#thankfully he’s oddly easy to draw? | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

serraphinm · 1 month ago

Text

❄︎ Chapter 2 - The Duke ❄︎

Notes: This oddly took me way too long. I kept pasting it to Tumblr and it just kept doing it twice every time. Turns out I had copied it twice on accident once and was just too lazy to properly check. Anyway it's here! This is the longest chapter of the the whole story so take your time with it. As always, if you have questions leave a comment and I'll do my best to explain!

WC: 12k

Taglist: @bready101

Something I have learned...in the palace so far is to make your enemies known and to keep your friends hidden. That way, the people you want to protect are out of sight, and your goal is out in the open. Right now, I have both, and I have every intention of keeping it that way.

The First Council. It wasn't actually the very first council; it's just what the egotistical pricks called themselves. And soon, I'd have to face them. Every so often, a meeting was held with all the diplomats and noble factions to discuss anything and everything. As Queen, I was required to be there regardless of the fact I didn't want to be. Thankfully, Ellie would be there too representing Jackson. I found this out through my aide, Nakir. We had met the day after the ball when I walked into my office for the first time. As my aide, he was a world-renowned scholar that even I had heard of. His help was impeccable as we worked through all the issues Duke Haleson had been so kind to leave for me. My small amount of education was carrying me through each day, but thankfully, the paperwork was simple enough. I notice something odd as I go through the Duke's old records of the past 20-something years. He was preparing for something... But what It was, I couldn't discern. I rub my temples in frustration. Thanks to all this stupid work I barely had time to go and visit Ellie yet this week, which was all I truly wanted to do.

"If you need to be done for today, Your Majesty, I would understand."

Nakir's deep voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I look up to see him looking at me expressionlessly. He wasn't much for emotions and was purely work-focused, which definitely helped matters. Nakir was older than me, but not so much that it made me uncomfortable. He had dark curly hair and a fair complexion that was almost always sheet white. His eyes looked dead, but it wasn't creepy, just a little calming.

I decided to take him up on his offer and go visit Ellie. It had almost been a week, so I felt awful for not having gone to see her yet.

"Yes, that would be lovely, Nakir. Thank you," I say, packing up my things. Ivone takes my stuff for me and whisks them away. Walking out the door right behind her, I rush to Ellie's room, only to discover that...I have no idea where it is. Popping my head back into the room, I wave for Rose to come over. She rushes over with a curious look on her face, and I explain that there's a friend in the palace I'd like to visit.

"So I was wondering.. Do you know where Prince Ellie's room is..?"

A look of slight surprise crosses her face, and she nods, "Yes, it's in the West Wing at the end of the hall. I can take you there if you'd like?"

"Could you draw me a map?" I ask, not wanting anyone to follow me.

"Of course, I can! One moment." Rose walks back into the office and grabs a piece of paper and a pen. She scribbles something down before handing it to me.

"Here you are, Your Majesty," Her little smile warming my heart.

"You have lovely handwriting. Thank you, I'll be off." She seems surprised at my compliment but has no time to respond as I'm already walking down the hall.

Following Rose's instructions was relatively easy. She had most of it laid out for me, and soon, I was in front of Ellie's room. I knocked and hoped that she was in.

A woman opens the door, looks me up and down, and then turns her head back into the room.

"Ellie, some lady is here for you."

This woman had no clue who I was.

Oh, thank goodness.

I hear Ellie's confused voice but can't decipher what she's saying. It gets louder and clearer as she comes closer and opens the door fully. When she opens it, she looks up and sees me. Her eyes widen, and she glances between the woman and me.

"Dina! This is Y/n… the Queen.."

Ellie whisper yells to the woman I now know as Dina. She did say she had a guard named Dina, which I suppose meant Jesse, the butler, was also around here somewhere. Dina is lovely, with dark hair and freckles. Her brown eyes are almost the opposite of the whites of her eyes. Her eyes widen as she realizes what Ellie just said, and they snap to me.

"Your Majesty- I am so sorry I had no idea-" She fumbles out while bowing to me.

"Please, please, it's quite alright. You've done nothing wrong. Can I come in?"

Ellie shoves the doors open and motions for me to come in.

"Uh yeah- yeah, of course, please come in."

I looked around Ellie's room and smiled. It was so very... her. Comics were spread across the table and desk. On the desk, I noticed a sketchbook open and filled with drawings. A collection of books and comics lay on a bookcase near the desk, with little figurines stacked along the top. Her bed is deep green, and the wood is dark oak, which makes the space feel comforting.

"It's so cozy in here." Spinning back in Ellie's direction, I see her ears tint slightly pink.

"Thanks.. I would've tidied if I knew you were coming over... Sorry." She mutters out an apology but I just try not to giggle.

"Ellie, please, it's fine. Where should I sit?" I ask, looking around the space once more.

"Oh, um, anywhere is fine. By the way, this is Dina, and that is Jesse." She says casually as she sits on the couch in a relaxed position. I decide to sit near her and chill a little.

"Nice to meet you both. Ellie told me you guys were good friends."

"Ellie has told us a lot about you, Y/n; she seemed quite happy to make a friend," Dina says, almost in a teasing tone to egg on Ellie. I immediately catch onto their dynamic.

"Right, 'cause we're just chopped liver," Jesse comments as he sits down across from us.

"Wha- I never said you guys were chopped liver!" Ellie protests.

"No.. but that's how you make us feel," Jesse says dramatically. Ellie grabs a couch pillow and throws it in his face. The pillow smacks against his face before it flops to the ground. Dina and I burst out laughing.

"Take that assface," Ellie says, grinning.

Jesse picks up the pillow and throws it back. Ellie catches it and sticks her tongue out at him and soon they're having a full-on pillow fight. Dina and I cheer when she sits down beside me and looks up at me.

"I'm happy Ellie has you as a friend, and sorry again for not knowing who you are."

"Oh gosh, please, Dina, no need to apologize. I get it. I'm a brand-new Queen who popped out of nowhere. I promise I'm not offended."

She sighs a breath of relief.

"Oh, thank goodness, I wasn't sure what the hell I was gonna do if you were some stuck-up noble."

"Please, you think Ellie, of all people, would be friends with someone like that? I just can't see it," I say, looking at Ellie. She was currently shoving a pillow in Jesse's face while he swatted at her.

"You're so right, she'd rather die than be with some kiss-ass bitch."

"Hear, hear," I say, fake raising a toast. Dina chuckles and stands.

"Guess I better break them up."

"Need some help?"

"Hmmm, yea, sure, why not," Dina says, walking over to Jesse. I walk over to Ellie, grab her by the waist, and pull her off Jesse. She stumbles back a bit, and her shoulder bumps mine.

"Dina, let go. I'm gonna get his ass; I swear to-"

I follow her gaze to Dina, pulling Jesse off the ground. Slowly, she turns her gaze on me, and I can see it practically click in her head that I was the one who pulled her. She stands up straight and rubs the side of her neck.

"Shit, Y/n, sorry, didn't mean to yell-"

"What is with you guys and apologizing?"

I ask, taking my hands off Ellie's waist.

"It's fine, you can relax around me. I don't bite.. Unless asked."

I say the second part quietly so only Ellie can hear when I realize what I've said a little too late and step away from Ellie.

"Anyway!! Does anyone wanna play games or something?"

I avoid eye contact with Ellie and walk over to the couch. I felt so stupid. Why the hell would I say something like that? Dina plops down on the couch next to me and says, "We could play truth or dare."

"Really, Dina? We're adults." Jesse says, and I can practically feel his eye roll.

"Aww, come on, Jesse, I love truth or dare. We should totally play." I say, defending Dina.

"Yeah, see Jesse, she gets it. Sit your asses down were playing."

Jesse groans as he sits next to Dina. Ellie sits on the other couch, so I sit beside her to make it even.

"Alright, I'll go first, then!" Dina says, looking at us with a glint in her eye.

"Ellie! Truth or dare."

Ellie groans and says, "Dare, I'm not a pussy."

"Alright.. Tell us your best royalty pun."

Ellie grins and clears her throat. I wasn't aware she liked puns, but the more you know.

"That's basically a truth! Ugh, fine, I wouldn't say this is my best one, but it's still pretty good. Why did the King go to therapy?"

We all give various answers before Ellie grins and says, "He had many subjects to discuss."

"Oh god, that's so bad!" Dina says, groaning.

I groan and shove my head into a pillow, and Jesse throws a pillow at Ellie for the second time.

"Where do you find these?" Jesse mutters.

"This little booklet Joel got me for my fourteenth birthday. Has a bunch of them in there. Some about a queen, too."

I feel a little heat rush to my face and look at her finally.

"Like what?" I ask, a little curious.

"When it's your turn, you can ask, " she sasses back. I glare at her, and she takes her turn.

"Jesse, truth or dare."

Jesse looks at her for a moment as if trying to analyze what she's going to ask before he goes with truth.

"What is your favorite thing about Dina?" Ellie wiggles her eyebrows, and I see Jesee get a little flustered.

"Fuck you, man. Her eyes. Y/n truth or dare?"

I kinda guessed Dina and Jesse were a thing, but for it to sorta be confirmed made me a bit giddy.

"Ummmm Dare?"

"Are you telling us or guessing?" Ellie jokes.

"I don't know! Dare! Just go with dare!"

Jesse grins, "I can't believe the Queen of Midiri is letting some random butler tell her what to do. This will be interesting."

"Don't make me regret it, please." I practically plead.

"Fine, I won't... ummm, give Ellie a hug. Everyone knows she needs it, " he says, sticking his tongue out at Ellie. She glares at him back but smiles. I shrug and stand in front of Ellie before wrapping my arms around her neck and hugging her. She pulls me down a little, and my knee goes in between her legs as I lose my balance.

"Sorry.. Lost my balance.." She mutters. I knew it was a big fat lie, but I decided to let her get away with it. I grin, wrap my arms tighter around her, and put my face on her shoulder. She still smelt like bergamot and pine, but now with a little bit of weed and grass. I pull away and notice her ears tinged pink. Smiling, I sit back down next to her and decide to ask Dina instead. The game goes on like this for a while. Jokes are made, and laughs are shared. Before I realize what time it is, Ellie and I are alone, conversing on the balcony with the setting sun.

"The First Council meeting is in a few days. I will do my best to ensure Jackson is secure." I say this seriously. As fun as this evening was, I needed to secure Ellie as an ally.

"I'm not too worried about Jackson... I'm more worried about that Duke of yours; he seems like a real problem."

"Thanks for the concern, Ellie, I have the Royal Seal now, though, so it shouldn't be too difficult to win the council over."

"I know.. Just.. be careful.. I've met many like him; they won't go down without a fight."

"If everything goes to shit... You'll still be on my side... Right?"

Her eyes soften as I speak, and she grabs something out of my hair before turning to the sea view.

"I'll be on your side, yes, but I can't guarantee Jackson will. Joel has to see you're capable before he puts faith in you..." She explains slowly as if trying to lessen the blow.

I fully understood, but it didn't make it any less hard to hear. King Joel was known to place his faith in very few. His council was small, consisting of a woman named Tess, his brother Tommy, and Tommy's wife, Maria, though that seemed to be Tommy's idea. Nonetheless, it seemed their kingdom was running smoothly, so it wasn't exactly horrible to have such a small council.

"I get it, Ellie, thank you... I should probably get back to my room. It's late."

She nods and faces me fully. "If you need anything, send me a letter or something, ok?"

"I will.. I can't believe court still doesn't use fucking email. I'm sick of my hand cramping just to write letters to each one of them. Definitely bringing that up in a few days."

I grumble. She chuckles and shakes her head.

"Don't feel too bad; Joel still refuses to use the damn things too. Say's they're 'a bunch of rubbish.'" Her finger quotes making another appearance.

I chuckle and say, "Alright, well, goodnight Ellie…"

"Night Y/n."

The next few days are brutal as I'm prepped and prodded for the First Council meeting. I was so stressed that I was half sure my pacing created a dent in the floor of my office. Nakir took over most of my work while I was being taught the ways of the council meeting, so I sent him a basket of flowers.

Turns out he's allergic…

He was out for the last few days, so I had to find another aide in such a short amount of time. So I called in my two best friends. They were still technically students, but all I needed them to do was organize everything for me so that when I returned, I could get things done quickly. They were more than happy to take on the work, as I promised to give them credit for it at school. I felt terrible asking them for help, but I didn't trust anyone else to take over at the moment, as most people were still on the Duke's side.

On the First Council meeting day, I put on a pantsuit, and Rose tied my hair up into a bun. A simple tiara was placed on my head, and a sash was placed on my shoulder to my hip. It was some honorary thing.

I enter the meeting with the Prime Minister as he does most of the work and take my seat at the head of the table. My eyes spot Ellie immediately, and I watch her doodle on the documents. I bite my lips, trying not to laugh and clearing my throat. Everyone looks at me, and I notice the Duke seems to be... smiling. I felt a sense of unease, so I stopped looking at him and began making my announcement.

"From now on, we will use laptops and emails instead of letters."

The old fucks all start complaining, but I won't hear it. I bang the gavel that I've been given to keep order.

"I won't hear any complaints. This council is far too outdated, and we need to move forward. It has been twenty years since there has been any real change. Now, first on the agenda is the budget for homeless shelters."

People begin talking over each other almost instantaneously. I called for order, and the Prime Minister suggested something. Half the room agrees, and the other half disagrees. It goes on like this for hours. The only solace I get is glancing at Ellie and noticing she was already looking at me. We give each other a look of 'yea, this shit is stupid' before she goes back to her doodles. Eventually, I get the council to agree on something before we move on to the next topic. Just when I think we're almost done, the Duke stands and makes a proposition.

"Your Majesty, as we all know, you are... How should I say this.. Unwed. I have spoken with some of the council members, and we have determined that we would find it best for you to marry as soon as possible."

He gives me a smug look.

"I don't think I'm going to focus on marriage until I've fixed your mess, Duke Haleson," I say calmly. Some members of the council snicker, while some glare at me.

"While that may be Your Majesty... If the court overrules it... You will have to marry.."

My smile disappears after that. It was true that royals could be overruled, but I wasn't too concerned about it since most council members were in the middle. However, if they shifted to his side...

"I don't see a need for a royal spouse when I'm doing just fine on my own."

"That may be Your Majesty... But we also need an heir."

Murmurs fill the room, and I hold back a glare.

"I'm newly 20 years of age, Duke Haleson; I have plenty of time before an Heir is needed; now then, if you're finished-"

"Some of the council members view it differently. Let's take it to a vote. Should the Queen marry now or later?" he asks the room. Slowly, hands lift, and the Prime minister takes count.

"More than half your Majesty, " he whispers to me, a little saddened. I feel my heart sink as I look at each of their faces. Yet again, people were making choices about someone else's life.

"If you refuse, Your Majesty, we can always find a more suitable person to take your place."

He grins at me as if he's won. I have to play along for now, but I didn't have to play nice.

"I hope you don't mean yourself, Duke Haleson," I say, my voice sounding sweet as malice dripped from its edges.

"There will be no need to find someone else. I accept. I will marry." I said, gritting my teeth. I'd find a way out of it before the wedding. And if I couldn't… well, murder was common enough…

"Wonderful! I'll tell my son immediately." My heart drops yet again. The Duke had this all planned out. I was backed into a corner and regretted not heeding Ellie's warning.

"Your son? Am I not allowed to choose who I marry now, too, Duke Haleson?"

"Hmm.. shall we put it to vote again... Your Majesty?" His voice was taunting, and everyone knew. I glance at Ellie and see she's glaring daggers at him.

"Fine… I will marry your son, Duke Haleson.."

Crying angrily in gardens at night didn't seem like the sanest or safest option, but it was just what I needed. I kicked a rock, and it went flying off somewhere. Wiping the tears from my cheeks, I sit on a marble bench.

What was the point of having power if I couldn't do anything with it..?

I sniffle and put my face in my hands when I hear footsteps. Immediately tensing, I look up and see Ellie. She is walking in my direction, so I stand and debate, running back to my room. I didn't exactly want her to see my puffy eyes. Before I can decide, she's standing in front of me. Her hair is half up, and she's got a white button-down on it with the top few buttons open. The sleeves are rolled up, and I can see her tattoo fully. A moth and ferns, it was so.. Ellie.

"Figured I'd find you here…" Her voice was hesitant. Almost pitiful.

I wipe my face again, hoping to get it all before meeting her eyes.

"Hey.. What's uuuup.." I say, shooting finger guns at her, trying not to cry again. She doesn't laugh; instead, she pulls on one of my wrists and brings me into a hug. My face lands on Ellie's shoulder, and I feel myself break a little. I shove myself between her neck and shoulder and let myself cry a little more.

"I don't wanna marry some bastard's son!" I yell into her neck a little angrily as I wrap my arms around her. She wraps an arm around my lower waist while the other rests on my upper back.

"I know Y/n…"

I hated the Duke even more than I hated myself. I was not going to let this old fucker ruin my life.

"Ellie.. I need a favor."

I say, stepping back from her a little so I could look into her eyes. She didn't let me go and murmured, "Anything, my queen." I figured she was just trying to cheer me up with jokes.

"I need you to discreetly see if you can get anything on the Duke. Any kind of blackmail, anything."

"Sure, but he's good at covering his tracks... I'm not sure I'll be able to find much.."

"It just needs to be something.. I won't go down without a fight."

"Good cause I'd be disappointed in you if you did."

"Well, now we can't have that... Now, can we?" I ask with a grin. I still feel slightly upset, so I leave Ellie's arms and sit on the marble bench. Taking a deep breath, I feel Elie sitting next to me.

"Wanna know a secret?" She whispers with a grin on her face.

"What..? You like girls or something?"

"Yea, well, that's not a secret," She huffs

"Hold up, that was a joke-"

"Shhh, whatever! Do you wanna know the secret or not?" She covers my mouth.

I pull her hand off my face and say, "Yea, of course! Duh!"

"Alright! Joel doesn't let me tell anyone this because he always says I should never tell people all my cards, but I trust you... My affinity is earth." She whispers. It made total sense for Ellie's affinity for all things to be earth. I mean, she smelt like it half the time.

"No way.. That's a pretty good affinity, Ellie… what can you do?"

She takes one of my hands and holds it flat.

"Just watch." As she says this, grass grows around us, fireflies emerge from them and begin dancing in the nighttime sky. A flower grows from the ground and lands itself perfectly in my hand. I recognize it as a peony and watch as she grabs a switchblade from her pocket and cuts the stem. She fixes it up a bit before she tucks it behind my ear. Crickets singing and fireflies dancing. My heart skips a beat, and I wish then for just a moment that Ellie was the one I was marrying instead…

I'm snapped out of the moment when I hear more footsteps. Ellie and I turn to see Jane, who looks rather flustered.

"Jane… is everything alright?"

She curtsies and says, "Yes, Your Majesty… It's just... Dinner is ready, and you weren't in your room."

I sigh and stand, "Right... Thank you, Jane.. I'll head back now.."

She curtsies and heads back to the room. I mutter a string of curses and face Ellie with a sorrowful expression. "Thank you for.. this .. Ellie… I promise to write to you.." She stands and smiles at me.

"I um.. Hope it cheered you up." She says sheepishly. She could be so shy and yet so confident.

"It did.. I promise to spoil you with my affinity one day... If I ever find out what it is.."

She smiles softly and fiddles with her fingers. "I'll.. I'll hold you to that… sleep well.."

"Sleep well, Ellie.."

The next few days, I'm swamped with work. Nakir informs me, however, that I will have to not only marry some prick but also organize an engagement ball.

"Why..?" I ask, not convinced that this is a thing.

"It is a chance for the nobles to recognize your upcoming marriage with gifts and well wishes. It's commonly done as soon as an engagement is announced.

"Alright, I get the point… "

So, preparations for that will begin as well. Despite all the bad news, some good news comes to light. Ellie is staying for a few more months as the announcement of my engagement reached King Joel. He told Ellie to stay as a show of goodwill but we both weren't complaining. Currently, I am in a plush chair reading Ellie's most recent letter.

Y/n

You need to get a fucking phone. I'm sick of writing all this out. Anyway, Dina is wondering when you'll come by again, and I'm running out of excuses. The last one I used was that your horse threw up on you, and I don't think she bought it. To be honest, I'm also wondering when you'll come by again. Jesse says he doesn't give a shit, but I think he secretly likes you too. I got my copies of savage starlight from Joel himself, so I'll give them to you when you come over next time. Just don't eat or drink while you read them... And try not to rip or tear any pages. Maybe it's just best if you read them in my room… Joel also sent my pun book so that's been fun to annoy those two with. Speaking of which, here's a pun for you:

What did the Queen do after burping..?

Issue a royal pardon!

Man, Dina hated that one, but I got a chuckle out of her. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that I wrote a poem. I'll share it, but you have to promise not to laugh. I'll leave it on the back. Please don't laugh.

Your favorite Prince E

I chuckle at her ridiculous excuse before surprise etches my face. A poem… I flip to the back, and there it is, written in her messy handwriting.

A candlelight flickers your name

I call it out in question

I fear the answer

I hold my breath

Count

A whisper

A promise

Truth or Dare

Truth or Lie

I chose Lie

Why?

Understanding the poem wasn't the hard part; the hard part was understanding why she wrote it. I fold the letter back up and slip into the box of letters I had been keeping. I had accumulated quite a large stack of letters from her and didn't want to lose them. The funny part was I actually got a phone; I just hadn't told her. There was something so fun about writing letters. I put the lid back on the box, slip it into my desk, and lock it up. Sitting down at my desk, I think of what I want to write to Ellie. Words flow easier than my ink, and I seal them in an envelope before sending it off with Rose. Ivone had just finished helping me organize the last details of the engagement ball when Ellie's letter arrived.

"Sorry for ditching you like that, Ivone. Now, let's finish this disaster and get it sent out."

"No worries, Your Majesty." She says sweetly. We finish up quickly, and before I know it, I'm lying in bed staring at my canopy. How was I going to get out of this... There had to be something I could do. I couldn't just rely on Ellie. Every plan I begin to formulate has some sort of problem or variable I can't control. Sitting up, I decided to do a little investigation on my own. This was my fucking palace, and I was not about to be ordered around in it. Pulling my robe on, I grab my phone and turn on the flashlight. I decide to go barefoot to stay quiet and sneak towards the Duke's room.

The hallways are dark but candles line the halls to provide some light. Walking through said halls, I can't help but admire the massive alcoves and details. The ceilings are covered in paintings, and I wonder how long it took to paint them. I spot a few guards but manage to sneak past them. Man, I need to upgrade my security. As I walk into the hall that is connected to the Duke's room, I notice a door slamming open. Swearing under my breath, I hide in an alcove and strain my ears to listen.

"Tell him he can kiss my ass." I hear the Duke say bitterly.

"We both know that isn't a good idea, Barrow."

I recognize that voice but can't put a name to it. Hesitantly, I attempt to peek over the corner but decide not to risk it.

"She is a fool; she can not help us. When will you see that!"

"Hush! We are in Her Majesty's halls; I would not throw words like that around so carelessly."Based on how he speaks, he seems to be older, at least older than the Duke.

"Look... she may be young, but she is no fool. She tricked you, didn't she? You may have her in a box now, but she will find a way out. A cornered animal is dangerous. Have you learned nothing? " the older gentleman says, clearly frustrated.

Great, so I was an animal now. How wonderful.

Opening my phone, I try to record them, but it slips from my grasp and clatters to the floor. Swearing, I grab it and make a run for it, my robe fluttering from my running.

"Hey!! Get back here!!" I hear the duke yell. His voice echoed throughout the palace walls. I turn down a hallway and spot a place to hide. An idea crosses my mind, and I stuff the robe and phone in the small space before grabbing a candelabra. I begin walking down the hall towards the direction of the Duke. He comes round the corner fuming and is taken aback when he sees me. Bowing to me, he meets my eyes.

"Your Majesty.. How.. delightful to see you… "

"For you, maybe.. What are you doing running and yelling in my halls this late at night?"

The Duke shifts his posture and stands tall.

"My apologies, Your Majesty… A servant was just being rather difficult and-"

"A staff member." My voice cuts him off.

"Pardon…?"

"A. Staff. Member. They are not your servants. If you continue treating them as such, I will assign none to your room and make you do all your work by yourself. Is that what you want?"

"No... No, Your Majesty.." His jaw clenches, and I look at him with cold, unwavering eyes.

"Good. Continue."

"Ehem.. right.. The staff member. They were listening in on a conversation that was not theirs to hear."

"Hmmm... is that so? Who else were you conversing with...? " I asked with a small smile on my face. I had him right where I wanted him.

"I'm afraid I can not tell you that Your Majesty…"

"That's a shame..hopefully, your lips will be looser next time we meet. That will be all."

"As you command, " he says before walking away. Once he rounds the corner, I let out a breath. I ran to where I hid my stuff and returned to my room. Closing the door behind me quietly, I put my things back and lay in bed. I had hoped to see who the Duke was talking to, but I guess they weren't idiots. Though I did get some information tonight, it isn't concrete proof. I drift off to sleep with a newfound anger.

A few weeks later, the engagement ball was upon us. Ellie came to my room once I was all dressed to wish me luck since it wasn't proper to talk with friends during these kinds of things. You were 'supposed to stay at your future husband's side,' which I was so close to raging about altogether. They dolled me up in an A-line dress with sleeves. It was ivory and fell to the floor like a puddle of silk. I would've loved the dress if it wasn't for such a horrible occasion.

"Damn.. and you're sure you have to marry him?" Ellie asks, taking one of my hands and spinning me around.

I roll my eyes but comply.

"Yes, unfortunately…"

She huffs before taking my crown off and handing it to Anais.

"Could you tell them to leave? I have something for you." She whispers in my ear.

I'm about to protest and demand she give me my crown back, but then I look into her eyes and sigh.

"Fine.. but this better be good, or I'll be late," I mutter before dismissing my girls.

"Alright, what's this gift?"

She grins and holds her hands out, signaling for me to put mine on top. I place them on top, and she rolls her eyes and flips them over so my palms face up.

"What are you-"

"Shhh!"

My jaw clamps shut, and she closes her eyes. The vines on my wall begin to grow, and flowers curl around my wrists and into my palms. Before my eyes, a pattern appears, and a gorgeous flower crown sits in my palms. She opens her eyes and takes the crown from my hands before placing it on my head.

"There.. That way, that other crown doesn't break your neck." I look at her in awe and admiration. My fingers graze the flowers on the top of my head. All my favorite flowers, in all my favorite colors. She just knew.

"Thank you, Ellie.. It's gorgeous. I don't know what to say.."

She shrugs and reaches up to fix it.

"'S nothing.. Now quit messing with it; you're gonna bruise the petals."

My cheeks heat a little, and I pull her hands down.

"You know it doesn't match the rest of my dress, right?" I grin up at her.

"Ugh..."

She takes my hand and twirls me, and I watch flowers bloom across my dress. The same as my flower crown.

"There, happy? Swear I can't do nothing for you.." She grumbles like a big baby, and I can't help but poke her cheeks. She swats at my hands, and I laugh.

"Knock it off..Y/n.. you have an engagement ball to get to…"

If I hadn't known her pretty well by this point, I would've missed it. I hear a smidge of sorrow. I want to comment on it, but as I glance at the clock, I whisper a string of curses. We were very late.

"Right- thank you again, Ellie- I appreciate it." I gather the skirt of my dress and put on my shoes in record time before I feel like I'm missing something. Turning back to her, I notice a look of confusion on her face.

"Fuck it."

I kiss her cheek swiftly before I run out of the room and slam the door behind me.

It's been two hours, and Ellie still hasn't arrived. I arrived a little late, but almost no one took notice. My friends are here, but I can't even say hi to them. I discover that the Duke has chosen Oren to marry me out of the two sons. Glancing at the door again, as I have done for the past two hours, I see no change. Maybe I fucked up, and now Ellie hates me. Oh gosh, what have I done? Oren pulled me from my thoughts by addressing me.

"Isn't that right, dear? " he asks with a fake smile. So far, I didn't hate the guy. He was well-dressed and handsome, and I didn't want to punch him in the face, so there was also that.

"Yes… that's right, my sweet." I grin and bear it. I glance at the entryway again and see Ellie come into the room. She looked.. odd.. But I still wasn't allowed over to check on her. I fiddle with one of the flowers on my dress, and almost as if she could sense it, her eyes snapped to mine. My hand snatches to my side as if I were caught doing something I wasn't supposed to be. She grins and waves at me. I'm utterly dumbfounded. My heart sinks, and I realize it's because we're just friends. I bite my lips and turn away from her. I didn't need this right now, even though I brought it on myself.

The ball progresses, and I dance with Oren. He's a decent dancer but nothing special...

Get over it

My inner voice screams. I felt so pathetic.

I step on one of Oren's shoes and apologize. He sighs and forgives me.

"Look, I don't know what's going on.. And I know you can't trust me because my father is a bastard... But.. if it would help, I'd be willing to listen."

He was right; I didn't trust him, not one bit. However, maybe he could be some help.

"You know your father is forcing me on this... I'm sorry to say, but I don't actually want to marry you.."

He nods his head in understanding as he spins me.

"Yes, unfortunately, I know... Would it help if I told you he was also forcing me…?"

It did help, but it also made me angrier.

"How could he do that to his own child..? What is he threatening you with..? Maybe I can help." I offer.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but… it's Elora... He threatened to send her off to a boarding school if I didn't do this. She hates the idea, and well.. I love my little sister and could do that to her."

As much as I wish I could, there was nothing I could do. It was in the Duke's own right to send his daughter away.

"I see… well, I'm sorry for what it's worth."

"Me too…"

After five grueling hours of dancing and mingling, I retreat to my room for the evening. I place the gown Ellie helped to decorate in a special box while my mind screams at me.

"Would you like some help with that, Your Majesty?" Anais asks me, crouching to the floor.

"Yes, that would be lovely. I don't want to ruin the flowers, so be careful. "

"Of course.. Are these.. An affinity, though?"

I furrow my brows and look up at her. Revealing Ellie's secret would come naturally if I told her. It would be too easy to figure out, considering she was the last with me before my outfit changed. I was surprised they hadn't put it together already.

"No.. Ellie helped me glue them on before I left for the ball. That's why I was late…"

My quick thinking better save my ass again. However, she doesn't seem to buy it.

"Don't worry, I won't tell a soul… you should hang the gown, Your Majesty. Affinity plants don't wither or die." She explains.

I grin and lift it out of the box. "Thank you, Anais." Gently, I carry the dress to my walk-in closet and hang it up. Walking over to my vanity, I grab the flower crown and drape it over a jewelry box.

I'd have to hide it soon, or the others would start to suspect, but for now, I could look at it and wish.

Someone pulls the doors of my room open, and I lift my head to see who it is. Rose is standing there out of breath, her face panicked.

"Your Majesty!! Urgent Letter! It's from Emperor Raul!"

Emperor Raul. I had heard the name, of course. He ruled over the Mortican Empire to the north up in the mountains. He was known to be a good Emperor, so I wasn't too worried. Rose walks swiftly over and hands me the letter. Ivone hands me the letter opener, and I open it and begin to read it as I make my way to my desk.

Dear Queen Y/n, I hope this letter finds you at a prosperous and happy time. I have, of course, heard about your engagement and have written to congratulate you. Though, I can not say that is all. You see, I have recently come across some information about your Duke Barrow Haleson... I'm afraid he is Illigitament. Now, usually, I would have no trouble with peasants such as him, but I'm afraid as Duke of a country, one should be of noble blood. I have attached legal confirmation of his birth to aid you should you need it. I hope you will act swiftly in removing this threat from your council as I can not be in alliance with a country that does not prioritize wealth and power. I look forward to hearing the good news soon. His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Raul Decomont Trilton The 3rd

This was exactly what I needed. Something was off, but I didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth. I had to be smart about this. Grabbing my robe, I rush to my office in the hope that Nakir is still awake, leaving my maids to be confused.

Opening the doors of my office, I see Nakir writing away at his desk.

"Nakir!! Oh, thank goodness. I need confirmation of something."

He lifts his head from his work and adjusts his attire.

"Of course, Your Majesty… How may I help you?"

I rush over, and he looks taken aback.

"I need you to verify if this is indeed legally accurate."

He glances at the document in my hand before gently taking it from me and reading it over. I watch his eyes scan the paper as I wait in anticipation.

"This is.." He manages to get out.

"Yes.. the Duke's birth certificate…"

"It is indeed real, Your Majesty. " His shocked expression on his usually stoic face has me stressed.

"Oh, for the love of…. There's no way this just fell in my lap free of cost.. right?"

He shrugs, and I huff.

"I.. I don't know what to do. I could ruin the Duke with this and ensure he never returns… and leave the arranged marriage.."

Nakir stands and pushes in his chair.

"Why don't you ask the Prime Minister what you should do? As much as I'd like to well.. aid in this situation.. I won't be much help."

"Hmm, good idea.. Thanks, Nakir."

I head to Bennet's room this late at night and knock on his door. A few moments later, he opens it, still fully dressed in his usual attire.

"Your Majesty..what a pleasant surprise. Is there something I can help you with?" His calming voice soothes my raging anxiety just a smidge, and I nod.

"Yes.. could I please come in?"

He nods and opens the door further to allow me in. I look around his office, and all I see are geodes of some sort. Rocks fill every nook and cranny of his office and desk, except for one photograph of what seems to be him and his daughter. I smile fondly at the photo before turning back to him.

"I need some advice on what to do... I was sent a letter by Emperor Raul."

I notice a flicker of something in Bennet's face before he gives me a curious look.

"Whatever do you mean, Your Majesty?"

I hold out the letter and birth certificate to him. He reads everything over with a calm expression before he sighs and hands it back to me.

" I knew that old fool would get caught someday.."

A sense of betrayal fills me, and I look at him with a hurt expression, "You knew..?"

He looks down in shame. "I'm sorry, you see, he was a dear friend of mine. I couldn't afford to lose him."

It hurt, but I understood. If Ellie changed and I could still be by her side, I doubt I'd leave either.

"Fine, I understand that... though I'm still disappointed in you, Prime Minister," I say coldly.

"I figured you would be... I'm assuming you want advice... " he asks hesitantly. I was also hesitant to receive advice from him, but I pushed my feelings aside.

"Yes.. what do you think I should do..?"

He sighs and sits down at his desk.

"Turn him in."

"Wait, what? But I thought he was your friend..?" I ask softly.

"He still is my friend, but he's been out of line. It's time he learns his lesson. And who better to teach him than you, Your Majesty."

He has a point, but I can't help but feel a little guilty.

"If I do this.. There's no coming back for him.."

"I know that…"

I mulled it over for weeks as the wedding approached. There was one last council meeting before the wedding, and it was tomorrow. So I either had to present it then or find some other way. But what other way was there? Was there nothing else I could do?

"When an animal is backed into a corner, it becomes dangerous."

The mysterious man's voice rings in my head as I make my decision. The Duke had taken from me again and again. And if I was going to show that I could be a strong Queen, I needed the council to see that I wasn't messing around. Besides, if the Duke was no longer the head of the family, then Elora wouldn't have been forced to go to a boarding school. Oren would be free as well. But would he forgive me for ruining his family? And did I care?

I couldn't care less. I had to do this for my freedom and rights. It was a bit selfish, but I had to do something. Divorce was difficult between monarchs, no matter how early. Oren could claim a ton of my power if the courts favored him. Plus, there was Ellie. I had been sending her letters, and she was responding, but things didn't feel right.

Tossing and turning:

I fall asleep to the feeling of regret and a dream.

The morning passes quickly, and the Prime Minister leads me yet again into the room. My nerves are shot, and I try to meet people's eyes. I glance at Ellie to see that she's already looking at me. However, she quickly averts her gaze. Arriving at my seat, I sit down, and everyone follows.

"Now that we're all here, let us begin." The Prime Minister begins.

The meeting goes on for a while, and once it reaches the end, I stand up and decide to make my move.

"May I have your attention?"

A hush falls upon the council as I speak. I feel their eyes on me and do my best to stay confident.

"It has come to my attention... That one of you is illegitimate."

All hell breaks loose. Accusations fly, and people cry in outrage. I bang the gavel, hoping everyone will shut up. A sudden silence and a cough.

"As I was saying… I have found one of you to be illegitimate. Duke Barrow Haleson… would you care to explain yourself."

Whispers erupt, and I look to the Duke. His fists are clenched as eyes trail to him.

"What proof do you have, Your Majesty?" A nasal voice speaks up. Moving my eyes from the Duke to the man who spoke, I see that it is Baron Kilmer. He was one of the Duke's friends and hated me with a passion. The loathing was mutual.

"Well, Baron Kilmer, I managed to get my hands on the Duke's legal birth certificate. Unfortunately, none of you are allowed to hold it yourself as it's important evidence, so the Prime Minister here can attest to its legality."

Baron Kilmer grips his came tightly in his hand, and I have half a mind to assume he will hit something when the Duke speaks up.

"How did you find it… tell me, you foolish woman! Who sent you that birth certificate?!"

Gasps fill the room, and my gaze settles on him once more. He was standing now, gripping the handles on his seat.

"I don't see how it's of any importance how I got my hands on it. Just that I did Duke Haleson.. Or should I call you Barrow? Since you have no real last name nor title."

I can practically feel his rage dripping from his soul. It all made sense now why none of his children inherited his so-called ice affinity. Because he never had it in the first place. Duchess Victoria was of true noble blood, so her genes must've just taken over. It was why the Duke had never been seen using his affinity and was known for being secretive about it. The one thing that didn't click was how a girl got such a rare affinity if she didn't have two noble parents… unless… Duchess Victoria cheated.

"You wench!! I'll ruin you for this! How dare you accuse me of being illegitimate!"

"Yelling at me and calling me names won't make it any less true, Barrow. Guards take him away."

He yells and swears as he's taken away, cursing my name and such. Everyone is in shock and disbelief. Members of the council discuss what just happened as I stand and walk right out of that room.

The next few weeks are a mess. Members of the Duke's faction, as they've begun to call themselves, have decided to cease working until he is reinstated. This seems like a bad thing, but it gives me the chance to kick them all off the council and replace them with newer, younger individuals who aren't so old they're turning to dust. The process it takes is grueling and exhausting. I've been sending so many letters and emails that my hands have been cramping for days. Nakir has been an enormous help, but the two of us aren't enough. I emailed my friends to check in on them instead of asking them for help because I didn't want to be that friend. However, in a way, I've come to regret it. Ellie and I have still been exchanging letters, but it's awkward. I wanted to see her, no I needed to see her.

Finishing the last part of the work for today, I organized it on my desk and began walking back to my room. Once there, I take a bath and put on pajamas and a robe. I decide to have my dinner on my balcony when I see a shadow moving through the gardens. Swearing, I glance at my maids and look for a way down. It was reckless, but I didn't want to wake the whole palace over a hunch. Closing the balcony doors, I turn and pull my robe closer. I look below and see a balcony underneath mine. Deciding I will do this, I climb over the balcony and drop down from the fence. I land on the ledge of the lower balcony. Swearing a string of curses, I jump to the side and land on the grass. Sanity was not a word in my vocabulary. Realizing I should've brought some sort of weapon, I cursed and began trailing the figure.

The gardens were always quiet at this time of night except for the sounds of crickets and the water fountains. Occasionally, a breeze would flow through the flowers, and I would get a whiff of floral scents, though. The whole space was enchanting with flower bushes and paved walkways. Walking along one of the paths, I reached a part where the paths ended and heard footsteps. I crouch down and begin following the sound of the footsteps when the figure takes off running.

"Shit shit shit, what am I doing?!" I mutter as I chase after the cloaked figure. Sareth had a fighting class, so I knew some things, but I was nowhere near assassin level. I spot the figure bending over a bush and decide to sneak up on them. Slipping off my shoes and setting them on the grass, I take slow, deliberate steps and tackle them to the ground. I grab their wrists and pin them next to their head as they let out a breathless scream. I sit on their hips to keep them from moving and look down to see their face. Grinning from glee, I look down to see just who I expected.

Ellie's hair fans out underneath her, and a terrified expression fills her face before it changes to one of determination. It was then I realized she couldn't see me well enough in the dark. Before I can tell her it's me, she lifts her hips and flips me onto my back. Her cold switchblade reaches my neck in an instant. Suddenly, fireflies surround us like when I was crying in the garden. She can see me now. I grin at her and I see surprise etch her features.

"Hey.." I manage to get out, wiggling my eyebrows. She stares down at me before glancing at her switchblade and immediately pulling it up and away from my neck.

"Y/n..? What the fuck! You scared the shit out of me! What if I cut you, you idiot!" She seems angry, but I can tell she is just worried.

"I had a feeling it was you," I said, smiling. She often passed my balcony late at night while taking her evening walk. Usually, she writes in her journal as she walks, and I have nailed her routine by now. However, she didn't usually have a cloak on, which is why I couldn't be sure it was her. But I was willing to take the risk.

"And what if it wasn't me, huh? What then."

"Then I'd die wishing it was you…" I mutter softly, looking up at her. Her breath hitches, and I feel her anger subside.

"You're such a dork."

Thanks to the fireflies, I can see her face clearly. A slight blush danced on her features, and I decided then and there that it was all worth it.

"I needed to talk to you, Ellie... Things have been…"

"Awkward? Yea.. I know.. Look, I'm sorry I-"

"No- no, it's ok-"

"Look at the Ball.. I was high as fuck.. It's why I was late and-"

We suddenly both realize she's still sitting on my hips and holding a wrist to my chest. She immediately fumbles back and off me.

"Shit- I'm so sorry, Y/n... I almost murdered you-"

"Hey... Hey, it's ok. I knew you wouldn't." I adjust so I'm sitting on the grass facing her.

"You're still a dumbass for that." I focus on her face as I hear water running from the palace fountain.

"What are you doing out here so late?" I ask, tying her untied converses.

She shifts her foot and huffs.

"I was going for a walk."

"With a cloak on? And with your switchblade?" I ask, raising a brow as I finish the last knot.

"It's cold out here! And I never go anywhere without it…" She argues. I pull my hands away from her shoe and lean back onto my hands. The feeling of the grass poking my hands tickles a little, but I ignore it.

"Alright, fair enough. Where did you even get it? It's a lovely switchblade," I say, looking at it as Ellie closes it. She gently hands it over, and I sit up and gently take it.

"My mom gave it to a woman named Marlene for me to have. She.. she got sick and wasn't going to make it.."

I frown and examine the blade. Marble is carved into the wood of the handle. It was simple yet gorgeous at the same time. I close it and hand it back.

"It's gorgeous Ellie… " I didn't note on her mother's death; Ellie didn't seem like the type of person to like even a smidge of pity. So I ask her questions about it instead.

"What sickness was it..? If I can ask..?"

"Some disease that spread around Jackson right before I was born. Loads of people died from it, but Joel won't let anyone tell me about it. I've tried to find information on it for ages now, but all I get is a bunch of nothing." She says, fiddling with a rock on the ground.

"Why don't I look into it for you..? I'm sure I can find something." I say gently.

She looks up at me finally with a slight hesitation on her face.

"You'd do that..?"

"Yea… 'course I would, El.."

She stares at me for a moment, and I begin to question if I've done something wrong.

"Ellie-"

"Say it again.." She whispers.

"Wha-"

"Call me El again.." Louder this time.

I stare into her eyes trying to determine what she's thinking but I can't. The fireflies seem to be moving even faster, and crickets sing once more. I open my mouth and whisper,

"El.."

She grins and pulls out her journal.

"What are you-"

"Shhh! Hold still." Her hand holds my chin as she moves my head to face her.

��Cold fingers and callouses.

She lets go and starts sketching. She sticks her tongue out just a smidge, and I have to resist the urge to laugh. I smile at her, and she grins. Watching her pencil move across the paper to form my face is quite the sight. I could tell she moved more fireflies around my face because they were surrounding me, and I could hardly see her. After a few minutes, she signs her name, writes something at the bottom, and closes the notebook.

"What! I don't get to see??" My voice breaking the silence.

"Nope." She says with a cheeky grin.

"How rude! I sat here for hours posing, and now you won't even let me see the finished work!"

"Yup, that's right."

I glare at her, and she just bursts out laughing. Huffing, I gently swat the fireflies away.

"Can't believe you."

"You seriously didn't see this coming?"

I huff and roll my eyes.

"No…I trusted you."

"Rule number one, never trust anyone."

"That rule is bullshit."

"You calling my rules bullshit?"

"I calls them like I sees them."

This time, it's her turn to huff. She flicks my forehead and stands. As she extends a hand to me, I take it and stand next to her.

"Next time, don't go chasing people in your pajamas during the middle of the night." She looks down at me with a raised brow and a slightly judgemental look.

"I'm not a child Ellie."

"You're younger than me."

"What! No way!"

"Yea, I'm 21," Ellie says cockily.

I huff and kick a rock before I take my hand from hers.

"Alright, whatever.. Next time I'll send the guards to tackle your ass."

She grins and forms a flower for me from the ground up. Cutting the stem as she usually does, she hands it to me. This time, it's a Dalhia with an ombre pattern.

"Thanks, Ellie, it's gorgeous…"

She says nothing for a moment before she asks, "Why did you kiss me on the cheek..?"

My heart dropped, and I didn't know what to tell her because I honestly didn't know why either.

"Isn't that what some royals do as a farewell…?" I think on the spot. It was true that some royals and nobles used it as a farewell to people they considered close. Still, it was usually given to someone who was on the same hierarchy as you. Giving a kiss to someone "Beneath you" was considered running the royal lips.

I can't read her expression, but she seems to buy it. Just when the silence becomes too unbearable, she tucks my hair away from my cheek and kisses it softly.

"Figured I'd return the favor.."

Before I can respond, she's practically running away. I stand there dazed for a moment and cup the spot she kissed to hold my hand out and look at it as if the kiss would appear on my hand. My face heats up and I feel butterflies attack my stomach. I take a deep, shaky breath before I make my way back to my room.

It turns out I freaked out my maids. Due to my little excursion, the whole palace was in a panic, thinking I'd been kidnapped. Now, thanks to my idiocy, two guards were placed at the bottom of the second balcony. It seemed my general was not playing with my safety, which I kind of appreciated. I sent him a long letter profusely apologizing, and this time, instead of flowers like I did for Nakir, I sent his favorite food along with it.

Now, I was currently getting ready for Barrow's court hearing. A judge would be providing, but as I was the Queen and had made the claim, I was required to be there.

Jane weaves pearl pins into my hair while Rose smooths out my dress. If I didn't know any better, I'd say I was going in there as a lawyer myself. They've put me in a deep purple pantsuit and white heels. Pearls are woven and pinned into my hair, and I've been given a folder with all the information needed for court today. Finishing up, Jane takes a step back and curtsies.

"All done, Your Majesty." Her usually timid voice was gone.

"Thank you, Jane," I say as I finish adjusting my jewelry.

I was happy she had finally come out of her shell and gained some sense of comfort around me. I smile at her before I walk to the door.

"I'll be back, girls! Feel free to relax while I'm gone; it's gonna be a while." I say before I open the doors. They respond with well-wishes and such, and I close the door behind me. I make my way to the courtroom and spot a few friendly faces in the crowd. The Prime Minister and Nakir are in the booth. I see Ellie, too, and I'm surprised to see Dina and Jesse with her. Dina spots me and waves to me while Jesse smacks her arm down. I giggle and wave back before making my way to my throne. I watch as Dina smacks Jesse and says something to him as he rolls his eyes. Those two are a handful, and Ellie seems annoyed. I try to meet her eyes, but she seems too tired to realize it.

Soon, court is in session, and Barrow is brought out. He glares up at me, and I raise a brow. You reap what you sow motherfucker.

"Barrow, formerly known as Duke Barrow Haleson, you are hereby charged with impersonation of a noble and slandering the royal name. Are you or are you not guilty?" The Judge asks Barrow.

"I'm not guilty." He says proudly. His lawyer facepalms and groans. I stifle a laugh and pay attention.

"Alrighty then. Will the court please present its evidence?"

The District attorney presents the birth certificate to the Judge. I watch as his eyes scan over the document. The room waits with bated breath as the Judge sets the document down. Her eyes narrow as she looks at Barrow.

"What is your claim, Barrow? Because this document seems legally accurate to me." She says coldly, her voice unwavering.

"Your Honor… I was only helping the late Duke Haleson... You see, his child died as it was born along with his wife. He had to start all over again… but I was born under his roof to a maid and a stable boy. He promised them I would be well taken care of. The Duke hid that document away… If anything, this is the late Duke's fault, not mine! I had no choice in the matter, and by the time I knew, I was too far in deep to admit the truth." He begins pleading, "Please, Judge Mallory... There must be something you can do."

"Do not blame the dead, for they are no longer here." The Prime Minister suddenly says. I wasn't aware people were allowed to interject during court.

"Yes… thank you, Prime Minister.. Barrow, you are admitting to being an illegitimate child, yet you claim you aren't guilty?"

"Yes… Your honor.."

Judge Mallory sighs and writes something down.

"And what of the slander against the Queen? Do you admit to that?"

"I was simply saying what everyone in the room was thinking." Everyone in the room rushes to my side and begins yelling at him. Barrow flinches and begins apologizing.

"Alright! Alright! I'm sorry!! " he says, covering his ears and glaring at the people in the room.

Judge Mallory turns to me and asks, "How would you like to proceed, Your Majesty?"

I ponder on it for a moment. What he said may be true... And if so, I do feel some sort of pity for him… however, I had to make an example of what happened to those who fooled me.

"Imprisonment for 20 years," I say to the Judge. Barrow begins screaming and pleading.

"Your Majesty, no!! Please!!" He cries out. I look down at him unfeeling and wish I could feel some sort of pity, but this man attempted to take away my right to choose who I marry. And so much more.

"Would you like 40 years instead, Barrow? I thought 20 was quite merciful of me…" Looking down at him, I see the fear turn to rage.

"Fine. So be it, but there's something that needs to be addressed! You must pay for your infidelity and unloyalty to my son!"

I was heavily confused. Glancing at Oren himself, I see he, too, is perplexed.

"What do you mean Barrow?" Judge Mallory asks.

"She is cheating on my son! Bring me the letters!"

A butler brings out something covered in a white cloth and sets it on the table before him. Whispers fill the room, and I begin to notice that outline along the bottom.. no .. it couldn't be... Could it..?

Barrow lifts the cloth off the top, and my worst fears come to life. The box full of letters Ellie sent me rests on the table right in front of him. He opens the box and hands the letters to his lawyer. How did he get his hands on those... The only people who know about them are… my maids…

One of my maids betrayed me. The sickening realization fills my lungs with bile, and I feel myself grip my seat. I glance at Ellie, but she's staring at the letters.

"They're all letters to the Queen... From some Prince E!!" Barrow's lawyer shouts. The room erupts in gasps, and he brings the letters to Judge Mallory. I feel everyone's eyes on me. I try to open my mouth, but it's dry, and I can't seem to get a word out.

"Your Majesty… is this true..?"

Judge Mallory looks at me with the letters in her hand, and I try not to cry.

"Of course it's true!! Prince E can only be a man that she's cheating on my son with!"

"But I've never heard of a Prince E…"

"Who could Prince E be."

A few whispers I catch stress me out further. I was screwed. The only people who knew Prince E were Ellie and me. If I spoke up about it, I'd have to say Ellie is just a friend. Which I could do.. or … admit that I was cheating even though I wasn't and face the consequences. Neither option sounded good, but I was backed into a corner. Licking my lips, I begin to say something when I hear, "It was me."

A voice rings out from the stands. Ellie stands tall as whispers erupt around the room.

"I wrote Y/n.. I mean Queen Y/n, those letters. I'm Prince E."

Chaos ensues, and Judge Mallory has to slam her gavel to calm everyone down. I stare at Ellie in shock, but she doesn't look my way.

"Can you prove this claim, Prince Ellie?" Judge Mallory asks.

"Yes, Jesse, go grab the letters, please." She asks him loudly. He bows and runs off, looking more stressed than I've ever seen him.

Ellie meets my eyes, but before I can say anything to her, she looks away. My heart drops even further. As we wait for Jesse to return, people gossip like crazy. Jesse runs back into the room with a box similar to mine. She really had been keeping them…

"As you can see, these are sealed with Her Majesty's personal seal," Ellie says, looking directly at Barrow, challenging him. Jesse brings the box to Judge Mallory, and she reads a few before sighing.

"What is your point, Prince Ellie?" Judge Mallory asks her.

"My point.. Is that Queen Y/n and I are just friends? Nothing more."

Tears well in my eyes as I feel my heart snap. Everyone in the room has some form of reaction, and Barrow yells in outrage.

"This can't be!! I had a reliable source tell me the Queen was cheating on my son!!" He bellows.

Judge Mallory bangs the gavel once more and calmly says.

"Prince Ellie's statement checks out, Barrow; you are hereby stripped of your title permanently and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for slander of the Royal family and impersonation of a noble."

She bangs her gavel once more as a final message to keep quiet and rises from her seat. Things go by quickly after that. Ellie, Dina, Jesse, and everyone else leave the room quickly while I stay frozen in my seat. Suddenly, I snap out of it, grab the letters from the bench, and run back to my room. As soon as I'm there, I kick my maids out. I didn't know which one of them to trust... One of them had betrayed me... Maybe even more.

I felt so hurt and betrayed... Not only by others but by myself. Here I was, sobbing over a woman who didn't love me back...

I was falling in love with her…

No…

I was in love with Ellie Williams.

And it killed me inside to admit that.

The tears fall down my face at a faster pace now. I'm looking around the room for a place to hide the letters when my eyes land on the fireplace. Blinded by my emotions and tears, I stumble over to it and light it. If I was going to be a Queen I could be proud of, I needed to make a change. Besides… as Ellie said, we're just friends…

The warm flames lick my cold tears as I sob and burn each and every letter…

I should've just gotten a damn phone..

↞ Previous ⨾ଓ Masterlist ⨾ଓ Next ↠

#ellie williams #ellie x reader #afab reader #i love writing #writing is rewarding #writing #ellie x fem reader #ellie tlou #ellie the last of us #royalty au #royalty #hope you like it #this took way too long #Spotify #serraphimn

16 notes · View notes

vixannya · 11 months ago

Text

His name had been tossed around quite a bit lately in their inner circle, and Vixannya could admit she was a sucker for a skilled musician. But that wasn’t her only reason for taking a late night trip to the Darkmoon Faire, there were other, hidden motives that no one but her needed to know. She inquired after this ‘Jace Landon’ and was pointed in the right direction, although the sound of his violin made it easy enough to pinpoint his location.

She had to admit, his skills seemed wasted in this place, but she could understand the desire to work and play on one’s own schedule. He seemed the sort to prefer to take his own direction in life and have no one tell him what to do or when to do it. Relatable. She stood near the back of the audience and silently watched him, brows raising in interest as various crowd members seemed to donate perhaps just a little bit too much gold or even their expensive looking adornments. No one seemed to bat an eyelash in doing so; she wouldn’t question it aloud.

The longer she watched and listened, the more enraptured she found herself. The music seemed to pierce her very soul and draw out unexpected emotions, suddenly finding herself caught up in some sort of lucid daydream. Or at least it started as a daydream, and then abruptly turned into one of her ‘episodes’. It wasn’t the first time nor would it be the last that one of her visions suddenly came on without warning; some people just had a certain something about them that triggered her without having to make use of more invasive means.

She finally blinked out of it and found herself thankfully still standing and watching. She hadn’t collapsed or fainted this time, that was always a task to explain to a crowd of onlookers. Although now her mind was now occupied and nearly overwhelmed by what she had seen in those brief moments. He certainly was a curious one, it was no wonder so many were drawn to him.

She waited around for the crowd to disperse before making her approach, holding out one of her business cards between two fingers. “Vixannya Ana’diel. I believe you’re acquainted with some friends of mine: Sana, Pyraelia, Kaisina. I know you’re busy this week, but I’d like you to contact me soon. I have an offer you are absolutely not going to want to refuse.” She left it at that, recognizing another appreciator of mystery when she found one.

He took the card, tilting his head. “Jace Landon. You have me intrigued, Miss Ana’diel. I’ll contact you soon.” He was semi-acquainted with her at this point, having been told of her various galleries and, apparently, killer after parties. She seemed like a woman he would want to know. She flashed him a charming smile, eyeing him over once more before dipping her head politely,”Until then.” Turning on heel, she made her way down the dirt road, glancing only once over her shoulder to get a final look at him. He looked oddly familiar.

@jacelandon mentions of @twosidedsana @pyraelia @kaisinasunblade

#story #vixannya #jace #fwc2024 #wyrmrest accord

16 notes · View notes

colossal-red · 1 year ago

Text

Crafty Fox

TW: A smidgen of fear, overall tame I believe

WC: 670-ish maybe

—————————————————————

Day #1

Date: November 16th

Charlie told me before leaving the last house that making something called a ‘Journal’ might be a good distraction for me as I move onto my next house… personally I don’t see the appeal but I don’t have much else to do in between staying alive. He gave me this leather-bound book that had some pretty good craftsmanship, never would have expected that of the joker.

Anyway... today was a new day, for a new start.

After a treacherous journey of stowing away in a human car, as they call it, I eventually found myself in a new house… it seems simple enough, one bedroom, kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and an attic that didn’t seem very lived in… perhaps this human had moved in recently, it doesn’t matter to me…

I need to be careful this time… if I’m seen I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it too a new home. I’ve been working on something that might allow me to traverse the house with ease… but that’s a pretty big might hehe…

I’d stick around and write more, imaginary audience… but I really need to get a layout of the house.

Til later, I guess.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shit shit shit shit.

The human came back suddenly, they’d left the house earlier presumably to do some shopping and now they’re here… I’ve huddled down in a cabinet… but I haven’t a clue how long this hiding spot will last…

He seems to be busy thankfully… not checking this cabinet… sadly there wasn’t anything good in this place. Only a strangely sugary cube thing… it’s soft and squishy, maybe it’d make a good pillow of some kind… if it doesn’t get too sticky…

Fuck it got a sticky mess in my fur, great.

Update once I think it’s safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alright I’ve settled down again.

I’m back in the attic, these vents are surprisingly easy to navigate through… I’ve found myself a nice cardboard box I could set up in, and have taken the sticky cube back up… I’ve seen a few of these before but they’re hard to get, they don’t exactly get left out.

Anyway, the kitchen… it’s a basic kitchen, a fridge set up next to three counters with an Island in the middle; Not to mention the microwave resting on the counter farthest from the fridge and the stove beside that on the other wall.

Below I’ll draw a picture for… myself, jeez you’d think I was going crazy with thinking anyone other than myself would read this.

Tomorrow I’m going to check out the humans bedroom… I don’t think I’ll be spending that much time there but it’s still important. Maybe I can borrow some of the fabric from that sweater of his to make a blanket… I get the feeling this winter is going to be cold as fuck.

Besides with how bright that yellow is he kinda deserves to get a hole in it y’know?

It’s hard to keep my eyes open… so I’m going to end this off with a checklist for tomorrow, good night Fundy.

P.S. oddly comforting to read my own name being spoken good night too… anyway.

———————————————————————

Authors Note: Andddd Cut!

Heya everyone!

Colossal-Red here, it’s… been a while to say the least XD

I’m sorry for having been on hiatus recently, and I know y’all have probably been wanting new content for my au’s…

Sadly I still don’t have all that much time to write, I really really really wanted to write something though so I mustered up the time to write this short journal entry :3

However with the lil amount of time I might have to continue this series… I won’t be able to complete or continue any of the other au’s, such as SRBF, TinyHunt, Tubbee, The Mark, Etc…

I do hope to return to those au’s at some point… but as of now it’d be impossible.

So… I can only hope this post will satisfy y’all’s hunger for some of my writing if anyone missed me xd

Until tomorrow… maybe.

Also- @kayla-crazy-stuffs @poprockpanda @brick-a-doodle-do tell the rest of the family like Squishy as well cuz I can’t find their @ xd

#tiny!fundy #mcyt g/t #mcyt gt #giant!unknown #the return #crafty fox au #tiny!slimecicle #technically #this is really shit #but y’know what *posts it anyway*

17 notes · View notes

tainted-by-skeletons · 1 year ago

Text

Bully Reader X Sans (Part 2)

(Still SFW. This part gets to the Sans X Reader stuff.)

Y/N’s Pov

I dreaded the day Sans would run into me next. But that day wouldn't be nearly as bad as the next time I ran into Papyrus.

“Hey! Paps! Uhhh is-”

“Y/N! Ooooh do I have some words for you!”

Usually I'd laugh at his silly, oddly motherly language… but he looked pissed. He lived with his brother. Obviously he saw what happened. And obviously Sans told him in a way that would make it look worse for me.

“Oh my god. I'm so sorry! Okay!? The whole canine unit was daring me to do it!”

“I insist you go apologize to my big brother right now!”

“Uhhhh…” I started quietly.

“Why are you hesitating?! Do you think I want to be friends with someone who bullies my brother! I didn't even realize how badly you were treating him until he came home with permanent marker all over his face!”

“I'm really sorry…”

“Tell him that!”

I really didn't get why Papyrus was fuming the way he was until he said,

“He's in our house all day now because he can't get it off!”

“What!?” I screeched.

“Is that a surprise to you? It's called a permanent marker.”

“It's not permanent for human’s skin! Oh my god. I'm soooo so sorry! I didn't know!” I insisted.

“Well.” Papyrus huffed. “I suppose your intentions weren't as evil as I thought, but you still have to apologize!”

“Yeah! Of course! Uh!- Well. I don't know if I should go to his house though.”

I already knew that Sans was extremely protective of his territory. Much like the dog guards. That wasn't a monster thing, but it did seem somewhat common in Snowden.

“This is an emergency!” Papyrus urged.

“Okay! Okay. I'll apologize. Is there something I can bring him? Like food? Orrr… I dunno.”

Usually when I had a fight with one of my friends I'd do something to make it up to them. But letting him draw on my face was my only idea and I'd assume he wouldn't like it.

“I would ask you to bring him Grillby's, but I heard you were rightfully banned from the restaurant.”

“Yeaaaah. What about MTT’s?”

“It… will have to do. Hurry!” Papyrus demanded.

“Eeep! Okay!”

I would never describe Papyrus as scary, but I'd die if he didn't talk to me. He was my only friend in the underground that I could really rely on for anything. He was irreplaceable and I did feel really bad about what I did to his brother. So I walked halfway across the underground kingdom and then all the way back to the skeleton brother's house. No doubt the food was cold, but it was the thought that counted.

*Knock knock*

The door didn't open, but not long after I knocked, I heard shuffling behind the door.

“Who is it?” A grumpy deep voice asked.

It was definitely Sans. It was actually pretty easy to recognize anyone's voice in the underground.

“Ummm. Your least favorite person... With a peace offering!”

“Fuck off!”

Something slammed against the door and scared a yelp out of me. I didn't want to stay there for any longer than I had to, but everyone said Sans couldn't hurt a fly. So I took a deep breath and started over.

“Please let me in. I know how to get permanent marker off of stuff. Okay?”

“You don't have to come in to tell me.”

“You at least have to open the door if you want food.”

Sans opened the door and stuck a boney hand out. I easily enough pushed the door open all the way. And I let myself in.

“Hey! What the hell?!”

“I don't apologize to closed doors. Now. Do you have nail polish remover?”

“The fuck does it look like?” Sans said rudely.

Sans looked as grumpy as he sounded. He was wearing his usual blue and gray jacket, but this time he had his hood up. There were two race car bandaids on his cheeks.

“You probably don't own soap.” I joked.

Sans shoved me and I nearly got locked outside again. I put myself between the door and the frame. Sans was thankfully not very strong.

“Aaah! Okay! Okay! I'm sorry!” I shouted.

Sans crossed his arms and huffed at me without saying anything.

“I'll come back with a few things that might work. Okay? You can take this for now. Or else it'll get even colder. But… please let me back in okay?”

Sans' already big eyes seemed to somehow get wider. But he quickly turned his head down and to the side as he muttered,

“Fine.”

“I'll be back later then.”

“Hey.”

“What?”

“Why are you doin’ all this?”

“I… I didn't realize that it was permanent. And I wouldn't have done it if I wasn't drunk. So I want to sorta make up for it.”

“You're not trying to get back into Grillby's?”

“No. It's your place. I won't go again.”

“Uh… I don't…I don't believe ya.”

And he slammed the door on my face.

“Uggghhh! Rude!” I shouted.

I turned away and headed towards the only convenience store I knew of.

It really is a shame. He looks so cute with those little bandaids on his cheeks! He seems more approachable now. I ought to convince him to take those off and let me highlight the cute marks I gave him with blush. Maybe he'll make some friends and leave me alone.

So I bought a few more things at the store than I originally intended. Nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, blush, and a snack too. Checking the time, I realized it was starting to get somewhat late.

“Oh! I have to head back! Thanks!”

I rushed back to Sans' house. Running into Papyrus on the way.

“Human! How did it go?”

“I know how to get the marker off Sans’ face. He's going along with me for now. Are you on your way back?”

“Yes! I just came back from training with Undyne!”

“That's great. It'll be nice to have someone on my side. It won't be as awkward that way.”

“I am always happy to help a friend!”

“Thanks Paps. Er. Papyrus.”

Papyrus raised a metaphorical brow at my retraction of his nickname.

“Why don't you and Sans get along again?”

“I dunno… he's just… He's a real mood killer. And I don't like that he's always trying to get on my case about stuff!”

“What stuff?”

“Well… like… Being mean to people. But hey! Even if he's right, lecturing me isn't gonna make me wanna be any nicer! Besides! That's just how people get along sometimes. You don't care. Right?”

“When you make fun of me? I… I didn't want to bother you about it but… Yes. I do care about that.”

“Oh… Papyrus I'm so sorry. I'm not trying to hurt your feelings or anything. It's just-... Just… I don't know. I say to you the kinda things my friends up on the surface always said to me. The guard dogs do it too! We push each other around and stuff and call each other chickens but… I do it a little differently? Don't I?”

“Sometimes. It does feel the same as a guard calling me names but I don't like that much either. You, Sans and Undyne are really the only people I consider friends.”

“Really? But you're so fun to hang out with!”

“Thank you Human! You know, Sans is a lot of fun too! I didn't understand why he's always so tense around you, but I hope one day you'll give each other a chance! I think you would be really great friends.”

“Ahhh. I don't know. Right now I'm just hoping to make up for this. I'm glad you'll be there though. Maybe you can butter him up.”

“Aaahhh Weelll! I actually have something I have to do! I'm so sorry human! I'm sure you'll do just fine without me! I have to go now actually!”

“What?! But we're almost there! Come on!”

As suspicious as it was, I wanted to get inside a house quickly. Smart ladies don't stay outside at night. I knocked on the skeleton brother's door once again. Wondering what Papyrus suddenly ran off for. Especially so late at night.

“... What? Why!” I heard through the door.

Sans was talking to someone. I couldn't tell who and I couldn't hear much, so I put my ear to the door and listened in.

“Yeah. She just got here. I'm about to let her in… Yeah? Well I wish I didn't have to! Why can't you help me out instead?... I don't need to be friends with her. I don't want to... I mean nooo. Not as bad as before… Ya know. I love that you like everybody but she's a jerk… She did?... Well. That doesn't change anything. I gotta go. I think she's right outside.”

Sans opened the door. He had taken off his cute bandaids and I could see my artwork in its full glory.

“Eeee!~” I squealed and held my hands up to my cheeks to hide my smiling face from him.

“Uh! Hey! Shut up!”

I let myself in and closed the door behind me. Hopefully making his decision to let me stay a little easier.

“I've got two ideas that should both work. If somehow they don't, I'm sure I could find you some concealer until it eventually… well. Like… heals over or scratches off or whatever.”

“I'm not sure it would.”

“What?! But like. Your bone or whatever it is. It heals right!?”

“Yeah. But nobody's been stupid enough to draw on it. Most people think it's pretty obvious that I might not be able to get it off.”

“Well if that's how it is, then if this doesn't work then you can find concealer without my help!”

“What the fuck is that anyway?”

“Concealer? It's like a foundation specifically made to cover up redness or any blemishes.”

“Oh God. I'm not gonna use fucking makeup!”

“Are you kidding me? Don't be a pussy! Even guys use-.”

“What did you call me?!”

I saw a flash of blue light somewhere in the corner of my vision as suddenly my body slammed into the side of Sans' wall. The force of the hit knocked the air out of me. I talk big but I'm no good in a fight. I learned that the hard way a couple times. I raised a hand up to my throat. As if I could somehow catch my breath physically with it.

“Answer me.”

I looked up and saw Sans' cute vandalized face didn't look so cute anymore. One of his eye sockets was completely dark. Reminding me he was still an undead monster I knew nothing about. The other was glowing with a blue and yellow ring. He stepped up to me and put a hand against the wall I was thrown against. I yelped and tried to cover my trembling lips. But it didn't hide my horrified tears. The bright ring from Sans' eye faded away. Soon it was replaced with his usual cartoonish white dots.

“Wow. Just like the canine unit. All bark and no bite.”

No one told me that Sans could fight. In fact, I heard exactly the opposite from everyone. That's why I wasn't afraid to pick on him. Sans backed off me. I took a second to wipe away my tears before I shakily stood. I realized the irony of me calling him a pussy. Out of everyone in the room that moment, it definitely wasn't him.

“Just… Let me give you the stuff so I can get out of here.” I said awkwardly and quietly.

“Good idea.”

I gave Sans a pouty glare as I reached for the bag of stuff I dropped. I was too late to hide the blush I bought on a whim. I tried to hide it back inside the clear bag as sneakily as I could. Obviously with Sans watching me do it, I couldn't hide much.

“The hell’s that pink stuff?”

“Uh! It's nothing! I was just- um. Er- It's actually mine.”

“I can tell you're lying. Is that something weird?”

Sans had a disgusted expression on his face. I could tell what he meant by weird and I didn't like what he might have been insinuating. Even then, I found myself asking to make sure.

“What do you mean weird?!”

“Oh God. Grillby told me you might have a crush on me but I didn't think he was actually right.”

“Whhat?!” I shrieked.

Sans' Pov

“What the hell is wrong with people like you? Are you that immature that you can't treat people you like with respect?”

“I don't have a crush on you! You're insane!”

“Kay. Then why'd you draw hearts on my face?”

“Because I didn't want anyone to see how bad I am at drawing!”

“Bullshit.”

“I'll prove it to you!”

“No you won't. Anyone can draw badly on purpose. Besides that's not an excuse because drawing on curved surfaces is hard anyway. So nobody's good at it in the first place.”

“What? No it's not! Why would that be hard?”

Oh wow. She is bad at drawing.

“Well why didn't you just write something then?”

“I have really bad handwriting.”

I guess that makes sense. Those go hand in hand.

“I got the idea because Brandy said something about it!”

That makes a lot of sense too…

“I don't really believe you.”

But I wasn't going to admit I was wrong about something like that.

“Ugh! You're just full of yourself! You probably think everyone has a crush on you!”

“I wouldn't have thought it if Grillby hadn't said anything.”

“Well he's crazy too! He probably just wanted to make you feel better or something! He probably likes you!”

“Oh. So you think everyone has a crush on me.”

“That's not what I said! That's not what I said at all!”

Her screeching didn't do her any favors. Still being seated on the ground under me was suspicious too. But what really convinced me was what I noticed when she stood up.

“You're blushing.”

“Uh! No! I-Ugh! Of course I'm blushing! You just nearly knocked me out and now you think I like you! It's all the blood in my- ugh! You wouldn't get it.”

“Haha. How much makeup do you wear? It's a mess.”

“Aaah! Don't look!”

She covered her face and turned away from me.

“Oh yeah? Why do you care if I see you like that?’

“Ugggh! Shut up!”

Y/N grabbed her bag and everything that fell out of it and marched upstairs.

#sans x reader #x reader #fanfiction #undertale

3 notes · View notes

krimskoi · 9 months ago

Text

Now that I'm a week in on raising my second little guy, I've found myself drawing a lot of comparisons between when I raised Kafei about 3 years ago (2 years and 11 months, to be precise)

Kafei

He was an exceptionally easy puppy, he did not go in the house save for one time it was pouring and the yard was flooded. He wasn't a huge chewer either, he'd try the legs of my computer chair while he was teething and broke the thumbstick on my pro controller.

I think by the time he was 3 months I let him have full roam of the apartment when he wasn't sleeping, he was that reliable.

He didn't really bite me either and he got along well with Penny pretty much immediately.

That being said he loathed bedtime and it was always a struggle to get him to settle in his crate. He got overtired easy and would hit the witching hour and just go apeshit. He wasn't too food driven so chews, kongs, lick matts did very little. He wanted to play and wanted me to be with him.

I think he wound up sleeping through the night relatively early on? I can't recall, but until he had diarrhea from the giardia medication I think he was sleeping through the night by week 12 or so.

His socialization was hit or miss, it was the pandemic but he started going with me to work and would meet my coworkers often. He allegedly* had giardia and the vet dropped the ball on that, I wasn't informed until 4 weeks later when he was supposed to get his last round of shots so I wound up having to wait until he was nearly 20 weeks to walk him. And then we immediately got run up on by an offleash doberman which shook my confidence.

I also didn't like the puppy classes we wound up going to. It was a lot of rehashing things I knew for the most part and his chance to play with other puppies was limited. They had an odd accidental habit of putting him together with ruder puppies for him to correct or dogs that were so shy they didn't play at all. I think in the six weeks he didn't have a single chance to play with a puppy who matched his energy. I tried their follow up class (puppy....intermediate? Something like that) exactly once and left the class halfway because they were having us practice loose leash walking in a small pen and I wound up going through all the treats I brought (two entire shredded chicken breasts) within the first twenty minutes.

I did really enjoy puppy agility though and to this day I think that course was a lot more helpful for him.

To this day his leash walking is pretty bad and he's hit or miss with strangers and very domineering over male dogs.

I was very 'disinfect the stroller wheels' with him, aside from my office, he went on a socialization trip once to home depot, once to a bougie pet store, and again on a ferry where he was carried. I think he went to a college campus too? I forget if he was already 20+ weeks then or not.

*allegedly in the sense that neither he nor penny and zucchini showed any symptoms, they neglected to tell me until I showed up for his 16 week shots and asked where his 'fresh stool sample' was, and he was not tested again. None of his siblings had it, none of the breeders dogs had it, and he was not given access to any standing water so. Who knows.

Haku

He is quintessential puppy, he'll pee in the house without much thought and I have to be very careful about watching him. He has yet to poop indoors which is a big plus. The breeders warned me Silkens are more difficult to potty train, but I've had a pretty easy time overall.

He is a big chewer, he'll go after cords, furniture, loose wood on the deck, rocks. He doesn't swallow it thankfully, but he will shove anything in his mouth if he thinks he can fit it.

Oddly enough he doesn't care about actual chews too much, he'll chomp on a bully stick for a bit but didn't care much about the benebones or the yak cheese. He liked the carrot I gave him though.

He gets along with the other two dogs, but it becomes a problem when he doesn't accept them saying 'leave me alone'. He pushes buttons and boundaries, and sometimes has to just be removed from the situation. He gets along better outside since the open spaces leaves the other dogs more tolerant. He is very nippy.

He takes to the crate like a champ though. I no longer work from home full time so it's handy to have a puppy who is willing to just sleep while I'm gone. He'll start complaining sometimes when he really has to go, but for the most part he's happy to be alone and sleeping.

I'm planning to be a little less defensive with him, more trips, early neighborhood walks. The 8-16 week period is so important and I don't want to not take full advantage again.

I'm going to puppy socialization meetups instead of classes this time around -- partially because of timing and partially because I just don't feel like I got a lot out of them with Kafei.

#dog baby diary

0 notes

astaroth1357 · 4 years ago

Text

The Demon Brothers got Hexed and now They're Babies. Good Luck, MC!

Lucifer

Both adorable and bossy at the same time.

If he wants something it has to be NOW or he'll fuss incessantly.

Attempts to order his brothers around still like they're his minions, but since none of them can form words very well it's just him assertively speaking near-gibberish in their general direction.

Unsurprisingly, his “orders” get completely ignored by everybody for once in his life, including his caretaker. Gets very frustrated when not listened to and will throw a mini-tantrum but will tire out very quickly and just take a nap wherever he's at.

Likes to try and boss MC around the most but it’s pretty easy to cave because he gets so dang giddy when someone finally does what he wants. Smiling baby Lucifer has to be one of the most precious sights in all the Devildom.

If you don’t think Diavolo is going to take it upon himself to act like his big brother through this whole thing, you’re wrong. The dude is loving this and will play with Luci all day if someone doesn’t step in to stop him.

After everyone is better he will demand that any and all pictures/videos of him get chucked into the sea. They won't be but, hey, he tried.

Mammon

Is there really any difference? 😆

Jokes aside, he's one of the clingest of the bunch and has to be held for a little bit every hour or else he gets grouchy.

Keeps putting shiny things in his onesie and ends up dragging them along behind him wherever he goes.

Pretty much will not share anything that's he's taken a liking to, be it toys, food, or people. The MC especially. He will try to physically drag his brothers away from what’s his if it comes down to it.

He's somehow everybody's favorite playmate and seems to know it too. If one of his brothers gets sad then he'll be right over to comfort them into playing again.

He's the only one who can wake up baby Luci from his naps without him getting too grouchy.

He's gonna sell a pretty penny on all the pics of his adorable little self. He also stole most of the footage of baby Lucifer playing with Diavolo to do the same. Hope the Grimm will be worth it when he finds out 💀

Leviathan

Cries. So. Damn. Fast.

One of those skittish kids that scares pretty easily and doesn't feel very comfortable around new people. Will be clinging onto somebody at all times and standing behind the MC’s legs is a favorite hiding spot.

Oddly fascinated by toilets and seeing how much he can flush down them. If it fits in the bowl, it ain't safe. Someone keep an eye on Henry…

Absolutely loves bathtime. Few things on this planet can claim to be happier than a little Levi buried under some soap suds. His grin could power the Devildom AND Las Vegas with some left to spare.

His tail is juuust starting to grow. He bawled his eyes out for hours once when Belphie "accidentally" yanked it (the little shit…)

Mammon is lowkey his emotional support friend.

Will likely be mortified later by the sheer amount of his own figurines he tried teething on. Thankfully, he was usually stopped before causing lasting damage.

Satan

Lil'brat #1

Is he the sort of kid who will push buttons just to see the reaction? The answer is yes, yes he is.

Does he throw the most ungodly temper tantrums ever known to demon kind for seemingly no reason at all? Yes. Yes he does.

Is he probably the reason that manners aren't just enforced, but fucking inventing? Absolutely.

Will he quiet the fuck down the second someone shows him a cat; real, picture, or otherwise? Oh yes. Right away.

More or less best dealt with by giving him a tablet with cat videos. He’ll settle right in and coo at the screen for hours. Otherwise, their father have mercy on your patience (and breakables).

Will apologize for all the trouble he caused when the hex wears off… (but he remembers all of it and fucking relishes that he got the chance to be That. Nasty. with no long-term consequences. Good times…)

Asmodeus

That one kid who doesn't get the concept of stranger danger at all.

Super adorable and friendly but prone to wandering off and trying to make friends with anything that moves.

That includes bugs, Henry 2.0, Diavolo, Barbatos, the angels, Solomon, that guy down the street, his hungry looking hellhound… Any time he makes a new “friend” he has to excitedly show them to the MC like they’re his new favorite thing ever.

Basically the reason those leashed toddler backpacks were invented.

Can be easily distracted by his own reflection in a mirror. He'll watch himself in rapt suspense for way longer than he really should.

He and Mammon fight over shiny things. While Mammon just stockpiles them, Asmo will try to wear them as hats.

Is going to be incredibly pissed if there's not at least an entire album's worth of pictures of his little baby self when he returns to normal. It's a one-in-a-lifetime Devilgram opportunity here!

Beelzebub

Will eat anything. Literally. Anything.

You think having practically no teeth will stop him? He has the jaw strength of a crocodile!

Can't be left alone in nearly any capacity because he will try a bite of whatever he gets his hands on. Tables, cushions, chairs, toys, remotes, nothing is safe...

Teething toys are a must for him, but he's going to go through a lot of them pretty quickly. Open up your wallet, MC, before he takes a bite out of that too.

Eats far too fast for his own good and gets food everywhere. It's best just to feed him without clothes on then hose him down afterward.

If he's not eating (or trying to eat) something then he's looking for cuddles. About the only thing that he doesn’t try taking a bite out of is MC, though it might be best to keep him fed so we don’t have to test that.

Doesn’t mind the photos, but might be a little disappointed that he doesn't remember tasting the couch… It always has reminded him of marshmallows...

Belphegor

Is either the easiest child to deal with in the world or Lil'brat #2. There is no in-between.

One of those kids who will gladly put themselves to bed and sleep through a hurricane if left alone.

Is also lowkey pretty aware that this means there’s a lot less attention on him and he will cause mischief when bored.

Obsessed with "drawing" on walls. Mostly portraits(?) of either himself or Beel, but occasionally one looks like the MC. Wherever he keeps finding the markers is a complete mystery.

Will also instigate fights with his brothers. Takes Mammon's favorite toys, throws Satan's tablet, pulls Levi's tail, etc. Tries to look like all cute afterward but he knows what he did and so does everybody else, the stinker. 😖

Nap buddies with Lucifer and they can often be found sharing his, now oversized, cow-pillow together.

Afterwards, he'll enjoy hearing the stories of his reign of terror but also kind of misses having that great excuse to nap all day.

#obey me #obey me mammon #obey me lucifer #obey me shall we date #obey me reactions #shall we date #shall we date obey me #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me scenarios #obey me asmodeus #obey me belphegor #obey me beelzebub

3K notes · View notes

aenaxes · 4 years ago

Note

Hey! I was wondering if you could write Crosshair going to the reader for random cuddles no matter where they are, late at night or out on the beach with the batch. BTW, I love the way you write and it never fails to get me inspired to draw our favorite clone boys. Good luck with Uni!

warnings: none

w/c: 1.6k

a/n: ahh tysm for this request! i got a little carried away lol but it's just because i had a lot of fun writing it! :-) hope this helps stoke the artistic imagination! (and thankfully uni is out for the summer so i have more time for our favorite clone boys)

It’s one of the better known facts that Crosshair doesn’t like to be touched, even if warranted, even if he’s asked. There are too many variables in another’s hands: accidents happen, sabotage is never unlikely, and sometimes youthful fear rears its cruel head, and he is flooded with the knee-jerk reflex of memories in the alabaster halls of Tipoca.

So the first time you cuddle with Crosshair, it’s just as much of a disaster as you expect it to be.

Crosshair lies like a corpse over the centre of your bunk, back rigid and ramrod straight, his deathly look complete with the ridiculous bandage criss-crossed over his hairline (courtesy of the simple joys of a ten metre human javelin toss and Wrecker’s miscalculated aim).

Where painkillers weren’t quite enough to keep the concussion headaches at bay, he’d somehow come to the conclusion that you would be. And who were you to turn down a sullen Crosshair mumbling awkwardly for cuddles at your door?

With careful hands and just enough of a firm touch to coax him onto his side without spooking him out of his moping, you maneuver him with his back towards the wall and gently push him further in before you climb onto the space beside him. He flashes you an uncertain look, and you offer him a wry smile in return.

“Relax a little,” you say, lifting his limp arm and slotting yourself against his side until your chests are flush. It’s less cuddling than it is you trying to mold yourself around the hard, firm lines of the tension etched into Crosshair’s muscle and poise. But if he was willing to put aside his standoffish pride to ask you for cuddles, you won’t deny him. Finally content with your arrangement, you lift your chin and fix him with a wry smile. “I can’t spoon a board.”

“Was that an insult?” he offers, a weak attempt at his usual wit that comes out as more of a whimper than bite. But to his credit, he’s listening to you, and you feel him shifting slightly in an attempt to make himself comfortable despite his somewhat unsettled expression.

“Maybe,” you counter. “Loosen your shoulders. Stop tensing. Cuddle, Crosshair.”

“I’m trying,” he mutters, and when you close your eyes to laugh, you barely miss the small upward turn of his lips.

When you wake up the next morning, you feel reborn, all loose-limbed, sated joy as you stretch your arms to your side, expecting Crosshair’s lean form curled close. Instead, you find yourself alone in your bunk, your covers pulled neatly up to your chin with no sign of your surly sniper in sight. You pull yourself together, albeit with a frown, throwing on a fresh set of clothes and readying yourself for a day of snarking (a bit spitefully) at Crosshair for leaving without so much as a thank you.

But then you see it. A small mug sitting on your desk: caf.

As you peer over the rim, you’re hard-pressed to mistake it as anything other than your preference made to perfection, and judging by the steam curling fragrant and wispy over its surface, it’s fresh.

Crosshair says nothing when you pass him in the helm, but when you flash him a grin, he huffs and offers you a lopsided smile back.

It takes the lesser part of one week for the headaches to abate. In between then and Crosshair’s begrudgingly clean bill of health, he comes knocking at your door four more times, each time gently loosening the deep roots of tension coiled through his bones more and more.

“You’re getting better at this,” you murmur into his shoulder on the fourth night, your leg thrown over his hip and your arms tucked securely under his. His first night in your quarters had ended in little beyond simply lying shoulder-to-shoulder. The next two had been (failed) attempts to spoon the entirety of Crosshair’s lanky form. And the night penultimate had been a slightly more successful endeavor in throwing all experimental caution to the wind and waking up chest-to-chest in an oddly comfortable tangle of limbs.

That night worked, and so you do it again.

“I had a good teacher,” Crosshair snorts, and he wheezes, his arms curling snug around your middle, when you gently jab him in the side.

You mutter something into his shoulder, but your own words do not reach your ears when you feel his chin settle atop your head. He shifts carefully until he’s curled entirely around you, the anchor in a still sea, a promise that you, together in shared space and breath, simply are. It’s funny how these things work, you think, breathing shallow and slow as Crosshair brushes his nose over the crown of your head and stays.

And then the concussion heals, and he’s gone.

It’s a bit startling how quickly you had grown accustomed to Crosshair’s presence in your bunk within the brief span of a week. You don’t expect to miss it, the easy nighttime habit as Crosshair quietly slinks to your room: a well-rehearsed ritual of playful snark before the gentler art of accommodation, pushing and pulling in tandem to find the sweet stability of your cheek laid over Crosshair’s collar and his palm warm over the small of your back.

You don’t expect to miss it so much that you find yourself lying in bed well past lights out, simply bracing to sling meaningless jokes thrown in the helm the next morning about how Crosshair’s gone soft, little baby brother Crosshair, like the week prior meant little but a favor to a friend.

The telltale knock sets him apart; four rapid, light raps on the durasteel that you’ve come to know so well, and you’re hauling yourself out of bed and slapping the door lock open as fast as you can.

“Cuddles,” Crosshair says as soon as he catches sight of you in the doorway.

He should be fine; he is fine, if Tech is to be believed. So there’s no reason for him to be waking you and requesting entry. But he is here. You stuff down the dizzying stutter in your chest and meet the mirth in his eyes with the best frown you can manage.

For all the stubborn fronting and the cold refusal you could offer him, there’s something you cannot bring yourself to resent when Crosshair—sour, cynical Crosshair—lets the word “cuddle” find home, curled soft over his tongue (lets himself find home in you).

“Will you make me caf in the morning?”

“Depends on how well you cuddle,” he replies, his tone a deadly calm, only betrayed by the knowing gleam in his eye.

“Says the man who didn’t know how to cuddle a few days ago,” you shoot back.

“The apprentice outdoes the master,” Crosshair shakes his head with a wistful sigh, and you laugh, reaching forward to twine your fingers with his, letting him take his rightful place as the doors close behind you.

—

He comes back home.

Wrecker tells you to give him space, Echo shakes his head when you idle in front of his closed door, and even Omega offers you a sad, apologetic look when Crosshair makes the rare, silent appearance outside of his quarters, a spectre and his bacta patch haunting the ship’s hull before he disappears again.

You listen to them for a few days, but it chews at you from inside—the gnawing thought that Crosshair had been alone for so long, that he’s still alone now. Even if his basest instinct had always been to withdraw and cope in isolation, you can’t stand the idea of leaving him by himself any longer. So when the others have long since fallen asleep, you creep to Crosshair’s room and knock four times in rapid succession.

Like you had expected, he’s awake. But when he opens the door, he keeps his unfocused eyes cast aside.

“Cuddles,” you whisper, testing, hopeful, and you open your arms to him as you stand on the threshold. “Just like we used to?”

Only then does Crosshair flick his weary eyes up, rimmed red with exhaustion, grief overdue. And after four long days, he finally meets your gaze.

You watch as his eyes linger under furrowed brows, peering at you as if he isn’t entirely sure if you’re real, if you’re really there. Watching him waver between your face and your open palms and back again, you imagine Crosshair thinking that it’s always been the other way around: him seeking you out at odd hours to wrap his lean arms around your shoulders, breathe deep, and simply bask in how close you were to his beating heart.

And now it’s you.

“Yeah,” he murmurs, stepping forward between your outstretched arms to gingerly place his chin over your shoulder and settle his lean arms at your waist.

All those times you spent curled, molded around him in the quiet darkness of your bunk—it’s honed you to know him like you know yourself, committing to indelible memory the way he breathes, shifts, fits with you.

And he’s different. A year’s worth of separation would do that, change. But where you feel some new muscle and sinew against your skin, there is undeniable familiarity in how he seeks you out despite the tremble in his hands and unsteadiness of his breath.

There is familiarity in finding home.

You reach up, looping your arms around his neck. And when you pull snug, you feel him squeeze your waist in return, holding tight and holding close.

“Just like we used to.”

#aH thank u for ur patience dear #i did veer a bit off course by focusing on one environment #but massive brain for the beach suggestion!!#beach trip shoujo episode vibes for a separate work perhaps #sageislostinspring #crosshair x reader #the bad batch x reader #yaej.writes

254 notes · View notes

wonhaebunny · 4 years ago

Note

📂 I'VE NEVER SEEN YOU WRITE TODOBAKU BEFORE i think so tdbk please:( i wanna see your take on it

OKAY SO DURING MY EXAMS I STARTED THINKING ABOUT THIS HC BUT I NEVER GOT TO WRITE IT AND THEN I REMEMBERED THIS ASK SO HERE IT IS NOW!!!!

i think the main reason katsuki and shouto get along (?? questionable phrasing but i’ll run with it) so well is because they are both completely socially inept; katsuki deliberately so, while shouto just doesn’t know any better. they get close very very quickly because katsuki has absolutely no patience for small talk and niceties, and shouto isn’t socially aware enough to care for such things. in this way, the two of them understand each other on a fundamental level.

so the two of them kind of... skip over a lot of things that normal friends would do. shouto is stupidly stubborn and intrusive in a way that would be considered rude for most people, and katsuki doesn’t mention it because he secretly prefers it this way.

the class is completely unaware of how close they are, as they’re both pretty private by principle. so the first time shouto off-handedly mentions katsuki’s house while sitting with the dekusquad in class, their jaws all drop simultaneously.

“it’s a little silly,” shouto is saying obliviously, “but somehow all his walls are pristine despite his quirk.”

“wait.” ochako cuts in. “you’ve been to bakugou’s house?”

she doesn’t, thankfully, mention the fact that shouto seems to be on first name basis with katsuki. she’s not sure whether her heart could handle an answer to that.

her words draw the attention of denki and hanta, who are sitting on a nearby cluster of tables. the two tune in almost instantly, with an urgency that only makes itself present whenever there’s potential blackmail material on katsuki available.

“yes?” shouto replies, a tad bemused. “that’s what i was just saying.”

“dude,” denki breathes, leaning over. “no way! he let you come over? the guy doesn’t even let us look at his dorm room!”

shouto blinks.

“i go there quite often. it’s not like he could stop me.” he says, like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

“c-can’t stop you?” ochako echoes. “todoroki, he would murder you.”

to his credit, shouto just blinks again. “well,” he says simply. “he hasn’t. he lets me pet his cat, and he feeds me whenever i come over, so i don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”

his words are met with utter silence.

“his cat?” hanta repeats slowly.

“feeds you?” tenya adds on, incredulous.

“yes,” shouto says, to both.

“are you playing a prank on us?” izuku asks, looking a little terrified. “it’s not that i doubt your word, todoroki-kun, but kacchan would literally rather die than let anyone come to his house. i’ve only ever been there because his parents invited me.”

shouto gives him a somewhat impatient look.

“he doesn’t let me.” he says, wearily. “but he’s not going to turn me away if i turn up. the reason you all haven’t been is because you make a big deal of it.”

it makes sense, when he says it like that, like it’s easy.

“you’re telling us he feeds you?” hanta presses on, more than a little skeptical.

at this, a fond, almost soft look comes over shouto’s face.

“yes, he’s oddly courteous like that.” he says, lips curling upward ever-so-slightly in a rare smile. “he’ll curse and bluster but once i’m there he’ll still serve me tea and food no matter what. his discipline trumps his pride, it seems.”

he says the words with an air of familiarity, and the others are left wondering when exactly shouto and katsuki grew so close.

“wait,” denki says, looking extremely frazzled. “not that this isn’t scintillating and all, but can we go back to bakugou having a cat?”

“yes. her name is hime.” shouto says happily.

there’s an almost audible record scratch.

the students all pause, making eye contact with each other over shouto’s head for a long moment.

“and katsuki let his family name her that?” hanta says weakly.

“oh, no,” shouto responds, eyes bright seemingly with the opportunity to talk about the elusive cat. “katsuki is the one that named her.”

hanta and denki look like christmas has come early. ochako and tenya look vaguely disturbed. izuku, on the other hand, looks downright terrified.

“wait,” denki says, suddenly very invested. “tell me more about his cat. no, tell me about his bedroom. is there anything embarrassing? have you found his por-”

he’s cut off by the slamming of the classroom door. in the doorway stands katsuki, as if he’s somehow sensed that he is the subject of conversation. but to their relief, he simply frowns and stalks to his desk, pulling out a folder and rifling through it.

“hime is a rescue kitten,” shouto says, completely unbothered by katsuki’s entrance. the others are gesturing to him frantically, signalling to cut off the conversation lest katsuki blow up at them, but he ignores them blissfully. “she’s lovely. i’m trying to get her to like me more than she likes katsuki but it’s proving very difficult.”

“that’s because she has fucking standards, dipshit!” katsuki barks over his shoulder, not looking up from his folder.

shouto pouts.

“she’s illusioned,” he sniffs. “i’ll bring her to my side soon enough.”

katsuki’s eyes narrow, and he fixes shouto with a severe glare over the tops of the group’s heads, like they’re not even there.

“you keep your filthy hands off my child.” he says venomously.

hanta falls off his seat, and denki chokes on his own spit.

“she’s basically ours at this point,” shouto says conversationally, absolutely fearless in the face of katsuki’s ire.

to everyone’s utter shock, katsuki doesn’t erupt at the declaration.

“as if,” he simply huffs. “you haven’t even seen her in a week and you think you can call yourself a decent parent.”

then, under his breath, “fuckin’ half-assed trash.”

shouto puffs his cheeks out, looking a tad guilty.

“tell her i’m sorry, i’ll come over tonight,” he says imploringly. katsuki simply harrumphs, finally pulling a paper from the file and shoving the rest back under his desk, turning to stomp out of the classroom.

“will you make yakisoba today?” shouto calls at his retreating back.

“go fuck yourself!” katsuki spits, not turning back to spare him a glance.

“that’s a yes,” shouto informs the rest of them matter-of-factly, looking very pleased with himself.

the others stare at him, wide-eyed and completely speechless.

“you-” ochako begins, a little faintly. after a moment’s deliberation, she shuts her mouth again.

she doesn’t want to know.

#folder asks!!#bunny's asks #bunny's headcanons #bunny's drabbles #todobaku

443 notes · View notes

minigenos · 3 years ago

Photo

Choose Your Own AI Adventure Game - Beach Edition Part 4 - Path B3

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

As alluring as the water may be, the strange spires draw your attention with an even stronger force, beckoning you to them. As soon as you reach one of the mysterious landmarks you impulsively run your hand along its surface. It feels as wind-worn as it looks, and the material has an odd lightness to it unlike regular metal or stone. Despite its odd texture it feels so tantalizingly familiar to you, though your brain just can’t seem to remember what exactly these objects remind you of.

You continue to look at the spires slowly, as if you were examining artwork in a museum. Eventually you notice small shards of the mysterious material laying on the sand. Looking around at the pieces by your feet, you pick up a large one that resembles a large arrowhead and place it in one of your pockets. You'll need to start getting food at some point, so it could come in handy if you decide to make a spear for hunting.

Not that you’ve ever actually made a spear before, but it can’t be that difficult to do. It’s just a walking stick with a business end. Easy peasy.

Your thoughts are quickly interrupted by the sound of someone walking nearby. You quickly look around to see if that someone was walking towards you. Thankfully you have thus far not been spotted.

Ducking behind a large spire you peek around to see if you can spot the other individual. Finding the person was a fairly easy task; their light gray jumpsuit very conveniently stood out against all the white around them. You continue to watch from your safe vantage point as they examine the spires like you just did. Soon enough they also begin checking the sand for something, but seem to come up empty. Eventually they move on and head towards the forest, seemingly unsuccessful with whatever their endeavor was.

Your thoughts begin to wander as you quietly wait for the person to walk well out of seeing or hearing range. Who the heck is inhabiting this island? Their attire looked modern, if not also a bit odd by modern day standards. Jumpsuits like that would either be worn by someone on a job or maybe a prisoner.

Or a cultist.

You quickly rule out the person being a prisoner as you cautiously move forward. If this island’s a prison then it’s nicer than any you’ve ever seen or heard of before in your life. That leaves them as some sort of worker (researcher perhaps?) or a cult member. One hell of a cult to have their own island if the latter happens to be the case.

With the jumpsuit-wearing person seemingly gone for now you feel a bit more emboldened to look around at the spires again. You begin to run your hand along another one, but recoil it quickly away as you notice a trail of blood following where your hand was.

Bright red droplets fall freely from your hand as you turn it over in a panic. The palm of your hand was cut cleanly in multiple spots, enabling a lot of blood to escape from the seemingly shallow wounds. You swear loudly as you try to stem the bleeding, not realizing someone had been alerted to your presence and was quickly running up behind you.

“G-get, ah, no, hands... hands up,” says a voice in an accent you can’t quite place.

Not wanting to get even further hurt you place your hands up as best you can. As you do you turn your head to try to get a peek at the person. Another gray jumpsuit, with a pair of patches on both shoulders and over his left chest that formed a “\ /” shape due to the gap between them. In their hand was what looked like a short sword made from, oddly enough, the same material as the spires.

“You are, um,” he stammers, seemingly doing his best to remember his lines. You’re not sure if it’s from inexperience or inaction, but this guard doesn’t seem to be particularly good at his job right now. He doesn’t even seem to notice your injury or the stark contrast of red against white right at your feet.

You could quietly surrender and hope he does something your hand injury; he’s gotta notice all that blood coating your hand and dripping onto the ground at some point, right? Or maybe it’d be better to mention it because there is a LOT of blood on you right now.

Alternatively you could try to wrest the weapon from him, seeing as how he is a bit preoccupied trying to get his lines right. But if there’s one guard around there’s most likely more nearby.

Lastly you could just book it as fast as you can. You still don’t know where you are (and apparently the environment is much more dangerous than it looks), and again there might be more guards nearby, but the idea did temporarily cross your mind.

PLEASE CHOOSE A LETTER FROM THE ONES GIVEN AND A NUMBER 1 THROUGH 9 AND POST IT AS A REPLY.

A. Surrender quietly.

B. Surrender and mention your injury.

C. Try to grab the weapon.

D. Run.

#ai adventure beach #ai adventure #dall e mini #dall-e mini #craiyon #choose your own adventure #cyoa

6 notes · View notes

vvitchering · 4 years ago

Text

Witchers of the Wolf School travel in packs. There’s strength in numbers and plenty of coin to be had for the bigger contracts they can handle as a team. The Path is less harsh, less painful, with brothers at their backs.

Wolves lack the ferocity of their Bear and Griffin cousins. Which isn’t to say an individual wolf isn’t dangerous, they certainly could manage on their own. But their true strength lies in their bonds with each other; in their ability to coordinate and work together.

Occasionally there are times when the blood lust is needed. The beast is too large or too powerful, or simply requires more than the wolves can muster. There’s another reason they travel together. A pack is needed to monitor the potential use of more...extreme decoctions.

The recipe for Bloodmoon isn’t written down in any field guide or alchemy collection. It’s passed from master to initiate in hushed, solemn tones. All wolves know it and all equally fear the knowledge. It strips away the humanity they cling to, leaving behind something raw. It trades sanity and reason for unchecked power and feral instinct.

It’s a last resort for instances where death is assured, but the fight must be won, regardless of the cost.

Geralt isn’t sure what they’re hunting. It’s big, it’s wiped out entire herds of livestock on its own, and it’s left the whole surrounding area scared to death to leave their homes. It’s much too dangerous a contact for a witcher to take on alone. Thankfully, he is very seldom alone.

Eskel thinks it could be a mutated fiend. The tracks seem similar enough and the behavior matches, but they’re hundreds of miles from fiend territory and the sheer size of the creature makes Geralt reasonably sure they’re not dealing with a simple freak of nature. Lambert watches them bicker, thrilled that, for once, he’s not the cause of the tension in the group.

Jaskier ignores them all and focuses intently on tuning his lute. His job came post-hunt, when it was safe for him to poke and prod around the beast’s corpse and create exciting stories about its demise while the witchers claimed their trophy and harvested any parts of value.

He looks up from the tuning pegs when Geralt throws up his hands and storms out of the camp, muttering something about finding the damn thing himself since Eskel is so keen on sitting around theorizing instead.

Jaskier has siblings so he’s quite familiar with the look of exasperation on Eskel’s face as he watches his brother stomp away into the woods.

“Not gonna go after him?” Lambert asks.

Eskel sighs.

“Nah, let him walk it off. He’s too damn prideful about that bestiary he calls a brain sometimes.”

Afternoon turns to dusk and Geralt doesn’t return. They eat a meal of rabbits and wild mushrooms and still Geralt doesn’t reappear. It’s not like the white wolf to wander off alone for so long and Jaskier becomes increasingly concerned as the evening creeps in. Geralt knows better than to stray too far from his pack, especially when there’s an unknown threat waiting somewhere out there.

The frogs are just beginning to sing when the tranquility of the evening is marred by a rumbling and deeply unsettling roar. It rattles around in Jaskier’s bones and makes something deep inside him cower in instinctual terror. It’s like nothing he’s ever heard before and he almost feels frozen on the spot, like a deer in the presence of a hunter.

Eskel and Lambert are on their feet even before the roar has finished reverberating around their little camp. Lambert immediately takes off in the direction the horrible sound came from while Eskel turns to face Jaskier long enough to say,

“Do not follow us, Bard.”

And then he’s gone as well.

Jaskier likes to think he’s an easy traveling companion. He’s delightful company, pulls his own weight, pays his own way, and polishes the reputations of witchers everywhere with his music. He does admit to one shortcoming, however, which is his inability to sit still when he knows there’s a grand battle unfolding, the likes of which is just begging to be immortalized in song.

It’s for science, for history, for precious posterity, even, that Jaskier leaps to his feet, checks his boot for his hidden dagger, and jogs determinedly into the brush.

It’s properly dark by the time Jaskier finally catches the sounds of a fight close by. He can hear indistinct yelling, the clang of swords, and the roar of what he assumes must be the creature they’re after, just as deeply disturbing as the first time. Oddly, he can also see light up ahead, though he’s very deep in uninhabited forest. As he draws closer, he realizes the light is coming from several small fires in the tops of the surrounding trees. Either the beast breathes fire or someone has let loose with Igni. Neither option bodes well.

Abruptly, he’s hit with a wave of fear. Geralt never came back to camp. What if he’d encountered the beast on his own? Would he have been able to hold out against it long enough for Eskel and Lambert to arrive? Ice cold dread drips throughout Jaskier’s body.

He crouches behind a bush and reaches out to comb his way through the foliage to get a glimpse of the battlefield. More fires dot the trees around the small clearing. He immediately spots Eskel and Lambert, who both look exhausted and injured. Lambert is favoring his right leg while Eskel has one hand on his sword and the other clamped tight over a painful looking burn on his neck. They look broken and haunted in ways Jaskier has never seen them before.

His eyes dart to the opposite side of the battlefield, hoping to catch a glimpse of the dreaded beast before he’s forced to retreat. What he sees makes his heart seem to stop dead in his chest.

Geralt stands beside the corpse of what must be the beast, breathing like a horse run ragged. The flickering light of the fires reveals he’s covered in black spider-webbed veins that show through his pale skin. His eyes are black like tar. At the sight of his friend alive and whole, Jaskier breathes a sigh of relief. Geralt must hear the exhale and turns his head slightly in search of the sound.

Jaskier has seen Geralt under the influence of potions before. He’s no stranger to the veins and the eerily blank black eyes. But this feels fundamentally different, somehow. Geralt’s gaze is cold and more than slightly unhinged, without a single hint of recognition or warmth. Jaskier has never looked at Geralt and felt any type of fear in his heart until now.

Geralt lifts his face slightly, inhaling noisily, scenting the air. Zeroing in on Jaskier. Another bloodcurdling bestial roar has the bard sinking to his knees in all consuming terror and sudden understanding. It hasn’t been the creature producing that terrible inhuman sound.

It’s Geralt.

(tbc!)

[EDIT] You can now read the whole completed fic on my ao3!

#my fic #the witcher #wolf school witchers run in packs because I say so #yeah I don't really know what this is either but it grabbed me by the throat and made me write it #witcher au #mine #no beta no editing we die like witchers

434 notes · View notes

bokunoheroanalysisforthefuture · 4 years ago

Text

Finally done with this chapter and this arc. Can’t believe I have an entire post that’s just about Tsukauchi Naomasa. The discord server is so happy. There’s a lot of Naomasa love in there, and I mean, can you blame them? Dude is the straight man in a world of shounen bullshit. Gotta respect his ability to take everything happening in stride.

[No. 21 - In Each of Our Hearts]

We have brief passage of time wherein the police arrive at the USJ. We see Tsukauchi doing a headcount of the students while Sansa is directing the other police in containing and leading the villains out of the building. Naomasa is able to determine that, aside from the one with the messed up legs (Izuku), all of the students are unharmed. As if to confirm this, we get some wide shots of the class in two panels, showing everyone to be perhaps roughed up, but not really injured.

Hagakure puts her hand on Ojiro’s shoulder, commenting on how he’d ended up in the fire zone, and on his own at that, with a small congratulations. Ojiro admits he’d thought everyone was alone, and that he’d only survived with hit-and-run tactics. He then asks Hagakure where she was, and she points out Todoroki before stating she’d been in the landslide area, and that Todoroki’s crazy strong. We see Todoroki and his worry that he could have frozen her, while Ojiro in the background just says that he’s glad she’s okay.

Aoyama, of course, then tries to take center stage. Aoyama seems like he’s about to reveal where he’d been, but then turns to the other students to ask them if they have any ideas.

He first tries the group consisting of Tokoyami, Koda, Kirishima, and Kaminari, but all of them are busy with a conversation. Tokoyami makes a comment on how he guesses ‘those lowlifes’ were spread out, waiting for them. Kirishima slams a fist into the palm of his other hand and complains about how the villains had been looking down on them because they were kids.

Then he turns to Tsuyu, asking her where she thinks he was. She plays along for a bit, asking him where, only for Aoyama to dramatically turn away and pose while stating that it’s a secret. Tsuyu turns her attention back to Tsukauchi, completely uninterested in his shenanigans.

Tsukauchi states that they (likely meaning the police and pro heroes) are going to get the students back to the classroom for now, and that this is no time to take their statements. Tsuyu asks after Aizawa, and Naomasa gives her the details - both arms smashed to splinters, face is fractured. Thankfully, there’s no brain damage, but his eye sockets have been pulverized, so there’s a chance he may suffer long-term loss of vision - or so he hears. He seems to be on a call with the hospital at the time, or perhaps the station where all of this cleanup and investigation are being processed.

This is not exactly the welcome news Tsuyu or Mineta were looking for, both of them looking pretty torn up over it.

Tsukauchi continues down the list of injuries - Thirteen has terrible lacerations across her back and upper arms, but her life isn’t in danger. All Might’s injuries aren’t life threatening either; it’s likely that Recovery Girl’s healing will be enough for him, so he’s gone off to the nurse’s office instead.

Ochako and Tenya, basically in unison, ask after Izuku, worry etched across their faces. Naomasa takes a second to place the name, but confirms that Izuku also made it to the nurse’s office in time. He then states that he happens to have business there himself, so he’ll leave the rest of the cleanup to Sansa. Sansa gives a salute and confirmation.

(Meanwhile, Ochako and Ashido are both puzzled because Sansa’s not a dog. Don’t be rude, girls.)

Nedzu notes that UA will need to completely revamp their security systems. Midnight adds on how teleportation quirks are rare enough, and that it’s a shame one of them had to go and turn villain.

Another officer shows up to report to Tsukauchi, stating that they’ve apprehended what seems to be a villain in a thicket about 400 meters from the USJ. Tsukauchi asks what condition the villain is in, and the officer states that the villain seems unharmed, and that he didn’t resist arrest. He also adds that, oddly enough, the villain isn’t responding in any way, and appears to be mute.

Tsukauchi turns to Nedzu, asking for the opportunity to go over the school with a fine tooth comb. Nedzu gives him the go-ahead, saying that some won’t be happy, but the police certainly have jurisdiction. He notes that investigations are Tsukauchi’s field of expertise, so he can do what he feels is necessary.

We transition to the nurse’s office, with Izuku and Toshinori both stuck in bedrest. And honestly, I just cannot get over how tall Toshinori is, like.

Look at that. If he picked up Izuku for a hug, Izuku’s feet would maybe reach his knees.

Anyways. Plot. Yes. Recovery Girl tells the two of them that, the situation being what it was, she can’t really scold them this time. Toshinori says that he thinks he’s probably shortened his time limit again, and that he’ll be lucky if he can still get an hour a day. Izuku’s worried about him, but Toshinori shoves himself up into a sitting position with a groan, shrugging it off with a ‘what can you do? Bad things happen.’

The nurse’s office door opened, Tsukauchi letting himself in with an apology for the intrusion/interruption. He greets Toshinori as an old friend, while Toshinori’s surprised Tsukauchi is here. Izuku shoots up into a seated position, worried about if it’s okay for Toshinori to be seen while he’s not buffed up. Toshinori says it’s fine, then gets a bit silly about his introduction of Tsukauchi to Izuku.

Tsukauchi calling him out on the weird intro though. Like I said, this man really puts up with so much shounen-world bullshit as the straight man.

Tsukauchi then bring up his reason for stopping by - not to rush Toshinori or anything, but he’d like to ask about the villains. Toshinori interrupts him to ask if the students are alright, as well as Aizawa and Thirteen. Tsukauchi’s quiet for a moment, before huffing a laugh. He says that besides Izuku, the students have nothing more than a few bumps and bruises. The two teachers are also out of danger for now. If the three hadn’t put their lives on the line, the students wouldn’t have made it out unscathed.

Toshinori acknowledges the report, but tells Tsukauchi he’s got one thing wrong, which draws a surprised frown from him. Toshinori goes on to explain how in that fight, the students put their lives on the line too. To be thrown into a real battle so young and survive - now these first years know how scary the wider world can be. Has he ever heard of such a class? The villains picked the wrong fight, because the members of class 1a are going to be might heroes indeed - and he’s going to make sure of it.

All Might really does have completely faith in this class, it’s incredible.

As an aside, I know it’s probably a small editing mistake, but Izuku lying back down in one panel just to be back up in a seated position the next one is just. Fucking hilarious.

As a last weird bit. Tsukauchi just. Tapping his ear here? Either that’s a teeny foreshadowing of the quirk the fandom believes he has, or it’s just. A really weird gesture.

(I want to clarify, for people who aren’t aware of it, but Horikoshi has never actually confirmed that Tsukauchi has a truth-sensing quirk. His sister’s quirk, which is touch-based lie detection, is confirmed in the Vigilantes side manga, but not his!)

We get some narration as time passes - classes were cancelled the next day (Thursday), but the class couldn’t rest easy. After that (presumably the day after, which would be Friday), we come back to all of the class waiting for morning homeroom to start. Tenya is vibrating as he directs the class, stating that morning homeroom’s about to begin, so everyone to their seats. Sero points out that everyone else is sitting, and that he’s the only one up.

The classroom door opens to reveal a heavily bandaged Aizawa, who gives them a brief greeting as he wobbles his way in. The class is shocked that he’s back already, calling him an undeniable pro. Tenya, who finally is in his seat, snaps his hand up as he states he’s glad to see him doing well, which Ochako mutters about whether you can really call that ‘doing well.’

Aizawa shakes his head, stating that his welfare isn’t important, because their fight is far from over. The class is confused at that statement, with Katsuki, Izuku, and Mineta all questioning his statement. Aizawa clarifies himself - UA’s sports festival is fast approaching.

The class gasps, clamoring about how that’s so totally ordinary.

And with that, we’ve wrapped up the chapter and the USJ arc. I’ll probably do a few side posts before moving on to said arc, since the sports festival is 23 chapters long (ch 22-44) - longer than everything that’s happened up to this point in the manga!

If you have any questions / thoughts / observations you want to share, feel free to! I like hearing what y’all think about this early stuff, especially those of you who were anime-only and so seeing some of this stuff for the first time or used differently by the show.

53 notes · View notes

boonki · 4 years ago

Note

Ooh!!! "No more today, you’re at your limit.” ? ❣❣

Hi anon!! Thank you so much for sending this prompt in, I had so much fun writing it (also thank you for waiting, I’ve been a little slow with writing lately)

do we want 3.2k of obikin in the bath? idk but i wrote it! (also do the apartments in the jedi temple even have baths? idk. in this story they do LMAO)

as always, i write at 3 am, so if there are any mistakes, please.. just dont look at them

enjoy!! 💖

____

Obi-wan throws a side kick that lands square in Anakin’s stomach, sending him stumbling backwards. He rolls over a shoulder, ready for the next attack. He blocks a fist to the face, and counters with a punch to Obi-wan’s stomach, which is easily batted to the side.

They’ve been going at it for hours, lightsabers tossed to the side in favor of hand-to-hand combat. Their robes lay messily off to the side of the training room, discarded hours ago as the room sweltered in the summer heat, the pair left only in their pants rolled up at the ankles. Anakin can see Obi-wan faltering, making easy mistakes that cost him light bruises; he must be incredibly tired, just having returned lightly injured from a mission to the Outer Rim. Anakin would so much rather see Obi-wan resting and curled up over a cup of tea, or taking a nap on Anakin’s chest so he can pet his hair down and hold him. But Obi-wan had wanted to spar, and Anakin would never say no to that.

Anakin sees the opportunity and tackles Obi-wan to the ground, straddling his bare stomach and pinning his arms above his head. Obi-wan bucks his hips to roll Anakin over, but Anakin had been prepared for that, digging his knees into the mat to keep grounded. Both of their chests are heaving, and a droplet of sweat drips off of Anakin’s chin and onto Obi-wan’s neck.

“I think we should call it quits for today, old man.” Anakin releases his grip on Obi-wan’s wrists and perches back on his heels, looking down at him.

Obi-wan smirks. “And stop while you’re ahead? No, let’s go again.” He makes to get up, pushing his elbows into the mat, but Anakin stops him with a hand to his chest.

“I’m serious. No more today, you’re at your limit. You’re going to hurt yourself.” Anakin’s tone is serious as he can be, his eyebrows raised, features stern.

Obi-wan falls back to the ground, closing his eyes as he catches his breath. “As far as I was aware, it’s you hurting me, but point taken, love. You win.”

Anakin leans down and pecks a kiss to his cheek, tasting salt, and stretches his lips in a wide smile. “I’ll grab us dinner from Dex’s and I’ll meet you back in our quarters, okay?” He shifts his weight to the side so he can slide off of Obi-wan, wincing at the ache in his already sore muscles. “And go shower? You need one.”

Obi-wan shoots him a wry look. “What, you don’t like the smell of sweat? I can’t, anyhow, I have to go report to the council first.”

“Do you want your usual?” Anakin ignores his sarcasm and hops to his feet, making his way towards their forgotten robes, wishing he had remembered to bring a towel with him.

“Of course, darling.” Obi-wan answers from the floor, still lying on his back with his arms stretched out above his head.

Anakin dons his robes loosely, grabbing his ‘saber from the floor, and takes in the sight: Obi-wan is covered in a thin sheen of sweat, making him glow, and his hair is pushed back, giving him an oddly attractive tousled look. Anakin’s dick twitches in his pants, wanting to do nothing more than take him apart right then and there. But the desire to get some food in Obi-wan and see him rest and relax overwhelms the sexual urge. There will be time for that later on, no doubt.

He makes his way back to Obi-wan in easy, long strides and squats down, kissing him sideways, holding his sweaty head in between his palms. “I’m serious, you stink. The council can wait. Go shower.”

Obi-wan snorts. “No, they really can’t. Tell Dex I said hello.”

____

Anakin shuffles through Padme’s favorite body shop, where she used to drag him when they had briefly dated years prior. He never would’ve admitted it to her, but he relished the fancy baths she had created for them, and had returned to the shop alone innumerable times since they politely ended things. His body always thanked him after a hot soak.

With how tired Obi-wan seemed when he had come back from his mission and padded into their quarters earlier, and how sore he must be after today’s intense practice, Anakin wants to do something special for him. Besides, they’ve barely been able to spend time together because of the war, and Anakin misses it just being the two of them. He hopes the bath won’t be too much for Obi-wan, but he knows the man has a soft spot for fancy things under that rigid exterior.

The shop is crammed and dense, with low ceilings littered with dried flowers hanging upside down, casting a faint rose hue over the entire place. Soaps in muted colors, wrapped in bright shades of paper line the walls, leading down to the wooden tables that hold syrupy oils and linen bags of flowers and herbs. Coarse soaps and lotions in clear tubs sit in wire baskets underneath the tables. The whole room smells like a meadow in bloom, and Anakin eyes the candles burning in the corners of the room in consideration.

Thankfully, he’s the only one in the shop currently, so he can take his time picking the right products. He pops the cork out of a bottle of bath oil and takes a whiff: light, and flowery, with a faint hint of jasmine. Throwing it in his cart, he adds some cream soap, and, hesitating a little, a bag of assorted flower petals to hover on the surface of the water. He already has floating candle lights for the bath at home.

“Are you all set?” Sasha, the elegant female Twi’lek that owns the shop, leans against the register, eyeing him fondly. She used to tease him all the time about coming here alone, but they’ve moved past that, into a tentative friendship.

“Yeah.” He slides his basket onto the counter between them.

She eyes his items, cocking an eyebrow. “Is this for someone special?”

He can feel the blood rushing into his cheeks and ears, but doesn’t want to admit it one way or the other. “Maybe.”

She barks out a laugh at his bashfulness. “Lucky person, whoever it is.”

“Uh.” He doesn’t really know how to answer that. “Thanks?”

Her smile is playful, like he’s a child that just said something particularly cute. With the efficiency of someone who’s been doing it for years, she rings out the total and wraps all the items up in a paper satchel, sliding it back across the counter at him.

“That’s going to be 83 credits.”

He really hopes the council doesn’t look into his expenses, he wouldn’t know what to tell them.

____

The door to their quarters swings open cautiously and Anakin peeps inside, worried that he took too long. After popping by the body shop, he swung by Dex’s as promised, and Dex had wanted to catch up, and rightfully so; it had been too long. Anakin had shifted from foot to foot the entire time though, anxious about getting home to draw the bath before Obi-wan returned from meeting with the council. But Dex is a viable source of information, a fantastic cook, and most importantly, a long time and loyal friend, so Anakin had plastered a good natured grin on his face and quieted the nag of unease in his stomach.

The living room and kitchen is quiet, and Anakin doesn’t hear any noise coming from either the ‘fresher or their bedrooms. Anakin is in the clear.

He drops the food off unceremoniously onto the kitchen counter, throwing his outer robes over a chair on his way to the ‘fresher, bag of goods in hand. Flipping on the light, he starts up the hot water and pulls out the candle lights that sit underneath the sink. As the scalding water rises to the top, he pours in the oil and soap, and sprinkles the flower petals across the water, deliberately placing the candle lights in last so he could perfect their destination. They glow to life as soon as they make contact with the water, and Anakin smiles at the sight.

Stretching back up to stand, he turns the light off and shifts the door shut, letting the dim incandescence float through the room, a heavy orange that immediately adds intimacy to the space.

He has to admit, he’s outdone himself.

Then: a creak of a door hinge, the shuffling of tired steps, and crinkling of the take-out bag as Obi-wan no doubts sneaks a fry in before Anakin catches him.

Anakin bounds back to the kitchen, like a child bursting at the seams.

“I have a surprise, before we eat,” he says to Obi-wan’s back. (He is sneaking a fry.)

“That’s never good.” Obi-wan replies, turning around to lean back against the counter, chewing thoughtfully.

“All my surprises are good surprises.”

“Oh, like the time you superglued my datapad to the ceiling so I would pay more attention to you? You could have just asked, dear one.”

Anakin huffs, and covers the distance between them in two short strides, nudging Obi-wan towards the ‘fresher, covering both of Obi-wan’s eyes with his hands.

“Just,” Anakin murmurs, “trust me on this one.”

They lumber towards the ‘fresher, Anakin pushing a blinded Obi-wan forwards with each step. When they make their way to the entrance, Anakin stops them, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Smells good, at the very least.” Obi-wan hums, in no hurry to have his sight back.

Anakin, however, cannot wait and eagerly pulls his hands back, watching Obi-wan’s face for a reaction.

The smile begins in Obi-wan’s eyes as they crinkle, and then it moves down to his cheeks and into his mouth, which is pulled back in a twisted, tender way. Joy sings through every feature, and Anakin is elated.

Obi-wan turns his head to look at him, his gaze tender. “Is this for me?”

Anakin bites the inside of his cheek. “For us, to share, if you want. Unless you want to be alone, I’m more than happy to go lay down, but I thought-”

“For us, then.” Obi-wan leans in and kisses him on the jaw, already undressing. For the second time that day, Anakin looks down at a small heap of clothing. He closes the ‘fresher door behind them.

As soon as he slides his legs into the water, Obi-wan moans, and Anakin, no matter how many times he’s heard it, blushes, his breath quickening. Obi-wan is somehow both the most proper, and most obscene person Anakin has ever had the good graces of knowing.

The petals dance away from Obi-wan, ripples in the water sending them cascading in circles. “Come on, then,” he says to Anakin, who is still staring down at him with a dopey smile on his face.

Anakin makes quick work of his clothing, standing naked next to the bath. He motions for Obi-wan to lean forward so he can nestle in behind him.

The water is still piping hot, almost uncomfortably so, but Anakin makes a small ahh noise at the feeling of it on his sore muscles. He snakes his legs on each side of Obi-wan, pulling him back so that Obi-wan’s back lays flush against his chest, having to shoo a candle light out of the way. It bumbles along their sides, and out towards their entangled legs, illuminating the peachy bubbles and sunset tinged petals that bob in their wake. Obi-wan tilts his head back, resting it on Anakin’s shoulder, and sighs in contentment.

He drops a kiss on Obi-wan’s temple, breathing him in, his arms finding their home around Obi-wan’s waist. The skin on Obi-wan chest, arms, and face glimmer in the candlelight, flickering orange, more radiant than any Tatooine sunset, and Anakin wants to fall face first into the radiant gleam of his heart, wants to crawl into Obi-wan’s chest and bask in the warmth of his love, his light.

“This is lovely,” Obi-wan whispers, fluttering his eyes closed. “Thank you.”

Anakin’s hold around his middle tightens a bit in response, trailing a hand up and down Obi-wan’s stomach in repetition, a mindless gesture. “You seem tired lately.”

Obi-wan turns his head toward Anakin’s, resting his forehead in the crook of Anakin’s neck. He doesn’t get a response for a few heartbeats, and Anakin wonders if Obi-wan heard him. And then:

“Well, we are at war.” Obi-wan’s tone is flat, nondescript. Anakin knows Obi-wan is mincing his words for his sake, and as a bad habit of holding tight to all of his problems, like sharing them would break him. Anakin wants to share the load with him, help carrying the burden.

“Are you sure that’s all?” He mumbles into Obi-wan’s humid forehead, sweat beginning to glisten at his hairline from the searing water.

Obi-wan lets out the faintest of sighs through his nose, carefully considering his response. “I wish I…,” he grabs Anakin’s hands in the water, laying them on top and threading his fingers into Anakin’s, “I wish I could help more. Do more. None of it ever feels enough.”

Anakin gazes over their tangled legs, barely visible underneath the bubbles drifting over the surface, and aches all over at the thought of Obi-wan feeling inadequate. He wishes Obi-wan could see himself as Anakin sees him: brave, selfless, the entire backbone of the war, and a brilliant General and inspiring leader. Anakin has, and would a million times over, follow him into the depths of hell. The petals stick to their skin, creating a small halo of reds and purples where their bodies meet the water.

“You’re doing enough.” Anakin sighs. “You barely sleep, you’re always doing briefings and writing reports, and when we’re finally on a break you’re off training younglings, sitting in for the council, kriffing asking for sparring practice.” He huffs a laugh of disbelief into Obi-wan’s hairline. “You practically run this war yourself sometimes. When do you ever rest?”

Obi-wan is silent for some time, probably thinking of some way to deflect everything. He comes back with rare and unusual honesty. “It feels selfish, taking time for myself when I know there are people out there dying. Innocent people.”

Anakin scoffs. “How are you supposed to help them if you’re ready to keel over yourself, hm?”

“We’re jedi, that’s what we do. Besides,” Obi-wan rubs his face on Anakin’s neck, tone turning sweet, “I have you to make sure I don’t.”

Anakin grins into the wet curve of his head, his hair plastered to his skull from the steam wafting up around them, making the edges of the room disappear into a soft and warm fog.

“You’re enough, and you deserve rest.” He plants an overdone kiss on Obi-wan’s skull, rougher than usual to make a point.

Obi-wan hums noncommittally and tightens his hold on Anakin’s hands, somehow sinking further into Anakin’s chest.

He squeezes once and then untangles his fingers from Obi-wan’s hold to trace over his body. The tops of his thighs are as far as Anakin can reach, so he starts there, letting his fingertips graze over sensitive and supple skin, over soft hair and old scars. He moves to the base of Obi-wan’s stomach, purposefully ignoring his cock in favor of showering him with pure adoration and affection. He’ll let his hands wander there after they’ve eaten and gotten into bed.

Anakin loves the broad plain of Obi-wan’s chest, loves to rest his head on it after a long day, so he spends extra time there, dragging his fingernails across the pink skin, smoothing the sting down with the flat of his palm. He glides up to Obi-wan’s neck and into the base of his auburn hair, gently massaging the tense bundles of nerves that always seem to gather after a long and stressful day, and Obi-wan melts into him, humming sleepily.

Overwhelmed that Obi-wan is his, that this breathtaking man is resting in his arms, seeping into his chest and finding home in his heart, he can’t help but want to stay like this forever: clean, warm, safe, and together.

“You’re so beautiful,” Anakin breathes out, voice cracking, “and I love you so much.”

The petals gleam in agreement, hovering in reverence near him, their red hues like Anakin’s beating heart, holding Obi-wan in place. He understands their predicament; he, too, would bloom and fall and bloom and fall for this man, would reach out as far as he can from the wet and mossy ground to be regarded and gazed at, plucked and taken home. Even if it meant dying, wilting away, it would be worth it to be held near his face, to be carefully tucked into a vase to watch over him in the final days. Him and these flowers are one and the same, always gravitating towards the brightest point in the room, his sun, his reason for blooming.

Soft and slow breaths escape Obi-wan, and his chest evens out in a regular cadence. He must have fallen asleep. Good, Anakin thinks.

Anakin holds him close and watches the bubbles pop, one by one, as the time passes. Candlelight reflects off of the still surface of the water, the rise and fall of Obi-wan’s chest the only movement causing faint ripples. This is the closest he’s come to meditation lately, and it feels so wonderful.

He’s not sure what time it is, and can’t be bothered to care if anyone has comm’d him. Here in the four corners of their shared space is Anakin’s entire universe, and bliss simmers in his chest.

Anakin’s fingers are starting to prune and sweat drips off of chin. The water is starting to cool, though, and if Obi-wan hadn’t been stuck to his body, he probably would want to get out. He doesn’t want to wake him though, as sleep is rare and precious these days.

His stomach, however, has a different idea, and growls loudly, startling Obi-wan awake, who chuckles at the sound.

“Maybe we should go eat that food you brought back,” he teases.

Anakin can’t help the guilty smile that creeps its way onto his face. “How does eating and going back to sleep sound?”

“Sounds like the best plan you’ve ever improvised, my dear.”

Anakin makes a psh noise. “I don’t ever improvise.”

Obi-wan scoffs, a high pitched laugh from the back of his throat. “So this was all planned, then?”

Anakin sees the opportunity and takes it. “What, falling in love with you? No, but that has been my greatest achievement this far.”

Obi-wan raises his head from Anakin’s shoulder and meets him at eye level, twisting his body around to kiss Anakin deeply, biting his lower lip and sucking. Anakin snakes a hand to the back of his head and kisses back, trying to pour all his love, his entire heart, all of him, into Obi-wan’s mouth. He wants Obi-wan to pluck him, and know he loves me, he loves me, he loves me with the pull of each petal.

Obi-wan breaks their kiss and leans back, staring into his eyes. “Well, unlike you, I do actually plan, and my greatest achievement this far will be devouring the order of fries waiting for me in the kitchen.”

Anakin laughs, and flicks water at his face.

#obikin #boonki writes #obi-wan/Anakin #obi wan/anakin #obi-wan kenobi #anakin skywalker #swcw #star wars #fluff #pure fluff #anakin is king of fancy baths #fanfic #writing #why do i always write at 3 am?? i am too tired to edit this

68 notes · View notes