry Styles paid my gas.

 A week later I stop at my usual gas station. Every day, when I drive along this road I watch out for his red sports car but I never see him. Maybe it was just a stop far away from home. Today has been a very nice day. I finished work early, the weather is nice and I have a date later tonight with my friends in a fancy bar. Becca is having a small birthday party there and because she just finished her dissertation, she invited us to this nice bar.

I get my gas, as I see a big black car with tinted windows stopping behind me. While I wait for my tank to be filled, I can see Harry exiting the car.

“Hello there,” he says and smirks at me. I turn a light shade of red and return the smile.

“Hello. Thank you for paying my gas last time, but how comes?” I ask and lean against my Audi.

“I figured you had a bad day and wanted to brighten it up. Did it work?” he asks and puts the pistol in his car.

“Sure did. I really had a bad day, I am sorry for scolding at you. That wasn’t very nice of me,” I say and look at him. Today he wears a normal pair of jeans and a white shirt. His hair is pulled back and put into a bun.

“That´s great. Had a better day today?” he asks and turns to face me. I nod and he comes closer, extending his hand.

“Great, I am Harry,” he says and I chuckle. Of course, I know who you are.

“Y/N. Nice to meet you. Don’t you have staff to get gas?” I ask and he raises an eyebrow.

“No, I don’t. I try to do as many normal things, as I can” he answers and I laugh a little.

“I am surprised you are not already swarmed by fans,”

“They don’t expect me here, like you. It´s kind of funny that we meet again at the same station” he giggles and I shrug my shoulders.

“I use this station every week because it is on my way home from work” my voice sounds a bit raspy and I cough, as my pistol clicks and tells me that my tank is full. I go inside and pay for the gas and on my way out, I meet Harry in the door again.

“Have a nice day, Y/N. Until next time” he winks at me and I laugh, doubting that I will meet him a third time. That would be way too much luck.

“Bye, you too,” I reply and walk back to my car to get home.

 I pull on the hem of my skirt and look in the mirror one last time. I chose a dark green skirt, which ends at my knees and a white shirt with some straps on the back. It is very flowy and I feel good in it, despite it showing skin from behind. I dressed up a bit, put more dramatic make-up on and chose a bit of jewellery to go along with my outfit. I am happy with my looks and grab my dark coat. I am still very sad that I ripped my new trenchcoat, but this one will do.

I arrive a bit late at the bar, but I already texted when I was on my way. My friends are waiting with a delicious margarita for me.

“Hey, I´m sorry for being late. Becca, all the best wishes for your birthday AND your dissertation. I am so proud of you, lawyer” I say to her and hug her very tightly.

“Oh thank you, lovie. I am so grateful you could make it today. Wouldn’t be the same without you,” she smiles at me as I kiss her cheek. After we hugged, I put down my coat and bag and greet the other girls warmly.

“This is really fancy, Becca. Do I need to behave here?” I ask and everybody laughs. We all know that I am very sassy, especially when I have been drinking.

“Isn´t this crazy? A few years ago we sat in a crappy bar and discussed If we could afford another drink and today we are here, all grown up and fancy. No more ugly clothes and horrible haircuts, what a glow-up” Lisa says and we all nod. She is right, this is amazing.

“Just look at Becca and Kate, our lawyers and Y/N our doctor, very successful. I own my own business and Lisa is managing her hotel. We really did it” I smile at the table and remember all those funny evenings in pubs around the corner of our university. It was a great time and I wouldn’t want to miss it for anything. And I love these girls, we grew really close and I am so glad to have these four girls in my life.

“To us and of course to our birthday girl Becca” I propose and hold up my glass. We salute each other and then we hand her our birthday present. We organized a full weekend at a spa outside of London with all of us. She loves it, I can see that before she even says anything. We always complain about not having enough time together and this was the first that shot through our minds.

The bar starts to fill a bit and around 10 pm every table is taken. We giggle, drink and snack on some of the food on our table.

“I really need a wee, who want to come?” asks Lisa and I get up.

“I do, I need to pee as well. You know where?” she nods and we walk next to each other.

“So, how has life been to you?” she asks me and I giggle.

“Pretty good actually. I am happy and no I haven’t met someone, I know you are going to ask,” she grins and opens the door to the restrooms.

“You are right, I was going to ask” she replies and I shake my head at her. Always the same question. When we stand next to each other at the sink and wash our hands I remember who I met today.

“Oh, I have met someone. Twice to be honest” I laugh and dry my hands, while Lisa stares at me very curious.

“Who? Tell me! Who is it you are interested in and how did you meet and is he nice and oh my god, this is crazy. You never meet men, you like. I am excited” she claps her hands and I roll my eyes at her.

“No, I am not interested in him. We ran into each other a week ago at the gas station and today again. I was rude to him the other day, so I apologized and he took it very well he tried to brighten up my day when we first met and paid for my gas while I was still outside” I smile at the thought of him being so nice.

“You like him. What´s his name?” she asks and I look around, to be sure no one hears what I say.

“It´s Harry Styles, I am not joking,” I say and she rolls her eyes at me, walking past me.

“I hate you, you always make fun of me. I just want you to be happy and you make fun of me” she scowls and leaves the restrooms.

“Lisa, I am serious. It really happened” I assure her but she just shakes her head. I never thought that she wouldn’t believe me. I didn’t even think of that, but I get it. I wouldn’t believe her either.

I sit down and feel someone staring at me. I see up and meet familiar eyes and a familiar smirk. I smile at him and feel my heartbeat fasten. What a weird coincidence that we meet again today. While everybody chats and laughs, I try to stay involved in the conversation but I catch myself several times looking at him. And he looks at me, smiles and looks away as if he is shy and insecure. My girls haven’t seen him yet and he seems to be unbothered by fans.

Sometime later we move our little group closer to the bar as other tables do the same. I stay between two of my friends as I feel a tap on my shoulder and I see Lisas and Beccas face staring in shock behind me. I know who it is without turning around and I smile, while I face him.

“Hello Harry, long time no see,” I laugh and he chuckles, while his eyes wander over my face. They are mesmerizing green and maybe they are a little bit clouded from the alcohol.

“Hey, Y/N. Told you, we would meet again. Hello, I´m Harry” he introduces himself with a slight wave at my friends and rests his eyes on me again.

“So is your day still good?” he asks and I nod.

“Yes and yours? You seem to have a good day every day” he laughs and shakes his head.

“Absolutely not but I try to make the best out of the bad days….Ladies, may I invite you all to a drink and to join us at our table?” he asks politely and my friends nod in excitement. He grins at me and we follow him to his friends. We introduce ourselves and everybody takes a seat, mine is next to Harry.

He orders some drinks for everybody and I feel Lisas eyes on me. She looks apologetically and I smile, it´s okay I am not mad at her. We smile at each other and I look at everybody chatting and having fun, when the drinks arrive.

“Cheers to new friends,” Harry says and we clink glasses with everybody.

“I can´t believe we ran into each other again,” he says and I smile at him, looking at his beautiful face.

“It´s kinda funny, right. With which of your cars are you here?” I ask him teasingly and he chuckles.

“With none. I came with a cab” he smiles and I can´t help it but the butterflies in my stomach erupt violently. Oh please don’t fall for a fucking superstar. I beg myself as Becca asks:

“How do you know each other?” the table falls silent and I look at Harry.

“We met at a gas station and she scowled at me for using my phone. Do you want to know, what she said after I apologized to her?” he asks and I turn red and shake my head, but surely everybody wants to know.

“She said quote: Please don’t light a cigarette when I turn around and I was so surprised how sassy she was. She obviously knew who I was but she just mocked me nevertheless. I liked that and surprisingly we met again today and she apologized, that’s how we met” he explains and leaves out, that he even paid for my gas.

“He paid for my gas the first time, because he thought it would brighten my day” I add and my friends say “aaaaaw” very unison.

“By the way, that is just Y/N. Always straight forward and sassy. We love her for being the way she is, she is the best” says Kate and the others agree.

“I like her too” Harry murmurs only so I can hear it and I redden again. Does he really like me? That’s insane.

“You are not bad yourself” I wink at him and he shoots me a crooked grin.

“So, why are you always at the same gas station?” he asks and I look a bit confused. Isn´t that obvious?

“It´s on my way home. I drive home every day so when I need to get gas, I stop there” I explain and he nods. Maybe the workday of a popstar looks more different than I thought. He probably hasn’t the same way home from work every day.

“Oh ok, that makes sense. What is your day job?” he looks at me and I turn my eyes down to my hands, which are nervously fiddling with each other. I am in fact a bit nervous, who wouldn’t be when Harry Styles is talking to you?

“I am a paediatrician” I reply and I can see his eyes light up.

Part II

Hello lovelies,

I hope you liked chapter 1 of this short story. It was planned as a usual OS but I think it has now over 30 pages in word. Sorry not sorry, leave me some replies so I know you wanna read it. I´m not really sure about this one tbh.

Love, xx

Julia

[shikamarubae]

War of the heart. pt 8

Pairing:  Kakashi x reader, Itachi x reader

Summary: The mission begins

Warnings: Mentions of blood

A/N:  English isn´t my first languge, please keep that in mind, i hope you like it.(i appreciate comments and criticism).

The ages and order in the events may not correspond to the anime canon.

The parts in italics are memories/dreams with memories.

Tags: @flowersgirl02 , @affection-rabbit ,  @dumb-dork  @jillanaholland              @ maybeisthemoon  itskindofafairything    yoongnysus  abonshit  strawberrycakesstuff bbsmxlming

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3 Part 4  Part 5  Part 6 part 7

Leaving the mountain had been easy, you could see the road and the surroundings without any problem, so you assumed that after completing that mission for Itachi and Kissame you would not return to the mountain.

Feeling anxious about not knowing what was going to happen was legitimate, but at that moment, as you traveled the main road towards the town, the reason for your shaky legs was another, although you were not able to distinguish which.

The road to the town was familiar to you, yes, you had traveled that area in several missions but never along the main road, so you didn´t understand why the feeling of having seen those trees and small stands on the road.

-We will stop here-said Itachi placing his hand on your shoulder and pushing you towards a Dangos stand with benches on the side of the road, having Itachi close by made you feel enveloped and absorbed by him, it was difficult for you to see something else and it was impossible not to wonder what would have happened if Itachi had continued to be a ninja in the village. 

Would you have fallen in love with him instead of Kakashi? Was that what you felt at that moment? Or maybe it was just a connection resulting from the need for survival, whatever it was, thinking about that made you feel nostalgic and empty, feelings that pushed you even more to take refuge in Itachi.

-Isn't it dangerous to go down the main road?- You asked as you entered the cabin, his hand did not leave your shoulder and you thank him because the anguished sensation of your legs had calmed down.

-This town is very far away and normal people don't know who we are.

Itachi asked the old woman who served the stall for two servings and he handed you one, a small glow lit up in his eyes as he held the dessert in his hands and you smiled at such a human gesture, you were curious to know what face he would make while eating a sweet But before you could leave the small stall to sit down, the old woman stopped you.

-Ena? Is it you? -Said the woman grabbing your arm, you looked at her confused and then at Itachi.

-I'm sorry, you confuse me with another person-you said carefully letting go of her.

-Really? My eyesight fails due to age, but your voice ... is also the same-she said getting closer to look at you, almost touching your face, you fell back colliding with Itachi and you grabbed him. That old woman and the situation you were in was making you feel uneasy.

-Madam, I don't know who Ena is, you mistake me for another person, I have a very common face, there is always someone mistaking me for another person -you said trying to laugh to reassure you.

The woman finally seemed to give up and walked away from you-I had forgotten that that girl died, excuse me.

You didn't say anything else and went to the bench that was outside-She's an old woman you shouldn't take it badly-Itachi said while eating one of his dangos, it was an interesting sight, seeing him eat sweets but you couldn't enjoy it because the tremor had returned to your legs and your head had started to ache.

-Ena-you repeated the name that the woman had said-I heard that name-you said resting your head between your hands and suddenly, you heard the name again, but shouted by the voice of a man, you got up suddenly and looked around, seeing you Itachi imitated you.

-Did you hear something?- You asked him and he denied, taking you by the arms and making you sit down again, he placed his forehead on yours and closed his eyes.

-You have a fever -he said

-No, I really heard something.

- (YN) the only noise there is that of the trees, nothing more.

-No, no, no, I heard it, it was the voice of a man, I know I heard it, I have not imagined it -you almost screamed desperately and Itachi wrapped you in his arms trying to calm you but nothing he did could stop what that name had triggered.

Suddenly you walked away from him and coughed up blood, it was useless if you tried to contain the cough or the blood, Itachi crouched next to you offering you water, worried, but suddenly he moved away and got defensive.

-You shouldn't be able to do that -he said and you touched your face, guessing what he meant, the Bakyugan, something that you had bothered to hide so much, had activated itself -Don't use it, if it won't get worse, you've consumed a lot chakra blocker.

-I have not activated it-you said screaming and without stopping trembling, without knowing what to do, Itachi took you in his arms and went into the forest with you, leaving the dangos abandoned on those banks of the road, your body fell like a dead weight against the trunk of a tree, you breathed in a cut way and you did not see anything, your eyes were closed, you only noticed pain, a lot of pain and something liquid that ran through your hands, in the middle of the darkness, suddenly you felt something warm against your body and you were able to calm down. 

When you opened your eyes Itachi was hugging  you, your back against the tree and your hands nailed in his arms, you looked at them and saw the blood that came from the man next to you.

-Are you better? -He asked, separating from you and wiping the blood from your hands, you looked at the wounds you had done and lowered your eyes in shame.

-It will be dark soon, it is better that we hurry to get to the next point-he did not say anything about the incident, he did not ask or complain, he turned with his back to you and gestured for you to get on. -You keep shaking, I don't think you can walk.

-Thank you-you murmured against his neck, once he had already caught it.

The path through the forest was silent, but it was not quiet, Itachi seemed to be debating whether to tell you something or not, finally, when you reached a small cabin hidden among the trees, he spoke.

-You will probably have a similar attack again- he said, touching your forehead and brushing away the strands that fell on it.

She began to move around the cabin, lighting a fire and taking out water and food that she had stored, they seemed to have shelters everywhere, it was incredible that no one had found any yet.

-What do you mean? -You got up and started preparing the food that I had taken out, you needed to distract yourself with something.

-You have consumed a liquid that blocks the chakra during all these days and the day it enters your mind, a part of your memory was blocked, I think by a seal.

You stopped short of what you were doing and looked at him, staying in front of him, leaning on the small wooden table-I suspected the cakra blocker but what do you mean with a seal?

-Someone has blocked a part of your memories, but if you run out of chakra completely that seal will surely break or be temporarily deactivated-Itachi looked at you and continued with the fire-but you already knew this -he said before your lack of reaction and surprise.

You bit your lip nervously and crouched by the fire-I didn't know it but it doesn't surprise me.

You ate in silence, no one asked anything else, you didn't want to think about what happened, you just wanted to move on without worrying about anything else, you just wanted to continue as if nothing happened and with Itachi at your side that made it easier for you, even if he didn't speak much It was as if you understood each other perfectly, you didn´t feel fear or worry, you needed to remind yourself of the situation you were in, because otherwise, it felt like a normal mission.

-Hey Itachi- you called him when you were both lying on the floor, wrapped in blankets, ready to spend the night, he turned and his red eyes were the only thing you saw in that dark room.

-Nothing- you murmured and turned your back to him. To your surprise, his arms wrapped around you and his head rested on your back, without saying anything you slept.

You did not understand what the elders were saying, the conversation was very long and you only wanted to taste the sweets that were on the table, but it seemed that no one had thought of offering you any and you did not want to interrupt to take one so you stayed by the side of Minato, clinging to his shirt as you looked around the large office, your eyes finally landed on the grey-haired boy leaning against the door and as soon as he looked at you you stuck your tongue out at him and hid behind the Hokage room.

It was his fault you were there.

-Kakashi saw it, if it had been someone else it would have been dangerous.

-I understand, but if we tell him, he can understand that he should not use it and does not seem to remember anything of what happened.

-Minato, I understand your concern for his welfare, but this will benefit him in the future.

Suddenly there was silence and the blond man looked at you and smiled, then he looked at the boy in the doorway and he approached you, pulling your arm out of the room.

"I have left a basket of apples outside," said the red-haired woman. "Can you go get them?"

You nodded and let the gray-haired boy pull you, but before the office door closed, you said a few last words -Blocking the memories won't solve the problem, when they discover her ...

You ignored the words and ran down the hall to find the apples.

[theowlhouseheadcanons]

I´ve finished The Owl House recently and I´m just amazed by the show in all its aspects, especially the plot and the designs. Even though the very known Disney´s touch is there, it is placed so smoothly along with the story that makes the show really refreshing to watch. 

But as any cartoon trope, I bet my right hand there will be this prom episode where all the characters will get a new, formal outfit that will make the fandom go YEAH

… But this episode is not here yet, and probably will take some time to be, and since hiatus is taking so long… I took the creative liberty to illustrate some of my expectations. 

Sooo, Ta-dã ! 

It took longer than I´ve expected it to, 

Here it goes the thoughts I´ve put in every piece! 

Willow: yes, I just couldn´t resist the urge to relate her outfit with the tree that is behind her name, and c´mon, you know the creators also have this association in mind. It just fits. The little details on her dress are the flowers from the willow tree, and I wanted to resemble the “wavy strips” shape of leaves in someplace - first I thought about making her dress in this shape, but I wasn´t finding a way to make it right. So I added this detail to her earing, since making the reference more subtle felt like a better reward to give the public once they notice the design´s purpose (hope it made sense)

Gus: our gold boi is an illusionist and a human enthusiast, and I wanted to make both of those traits show off. So, which iconic human being we have that also practiced the art of illusion? If you said Houdini, you´ve read my mind. I based Gus´ suit on the one Houdini used to wear a lot *according to google* and made the little bow tie as a reminder of his coven (not that we needed a remind for that but yeah); And what about the hat? I took the liberty to make it a headcanon that, in one of Owlbert trash raids to the human world, there was this sympathetic top hat laying around and, as Luz knew how much Gus liked human stuff (and wanted him to be more assertive about stuff´s finalities), she gave it to him. And I´m sure you can imagine his enthusiasm, and how forward he was looking to properly use the “artifact” as a human would (even if it´s all beat up!) Besides, the hat was made for a head way bigger than his, so it keeps falling into him and he has to stand funny in order to keep it in place

Luz: Luz is “light” in Spanish/Portuguese, her light spell has this yellowish color so there wasn´t much stress to pick the primal color (picking the right variations in the other hand…that was sort of stressing). For her dress model, I wanted something that expressed her buoyant personality, but still “serious” enough to attend a formal event. So, I made it like a sundress and added some layers of details, as the sleeves and the semi-transparent cloth over the dress´s hem. Also, I “tamed” her hair a bit so it wouldn´t just be the same she uses every day, with this one rebellious lock of hair at the back which refuses to stay put along with the others. 

 Luz appears to me as someone who would love to wear super extra outfits for cosplay purposes, but being conscious about her clumsy self, she would rather stick with something simple enough to move freely (and fast) if the situation requires it - especially because it would be her first prom out of the human world (maybe her first prom in life?) so it would be nice to avoid any unnecessary awkward scenarios - which we all know are totally going to happen. Thus, I thought about adding some glitter to it, but I saved the sparkles for someone else...

Amity: OH I HAD SO MUCH FUN DOING THIS ONE. Amity (spoiler alert) is a big fan of Azura´s books, just like Luz, and it is pretty clear she inspires herself a lot on the character - her dyed hair, the drawing of herself wearing Azura´s clothes on her diary´s cover - SO based on that sweet info it wouldn´t be a surprise if she coded Azura´s dress in her own. I made her dress a plain white (like Azura´s)  but, to resemble Amity social status (da gurl is rich) gave it an “elegant” cut, with the purple, shining and very-expensive looking silk falling upon it to give life to the outfit (and they also translates as the shoulder parts of Azura´s dress). Her earing stands for Azura´s chest star, and I played a “half-fancy” hairstyle to complement. (I don´t like to have favorites, but this one is definitely one)

King: the king of demons claims he´s a naturalist and has concrete displeasure to wear clothes. So little cute smokes were out. But as a king, and with his obnoxious personality, he would definitely want to dress as fancy as everyone else, with the little of “dressing” as possible, get it? I know that adding a bow tie to him isn´t the most creative of looks, but the filling is in the headcanon I (once again) took the liberty to make: King wanted to feel fancy, but he wouldn´t dress a suit, and he refused to go without anything. This led everyone on the house to search for something that King could wear, which resulted in Eda finding some old holiday ornaments boxed in a dark corner of the attic; Among those, there were many red bows of different sizes from where King picked the biggest one - which was meant for Hooty, since it was a door ornament - and a smaller one for the tail, as the final detail. He also gave Hooty one of the bows, a really small one, just to say he gave the owl something. 

Eda: I must confess, Eda outfit was the trigger of this whole thing lol. I was scrolling through Pinterest and BAM this look appeared and my mind instantly associated it with the Owl Lady. I just really wanted to draw her in this look because it is so her. She´s the elegant foxy aunt of the party who put candies in her bag and sneakily takes all the table decorations home (especially the shiny ones!). She received Principal´s authorization to attend the prom with no risks of being arrested, as a treat for her good choice of enrolling Luz there, which is the only reason she´s so proudly showing off who she is (I´m talking about the necklace, if you´re wondering). Plus, her hair up was so fun to make? I´m 100% ready to see it canon

oof, this was long.

I´m thrilled at the chance to share it with you guys, and I´m more than welcome to feedback!

[atgranger]

Drarry or wolfstar (your choice) on a dinner date (of your choice)

(This turned out to be super long, but here we go. I hope you like it, I had a lot of fun)

----------------------

Harry was late. Who is late to a first date?

Draco checked his watch for the seventh time that evening. Potter was supposed to meet him in the Atrium 4 minutes ago. He could AT LEAST send a quick note saying he´d run late. Well, that’s what you get for agreeing to this. It had been quite the surprise when Potter had asked him out, but Draco couldn´t say he hadn´t been pleased. The flirty looks the auror had sent him whenever they met, had slowly driven him mental.

His brooding was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

“I´m sorry?”, said that someone, who turned out to be Harry. A quick glance at his pocket watch confirmed that Potter was precisely 5 minutes and 23 seconds late. He closed the watch and let it slip into his vest pocket.

“You do realize that this was your idea, right?”, voice perfectly cold, mouth turned into a sneer, not showing the nervousness.

“I´m sorry! Kingsley kept me longer than I wanted and I only escaped by literally running off. And then it was running late or showing up in my uniform”

It was then, Draco ran his eyes over his date. The git actually had the decency to show up in something resembling formal wear. Dress pants with a muggle dressshirt and a modern take on wizarding robes. All of them in subdued earthy tones complementing his skintone. Impressive as well as promising to the rest of the night.

“I appreciate the effort and may overlook your tardiness. Now where are you taking me?”

Thats another thing that had surprised Draco: Potter had been adamant about not revealing the location, he had just promised that it would be ‘worth their time’.

“Right”, the dark haired man offered his arm to him and apparated them away. They found themselves outside of “Starlight and Moonshine”, a place Draco had never heard of. It looked cozy and empty. Harry confidently opened the door and beckoned Draco to go in.

The interior was kept in shades of dark blue and black with occasional details in cream white. The absolute best part was the ceiling though, thousand little stars glittered and made it seem as if they were underneath a clear night sky. Draco even recognized some constellations. 

The soft “Draco” pulled him back into reality and he focussed on the man in front of him, standing by a small table. The ONLY table in this whole restaurant. What was going on? They sat down and moments later a waitress appeared.

“Welcome to Starlight and Moonshine. What drinks may I offer you?”, she said, handing them both a drink menu. “I´d recommend a red wine. The pinot noir is especially fitting for your main course.”

That meant Potter had already chosen food when arranging this. Interesting.

“I´ll take the pinot noir then. Thank you.” he said. Potter ordered the same.

Once the waitress disappeared, promising to bring their entrée shortly, the blonde turned to him: “Okay I´ll bite. Where did you get this robe? Where are we? And what´s going on? Why are we the only ones here? Even you couldn´t-.. Okay you could but you wouldn´t.” 

Now was Harrys turn to look smug. “Oh, but I did. And sorry for already ordering, I wanted something very specific and the planning got a bit out of hand. I was promised that you´ll love it, if it makes you feel any better.”

“I´m not worried about the food. If the wine selection is anything to go by, the food will be adequate enough. Doesn´t answer my question though. Where are we? Why don´t I know this place?”

“Just outside of Diagon Alley. And you might not know it as it isn´t officially open yet. They open next friday. And before you think I threw around my name: I didn´t. I just happen to know the owners.”

Before he can answer, they are interrupted by the waitress bringing their entree. “Chestnut soup with port wine and chocolate, bon apetit.” 

They start eating and the conversation drifts off.

~

“You´ve got to be kidding me!”, Harry laughs.

“No I´m serious! The asshole was so mad at me getting more recognition than him, he acutally threw a temper tantrum. With stomping and flinging himself to the floor and all!”

They had finished the main course and Draco was in high spirits. The food was excellent, Harry was surprisingly easy to talk to and on top of that easy on the eye. Against all expectations he really enjoyed himself.

The waitress appeared once again, switching their empty plates with the dessert, a mini chocolate cake and some ice cream on each plate. The cake was still warm and chocolate poured out once Draco took a spoonfull. The ice cream turned out to be a raspberry sorbet and some high quality vanilla ice. The mixture of the rich dark chocolate cake with the sweet and fruity ice was heavenly. Hadn´t he just had a wonderful full meal, he could have eaten multiple plates of this.

~

Once  they´d finished the dessert as well, the waitress reappeared and cleaned their table. A swish of her wand send dishes flying and another transfigured the table into a much smaller one, only holding their drinks. Harry thanked her and said he could take it from here. She gave a slight bow and disappeared. 

“If you could stand up for a moment”, Harry adressed him nervously. Confused, Draco got up. Now Harry had his wand out and summoned a picnic blanket. Then he transfigured their chairs into a bunch of pillows. Shaking hands laid the wand onto the small table and he sat down onto the blanket, motioning for Draco to do the same.

They transferred from sitting to lying at some point during their conversation, because now Draco lay inches away from Harry, looking up into the nightsky somehow visible on the ceiling. His eyes flittering to Harrys form next to him every few seconds. Their conversation had ebbed out and they were simply laying there.

“I-.... Thank you, Harry. This was - is - a wonderful date.” he couldn´t supress the sigh escaping his lips.

“I´m sensing there´s a but coming?”, Harry asked, raising himself onto is elbows to look im in the eyes.

“But I still don´t know why you did it. This is far too elaborate to be a prank and -” the git had the audacity to laugh. His face coming nearer.

“Is it really so hard to believe that I just like you?” he asked, voice hushed.

Before Draco could answer, there were lips on his. Maybe it wasn´t that hard to believe.

------------------------------

(Yes, the restaurant is owned by wolfstar. I didn´t plan for it, but when needing a name it just happened. Also, yes the chocolate is Remus fault.)

((Just FYI : this are somehow 1115 words))

[aliceaddellheidde]

His Celtic girl

A/N: This one is for @youbloodymadgenius 1K celebration. It´s first time I´m doing something like that. I lost my grandfather and bunny while writing so I´m sorry if it sucks.

Prompts in bold.

WORDS: 4869

WARNINGS: 18+, angst, smut & violence (graphic), blood, swearing, death

PAIRING: Ivar x OC (Moko)

DISCLAIMERS: I tried to be historically accurate as much as possible. I don’t hate Christians. English isn´t my first language.

Moodboard by me; pics from internet.

Divider by @firefly-graphics

Moko from Mokosh – Slavic goddess of fertility & water.

Ivar awakes from his long sleep. His head is hurting like Thor hit him with his hammer. He remembers fighting. Saxon's soldier with dagger. Hvitserk in tears. Grey sky. And then dark.

When he opens his eyes he sees wooden ceiling and small window on his left. „You are finally up.” says voice from his right with foreign accent and when he turns his head that way he sees young woman sitting on a chair by fire, mixing something in kettle. He tries to sit but agonizing pain stops him. „If I was you I wouldn't move. I bet your body still hurts.” It does but he will not tell it to that girl. With clenched teeth he pushes himself up, leaning against wall. „Who … ?” he tries to say - his throat dry, voice raspy. „Who are you?” he asks after few moments. „Moko.” She smiles a little, handing him cup. He watches it suspiciously before he takes it and drinks small gulps. „You have weird name.” he snorts. „Says nameless man whose I found on battle field almost dead. With no one around. Forgotten.” „I'm the king of the world! You stupid bitch knows      nothing!” he screams, throwing cup her way, his calmness turning into anger in mere seconds. „Don’t look like king to me.” she shrugs and turns to kettle again. He´s fuming, looking for something to throw at her. All he finds is fur over his legs. Fuck. Did she see them? „Why am I here anyway? You said I was dead. How I could be when I'm here, hm?” he asks with scorn. She said nothing. „Answer me! Where am I? Where is my brother!” He punches wooden bed under him. „I don’t know. My dog found you and I took you to my home. Now I think it was a mistake.” She was standing with hands on her hips. „I don’t need your help! I can take care of myself!” „Go then! I don’t give damn if you do!” she screams, stepping closer to him. He sees red. „At least I will not have to take care of crippled idiot!” He throws himself onto her but she just swiftly moves away from him, hand on sword. He almost screams from pain as his body hit the floor. Yet he stops    himself, spitting blood her way. Then he finally looks at her properly.

She is short, long dark hair falling to her waist, dressed in light yellow dress with golden armoured corset, belt around hips with few small pouches and sword scabbard. Her widen eyes watching him like falcon. He moves again and she unsheathes her weapon. ,,You are not gonna kill me.” he smirks. ,,No, but I can still hurt you.” They are watching each other for few more minutes before she puts sword away, takes cloth from table and cautiously sits next to him on the floor. He flinches when her hand moves to his face to wipe blood away. „Look, I took you here to take care of you. Once you are healed, you can leave. But until then it's better for you to stay with me.” She smiles when he lowers his head to avoid her gaze. ,,Ivar.” he whispers. ,,I'm sorry?” „My name is Ivar.” ,,You have weird name.” He only chuckled. ,,How about you take bath and I finish food? Then we can talk.” He looks at his useless legs and back at her. ,,Oh, I will give you some privacy.” She turns away with flushed face but he stops her. ,,Wait. I ... I need your help.” He already hates idea of her touching him or seeing him naked but he has no other choice. ,,So now you need my help?” she teases. ,,Shut up.”

She goes for water while he is looking around her home. There is big fire pit in the middle of room, on right side of room is wooden table with different knives, daggers, food, plates, bowls and cups. Next to it is longer lower table with wooden benches and flowers on it. On left side is his bed and then hutch with different herbs, flowers, books and bottles. Ivar never saw material like that.

„It´s glastos. Or how they call it here in Anglia – glass.” says Moko when she comes back with two buckets of water. „We are still in Wessex?” „Sussex. But I always wanted to travel around the world. Meet new people and try new things.” „So are you Christian then?” „Oh Gods, no!” she laughs. „You are not Viking either. Then what are you?” He watches her as she is moving around house. She takes few herbs and puts them into tub and then fills it with boiling water. „I'm from old Celtic tribe called Anartes. We lived in Europe. But one day my family decided that we should move and so we did. I lived here with my parents and brother. But they are all dead. And now it´s my purpose to keep our legacy alive. And what about you Ivar?” „I'm Viking.” „Rus´ Viking?” „No. I´m from Norway. How do you know about the Rus?” „My people had deals with them. We   exchanged animals, food and other stuff.” „Have you ever been in Kiev or Novgorod?” „No. But my father was there once.” „They are Christians now.” „Poor people. How do you know them?” „I had to r… . I travelled there with my friend. But then my brother came for me to fight king Alfred. We had some unfinished business.” „You were talking about you brothers in your dreams. Asking one of them for forgiveness. His name is Hvitserk. Am I right?” Ivar is quiet. „I don’t know what happened to him. Maybe they imprisoned him or he died.” „My brother is not dead!” he screams and she jumps a bit. „You don’t know that.” „I have to save him. Like he saved me.” „You are so stubborn! When I found you I thought you were dead but you were breathing still. I took care of you for three bloody days and you are still wounded. Yet you want to go to Winchester and be hero for your brother?” she wasn't screaming but she was angry. „That´s exactly what I want to do.” he half-smiled. „And how? You don’t have an army. You will never break through their defence.” His upper lip twitches in indignation because she is right. „I can´t leave him there. What would you do if it was your brother?” „Saved him.” „See?” „But not if I was hurt and with no warriors.” „Then we will find some.” „Ivar, these people are Christians and they love Alfred because he won over The great heathen army. They will never defraud him.” „We will see about it.” „In few days I´m  going to Chichester. I can ask if someone knows what happened to survived Vikings.” „I'll go with you.” She sighted and checked water temperature. „I have few conditions if you want to go with me.” Ivar rolls his eyes. „What do you want from me?” „You will sit on your arse and will not try to investigate on your own or try to kill anybody. Deal?” „Deal.” „Great. Now come and have a bath.”

„Earlier you said I´m crippled idiot. How did you know?” Ivar asks while he takes his tunic off. „Well, I had to take your braces off of your legs and I saw them.” He frowns at her. „Help me with trousers. But keep your eyes on my face.” he growls. „Is there a problem I saw them?” she asks as her small hands untie strand from around his hips. „They are hideous.” „I don’t really care about it.” Her brown-green eyes bore into his blue ones. „What do you care about then?” „If I and my animals will be healthy and if we will have enough food, water and home. And overall if I will have long, happy life.” „That´s so deep.” Ivar rolls his eyes. „Stop mocking me. I like simple life.” She helps him into tub, avoiding looking at him, gives him cloth and walk back to kettle. „Have you ever been with a man?” he asks suddenly. „Why?” „You are shy. Can´t even look at me when I´m naked. So I assumes you are still virgin.” he has wicked smile on his face. „That´s not something you need to know.” „Hm, maybe.” he smirks. „I also want to know what is all that.” He points on herbal hutch. „That´s my work. I´m making potions, herbal remedies and different things from it for other people.” „Clever girl.” „Yes, I´m.” She straightens her back and he laughs at her. „What did you put in bath?” „Lavender. You can make oil from it and eat it.” Ivar thoughtfully takes herb from water and bits a small bite. And second later she smacks his head. „Not from that dirty water! That´s    disgusting.” „I don’t like the taste anyway.” he frowns. „You didn’t try my lavender cake.” „I need proper food. Meat. Not some stupid cakes.” „It´s almost ready. Better wash your hair and come  eat.” When he goes out of the tub she hands him clean towel and clothes, averting looking at him again. „Virgin.” he murmurs for himself.

Over lunch – deer with plum sauce – they get to know each other. He tells her about his life, family and wars, hiding some details he´s ashamed of, and is pleasantly surprised how excited she is. „My parents taught me and my brother how to fight. My mother was warrior alongside my father.” „I usually had few my the most trustworthy warriors for my protection. I can´t really move on legs but in hand-to-hand combat I´m perfect.” „Maybe we can learn from one another.” „Maybe.”

After food Ivar meets all her animals and she shows him her gardens. Few metres from them is river with small boat. „It´s yours?” „Yes.” „It looks funny. I was on massive ones. My friend Floki built them. This one here is just joke.” „Ivar I swear that if you make any more stupid comments about my things I´ll leave you outside!” „Oh come on darling. You wouldn't do that. Not after your hard work.” He twirls slowly around his stick and bows. „You even put lavender oil into my hair.” He tosses his braids over shoulder. She laughs so much that she misses how he´s looking at her with goofy smile.

*few days later*

Ivar feels movement next to him and sits with dagger in hand. „It´s just me, you idiot.” says Moko, ruffling his hair on way down. „It´s still dark! Can´t we sleep a bit longer?” he shouts after her. „No. Today we´re going to Chichester so you better come for breakfast.”

In those couple of days he lived with Moko he learnt a lot about her, her people and culture. She was teaching him how to speak in her language, she showed him all her herbs and flowers and her knowledge in fighting, manufacture and farming. He wasn´t really fond of all of those things but he liked how excited she was when she was speaking about them or doing them. And if he tries those things too, oh gods, she even hugs him. It felt good.

Ivar is seating in covered carriage, petting her dog and listening to her singing. They travels for hours now with only one break and Ivar needs to sleep but he can´t. He somehow wants to protect her even when he doesn’t know why and how. „We will settle down here. Tomorrow morning we are in Chichester.” Her voice interrupts him from his thoughts. He looks out from carriage into darkening countryside. „Don´t just stare. Bring the chicken and make fire. If your puny regal ass can do that.” she smirks and starts to build a tent. Ivar is used to it by now, nonetheless he is surprised with how much ease she´s talking to him. He did what he could but that damn fire not and not to burst to life. „I thought you Vikings are fearful people and you can´t even make fire. Want some help?” He blames his shaking hands on cold not her presence. She makes fire in mere moments and then put kettle on it. „We will have chicken stew with vegetable and mushrooms. Is it ok?” He nods and watches with dilated pupils when she knocks off the poor bird. „It´s the last time I can have chicken or rabbit before Ostara.” „Then what?” „Bath in spring water, sacrifice hare and chicken but leave eggs for altar. We will have flower crowns and we will sow few seeds.” „Oh no, no. Leave me out of this. I will not have flowers in my hair.” „It will be fun.” „I doubt it.” „Shush and cut this please.”

Ivar sees stone towers and soldiers guarding big gate into Chichester. They are watching them suspiciously until Moko asks them for direction to market. „Don´t forget your name.” she warns him when she´s helping him out of carriage. „Leofric. I know.” he rolls his eyes. „Try to be more nice. Smile.” He turns to her and smile. Then smirks when she blushes. „I will find us room to sleep and you can put things on table. And leave your hood on.” „Gods woman! I´m not a child.” She giggles and walks away.

„We have room for three nights … Leofric, let him go!” Moko rushes to him and tries to separate him from another young man. „He tried to steal!” says Ivar. „I just wanted to see it better.” protests the other man, still with Ivar´s hand around neck. Moko smacks it and he growls at her but let go. „Thank you milady.” The other man tries to kiss her hand but she turns it palm up. „Return that bottle you stole. You may hurt yourself with it.” She waits few seconds and when nothing happens she jumps at poor man, turns his arm behind his back and yanks bottle from his hand. Ivar watches her with awe on his face. „Get off, idiot.” she spat at pathetic man and they both laugh when he runs away.

„That´s not funny Moko.” says Saxon soldier, walking to them. „Osgar, welcome.” „I see you keep up with tradition.” he snickers. „Every year someone tries something. They knows I can protect myself and my stuff but still.” „And you brought some friend.” He looks at Ivar sitting on stool. „That´s Leofric. I´m taking care of him.” „What happened?” „Bear in forest.” Ivar snorts. „I can say God is with him when he found the best healer in whole Anglia.” „Stop it Osgar!” Moko blushes again. „Rather tell me what happened after battle. Last time you didn’t have time.” „There is not much to say. We captured survivors and turned them into Christians. They live in their settlements. Our king trusts them.” „And you don’t?” He smirks. „I kind of envy those whose ran away. You knows my parents were Vikings, right? I live for day I will leave this land and will live like them.” he says quieter and looks around if someone hears him. „Adventurous Osgar. Any news about their kings?” „As far as I know Harald and Ivar are dead. But one son of Ragnar lives with Alfred in Winchester. I don’t know his real name. But his given one is Athelstan.” „Thank you. And what about your family?” „Good. My little girl is fighting with everyone and my wife isn´t very happy about it. My son still has mark on his face. He´s on guard now and I should replace him. See you later.” Day goes well, some of Moko´s customers comes and after sunset they goes to tavern for good night sleep.

„There is only one bed!” Ivar exclaims when they enter the bedroom. „Afraid of sleeping with me?” „What? No!” He puts their belongings on table, trying to calm down his too loud beating heart. „I'm going to have a bath. You will be ok here?” He nods. She disappeared behind the curtain  and he´s listening to her movements and noises she makes when she dives into warm water.

Moko feels water in the tub move. When she opens her eyes she sees Ivar sitting next to it. „What are you doing?” she squeaks. Ivar chuckles. „What does it look like? I have to wash as well. Or you want me dirty in bed?” She sinks more into water, only her head visible. He puts his hands into water again and his fingers brush her calf. She freezes and he smirks. „Your skin is so soft.” And she's blushing again. But both can play this game. „Will you wash my hair, please?” she asks innocently and his hand pauses in the middle of his face, eyes wide, shining. „Are you sure? I never done this.” Moko moves to him. „Please.” She turns her back to him and he clumsily takes her hair in one hand while the other is putting soap on it. Then he moves to her scalp. „That fells nice.” When he's done he smooths it on her back, his fingers lightly touching her skin. „Thank you. Give me a minute and you can go in as well.” She quickly rinses her head. „Close your eyes.” „Why?” „I have to go out and you can´t see me.” „I saw many naked women.” She glares at him over shoulder. „Fine.” But of course he cheated. He watches as she stands up and puts on linen tunic. After that she helps him in tub, she washes his hair and gives him his clothes.

„I said to the owner of this tavern that you are my husband.” says Moko nonchalantly when they are tuck in bed under warm duvet. „What!?” He sits up and frowns. „So we can have same room” ,,You are little minx.” he laughs and move closer to her. ,,What are you doing?” ,,Keeping us warm.” She turns her back to him, hiding her face into pillow. ,,Good night little minx.” he smiles into dark.

They wake up tangled at each other limbs. Moko tries to get up but Ivar´s arms around her are too strong. He nuzzles her hair and murmurs something. ,,Ivar, we have to go and sell otherwise we will have no money.” He groans when he opens his eyes. ,,I'll come later and brings you breakfast.” ,,You better be quick.” She kisses his cheek, throws her clothes on and she's gone. Ivar is still frozen on the bed processing what just happened.

,,I have bread, meat and wine.” ,,Oh, you are saviour! I'm starving.” He gives her plate with a cup on it. ,,Where is your food?” ,,I ate. Have only one hand free.” He waves with his right one and she grins at him. ,,Is it ok if you work until I finish?” ,,Sure.” He sells few pots and potions already when Osgar comes to them. ,,Hello you two.” ,,Good morning. Do you need something?” Moko asks. ,,Just to say you the news.” ,,What news?” ,,King Alfred will come here in five days to deal with Vikings in prison.” Moko sees Ivar stiffs. ,,Thank you. What do you think he will do to them?” ,,Probably gives them an option between conversion or death.” „And do you know if Viking´s prince will come too? I would like to see him.” He shrugs and goes back doing his work. „We need a plan how to get my brother and leave this stupid country.” „You don’t wanna kill       Alfred?” „Of course I want! But as you said, I need an army. I avenged death of my father on his grandfather and now I´ll avenge my own death on him.” „And rule Wessex?” „Maybe?” „Good luck then.” „You will not stay with me?” „I want to explore the world.” „If you will help me with Alfred I´ll give more treasure than you will ever need for fulfil your dream.” She looks at him sceptically. „Really?” „Word of the prince.” „I will think about it.”

„That one next to king on left is my brother Hvitserk.” Ivar whispers into her ear when Alfred comes to Chichester. „You remember our plan?” „Yes.”

They have to wait until next day but when Hvitserk comes to Moko´s stall she's nervous. He's handsome as Ivar but with lighter hair. They talk about different herbs for his problems and then she takes small dagger from her sleeve. „Prince Hvitserk, your brother Ivar wants you to have this.” „My brother is dead. I saw him fall in battle.” „I can assure you he's alive.” „How can I trust you?” „Because she's telling you the truth my brother.” says Ivar from shadow behind her. Hvitserk flinches a bit and can´t believe his eyes. „You are a witch! This is some stupid trick. My brother is dead!” „You see he's not.” Hvitserk slowly walks to Ivar and then he suddenly hugs him with teary eyes. „You fucking idiot! How comes gods saved you?” „They sent Moko. She took care of me.” Hvitserk looks at her and she smiles at him. „Nice to meet you.”

*month later in Winchester*

Ivar is excited all morning as helps Moko with selling. He sees men Hvitserk told him they are their allies when they walks around courtyard. They planned everything carefully. It took some time to collect enough men for attack to Winchester royal villa.

Once the night falls they moves. Quietly under veil of darkness their backups shoots guards on walls and at the gate and they are inside dim corridor. Hvitserk comes out from his hiding spot in kitchen with few warriors and silently they go forward to king´s chambers. His legs hurt and he's cursing on himself because Moko told him to rest during day but he didn’t listen. He sees her in the front of the group with plaited hair, sword ready for fight, serious look on painted face. Beautiful, clever and dangerous. That's what she is. Hvitserk is next to her eating something he stole from   kitchen.

Villa is suspiciously soundless and Ivar is suspicious. He feels it in his bones. It´s several minutes after they killed guards and until now they didn’t meet any more nor there was horn signal. For sure someone found bodies. But they have to do it. Even if it´s trap.

They reach their destination and Osgar goes first. The room is dark, only light from candles elucidate it. Ivar gives signal to his men and they encircle bed. Another signal and they are penetrating it with their swords. At same moment all other three doors of the room open and Alfred runs in with his soldiers, attacking mercilessly. Ivar watches as his warriors die one by one,        outnumbered. „Fight! Fight!” he screams, killing Saxons on his way to Alfred. Then everything freezes as he watches Moko moving between soldiers like air, sword and axe wet from their blood. One of Alfred´s bodyguards cuts her cheek and she stabs him in the neck, decapitating another one with other hand. Now she's face to face with king. What nobody awaits is Elsewith with sword assaulting Moko. English woman cuts her deep into hip when axe, thrown by Ivar, cuts through her back right after. His raging scream encourages his men. He assaults Alfred with blazing fury, maniac urge in the eyes. He effectively disarms young king, cuts his neck, fresh blood splashes him. Ivar throws himself onto Alfred stabbing him with all his power, shouting in old Norse, breathing heavy air with smell of sweat, dead bodies and taste of iron. Surviving Saxons watch in disbelieve and fear before they meet same fate from his fellow Vikings.

Things happens so quickly after that. One moment he is in king´s chamber, then he´s fighting his way from villa and in carriage fleeing into safety. He can feel adrenaline flows through his veins. Hvitserk sits opposite him, covered in blood too. They smile at each other. Moko´s next to him, patching her wound. „We did it.” he says victoriously and suddenly kisses her. She doesn’t protest and he's happy.

Following three months they are travelling and stealing all over Anglia. After that they build boats for way home. Night before their departure Ivar and Hvitserk are sitting by fire, enjoying peaceful quiet. „Will you go back to Norway or you´ll stay with Moko?” asks Hvitserk. „I don’t know what are you talking about brother. Of course I´m going with you!” „Are you sure Ivar? I see how you are looking at her.” Ivar glares at his laughing brother. „She doesn’t want to stay with me. She wants to travel.” „Then I´m gonna tell her i´ll accompanish her.” He turns to leave when a cup hits his head. „Don´t you dare!” Ivar screams. „Why not? She's free woman. Maybe I´ll ask her to marry me.” Hvitserk walks slowly backward with smirk, watching Ivar crawling on the ground as fast as he can to Moko´s tent.  

She walks out of it at same time as they show up. „Hello boys. Can I help you?” „Ivar wants to speak with you.” Hvitserk blurts out and Ivar hits him in the ankle. „Sure. I just need to get some food.” „I will get it. You two have fun.” „Come in then.” Moko smiles at Ivar.

„What you wanna talk about?” she asks, sitting next to him on bed. „Are you really sure you want to leave Anglia? And travel by yourself?” he asks straight away. „We spoke about it. I have small crew, you know.” „I know. It´s just … I don’t trust them that much. I would like to have you next to me more.” „As your friend, bodyguard or …?” „My right hand.” He looks at her. „And as my queen too, maybe?” She´s quietly staring at him and in next moment her lips are on his, her soft body collides with his hard one as they fall on bed.

His hands are on her hips, pushing her more and more against his prick. She takes off his tunic, her fingers grazing his tattoos. „You like them?” She nods and kisses him again. „Have you ever done this?” „No.” „Let me make you feel good then.” He is nervous like never before but also determined to do it right, to show her he really cares about her. His fingers are trembling when he unties her dress and takes it off. She tries to hide from his curious eyes but he catches her hands, kissing them and putting them next to her. „You are beautiful.” He kisses her whole shivering body until he reaches her warm core. When he looks back at her she's watching him already with flushed cheeks. They hold their gaze when his tongue touches her and she lifts a bit from bed. He's not  stopping her, only diving his head deeper. She's making those small noises he knew were good sign. „Ivar.” she moans his name. „I want more.” He hovers over her, kissing her. „If it hurts too much, you have to stop me, ok? I might not be able to control myself.” „Ok.” „Do you trust me?” „Yes.” He pushes slowly in her tight hole and kisses her tears away. „I'm sorry my Queen.” Her nails scratches his back, leaving bloody marks when he bottoms up. He waits few moments, then moves slowly, searching for any clues of her discomfort. None appears. She even smiles at him slightly. „Feels good?” „Yeah, it´s nice.” „Should I move faster, or is this fine?” „I have no idea!” she laughs. „You are the one with experiences.” „Yeah, right.” He nuzzle into her neck, his hips hitting hers as he quickens and she surprisingly pushes against him.

They are lost in their own pleasurable world, they didn’t even notice Hvitserk when he comes with food. He smirks proudly and walks away.

***

„I never thought I will love someone again but it happened.” Ivar smiles in Moko´s hair as they lies under warm furs, her head on his chest. „You love me?” „Yes. You have bewitched me, body and soul. My Celtic girl.” „I love you too Ivar.”

*next day*

A storm comes from nowhere and Moko´s watching as ship with Vikings is burning from     lightning strike. „Can´t we help them somehow?” „I'm sorry my love. They are probably all dead by now.” But much to his own surprise he can see some men jumping into the sea. „If I´ll die saving those idiots, I´m going to annoy you in Valhalla forever.” „And I will enjoy every second of it, my king. Now go and be a hero.” He kisses her briefly and then shuts orders. At the end they saves ten men but loose control over own boat.

***

„Land! Land!” Ivar hears shouting and stands up to see if it´s really true. „Not really how I imagined my travels but it´s still new land to explore.” Moko says next to him, hugging him. „Our new start my Queen.”

She turns in his embrace as they are looking towards their new adventures.

[mariamermaid]

The Heir of Silberstein; das verzauberte Schulleben (ch.2)

“the enchanted School life”

Fred Weasley x Reader

Summary: As a new school year approaches in Hogwarts, the students are surprised when Dumbledore introduces a group of German siblings joining the school. The royal family of fortress Silberstein is now sent to Hogwarts to learn the matters of a normal teenager life. …

Words: 3.1k

Masterlist

“Potion´s class will be the death of me!” Hermione exclaimed loudly as you came back from the first day filled with lessons. Professor Snape had very clearly explained, that the class would neither be easy nor a place for mischief. You patted her shoulder, a look of sympathy on your face.

“You´ll clearly going to ace every class”, she then sighed and you starred at her with confusion.

Yes, you had known most of the subject matter the teachers announced for the school year.

You had also required 10 points for Gryffindor, Seamus Finnigan had tried to ask you out, as well as a student from Slytherin and you had given Draco a harsh comeback, which landed a following applause by several students. However, many classmates still seemed a little intimidated by your presence. You were able to disarm the teacher in defense against the dark arts, which was impressing and they had starred at you with bewildered expressions. All in all; a pretty good first day. Almost perfect. Almost.

“I don´t know, but you can find me in the library”, Hermione added and grabbed a few of her books and notes.

“I think I´ll catch some fresh air or explore the school a little more”, you replied.

“The Gryffindor quidditch team has try out´s today and some practice, you should watch them! You´ve never even seen a game!”

You followed Hermione´s advice and made your way to the Quidditch pitch. Together with the history and traditions of Hogwarts, you had obviously learned about the sport as well. Yet, you were taken back by the sight of the pitch. The oval form measured five hundred feet long and a hundred and eighty feet wide, with a small central circle in diameter. At each end there were three hooped Goalposts of different heights. The pitch was surrounded by wooden towers with the house colors, seats for spectators. You found your place in the Gryffindor tower, next to a blonde girl with long hair and round, pink and blue colored glasses. She looked up when you sat down, eyes curiously inspecting you and then offered you a polite smile. “You´re the princess.”

You nodded slowly. “I´m Luna Lovegood, you´re here to watch the team, aren´t you?”

You agreed again and noticed her dreamy tone and her soft nature. “So am I, but watch out for the nargles.”

With anticipation you watched as the players flew across the pitch through the air. Harry and Ginny, captains as you found out, had an open position. You watched as several contestants gave their best in showing their skills. Fred and George, both playing as beaters, didn´t pay much attention to them however. Instead, they trained on their own and played back and forth. You admired their athletic spirit and skill, but realized that you wouldn´t be a Quidditch player. The brutality and the hectic timeframe was thrilling to watch, but nothing you wanted to participate in.

After the practice, you left the tower together with Luna.

“What are nargle?”

“They´re small creatures, mischievous thieves really, you have to be careful.”

A smile spread on your lips; you found a liking in the rather odd Luna Lovegood. From afar you watched how the Slytherin team, who´s time to practice had now come, approach. After them, contestants who wanted to try out for their team. August was one of them. You said goodbye to Luna and joined your brother in watching how the team held their meeting.

“You´re trying out?” It wasn´t a question, the broomstick in his hand said enough. “I thought you didn´t even want to talk to them.” August huffed and rolled his eyes. He knew well what you were doing, lurkinh him into resistance and talking.

“If we have to go to school here, I can at least enjoy a little activity, oder nicht?”

A chuckle escaped your lips and softly you bumped against his shoulder. “I´m messing with you.”

“Hast du mit Ruth geredet?“ (Have you talked to Ruth?) It surprised you, that he was the first one to start the topic, but you shook your head ever so slightly.

“Sie werden es herausfinden, früher oder später.“, you replied instead. (They will find out eventually.)

You knew the fact, that even August worried, was enough to let you quiver. You avoided eye contact as did he, both staring ahead, avoiding to even glance at each other. 

“Es wird sein soziales Todesurteil, die Schüler sind ja schon mit uns als Prinzen und Prinzessinnen überfordert. Ein König? Das ist zu viel für sie.” (It´s going to be his social death sentence. The students are already overwhelmed with us as princes and princesses. A king? It´s too much for them.)

“Noch ist er nicht König, außerdem sind es ein paar Monate bis Hendrik achtzehn wird. Vater ist noch am Leben,” (He´s not king yet, anyways there a couple of months left before Hendrik turns eighteen. Father is still alive.) You answered and a bitter taste spread in your mouth as the words left your lips. Your voice fell flat and monotone and you bit your lip.

“Ja noch ist er es, aber für wie lange?“ (Yes, he still is, but for how long?)

August added just as uninflected, before joining the Quidditch team and leaving you standing alone. You knew he wasn´t wrong, but saying those words out loud always sounded harsher than expected. For a couple more seconds, you watched your younger brother before he took off on his broom.

Fred and George Weasley came to your side, you caught a glance of their red hair before they even arrived. They sensed your inner turmoil and decided to try to take off your mind.

“Impressed, princess?” You huffed, shaking your head. Previos worries left your face and you gladly accepted the switch of topic.

“I´ll wait until your first game of the year, then we can see how much you can actually impress me.” The twins shrugged while nodding, it was a fair proposal to them.

The three of you, followed by Harry and Ginny made your way back to the castle, while casually chatting. “How was your first day? Classes are going fine by what I heard?” Fred asked you curiously. You raised your eyebrow at him. “What exactly did you hear?”

George, walking to you left, snickered. “Oh, just the typical rumors when it comes to your royal family.” “And that would be?”

“Courageously smart and intelligent”, George started

“Eagerness to dress and impress”, Fred continued, while his eyes glided your body down and up. His brother well noted, how Fred blushed as the words left his mouth. For now, he wouldn´t mention it though.

“And being able to enchant everybody in their presence”, George added instead and threw his hand dramatically into the air. 

“Be careful, Y/n, they´re always up to something”; Ginny exclaimed from the back before she and Harry passed the three of you. You laughed. “I can tell, but thanks for the warning!”

You found yourself in the backyard, due to the late summerly warmth, many students still remained outside. The twins took off their Quidditch uniform, leaving them both in tank tops. The summer had done good to them and they had both gained muscle; especially in their arms. A seat beneath a tree at the side was perfect to watch the entire scene and soon after, the two Weasley´s joined you again. They awaited, but you continued to simple watch. A fairly dull activity, at a first glance.

“It´s seems boring, but there is always something going on, isn´t it?” Fred asked, his head tilting your way. You nodded agreeing. “It´s new, at least to me.”

Hendrik entered the yard with another Ravenclaw. “Ah, Cedric Diggory, prefect of the Ravenclaws”, George explained. Cedric as well as Hendrik´s eyes found yours. Cedric offered a polite smile, which you returned. But Hendrik´s were asking. Asking for anything out of the ordinary, you shook your head. The twins seemed to notice, how the two of you reacted to each other. “You and your brother get each other, don´t you?”

“We´re a family, we hold together, no matter how hard things seem”, you sighed but shook your head, pushing away the reluctant feeling.

“Hendrik is brilliant, he created his first spell at 14 years, his currently writing his first book as well. He´s the smart one, the oldest and always looking out for us.” You paused, eyeing Hendrik from across the yard. His dark hair was sleek back as always, his sharp jawline and his stern eyes. He had a mature charisma and you were sure, that many female students would swoon over his presence.

“It´s not like he had a choice, he´s the oldest, first to the throne. From his birth on, all the pressure laid on his shoulders.”

“Sounds hard.”

“There are days where it´s harder than on others.” You glanced back, through the stone arch´s to the Quidditch pitch. From afar you could make out little green figures racing through the air, among them August.

“August is the rebel of the family, stubborn and cunning. He knows what he wants and he knows how to get it. He´s selective when it comes to being loyal, family comes always first.”

Your eyes, as well as the Twins’, continued to wander to Ruth, her locks framing her round face and a smile spread on her rosy lips. She was seated on a blanket in the green grass, laughing as a pair of second-class students showed her a new game with cards.

“Ruth, is the sweetest angel. She´s kind to all people and animals. She´s the one keeping us together, when all ties tear. She´s the one who grew up the most protected. Hendrik and me, were trained the hardest. She doesn´t know, how it feels to have all eyes on yourself, luckily. She´s able to be just a child in a way Hendrik never could.”

Fred and George starred at you, waiting. The school life of Hogwarts was new to you, but for them everything about the royal activity was unaccustomed. “What about you?”

You chuckled nervously. “Me?”

“I´m the daring one, the one who questions right and wrong. The wild spirit of the family, at least it´s what I´m told.” “A truly magical family, isn´t it?” George smiled warmly. Maybe the Silberstein siblings weren´t so different from the Weasley´s after all.

“And all of you were trained?”, Fred then questioned further. They were intrigued by you.

“To be what exact?” George added and you smirked. “Our subjects varied from the ones at Hogwarts; Mondays started with history, for both muggles and wizards. Then in the afternoon, riding lessons and nature studies.”

“Riding? Broomsticks?”, George asked confused.

“Oh no, Silberstein has its name from their traditional breeding of Pegasus´.”

“Pegasus? As in horse with wings?” You nodded proudly, remembering Hagrid´s admiring stare at your arrival with the carriage. “The German word silber is English for silver, as in the silver horse skin and mane. The stables are the argentum turris, Latin for silver towers. It´s where they live and the only way to enter them, is by flying to them.” 

A short pause formed, while you remembered the silky fur and the liberating and enchanting feeling, when flying through the clouds on their backs. Clearing your throat, you proceeded.

“Then on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings, martial arts. Everything from hand to hand combat, sword fighting, archery and of course, defense with the wands. Each of us is trained for battles with all scenarios, not only magical.”

Saturday mornings, were amazingly special to the four of you, because your trainer and teachers often awoke you with a new battle idea in mind. You wore focused on working together as a unit, not working on your individual techniques.

“And then of course more basic subjects, Potions and Herbology, astrology, the formal etiquette for royal descendants.”

“For Merlin´s Sake, you´re unbelievable”, Fred breathed and his brother nodded hefty.

“It might be normal for you, but to us?” George continued. “Unbelievable.” They both finished the sentence. A blush crept on your cheeks. Before Hogwarts, you had never given it much thought, but especially after arriving, you began to realize how special your life had been. Against many obstacles and challenges, you were grateful for the opportunity’s others would never have. It was hard and no one would ever argue with it, but you would choose this life over any other every day. Grateful.

It was this exact moment, where you decided that Silberstein was going to be a school. A good and fair school, that you would fight for.

 A few weeks passed in the mean-time. You had actually begun to write down notes about potential strategies about teaching and a curriculum. Hendrik noticed how you began brewing your ideas, but he knew you would come to him, if you were ready to discuss them.

“Miss Silberstein, Professor Dumbledore has requested a meeting with you and your siblings”, McGonagal held you back after finishing her lesson. Hermione, a few steps ahead of you, waited worriedly. You nodded and followed McGonagal out of the classroom.

It was Friday, prior to the second Quidditch Game of the season. The week before, Gryffindor against Hufflepuff started with a strong game. The Weasley twins used their chance to show off the abilities, successfully. Hendrik, actually started playing as a seeker for Ravenclaw, while August was positioned as a chaser for Slytherin. As so often when it came to your brothers, they battled in agony about almost everything. August loved it to contest and Hendrik loved it to prove somebody wrong. A bad combination really.

“Go ahead, ´Mione”, you shrugged to your friend. “I got something to get done.”

McGonagal led you to Dumbledore´s office through the entrance of the gargoyle statue. She gave you a last nod of reassurance, before leaving you alone. Hendrik, August and even Ruth awaited you in the headmaster’s office. Worries rose in you and immediately, you searched Hendrik´s eyes for signs. He shrugged. None of you knew why you were called in today.

Dumbledore sat behind his desk; hands crossed on the table. The room was filled with shelves, books, potions and other artifacts. You were sure, that if given enough time, you would find out many interesting things. But sadly, the office laid unable for you to enter at your own sweet will.

“Please sit, make yourself comfortable.”

As much as he tried to sound calm, it didn´t convince you. You braced yourself for the worst.

“A letter from your father´s consultant, Albrecht came to me.”

You saw Hendrik´s hands cramping and his jaw tensing. Ruth, who sat next to you, lurked up to you, but you didn´t have the strength to look back.

“He and your father enquired about your process in learning, as well in finding yourself in the school life.”

Hendrik relaxed and you could finally give Ruth a small smile. “He also requested me to give the four of you a separate letter, which I will give you in just a second.”

Dumbledore leaned back, making eye contact with each of you before continuing.

“I know that even though your stay at Hogwarts is unusual, it is even more concerning as to why this stay had to be so sudden. Like everybody else, you have my full sympathy about your father´s health condition But I want you to know, that if you need anything else, you can always come to me. I´m sure that being a royal descendant is hard enough on it´s own and I can openly admit, I´m fairly new to many aspects. But I know a lot about schools and teaching, this”, he pulled out a book from his desk. You eagerly reached forward to take it first.

“Its a very rare volume about Hogwarts throughout the history. I´m sure you will treasure it, as well as I did in my first years as a teacher.”

Thanking, you nodded at Dumbledore. The book was in raveled in a dark blue fur like coat and the font was golden. Then he handed over the letter, which Hendrik took.

You had barely left the office, before he ripped it open and the four of you gathered closely around. His voice was quiet, but a clear flutter was heard.

“Dear beloved princes and princesses.

I hate to pass the message, that your father´s condition is not improving. The healers watch him with every second, but there have been no results yet.

I´m continuing to follow your father´s instruction to represent him and the royalty of Silberstein, as a Consultant and for the time being, leader.

I hope your stay at Hogwarts is as pleasant as the time allows.

Sincerely, Albrecht.”

A bitter taste spread in your mouth, when Hendrik read the letter out loud.

“We shouldn´t trust him”, August pressed out between his pursed lips. Hendrik rolled his eyes at him, a little too dramatic and hasty for your taste. 

“Don´t be stupid, he has been a consultant for longer than any of us lived.” Hendrik used his ´adult´-voice and there were times, where his mature exterior worked, but for August, it was another reason to tense his jaw. He didn´t like to be treated as a child. Neither did you.

“So, you agree with him on the throne?”

Hendrik fell silent, his eyes leaving your group and his hand brushing his hair back.

Albrecht was never particularly fond of you, which was mostly mutual. In his eyes, not only you but also August and Ruth were nothing, but naïve children. He tolerated you, because he didn´t have an option. Hendrik was the only one to be out of sorts with him, which didn´t equal in actually liking him. You were sure that Albrecht didn´t like children in general. He was strict, obsolete bound to the idea of a royal regime, that represented a strong sway. Admitting that Silberstein was the most logic solution to the school problem in Germany, wasn´t comprehensible to him.

Whether he liked it, or not, ALbrecht was compelled to the crown. But as long as he was in your father´s seat, he was in the position to not only to issue orders, but change any established decisions.

From the moment it was announced, that you would leave for Hogwarts, August noted it more than once; He hated the idea of leaving behind your father, as well as the realm and the fortress. Both Hendrik and you, had brushed his sorrows away.

August scoffed angrily, after Hendrik´s attempt to placate him and he left the group with quick steps. Hendrik did as well, making his way to the Ravenclaw tower. From outside he seemed calmer than his younger brother, but he was livid as well. A breeze of wind meandered through the hallway; a storm was coming.

And deep down, you were left with an unpleasant gut instinct about Albrecht.

----------

tags: @ britishspidey @ perfectlysane24  @ acoolnight

[cinaja]

Before the Wall part 32

Masterlist:

A/N: This chapter is a bit longer than usual. I considered splitting it, but it felt more coherent as one part, so I left it like this. And after the last chapters, I did my best to make this a bit happier (at least in parts)

----

In the next months, life once again proves its uncaring ability to go on no matter what. In the scope of a war that spans an entire Continent, a few thousand dead soldiers are as inconsequential as the pain they cause the ones who survive. But to the lives of the people who were affected by these deaths, they are anything but.

Ironically enough, the next months go well for the Alliance. Jurian spends most of the time rebuilding his army from scratch. The number of new recruits is staggering, and within one months, they are back to their old number. With the newly-trained soldiers, they even win a few victories against to Loyalists. It helps that Jurian has a new spy, whose identity he refuses to disclose, but who brings invaluable information. Meanwhile, Drakon finds a way to work with his advisors that doesn`t look quite so much like he`s being manipulated. And Miryam… well, she manages to avoid any larger catastrophes with the council. Or with herself.

But while things may get better for the Alliance, nothing really improves for their little friendship group. For the first weeks, Miryam tries to ignore the changes in Jurian, but after a while, there is no denying it anymore. He grows harder. Colder. It`s like some spark in him went out. His smiles grow rare, laughs even rarer. When he isn`t busy training his new recruits, he pours over maps in his tent. Whenever Amarantha or Clythia are mentioned, cold rage flickers in his eyes.

Miryam worries about him. And she worries about herself. Lately, her power doesn`t just push and pull at her, there are moments when she actually loses control. Four times now, she had to rush out of the camp, away from anyone who might see, because she could not hold it in anymore.

It seems like today will be the fifth time. Standing in the war tent, Miryam does her best to focus on what Jurian is telling them. His spy sent some intelligence about Amarantha`s supply routes, and he`s hoping to intercept them. Miryam should be listening, but her focus keeps slipping. She tries every trick she knows – breathes in deeply, digs her nails into her leg, counts backwards from thousand. Nothing helps. It`s like she`s caught in quicksand and the harder she struggles, the further it pulls her down.

“Maybe we could lay a trap here”, one of Jurian`s new commanders says and taps the map. Jurian nods in approval and the discussion continues.

Miryam takes a shuddering breath. The ground seems to shift under her feet. She needs to get out of here. So far, she managed to keep her problems secret, but if she loses control in the middle of a strategy meeting, the council will know within the hour.

She jumps to her feet so abruptly that every eye around the table turns to her. “I have a meeting to attend”, she says as calmly as she can manage, “You`ll excuse me.”

By the time Miryam stalks out of the tent, Jurian has already returned his attention to the maps. Miryam walks through the camp as quickly as she can without running. The human soldiers stop and stare at her as she walks by, a few incline their heads. Their old soldiers were her friends - they were the people she sat with by the fire, the people who told her jokes and shared food with her. She likes the new recruits, but they are distant with her. They treat her with reverence, not friendship.

She`s almost out of the camp now. The ground seems to slip under her feet and she nearly stumbles. The guards wave her through and Miryam stumbles through the light birch forest they made their camp in, away from where her soldiers might see.

Somehow, she manages to get a safe distance away from the camp before her legs give out from under her. She falls to her knees on the ground and finally loosens her grip on her power. But letting go doesn`t truly offer relief. Without anywhere to go, her power rushes through the air, shoots into the ground and then back into Miryam. It shoots through her, burning like fire. She has to press a fist against her mouth to muffle her scream. Why does it hurt so much?

She doesn`t know how long she kneels on the ground, gasping for air, trying not to scream. An eternity passes, or maybe it is just a second. But eventually, her power calms down. Miryam lets herself sink to the ground and wipes the sweat from her forehead.

“Shit”, she mutters towards the sky.

“Can I do anything to help?”

Miryam screams and bolts upright. “Cauldron, Drakon!”

“Sorry.” He winces and carefully steps closer. “I wanted to help, but…” He trails off. “Do you need anything.”

Miryam shakes her head. Her head is pounding, her entire body hurts, but there`s little to be done. “It will go away eventually.”

“So that wasn`t the first time?”

Miryam runs her fingers over the ground. Cracks have formed in the earth, leading away from her like little bolts of lightning. The biggest is five centimetres wide. She supposes that she`ll have a hard time denying that anything bad happened now.

“The fifth”, she replies quietly.

Drakon curses. “Miryam. Why didn`t you say anything?”

The deep worry in his tone surprises Miryam. And scares her, to be honest. It isn`t unusual for her to be in pain after having to use her powers in battle, and Drakon never sounded this worried about it.

"Do you know anything about this?", Miryam asks, countering his question with one of her own.

Drakon shrugs. "A little. I had tutors on magic when I was a child and they liked to warn about what might happen if I didn`t pay attention and failed to learn how to properly control my powers. But air magic is one if the easier ones to master, and I'm not that powerful, so I never truly had problems."

Miryam tries to tell herself that whatever warnings Drakon`s teachers gave him were just an attempt to get a child to take his lessons seriously. But somehow, she can`t quite manage to convince herself.

"But I have a friend who studies magic", Drakon continues, "He might be able to help."

Miryam is already shaking her head before he finished the sentence. "No. Most certainly not. Do you have any idea what it will do to my standing in the council if this becomes public?"

"This is serious, Miryam", Drakon says. When she just crosses her arms, he sighs. “I swear that my friend will keep your secret.”

Miryam rubs her hand over her arm. She is so damned tired.

"How well do you know your friend?”, she asks and privately thinks that if they`ve been friends for over two years, she`ll take the risk.

"Oh, I'd hope I know him very well, since we were together for three years."

“Kiko?”, Miryam asks. As far as he knows, he was Drakon`s first and only romantic partner so far. “I thought he studied social sciences as well.”

“No, his subject were magical studies. He specializes in Elemental Powers, but he`d also have learned something about Higher Powers.”

Miryam smiles, mentally readjusting the image she had of Drakon`s former partner. It isn`t that she knew much about him in the first place, but she knows Drakon writes him letters at least once a month, and still talks of him fondly.

“How did you meet, then?”, she asks, “Since you wouldn`t have had the same classes.”

“My class had the task to organize social projects in a nearby city. He blew up his lab and was assigned volunteer work as punishment, so he ended up working on the project I lead. And don`t think I didn`t notice you changing the subject.” Drakon runs his fingers over the ground, where a long crack has formed. “Please”, he says, “At least give it a try.”

Miryam makes a face at him. “Fine.”

At least if it`s Kiko they`re meeting, she knows that Drakon knows him well. Chances of her secret getting out are slim. The risk is within reason.

Drakon perks up. “Really?”

“I`m probably going to regret this”, Miryam mutters, “but yes. Besides, I always wanted to see university.”

And maybe she is more scared of what`s happening to her than she thought, if she is willing to take the risk.

----

Mor is happy. It is ridiculous, she knows. Around her, the world is burning, yet she has never felt more like herself than in the last year. Especially right now.

Together with Adromache, she sits huddled around a campfire in Andromache`s camp, both of them wrapped tightly into a blanket. It is winter, and Andromache`s army has been stationed further north these past few weeks, so it`s freezing cold. Mor doesn`t much mind the temperatures. The Illyrian mountains get just as cold, and the temperatures give her an excuse to sit closer to Andromache.

Mor runs a hand through Andromache`s hair. Even after all these moths, she still can`t quite believe it.

“I have to go to Telique tomorrow”, Andromache tells her and absentmindedly turns the stick she`s using to roast a loaf of bread over the fire in her hands. “I`ll probably be gone for most of the day.”

Mor frowns. “I haven`t heard of any Alliance meeting.”

“No, it`s just the human queens. A…”, she frowns, “A strategy discussion, you could say.”

“Oh, another one of your secret humans-only meetings?”

Andromache jerks away from her, eyes widening in surprise. “What… how…”, she sputters.

“Az told me”, Mor says, “He had to find out for my uncle, but I think most of the Alliance knows.”

Andromache groans and rubs her temple. “So much for our attempts at secrecy. In that case: Yes, we`re holding one of our humans-only meetings, as you call them.”

Mor pulls her stick out of the fire and carefully takes a bite of the bread. It is so hot it burns her tongue and she curses softly.

“I suppose I shouldn`t ask you what you`re going to discuss.”

Andromache smiles wryly. “Might be for the best.”

Mor nods. She`s curious, of course. But Andromache is a queen with a duty to both her country and her people. Asking her after information that the human leadership has deemed secret would mean to ask her to choose Mor over that duty. And since Mor loves her, she`d never ask her to make that choice.

“I also have a meeting. With my uncle”, she says instead.

“Ugh.” Andromache reaches for the wine bottle standing next to her and passes it to Mor.

She laughs. “At least he likes me better than Rhys. Although that’s probably because I’m not a danger to his throne. Unlike Rhys, being his heir and all.”

Andromache shakes her head. “You Fae and your obsession with bloodlines and such things. I personally find it much smarter to have the ruler adopt the person they deem most suited to taking the throne, no blood relations required.”

Mor nods. She finds the human rule of having rulers pick their own successor, possibly also from adopted family, fascinating. Not that it could ever work in Prythian, where the power chooses the next ruler, but it still seems like an intelligent system. But well, most things the humans doo seem more intelligent than how Fae act.

She takes a swig from the bottle, then puts an arm around Andromache. “Either way, it looks like we’ll both need a drink tomorrow evening.”

Andromache laughs and leans against her. Right now, sitting by the fire together, Mor would like to freeze time and live in this moment forever. She smiles into Andromache’s hair and pulls her a little closer, thinking just how lucky she is to have this.

 Mor leaves the camp early in the next morning to go meet her uncle. This time, at least, he didn`t demand she come visit him in the Hewn City. With the war escalating further each day, even the High Lord of the Night Court can`t constantly remain in his seat of power. He spent the past few days in one of the Illyrian camps where the soldiers gave him trouble, and that is where she is asked to meet him.

The camp is hundreds of miles further south, and Mor opens her fur-laced cloak almost as soon as she lands. The Illyrian soldiers watch her wearily, but they don`t try to approach her. It is a well-known fact that both the High Lord and his son like Mor, and that makes her untouchable to them.

Mor finds her uncle in the commander`s tent, eating a breakfast better suited to a palace than a war camp.

“Ah, Morrigan”, he greets her and gestures to an empty chair with his fork. “Sit. Have you eaten?”

“No, My Lord.” He wordlessly dumps some fried eggs on her platter and Mor smiles. “Thank you.”

“So, tell me”, he says and takes a bite of his eggs. “what news does the Continent have?”

“Nothing much”, Mor says, then begins to rattle off a few basic rumours she heard. Who got into an argument with whom, which Alliance members might be thinking of forging a new alliance.

“And your friend Andromache?”, her uncle asks, “Still dangling around with that guard of hers?”

“That`s a rumour”, Mor says, trying to sound as annoyed as possible.

The truth is, Andromache and her started that rumour. Well, Andromache`s spymaster did, but she gave the order. Andromache came up with the idea. She thought that the perfect way to keep rumours about a relationship between them from spreading was to start a rumour that she was in a relationship with someone else. The guard she asked for the favour is an old friend of hers, who`s currently uninterested in relationships and didn`t mind helping out.

The High Lord nods and returns to his food. Mor takes a small bite of her food and watches him over it. She wishes he`d just dismiss her and let her return to Andromache`s camp.

“What do you know about Miryam?”

Mor perks up. “What?” She catches herself. “What I know about her? She`s my –“ She remembers that her uncle can`t stand Miryam and catches herself before she can say friend. “I know her well.”

“Does she have any secrets?”

“No”, Mor replies automatically, which is, of course, a lie. “Why are you asking?”

“She annoys me.” He shrugs. “I think she`s an arrogant, stupid child who, through sheer dumb luck, got into a position she has no right to. And I`d like her to lose this position.” He smiles. “But since you know her so well, I find I have a hard time believing your no.”

Mor shifts uncomfortably in her seat. “Well, all of her secrets are connected to her past. And I doubt it will work in your favour if you bring that up.”

The High Lord mutters a curse. “And Jurian?”

“No secrets that I know of”, Mor says, which is actually true.

The High Lord stabs his sausage with way more force than necessary. “Everyone has secrets”, he says, “It`s just a matter of finding them.” To Mor, he adds, “You`re dismissed.”

----

Jurian watches Miryam as she sketches the final symbol on a doorway, then steps back. The symbol glows and sinks into the wood, Miryam brushes the chalk off her hands.

“I wonder”, she mutters, “why we have to hold each of these meetings in a different location. I have to set new wards every time.”

“Secrecy reasons”, Jurian says and twirls his knife around his finger once.

Miryam makes a face at him. “I’d like to see the spy who gets through these wards.”

Jurian just shrugs. In his opinion, it’s better to be safe then sorry, and the more human palaces have wards, the better. With how the war is going, you never know when you might need them.

Outside, the sun is already beginning to set. Jurian sighs. He wishes the meeting they are about to attend was already over and he back in his camp. He still has an attack on Amarantha’s supply routes to plan, the information for it supplied by Clythia, who still hasn’t made the connection between her meetings with Jurian and the fact that intel about her army keeps getting out.

“It’s almost time for the meeting”, Miryam says, “We should go if we don’t want to be late.”

Jurian doesn’t particularly care about being late, but he still follows her. The meeting is held in one of the palace’s highest rooms. It has huge, open windows overlooking a small port city and the bay beyond. The windows aren’t filled with glass, but this is one of the human settlements furthest south, and even in deep winter, the temperatures are mild. Jurian sits down in a cushioned chair while Miryam walks over to greet Andromache.

Sighing, Jurian stares down at his shoes. He hates sitting around like this, doing nothing while outside, the war rages on. He hates these useless, stupid meetings where people only talk but never see to say anything and they can spend hours discussing without coming to a conclusion. Just the thought of spending the next hours sitting around in this chamber makes him furious.

But of course, Jurian if furious more often than not lately.

Finally, the meeting starts. Indeed, they spent more than half an hour discussing the current state of the war, as if they aren’t all fighting it every day.

“Things have been looking better”, Andromache finally summarizes the situation, “but we’re still losing.”

Jurian bristles. “We won’t lose. Not while I have anything to say about it.”

“If we do lose”, one of the other commanders says, “you might be dead, anyways. So in that case, you wouldn’t have anything to say about it.” Jurian just glares.

“Miryam”, Andromache says, “how is that spell you were working on coming along?”

“Not good.” Miryam sighs. “I’ve been stuck for these past months.”

“Or maybe you just haven’t been trying very hard”, Nakia says. When Miryam starts to object, she cuts her off. “After all, what do you care about other people, as long as yours get freed?”

Jurian glares at her over the table. He’s angry at her, too. Although he has to admit that Miryam hasn’t been working on the spell as hard as she could have been, for reasons Jurian doesn’t entirely understand

“Unlike you”, Miryam says, “I care about all humans, not just a group of them.”

Nakia jumps to her feet, but Andromache takes her by the arm and pushes her back down.

“That’s enough. Nakia, for the last time, stop implying that Miryam doesn’t care about humans outside of the Black Land. It’s ridiculous and you know it. Miryam, the same goes for you. We’re all on the same side here.”

Miryam presses her lips together. “I can create wards that hold off an enemy army for a few hours”, she says, “But you are asking for a spell that effectively cleaves the world in two and is able to hold off against any and all Fae for eternity! Do you even realize…” She shakes her head, and when she continues, her voice trembles slightly. “You demand the impossible. And when I cannot do it, you accuse me of failing on purpose. This isn’t fair.”

Andromache sighs. “No one truly believes that.” She looks at Nakia, who is glaring at her fingers. “Not even Nakia. Tensions are just running a little high for everyone, that’s all.” She turns back to Miryam. “And no one here expects the impossible. But you know how dangerous our situation is – you know better than anyone here what will happen to us if we lose. So I’m begging you to keep trying.”

Miryam fiddles around with her sleeves. “Of course I’ll try”, she says and Andromache moves the subject to different matters.

When the meeting is finally over, Miryam rushes out of the room and Jurian is quick to follow her.

“No one thinks that”, he says while they walk through the halls, “You know that no one thinks that.” But he can’t quite stop himself from adding, “But you have to admit that you haven’t exactly been doing your best.”

Miryam whirls around to him. There is true hurt in her eyes, and Jurian curses himself for not being able to keep his mouth shut. If there was ever a time not to bring this up, it is now.

“I’m not saying you didn’t try”, he says, “Just that, considering how precarious this situation is, I thought you would have been… you know…” trying harder.

“Sure.” Miryam rubs a hand over her face. “It’s only one of the most complicated spells I’ve ever heard off. Surely I must only try harder if I want to come up with a solution. Because it’s that easy.”

Jurian sighs. Now he just made it worse. “I’m sorry”, he says, “I didn’t mean that. I don’t really know that much about magic, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Miryam nods. “I’m going to university with Drakon tomorrow”, she says, “Maybe they have some texts or… something.”

“What are you doing at university?”

“You know how I’ve been having a little trouble with my powers lately? Drakon thought the university might have some information about it.” She turns to Jurian and manages a smile. “You could come along if you want to. I’d be happy to have you there.”

Jurian would love to say yes. But the very idea of spending an entire day with running around some university for rich Fae children disturbs him. He already lost one day – wasting another seems irresponsible. He has a war to fight, and two Hybern generals to kill. And if he’s honest, this entire visit seems far too Fae for his liking, anyways.

“I’m sorry”, he says, feeling terrible about himself because it is not Miryam he’s trying to refuse. “Things at camp have been terribly busy. If we want to pull that attack on Amarantha’s army off, I can’t be gone tomorrow. But I’m sure you’ll have fun with Drakon.”

“Of course. We probably shouldn’t leave the camp without a commander anyways.” Her smile is almost convincing. But only almost.

Jurian reaches for her hand. “But we can for a ride. After our raid. We haven’t had time alone together in a while.”

Miryam looks relieved enough that Jurian feels even worse about himself. “I’d like that”, she says, and this time, her smile actually looks real.

----

Miryam and Drakon set out three days later. At Sinna`s insistence, they are accompanied by two guards – although officially, taking the guard`s was Drakon`s decision. He winnows all of them to a well-kept lawn just within the university grounds. A few of the guards employed by the university look at them sharply, before one of them recognizes Drakon and inclines his head. Drakon nods back at him.

Meanwhile, Miryam is too busy staring at their surroundings to notice the guards. Drakon smiles at her, remembering his reaction to first seeing the university. Built in the centre of the Continent, it is almost like a small city in itself. The centre is made up of the university complex – libraries, laboratories, offices and lecture halls – but around it, there are normal houses and workshops mostly catering to the university.

"Beautiful", Miryam whispers.

Drakon nods. "The buildings are over a thousand years old. The university itself is far older, but it was burned down once and had to be rebuild." He points ahead to a huge wooden building that towers over the rest of the city. "The library is over there. It's where we'll meet Kiko."

His guards fall back and a few metres as they start walking and stay far enough behind that they likely won't be able to hear their conversation. Miryam absentmindedly links her arm with Drakon`s, but keeps looking around at the university buildings.

“It`s all wood”, she says, amazement colouring her voice.

“It was the style at the time. Well, at least here.”

Miryam nods. One of the buildings, a fragile-looking clocktower, catches her attention and Drakon has to tug her aside to stop her from running into a faerie who`s standing by the road. She turns around to smile at him, more freely than she has in a while. Drakon doesn`t know why, but his cheeks heat and he quickly looks away.

"I just wish Jurian had come along", Miryam says softly. "Getting out of camp for a bit might have been good for him."

Drakon nods, and turns back to Miryam, whose smile has dimmed considerably. They both spent the last months worrying about Jurian. Drakon wishes he could do more to help, but things between him and Jurian have been difficult lately, and the worst part is that he doesn`t even know why. It`s like from one day to another, Jurian decided that he doesn`t particularly care for Drakon`s company anymore. Even his refusal to accompany them on their trip today seemed to be aimed mostly at him.

Normally, he would have assumed that he`s seeing things, but when he asked Miryam about it, she shared his opinion. Although she didn`t know the reasons behind Jurian`s behaviour either. She offered to ask, but relying on Miryam to solve the problems between him and Jurian would just make him feel like he`s too much of a coward to do it himself.

“Does Jurian know why we`re here?”, Drakon asks.

“I`m not keeping this secret from him.” She shrugs. “He knows I have trouble with controlling my power sometimes, and that we`re asking a friend of yours for advice.”

Drakon frowns at her. Somehow, he finds it hard to believe that Jurian would have stayed behind if he truly knew why they were here. Jurian may not be interested in visiting a Fae library, but he cares about Miryam more than about anything else and the idea that he`d not at least try to help her with a problem like this seems outlandish.

“And you`re sure you told him how serious this is?”

Miryam suddenly finds huge interest in a smaller building to their left. She carefully studies it, then asks, “Is that a tavern? I thought this was a university.”

“Miryam.”

“It`s not…” She sighs and turns around to face Drakon. “I told him the truth. I just don`t see the point in exaggerating a problem and giving him one more thing to worry about when he can`t do anything about it anyways.”

Drakon does see the point in it. He sees several points, actually, and is about to tell Miryam as much when they get interrupted by a Fae male with colourful butterfly wings.

“Ah, Drakon”, he says and reaches for his hand. “It’s so good to see you. How are you?”

“Well. And you, professor?”, Drakon asks, trying to sound polite, but not overly cheerful.

Professor Niko taught two of his classes in his second and third year at university and him and Drakon never quite got along. He once had Drakon fail an assignment just because their opinions didn’t match. But him now being Prince seems to have increased the professor’s opinion of him, which only makes Drakon like him less.

“Oh, I can’t complain.” He smiles at Drakon. “I’ve read your papers. Good work as always. Although I do find a few of your arguments a little… extreme.”

“What is extreme about saying humans should be equal to Fae?”, Miryam cuts in, frowning lightly.

The professor turns to Miryam, seemingly only noticing her now. “And you must be Lady Miryam”, he says, “Well, I can imagine why you’d say that. Although even you must admit that Fae have certain inherent advantages over you mortals.”

“No, I do not see it that way at all”, Miryam says in a tone that dares him to argue.

“And if you’d ever talk to a human”, Drakon adds, “you might find you agree with her.” His cheeks are burning. “But as it is, Miryam and I have to be off.” He takes her by the arm and leads her away. As soon as they are out of hearing range, he sighs. “Sorry. That was… He’s from Rask, you see. You know that I don’t agree with that.”

“I know that”, Miryam says, “Just… are there slaves in this city?”

“No. Slavery has been prohibited on university grounds for millennia.” He hesitates. “Although the university doesn’t accept human students either.”

Miryam sighs – and changes the subject. “They don`t seem bothered by your new status.”

Drakon feels like he should say something more on the university’s leaning on slavery, but if Miryam decides not to pursue the subject, that’s her choice to make.

“Royalty isn`t as uncommon here as you`d think”, he says, “Most nobles, including royals, want their children to get the best education, and that means either this university, or the one in the Black Land. Most prefer this one, though, because it`s independent.”

Some extremely smart person decided millennia ago that education shouldn`t be tied to one single state, so he arranged for a small bit of land around the centre of the Continent to be made into neutral ground and to build a university there. The obvious flaw in that arrangement is that the university now has to cover its expenses from the money students pay, which effectively bars most people from attending.

“So this is where rich Fae families send their children to make useful connections for later?”, Miryam asks

Drakon winces. “Basically. Although there are even divisions between individual classes. Lower-ranking nobles generally go into social studies or sciences and hope for a seat on a ruling council. Well, or military. Royal children are generally expected to go either into politics or the military." He shrugs with an indifference he doesn’t quite feel. "My father always wanted me to go into politics. But well, I failed in the lessons, and since my father had little patience for useless things, he had me try military next."

"Even if you don't excel at lessons, they are hardly useless", Miryam objects.

"Well, I wasn't referring to the lessons." Miryam`s expression shifts from confused to upset, and he quickly adds, “We both know I`m hopeless at politics. Anyways, my father thought that at least I`d prove to be somewhat brilliant in military matters, so he sent me off to train under Sinna. But I guess I didn`t have any particular talent for that either, so when I was nineteen – after five years of trying – Sinna convinced my father to send me to university.”

Miryam stops walking to stare at him. He doesn`t understand what her problem is, until she says very softly, “Your father sent you to join the military at fourteen?”

“I don`t think you understand how embarrassing it is for a Continental ruler to have a child that completely fails at politics.” Miryam continues staring at him, and Drakon awkwardly shifts his weight from one foot to another. “It`s not like there were any battles at the time. But after a few years at university, my father decided I was at least good enough at what I was doing that he could give me a seat on his council. Well.” He winces. “Until the matter with Ravenia, of course.”

Miryam stares at him for another uncomfortable moment, then continues walking. “Your father sounds horrible.”

Drakon is too surprised to say something at first. He just stares at her. But then, he catches himself and vehemently shakes his head. “No. No, he isn`t. Wasn`t, I mean. He was a good person.”

Miryam arches an eyebrow at him. “He sent you, his own child, off to the military at fourteen and sold you to Ravenia ten years later.”

“No, it`s…”, Drakon stammers. He hates the way Miryam says it, how she makes what his father did sound terrible and heartless. “It`s not like that at all. And please stop looking at me like you feel bad for me. You’re the last person who should feel bad for me for that!”

Miryam presses her lips together. “Bad childhoods aren`t a competition.”

“I didn`t have a bad childhood! And I loved my father.” And I got him killed, he adds silently.

Miryam looks at him like she very badly wants to argue, but bites her tongue at the last moment. Instead, she nods towards the towering building before them.

“Is that the library?”

Drakon nods and tries hard to push his thoughts away from his dead family and what they might think of him now. He makes to step through the library`s huge doors, but one of the guards in fronts stops him with an outstretched hand.

“No weapons past this point”, he says.

Oh, right. He should have remembered that. Drakon unties his weapons` belt and hands it to the guards, Miryam passes over her dagger. Then, Drakon turns around to his guards, who look extremely unhappy at the idea of giving up their weapons.

“We`ll be busy in the library for, say, three hours, and the it is well protected. There`s a nice restaurant just around the corner, if you want to go. You are, of course, invited.”

The guards don`t look overly happy that they won`t accompany them, but the prospect of a free dinner that isn`t army food seems to lighten their mood. Drakon hold open the door to the library for Miryam and follows her inside. They walk past the front table and Miryam cranes her neck back to look up at the high ceiling, and the stairs climbing up right to the roof.

“We meet Kiko in the ninth story”, Drakon says, “So, we could walk, or-“

“Fly, please.”

Drakon laughs and ruffles his wings. A group of students walks past, one of them whispers something to the others and then, they all stare. Drakon wraps his arms around Miryam, spreads his wings and sends them shooting into the air. They land on the ninth story and Miryam quickly straightens her clothes.

“There we are”, Drakon says and pushes open the door. “Magical studies, department for Higher Powers.”

It isn`t one of the parts of the library he visited frequently as a student, but he knows his way around well enough not to get lost as he leads Miryam through the labyrinth of shelves to where they agreed to meet Kiko.

He is already there, casually leaning against a shelf. In the soft light, his red skin seems to glow, the colours shifting around it making him look like a living flame. When he sees Drakon, he grins broadly and pushes off the shelf he was leaning against. Drakon closes the space between them with two quick steps and pulls his old friend into a hug.

“I missed you too”, Kiko says. He lets go of Drakon and gives him a mischievous smile. “So, tell me, Your Highness. Do I need to bow?”

“Don`t you dare.” Drakon laughs and waves Miryam over. “That`s Miryam. Miryam, Kiko.”

“Nice to meet you”, Miryam says.

“The pleasure is mine.” Kiko sketches a bow, then winks at her. “My friends will be beyond jealous if they hear I`ve actually met you. That is, if they believe me at all. But”, he adds, expression turning more sober, “I suppose you aren`t here just to give me something to brag about to my friends.” He turns to Drakon. “Your letter said you need my help. What can I do for you?”

Drakon sets up wards around them with a wave, then inclines his head to Miryam. “I think it`s best if you explain.”

Miryam nods, but looks around nervously even though she should know about the wards. “You know that I`m a witch”, she says carefully.

Kiko nods, excitement lighting his red eyes. The horns poking out of his curly hair seem to tremble slightly. “Yes, of course. That must be so exciting! I`ve never met a witch before – is it true that you can see spells? And talk to animals?”

Drakon winces. He didn’t consider how utterly fascinated any people who study magic are by witches. That the Guild is so secretive about their abilities only adds to the general interest. Maybe he should have warned Kiko that Miryam has a rather difficult relationship with both her abilities and the Guild.

“Yes to the spells, no to the animals”, she says. Drakon is probably the only one to notice that her smile seems a little strained. “I`ve been having… trouble with it lately, though. For over a year now.”

Kiko`s expression turns serious immediately. “What kind of trouble?”

“With the control. It worked just fine in the beginning, but now…” She shrugs a bit helplessly then begins to haltingly describe her problems. Problems that Drakon didn`t even know existed until a few days ago. “Do you have any idea what it might be?”, she asks after she finished. “Because it keeps getting worse and I...” She breaks off and shrugs again.

Kiko nods. “I see.” He starts chewing on his lower lip. “I take it you aren`t ready to take this to my professor?”

Miryam immediately shakes her head. “It has to remain secret.”

Kiko nods again, but his frown deepens. “The problem is that witches are rare. And, if you excuse me saying so, somewhat secretive about their power. Scholars have been petitioning with the Guild for centuries to get them to disclose at least some information, but they refuse. So I`m afraid that I have far too little information to be able to give you any definite answers.”

“Your guess is better than mine”, Miryam says. If she is disappointed, she hides it well. She now wears the same mild expression she usually dons for council meetings.

“For the reasons behind your troubles”, Kiko says, “The only guess I can come up with is that you simply grow more powerful with time and whatever control you had when you were younger is simply no longer enough. For Fae, it takes about seven years for their power to fully mature, and it might be similar for witches. You got your power at – sixteen? Seventeen? Count up from there.”

Miryam presses her lips together. “So you`re saying this will get worse for one more year?” Drakon squeezes her hand.

“I`m sorry”, Kiko says. “The best advice I can give you is to find someone with similar abilities and get him to teach you.”

“The only people I could ask for that are other witches. And the Guild hates me.” She shakes her head. “There has to be another option.”

Drakon shoots Kiko a pleading look. Just give her something! He can`t have dragged Miryam here, made her hope there might be a solution, just for them to leave empty-handed.

“Well”, Kiko says and gestures vaguely to the shelfs surrounding them. “This is the world`s biggest library. Not a problem those books don`t know a solution to. We just need to search.”

“Great”, Drakon says, quickly jumping onto the suggestion, “Where do we start?”

“Shelf 36 to 120 could have something”, Kiko says.

Drakon looks at the long shelves, then back at Kiko, brows raised. Searching this many shelves would take days.

“Good”, Miryam says, “I’ll start from the end, then.” She manages a parting smile, then rushes off.

Drakon has to fight off the impulse to run after her and find some words of comfort. This didn’t go at all as he’d planned.

“I`m sorry I couldn`t give her a better answer”, Kiko says as they walk over to shelf 36.

“Not your fault.” Drakon sighs. “I should have handled it differently.” Maybe he should have discussed the matter alone with Kiko before bringing Miryam into it. Or he should have made it clear that they might not find anything.

They start from opposite sides of the shelf and begin to sort their way through the books, checking each title and only taking a closer look at the books that sound promising. Drakon sighs. How are they ever supposed to find anything this way?

“And how are you?”, he asks.

“Can’t complain.” Kiko shrugs. “My studies are going well, and I haven’t blown up anything in a few months, so that’s a new record.” He nudges Drakon in the side. “And right now, I’m a little pissed at you. How come I only now find out that you have a crush on her?”

Drakon nearly drops the book he just pulled out of the shelf. “What?” Then, he finally processes what Kiko just said and vehemently shakes his head. “No. No, I don`t have a crush on Miryam! That`s ridiculous.”

Kiko laughs, puts his book back into the shelf and pulls out another. “Obviously you do.” He scans the book`s first page and puts it back into the shelf. “Just the way you look at her. Although I should have probably known from your letters already – you can`t seem to stop going on about how amazing and talented and wonderful she is.”

“I`m not…” …in love with her, Drakon wants to say, but he can`t quite get himself to actually speak the words.

He isn`t in love with her. He isn`t. Sure, he notices thinks about her, like how her smile lights up her entire face and makes her look like she might be glowing. Or that she is beautiful. But he`d have to be blind not to notice that. And she`s kind, and strong, and smart. He misses her when she`s not around.

They are friends. That`s why. But if he`s entirely honest, they have been friends for a while, but in the past months…

“Shit”, Drakon mutters and runs his hand through his hair. “Shit, I can`t be in love with her!”

“Why not? She seems nice.”

“Because it`s going to ruin everything! She`s my friend, and…” He begins pace between the shelves. “And she`s in love with Jurian. Who is also my friend. Oh, Cauldron, what if they find out?”

Jurian seems angry enough with him as it is. Maybe it`s because of that? Maybe he somehow noticed that Drakon fell in love with Miryam and is angry about that. Who could even blame him?

“Don`t you think you may be over-reacting a little bit?”, Kiko asks. His mouth quirks upwards like he is trying very hard no to smile. “Look on the bright side: at least it can’t end worse than your engagement with Ravenia.”

But this just horrifies Drakon more. “I was engaged to –“ He frantically runs his fingers through his hair. “When we first met, I… She… Oh Cauldron, I`m a terrible person.”

Kiko laughs and puts a hand on his shoulder. “Look, Drakon, not to interrupt your freak-out, but don`t you think you`re blowing this way out of proportion?”

“This is a disaster.”

“It`s a crush. The thing about crushes is, you can`t really control if you get them or not, and they usually don`t last long.” Kiko gives his shoulder a final squeeze and lets go. “So calm down a little”, he says, “As long as you don`t start trying anything with her, you should be fine.”

“Right.”  Drakon nods and takes a deep breath. This is fine. The situation may not be ideal, but nothing needs to change about their situation. They can still be friends. It`s fine. He looks down at the book still in his hands and flips it open.

“Then we should probably, you know. Continue looking.”

Kiko laughs. “You really haven`t changed at all.”

Drakon doesn`t bother to tell him how very wrong that assessment is.

----

Miryam has never seen so many books in one place. The shelves reach up to the ceiling and are stuffed with volumes, some of which look like they might be hundreds of years old. She barely dares to touch them for fear that they might fall apart under her touch.

After she worked her way through the first shelf, though, she realizes that there may well be too many books. She could spend days here and still not have seen everything. Even if she just glances at the title of each book and only takes a closer look at the ones that sound like they might be useful, the search takes ages and the odds of finding any useful information seem minimal. Cauldron, she doesn`t even know exactly what she is looking for. Information on witches? On magic in general? On how to control power? Maybe Kiko doesn`t truly know either, and that`s why he has them search close to a hundred shelves.

After working her way through three shelves, Miryam is just about ready to give up. Coming here was a stupid idea. A waste of time. She should have known that witches would be so secretive about their abilities that no one would be able to tell her anything. Well, except for the Guild, but they`d probably rather kill her than help her. How foolish of her, to have hoped that this visit might be the solution to her problems. It will be the best to tell Drakon and Kiko to give up the search before they waste any more time chasing after information that isn`t there.

She walks past the seemingly endless rows of shelves until a small glass vitrine catches her attention. She pauses. The vitrine itself looks rather inconspicuous, as does the leather book lying inside, but the glowing strings surrounding both are anything but. Miryam automatically reaches for the vitrine`s lid, but stops herself in the last moment.

“Go ahead”, a voice says from behind her, making her spin around.

A Fae female in scholar`s robes stands between the shelves. She is easily one of the oldest Fae Miryam has ever met, hair already streaked with white and skin marked by deep wrinkles. Her deep brown eyes seem kind enough, though.

“I`m sorry”, Miryam says. She feels caught, even though she wasn’t really going to do anything. “I wasn`t going to touch it.”

“Please.” The female steps closer. “I`d love to see. I so rarely get the chance to see a witch at work.”

Miryam considers refusing, but the spells on the book are witch-made. If she wants to find out what is inside, this is her chance. Carefully, she reaches out for the lid. The wards on the vitrine are simple enough that Miryam doesn`t need to speak to disable them. She opens the lid and pulls out the book. Half a thought has it flap open.

“Fascinating”, the female says as Miryam carefully flips through the pages. “None of our experts have been able to open it.”

Miryam can easily imagine why. After all, her own spellbook is protected by similar wards.

“It`s a spell book”, she explains, “Warded against anyone other than a witch reading it.”

And, this much is obvious just from reading the first page, the spells inside are far more advanced than anything that Miryam has been able to find in her own book. She scans the pages, struggling to understand what, exactly, is written in there. Wards, if she`s not mistaken, but more complicated than any she has ever seen.

She flips the book shut. “May I borrow this?”

“Unfortunately, that will not be possible.”

Miryam hesitates. If she is correct, this book will not be able to help her with the problem she came here to solve, but it might just contain the solution to another issue. She promised Jurian to keep looking into ways a wall between humans and Fae might be constructed, and if there’s a chance of this book containing answers, she cannot give it up this easily.

“I have another book”, she says, “similar to this one. It contains general information on how witches` powers work. If you let me borrow this book, I could copy a few pages from mine and send them to you in exchange.”

She sees the light glinting in the scholar`s eyes and knows she has won before the female says, “That seems like a fair trade. I`ll expect the book and your copies back in a month.”

“Thank you”, Miryam says and tucks the book under her arm. “Now, if you`ll excuse me, I have to go find my friends.”

She feels the female`s eyes on her back as she quickly walks away to where she suspects Drakon and Kiko. She finds them by shelf 40, standing hunched over a book When she walks over to them, Drakon looks up.

“Oh, good that you`re here.” He smiles at her, then quickly looks away again, like he’s uncomfortable about something. “We may have found something.”

Miryam quickly steps closer. “Really?”

“Yes, uhm. Kiko thinks…” Drakon clears his throat and steps from one foot to the other. He really does seem uncomfortable. Miryam wonders if she interrupted something between him and Kiko.

“It`s a book describing the case of a shadowsinger who lived five hundred years ago”, Kiko says, “He also had trouble with his powers, from what I`ve been able to gather. I don`t know the book, or the author, but shadowsinging is considered a Higher Art, same as witchcraft. Maybe you`ll be able to find something useful in it.”

“Thank you”, Miryam says, not bothering to hide her relief. If there was another person who struggled with the same things and made it out of it, she might just be fine. “Truly.”

Kiko`s skin turns an even deeper red. “Anytime. And I`ll continue looking. If I find anything, I`ll let you know.”

“Thank you”, Drakon says and glances at a clock that’s standing in the corner. “I’m afraid Miryam and I have to get going. I told my guards we’d be back in three hours, and I don’t know what they’ll do if we’re late.”

Miryam thanks Kiko again, then steps back a few steps to let him and Drakon say goodbye in private. The two of them hug, Kiko says something that makes Drakon laugh, then they break apart.

“Take care, you two!”, Kiko calls after them as they walk back through the library. Drakon waves back over the shoulder at him.

When they are out of the library and walking through the university town again, Drakon nods to the second book Miryam still holds in her hands. “And what is that?”

“A spellbook.” She reaches for his hand and smiles. “Coming here was a wonderful idea, Drakon. Thank you.”

He smiles back at her. “I just hope this book we found will help.”

 Back in their camp, Miryam spends the entire night reading in the book about the shadowsinger while Jurian sleeps next to her. The book isn`t helpful. Not in the slightest.

Dread growing with each page, Miryam reads the scarily blunt description of what happened to that long-ago shadowsinger. It started with trouble with controlling his abilities. Small at first, then bigger and bigger, until he had outbursts where he entirely lost control. The symptoms the author describes are scarily similar to what Miryam is struggling with, just applied to a different set of powers. But it didn`t end there. After a while, he started to lose touch with reality. Could no longer tell what was real and what imagined. Saw things that weren`t there. After two years, he died during one of his magical outbursts.

Miryam carefully closes the book and puts it on her nightstand. Blows out the candle.

She spends the rest of the night sobbing into her pillow.

But in the morning, when Drakon asks her if she found anything in the book, she makes herself smile. “It was very helpful.”

It’s not like there’s anything they can do about it, anyways. Better to focus on winning the war than to waste time on a problem that doesn’t have a solution.

----

Tags @croissantcitysucks @sjm-things @clolikescloquetas

[wedreamedlove]

[FIC] baby, you taste like you’re made out of FINE

Rating: M Characters: Li Zeyan/Reader Word Count: 2014

A/N: Fingers crossed I can write something for everyone's birthday this year. Happy Birthday to our CEO!! He's 31 this year if we count from when the game was released in China :).

Tags: Li Zeyan POV. Fluff. UST. Drunk!Reader. Established Relationship.

Summary: Li Zeyan and you attend a party to celebrate his birthday a day early but you get drunk there. Li Zeyan takes you back to his place and is reminded all over again on how he should never let you get drunk.

"Honestly... How is it that you're drunk when I was the guest of honor?"

Li Zeyan muttered this under his breath. Not that it mattered though, since the woman teetering in his arms was intoxicated to the point where she probably couldn't hear what he was saying.

As he shifted to hold her with one hand and unlocked his front door with the other, she continued to chatter to him about all the things that happened tonight. They had just arrived back home from a combined party between their companies to celebrate his birthday a day early. It had been another one of his woman's ridiculous ideas.

It was ridiculous and yet he still attended.

"And then---then I told them that---"

"Mn."

Li Zeyan shuffled her into the foyer, making noises at the appropriate times to show that he was listening, and knelt down to undo the straps of her heels and take them off. Fortunately, she was still aware enough to hold onto his shoulders for balance.

Then he moved her to the couch in the living room and sat her down.

"I'm going to get you a glass of water."

He turned around to head to the kitchen but felt a tug on his sleeve that stopped him. Looking back over his shoulder, he saw her pout at him.

"No! I want to keep drinking!"

He gave an exasperated sigh. "You're drunk enough already."

"I'm not drunk!" She denied immediately. But the way she swayed while being seated on the couch gave her words little credence.

"Be good, drink some water, and then go to sleep. I don't want to hear you complain about a hangover tomorrow."

She was already shaking her head before he even finished speaking. "I can't go to sleep yet!"

"Why?" He asked, facing her properly and crossing his arms when he realized this conversation was going to take longer than he thought.

"Because..." She hemmed and hawed and then suddenly gave a large silly smile. "It's a secret!"

"......"

Even though she was drunk it seemed like she was sensitive enough to pick up on his diminishing patience because she turned serious. "I can't sleep yet. I'm waiting on something important!"

"What are you waiting for?"

"If I tell you then it's not a secret!"

Li Zeyan had just flattened his lips into a displeased line when he saw her reach out and gingerly pinch his shirt, right above his belt. She stuck out her lower lip more, if that was possible, and stared up at him with eyes misty from the alcohol. There was a faint flush across her cheeks.

For a second he was reminded of something else. Hair spread out on a pillow below him. Cheeks rosy from exertion. Lips parted in a silent need for air. And those damp eyes looking up at him...

Li Zeyan swallowed and averted his eyes. "How long do you need to wait?"

"Umm... just a few more minutes! Like after one more glass of wine!"

He looked back at her, narrowing his eyes. "This isn't just because you want to drink more, is it? Who knew you were such a drunkard."

"Nooo! I promise! It'll be time after one more glass!"

She shook her head vehemently and would have tipped over if he hadn't quickly reached out to steady her. Li Zeyan found himself sighing again, barely able to believe he was going to give into her, but he recognized that stubborn set of her jaw and, to be honest, he was curious about what she was waiting on too.

"Just one more glass," he said sternly.

He made sure she was stable on the couch and then turned on his heel to head to his wine rack in the kitchen while undoing the first two buttons of his shirt for comfort. It didn't take long for him to choose a wine and he pulled out a Marchese dell'Elsa Moscato d'Asti and two glasses before returning to the living room.

Li Zeyan deftly poured the wine into the two glasses and passed one over to the foolish woman who just watched him with those eyes.

"Don't spill it on the couch." He couldn't help but warn her.

"Jeez, I'm really not that drunk," she complained as she received the glass. But he saw how she tightened her grip on it.

Li Zeyan took a seat beside her as she tried the wine and made an appreciative noise. Copying her, he sipped at the wine and rolled it around in his mouth, feeling the taste of peaches tempered by a faint flavor of citrus spread across his tongue. It was a bit too sweet for his liking, but its soft nature made it perfect for a casual evening after a meal. Like he expected, she also seemed to enjoy it. A lot actually, if her drinking pace was anything to go by.

"If you finish before it's time, I'm not pouring you another glass," he stated.

Just as she turned to him to stick out her tongue, he heard her phone alarm go off.

"Ah!" She sat up straight. "It's time!"

Before Li Zeyan could finally ask what she was waiting for she suddenly threw herself over to him and climbed on top of him. The leftover wine in her glass tossed dangerously close to its mouth.

He automatically supported her with a hand even as he stiffened and asked tersely, "What are you thinking of doing?"

A smile bloomed across her face, carrying the scent of peaches. "Do you know what time it is?"

"Time for an idiot girl to go to sleep?"

"Bzzt!" She imitated the sound of a buzzer and then leaned forward, hair falling down past her ears and sliding across his cheeks. This feeling was echoed inside him as if she had trailed a sleeve of silk over his heart. It was a tantalizing sensation.

His vision narrowed down to her curved pink lips and her eyes which glittered in the low light of the living room. It was like the rest of the world was blocked out by her and she was about to share a secret with him and only him.

She came even closer and he felt her breath on his lips.

"Happy Birthday."

Li Zeyan felt her brush her lips against his in the barest of caresses before she pulled back, beaming at him with a smile large enough to show the top and bottom rows of her teeth. It was easy to see her pure happiness and innocent joy at being the first to say this to him.

"This is why you couldn't go to sleep? Stupid." But his words were infinitely soft.

He brought the hand up that had been supporting her to cup the back of her head and pull her down into a longer kiss.

Li Zeyan could taste the lingering notes of the wine in her mouth, but he wasn't sure if the pleasurable haze settling over his mind was from the sweetness of the drink or from her. Wanting an answer to this question, he tilted his head for a deeper angle and as his tongue stroked hers---

A cool and wet sensation splashed on his chest.

He flinched back in his seat, inhaling sharply at the surprise, and scowled when he saw what had doused the mood. She had spilled her glass of wine on him.

"What did I say earlier?" He set his own glass aside on a nearby side table and looked at her with a dark face.

She blinked slowly, coming out of a daze (and he would be lying if he said he didn't feel a curl of satisfaction at that), and looked down to exclaim in surprise. "Sorry! Wait, wait, don't move or it'll drip down."

He could already feel it trickling down his chest though and, as she continued to look around for something to clean him with, he settled his hands on her waist to lift her off so he could get up.

"I'll take care of it myself." "I've got it!"

Both of them spoke at the same time and then, before Li Zeyan could react, she bent down and licked the strip of skin exposed between the two undone buttons of his shirt.

His hands spasmed around her waist. "What are you---"

Li Zeyan swallowed back his words along with the groan that rose up at the feeling of her tongue on him.

"This way's faster and it doesn't waste the wine," she said and looked at him.

The sight of her gazing up at him beneath her eyelashes and that sensually red tongue flicking out to lap at his chest was enough to send a rush of molten heat down to a certain part of him.

Li Zeyan dropped his head on the back of the couch and wrestled with two desires: should he push her away? Or let her do what she wanted?

As she unbuttoned his shirt further and licked down his chest, following the trail the wine took, his breaths quickened and his hands flexed against her waist. She was drunk, Li Zeyan told himself sternly, but every stroke of her tongue eroded his will.

The scent of peaches was thick in the air but underneath he could faintly smell the fragrance of the shampoo he always gifted her and also something that was just uniquely her. It was a heady combination that made his reason crumble like a sandcastle under an ocean wave. Maybe he was drunk too. No, maybe he had always been intoxicated by her.

Unbeknownst to the both of them, a hush fell over the room. The ripples in Li Zeyan's wine glass froze. The background hum of the heater disappeared. Most notably, the hand of the clock in the living room stopped.

His complete attention was on the burning path her tongue left on his skin as she chased the wine along the ridges of his abdominal muscles and went down and down and down. Anticipation curled tight in his gut when he felt her get closer to the belt of his pants. He was already hard underneath her. Painfully so.

But she stopped just a few centimeters from his belt.

He looked down to see her stare at his chest and nod with satisfaction. "Done! No more wine."

... Hah?

She sat back, brushing against his hardness, and Li Zeyan dropped his head again, slamming his eyes shut to strangle the instinctive urge to move his hips. She was drunk, he reminded himself. She was drunk and he wasn't going to take advantage of that.

But hadn't he already? He didn't stop her from coming this far.

Li Zeyan could only feel the flames of desire burning beneath his skin when he opened his eyes. He stared up at the ceiling as he swallowed past a dry mouth and spoke in a hoarse voice. "There's more wine if you want."

There was no response.

Furrowing his brows, he looked down only to see that the woman had rested her head on his chest at some point and was now breathing peacefully in sleep.

"......"

Li Zeyan brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose and exhaled a hot breath. He wasn't sure whether he should feel relieved or disappointed or frustrated. Willing the tight pressure in his pants down, he moved her off him and onto the couch before grabbing a throw blanket to cover her.

At the same time, everything resumed its flow of time. The hum of the heater jumped back into existence. The wine in the bottle and Li Zeyan's glass swayed from his footsteps. And the clock hand began to move again.

"See if I don't make you pay for this tomorrow morning," he growled lowly but, in contrast to his words, his actions were gentle when he brushed a kiss on her forehead.

Li Zeyan straightened up, adjusting his pants with a grimace, and made his way to the bathroom. He needed a cold shower.

[midnight-writ3r]

Dance, Baby!

Ten x Genderneutral reader

Inspired by: https://open.spotify.com/track/5EV4bGHxVN0kHpcAFvgnTt?si=7kQP-Bu4QsiYr-giQg8qYw

Summary: In your dance classes, a student becomes a little too friendly with Ten. You don´t think much of it, but Ten wants to remind you how much he loves you anyways.

Genre: Fluff, slight smut, Dancers!Au

Warnings: slightly sexual content!

A/N: There´s not much to say for me, except that Ten is one of my favourite dancers in history and I hope that someday he finds a partner who shares his passion in all the best ways :’) Yes, soft hours for Ten are open <3

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

If someone asked any of your friends, your family, or even people you only know fleetingly, none of them would think of jealousy, when it comes to your personal traits. You trust the person you usually engage in relationships with, since those are not stories you like to begin carelessly. Even Ten had taken you on at least seven dates and spent five months flirting and texting his way into your heart, before you were willing to move onto a serious relationship. That´s why there is no doubt you trust him, more than you even trust your closest friends. Ten is loyal, loving and has never given you a reason to believe that he has eyes for anyone but you.

However, there are just some people who don´t get that.

The two of you had hosted another dance class together, loving to collaborate and teach your students new choreographies. You´d often make them up together, swoon over the perfect beats and watch dance movies together. It was what connected the two of you from the first day on – feeling free and weightless, as you moved to the beats that you were given.

However, there is no denying that occasions like this can be complicated. Being at your actual job, the two of you are expected to act professional. That means no unnecessary touches, none of your usual, cheeky flirting and god-forbid, any kisses. That had been the only rule given to you, when you had requested hosting a dance class together for the first time. Back then it hadn´t seemed like such a big deal, but now…

You roll your eyes, watching one of your students, as she sends Ten a coy smile. He has his polite job-smile on, but she doesn´t seem to get the hint, as her hand trails over his chest, down to his upper stomach without any shame.

It´s not a rare occurance, of course. You realize that Ten is an attractive man. Sometimes, the roles reverse, too and you find yourself with one of your students giving you flirty smirks or trying out pick-up lines that would make you laugh, were they not meant to be serious. The two of you are fit, all lean muscle from excessive hours of dance training and you love to pamper yourself and stay clean, too. You guess, you can sympathize with the students who dare to take their shot.

That doesn´t mean it doesn´t piss you off a little, too.

You watch Ten just avoiding to have the girl press even closer to him, as he slips away to prepare the stereo. As he walks, all cat-like you catch his eye and, for an abashed second you realize you had been staring at him. It doesn´t look like he is bothered by it though, as he sends you a knowing wink. Discreet enough, you think and clap your hands together, to tell everyone to get back into position.

Forgetting about the incident throughout the class is easier than you thought, although it shouldn´t really come as a surprise. You know that Ten doesn´t find anything exciting about teaching, much rather spending his time in clubs and moving wherever and however he wants to. You, on the other hand, have a great passion for it. Explaining steps, watching the students eyes light up and their confidence rise, whenever they get the choreo right – it´s all adding to a pool of warmth right in your chest. Something that fills you with pride and a distinct feeling of accomplishment.

Only once the class is over and everyone moves to pack their stuff and walk to the changing rooms, are you reminded of the obnoxious feeling again. It´s subtle and, if you hadn´t been watching, you wouldn´t have noticed at all. Yet, you still peek the girl from before slipping a piece of paper into Ten´s hand and sending him a flying kiss. Seriously?

You try not to let your irritation show, when the girl leaves through the door at last and Ten approaches you, “So what will it be tonight? Chinese or Pizza?”

“I don´t care.” You mutter, “Choose something.”

He watches you for a moment. Only when you set the speakers into their respective cupboard a little harder than necessary, does he speak up: “Babe, you okay?”

“Fine just…” Sighing, you try to collect yourself, “It´s stupid. Just ignore me, please. Chinese sounds pretty good, actually.”

From the sceptical frown on his face, you can tell that he isn´t buying it at all, “Are you sure? You know you can tell me when something´s on your mind.”

“I just–… Do you have to let them so close?” Already as the words leave your mouth, you feel stupid about them.

“Close? Whom-” He shuts himself up, before the word can fully leave his mouth, “Ah, I see… this is about the student.” He hesitates, “You do know I trashed the number, right? I´m not interested in her.”

Running a hand through your hair, you give up on trying to fit all the stereo parts into the cupboard. Usually, Ten is the one taking care of it. How the hell does he always manage to squeeze it into that tiny space? “I know. I´m sorry, this has nothing to do with you. I told you it´s stupid.”

“It´s not stupid.” Suddenly, there are hands on your hips and a firm chest, pressed against your back, “Just sounds to me like you´re in need of a little reminder here.”

“A reminder?” You snicker, despite yourself, “Of what?”

“Of how much I adore you. Of how no one comes even near you.” The grin in his words tickles against your cheek.

Humming, you turn in his hold, “How are you gonna do that?”

For a moment, he just looks at you like the cheshire cat. The next thing you know is a yelp leaving your lips, as you´re lifted onto the table for the stereo. It creaks a little under the sudden collision, but you´re not given any time to contemplate it, as a hungry kiss is hunted from your lips. Your shoulders relax, as you ease into the kiss – a gentle caress of lips and occasional teeth. It´s easy to crave more, when Ten is so warm and smells so much like himself, after the intense dance class.

Your fist closes around his tank-top and you yank him harder against you. A dark sound leaves from deep within his throat, when he settles a possessive hand on your hip and deepens the kiss further. You moan softly, feeling his tongue graze against yours and his taste in your mouth. Your trained thighs close around him easily, unwilling to give more space than absolutely necessary. He seems content enough, pressing his hips against yours and threading the fingers of his free hand in your hair. You groan softly, feeling them give a gentle pull.

Ten´s pupils are blown wide and dark, when he pulls away and looks at you, “Mark me.”

“Wuh-What?”

“Mark me, so everyone knows I´m yours.” He tilts his head, to make room with a smirk.

You want to tell him that it´s not necessary – that you trust him, regardless of what other people assume and try – but then you look into his eyes and understanding crashes over your head: He is the one who wants this. This isn´t just about giving you reassurance, this is also about him wanting to belong. Not being pursued anymore, because he is someone´s loved one. He wants a reminder for himself, not just one for you.

So, that´s what you give him. The startled gasp that breaks from his mouth when your lips latch onto the skin right beneath his jaw, make your skin tingle pleasantly. He leans into it and you allow your teeth to join the mix, too. Once a beautiful, purple bruise has formed beneath your lips, you move further down, repeating the process, until there is a long trail of hickeys, climbing all the way down to his collar bone. A piece of art, if you might say so. The contrast against his milky skin is divine and the slightly blisses out look on his face, only improves the whole picture in your eyes.

“You´re so sensitive.” You mutter, feeling his crotch press rather hard against yours with a grin. An insistent plea, which you have a hard time ignoring, “You wanna take this home?”

“It´ll be a miracle if we make it to the car.” Ten responds, stealing another heated kiss from you, “Let´s do it right here.”

Even though the request sends a shiver of arousal down your spine you shake your head with a chuckle, “And have an unknowing student walk in on us? No thanks.”

“The office is empty today.”

The pleasured sigh that leaves you, as he presses your bodies together tighter, doesn´t help undermining your point: “They´ll fire us, if we get caught.”

“Well then, let´s not get caught.” Ten teases.

“You´re unbelievable.” Gulping, you make a quick decision and take his hand into your own, “Let´s go, hurry up. We gotta make this quick.”

“And then for round two at home?”

“Shut UP!” 

-*- FIN -*-

[rosemary-morgan]

John Marston X F.Reader: The sky in her eyes - Part 3

(pictures found on pinterest. John Marstons picture belong to @gangofgunslingers​ 🖤)

Hello lovely ones (✿◕‿◕✿)

Here comes the third part of “The sky in her yes” 😊 I hope you all will enjoy this chapter. Thank´s so much for all the likes, reblogs, and comments. Thank you so much dear ones 🖤🖤 Means a lot to me!!

PART 1 / PART 2 / PART 4

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The sky in her eyes - 3

You couldn't believe you were really going to do it. Just thinking about it embarrassed you profoundly, yet you had no choice but to get money this way. You were so nervous, and tried to hide your fear when you bought a train ticket at the station. None of the passengers would assume that a young woman like you intended to rob a train.

Where did you get the two dollars to buy a ticket? Well, you were begging. You actually asked passersby to give you money, and it took a lot of effort to overcome, but that was your only chance to carry out your plan. You were wearing a hat with a black veil in front of your face like you would at funerals. You didn't want your face to be recognized.  "The train leaves in fifteen minutes, Miss. Wallace Station." "Thank you." The words came weakly out of your mouth. Of course, you felt bad, but you had to ensure your survival. "My condolences, Miss." "Thank you, Sir." The man who sold you the ticket assumed that you were grieving for your loved one. Well, that wasn't entirely wrong. You still hadn't dealt with your parents' death. With a soft sigh, you sat on an empty bench. You had no idea how your life would go on. Your palms were cold and sweaty at the same time. You were very excited, afraid of the consequences that would come to you. You felt how difficult it was to breathe calmly. It felt like there was a hand around your neck that squeezed you tightly. Again and again, you had to remind yourself to stay calm because you felt hot tears burn into your eyes. Of course, you knew that this whole action could go wrong, and that's what scared you. But on the other hand, who would miss you? You had no one left, and maybe that the reason why you´ll take this risk...

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"A ticket please." "Where do you want to go, Mister?" "Wallace station!" "Two dollars, please." John rummaged for the money in his pocket and then put it on the counter to pay for his ticket. "You should hurry up, Sir! The train will leave in a minute!" John took the ticket in his hand after paying for it, and stowed it in his satchel. "Thank you, Mister!" John hurried out of the building so as not to miss the train. The passengers had already taken a seat, and it was difficult for John to find one. He ended up sitting next to an older lady who willingly offered him the place next to her, and it quickly turned out that this woman was very talkative. John didn't want to be rude, so he talked to her. It was a very old lady, probably around eighty, so John made an exception, after all, the young man wasn´t very talkative. "I´m sure that your wife and children look forward to seeing you!" John laughed softly, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. Wife and children? Yes, that would be nice! "No, ma'am. I'm not married." "Oh! That's hard to believe! Such a friendly, good looking man must have a lot of admirers!" The older lady was very curious, which made John roll his eyes. "You know, my granddaughter has just turned twenty-three, and she is very beautiful!" When John heard that, he cleared his throat. Oh no, that wouldn´t be a good idea. He was also starting to dislike this conversation. The older lady was just too pushy. "You know Ma'am, actually I already have a nice lady. She waits for my return every night!" When the older woman heard that, she immediately fell silent, looking at him with eyes wide open. John suppressed a laugh. Well, she would have to disappoint her granddaughter now. But John hadn't expected that the older woman would only become more curious. "Oh!! Lucky girl!" She started with her questions, and the young man rolled his eyes in annoyance - why couldn't he just enjoy a quiet trip?

Your eyes wandered from side to side, from right to left, watching everything very carefully. You weren't expecting so many people, which made you more nervous. Your hands trembled, and you felt your shoulders shake as well. God, you must have gone mad! But now you were here, and you would do it! You slowly rose from your seat, your hand moved to your hip, and everything seemed to be happening in slow motion as you watch the passengers reading peacefully their books and newspapers. You didn't want to hurt any of these people. Tears of shame ran down your cheeks, but they were invisible to everyone else. They were hidden behind a black veil. Suddenly the time seemed to go back to normal when you pulled out the revolver, ready to steal from these people. "You all stay calm now! You will do what I say!" At first, the passengers were a little confused, but when they saw the revolver in your hand, they slowly realized the situation. A man rose from his seat, which you saw immediately. You aimed the gun at him. "SIT DOWN!" The man immediately sat down when you started yelling at him. "This isn´t a joke! I want your money, your valuables! Everything!!" You carried an old, ragged sack with you. Fortunately, it was still in very good condition, so that no valuables or gold could slip through. You had found this bag on the street and finally took it with you. "Didn't you understand me?! Hurry up!" While the first passengers began to empty their pockets, you had no idea that there was a marshal in this train compartment. Marshal Tom Davies. He watched the situation closely and slowly pulled out his revolver. The man didn't know how dangerous you were, so he carefully watched the situation.

When the time came, Marshal Davies intervened. You heard a click, then you felt the barrel of a revolver on the back of your head, and now you knew it was over. "Take your gun down! Slowly." Pure horror was visible in your eyes, and you instantly became pale in the face. You couldn't describe your fear in one word - it was endless. You would be arrested, taken to a prison. And if you didn't want to die today, the smartest decision would be to listen to the man behind you who was threatening you with a gun. You slowly took your weapon down, and the marshal immediately grabbed your revolver, dragging it out of your hand. He roughly reached for your arms to tiding your wrists behind your back. "You are in great trouble, lady!" You said no sound, just sobbed softly. He was right. You have committed a great stupidity. How could you believe that you would be able to raid a train? "You're lucky the guards didn't catch you, Missy! Otherwise, you would be dead now!" The marshal turned you around, pulled the black veil from your face, and looked at you. You saw that he was a little surprised. For whatever reason. He saw your tears, saw the shame on your face. But he was a man of the law and had to follow his rules. He remained silent for a few seconds, looking at you with his blue eye. There was an eye patch over his right eye. He also has a very distinctive mustache. "I'll take you to Straweberry, Miss! I will hand you over to the sheriff." No word came over your lips. There was nothing you could say. There was nothing you could do. It was over. The man pulled you with him, past all the people who looked at you with their evil eyes - you couldn't blame them. "To do such stupidity! What were you thinking, girl?!"

John Marston, who was also in the same train compartment as you, saw you being led away from that marshal. John frowned, wondering if he had seen you before. You seemed very familiar to him. The emptiness and the fear in your eyes, he had seen it before. The young man looked down at the floor, thinking about what had happened here a few minutes ago. He had seen everything. What John had recognized from the beginning was that you had no idea of robberies. You had no structure in your process, no plan, and he had seen how nervous you had been during the raid robbery.

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Strawberry, the next morning...

The sheriff had been really kind to you, and you couldn't complain that you were in a prison cell. After all, you had a bed and a warm blanket. You even had a hot meal. It was just a little porridge and a cup of tea, but it was better than starving. For a week you hadn't eaten anything except some fruits, bread, and nuts that you had stolen. You were starving. You didn't even know how to hunt an animal. "You are lucky that nobody was injured. Still, you will have to be in prison for a few months." You didn't answer the sheriff, looking at the spittoon that was in the corner of your cell. "Tomorrow, you´ll be taken to Saint-Denis prison." You sighed softly when you heard that, and you had to admit that it scared you to be put in a bigger prison. You would no longer have privacy, which deeply embarrassed you. You hadn't even peed in the chamber pot that was next to your bed. You had held it back. Accordingly, you had terrible pain in the lower abdomen and around your kidneys. The sheriff had told you he would leave you alone so you could have your peace, but that didn't convince you. "How long will I have to stay in prison, Sir?" "I don't know. But I guess it'll be for two months. Except someone pays your bail." Who should pay bail for you? You didn't even ask how high it was. For what? You had to make friends with the idea of ​​being locked up for the next few months. It was your fault. You couldn´t judge anyone for the circumstances. "I'm sorry, Miss." "..." The sheriff saw the poor creature sitting in this cell, waiting silently for its fate. The man wondered what had happened in your life. He saw how malnourished you were, your dirty clothes, your tousled hair. He felt so sorry for you.

When it got later, and the darkness announced, someone entered the prison. "Can I help you, Sir?" "Yes. I'm here for the young lady." When you heard that, you didn't believe first that you were meant. But who else should be meant? No other prisoners were seen except you. You looked curiously at the young man who spoke to the sheriff. Hope sparkled in your eyes as you listened to the conversation. "What's your name, Sir?" "Jim Milton." "Do you know this young lady, Mister Milton?" John glanced over at you, saw the same sad expression on your face he had seen on the train the day before. You said nothing when the young man looked you in the eye intensely. "Yes, Sir. I Do." John said this without taking his eyes off you, but your gaze lowered to the ground. Why did this strange man help you? You couldn't remember him. Who was he? "Well, I'm afraid I can only release the lady on bail." "How much?" John asked without hesitation. When you heard the price the sheriff mentioned, you got sick. It was a lot of money, and you were sure that the stranger wouldn´t pay to free you. Certainly not without expecting anything in return. But you were wrong. John took out a small bundle of banknotes, counted them. "Here's a twenty-dollar deposit. You'll get the rest tomorrow." But the sheriff just shook his head. He couldn't just let you go. "I'm sorry my boy, but tomorrow she will be transferred to Saint-Denis!" You weren't sure if you should be happy or cry about it. You were so confused, exhausted, and you were afraid.

John sighed softly, glancing into the cell. He saw this young girl, and he didn't want her to have to sit in this prison any longer. What should he do? Then he suddenly remembered that he was carrying a watch for which he actually had no use. The young man pulled them out of his pocket to place it on the sheriff's desk. "That's all I have. It's worth at least twenty dollars!" The sheriff took the piece and examined it closely. He liked what he saw. "This is a platinum pocket watch. Are you sure you want to give it away?" It looks like he could buy you in freedom. Platinum was in high demand. "I think so, sheriff." "Well, then. You can take back the twenty dollars. This watch is enough. She is a free woman now." The sheriff rose from his chair to go to your cell. John followed, and when the sheriff opened the door, you looked at the young man with wide eyes. You just couldn't believe that a completely strange man helped you. But why? What reason did he have to help you? Of course, you had some concerns at the moment. You were on your own, and therefore a simple victim. You wouldn´t have the strength to defend yourself against this man. But you didn't want to think about it, and when you looked closely, the young man didn't make the impression that he wanted to harm you. "You can go." You slowly stepped out of the cell, looking at the unknown man who had got you out of this mess. His eyes bored into yours what you could hardly stand, and finally, you lower your eyes again. You sure looked horrible. Tousled hair, dirt on clothes, and face. What a shame, you toughed. "I don't want to see you here again, missy. Got it?" You nodded to the older man, smiling weakly. "Thank you very much, Sir. You have been really kind to me." "Take care of that girl, boy!" John nodded to the sheriff before turning back to you and gesturing to the door. You looked up at the young man with concern. He wanted you to follow him? You were visibly confused, and John saw it clearly. "Oh, um... I just want to talk to you", he replied quickly, because he didn't want to scare you. You fold your arms into each other, slowly looked at his face again. Finally, and without saying another word, you left the prison with him. It was already getting dark, and certainly colder too, which made you freeze. You sighed, your breath was visible in the dark night. Of course, John didn´t miss this fact. He took off his coat to hand it over to you. But when he got closer, you startled a bit, looking at him with eyes wide open. John cleared his throat, took a step back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to give you my coat." You were very surprised by so much kindness since it has been a while that someone took care of you. Hesitantly, you took the black coat. "Thanks a lot." You put it on, feeling how the wool gave warmth to you. That was much better. But one thing was still unclear. Why did he help you? "Listen, I'm very thankful for your help. But..." You shook your head while you looked at him in confusion. "How and... why? I mean..."

You didn't know how to express your insecurity, but John already had an answer for you. "I was on the train when you tried to rob the passengers!" When he said that, some things became clear. So, he had seen you and heard that you would be taken to Strawberry. Guilty took hold of you again, and you didn't dare to look at the stranger. Your eyes lowered to the ground, full of regret and shame. "I- I... had no choice. I was in need... I have no money, no food, nothing.", you said softly while tears burned into your eyes. It was hard. John knew the meaning of famine, he knew it all too well. His eyes were full of pity. You were so young! What had happened in your life that you had to live under such conditions? "I was a fool to think I could rob a train! My god...I had also been robbed. I know how bad it feels, and I was going to do the same to other people." John frowned as you continued to speak. So the same thing happened to you before? "A robbery, Miss?" “Yes. As it turned out afterward, two members of the Van der linde gang had robbed the train. I was there." John's eyes widened in shock when he heard that. He swallowed nervously, frowned again. Now everything fits together. That girl whose necklace he had stolen - that was you! The young man was speechless. He couldn't believe that he had actually met you again. That's why you looked so familiar to him! He had never forgotten your eyes, or rather, the fear in your eyes had haunted him for years. At that time, you begged him to leave you alone, but he simply tore the piece of jewelry from your neck. And now you stood in front of him. "What happened back then, if you don´t mind me to ask?" “Something very valuable had been stolen from me. But for this guy, it was nothing more than a necklace. He ripped it off my neck." You didn't know why you were telling him this, but it felt good to talk about it.

John sighed slowly, stroking his black hair. Good god... Was it his fault that you have to live in such a condition? Did he throw you into this misfortune? God, he had terrible remorse. How should he ever make it up to you? John said nothing. He had actually intended to give you back your piece of jewelry, but now that you were standing in front of him, he didn't have the courage to reveal himself to you.

"I know... what you're feeling right now. Really. It's not an easy life." When he said that, you looked up at him in surprise. So he didn't judge you for what you had done? You could very well remember the looks of some passengers. They had looked at you with anger, with scorn. "It was a long time ago, I also lived on the street. I know what it means to go hungry." You nodded when he said that, looking at the ground again, and sighing softly. It became quiet between you both. "My name is Jo... Jim Milton!" "I know. You said that to the sheriff earlier.", you reply softly, causing John to smile. "My name is Y/N L/N." "Miss, is there anyone I can take you? To your parents...? Or..." "No. There is nobody." His question almost broke your heart. You didn't want to be reminded of your parents, it was too painful. When John heard that you had no one, he sighed softly. He felt so sorry for you. No money, no food, and no family... that was too much pain. "I hope you will forgive me Mister Milton, but I can't give you anything except my thanks." You were about to take his coat off when he stopped you. "Wait." You looked at him curiously. What else did he want to tell you? "I run a ranch. Beecher's hope. I want to give you the opportunity to help me with my work." When he said that, your eyes widened. You knew this was a unique chance that you shouldn't throw away. John wanted to help you live a better life. That was the least he could do for you. "The only thing I can offer you right now is a hot meal and a bed. No money." "Really?" That sounded unbelievable to you. This man came out of nowhere and offered you a job? It was hard to believe. You knew that you should never trust a stranger, but in that case, you had no choice. Of course, anything could happen. Maybe this Jim Milton was a psychopath? He offered you a job, and damn! You knew how to run a ranch!

"Yes. I'm serious." "Okay then." You nodded at him, accepting his offer. "Maybe you should rest. You should spend the night in the hotel, eating a hot meal. It's a long way to Beachers Hope." "I have no money." John was aware of this, and he nodded to you. "I know. Let me pay for it." You snuggled into the warm coat, searching protection in the fabric because you didn't know why he did all of this. This seemed so suspicious to you. But John just wanted to help you. He felt guilty, and therefore he had an urge to give you something back. He couldn't reverse what he had done to you many years ago, but he could help you now. "It's okay. Really." You said nothing, just looking at your feet, and you didn't know whether you should accept his offer or not. You reminded yourself to be careful because it would be naive to think that he only did this out of kindness.

John saw your insecurity, and he didn't know what to do to convince you. Maybe he should leave you alone? But he couldn't and didn't want to let you down. He knew how dangerous life on the street was. How heartless this world could be. "Miss L/N, at least let me buy you a hot meal." Hot food sounded so damn delicious. Oh, you would sell your soul for a warm piece of meat with potatoes. Just at that thought, your stomach grumbled. "Okay." You were very thankful, yet so insecure. But you followed Jim Milton, as he walked to the hotel, which was only a few steps away. The thought of working on a ranch soon calmed you down a bit. You just wanted to live a peaceful life and finding a place in this cruel world...

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The next morning...

It felt so good to be able to sleep in a proper bed, and the hot bath had been damned good. You felt relaxed and clean this morning. The hot meal last night had also been a blessing for your stomach. You also had washed your dirty clothes, which hopefully would be dry soon since you didn't wear a single piece of clothing. You turned on your side, sighing softly as you slid your hand under the pillow. You looked out of the window, watching the beautiful sky, and suddenly, you felt hope. That stranger Jim Milton had entered your life, but you didn't know why he helped you. Maybe he was just a nice guy, and yes, maybe you should just trust him. A few days ago you slept on the street, and now you were lying in a cozy bed. John had also rented a room, but he hadn't slept last night. He still couldn't believe he met you. It was so strange. His inner voice had made him follow you to Strawberry. He usually stayed out of other people's business, but he felt sorry for you. He had seen immediately that you had never raided a train before. You were very lucky that you were still alive. How could you do such a dangerous project on your own? That was insane! "Jesus..." He just couldn't get rid of the idea that he had ruined your life...

[little-lily-w]

Shut up and keep dancing

Words: 1.1 k

Notes: this is a request from @langdonsplaytoy for the ABC Michael. “J is for Jealous”. 

The environment is filled with the familiar perfume of alcohol although it is softened by the added fragrance of some fruits adorning drinks. As the minutes go by, your hearing has intensified too and by the time an hour has made its way, the clinking ice cubes are loudly audible underneath the veil of tango music.

You´ve never been the type of woman who could be interested in that sort of style but being with Michael for a year now has granted you an expanded taste in different things, especially in what he considers classic elegant stuff. And with that, you´ve become a quite impressive dancer during evening meetings with him in which he would instruct you how to move your body with his for his own amusement.  

But this night Michael doesn´t arrive on time to the date at one of his favorite salons and in spite of knowing that he has a lot of office work left, your dress has started to get wrinkled from you resting against the bar to alleviate the ache on your feet due to the long thin heels of your dancing shoes.

Finally you receive his text message. He is on the way. Luckily, no more than one hour and a half later from the accorded time. With you bored and with certainly an increased bad mood. But honestly, if he is going to appear in all his charm claiming you like his ballerina partner to show you off to the other dancers like usually, pretending nothing happened when you´ve been waiting for so long, he is wrong.

Putting your phone aside, you turn your head to look at the man on your right. Radiant black suit with shiny shoes and a long hair tied in a ponytail that lets you see his big black eyes. Not bad. Not bad at all.

-          Enjoying the spirit of the salon? – he talks to you after watching you smile at him.

-          I couldn´t get offended by that sarcasm even if I wanted – you reply.

-          That´s a smart decision. I mean, there are so many inviting things to do, get offended would be a waste, wouldn´t it?

-          What do you propose?

He extends his hand and you take it, proudly advancing to the center of the space while another song starts to play.

He guides you softly, harmonically, getting views from the other dancers each time he gets in a more intimate position and caress from the knee to your thigh, revealing the black stockings under your dress. But it isn´t too long before, in a twirl, you see Michael crossing the entrance. He stands tall in all black by the door but the sinister expression in his face distinguishes him from all the other and despite your intentions of putting up a show for him to notice how annoyed you are, his frame freezes you and you lose balance for a second. Your partner catches you by the waist, asking if you are okay but the blonde man walks directly to you both, threatening exhalations leaving his nostrils.

-          Excuse me gentleman, can I have the next dance with the lady?

The dancer hesitates, he wants to demonstrate his dominance but at the same time, everything in Michael´s appearance tells him not to get in the way although he grabs your hand to kiss it before he leaves you which only leads to increase Michael´s rage inside.

-Michael…, I… - you babble, realizing it wasn´t as bright of an idea as you´ve thought. He hushes you with intimidating calmness and turns you around, a tight arm around your waist as the music goes along.

- I know what you did here. Such a greedy little whore, you couldn´t help but toy with another man during your waiting.

Once you face him again, your jaw falls open weak while he makes you do gracious steps forwards. Then your chest touches his and he takes advantage to speak in your ear

-          But don´t worry. We´ll get you all the attention you were denied of because of my delay.

-          Ah, Michael! – you gasp at the sudden pain of his nails scratching your thigh, ruining you stockings. He lets out a dark chuckle.

-          If you expected to make me jealous watching how another man touches my property, I´m sure you´ve evaluated well the consequences. Now shut up and keep dancing.

Once he spins you around and gets your leg around his waist, his bulge is notoriously prominent and you know it´s more because of anger than arousal and that puts you in a very dangerous prey position in the eyes of this hunter.

Now your two legs are back on the floor, but his fingers come under the fabric of your dress, finding their way to push inside your pussy.

-          Michael…

-          Shut up and keep dancing – he repeats, now doing short slow steps forwards so he can thrust into your hole which fails at attempting to resist him. His mouth goes to your neck in a loud suction that gets drowned by the bandoneón.

-          They are going to realize – you moan, grabbing a hold of his suit.

-          To realize about what? What a needy little slut you are? How you get all wet when I merely touch you? Or how you would be begging me in front of every people here to let you cum?

-          Sir… - you bite down your bottom lip to control yourself and not let the adrenaline make you explode.

-          Left foot, right foot, y/n. It shouldn´t be so hard. You were dancing perfectly in his arms.

Michael doesn´t seem to care about your shame. He keeps his body close to yours so he can continue fingering you and at the same time he moves your shaking legs slowly with the rhythm helping himself by the hold on your waist.

-God, I´m gonna cum…! – desperate gasps leave your mouth, knowing perfectly that the song is about to end and people could here you if that happens at the moment of your orgasm.

- Not yet. Don´t you fucking dare or I’ll fuck you raw right here.  Shut and keep dancing.

And it´s then, when the music stops, that he yanks your hair for you to look directly into your ex-partner´s eyes while he whispers “cum” in your ear.

Your whines and whimpers echo across the room as people watch you with surprised faces, not knowing how to react. When you are done, Michael lets his fingers out, delighted by the redness of your burning cheeks.

-          Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. I have a little tease here that needs to be put back in her place.

And with that, Michael lifts your trembling body in his arms and walks out of the salon to get you in his car. When he arrives home, you´ll know that being exposed is the least harmful thing you can expect from him.