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invisiblestringmm · 5 months

Text

chapter five

“tell me everything about her.”

a/n: not much to say other than a massive thank you for the support and that I hope you love this chapter as much as I do! 🤍

warnings: slight angst, anxiety attack, language & lots of fluff.

5.638k words

Telling your parents about Lily’s dad being back into your life was harder than you believed it’d be - there were no judgements, of course, but they asked so many questions that you were convinced that the night would never end. It was five years of questions they kept to themselves, but you didn’t have much to say at the moment. You still had to meet Mason and tell him first, which in your opinion, would be the toughest part of it all alongside telling Lily.

Mason Mount.

Your dad’s jaw dropped when he heard the name and he seriously contemplated it to be a prank, but he let go of that theory because Lily definitely looked like Mason. “Except for the nose,” he said. When you left for bed, before shutting the door to your room, you heard your dad mumbling to himself how unbelievable that was as he drank down his scotch - you cringed at the thought of how embarrassing introducing Mason to your dad would be, considering that he was a massive football fan and that Mason played for Chelsea when the old man was wild about Arsenal.

Of course hoping for a quiet night was too much to ask, but you never thought it’d be like that. Still trying to process Mason’s appearance in your dreams, you felt like staring at the ceiling was a lot more interesting than getting out of bed to confront the day like an adult - staying in bed felt a lot more appealing. Hoping no one would come for you, hoping today wasn’t the day yours and your daughter’s life would fully change felt better than anything else you had to do today. Instead of thinking what you’d say to Mason, you decided you’d let it all out as naturally as possible. Concentrate on Lily, on how special she was, on how his life would be extraordinary with her in it because Lily was pure joy in human form.

Concentrate on apologising.

Two soft knocks on your door and that pair of hazel glistening eyes glancing at you with curiosity brought you back from your thoughts. Lily pushed the door with her foot, concentrating on not letting the liquid content in the cup she carefully held spill on her grandma’s carpet. “Good morning mummy,” the way she looked at you, spoke to you, walked to you made your chest clench. Lily was so precious and had no idea that the night before, her daddy watched her dance. She had no idea you’d see him today and tell him about her and how extraordinary she is. “I brought you peppermint tea.”

“Of course you did,” you murmured, sweetness in your voice as you got out of bed and took the cup from her tiny hands and put it on the bedside, placing a kiss on her fingers as you also took her in your arms and went back to bed. “Thank you so much, my love.”

With tiny arms wrapped around your neck, Lily smooched both of your cheeks. “Why can’t you come with us today, mummy?” she pouted, hoping to persuade you to join her at Foxwoods before you had planned.

“Mummy needs to do some adult stuff but I’ll be there before you notice,” you kissed the tip of her nose, hands cupping her face as your thumbs caressed the delicate skin of her cheeks. “But you’ll be a good girl and behave, won’t you?” Lily giggled and nodded, knowing what you implied by it. Christmas was the time of the year that your mum valued the most, so she was everywhere and making sure everything would be absolutely flawless - which meant her Latina nature became a lot more evident than usual and the only person who’d calm her down and bring a smile to her face was Lily.

You two spent a few more moments like that, cuddling in bed, as you updated yourself on the day’s news and sipped the peppermint tea she kindly brought you. The final moments of life being just the two of you against the world, which instantly took you to the day you were still pregnant and felt her moving inside you for the first time - the overwhelming joy and fear of not being a good mum to the child that was growing so strong inside you, it all vanished when you first held Lily in your arms and fed her your milk. That had to be the most magical experience and memory you had of learning to love your daughter.

In the end, motherhood was continually learning. About how to raise her properly so she’d be a decent adult, about how to adore everything about that other human, to be there whenever she needed and for whatever she needed because she was your priority.

As you finished doing her hair, you could only hope that it’d be the same for Mason once he learned to love her too. That’d he have the same level of interest, because this wasn’t about you ending up disappointed anymore - it was about Lily and her anticipations.

Truth is you got a little emotional watching her go with your parents without looking back, you knew you were doing it right every time that happened because it meant that while she still loved you like crazy, your daughter was also independent. It’d be good for her when it was actually time to leave home, but you tried not to focus too much on it. Back to reality, you got two missing calls from Willow, probably wanting to know what were the plans, when you realised that you also had no idea how today’s events would unfold, so you decided to text Mason.

Of course, he lived in the area, it definitely worked well for him since Chelsea’s training ground was in Cobham - what made your brain nearly explode was to see where you two were going when he sent you the location. That was the same café your mum would spend most of her afternoons at, so they probably bumped into each other at some point without knowing that there was a little human that linked them to each other. It only proved once again your whole point about how the wealthy were pretty much all linked by someone they had in common. But the nicest thing about your mum is that she couldn’t care less about the world you grew up in, probably the reason why you were so down to earth - while your dad tripled his fortune working for England’s most wealthy as a lawyer.

Only to add to your tension, you were now on FaceTime with both Willow and Jasmine, freaking out again about what to wear to see Mason in two hours. Your hair and makeup were done, and you had Jaz making fun of you for giving such importance to what you’d wear as if you were going on a date.

“You two just don’t get it,” you huffed, rolling your eyes. “The last time we spent more than 30 minutes together was five years ago and I was a drunk, young mess. Then I was a pregnant mess again, months later, by his door. I was throwing up like, ten times a day!”

Now, you were a mum, and you couldn’t look like a mess if you were going to tell him that you were a mum to his daughter. You had to look fairly decent, and no one would change your mind about that - especially when you took your phone and walked into your mum’s closet for a pair of one of her golden hoop earrings and a watch. Luckily, she didn’t mind sharing.

“Oh my,” you heard Jaz gasping. “Is that a Birkin behind you?”

“Yeah, my dad spoils my mum with bags whenever he needs to persuade her of something,” you chuckled. “Which is quite a lot.”

“Sadly, you don’t have a brother to marry me,” Willow said, pouting. “Give Jaz a tour through your mum’s closet.” Jasmine didn’t notice, but you did - the teasing in your best friend’s voice because you’ve both talked about it before and knew that at some point you’d have fingers pointed at you declaring that it was for the money. That you were a clout chaser, getting pregnant by a young millionaire footballer when you were wealthier. It’d take a few hate messages before they associated your last name to its fame.

After a quick tour and a jaw-dropped Jasmine, still stunned by your mother’s collection of handbags, jewellery, and shoes, you said your goodbyes, blew the girls a kiss, and began to dress up. Informal and basic, but still classy. You definitely had the mum vibe in those jeans, but you also looked your age - most of the time, fully taken by the obligations of maternity, you’d overlook how young you still were and how little time you had to act like someone your age. Clubs weren’t something that often happened in your routine, even if you loved going out to dance. You’d go to bars with work colleagues, and old friends from school, but their lives were so much different from yours. Most of the time you felt distant even from Willow, who although was your best friend, wasn’t a mum.

By the time you were ready to leave the house after snapping a mirror selfie and sending it to Willow, Mason texted you saying he’d be there in 20 minutes and you decided to walk there instead of driving. You wouldn’t be able to focus and fresh air would come in handy, and the café wasn’t distant from your parents’ house.

During the short walk there, your phone buzzed with texts from your dad and Jaz.

Well, if things went bad with Mason, at least your support system was still one of the greatest you’ve ever seen. Letting out a long sigh, you felt the weight of the world on your shoulders when you spotted the cafe right across the street. The only good thing you could think about it now was that it seemed really intimate, not busy at all, that’s probably why he decided on this place.

When you stepped in, you were received by the soothing aroma of coffee and chocolate. It comforted you down but only for a few seconds when your eyes met Mason’s figure - his eyebrows slightly frowned, like he was focused on something that was going on only in his mind, and biting his nails. You stood there, astounded by the fact you’ve seen that same facial expression on your daughter countless times before, until his eyes found yours and the frown gave place to a wide smile and happy eyes.

There was no way you wouldn’t smile back at him, it was contagious.

It took you some courage to make your way to him, and your tension only boosted when Mason greeted you with a hug, his hand ran up and down your back as he breathed in your perfume and, unconsciously, you did the same. But his happiness in seeing you wouldn’t last much longer. You planned to be as sharp as possible instead of dragging the weight of that secret for the rest of the afternoon because that was the reason why you went there in the first place.

“Can I get you anything?” he asked, pulling the chair for you and sitting in front of you right after.

“Chamomile tea, please.”

“Are you nervous?” there was a mischievous smile playing on the corners of his lips, making you shift uncomfortably on the chair. You don’t know why, but you just nodded and got a chuckle as a reply. The whole thing was absolute madness and torture. You could feel that pair of hazel eyes studying you with so much interest, Mason’s entire body language was incredibly easy to read because you could see Lily there, in everything that he did and even in his breathing. ‘Except for the nose,’ like your father said. Except for the nose, Lily was exactly like her father. “Well, I’m a bit nervous too.”

The waiter brought chamomile tea for you, and peppermint for him. You couldn’t hold back a soft smile when this morning’s memories flooded your mind, and as you drank down your tea, you felt like having Lily on your mind would make this easier. Her eyes, the soft pinkish flush on her cheeks, her laugh… Slowly, you felt your hands steadier, your breathing calmer. The priority had to be your daughter and everything she meant for you, all these years where it was just the two of you would be over and her biggest dream would come true.

“Mason, I-”

“Let me begin,” Mason moved his cup aside and now it was him shifting on the chair, clearly uncomfortable and making an effort to find the correct words to say. A sigh parted his lips as he rubbed his eyes. “I’ve been feeling embarrassed for years now, for the way I treated you when you showed up at my door. I wasn’t prepared for a relationship and I didn’t know what to do, nor how to.”

You raised an eyebrow. “A relationship?”

“The way you kept calling, texting… it overwhelmed me a bit,”

“Wait. You assumed I went there to tell you I was in love with you or something?” you raised your voice a little, immediately regretting it when the waiter side-eyed you.

“Weren’t you?”

“I think that stick was a bit too far up your arse,” you muttered, suddenly feeling confident enough to straighten your posture and calmly drink down your tea again. You observed his jaw drop and Mason’s cheeks were so red you could swear he felt them burning.

“Anyway,” he coughed. “I am sorry, deeply and truly. I tried to find you the next day, but I had no idea where you lived and you blocked my number.”

“It doesn’t matter now, Mason. There is a reason why I went to your place, an extremely significant one. A reason that changed my whole life and it would’ve changed yours too if you hadn’t been a complete idiot,” a frustrated sigh parted your lips and it didn’t take long for your eyes to burn with tears. “But in the end, I also need to apologise because I should’ve insisted, and I truly hope you can forgive me someday…”

“What do you mean, Y/n?” His voice was soft yet tinged with a mix of urgency, curiosity, and apprehension.

As you sat across each other, the aroma of peppermint and chamomile mingling in the air, you took a deep breath, heart pounding against your chest. This was it, this was the moment. “There’s something I need to tell you,” you started, voice barely above a whisper, which was making Mason feel as tense as he’d ever been. You could see concern etched on his face. “That night changed everything I thought I knew,” You paused, trying to gather your thoughts. “I went to your house to tell you I was pregnant. We have a daughter.”

The words hung heavy between you, the silence only broken by Mason’s gasp. He stared at you, his eyes wide in shock, the natural flush on his cheeks instantly gone as his face went pale. “A-a daughter?” he repeated, disbelief evident in his voice. You nodded, eyes brimming with tears as you watched his reaction. “A daughter,” Mason repeated, his brows together in a frown as he mumbled it again a couple of times.

“I thought about going back there and forcing you to listen, and I know I should’ve,” you swallowed a sob, forcing yourself to push away all the hurt you felt that day and bringing Lily’s face back to your thoughts. Emotions swirling inside you. “But you shoved me off. I instantly felt like I’d face rejection again and it wasn’t about me anymore… it was about… her.” Your voice trailed off.

“I would never,” Mason reached for your hand across the table, his expression softening. “I wish you would’ve insisted.” He said, his tone gentle yet filled with a mix of hurt and, much to your surprise, understanding. You looked down, unable to meet his gaze when his warm hand gently squeezed yours. “Look at me, please.”

When you looked up, you noticed his eyes glistened with tears. Letting go of his hand, you reached for your phone and realised that the easier way to tell him the rest of the truth was opening his sister’s Instagram and showing him a picture of Lily and Summer that he’d seen before and even left a comment. The frown was there again as he took your phone from you, jaw dropping again, Mason blinked repeatedly. His mind raced, trying to comprehend the magnitude of what was unfolding before him. This was his daughter, the child he never knew he had. Guilt washed over him like a tidal wave, threatening to drown out the cacophony of emotions swirling inside him.

His mind nearly exploded once he finally realised that he met her not long ago and his heart sank as the realisation that he had actually thought how adorable and polite she was, and also extremely thoughtful - it hit him like a ton of bricks. A type of anger he never felt before bubbled up inside him, mingling with hurt and another feeling that was still unknown to him and Mason could not yet describe but was directly tied to that lovely little girl.

Mason’s heart felt heavier by the second as he tried to process the truth - the woman he shared a fleeting connection with kept their daughter hidden from him for years. Confusion blurred his thoughts for a second, he asked himself if his sister knew, and if she did, it only made him feel angrier. Beneath the anger, though, there was indeed a flicker of understanding.

“I couldn’t hide it anymore, and Jaz confronted me after she was in the same room as you and Lil-“

“Lilian Maisie,” he murmured. “You named her after me?”

“She needed you around, somehow.” Your words hung in the air, laden with the weight of missed opportunities and what-ifs.

As he looked deep into your eyes, Mason saw a reflection of his own emotions - uncertainty, regret, but also a glimmer of what could be… hope? Despite the hurt he felt that moment, Mason couldn’t shake the feeling of connection he always felt towards you and he now wondered if it was Lily who tied him to you. Like a force of nature, one he didn’t know existed, always making him think about you and if you were well.

Silence settled over you for longer than you expected, but not once you nor Mason looked away from each other - the weight of revelation started to sink in. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with emotion. “Tell me everything about her.”

Relief washed over you, tears streaming down your cheeks as you nodded, finally being able to breathe. “Do you think we could go somewhere else, though? Somewhere it could be just us. Maybe your car, I-“ a sob interrupted you but Mason quickly paid for the tea and gripped your hand as you left the café. It was only when you two finally got to his car that you allowed yourself to actually cry, loud sobs making your body shiver. It felt like the weight of the world was no longer on your shoulders.

“Breathe, please,” Mason cupped your face, his thumbs wiping your tears. “Can you breathe with me, Y/n?”

His tone was so gentle you couldn’t believe how well he was treating you when he had to face the fact that you literally hid a child from him for five years. His child. How long would that last, though? How long until things crumbled, once he realised reality and parenthood were not easy to face? That once he accepted this role, his life was no longer his and that everything was about her? Their daughter.

“Better?” He asked, letting go of you when you nodded. Oddly enough, you missed the warmth of his touch. “Think you can tell me more about Lily now?”

Nodding again, you decided to show Mason pictures of her growing up as you shared every little detail about your daughter. How she was the sweetest, and most chubby baby you’ve ever seen; that she was always paying attention to everything and everyone around her, and clapped her chubby hands whenever she liked something. You told Mason that her first word was ‘goal’, and there was a mix of a sob and a giggle parting his lips. You told him that Lily behaved like an adult most of the time, that she loved animals, and that she was always making sure everyone around her was happy.

That her laugh was the sweetest sound in the world, and how her eyes crinkle when she laughed. Just like him.

You told Mason that besides ballet, she also loved football, and you could see pride in his eyes.

You told Mason that she also loved peppermint tea and that it was your thing to share a cup every morning.

Last but not least, you told Mason that he was her biggest dream. That she longed and cried for him almost every night, that her life was nowhere near complete without him in it, and that if he wanted to be in Lily’s life, his life would instantly become better and happier because she loved him more than anything in the world without even knowing who he is. That was the purest form of love he’d have, and the only thing he’d have to give in return was his love.

“I was surprised I didn’t hear from you right after you met her and Willow that day,” you admitted, watching Mason frown again.

“Willow?”

You nodded. “My friend who was with me the night we met.”

“To be honest,” he moved in his seat, cheeks flushed pink. “You were the one who had my attention and I wouldn’t remember her face even if I tried. I think Woody ran into her at some point but-”

“He did?” you interrupted him, not remembering if Willow ever mentioned it to you. Mason just nodded.

“You know what?”

“What?”

“It’s funny, but that day… watching her with Summer, I felt something so weird.” Mason repeatedly and slowly shook his head, a smile playing on his lips, like he couldn’t believe what he was about to say. You could hear your heart pounding against your chest, “Like the world’s entire happiness was right there, in front of me. I remember how I went home thinking ‘Oh wow, what a sweet little girl’ and I couldn’t understand why.”

“Oh, Mason…” the familiar knot on your throat was there again and you nearly forced yourself not to cry again. “I’m so sorry, so sorry-” You were interrupted by his arms around you.

Did he really pull you into a hug? Was he really hiding his face in the crook of your neck, crying like a little kid? Were you really comforting him, right hand up and down his back as he sobbed his heart out?

That wasn’t the reaction you expected, and guilt hit so hard that you could feel how your vision instantly blurred and you finally allowed yourself to cry again. You broke his heart, prived your daughter from living the first 5 years of her life with that man who probably would’ve given her his whole world - and also everything and anything else she wanted him to give her. Like his love, affection, and a big family. You took that from both of them, and you couldn’t help feeling like a monster. So the only thing left to do now was to fix this, beg for everyone’s forgiveness, and work forever to repair the damage you’ve caused.

“Does she know about me?” his voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence between you. Mason still had his arms tightly wrapped around your body, which was only making things worse for you because how could he still show any sort of affection when you’ve done something so horrible?

You shook your head. “I wanted to see how you’d react before telling her,” you sighed, feeling completely vulnerable and defeated. “I was expecting lots of screaming, maybe you shoving me off again or something like that and telling me to speak to your lawyers.”

Too close for your sanity, Mason pulled from you just enough so he could look you into your eyes. The way his eyes were so red and puffy broke your heart into a million pieces because it was like seeing Lily crying - even the way he kept his brows in a frown, and slightly pouted. “Let’s save the lawyers for when we have to do the bureaucratic part of her getting my name.”

A nod was all you could give him back as you swallowed hard and your heart skipped a beat. You were far too naive thinking lawyers wouldn’t be brought into this, especially with your father being one of the greatest. You shook your head at the thought of Mason trying to take her from you, and even if you felt extremely guilty, you’d be ready to fight for your daughter no matter what or how much it’d cost you - the sudden pain in your chest and how you now desperately tried to catch your breath made Mason let go of you and cup your face again. You tried to look away, but he made you focus on him because he noticed what the word ‘lawyers’ did to you.

“Breathe with me, yeah?” His voice was calm, there was so much patience in every little gesture he offered you, that it wasn't hard to feel your heart and breathing going back to its normal pace. “I’m not taking Lily from you, ever. I promise.”

“You have every right to but I want yo-,“

“Y/n, don’t.” Mason interrupted you, and for a moment you felt like he could read your mind and soul by how deeply that man looked at you. “I would never, ever do that. She’s ours and we’re gonna find a way to make this work, let’s focus on her now, okay?”

You nodded. “Okay, but we can arrange a DNA test if it makes you more comfortable.”

“Do you have any doubts that she’s mine?”

“Gosh, no! She’s all you, Mason.”

For a moment, you could swear there was a glimpse of pride sparkling in his eyes. Mason took a long and deep breath and, much to your disappointment, let go of you. You watched him run both hands on his face, and stay silent for a few seconds. He was definitely lost in his thoughts, and once again you knew that because that was the same facial expression you’ve seen on Lily’s face multiple times.

“But I think it’ll be necessary, at some point. We can think about it later, let’s just focus on her and make sure she’s safe and-,” Mason stopped talking when he noticed a smile curving the sides of your lips. That’s what, deep down, you hoped for. Him putting her as a priority. “What?”

“You probably didn’t realise yet, but you’re behaving like a dad.”

That was when reality hit him again, like a slap in the face. Mason was a dad, and his life wasn’t just his anymore - there was a little human who loved him unconditionally without even knowing who he was, who waited and cried for him on countless nights, who hoped he’d show up for birthdays and important events such as a ballet recital. Mason was there the night before, watching his daughter without even knowing she was his. It hurt, but it also made him feel oddly happy.

Suddenly, he felt the impulse to wrap his arms around her slight figure and protect her from everything and everyone. Mason couldn’t understand why and how that feeling took power overer him so quickly, but now he understood why he always felt like part of him was missing. Lily was the missing piece.

“I didn’t want to leave you yet,” He started, your heart skipping a beat at his words. “I’d like to tell my family today, so you can do the same and we can set up a day with just the three of us.”

“She’s the only one left to tell now, but yes,” You nodded. “She’ll want to see you as soon as possible, I can already visualise her going wild thinking about what to wear. There’s just one thing…”

“What?”

“She’s not here now, my parents took her to the Cotswolds for Christmas and I’m supposed to meet them there. I can bring her back or you can meet us there…?”

Mason scratched his head, a sheepish smile on his lips. “I wouldn’t want to crash your family’s Christmas.”

“It wouldn’t be,” Unconsciously, you reached for his hand, watching how he instantly intertwined his pinky with yours in what was the most precious and delicate gesture he’s shown. You felt your cheeks burning under his gaze. “You’re her dad, that alone already makes you part of the family.”

Mason’s lips parted in a wide smile at your words, he unhurriedly nodded, his pinky playing with yours. You two shared a giggle and you watched him sigh before saying anything. “I don’t really want to think about the after, my brother having to do damage control because of the media. I want to enjoy this moment to meet her, what she’s like…”

“Yes, and you can come stay with us if you’d like to. There’s lots of space there, even if your family would like to join us,”

“Let me take you home now, and we’ll settle on what to do, yeah?” Mason gently squeezed your hand before letting you go, again, much to your dismay.

It stunned every inch of your heart and soul the way he responded to the news, almost as if deep down he already saw it coming. As you guided him to your parents’ house, your mind was working on how to tell Lily that she was finally meeting her daddy and that he couldn’t wait to see her - finally, she’d get one of the things she wanted the most for Christmas. You couldn’t avoid the feeling that it was all too perfect, though. That, at some point, something bad would happen and you feared for Lily's protection, understanding how exposed she’d be once the media was aware that golden boy Mason Mount is a father to a five-year-old girl who’s been entirely hidden from the limelight. You feared curious eyes and potentially evil words directed at her, to you, to your family. But, right now, it was about allowing Lily to finally have her daddy all to herself.

When Mason pulled over the car, you noticed how his jaw slightly dropped and how he bent his body to take a proper look at the house.

“What? Not what you expected?” You teased, lifting an eyebrow at him and watching how his cheeks immediately got pink. “At least no one can say it was about money, huh?”

“I’d fight whoever said it was,” Mason murmured. “But definitely not what I expected. Is that a fucking Arsenal flag or am I delusional?” You watched Mason’s eyes widen, and a loud laugh filled the car with pure bliss. That was the first moment you allowed yourself to relax and laugh. “Are you a Gunner?”

“Fucking hell, no! My dad is,” A single tear rolled down your cheek, as you recovered from the sudden wave of euphoria that caused you to laugh so hard. “He wasn’t happy to know that a Chelsea player knocked up his daughter.”

“Oh man, this is going to be fun!” Mason punched the air and then helped you with the seatbelt before getting out of the car to open the door for you. You muttered a ‘thank you’, stopping in front of him as you searched for the keys in your bag. “Can you send me pretty much everything you have of Lily? Photos, videos… I’d like to show my parents.”

“Of course, Mason,” With both hands in your coat’s pockets, you scanned him for a few seconds and, finally, gathered some courage to step forward and give his cheek a delicate kiss. “I’ll accept your follow request too, and we’ll sort things out so you can meet her, okay?”

He nodded, cheerfully, like a child having the best Christmas morning in the world. When you were about to turn and head home, he pulled you again and embraced you as tight as he possibly could.

“Do you believe she’ll like me?” Uncertainty was so clear in his voice that you felt your chest clench.

“She loves you, Mason. Lily loves you unconditionally,”

Watching him go was different this time because you knew Mason wasn’t going anywhere ever again. He’d stay, you knew that with your whole being - the thing is that if he was going to be there all the time, you’d have to find again to set boundaries between the two of you or things could end up badly. And it couldn’t, not if it involved Lily’s happiness and well-being.

You’d get along with Mason, and spend time with him so Lily would understand and live life with her parents around, but allowing yourself to have feelings for that insanely gorgeous was out of the question, even if you had no idea how to avoid it when he kept being so touchy and so lovely, much to your frustration.

In the end, it seemed that Mason would become an issue, but to your heart.

****

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seraphinitegames · 1 month

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Hey, Mishka!!!

I've been replaying TWC over the last couple of months, and must say, it's been an entirely rejuvenating experience for me. Like, I was reading it the first time, although I've replayed the series quite too many (worrying number) of times already. And it still manages to amaze me, EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I've repeated this in the past, and I'll repeat it again. The Wayhaven Chronicles is a blessing for me and I'm sincerely thankful to have come across it when I did. And I'm grateful to you for making this lovely world a reality (and of course, the four beautiful vamps)! Really eager for Book 4 and have already player the demo; can say it's gonna be worth the wait. It every time is.

Replaying the series in the last few months, I had a certain uncontrollable urge to drop and ask a few questions to you. Apologize in advance for the long ask and message, but it had been bottling up inside of me for SOOOOOO LONG.

1. In Book 1, when we're to lead the investigation in one of the three directions, is there any way to get success in any direction without Bobby making a big joke out of our investigation in the newspaper?

2. In Book 2, when Nicole and Max Salinas come to report their incident, can Tina actually find out anything unusual? If so, what is actually needed to explain that?

3. In Book 3, I noticed if we choose to go the final mission alone, depending on the route chosen, Boddy/Doug will end up tagging along as well, jeopardizing everything. Is there still a way to complete the mission successfully and rescuing everyone like it happens when we go along with Rebecca?

4. Less of a question, but more of a plea. Please tell me we can get a pet anytime in the series. I was just curious if we can get one.

5. How powerful is the big baddie in Book 4 compared to Unit Bravo? You don't need to answer if this verges on spoiler-y territory.

Really sorry to overwhelm you with this, but it's just months and months of joy, happiness, and sheer ecstasy making me blabber on about this world like this. Thanks once again, for making this truly beautiful story, world, and the vampires a reality.

Have a good day!!!! Lots of love from India!!

You can never play a game you love too many times (I keep telling myself that as I gradually burn a hole into my poor old console playing Dragon Age over and over, lol!)! If it brings you happiness, then that's what is important! :D

Ok, let's see about the questions...it's been a whole since I've gone through the older games without being in editing mode, hehe!

I don't think so...Bobby is, well, Bobby. And that scene was there very much to establish their character and show the player what type of person they are.

I don't think so, again. If there's anything unusual or odd, then I usually like to let the MC find that instead of it happening 'off-screen' so it's more impactful for the player—unless it's Verda discovering stuff, because that needs to happen for…reasons.

Iirc, in the Bobby/Doug routes, you get the auction scene, so a lot of that branch involves focusing on saving yourself! But the other team that joins Unit Bravo will help in saving a lot of the captives in that version.

I would love that being a massive animal companion fan myself, hehe! But likely not, just because the MC is away a lot from home, and that's unfair on the pet, even a fictional one, lol. I was tempted to give the MC a supernatural pet that hung around at the facility—that was definitely a strong idea at one point just so I could write a pet in the series for those that wanted it (me, I was the one who wanted it, hehe!) :D

**BOOK FOUR DEMO SPOILERS AHEAD** It's not just that Book Four's villain is terrifyingly powerful (or will be. They are, thankfully for the MC and UB, in a weakened state for a while due to what's happened to them and what happened in Chapter Two) but it's a lot to do with the fact that their power specifically counteracts and weakens Unit Bravo's. So that's a double whammy!

Thank you SO incredibly much for the amazing message! It means more than you can know <3

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joels-shitty-puns · 1 year

Text

The Key To Your Heart - Track 4

Pairing: Pedro Pascal x Musician!Reader

Gif by:@sh214

Series Summary: After writing your feelings for Pedro into a song, it gains a lot more popularity than expected. Ultimately it brings both criticism and support, with new possibilities around the corner.

*! New warnings will be listed first !*

Series Warnings: 18+ only (MDNI). Mentions of food, weight loss, weight gain, dieting, weighing, potential eating disorder, food guilt. Potential for puns/dad jokes (name of my blog, and the fic) should give that away. This is my first fic which should be its own warning, lol. Also some cursing. Mentions of masturbation (f) maybe more smut later idk. Sadness, reader is pretty depressed. Poor body image. Rude people. Bullying-ish and just lack of support? Anxiety. Age gap! Reader is in her mid 20's, Pedro is current age (48).

Other stuff: Reader is plus sized. AFAB. Inexperienced. Also has a dog, but you can pretend it is another creature probably. Further, in case it isn't clear, italics almost always are the reader's inner thoughts!

Word Count: ~2.3K

Series List: Here!

Miss last chapter? Here!

Hi there! To those of you who have read and are still with me, THANK YOU! I love you all. I'm sorry that my chapters are taking longer and longer. Work has been a bit more hectic lately and I also just had some serious writer's block with this chapter. That being said, it feels a little rough and I apologize if its awful lol. But either way, thanks for hanging in there with me and please let me know what you think! Your comments make me happy!

__________

You groaned, stepping out of bed and drifting towards the bathroom. Your face was sticky and your eyes stung from crying late into the night. It was silly, naive, and frankly stupid… but sometimes you can't control how hard emotions hit. Seeing that Pedro didn't actually watch your video was a let down - to put it mildly. Obviously he's a popular guy. A star. He has better things to do.

You should be grateful he even responded to your Instagram message before. Even though it hurts, surely he has more interesting things to do than message someone like you. Just because you wrote a song and he said he liked it doesn't mean he owes you anything more.

So after a fitful night's sleep, you were utterly exhausted; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Luckily, it was still your weekend and you could rest today.

More like spend the day wallowing in your self pity… you think, disdainfully at yourself.

Looking in the mirror, you notice your puffy eyes. There's some new acne, and a mop of frizzy hair on your head. After using the toilet, you step on your bathroom scale before your shower; a morning routine you started during years of dieting. Another 3 pounds. Up again?!

You look in the mirror, pinching your stomach with a sigh. I guess I shouldn't have had those cookies yesterday…

The food guilt creeps up as you think of the goodies you've eaten recently. Cookies yesterday, fast food the day before. You were bitter that you weren't one of those people that could just magically eat whatever they wanted without gaining an ounce.

But you aren't, and you should know better.

Frustrated with your appearance, you begin your usual internal debate about how to fix it.

Maybe I should go back on the diet…

But the diet caused you so many problems. Remember the stomach issues? The hunger? The lack of joy? Binge eating on cheat days until you were sick?

But! I lost so much weight!

Yeah, until you started gaining weight…

Maybe I didn't cut enough. People said I looked so good. I was *almost* skinny.

Maybe people would like me more if I was skinny… Maybe Pedro would like me if I were skinny. There's no way he would be with me looking like this.

These were the debates that plagued you for months… years… a lifetime.

You showered, tears beginning to flow again as you tried to push out the thoughts. He was probably just busy, but either way you knew you didn't have a chance.

Your friends were right. You were an obsessed fan. It was… concerning, as they said. They pitied you when you felt sad about your feelings. Just find someone you actually have a chance with, they pushed. Someone real.

But... he did message you. Maybe he didn't even know you had an interview yesterday? Maybe he watched it later. You were being utterly ridiculous. It didn't matter anyway.

But what you didn't know was that Pedro felt just as disappointed. He wanted to be the one on your list. The one you loved. He went to bed just as mopey as you did and woke up just the same.

_____

Having washed away your bad feelings as best as you could, you gave Skipper a kiss on his little forehead and made some coffee while scrolling Instagram. You were nervous to see what people had to say about your interview, but you had to face the music eventually.

As you could have predicted, people were running through the potential suspects (or prospects, that is) who have brown curly hair and brown eyes. Some supported you and loved your interview. Others criticized you for being too chicken to show yourself.

You weren't used to this level of attention, and you really weren't sure you enjoyed it. But you were grateful to have your two lives kept separate, your true persona still shaded in privacy.

What you did not predict, was a notification popping up from Pedro, interrupting your scrolling. Forgetting to breathe, you immediately clicked on it. If the message were food from the oven, you would've burnt your hand the way you grabbed it so fast.

Perhaps I should've been a little more chill about opening this so quickly... Oh well.

Pedro Pascal messaged you: "Hey! I watched your interview yesterday. You did fantastic. I know fame is new to you and you're nervous, but you're a natural."

Your heart swelled. He did watch it!! He must have just been busy during the live stream.

You replied: "Pedro! You watched it!?! Thank you so much. That really means a lot to me."

Pedro read your message immediately, but instead of sharing in your level of excitement, he was hit with a wave of confusion instead. She must just be trying to not hurt my feelings. She already knows I watched it.. unless she didn't even notice my name. Or she didn't care enough to look for it…?

He decided to play along with it anyway. "Absolutely, I did. I've had it marked on my calendar since the day it was announced a couple days ago and watched it as it was streamed live."

His response took you by surprise, and then made you angry. If he really watched it, he would know that they gave you a list of the people who watched it live. Why was he lying to you about it?

You started to plan out your response, maybe even send an accusatory comeback, but then you thought about it again.

Why would he lie about it? What would he gain by lying? He messaged you.

With this in mind, you instead chose to take a different approach. One better designed for fishing. One you had to be very careful about, so as not to reveal the fact that you looked for his name.

"Wait!? You watched it live? I didn't see you on the list. You're one of the few people I've spoken to who actually seem genuinely friendly and interested in having a conversation with me. I had sort of hoped you were listening."

There. That doesn't sound too revealing, right? Totally friendly…

Pedro opened your message and was met with both confusion, and something else he wasn't expecting. Hope. Did you look for his name??

Still, he wanted to address the confusion. "You didn't see me on the list? That's odd.. but I'm sure there were a lot of names to scan through. Maybe my name was just buried in that list."

You knew it wasn't buried. He was the only name you looked for. The only name you cared about seeing on that list, not that you'd admit that to him right now. But you also didn't want him to feel that insignificant either.

"There were a lot of names, I'll give you that. But I swear you weren't there. Were you logged into your account? Maybe your Internet crashed, or you missed part of it?"

Instantly he remembered the ten or so minutes that Oscar interrupted him.

Oscar!

"Oh shit! That's it. Oscar barged into my house while I was watching it and I slammed my laptop closed."

"Oscar… Isaac? Wait, why did you slam your laptop closed?"

"Yeah, that's the one. And… I don't know. He just surprised me, I guess. It wasn't a planned visit."

Slamming your laptop closed is an odd reaction to your friend visiting, but okay, you thought.

"So you closed your laptop, and missed a few minutes. And that must have been the moment they pulled the list of viewers."

Pedro replied. "It must have. But I was there, more than happy to listen to what you had to say"

If my name had been on the list, would her answer have been different? When asked whether the man she loved was on the list and she said no, would my name have changed anything? Pedro wanted to ask you these questions. But he couldn't. Not only was he scared, but he also didn't want it to come off as some douchey comment that made you uncomfortable. He wanted to get to know you better, even if just as a friend, and he wouldn't let a silly little crush ruin that.

You sent a response that could be deemed as friendly or neutral, still cautious. "Thank you Pedro. I'm really glad you watched it."

He replied without hesitancy. "Of course. But, I am sorry that your guy wasn't on that list."

He sounds genuine. Not like he's fishing for information like everyone else on the internet. In turn, you decide to be playful with your response. Risky, but still not too revealing. "It's okay. It turns out that list wasn't as accurate as I once thought it was" you typed with a smirk.

"So maybe he was watching after all," Pedro answered.

"Maybe he was."

Pedro soon changed the subject, "I did enjoy hearing about your favorite things, though. You may know this already, but I love movies. Some of the ones you mentioned are a couple of my favorites as well. But as for your favorite books, I haven't read them, but I've been meaning to find a new book to read."

The fact that he was a reader made your heart flutter; the thought of him sitting with a book, his glasses perched on his nose, brow furrowed as he stroked his thumb over his lip in deep concentration. You were overjoyed at the thought of him reading *your* favorite book and potentially having someone to talk to about it. Before you knew it, you had frantically sent multiple excited messages.

You: "Oh! If you read any of my favorite books we HAVE to talk about them!"

Second message: "AGH the first book I mentioned is my favorite, out of all of them. The ending blew my mind. And the characters were just so amazing! Well except for that one guy.. but I won't spoil that…"

Third message: "But my favorite character has the greatest lines!!! Sometimes I like to quote it but nobody else gets it. And the way the author describes the settings is so magical, it makes you want to be there."

Pedro caught himself smiling at his phone, wrapped up in your excitement, as you were finally able to talk to someone about your favorite book. It was adorable how happy you seemed.

He started to type a reply when you sent another message. "Shoot… I'm sorry. I got a little too carried away…"

"Who told you that?"

Huh?

"Who told me what?" You asked.

"Who made you feel like you had to stop talking when you became excited about your interests?"

His question took you aback, but your mind struggled to pinpoint the answer to it. There's been so many people that have told you that over the years. People you assumed were friends. An old crush who didn't like multiple text messages at once. Classmates who would complain or make fun. It was routine.

"Oh. It's not a big deal. It's just something I've heard over the years. But I also know how I get and I don't want to be too much. I'm sorry. I don't want to monopolize the conversation too much either. But hey, you didn't mention, what are your favorite books?" You tried to change the topic.

Pedro felt that protective feeling bubble up in his chest again.

"Over the years!? There have been multiple occasions?" Pedro shook his head, even though you couldn't see through the text. "I'm sorry anyone ever made you feel that way or said anything to imply that your interests weren't worthy of being heard. Fuck them. They should be thankful that you shared your interests."

They should be grateful to hear your beautiful voice get so excited. To get to see your excitement and smile, Pedro thought to himself angrily. He hoped he could someday witness you getting excited over your interests in person too.

"Thank you Pedro. But really, it's okay. I know I get a little… obsessive and crazy, especially with sending multiple texts, so I don't blame them. Haha. :)" you tried to soften the mood.

"I don't want you to ever feel that way with me. I liked hearing you talk about your interests."

You began to type, but Pedro beat you to the punch.

"In fact… if you'd like to talk more," he gave you his phone number. "Feel free to text me, or you can call me too. I like talking on the phone, but I know not everyone does."

Holy shit. Is this real life? Did Pedro Pascal just give me his phone number? And ask me to call him?

Truthfully, your introverted self really didn't like talking on the phone. But the idea of talking to Pedro, hearing his voice on the other end of your phone was too much to handle.

What you didn't realize, was that Pedro wanted it just as bad.

Your fingers danced over your phone keyboard, trying to find the right words for a reply. What do you say when the love of your life (that you didn't think you would ever have a chance with) gives you his phone number?

Pedro watched anxiously as the three dot-dot-dots of typing appeared and disappeared over and over. His heart was racing, and he began to worry he may have overstepped this time.

Why did you give her your number? She's going to think you like her!!!

But you do like her, you idiot, Pedro berated himself.

He ran his hand down his face, waiting for your response in agonizing suspense. But instead of hearing the pop of a notification, his phone began to ring instead, an unknown number displayed on the home screen.

Wait… is that her? Is she CALLING me?!

He answered frantically, practically dropping his phone in the process.

"Hello?"

"Hello? Pedro? It's me.."

You heard him give a breathless laugh before answering with a gentle "Hi."

_____

Thank you for reading!! Let me know your thoughts :) More will be coming soon. I know this is a painfully slow burn lol. Thanks for being patient.

Next chapter! Here

_____

Taglist: (Want in? Let me know!)

@pedrotonin @starcrossed02 @lightupsketchersperson @cartoon-garbage04 @tyferbebe @maryfanson @gwendibley84 @faithfullyyours2000 @brilliantopposite187 @hc-geralt-23 @jenniferpendragon

#pedro pascal #pedro pascal fanfic #pedro pascal x you #a! wrote a fic #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal fic #pedro pascal fluff #pedro pascal rpf #pedro pascal smut #pedro pascal x reader #rpf #pedro pascal x musician!reader #pedro pascal x y/n #pedro pascal x plus sized! reader #pedro pascal x afab!reader #key to your heart

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aardelea · 1 month

Text

Whatever works

Here’s a little romantic and also sad story featuring Zenji—around 2.3k words. The story contains major spoilers, so it’s best to skip this if you haven’t read the Hotarubi chapter yet. The MC is named 'Nao' in this story, as I prefer having a specific name for the character I’m writing about. Otherwise, enjoy the read!

You can't remember the last time you felt this good since meeting Zenji. The eccentric poet has completely turned your life upside down since you met him a few months ago.

You had a lot in common: your love for poetry, music, art… and your shared romantic streak. Not a day went by where you didn’t see each other, philosophizing together about the most meaningful and meaningless ideas and creating new stories, which you both brought to life on paper. By now, you’d even had the honor of relieving Haku from his duties as cameraman from time to time, stepping into his role yourself. Of course, Zenji could sometimes get lost in his enthusiasm, making it hard to bring him back down to earth, but that was exactly what you loved so much about him. He always gave himself completely to the moment and his emotions without ever seeming forced. Every feeling he expressed was always genuine and sincere.

Often, the two of you would spend hours talking in bed before sleep finally took you. Most of the time, Zenji was gone by the time you woke up in the morning, but he always left a little note on the table, wishing you a magical day and saying how much he looked forward to seeing you again.

To avoid making you feel suffocated, he let you fulfill your daytime tasks and spend time with your friends before you’d meet again in the evening. Even though you’d told him countless times that you’d be happy for him to visit during the day, he insisted that you should enjoy your life on campus as much as possible. So, it was always up to you to visit him in Hotarubi after your duties were done for the day. It apparently never occurred to him that he was the one who made life in Darkwick so enjoyable in the first place.

During the day, you usually spent your free time with Luca and Kaito, with whom you shared many classes. You quickly grew fond of both of them and always had a great time together, both on and off-campus.

Today, you were out with Kaito on your way to the diner to kill some time before the next class. On the large lawn in front of the main building, you saw Haku and Zenji talking in the distance. Seeing Haku with his phone in hand, you assumed Zenji was working on the video idea he’d told you about recently. A sad smile crossed your face as you thought about how he just couldn’t—or wouldn’t—understand that he would never appear in those videos. But you would be the last person to force that reality on him, so you, like Haku, just played along.

Haku quickly noticed you and waved with a tired smile. When Zenji turned and saw you, it was as if the sun rose, his face lighting up so brightly. He waved excitedly and smiled at you with that dazzling smile that always made your heart flutter.

“You really seem to get along well with Haku, huh?” Kaito commented as you waved back happily at the two of them. The joy of this chance encounter must have been written all over your face.

“Hm, what? Haku? Uh… yeah, sure. We get along well. He’s a good friend,” you replied, a little confused. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, your eyes always light up when you see him. And you do seem to spend a lot of time in Hotarubi,” Kaito said, looking at you with an almost sad smile as he waited for your reaction. “I-I’m really sorry, honestly! I didn’t mean to be nosy or anything.”

“No, no, Kaito. I’m sorry, I just hadn’t noticed. When I see Haku, it’s usually because he has good news for me. That’s all.” You chuckled a bit to yourself at the double meaning of your words. As much as you liked Haku, your good mood was never solely due to him when you saw each other.

Kaito suddenly stopped and looked down at the ground, embarrassed. You stood in front of him, watching him with a mix of concern and confusion. “Is everything okay, Kaito? Not in the mood for the diner today? We can always do something else if you’d like.”

He sniffled softly, tears beginning to form in his eyes. “You’re always so damn kind, Nao. And I don’t deserve it, not with how careless I am.”

Oh no, there it was again. Kaito’s never-ending insecurity. You always did your best to build him up and boost his confidence, but his negative feelings about himself ran too deep to be chased away by words alone.

You squeezed his hand tightly, concerned. “Kaito, what on earth is wrong? Everything’s fine. You haven’t upset me or anything like that.”

“Please forgive me. I’m such an idiot, and I doubt that will ever change in this lifetime. But I have to say it now, or I’ll lose my mind. I like you, Nao… I mean really like you. Not just as a friend.”

You’d already suspected it but had pushed the thought away as much as possible. Kaito couldn’t hold back his feelings, which was one of the things you liked about him. And it wasn’t exactly a secret that he felt more for you than friends usually did. You’d always made an effort not to give him false hope, and you valued honesty with him to avoid misleading him. But as you knew all too well, you can’t choose who you fall in love with. So, this day had to come.

“That’s so sweet of you, Kaito. I really appreciate your words, and they mean a lot to me. But as much as I’d like to, I can’t return your feelings. I’m sorry.”

Although tears fell to the ground between you, a tired smile spread across Kaito’s lips. “It’s okay. It’s not like I expected anything different. I don’t stand a chance against charming, good-looking guys like Haku anyway. I just needed to get it off my chest. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine soon enough. Idiots like me always bounce back quickly. Excuse me…”

Before he could turn and walk away, you took the initiative and hugged Kaito tightly. You could feel his wet cheeks against your neck. “Don’t even think about just walking away.”

Kaito seemed too surprised to move. Before he could say anything, you continued, “You’re my best friend, Kaito, and I mean that. You’re an amazing, warm-hearted person, and you mean the world to me. Don’t ever forget that. And no chance against men like Haku? You’re at least as lovable as him, if not more! Don’t you dare have such terrible thoughts again.”

Kaito tried to pull away, but each time, you held him even tighter. “Then why him and not me…?”

“Why do you keep bringing up Haku? I don’t have any deeper feelings for him. I promise. I’m just not ready to be with someone right now, you know? It’s just not the right time.”

You stayed like that for a while, and you could feel that you were starting to attract attention. But the stares didn’t bother you. At least no one was close enough to overhear your conversation. The last thing you wanted was for Kaito to be teased for being rejected.

When you were sure he wouldn’t suddenly turn around and run away, you slowly loosened your grip on him, placed your hands on his shoulders, and looked into his eyes. His cheeks and eyes were still red, but at least he had stopped crying.

“You’re too kind, Nao. I’m sorry for always causing you so much trouble.”

You laughed warmly. “Life here in Darkwick definitely wouldn’t be the same without you, Kaito. I wouldn’t give up these ‘troubles’ for anything.”

You let him go, pulled a tissue from your pocket, and handed it to him. “I understand if you’d rather be alone right now. But if you still want to go to the diner with me, I’d be happy to have you.”

He looked down, embarrassed, thinking for a few moments before looking back at you with a smile, even if it seemed a bit forced this time. “Sorry, but I think I’d rather be alone for a bit. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

You nodded understandingly and watched him walk off toward Frostheim. You sighed quietly and continued on your way to the diner in silence. A short break would be best for you, too.

After finishing up the day’s tasks, you decided not to visit Zenji in Hotarubi this time. Too much was on your mind to pretend everything was fine. You got ready for bed and lit a few candles to reflect your melancholic mood.

You stood in front of the mirror, looking at yourself with your head tilted. You felt honored that someone had taken you so deeply into their heart. Even though Kaito was the type who typically chased after every more or less pretty girl, you knew that his feelings for you were genuine.

“Stunning as always. Even in your pajamas.”

You saw Zenji standing at the end of your room. He smiled at you, but there was also something sad in his expression.

“I’m sorry I didn’t visit you today. It was actually quite hectic.”

“Don’t worry about it, my dear. I noticed what happened today and figured you needed some time for yourself.”

“Oh, really?” you began cautiously.

“Of course! The magical love that flickered in the air when I saw you back there was hard to miss.” Zenji seemed to be back in his element, brimming with enthusiasm.

“Eh… that’s not exactly how I would have put it, but if you say so…”

“No need to hold back, my dearest! It was only a matter of time before this day came. I simply couldn’t resist congratulating you in person.”

You stared at him in confusion. “I think you might have misunderstood.”

“It’s truly very noble of you, but you really don’t have to consider me! The dream was lovely while it lasted, but I was always prepared to wake up and face reality eventually. One day, I would have to make way for someone who deserves your time more than I do.”

“But that’s not how it is…”

Zenji was quick to interrupt. “Shh, my dear, you really don’t have to explain anything. I truly appreciate your concern and I feel like the luckiest guy in the world that I had you for as long as I did. Believe me, these wonderful memories will stay with me for the rest of my life. But as they say, one should leave when it’s at its best. Oh, and how wonderfully beautiful it was!”

“Wait, farewell? I would never…”

“It’s just as hard for me, believe me! But maybe we’ll still see each other here and there if you happen to wander back to Hotarubi.”

The man was unstoppable.

“Zenji…”

“Or, if fate is kind to us, we might run into each other on campus like today.”

“Zenji!”

You knew you had to stop him before he got completely carried away. After raising your voice, he froze for a moment.

“Thank you. So, let’s start over. What exactly do you think you saw?”

“Kaito confessed his love to you, and you reciprocated it while hugging him. Oh, what a wonderful scene that was! Kaito taking matters into his own hands and forging his own destiny! Such commendable action!”

“That’s not what happened, Zenji. Quite the opposite.”

“What…? How do you mean?”

You sat on the edge of the bed and gestured for Zenji to sit beside you. Then you told him everything that had happened, in minute detail.

“Oh… that’s truly sad. I hope the honorable gentleman remains strong and recovers quickly. And all because you happily waved at us. I will demand that Haku apologize to Kaito.”

“Eh…? How many times do I have to say it? I’m not glowing because of Haku, but because of you, Zenji. And only because of you.”

He stared at you in silence for a moment, before suddenly exclaiming in shock. “Oh my goodness, then I need to apologize to him!”

“First of all, it would be nice if everyone could calm down. No one needs to apologize for anything. That’s just the way things go, and disappointments are part of life. No one did anything wrong.”

Zenji stared thoughtfully at the floor. He must have started to understand what you were getting at.

“Believe me, I wish I had fallen for someone like Kaito or Luca, but that’s not how it works. It can’t be changed that someone else is involved.”

Zenji looked shocked again. “So you lied to him when you said you had no feelings for Haku?”

“I abhor violence, but I swear, if anyone mentions Haku again, they’ll get one. No! But I couldn’t exactly tell him I have feelings for a ghost instead of him.”

Zenji’s expression shifted from cheerful to melancholic.

“I’m truly flattered that a simple fool like me has a place in your heart. And I can’t exactly say that I don’t cherish every single second with you and long for your presence when we’re not together, but…”

“No ‘buts’, Zenji. You mean a lot to me, and I don’t regret a single second spent with you instead of anyone else. I want to enjoy countless more moments with you, as long as fate allows.”

He looked deeply into your eyes. Sadness marked his delicate features. “But you should be with the living, my dear. It’s no use wasting energy on me. Unfortunately, we just met too late.”

“Maybe we did. But I won’t let anyone take the remaining time from me. Only when you’re here do I feel truly alive. Nothing can change that.” You raised a hand and held it in the air between you, as if pressing it against an invisible wall. Zenji mirrored the gesture and placed his hand against yours.

Even though you couldn’t physically touch each other, you could almost feel his warmth.

“I’ve never been good at saying no to you.” Zenji’s smile made your heart race.

You smiled warmly back at him. “Let me be your heartbeat until the end.”

#tokyo debunker #hotarubi #zenji kotodama #fanfic #kaito fuji

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hellhound5925 · 7 months

Text

HERE IT IS 🙌🏻 THE MOMENT LONG AWAITED

Cyare Verd

*OC Raven x Hunter

A/N: Welcome back! I apologize for taking so long but ☝🏼 I edited my original story up to the fourth chapter only to decide I still didn’t like it so guess what I edited the same four chapters again 😅

I’ll start by saying, yes it still follows the season two storyline of The Bad Batch (unoriginal I know) but I did change it up quite a bit. If your looking for Omega (lol) shes gone 👋🏼 I was never a huge fan of her so I wrote her out 🫣 otherwise, I hope you enjoy the new version of my fic. I will be taking it off Wattpad and AO3 in the meantime so I can finish making edits.

Oh, one last thing. If you would like to be tagged please drop a comment or send me a message ☺️ Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time out of your day to read this. It means the world to me.

Anyways. Without further ado 🤲🏻 I present to you my updated fic 💖

Prologue/Background

Raven (If you see this. It’s the Pov for the following)

Before order 66 went down, I spent my time on Kamino training new batches of clones for the Grand Army of the Republic. I met many of the troopers who lived there during the time including Sargent Hunter of the infamous Clone Force 99. Our interactions were usually quite brief but there was a certain charm about him I enjoyed from our very first encounter. However, I was there to perform my duty to my clan and that always came first.

It was an honor to continue the legacy my father - Kal Skirata - left behind. He and my brothers - the Null ARC’s - have been off trying to thwart a plot they didn’t realize would lead to order 66.

During that time, Kal’Buir had asked that I stay on Kamino not only for intel but also to get out any defecting troopers.

A friend of mine, who is another Mandalorian by the name of Aspen, posed as a supply ship for myself. She would drop off supplies or bring me an array of random items I asked for to validate her being there. Aspen would then smuggle troopers to Mandalore where they were to live out their days as they wished. A part of our clan. Clan Skirata.

When order 66 did finally happen, my brother Ordo had warned me to prepare for something big that would be happening soon. Whether or not he knew exactly what I’ll never know.

For the first few days, I lingered on Kamino waiting for any one of my brothers or Kal’Buir to contact me but it didn’t come. About a week later a droid appeared in my quarters with a message. ‘Get out now. You’re in danger Sen’ika (little bird).’ Kal’Buir was the only one who ever called me Sen’ika - mostly because I hated it but he could get away with anything.

Shortly thereafter, I packed my things discreetly and called for Aspen. She came within a rotation claiming the usual - that she was here to deliver supplies for me - and to my surprise they let her in.

The minute I was on her ship, the two of us left. We ended up on the planet in the mid rim. Where Ord Mantell became our temporary home.

Chapter One: Cid’s Parlor

Raven

Standing out in the busy streets of Ord Mantell, the sun beats down on my beskar fighting the darkness that rests on my shoulders. I will my feet to move it’s as if this weight is too much for them to carry.

My irritation radiates off me as the thunderous pitter patter pounds in my head each time a citizen passes by - must be nice to live so carefree - I think to myself. Yet they pay me no mind, even though the very nature of my armor is intimidating.

The dull black shein of a well-worn helmet that sits upon my head, with the infamous T shaped visor. The rest of the plates are the same color with a few iridescent feathers poking out from underneath. Ironic right.

This armor is my pride and joy. It was a coming of age gift - if that's what you want to call it - from my father. Kal’Buir was by far one of the greatest Mandalorians in the history of our people - though my opinion might be biased.

A wave of sadness washes over me at the thought of him, my family, my brothers, and my best friend Aspen. Shaking the thoughts from my mind I tell myself they wouldn’t want me to sulk. Aspen would smack me if she were here. Unfortunately, the two of us had to go our separate ways after getting into some trouble. What else is new?

Aspen has always been the friend I can count on for anything. We met as kids on Mandalore and practically grew up together. Once we were old enough, the two of us would drink - a little too much - and run our mouths. Sometimes I’d come home with a black eye and Kal’Buir would say ‘I hope the other guy looks worse’. With a osik (shit) eating grin he knew I could handle myself.

Eventually that trouble caught up to us. When I had been on Ord Mantell before, she and I got into it with a group of merc’s and Cid saved our skin. Usually I didn’t pick fights we couldn’t win but that time I did.

That was just after our home was bombed by the Empire. My family. My clan was there as far as I know. Rumor has it the surface is no longer safe. The blast destroyed everything and killed everyone. Grief does funny things to people.

Since then Cid feels we owe her every time she calls. Aspen was smart enough to ignore her but I can’t leave business unfinished. I don’t like owing people anything.

Bitterness courses through my veins and I find my feet moving through the doorway.

Hunter

Cid's Parlor is loud and crowded - as usual. Which for enhanced senses is why I prefer the solitude of the ship. Let’s not even get into the stench of hot bodies and alcohol might put me over the edge.

I take a deep breath to steady myself and push out the overwhelming sounds and smells, in an attempt to tune back into my brother's conversation. Echo and I were discussing whether or not the Marauder needs maintenance. Which is true it does. However, we don’t have the credits.

One glance over at Wrecker and its obvious Tech is beating him - again - at dejarik.

With a sigh and a gentle swirl of the pint in my hand, I watch as the amber liquid spins like a world pool. The sickly-sweet smell of blood orange and yeast reaches my nose. I let myself get lost in it for a moment, the scent totally washing over me.

The weight of the things we have had to endure begins creeping in. My men. Their safety and well-being are my responsibility. Crosshair.

Before I’m sucked too far into the void, my senses pick up something that wasn’t there a moment ago. Dark, sweet raspberry, rose. I’d recognize that scent anywhere after the hours I’d spent committing it to memory.

Lifting my gaze from my glass, it’s pulled like a force of gravity as a Mandalorian female enters the parlor. A warmth washes over me mixed with a little relief at seeing that all too familiar T-visor. I can’t contain the shock that creeps on my face at her presence or the memory—

‘Alright everyone, today we go over the basics.’ Her voice is crisp but not cold, giving orders and yet…silky smooth. I could listen to her speak to the regs all day.

She continues barking out orders which I recognize as the basics for hand-to-hand combat. I stop listening about half way through just to commit her to memory.

Covered head to toe in dark black beskar, her visor drifts over the group of men before her. The small frame is quite a contrast to the 6ft Clone troopers in formation. She has such a commanding presence, exuding confidence. My eyes roam over her curves and stop at the dual westar -35’s attached to either side of her thighs. For a moment I swear my heart might leap out of my chest—

Raven Skirata.

My trousers suddenly become constricting forcing me to shift uncomfortably. We only ever ran into one another a few times on Kamino. Mostly casual conversation about war efforts. The sound of her laugh when I told her about some of the things we’d improvised on missions, is one my brain never lets me forget. I never did get the courage to ask her about herself.

Raven crosses over to the bar and my eyes follow her every move. It’s only now that I notice she’s skinnier than I remember. Her complexion is quite pale in comparison to the dark circles under her eyes. The sight causes my chest to tighten. What the hell happened?

"Long time no see. I was starting to think you wised up" the Twi-lek bartender says by way of greeting. There's a long pause as the Raven drops her shoulders considerably.

"Unfortunately, I'm a little low on rations to be wise" she shoots back, that silky smooth voice taking on a sarcastic tone.

Having caught the attention of a rather large man - whose been talking loud enough for everyone in here to hear - he leans over to speak to her.

"Wow, that must be real beskar.......Wonder what kind of price someone would pay for th-that...." He slurs a little at the end.

In one smooth motion, Raven ejects her vibro-blade from her vambrace - the steel practically sings - slamming his head into the bar top with the other hand. A loud thud follows. Some of the patrons stop talking to stare while the Twi-lek laughs.

Pressing her blade to his throat she leans in close she sneers, "Try to take it from me and I'll find out how much someone will pay for your head.”

The man proceeds to mumble and she cocks her head at the bar tender as if in annoyance. Letting go of the man he slumps to his knees before getting up and stumbling away, hand pressed to his temple.

I have to work had to suppress the smile that threatens to creep onto my face, the corner of my mouth twitches anyways.

"Don't mess with Mandalorians" Echo chuckles, drawing attention. Raven glances our way tensing. Mentally I command myself to look away but I can’t. For a moment I swear, even through her visor we make eye contact.

Raven

After I’m satisfied I’ve put this man in his place, I let go and he slumps to the floor. Comments fly from over my shoulder but there’s that voice I’ve heard thousands of times that stands out.

I can’t help but turn and that when I see them. The red and white plastoid. Thanking my ancestors for the helmet, I roll my eyes at just how ironic it is they are here. Sargent Hunter and the Bad Batch. He and I have spoken a few times on Kamino but the others I’ve never officially met.

Frozen in place, I stare for a second. The Sargent doesn’t take his eyes off me with an unreadable expression. If I’m lucky he won’t recognize me - I think to myself. Forcing myself to move, I turn back to the bartender with a finger in the air, signaling I’d like a shot.

My gloved hands make their way to my helmet and gently slide it off, letting my messy blonde braid at the back of my head fall. Lately I find myself caring less and less about what I look like.

Placing my helmet on the bar top, I take a breath to steady myself before taking the shot. The burning liquid a welcomed punishment if nothing else.

The bartender nods over my shoulder and I sign knowing what's coming.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes" Cid says, throwing an arm over me like we are old pals.

I roll my hazel eyes "I'm not here because I want to be. Lets get on with it" I grumble.

"No 'Hi Cid, how are you?'" She asks.

"Nar'sheb (shove it)" I say in my native tongue with a polite smile on my face. She has no idea what I said to her but there's a snicker from someone close by.

————

"Remember what happened last time you threw your attitude around like that? " Cid scolds me as we enter her office.

Picking dust off my flight suit I sass, "I'm not here to discuss my 'attitude'. What's the mission?"

Cid moves behind her desk and crosses her arms "Fine, I need you to help out a group of fine gentlemen." She starts to explain, her tone a little too...chipper.

I raise a brow, shifting my weight and hum my dissatisfaction.

Cid immediately gets defensive, “Look it’s not my fault you mandos like to find trouble. You’re just lucky I was there to bail you out. Besides, these guys could really use someone with your skills. Dooku's private stash is being relocated by the Empire and I want you to help them get as much as possible".

The fact that she said Empire had my attention and attitude immediately shifts.

"I thought you might like that and I promise I'll give you 20%" she continues noticing my mood lighten.

"30 and it's a deal" I counter.

"Hey! I gotta pay those other guys too. I feel I'm being quite generous.”

I guess for considering who I’m speaking with… "Fine 20%, Now who are these guys?"

"They call themselves the Bad Batch. Wait here I'll go get them" she doesn’t give me a chance to respond before she heads out the door.

For a moment I stay where she left me and contemplate my next move. I can either play it like I don’t know them and take the chance their Sargent will recognize me or…

With an annoyed sigh, I stride over to her desk and set my helmet down before scanning the book shelves. Most of these I’ve read during my ‘spare time’ when Cid let me crash here before. Not surprisingly, there’s nothing new.

Leaning my back against one I take my gloves off and unbraid my hair. The blonde waves fall loosely over one shoulder ending just below my breast. It’s a wonder I ever let it get this long but a part of me just can’t bring myself to cut it.

I make myself comfortable at her desk, leaning back and kicking my boots up on it, When Cid flings the door open and scowls at me. My stomach ties itself into knots but I try to seem disinterested by playing with my hair.

There’s a chance these guys decided like the others to side with the Empire. But the odds they did and they are here? Slim but not zero.

Pushing off the desk I stand and stroll around to the front, leaning against it. A few golden strands fall into my face with the movement. My hands naturally side down towards my blasters holstered at my sides. A defense position that’s become muscle memory. The Sargent eyes follow my every move.

"Take it easy there Mando these are the good guys."

Cid rolls her eyes after seeing my body language. Once again in typical Cid fashion she hid this from me, likely knowing I wouldn’t come.

The largest one of the 4 pushes past.

"I'm Wrecker! I like to blow stuff up!" He says very loudly, sticking out his hand. My body is further tensing.

I hesitantly shake his hand, which compared to mine - even with gloves on - looks like it could easily crush it.

"Wrecker, I feel that last part was not necessary" says the one holding a datapad.

"I am Tech by the way.”

Nodding by way of greeting, I quickly glance over at their Sargent. Had I blinked I would have missed the split second of recognition before the mask of a leader slid into place.

The one with a socket arm glances over at him. Probably from the tension radiating off of me. Those amber eyes see me for exactly who I am.

My breathing picks up, but I quickly get it back under control. The former doesn’t seem to notice, not taking his eyes off me.

I decide to meet his gaze with a challenging one. Hoping to hide whatever it is he sees.

Shaking his head like he’s having a difficult time dragging himself from thought, introduces himself.

“I'm their Sargent-well was their Sargent...Hunter and this is Echo" he gestures to socket arm.

Echo waves at me with his socket and a soft smile. I nod slowly and clear my throat.

“I know who you are.”

Tech lifts his eyes from his datapad to look at me once again. Before he or anyone else can I say anything I continue,

“Raven. Raven Skirata.”

————

When I start towards my ship - alright so it's not really my ship, I stole it - I was so deep in thought I almost didn’t hear someone call out to me.

"Wouldn't it just be easier if we all went together?"

I stop not bothering to turn around "How do I know you won't leave me behind?"

If these are the clones I’ve heard so much about, there’s a good chance I can trust them. However, my instincts are telling me not to. Echo, almost like he is reading my mind says,

"You can trust us, we aren't like the others".

The sorrow in his voice fills the space between us, making me uncomfortable. I roll my shoulders, hands flexing at my sides.

Without saying anything I head up the ramp to my ship, gather a few things in my pack, and come back out to see Echo standing where I left him. The rest of the group must have gone to their ship. With a small nod he leads the way.

As we approach, I stop for a moment before heading up the ramp to admire the hull before me. An Omicron class attack shuttle but it’s been modified. It’s just as impressive if not more so in person. My brothers - specifically Mereel and Jaing - would have loved this thing, I can practically hear them fighting with even Ordo for who would pilot.

With a few steps up the ramp, I peer inside and it’s notably clean. Briefly I take in the surroundings noting the others up front in the cockpit area. Echo glances back at me sensing my hesitation.

“I’ll show you around”

I tip my visor towards him appreciatively, without saying a word.

————

Echo finishes the tour with the bunks, two on the left and two on the right. He gestures to the right, showing me which one is mine and offers me a gentle smile. With a quick glance I realize there are only 4 of them.

“Hunter usually stays up in the cockpit. You get his bunk.”

Great.

I nod my appreciation again and take my pack off my shoulder. The only things in it are a couple changes of regular clothes and some rations. I've not got much to lose that isn't my beskar these days.

Placing my pack on the lower bunk, the mythosaur skull on the back of my gloves stare back at me with hollow eyes. It’s almost like they know. Our people are gone. For a moment I wonder if anyone will even remember what it means.

I forgot Echo was still standing there until his throat clears. He says carefully, “Your father is Kal Skirata.”

My heart starts to thunder in my chest at the mention of his name. I finish settling my pack before I turn to face him. A part of me wants to answer but it feels like my mouth is full of cotton. I mentally thank my ancestors for the visor between us.

“He was one of my instructors. In my early days I mean. He was always really good to us. I heard about what he did...he got some of us out.”

Silence fills the space. I slide my helmet off, tucking it under an arm. Unable to look him in the eye, my boots seemingly interesting all the sudden.

“He’s gone.” My voice almost doesn’t sound like my own. Distant.

“Too many good people have been lost because of the war. I’m sorry to hear that.”

In his kind words, the galaxy feels a little less lonely. I finally lift my head and meet his gaze, seeing the loss there.

“I’m sorry for your loss too.”

Echo only offers me a somber smile in response. My walls go back up and I decide to change the subject. It comes out a little sassier than I had intended.

“So, you all have enhanced something or other right? I mean I was on Kamino and spoke to your Sargent a few times but mostly what I know is what I’ve heard.”

”Each of us had a unique quality. Wrecker is brute strength, Hunter has enhanced senses, and Tech is really smart.”

”Wasn’t there another member? Crosshair?”

Another sad look from him, “He chose the Empire.”

“Ah” I nod my understanding. “How do you fit in here?”

He rubs the back of his neck and chuckles.

“I was originally with the 501st under General Skywalker. We were on Skako minor and I was blown up. Captured by the Techno union and they made me mostly a machine.” Echo lifts his socket arm as a reference.

“My Captain. Rex. He and the Bad Batch rescued me. I owe them everything.”

That name. Captain Rex. It sounds familiar. ”No offense but you just met me and you trust me enough to tell me all this?” My sass once more evident.

He smiles and says “Your father spoke highly of you.”

My throat closes up at the same time pride washes over me. When I don’t respond he continues.

“I’ll leave you to get settled in” and with that he turns and heads toward the cockpit.

I watch as he reaches the others and takes a seat. Unable to do anything else other than process what he just said.

————

It takes me a while to recover from the conversation. A part of me hesitates to comm Aspen but I can’t risk compromising her.

Instead, I take my time to check my weapons (two blasters at my hip, vibro blade in my vambrace, and the various blades stashed in my boots and under my back plate). No one bothers to check on me, which is just as well. Finally, I end with checking the HUD in my helmet - which seems to be functioning fine.

Discarding my helmet on the bunk, I head for the cockpit where the others are chatting quietly. The hushed tones likely to prevent me from overhearing. Hunter stiffens as I approach which only confirms my thought.

The four seats at the front were taken up by each of the members. Leaning against the doorway I cross my arms over my chest plate.

"We don't have a reason to trust each other but once this mission is over and I'm paid, I'm gone. You won't have to worry after that.” The annoyance plastered on my face is visible to all.

They all glance at one another except Hunter, his eyes fixed on my face like he’s trying not to look anywhere else. He almost looks hurt at my comment.

"That seems reasonable" Tech says very matter of factly.

”Great. So, what's the plan?”

“Get to Serenno and scout the area." Hunter says turning his attention to space zooming by at light speed.

I sigh, "That's not much of a plan but I can improvise."

Wrecker chimes in, ”Ahaha you’ll fit right in!” Awkward silence fills the space before I break it.

“Right. Well I guess we should all rest up so let me know when we land.” Spinning on a heel, I head for the bunks.

Next Chapter here.

Wattpad link here.

Taglist: @cloneloverrrrr @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @idoubleswearimawriter @savebytheodore @savebytheodoresnonjosestuff @jediknightjana @techs-goggles9902 @clonethirstingisreal

Lemme know if you wanna be tagged in the future!

#the clones #star wars clone wars #the bad batch #tbb hunter #hunter the bad batch #the bad batch tech #mandalorian oc #tbb hunter x you #tbb hunter x reader #the bad batch hunter #bad batch hunter #hunter #hunter bad batch #hunter x reader #clone trooper hunter #Sargent hunter #clone force 99 #starwars the bad batch

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ninacytosis · 8 months

Text

For the time lost

Summary: Zuko wants to erase every reminder of his past mistakes, and Katara will take him on a journey to, quite literally, heal both of their scarrings.

Contains: Angst, Fluff, Katara has burns scars from Aang's first attempts to firebend, Katara tries to get over her resentment towards the FN, Zuko doesn't hate Azula.

Dear reader: I hope you enjoy it! <3 Let me know if you want me to continue posting.

Find chapter two here.

Also if you prefer reading in ao3 here's the link.

┊┊┊┊☆┊*🌙*┊☆┊┊┊┊

Chapter One

“Dear Zuko:

I hope this letter finds you well. Since you didn’t respond to my messages from the previous weeks, I couldn’t help but do a little investigation on my own. Aang told me he last visited the Fire Nation a couple of days ago, and to his surprise, you weren’t there. Honestly, this got me even more curious. What are you up to, Fire Lord? What juicy secret are you keeping from us?

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that my dad made some octo-fish soup this weekend. I bet you have never tried it, well, maybe on your finding-the-avatar days you stopped by and tried. But that doesn’t seem like you. One day Sokka and I will cook you some, but only if you tell me why you’re being so distant lately!

We’re always here for you, Zuko.

Hugs,

Katara”

Zuko read the letter while waiting for the water to boil. He had never heard of octo-fish soup to this day, but he wasn’t opposed to trying new dishes. In fact, most of his favorite dishes weren’t even from the Fire Nation. After trying the Omashu noodles, who could blame him?

“Dear Katara,

I hope you enjoyed that soup and the company of your family. Knowing that you spend good quality time with your family brings me so much joy and relief because all of you deserve it. I hope that every good memory makes up for every bad one, though unfortunately, healing doesn’t work like an exchange, does it?

As the Fire Lord, certain duties demand my presence in the other nations. So, as much as I wish my lack of responses were due to a secret vacation of mine, they are more like business trips. Might as well call me the Fire Businessman now. (Don’t let anyone read this to Toph because she most certainly will call me that.)

It was nice hearing from you. Send as many letters as you please. Even if I’m not home, I’ll promise I’ll read them. By the way, how are your little waterbenders doing? I’m sure it was harder to handle Aang, you know, back in our teaching-the-Avatar days.

Best,

Zuko”

He sat down and frowned at the piece of paper. It’s not that he wanted to hide things from her, or his friends. But it was almost embarrassing to write and send a letter describing his last weeks. It was a path of emotions he was unready to walk through. She would probably forget it in a couple of weeks anyway, and then he would be able to tell her everything.

“Dear Zuko,

Or should I say, Dear Fire Liar?

Even though I don’t have a lot of time in my hands, I still managed to get some information about your mysterious “business” trips. Sokka’s been of great help, for once, and a little bird told him that people from the Northern Water Tribe have spotted you in very weird places. But being honest, I still don’t know what is it that you’re hiding so hard. You got yourself an Ice Lady?

On another note, it’s very exciting to see both of the Nations exchanging goods and, you know, not trying to slit each other’s throats. I always wanted the war to end of course, but it was very hard to imagine a future so full of prosperity. It’s hard to grasp sometimes.

I hope I’m not getting overly emotional but it makes me think about my mom a lot. She never lived in a world without war in it, isn’t that fucked up? Some days I feel a strange guilt running through my body because I get to move on and she will always stay there. This seems like I’m getting all over the place. I don’t usually say this stuff to anybody, but I know you would get it. And today seems like a good day for letting it all out.

When I’m down, I like to think that she sees the world through the eyes of Sokka, or dad’s, or even mine. It’s silly, I know. But it makes me feel closer to her.

Well, enough about me. Tell me more about your trips, about your uncle’s new place. I’m dying to know. Maybe next time you should try doing business in the Southern Water Tribe and pay us a visit. We all miss you!

Hugs,

Katara”

Zuko took a long breath. No amount of tea would cure the unmeasurable shame that he felt reading Katara’s letter. He knew how empathetic she was, and how much he loved her family, and he could never forgive himself for what his family did to the world. Every day he looked at himself in the mirror and was reminded of a past he could never erase, his face became no longer his once his dad put his palm on it.

His sudden state made him forget about Katara’s little quest. He was not only full of shame but also full of passion to help others. Every reminiscent of the war also reminded him of the resilience of people during difficult times. And every time Katara changed the subject, Zuko needed to excruciatingly tell her how much her strength motivated him to be better. And after writing that letter, he decided it was time to invite her to the palace.

#atla #zutara #zutara fanfiction #zuko x katara #it's my first fanfic pls be kind :)#also i'm not a native english speaker so plsss forgive me if the dialogue sounds unnatural #or if the grammar feels off #FTL :)

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writingpei · 2 years

Text

wicked games (l.m.) - chapter six

previous chapter series masterlist next chapter

pairing: lee minho x reader genre: academic rivals to lovers wc: 2.6k words

color me green

everyone ought to know not to mess with the extreme hormonal imbalance that gets tangled up in the form of teenagers.

because classes started in march, the education system pulled out one of the most important events that students would most like to experience during the school year, valentine's day. what happens is that, in haneul high school, the students could not accept such slander. in the 90s, the celebration of kiss day was created; it consisted of a day that was common to see heart-shapped confetti across the floor in the halls, people crying over being rejected and others with teddy bears and bouquets of red roses under their arms, bragging about the amount of confessions they received.

to say that day made y/n want to gouge her eyes out with her bare hands would be an understatement.

everything about the celebration made her feel odd. she could not shake feeling like an alien observer watching the girls her age and all their unspoken yearning, how they fell apart over loud displays of affection and exaggerated gifts. what's with the allure of romance anyway? she couldn't quite grasp it within her fingers, and for some reason, it stressed her out.

shaking her head as a way of physically trying to shift her focus to another corner of her mind, she quickly settles into thinking about hyunjin and theorizing how much her assistance had actually helped him on his math test.

she hadn't heard from the boy the last few days, ever since the test. she figured he must have blacked out after studying as intensely as he had for the first time in his life. or he probably failed, and that wouldn't be kind to her ego.

when she first stepped into school in the chilly morning, she noticed that the confetti hadn't been thrown all over the place yet, so she still had the margin to pretend that day was a normal day.

what caught her eye, however, was the employees hanging up a gigantic sheet of paper on the wall. a cluster of people started forming in a circle, curious eyes examining the words printed in oppressive black ink, some were on tiptoes trying to catch a glimpse among the sea of heads.

y/n hurried into the middle of the crowd. even though physical contact with so many people made her skin sting, she slipped into the tangle until she came to a stop in front of everyone to see all the rankings on display.

once she found her name in the first column of the chart signaling her perfect score, a wave of relief and satisfaction emanated through her entire body.

regardless of how focused she was on her own accomplishment, her eyes were captured like a magnet to the name right below hers, and, to bring even more joy to her day, with a not-so-perfect score...

while she made 100 points, lee minho's name got stained by a hideous 98.

after the hellish week the boy had put her through like he had decided out of the blue to tease her countless times more than he already did on a day-to-day basis, y/n allowed herself to rejoice at the feeling of pride she felt because of the score.

caught out of her blissful trance, she realized classes were about to start, if the halls beginning to overflow were any indication to follow. her steps were determined while she made her way to english class with certainty that nothing would strain her mood.

when her eyes found minho sitting at the back of the classroom with his pet friend on his side as usual, she didn't refrain from her calculated stride until she came to a stop in front of the boy. minho, seeing her approaching, already masked his lips with the classic sarcastic smile he always performed flawlessly whenever he saw her, taking advantage of any prospect to get her worked up.

"what do i owe you the pleasu-" he started, but quickly realized she wasn't having any of it at that moment.

"shut up, now it's my turn" she interrupted, crossing her arms and lifting her chin, superioring herself through her ever-so-fierce body language. "you got 2 math questions wrong on the test? what's going on with you? i hate to say it but you were better than this back in the day..." a smirk that held no trace of kindness bloomed on her face as a silent challenge to his own, that started to die down by the second, cheeks falling.

he just frowned as if he had come upon something that had a bad smell, disgust being physically transferred from her to him, tables turning.

"you know it's not like me to put the blame on other things when it comes to my performance, but taking this test in the same classroom as you really affected me. i almost had to go outside to throw up 3 times just because i couldn't shake off your presence inhabiting the same space as me."

"oooh, taking it to heart now, are we minho?" a humorous little laugh escaped her lips as she lightly tapped her fingers on her arms.

"this is much worse than when you're tearing your hair out just by listening to me" he rolls his eyes and turns his body completely towards the blond boy who was aggressively drinking from his juice box, not daring to spare a glance to the frightening girl in front of him. "she's so annoying, seriously..."

"so you can play the game but i can't?" the question sounded dumbfounded and she felt anger starting to bubble on her chest.

"uhm, duh-uh" he replied as if it was obvious. "i prefer it much more when you are locked up in your own brooding"

"i don't get locked up in brooding" her tone got higher at his ridiculous accusation. "i'm sorry to spoil your childish ways of entertainment but my pride won't allow you to remain unchecked"

"talk about your pride" he scoffed with all his might, disdain evident in his voice. "don't go putting all your judgment over me on a single test, especially the first one. i don't want to see you crying later when i start to take this seriously."

"what ever made you think that i'm afraid of you taking things seriously? if you are trying to humiliate me by attempting to put me at your level, i can tell you is not working" her hands slipped from her previously crossed manner, and descended to settle on top of his desk, leaning in as a way to provoke him. "your immaturity has no bounds whatsoever."

minho looked into her eyes in silence for a chain of seconds until he groaned in desperation, eyes rolling back and an irritated sigh escaping his lungs.

"ugh, today is going to be a good day for me filled with chocolates and love letters, so stop trying to spoil it with all your nagging on my ears" he said, eager for the conversation to end soon.

minho hated it when she was like this, and getting 2 questions wrong on a 40-question test was disgraceful enough.

sometimes he found himself believing that both of them were one and the same while being two completely distinct planets all at once. he could tell that her talent for consistent pestering was just like his, but he couldn't help but prefer when she was the one hot-faced and struggling to hold her unceasing rage from lashing at him in a deadly streak.

and he really was looking forward to all of the confessions he was going to receive throughout the day, that hadn't been a lie. the compliments that were thrown in his direction by lovesick girls always amused him and tickled his undying ego.

"you never fail to make me sick to my stomach" she says with a deep frown, knuckles turning white at how hard they were being pressed against his desk.

"speak to my hand" minho raised his hand towards her, mocking her with movements imitating someone talking. "ah, i'm park y/n and my favorite pastimes are terrorizing innocent classmates and institutionalizing extreme boredom" he spoke in a demon-like voice as if trying to imitate her, and she only managed to scoff at his antics.

it took all her strength to walk over to her usual spot at the table at the front without caressing his pretty face with an uppercut.

he was outrageously unbearable, lee minho was the worst of the world.

"you fell asleep in the middle of the math test. you wouldn't do that if you had doubts about any of the questions" yongbok started right after she left them be, looking at him from the corner of his eye, pinning him in an accusatory stare.

"the last few days have been weird for me, yongie, give it a rest" minho dismisses his friend while sulking and crossing his arms, face falling slowly until his forehead reached his desk.

"if you say so..."

“why, are you insinuating something?” it didn’t take many seconds for him to get defensive as he always did over topics like this. topics that were about her.

minho liked to perceive himself as a person who was fully aware and in control of why he did the things he did, and having someone who knew him as well as yongbok insinuating things bothered him beyond measure, making him doubt his own conscience.

“oh, no, never” he answered sarcastically and kept chugging the straw coming out of the orange juice box.

“ugh, whatever” minho says finally, shrugging and pretending he didn't care. "you've been weird as hell these past few days too..."

the class went by smoothly and y/n believed that her good mood would be unshakable for the rest of the day. it all ended in shambles when the bell rang and people started to leave the room to go to their respective next classes.

it all ended in shambles because it was at that exact moment that hwang hyunjin burst through the door like a cannon, wide eyes scanning the complexity of the classroom in search of the girl.

"y/n! i've been looking for you everywhere!" hyunjin's voice calling out for her in such an open place and in the midst of so many of their classmates put y/n on alert instantly.

she didn't even think about looking to the back of the class to check if he was still there.

"um, what do you need?" asking carefully collected, she looked barely managed to scan around her to see if there were still a lot of people in the room who hadn't left yet.

"you are never going to believe it!" he was anything but quiet, still daring to bounce up to her in his unmatched good humor. "i got 30 out of 40 questions right on the test! can you believe it? can you?" he exclaimed, and she realized she hadn't looked up the boy's name when she'd seen the rankings earlier.

regardless of the non-existent relationship she had with hyunjin, the information left her very much satisfied. knowing that she had the ability to teach well meant that she could land some tutoring gigs down the road.

"that's nice, hyunjin" she responded with a small sign of contentment on her face.

while she started bending down to pick up her bag from the floor and going on her way, he stopped her by handing her a white bag.

"this is a thank you present for you. as soon as i entered the school and saw the rankings, i skipped the first class and ran to the bakery near the school to buy this. it's a cupcake, no big deal!"

but y/n's focus had been ripped from the words that came out of the mouth of the boy in front of her and thrown to the small whispers she heard behind her back as soon as he waved the gift in front of her face.

"oh my god..." a girl said.

"so the rumors were true? they're going out with each other?" another trailed.

y/n gritted her teeth and exasperation started building up inside her chest.

"hyunjin" she called him, firmly yet quiet as ever. "have you gone insane?"

"what? why?" the big smile that previously covered his face was replaced by an expression of pure confusion. "you don't like cupcakes? i'm sorr-"

"today is kiss day, you dumbass" she explained, holding the bag he had given her with only one finger as if she touched it more than necessary, she would be consumed by it on the spot.

"oh" was his first reaction, realizing that he had completely forgotten about the day. however, when he finally came to realize how what he just did could create such horrific misinterpretations, his eyes widened and he let out another "oh!", this time sharing y/n's panic.

after his comprehension of how grave the situation was, hyunjin's first instinct was to snatch the bag from her hand without hesitation or grace. "it's nothing like that!" he exclaimed loudly almost as if he was screaming at her, noticing that there was a considerable amount of people still in the room who were eyeing them curiously.

"tutoring session this friday again!" was the only thing he accomplished to say before running out the door with the same agitation he had entered it.

all's well that end's well.

"i hate cupcakes anyway..." she whispered at last, leaving the room without looking any of the people who saw the scene in the eye.

as if ignoring that everything that had happened would immediately be forgotten and left behind by everyone. she knew she was fucked.

"we're going to be late for the next class, minho" yongbok called over to the boy who was still sitting fixedly in the chair, eyes narrowed at what he had just witnessed.

with his best friend's call, he put the bag on his shoulder and started walking next to the blonde in wary strides.

"who was that poor guy?" he asked, a lump in his throat that felt like something else was trying to escape from his lips, but he couldn't put it in words.

"that's the hwang hyunjin you asked me about these days" yongbok clarified, not missing the bewildered tone coming from his friend.

"oh. i really had no idea who he was until two minutes ago."

after a few seconds of walking in eerie silence, a squeaky voice shouted "minho!" at their back, and echoed down the hall.

when they both stopped at their steps and turned around, they saw a small girl with long dark hair and red cheeks running towards them with a giant box of chocolates.

"this is for you!" she held the box out to him, starting to smooth her hair in a not-so-discreet way from the second he took it from her hands. "my name is bae minah, let's hang out sometime."

minho smirked mechanically but the genuineness was nowhere to be found. he still leaned into her slightly as if to take a better look at her, flattering the younger girl in the process as her eyes started to blink rapidly at the sight of him growing closer.

"yeah, sure, i'll think about it. bae minah..." he said and she opened a big - and pitiful - smile.

and so they both went continued their way, leaving her behind.

"take this" minho held out the box to yongbok, who looked at him confusedly and adjusted his glasses that fell down his nose.

"don't you want it? it's a super expensive brand."

"nah" he said, looking away. "i'm actually feeling a little nauseous."

stay tuned for chapter 7! ☆

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evita-shelby · 5 months

Text

They didn't know we were seeds

Chapter 10

Lucy Winters belongs to @emotionalcadaver

Cw: mentions of death, suicide

Taglist: @justrainandcoffee @emotionalcadaver @peakyswritings @call-sign-shark

Augustus Braun is the winner of game 67, he was made for Capitol Couture which was material to get people hyped for the movies.

Telling his mother everything feels like a great relief.

He doesn’t leave much detail out of how his relationship with Eva began. He had never told her about what the Capitol does to Victors, he had never told her about Snow’s visit and his attempt to kill Eva.

“It wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did, mom. I know she killed Laurie; I know the games haunt her just as they haunt me, but being with her has made it all bearable.” Because he never realized how alone he was until he woke up that Monday morning knowing he’d have to leave.

Their lives and world were hell, but every second he spends with her on her farm is by far the best moments of peace he’s had since his games 7 years ago.

“Neither of us had a choice in that arena. She didn’t want to kill Laurie any more than I wanted to kill all those kids, even Juno.” He’d been trained all his life for them and when the moment of truth comes, you realize it’s all bullshit. That they made you kill for so called glory and in the end, you were nothing but an object to entertain them. “I know you can’t forgive her, and we both understand why you can’t, but it won’t change my feelings for her.

I love her.”

His mother sighs in acceptance and speaks. “Out of all the girls in the world, you had to go with that one, kid.”

He loves his mother, knows she’s a good woman and stronger than anyone gives her credit for, but she won’t move him to break things off with Eva no matter how dreadful things get.

“If it makes you feel better, I don’t think she’s forgiven herself for it. She actually tried to deny the games a victor, but the Gamemakers were ordered to revive her or risk punishment.” The young man admits knowing all his secrets are safe with her.

“A rebel as well, oh joy.” His mother’s sarcasm reminds him he never got around to asking Lyme for what she sought out Eva for. It wasn’t just for him; Shelby was still a criminal and had bought those lands for a reason.

He couldn’t risk a visit to Eva now that every district is crawling with peacekeepers, he’ll have to wait until they reunite on July 5th for the 67th Hunger Games. He’s counting the days to see her, even if it means having to see children go off to fight and die.

Strange how he’s no longer seeing the games as he used to. Whether this new outlook is good or not waits to be seen.

July 5th comes and the first words he says when he finds Eva after the Tribute Parade are: “I love you.”

Took him long enough if you ask him.

He doesn’t bring up his mother, not today at least.

While their tributes go down to train, they make use of his empty suite. Matty had joined her as a mentor and while he’d be schmoozing sponsors in case their tributes live long enough to need one, his floor was closer.

She’s set foot in some of these, not this one though. Enobaria was not very friendly, and Lyme usually went to her floor instead.

“Wish I could take you to my cabin instead of this place.” Jack admits when he waves the Avoxes away and one of them is bold enough to wink at them as they agree to keep their secret. They like him, he’s boisterous and strangely carefree, knows when to keep his mouth shut too.

“Me too, shame travel between districts is forbidden. Who knows President Snow can add that to his campaign promises this year.” The left earring from the set Wiress gifted her pings as it detects several devices trained on them. The rebels had many victors in its lists, it made sense that they would join up. Something worse than living the games was sending two children to die year after fucking year.

Jack catches on quickly that they can’t speak about it here.

Her balcony was safe, the rooftop as well. Haymitch wouldn’t mind, he’s too out if it to even know they’ve been there. Cashmere’s dressing room was the only safe place in the entire suite.

Eva wonders if 2 had a nook or cranny that’s empty of cameras or microphones. She’d need to find it first and show it to Jack. It was why she’d accepted his invitation to have breakfast here.

He gave her a tour of the place, it was finer than 10’s floor. Decorated with the colors and some aesthetics associated with their district, with all the portraits of their victors scattered about. Jack looks so young in his portrait, reminds her of the boy from 1 everyone’s betting on.

Augustus Braun would win, this year the children reaped were on the younger side, hungrier because of the extreme weather that ravaged the country this spring. Even 2 had a tornado this year.

But 1 and 2 don’t know suffering like the rest of them, they are allowed to store food for this, they have enough to rebuild and act as if nothing happened.

Jack had learned to scavenge from her, how to survive without someone sending you food because even in the arena their sponsors fed them. He’d taught her how to hunt, how to wield a knife for other than cooking.

They could make it if it came to war. Running was out of the question; they’d be dead from exposure or bullet wounds before they got anywhere.

But she’s not been able to bring up the secret rebel society she joined just so she could play house with him every other weekend.

The only place without any sort of device spying on them was the sauna this floor had. And she tells him so.

“My mom thinks you’re a rebel, I’m starting to think she might be right.” He says revealing his mother’s feelings about their relationship.

She expected as much, and she reminded Jack she doesn’t mind it.

“If it makes you feel better, I didn’t know I was being recruited until Lyme showed up at my house.” Eva had wanted to tell him, just never found the moment. Didn’t want to ruin their happiness like that. “There’s many of us in it, Shelby is one of them too. Its why he gave me the farm, to gain a foothold in my district.”

Jack won’t tell, he’s not like that.

“They could kill you, Evie. What happens when Shelby gets taken down like Luca? What happens when it fails?” He voices the same worries she’s had all this time.

“But what if it doesn’t? Don’t you want to live in a Panem where we can be together freely, where we won’t have to send children to die for something they didn’t do? I know the risks, Jack, believe me, I do.” She had allowed herself to hope when he began to come without fail and imagined a life together with him.

A life where they wouldn’t have to leave the farm fearing they’d be caught, a life where they’d have a family together and not worry their children will have to brave an arena. Where no one would face what they had, where no one starved to death or died for knowing they deserve better.

“I won’t say anything about this, but I have my family to think of, Evie! I can’t do that Gina or my mom. You don’t know what they do to people in 2.” There is true fear in his eyes, something that makes her feel as if she doesn’t know what the Capitol is capable of.

“I understand.”

They don’t speak to each other until the games are in full swing. He claims he’s busy training his tributes, but she knows better than to believe that. Part of her fears that he won’t ever come to the farmhouse again, especially as the games draw to an end and he refuses to even meet with her in private.

“He’ll come around, Miss. Smith. They all do.” It’s not Shelby who approaches her at her balcony.

“Have we met?” the dark-haired woman asks the red-haired woman.

Shelby had become a widower in the past year. Some assassination attempt meant for him that took out his insufferable wife ---apparently, she wasn’t liked amongst her peers either according to Clemens. Some thought he ordered the hit to make space for his new lady.

Not Lizzie Stark, she’d moved up the ladder and moved on from Shelby. Married a swell guy who didn’t mind her past and was expecting her first child.

This woman was his right hand, the one who killed Finnick’s rapist and pruned what needed pruning.

The Red Demon, Clemens had named her when they saw her the first night on his arm.

She was pretty, with red curls and green eyes. Too pale to belong to any District, but there was something about her that told the victors she and Tommy had more in common with them than Plutarch and Fulvia.

“Not officially, Lucy Winters, Mr. Shelby's fiancée.” There is no handshaking, there is however an offered cigarette.

“Eva.” Eva had tried to give up the habit but now that Jack isn’t here to keep her grounded, she needs one badly.

“You and your loverboy are on the outs because of it, aren’t you?” to others it would sound like Winters means her killing Laurie and his mom hating her for it.

Those in their secret society, know its because he is not a rebel…yet.

Everyone goes through that phase, Cecelia, who won her games the year before Jack’s at 16, assures her. Cecelia had only joined when she felt her first born move inside her and knew she couldn’t let her children be raised for slaughter. She is pregnant with her second now, not old enough to be reaped but who’s to say where they’ll be in 10 years.

Cecelia claims she knows it in her bones that her children won’t ever be reaped. That

Eva wished she had that certainty.

“He fears repercussions, has a family to think of.” Eva doesn’t lie about his reasons. It was the reason everyone did as they were told.

Victors weren’t invincible.

Prostitution, the mentoring, the inability to do anything meaningful were all to show how powerless they are. Haymitch had only used the arena to win, and he’d lost everyone he loved. Cashmere and Gloss had families too, Enobaria, Jack, Finnick, everyone had someone they didn’t want the Capitol to touch.

And yet Cecelia had been braver than most by having children. Not many victors did, especially after the 25th games. Even the careers feared birthing a child for the slaughterhouse.

“He’ll come round to it; they always do.” The red-haired woman assures her as if knew it. “Might be by the end of the games or in six years, but they always do.”

In 5 years, Gina Nelson will turn 12, the birthday everyone dreads. Nothing like knowing death is coming for your child to make you hate the Capitol.

Eva should know, her mother killed herself on her 12th birthday.

#evacore #jack nelson #jack x eva #they didn't know we were seeds #hunger games au

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badlucksav · 2 years

Note

You’ll probably ignore this one too but can you at least do a chapter where Zuko and Katara have some good smut? You left it on such a cliffhanger :(

Hi, Anon.

I’ve chosen not to ignore this one because I have something very important to say.

This is not a nice thing to say to a writer.

I’ve been writing for fandom for coming up on three years, and I’ve gotten plenty of comments and asks in that time, many of them rude or demanding. What I’ve learned is that those types of comments actually do the opposite of what the speaker intends: it makes me not want to write, either that fic in particular or not at all.

Two weeks. Only two weeks between an update! Omg! I know I can put out a lot of content, but my god, don’t we all have creative blocks? Or IRL responsibilities and deadlines?

“Are we not going to get any new chapters even this year?” This one might take the cake. I got this on January 11, a whole eleven days into the new year. And on my birthday, to boot.

I generally ignore those comments. I find it’s better for my mental health that way. I delete them, and think about how now I don’t want to work on that fic, or worse, how I feel contrition because I haven’t updated, and maybe that anon has a point, and maybe it’s rude of me to leave people hanging…

But here’s the fucking thing. I have poured almost 1.8 million words onto Ao3 since I started writing fic, and I’ve not been paid for a single goddamn one of them. I have written every single word, every single one of my fics for free (and there’s 188 of them, many of which are Zutara smut, so feel free to check them out if you’re so inclined). This is a hobby. I do it because it brings me joy; it’s a break from the stress and responsibility of my offline life — which has not been a cake walk, particularly in the last year, and I know that no one knows it because I keep these lives separate, but my god, do you people think I just sit at the computer all day writing stories? Do I not have a real life to you? Am I not a real person to you?

Anyway. Fanfic writing is a hobby. It brings me joy — or it usually does. Comments like these do not bring me joy. They make me sad, angry, upset. They kill motivation to work on these stories. Sometimes they make me want to delete all my unfinished WIPs. Sometimes they make me think that it would be better if I just left fandom altogether.

This is how you leave a comment. This is how you let a writer know that you’re interested in an update. This comment put a smile on my face for the first time on a Zutara fic this year. Because everything else has basically been like the ones above.

“You’ll probably ignore this one too.” Let’s break this one down a bit, shall we? This is manipulative language. You are attempting to guilt me into responding to you. This is not ok to do to anyone. If I haven’t answered an ask, it’s likely because I’m busy or I just haven’t had the mental spoons to do it. Or I don’t have an answer.

I am not an object for your content demands.

I’m also not Marvel Studios with an entire team of writers. I’m just one person. I write what I write for me above anything else. The moment I forgot that was the moment I nearly left this fandom. I’m not going to let that happen again. If I leave, it’s going to be my choice on my time. Not because another person made me feel so bad that they pushed me out.

I’m turning my anons off. If people have something to say to me, they can do it with their blog names attached instead of hiding behind anonymity.

#anon #fandom salt #fandom critical #ao3 comments #sorry not sorry #it needed to be said #sav answers #Zutara salt #zutara fandom

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curekibouka-writing · 2 years

Text

The Day is Won (Twst one-shot fanfic)

**Warning: Major character death and mild Book 7 spoilers**

Summary: His last magic was a very gentle one.

Word count: 1073

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

A/N: This was somewhat a request(?) Someone on Twst amino asked me to write a fic where Lilia dies because then maybe it won’t happen in canon XD Yes I’m posting this before Book 7 chapter 2 drops tomorrow it carries all my hopes Liliaaaaaaaa T^T

*This fic is also on Ao3

They say dark faes are born from darkness and will perish into darkness as well.

And now as Silver watches his father fight with his last breaths, those sayings ominously echo in his head, pricking all his thoughts with thorns.

He sees mighty green flames towering over Lilia, yet his pale skin is still pale as always. After all, he had not survived centuries on the battlefield for nothing.

The dragon screeches, swinging his tail, razing half of the courtyard he loved to take nightly walks in. The clouds stir as he breathes in, and the thunder strikes as, in a blinding instance, a pillar of fire shoots out from its horrendous maw and brings Lilia to his knees.

Lilia screams. A low, ugly voice it is. He drops his weapon and claws at his arms, skin peeling and healing and blistering and recovering all at the same time. He was trying to preserve what little of his remaining magic and not squander it on healing, but even he could not stand unscathed in the hellish Draconic flames.

Yet stand he still would. He reaches for his weapon once again, with none of his usual swiftness, he rises to his feet with the blade as support. He wipes at his lower lips, wipes at the blood he drew when he dug his fangs too deep into his lips to keep himself going, and its colour goes to his eyes, a mighty flame burning crimson.

Contrary to Lilia’s soldierly demeanour however, Silver sees the magic that rises from Lilia’s feet and spirals around his body is rose-coloured, and quiet like a creek near their home, and gentle like the blessings he’d give on holidays, and sad, immensely sad.

Silver’s voice pierced through the crackling of flames, “Father!” He ran towards the ancient fae, only to be reminded that a magic wall had been laid between him and the battlefield. Yet he still pounds his fists on the invisible divide, “Father, please!”

Lilia flinches, and it’s not out of pain. With his back to his son, he says, “Forgive me, Silver.”

He speaks with some pensiveness and some confidence as the beautiful magic accumulates around his arms, “For all the centuries of battles I have fought in, I never intended to return as a hero. But today,” Lilia looks back at Silver, there is a tear streak on his cheek glistening in fire light, “today I hope to depart as one. I must protect what I wish to protect.”

He faces the dragon again, taking a step forward with certainty. But he breathes as if there’s still something stuck in his throat, and he adds, “I’m sorry, my child, I am truly sorry.”

He has made his choice. He chose one over another.

And Silver bites his tongue, uttering no word because he knows both his father’s selfishness and selflessness well, too well. His father is an unstoppable force.

Lilia’s magic reaches out to the dragon like growing flowers, holding the dragon in place. He takes another step forward, unyielding to the flames scorching his skin, he stares into the dragon’s eyes.

He smiles clumsily. He has seen those eyes when they first opened, curious and innocent. He has filled those eyes with joy and wonder with stories and gifts from foreign lands. He has looked down on those eyes, tired and peaceful, as the young prince had drifted off to sleep. He has been there to look up at those sad, lonely eyes when he had told them he was going to leave.

He smiles clumsily, remembering those eyes filled with so many things that are not monstrosity. He swears he will bring Malleus back.

One more step, and Lilia’s feet are off the ground. His blade drops with a clear clang as he flies toward the dragon’s head. His magic swirling around him all the while.

The dragon manages a small whimper as Lilia lays a hand on his snout. The dragon softly closes his eyes, the magic around Lilia flows toward the beast, embracing the both of them in a blossoming light.

For a few moments it was almost as if the sun was shining right before their eyes, until the light dissipates like sakura petals in spring, slowly bringing Malleus to the ground.

And next to the prince still in slumber, Lilia falls with a heavy thud.

His last magic was a very gentle one.

Before anyone could react, Silver and Sebek rush to their fallen dorm leaders. Sebek scrambles to his liege, checking his condition, shouting worriedly. Silver quietly sits by Lilia’s side, wrapping his arm around the back of his father’s small shoulders. He shakes Lilia softly, hesitantly, feeling that Lilia weighs nothing and everything at the same time.

“Father,” Silver mouths, but finds that no voice comes out. He rasps in a dry, breathy cry as he falls onto Lilia’s chest, all the while tightening his arms around Lilia’s torso until he was sure nothing small enough could possibly slipping away anymore.

“Lilia…” the first word Malleus utters as he begins to come to his sense. He wastes not a moment to try inching closer to his guardian, who had caused and resolved all this. He reaches for Lilia’s stone pale hand, burnt by his own flames, yet cold as the biting breezes on that night they stood gazing at the aligned stars together. He recalls Lilia’s gentle touch on his snout, and he presses his thumb against Lilia’s knuckles, as if he could make him come back the same way.

Sebek stands straight beside his teacher, and listens for the unfamiliarity such silence creates. He bows deeply, and makes no sound. Then he sits beside Silver, and waits.

Silver breathes in, trying to control himself. He knows he cannot hold on forever, he knows. All the dignity, respect, strength, Lilia had taught him in time. Trembling, he brushes Lilia’s hair out of his face, and softly plants his lips against Lilia’s forehead just like Lilia would long ago when sending Silver off to sleep in his childhood.

The rosy light of the dawn shines upon the family. For the first time the children manage to look clearly at his face, his eyes peacefully closed, his lips folded in a mundane, content smile. The body of the ancient fae begins to crumble, not into ashes, but into glimmers, dissipating like flower petals in spring.

The day is won.

#twisted wonderland #twst angst #twst spoilers #Lilia Vanrouge #silver #twst silver #malleus draconia #sebek zigvolt #diasomnia #diasomnia angst #twst writing #twst fanfic #twst fanfiction #twisted wonderland writing #twisted wonderland fanfiction #twst scenarios #twst #twst chapter 7

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velarisvalkyrie · 8 months

Text

HOFAS Spoilers: What I Liked vs What I Didn't

Disclaimer: I just need someone to process this with. Usually, I enjoy my entertainment quietly and don't feel the need to make public posts but I need someone to process this book with lol. Anything you disagree with me about is 100% okay!!! I'm not one to argue or put down opinions in fandoms. I'm just curious if anyone else is sharing similiar feelings as me.

What I Did Enjoy:

Bryce flicking peas down to the beasts below her holding cell. It was so on brand of her and funny to me.

Bryce having to explain what a cell phone was.

Nesta and Azriel's friendship. I know this is a CC book and I won't dwell too much on the ACOTAR crossover. However, Nesta and Azriel's friendship has always been one of my favorites and there were sooo many cute moments between them. That hug after she uses the mask??? That hug and him stroking her hair broke something in me then hit the repair button.

Bryce really snatched Az's favorite kitchen knife and jumped in a crystal coffin back home. Iconic.

Hunt, Baxian and Ruhn holding onto their brotherhood in the dungeons through humor. Trying to keep one another from breaking. Acknowledging one another in the darkest of times they endured together. They really tried so hard to keep each other from losing all hope.

Hunt thinking of Bryce to keep moving onward. Thinking of how she brought him so much joy. Calling her his mate and his wife and his princess (I love terms of endearment so personally stuff like this sends me melting).

Hunt calling Bryce his best friend :c

Lidia saving the boys like the badass that she is and doing it with a well thought out plan coordinated with Dec and Flynn and all those lovely sprites.

Confirmation that Lidia is related to Aelin. I sobbed. I already expected it but when I got to that chapter of the book I started sobbing uncontrolllably. Aelin would be so proud of Lidia for working to bring the Asteri down by any means necessary and protecting who she loves and cares for so deeply.

Sprites. No explanation needed.

I really liked Flynn this book!!! I saw a side of him that I did not get to see much of in HOEAB or HOSAB. Flynn was really considerate, protective, and remained mindful of circumstances and adapted to them.

Dec deserves several awards for his hacking skills.

Hunt's Daddies lol what a fascinating concept of Hunt also essentially being "Made" and coming from Hel

JESIBA 😭 Jesiba and her love for Bryce and her respect and just - I cried so much because Jesiba always knew what Bryce needed. She was tough love and really kept Bryce moving forward after Danika died. So for Jesiba to step up and finally be at peace while also saving Bryce was so emotional to me.

Ruhn and Lidia finally having that beer together.

Baxian in a panic cuz flying horses lol

Bryce getting to see her real life JJ - I would also be thrilled to see flying horses.

What I Did Not Enjoy:

Tharion's entire storyline irritated me. I'm sorry to Tharion fans but I just could not find it in myself to connect to his storyline in this book. His inability to make a decision and face the consequences had me grinding my teeth especially if his actions put other people in danger.

Bryce vs Nesta and Azriel. While I love all three of these characters, I did not love all of them together when it became very apparent nothing good was coming from their meeting. Both sides were valid in not fully trusting one another but it really felt as though Bryce was written as the excuse to expose Az and Nesta to new information. Like it all felt very strange.

Ithan and Sigrid. Why introduce Sigrid at all only for her to be killed so quickly??? She was built up to be this key role that would change everything for the wolf shifters but ends up dead by the end of Part 1. Also Ithan didn't truly have a well rounded character arc to me. It was very much: Ithan makes poorly thought out choice. Ithan doesn't like the outcome. Ithan feels heavy guilt. Ithan tries to fix it. Ithan makes a larger mess. Ithan makes poorly thought out choice - like it was the same loop until somehow he is the new Prime ????? How is he going to make wise choices and assert leadership over an entire pack when he can't even do so for himself.

Bryce dismissing Hunt's trauma. I understand a lot was going on and she needed him focused but like Hunt, Baxian and Ruhn were put through a lot of pain. The physical torture was brutal. The mental exhaustion of trying not to let your mind shatter from such torment had to be hard. Trying to keep your emotions from getting the best of you. And yet Bryce wanted him to just move on and do what she needed asap. She could have at least told him that she knows he is hurting and she wants to provide her support and proper attention when they are in the right circumstances that she can offer it. When they aren't being chased down or fighting enemies or surrounded by their friends.

Everyone moving on way too quickly from Hunt, Baxian and Ruhn being in those dungeons. They siffered a lot and everyone moved on so fast as if they weren't carrying some heavy shit on their shoulders and in their thoughts.

Characters thinking about sex so often amongst all the stress, battle, and life altering decision making. Like ? We are in a very important part of this journey. A huge battle is on the rise and lives are at risks and somehow all of you are thinking this much about being with your partners? That is so unrealistic. There is a time and place for that type of intimacy and connection with your special person and SJM wrote those moments in the strangest circumstances and places that it became annoying.

Bryce and her attitude toward the Fae. I was very disappointed im the way Bryce generalized all of the Fae and was considering not doing anything for them after defeating the Asteri. It took away from some of her potential character growth and as much as she hates the Fae she is half Fae herself and there are others like her who need someone in their corner. Her whole conversation with Flynn's sister where she goes on and on about how awful Fae are and they don't deserve to be united really turned me off. I know Bryce had terrible experiences but to generalize everyone because of those experiences and consider doing nothing when she could start the chain reaction toward positive change for the Fae who want to do better and be better was a turn off. I found myself not liking her a lot through the story which is sad cuz I liked Bryce in the previous 2 books so much but in HOFAS she kept disappointing me with some of her thoughts and emotions. It was like she was stunting her own character growth.

Lidia having kids. Why? Why does everyone need children? I don't say that hatefully either! Personally, I love children and I also support anyone's choice to have kids or not to have kids. However, there was no real reason to throw in twins to Lidia's storyline. I don't see how that progresses the plot and it almost felt like writing that she is a mother is a security blanket to make others feel more comfortable with the choices she made when she was The Hind. I'll be so honest, if Lidia just flat out admitted she always intended to be a double agent or she just realized how bad the system was I would have accepted that. Having this plot twist of having twins had me tilting my head.

Did anyone else feel like Lidia became more withdrawn and started leaning into stereotypical traits? Am I the only one who felt like her character in HOFAS was vastly different than how we saw her as Daybright in HOSAB?

Autumn King. I didn't need him to have redemption but it is strange to have scattered a few hints in HOEAB and in HOSAB and even in HOFAS that perhaps the Autumn King cared about his kids at some level and that he had some regrets with Bryce and Ember only for him to be the absolute worst. Personally, just keep him a consistent villian. I already didn't like him for how he abused Ruhn and Bryce, but there were small moments where SJM had me thinking: ... maybe this is an act? Maybe he cares and thinks he is preparing them for the way they may be treated by enemies in the only way he knows how? No! Nope! He was just as awful as I initially thought.

Tharion's marriage. Sooooooo out of nowhere. I couldn't even root for them because the whole time I was thinking about how Tharion had the River Queen, Ocean Queen and Viper Queen all wanting his ass handed to them on a silver tray, fins and all. Like ??? And you just married this girl without considering your enemies might hear the news and snatch her up as a way to play on your guilt, hero complex, and impulse. Like I'll root for this couple when Tharion is less foolish.

#hofas spoilers #hofas #bryce quinlan #hunt athalar #crescent city

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thoughtfullyrainynightmare · 6 months

Note

Since you're doing that game too, how about 25, 1, 7, 17 and 10 💘

Hiya Vilandel~! ^^

Sure thing!

25. That I consider a favorite

Oh I have many favourites, but for different reasons. Maybe this one though. It is a gem I like bringing up

“Your needs don’t count. And the public? They must not know. There needs to be a scapegoat for this all, because we can’t lose a captain. Someone needs to pay, but not the culprit. You must understand! So… keep quiet. Swallow it. Swallow the pain, the treachery, and the betrayal… Swallow it! Just follow the rules and keep your mouth shut.” The system, told him. Is this… what I serve? Is this… what I’ve devoted my life to? The life of a sheep. The life of a lamb in lion’s coat…. But… What can I do? Tell the public and cause havoc? Drive the masses that are only beginning to heal against the… king… against… myself? Cause… more pain?…. No…. That I can’t do… He glanced at his hand. The mark of his shame and his weakness. The mark… of a lamb that would be slaughtered if it spoke.

That makes me smile

This one because it's stupid, and it's supposed to be stupid

“Chickens are domesticated dinosaurs as much as dogs are domesticated wolves,” Nozel continued. “But even if you go with the answer of ’genetics’, genome is composed of a lot of genes, and since those genes are measured in quantities of a certain number of genes. Then how many of those genes would you need to alter in order to make a chicken a not-chicken? Because there needs to be a line. Change enough and it becomes a pigeon, or a turkey,” Fuegoleon argued. “For heaven’s sake Fuegoleon. They’re all birds!” “BUT WHEN DOES A CHICKEN LOSE ITS INHERIT CHICKEN-NESS?” Fuegoleon stood up. “IT DOESN’T FUCKING MATTER!” Nozel mirrored. Charlotte took a sip of her tea. “THOSE ARE JUST WORDS WE MADE UP TO DISTINGUISH THINGS THAT LOOK DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER,” Nozel shouted.

7. That I nursed in a daydream before finally writing

Basically Chapter 15 of Embers of Sun and Flame in its entirety, but this wee snippet of it:

She wrapped her arms around him, letting him sink into the embrace before laying down on the soft sheets. What nightmares he might’ve had, were forgotten as all that now existed was her heartbeat piercing through the darkness. Her hand ran across the skin of his back as she hummed a tune, pressing her head against his as he closed his eyes and listened. This must be heaven, he thought as he felt sleep creeping up on him. He pulled her closer into his embrace, wrapping his arm around her before dispelling his fire arm, and allowing himself to drift off. Her warmth, her voice, and her gentle heartbeat banished all the wrong in his world and silenced his racing mind. I love her…was the final thought that ran through him before sleep took over, but his embrace never faltered.

17. From an unpublished WIP

This one starts off mean, but it's from a hurt-comfort fic that is only tipping its toes into the comfort part as we speak (but I will write it to the end)

The flames, the fire, the ever-present reminder of… his failures. And with the flickering flames, another memory surfaced. Perhaps one of the most vicious statement that had ever been uttered to him. Wives in unhappy marriages usually rely in artificial … extremities... to keep them satisfied. But what a sorry excuse is it when the husband needs to do the same. It had been a cheap shot. And one that had barely made sense. Barely but… it had stricken a nerve in him.

10. With characters I struggle with

I think I struggle with a lot of characters (as BC has many) but a snippet with Langris

He gave you a defiant look, as if to tell you that this place was still to public for such behaviour. But the faint blush on his cheek told you about the flicker of joy that he felt; the joy that made him allow such displays of affection to an extent. You sat down, order dinner and began small talk, but throughout the conversation you began feeling that there was something bothering him. Or not, necessarily bothering per se, but he was getting restless and anxious. And yet, he tried to keep up with the conversation the best he could.

#ask game #vilandel #lovely mutuals #black clover fanfiction

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underacalicosky · 6 months

Note

✨✨✨✨🫱Care to share🫲✨✨✨✨

The message was sent to you because someone loved your writing and stories. ❤️

▪️What are your writing suggestions for newcomers, or what would you have liked to know when you first started?

▪️How do you write different personalities and perspectives? Could you explain how you came up with the manner you written your favorite or any character?

▪️What do you do when you have writer's block?

▪️How do you come up with new ideas and develop them?

▪️Any messages for your readers or fellow writers?

You are welcome to answer if you have the time and desire, or you can simply respond to the questions that come to mind.

💐Thank you for your work as a writer and as a member of this fandom!💐

I'm blushing, anon. Thank you for sending this to me. ❤️ I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear that you enjoy my fics! I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer these questions, but I'll give it a go and ramble on for too long, just like I do when I say I’m writing a 2k ficlet and it becomes 20k and four chapters…

▪️What are your writing suggestions for newcomers, or what would you have liked to know when you first started?

Oh gosh, it's been said before, but write for yourself. Write a story that you would want to read and that makes you happy. I try to not focus on things like how many hits or kudos I get because that's outside of my control. What's within my control is having fun and knowing that every writer has something unique to offer. There's so many authors who I admire and they each bring something different to the fandom.

It brings me a lot of joy when I hear that someone enjoyed my fic. I love getting kudos, comments, and messages because it means that my fic connected with someone and that's an AMAZING feeling. It inspires me to continue writing. But, especially when I first started, it can't be my ONLY motivation. The creative process itself of taking an idea and turning it into something tangible and real is incredibly rewarding and that feeling has to be present for me.

Also, don't be afraid. Sometimes I worry that an idea is too silly, I haven't executed it well, my writing style is too simplistic, I don't have a complex enough plot, etc. It's okay to feel that way. It means there's room to grow as a writer. And at the same time, it's equally okay to NOT take yourself too seriously and choose NOT to challenge yourself if you don't feel like it and just have fun.

▪️How do you write different personalities and perspectives? Could you explain how you came up with the manner you written your favorite or any character?

I don't have a set method for deciding whether to switch between two POVs or sticking with one POV. It's sort of a "this feels right to me" kind of thing. Sometimes with Obikin the miscommunication gets heightened in a fun way with limited POV.

For characterization, I try to maintain certain elements of their personalities, behaviors, mannerisms, and dynamic in every universe to make them recognizable as these characters to a reader, while also playing with how their backstories and experiences in that universe give a different flavor to those elements. I write Obikin to give them a happy ending (and if I do it enough times, it’ll change the end of ROTS jk jk), so with each fic, my goal is to get them there by pushing them to be just a bit more open and honest and forgiving with each other.

▪️What do you do when you have writer's block?

This just happened to me yesterday lol. I usually work on something else. If I get stuck, it's because I need more time to think about what I need to write. I don't have a lot of time to write and I'm also a slow writer, so I like to be as efficient as possible. If something isn't working, I switch gears pretty quickly (which could be working on another WIP or refining, editing, tightening dialogue in a scene I've already written) so that I feel like I'm still being productive.

▪️How do you come up with new ideas and develop them?

These days, almost anything and everything makes me think of Obikin. So I have plenty of ideas and I'm grateful that there are some lovely people in our fandom who brainstorm these ideas with me! If I keep obsessing about an idea and the details become more elaborate, then I test it out by writing some of it. Sometimes as I'm writing and thinking more about it, I'll get that "okay, this is working" feeling. But there's plenty of times when I'm 2k in and it's a bit of a struggle to get the interactions and dialogue to feel right, and even after letting it marinate for a couple weeks, it's just not happening.

▪️Any messages for your readers or fellow writers?

Thank you for being a wonderful and welcoming fandom! I have fandom friends and that makes me so happy ❤️🥹 Thank you to anyone who's taken the time to read my fics. It means the world to me. 🫂

Thank you to the incredibly talented writers and artists, and everyone who likes, reblogs, and leaves kudos and comments. This ship keeps growing and getting hornier because of your work, enthusiasm, and incessant voting whenever there's a best ship poll.

And if you're a lurker or shy, don't be afraid to come say hi or leave an anon message! We're friendly and we don't bite. Okay, maybe some of us bite, just a little, mostly in omegaverse, but they're love bites.

#thanks for the ask!#thanks anon!#fandom friends

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khoicesbyk · 5 months

Text

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 8,600 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

TW: mentions of child cancer, child death, trauma, mentions of murder. READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED!

Chapter 6.) Auld Lang Syne. Part one.

January 2024 came in like a lamb and left out like a lion.

Many in the kingdom were still buzzing about the arrest and pending murder trial of Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux as well as the active eviction of the former King and Queen of South Cordonia.

While many nobles decried the eviction, there was ultimately nothing they could do about it. Especially when they were evicted for helping Countess Alicia evade being arrested and charged with murder.

The day before the trial’s official start, Their Majesties were having a breakfast meeting with Carlo, the prosecutor, to discuss the case.

“Charging another female noble with murder? You’re beginning to have a knack for these things, cousin.”

Marquise snorted into his coffee.

“I wouldn't have to charge them at all if these female nobles would quit killing their husbands out of rage, spite, or jealousy.”

“Hmm I don’t know, I think you got a kick out of charging the soon-to-be former Countess.” Shanelle quipped.

“That's only because it pissed off her step-sister. Which brings me joy.”

Carlo turned his smirk to Shanelle.

“And you, my Queen, have evicted the former King and Queen of South Cordonia from their home?!” he asked in feigned shock.

Shanelle shrugged nonchalantly.

“First of all, Your Highness, that's MY palace to begin with. I gained control of it the day I said I do to your pigheaded cousin. That means I can evict anyone I choose from there at any given point and/or time. Secondly, they wouldn't have gotten evicted so abruptly if they hadn't instructed the palace guards to prevent The King’s Guardsmen from removing Countess Alicia from the premises. And besides, all they did was move from the old palace to Genevieve’s duchy. Thank you very much.” Shanelle said matter of factly.

Marquise arched an eyebrow at his wife.

“Oh please! You have been dying to throw them out of the old palace for years. And second, who are you calling pigheaded?” Marquise asked her.

“You! Who else?”

Carlo just snickered.

“I love seeing you two together.”

Marquise shook his head.

“Now we should get down to business.”

“Indeed Your Majesty. Now have either of you seen the security footage from the night of the murder?” Carlo asked them.

Shanelle shuddered.

“Yes, we have. And it's absolutely gruesome,” she replied.

Marquise nodded.

“Indeed it is. Part of me doesn't want you to show it but the Parliament needs to see the footage.”

“And what of their youngest daughter Alexis? The one who found Lord Amos?” Carlo asked.

Marquise paused.

“If you have to call her as a witness, please be gentle in your questioning. She's only 12.”

Carlo nodded.

“Very well Your Majesty. I will go prepare my opening statement, and see you both at the trial tomorrow.” Carlo said before taking his leave.

Shanelle looked at her husband.

“Are you sure calling that little girl as a witness is a good idea? She's already been through enough.”

Marquise sighed.

“I don't like it any more than you do but to know the full story the Parliament will want to hear from her. Which is why I told Carlo to be gentle in his questioning. I don't want to put her through any unnecessary trauma.”

Shanelle nodded.

“Okay. Thank goodness my parents are here until June. With Khari at school, they'll happily keep the boys busy.”

“Indeed. So get ready my love. This will be another trial of a lifetime.”

“How long will this trial be?” she asks.

“Standard week-long trial,” he replied.

“I will be ready for the start of the trial tomorrow.”

“As will I, my Goddess.”

The murder trial of Countess Alicia started promptly at 8:00 AM the following morning. With many in attendance wanting answers for the Earl’s death. Especially his daughters. After opening statements were made Carlo took two days and went to work laying out the very tumultuous marriage between Earl Amos and Countess Alicia. Including revealing that the youngest three weren't Earl Amos’s biological children and playing the full security footage that showed the murder of the deceased. Even hearing his youngest daughter’s pleas.

“Help! Help! Someone help! My father is bleeding!” she yelled as the video rolled on.

“Mama! What did you do? Why did you do this?” she begged her mother.

“Please, Papa! Hang on! Please don't leave me!” the poor girl cried.

When Shanelle looked over to her, she had her head down and her eyes closed. It broke Shanelle's heart to see her.

“As everyone can see, while young Alexis tried valiantly to save her father, it was too late. By the time Emergency Services got to the estate, Earl Amos had died. He unfortunately bled out in his youngest daughter’s lap.” Carlo explained as he stopped the video.

“Marquise, I don't like this. I don't like seeing that poor girl like this. She shouldn't have to be here,” Shanelle whispered to her husband.

Marquise rubbed her knee in sympathy.

“I know you don't. I don't like it either. But at least now the world knows what happened that night.” he whispered back to his wife.

“It is now where I’d like to ask Lady Alexis Barbaroux to the stand,” Carlo announced to the room.

Shanelle had a pit In her stomach.

“Marquise, don't do this to her. She's been through enough.” Shanelle said quietly to her husband.

“I don't have a choice, my love,” he said back to her.

The 12-year-old apprehensively walked to the stand. When she looked up at Their Majesties, she was scared.

“She's terrified! Stop this!” Shanelle pleaded.

“Carlo. Remember my warning. You get to ask no more than three questions.” Marquise warned Carlo.

Carlo nodded.

“Of course my King,” he replies before turning to the little girl with a warm comforting smile. “Hello, my lady. Thank you for being brave enough to join us today. As I promised His Majesty, I won't take very long. Okay?”

She simply nodded.

“Now can you tell everyone what you remember from that night?”

The little girl fidgeted with her hands before speaking.

“I…I was in my room. Practicing for my solo recital, when I heard Mama and Papa arguing. But that was…that was…it was nothing new.” she said before letting out a small sob.

Carlo nodded with sympathy.

“I promise I’m almost done. Is there anything else you remember?” he asked.

Alexis nodded.

“They always argued and I started to ignore it, until I heard Papa scream. And when I went to see what was wrong…that's when I found him on the floor. And Mama was standing over him with a bloody…”

“Letter opener?” Carlo asked.

Alexis nodded tearily.

“Yes. She stabbed him. I tried to help him. I tried to…save him. I couldn't save him. I couldn't save my Papa…” the little girl broke down and cried.

That's when Shanelle had seen enough.

“Enough Marquise! End this now!” she demanded.

“Carlo! It's alright. You don't need to question Lady Alexis any further.” Marquise said to him.

Carlo nodded.

“Yes, my King.”

Marquise looked to the Countess’s oldest daughter.

“Baroness Amanda. Take your younger sisters home. There is no need for them to be here anymore.” he instructed her.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” the Baroness replied.

That's when Lady Alexis looked up at Marquise.

“May I…may I speak to my mother?” she asked.

Marquise nodded.

“Go ahead.”

The little girl nodded to him before getting up and walking gingerly to her mother.

“Mama?” she asked gently.

Countess Alicia finally looked at her daughter.

“Why did you do this Mama? Why did you take Papa away from us? Why couldn't you love him like he loved you?” she asked her mother.

“Alexis…” Alicia said softly.

“I love you. Despite everything you've done. I still love you. I forgive you, Mama. I forgive you.” Alexis said before sobbing.

That's when her older sister came to get her.

“Come on sweetheart. Let's get you home. Okay?” Amanda said to her sister.

“Amanda, wait!” Alicia said to her.

When the Baroness looked furiously at her mother.

“Don't you dare speak to me!” she snapped at her mother.

“Amanda, I didn't–” she started to say before her daughter cut her off, “You didn't what? You didn't mean to ruin the lives of your children? You didn't mean to kill my father? Too little too late!”

“You don't understand Amanda.” Alicia tried to explain.

The Baroness scoffed.

“Oh, I understand perfectly. I understand that you murdered my father. I understand that you chose your own selfish, self-centered greed, over your children! How could you? How could you be so cruel, so cold, so goddamn callous? Do you know that because of your actions, I now have to raise YOUR children? Because as we all found out the girls were never his. You and especially your step-sister and brother-in-law forced him to raise another man’s children. On top of having that innocent man executed. Just so the world wouldn't know how much of a no-good whore you actually are!” The Baroness said to her mother.

Alicia went to speak but her daughter cut her off.

“I've known for years that you and Papa didn't always get along. It was something I just accepted and lived with. But never did I think you'd blatantly cheat on him let alone kill him. And for what? My father was killed for nothing! No wait. I take that back. He was killed because you couldn't get over being rejected by Her Majesty’s father. It's a good thing he chose Duchess Shantel over you because I can only imagine the hell you would've put poor Prince Damien through if he had actually gone through with the betrothal and married you.”

That's when Genevieve stood up furious.

“How in God’s name can you speak to your mother like that?!” she asked her niece.

“Simple. Because of you and Uncle Edward. You two may not have put the letter opener in her hand but you certainly contributed to the way she acts! You enabled her to treat my father like shit! When without him she’d just be another noble whore. There's a bunch of them in this kingdom. Your husband would know.” the Baroness replied.

Genevieve just seethed.

“You know Aunt Genevieve, growing up I used to think Uncle Edward was the only sniveling coward in our family. Turns out I was wrong. That title now belongs to her.” The Baroness said to her aunt.

“Amanda, please! I’m sorry!” Alicia cried.

But her daughter wasn't having any of it.

“No, you're not. Because being sorry means you're remorseful for what you've done. And we both know you're not the least bit remorseful about killing my father. You’re just mad that since your sister can't save you, you now have to face the consequences of your actions. Because of your actions, I was forced to not only bury him alone but now I have three more children to raise. All while you tried to hide out at the old palace to avoid facing justice. So please spare me the crocodile tears and lengthy excuses.”

The Baroness turned to leave before saying one more thing.

“Alexis and even my sisters may forgive you, but just know that for the rest of my life, I will not. I will never forgive you for being such a callous, coldhearted bitch. You took my father from me! You murdered him for no other reason than your incessant greed, self-centeredness, and bitter selfishness! You had a good life and a good man. But you just had to ruin it. Because that's who you are. You're no better than your step-sister, grandfather, and especially your mother. May the latter two rest in hell. I will never again look at you and ever see my mother. All I will ever see is the monster you turned out to be.”

With that, the Baroness led her younger sisters out of the courtroom. Shanelle let out a breath she had been holding in.

“And now I rest my case,” Carlo announced.

“I think we can take a rest now,” Shanelle whispered to her husband.

Marquise nodded.

“Here is where we will stop for the day and reconvene tomorrow.” he said as he addressed the room, "Lord Pollard, as the defense, I expect you to be ready to present your case to the Parliament in the morning.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lord Pollard replied.

“Very well. Everyone is dismissed for the afternoon.” Marquise announced before leading Shanelle out of the courtroom.

When they got to an alcove Shanelle sat down, rubbing her temples.

“Are you alright?” Marquise asked as he sat down next to her.

“Physically? I'm fine,” she replied with a sigh, “but that was just awful to have to sit through.”

“I know. I wish it didn't have to come to this but unfortunately, this is the situation we find ourselves in,” he said as he rubbed her shoulders.

“I shudder to think what the defense will come up with.”

“More than likely they'll look for a scapegoat.”

“You mean my mother?” she asked.

“I would hope not. But I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't try to blame all of this on your mother,” he replied.

“I swear to God if they dare…”

He kissed the top of her left shoulder.

“Let us worry about tomorrow when it comes.”

Shanelle nodded.

“I still need to warn mom.”

“Later. Right now I need a drink and you, my gorgeous wife, you look like you need a nap.”

“Only If you carry me to bed.”

His Majesty happily obliged. Lifting his wife off her feet.

“I will never get used to that,” she said with a chuckle.

“The day that you get used to me adoring you is the day I know I've failed as your husband.”

Shanelle playfully rolled her eyes.

“Lead the way, my knight.”

“As Her Majesty commands.”

He carried her from the courtroom across the palace to their bedroom with ease. Later that night after her children were asleep, Shanelle spent time with her mother.

“How was the trial butterfly?” Shantel asked.

Shanelle groaned.

“In a word? Absolutely horrible.” Shanelle replied.

“That's two words, baby.”

The two laughed.

“My heart breaks for those girls. Especially the younger ones.”

“What happened?” Shantel asked.

Shanelle gave her mother a rundown of the trial.

“Not even their oldest daughter knew?” Shantel asked.

“No. No one knew. All thanks to your brother-in-law and his wife. But you should've seen The Baroness. She let her mother have it.” Shanelle replied.

“I can only imagine. She was lied to. On top of the fact, her father was killed by her mother. Hell, all of those girls were lied to. It's a sad situation all around.”

“Yeah, but that's not what's worrying me.”

“What is it, baby?” Shantel asked.

“I’m worried that the defense will use you as a scapegoat,” Shanelle replied.

Shantel rolled her eyes.

“It wouldn't be Alicia if she didn't try to blame it all on me.”

“I will do all that I can to make sure that doesn't happen.”

“No need to baby. I can handle myself. Let her come after me.”

Shanelle shook her head with a smile.

“And people say I never know when to back down.”

“You must've never met my mother. You used to call her Grammy.”

Shanelle snorted.

“Fair.”

“Even if her defense does try to blame me for her actions, I didn't put the letter opener in her hand. And I certainly didn't force her to stab the poor man to death. Those were the decisions she made so those are her demons to face.”

“True.”

“Don't worry about me butterfly. I'll be just fine.”

“I know you will.”

Over the next 3 days, it was the defense’s turn in the trial. And as expected they went after Shantel and named her as the cause of Alicia’s spiral. They even alleged that Earl Amos was physically and mentally abusive to the Countess. And that she only stabbed him because she felt it would be the only to keep herself and their children safe. Even calling Queen Genevieve and King Edward as star witnesses. Once the defense rested its case, it was turned over to the Parliament. After 3 days of deliberation, they came to a decision.

“Have you reached a verdict, Duke Ramsford?” Marquise asked.

“Yes sire. We have.” Bertrand replied.

“What say you?” Marquise asked.

“After much discussion, and an 18-2 vote, the Parliament has decided to convict Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux of malicious intent of murder,” Bertrand replies.

Marquise nodded as many sat stunned by the news.

“No!” Alicia shouted.

“This is not right! My sister doesn't deserve this!” Genevieve proclaimed.

“The Parliament has spoken, so shall it be.” Marquise said to the courtroom before addressing Alicia, “Countess Alicia, you have been convicted of murder, and will be sentenced in the coming days.”

“No! No! No! I don't deserve this!” Alicia cried.

“Guards, you can take her away,” Marquise said to the guards.

As the guards went to escort Alicia out, her step-sister tried to block them.

“Get away from her! You will not lay a hand on my sister!” she snapped at them.

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“Since Queen Genevieve wants to join Alicia so badly you can arrest her as well,” Marquise instructed the guards.

That's when Edward stood up shouting.

“Don't you idiots dare touch my wife! Or I will have your heads!” He yelled at the guards.

Marquise groaned while rubbing his brow.

“Hell with it! Arrest him too! And for the love of God, gag him!” he commanded.

Many watched as the three were taken out of the courtroom screaming at Marquise.

“Now that the circus is over, I want to thank the Parliament for your time and service to this trial and your kingdom. You are all dismissed.” Marquise announced.

He and Shanelle watched as everyone filed out of the courtroom. Leaving them alone.

“Well that's finally over,” he said.

Shanelle nodded.

“To be honest I half expected them to come back split down the middle.”

“True. But I’m glad that they didn't. Otherwise, we would've been here for a few more days than I wanted to be here.”

“When will she be sentenced?” Shanelle asks.

“Before we leave for Paris,” he replied.

“Paris? Why are we going to Paris?”

“I mean do you not want to go to Paris Fashion Week, my love?”

Shanelle squealed happily.

“Yes, I thought you might.”

True to his word, Alicia’s sentencing was the day before they were set to leave for Paris. Before issuing the final sentence, Alicia’s three youngest daughters asked to speak publicly on their mother’s behalf.

“While we understand what our mother has done is wrong and unforgivable. And that our Papa is dead because of her, we ask you, Your Majesty, to be lenient in your sentencing.” her daughter Allyson read in a statement, “we have already lost one parent, we don't want to lose another. Instead of sentencing her to death, we are asking you and Her Majesty to sentence our mother to solitary confinement in the dungeons of the old palace if Her Majesty will allow it.”

Marquise looked at his wife.

“Well, my Queen? Shall we honor their ask?” he asked her.

Shanelle looked at him then to Alicia and finally to the girls.

“As a mother, my heart breaks for you girls. You have been robbed of your father by your mother’s greed and bitterness. Your lives have been destroyed. I can't imagine what you girls must be feeling. Anger, sadness, shock, disgust, and maybe even resentment. As a Queen, I must decide with His Majesty that both serves justice and keeps the people safe. This was not just a random mistake. Your mother poses a great threat to us all. I can not overlook that. But since you three have bravely come forward to ask, I will allow your mother to be held in confinement at the old palace. But only for the sake of you three girls.”

Marquise nodded before looking at Alicia.

“Very well. Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux you have been sentenced to life in solitary confinement within the dungeons of the old palace. You will be under 24/7 guard and will only be permitted to visit with your daughters. Supervised visitations will be three days a week for only 4 hours each day.”

He then looked at the girls.

“I want you girls to listen very carefully, while you will be permitted to see your mother, you three will not take advantage of this opportunity. You will not abuse this opportunity. Because if I hear that you have, I will revoke it from you and your mother will then be sent to the prison island of Grandevarea. Is that understood?”

The three young girls nodded.

“Good.” he said before addressing the guards, “you may take her to the dungeons and will await further instruction.”

After everyone watched as Alicia was escorted out of the throne room, the couple stepped off the daises.

“You did good by them,” Marquise whispered to his wife as they walked to the side entrance.

“I had to. Those girls have been through enough. They don't deserve to have to suffer any more than they already have.”

He brought her right knuckles to his lips for a soft kiss.

“And because you've done good by them, you deserve a reward.”

A slow smile started to break across her face.

“Mon amour. Paris attend sa reine.”

“I can't wait!”

“Let's go!”

After saying goodbye to their little ones, The Royals were on a flight to the city of Love.

Paris is one of their favorite cities in the world. And being there during Fashion Week has always been a dream of Shanelle’s. A dream her husband made come true. They were standing on the rooftop deck of their private residence enjoying the sunset view of the Eiffel Tower.

“I love Paris,” Shanelle said with a contented sigh.

He wrapped his arms around her with glasses of Lowyn Prosecco in hand.

“I love you in Paris,” he whispered in her ear as he handed her a glass.

“You love me everywhere.”

“Guilty.”

They smirked at each other as they clinked their glasses together.

“I'm sad we got here too late. I would kill for a ham and cheese omelet from our favorite brasserie.”

“I will have one here first thing in the morning.”

“You're a sap. You know that right?” she teased him.

“Always and forever. Especially for you.”

“That's not how the song goes.”

“Improvising.”

Shanelle snickered.

“Your improv needs work.”

“You are such a damn critic.”

“And your biggest fan.”

“I'm sure Khari would have objections to that.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

“This view is perfect. And here I thought you were going to this home into one of those AirBnB things.”

“Nah. I decided to keep a few places the family owns to myself. Although the AirBnB idea isn't bad. I'm glad I thought of it.”

“I would pinch you but I like my jaw right where it is.”

“Smart man.”

The pair watched the sun go down and the moon rise in the sky before it became a tad too chilly for Shanelle.

“Are you cold love?” he asked.

“A little bit.”

He wrapped his jacket around her.

“Let's get you inside.”

The two walked inside and down the steps to the main living area. Where bags of groceries and their guards were waiting.

“As requested, my Liege.” their guard Geraldo said to them.

“Thank you,” Marquise replied

Shanelle became slightly curious.

“What's in the bags Your Majesty?” she asked.

“Guanciale, Pecorino, Parmigiano, grani di pepe nero, aglio, rigatoni e uova,” he replied.

“You're making Carbonara, which is Italian food mind you, in France?”

“That a problem?”

Shanelle shrugged and grabbed the bottle of Prosecco.

“Hurry up and get that sexy ass of yours in the kitchen!”

“By your command my Queen.”

She sat at the counter with a glass in her hand as she watched him roll up his sleeves and lay out his ingredients.

“I love watching you cook.”

“If I remember correctly my cooking is what seduced you in the first place.”

“True. Now I get the guanciale, the cheese, the garlic, the black pepper, and I even get the eggs, but why Rigatoni? Especially when you normally use Bucatini?”

Marquise shrugged.

“I thought I’d try something new.”

“Your daughter made you watch someone make it like on TikTok again didn't she?” she asked.

Marquise cut his eyes at her.

“Like I said earlier, you are a sap.”

“Whatever.”

She watched as started the process of making his Spaghetti Carbonara.

“Yay! You’re not dicing them into small lardons this time.”

“I should because those will render faster but I also want us to have something to snack on.”

“That works for me!”

“And now! We slice the garlic!” he announced.

“Like Goodfellas?” she asks.

“Yes! Razor thin! You want it to almost melt into the guanciale fat.”

She watched him slice the garlic and then separate the eggs, grate the cheeses, crack the pepper, and whisk it all together.

“This is gonna be so good!”

“Indeed. And now we add the guanciale to a cold pan and heat it slowly so the fat renders and we have snacks.”

Shanelle clapped happily.

“Enjoying the show beautiful?”

“Don't I always?”

“True enough,” he said as he opened a new bottle of Prosecco and poured himself a glass. “God this stuff is good.”

“We will be drunk by the end of the night.”

“With full bellies.”

“Why don't we do this all the time?” she asked.

“Kids.”

“That's why we don't do this all the time.”

She loved watching him be so at ease. It had been a stressful time and she was happy to be able to spend time alone with him.

“A snack for the lady,” he said as he passed her a small bowl of cooked guanciale.

“Mmm! I swear this stuff is like bacon!” she said as she popped a small handful into her mouth.

“It is pork cheek so…”

“True. It still amazes me that a King can cook. And cook quite well actually.”

“I had to eat somehow while I went to Harvard.”

“You coulda just bought the meal plan.”

Marquise scoffed.

“No thank you.”

“Why not? Were there no caviar and foie gras options for the Prince?”

He snatched her bowl away.

“Gimme my bowl back!”

“No! You just insulted me!”

“Gimme!”

Marquise cut his eyes at her before handing her the bowl back. He left a little bit of fat in the pan to fry off the garlic.

“Ahh! Finally, it is time for the marriage of egg yolks, cheeses, cracked pepper, guanciale fat, and pasta water!”

While the meal normally didn't take him long to make, he enjoyed giving his wife a show. Plus both of them were halfway through their third bottle of Prosecco and feeling it.

“And with just a smidge more pepper and more Pecorino on top dinner is served!”

“Shut up and pass me a fork!”

He handed her a bowl before they went and sat down on the couch to enjoy each other’s company and their food.

“Okay I like the rigatoni but I think I prefer bucatini,” Shanelle said in between bites.

“Agreed. Although I won't complain about this.”

“Not at all. You have mastered the art of Carbonara. Y’know if this whole being a King thing doesn't work out you could be a chef.”

Marquise snorted into his glass.

“And give Jenna a reason to boss me around even more than she already does? No, thank you.”

Shanelle snickered.

After dinner was done, they laid on the couch under a handmade quilt.

“I am sated, satisfied, drunk, and happy about it.

He kissed her forehead.

“Anything for you.”

“Thank you for dinner babe. It was delicious as always.”

“My pleasure. It was a last-minute shopping request I sent out to the guards here.”

“I’m glad you did.”

She snuggled against him.

“This is why I married you.”

“Why?”

“Because of these little romantic moments. You didn't have to cook for me.”

“Well, I sure as hell wasn't about to sit here all night and starve.”

Shanelle snorted.

“Besides you know I love cooking for you.”

“I know. It's one of your most redeeming qualities.”

He smiled softly.

“You know what?”

“Hmm?”

"I can't stop thinking about kissing you."

"And what are you going to do about that?"

“This…” he said before he leaned and captured her lips in his for a soft sweet kiss.

“I hate it when you do that.”

“Why?”

“Because I always wind up agreeing to anything.”

“Good.”

He kissed her again. Slower and more sensual than before. A slow smile crossed her face.

“Stop.”

“Make me,” he whispers against her lips as he tightens his arms around her.

As they lay together, she started to get sleepy.

“I think it's past your bedtime, my love.”

“But.”, she said with a yawn, “I don't want to move from this spot.”

“Very well. This is where we will be until the morning.”

“Fine by me.”

“Goodnight beautiful.”

“Goodnight handsome.”

He watched her slowly drift off to sleep in his arms before going to sleep himself.

They spent the next few days attending various shows. While Marquiss didn't understand many of the runway looks he saw, seeing his wife have the time of her life was worth it to him. As they flew home, she was still gushing about their trip.

“That was amazing! I loved everything. And when I say everything I mean everything!”

“I noticed. Which show was your favorite?” he asks.

“Schiaparelli. Hands down. They were amazing. And all the outfits I got!” she replies.

“As if your closet isn't big enough as is.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“But in all seriousness, I am happy you enjoyed yourself.”

“And what was your favorite part of the trip, Your Majesty?” she asked.

He merely tapped the diamond cufflinks on his wrist.

“You know I never come to Paris without seeing Pierre François.”

“True.”

Once back at home, it was back to normal for them. Or so they thought.

Their daughter had been having bad stomach aches for days but no one could figure out why. It wasn't until she started to catch a fever that they became concerned.

“Marquise, she is on fire,” Shanelle said to her husband.

Khari moaned in pain.

“Mommy…”

Shanelle rubbed her forehead.

“I’m right here baby,” she said to her daughter before speaking to him, “call Nadia. Now.”

Marquise nodded.

“I'll be right back.”

“No Daddy. Don't go, please.” Khari pleaded.

“I won't be gone long, my love.”

“Noooooooo!” she whined.

“Come here, my angel. Come here,” he said as he scooped her up into his arms.

“I don't feel good Daddy.” Khari cried.

His daughter was in pain and it broke his heart to watch.

“I know you don't. I will only be gone for just a second. I have to call Nadia. I'll even leave your door cracked. Okay?”

“You promise?”

He kissed her forehead.

“I swear it on my life.”

“Okay.”

He gave her back to her mother.

“I'll be right outside,” he whispered to Khari.

Marquise stepped out to call Nadia when Damien walked up.

“How is she?” Damien asked.

“Her fever has spiked. So I’m going to call Nadia.” Marquise replied.

“What do you need from me?” Damien asks.

“To stand here and keep me calm. If you don't mind.”

“Consider it done.”

Marquise nodded and called her pediatrician. When he hung up with her, he had a look on his face.

“How bad is it?” Damien asks.

“She wants us to bring Khari to the ER at St. Michael’s,” Marquise replied.

“Go. I will handle the day-to-day here. And don't worry about the boys. Their grandmothers will keep them company.”

“If I don't say it enough, thank you, Damien.”

Damien nodded.

“No need. You forget I have a daughter too.”

“I know.”

“Go on then. I'll go let Shantel and Margo know.”

Marquise stepped back into his daughter's room.

“Who was that Daddy?”

“Your grandfather, my love. He was coming to check on you.”

“What did Nadia say?” Shanelle asks.

“To bring her to the ER at St. Michael’s.”

“Okay. I'll get her dressed. You call the car.”

Marquise modded before kissing his daughter’s cheek and leaving the room. Once Khari was dressed they were off to the ER in the wee hours of the morning. When they got there Khari wouldn't leave her Daddy’s arms after they were settled into a room.

“Hello hello everyone. We have got to stop meeting like this. I need my little ones to be okay.” Dr. Nadia said as she entered the room.

She looked at Khari who was clinging to her Daddy as she sat down.

“Hello, sweet girl. What's wrong?” Nadia asked.

“My tummy doesn't feel good,” Khari replied in tears.

“Oh, you poor thing. Well, I’m here now. And I’m going to make sure we find out why your tummy hurts so bad and we’ll make you all better. Alright?”

“Okay,” Khari replied quietly.

“That's my girl.”

Just then there was a soft knock at the door. The head of the ER Dr. Hadley.

“Your Majesties, do you both remember Dr. Hadley?” Nadia asked as he walked in.

They both nodded.

“Yes, we do. It's good to see you, Doctor,” Shanelle replied.

Dr. Hadley nodded politely.

“It's good to see you both as well,” he said to Shanelle before addressing Khari, “and it is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances though.”

“Hi doctor,” Khari said quietly.

Dr. Hadley smiled at her.

“I know you don't feel well but that's why your great-aunt and I are here. We're going to find out what's bothering you and make sure you get all better. But first I need you to do something for me.”

“What’s that?” Khari asks.

“I need you to be big and brave. Can you do that for me?” he asked.

Khari thought for a moment then nodded.

“I can do that,” she replies.

“Atta girl! That's what I like to hear. Now we're going to get you changed, get an IV going, and get some scans done. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Dr. Hadley looked at her parents.

“She’s doing great. And Your Majesties, you both have my word, she will be well taken care of while she's here.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Marquise said to him.

“Alright, sweetheart. Let's get you changed.” Nadia said to Khari.

Once Khari was changed into a hospital gown, a nurse came in to start an IV and had a wheelchair.

“Princess, Your Majesties, this is Yvonne. She's one of the nurses here. She's going to start Khari’s IV so we can get some pain medicine in her then take her down for an X-ray and CT Scan.”

Yvonne bowed.

“Your Majesties, it's an honor,” she said to the couple.

“Can my mommy and daddy come too?” Khari asked Nadia.

“Sure they can. But they'll have to wait in the waiting room. Okay?”

“Alright.”

“Good girl. Now let's get going.”

Once Khari’s IV was in, she was in the wheelchair and they were off. While they took Khari back, her parents sat out in the waiting area. It's when they sat down, that Shanelle broke down in her husband's arms.

“I know. I know. You’re scared. I am too. But it's gonna be okay. Khari is here and she's safe. And she's with some of the best pediatric doctors in the world. Shhh. Don't cry.” he whispered to her.

“I’m trying to be strong, I promise. It's just…” Shanelle tried to say before her words were choked off by a sob.

“I know. I know you are,” he said as he rubbed her back.

“Your Majesties?” a voice asked softly.

When they both looked up a woman was standing in front of them.

“Please pardon my intrusion. But I was sitting over there in the corner and I couldn't help but overhear you both say that the Princess is here.”

“Yes, she is. They just took her back. Who are you by the way?” Marquise asked.

“Oh pardon my manners. I'm just a little nervous. My name is Lady Selene De Michele-Charroux. My daughter Elena is in school with the Princess.” the lady replied.

“She's one of Khari’s classmates?” Shanelle asked.

“Yes ma'am. They took her back before you all got here.” Selene replied.

“If you don't mind my asking, why?” Marquise asked.

They watched the lady wring her hands nervously.

“My lady, why don't you sit down? You look about as stable as I feel.” Shanelle said to her.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Selene said gratefully before sitting down next to them, “to answer your question, my King, my daughter has a rare form of neuroblastoma. She's had it since she was 8 months old. She was being taken back for an MRI.”

“Oh my God! I'm so sorry!”

Selene nodded gratefully to Shanelle.

“Thank you, my Queen. When my daughter was at school a few months ago, before she got really sick, she was being picked on by another group of children. And the Princess stood up for her. She told the children picking on her that if they didn't stop picking on my daughter, she was going to tell her father. And she told them that her father doesn't like bullies.” Selene explained.

Marquise just shook his head with a smile while Shanelle chuckled softly.

“For the record, she never told me.”

“I’m sure she didn't but it was the thought that counted for my daughter. She considered your daughter her only friend. And I just wanted to say thank you to you both for raising such an amazing young girl.”

“Thank you, my lady. You said your last name was De Michele?” Marquise asked.

“Yes. It's my maiden name. You probably don't remember but I went to boarding school with Leo.”

Marquise nodded.

“That's why your name sounds familiar.”

“Yes. As it just so happens you went to school with my cousin.”

“I did?” he asked.

“Yes. Does the name Jean-Marc Archambeau ring a bell?” she asked.

“As in Commander Hervè Archambeau?” he replied.

“Yes. He and my mother Countess Gladys De Michele are brother and sister. According to him, you two were always butting heads.”

Marquise chuckled.

“Yes, we were. How is Jean-Marc?” he asked.

“He’s doing well. Thank you.”

“I haven't heard that name in years. I was told they had moved. What happened?”

Selene cleared her throat.

“Your father is what happened to them.”

Marquise groaned.

“What did he do?”

As she was about to answer, both little girls were wheeled out.

“Mommy! Look! My friend Elena is here too!” Khari squealed happily.

It made Shanelle smile.

“Hello, Khari’s mommy and daddy! It's very nice to meet you.” Elena said to them.

Marquise bowed to the little girl.

“Hello, my dear. How are you?”

Elena smiled at him.

“I’m doing good.”

Selene tapped Marquise on the shoulder.

“Your Majesty, is it okay if we speak privately?” she asked.

“Of course my lady,” he said to her before turning to his wife and daughter, “you two go on back I'll be there soon.”

Shanelle nodded as she and Khari left.

“I'll be right there sweetheart,” Selene said to her daughter. .

“Let's have a seat,” he suggested to Selene.

They sat down.

“I’m sure you didn't want to have this conversation in front of them.”

“Yes sire.”

“Now what happened?” he asked.

Lady Selene cleared her throat.

“Do you remember getting into a fight with my cousin?” she replied.

Marquise thought for a moment.

“Yes, sort of. We were 15 and if memory serves, and it was over a score at a football game,” he replies.

“Yes. He swears you stole a goal from him.”

Marquise snorted.

“Oh geez! Now I remember.” he said with a chuckle, “And for the record, I didn't steal the goal from him. He was being too slow and I took the shot.”

“I believe you. Anyway, you two had words, started shoving each other then fists went flying and you gave him a black eye and he busted your lip.”

“Yup. I remember now we had to be separated. And Headmaster Boisseau gave us each a tongue lashing before we were suspended for a few days.”

“Unfortunately for my cousin, it didn't end there.”

“I don’t like the sound of this.”

“What should've been handled by the school, was handled by your father.”

Marquise let out a breath.

“What did he do?”

Selene paused for a second.

“He had my cousin arrested and charged as an enemy of the crown.”

Marquise was shocked.

“What?! Over a petty fistfight?”

“Yes. He sent a summons to my aunt and uncle and demanded an audience with them after he was arrested,” she said before taking a deep breath and continuing, “When they had their audience with him and Regina, he told them they could either pay a fine that would've bankrupted our whole family, be exiled, or worse, he would execute my cousin.”

Marquise groaned.

“My God.”

“King Constantine said he sentenced him to exile because my cousin assaulted an active member of the Royal Family. But my uncle knew the real reason why.”

“What was the real reason?”

“Revenge.”

Marquise nodded.

“Because of Sebastian. He still blamed your uncle for the ambush that killed him.”

“Yes. I'm sure you didn't know.”

“No, I didn't. But now that I think about it, his not coming back to school makes sense.”

“I swear I didn't tell you for sympathy I promise. But you deserved to know.”

“Thank you, my Lady. If you don't mind telling me, where is your cousin now?”

“Norway. They moved there after they were exiled. My aunt was originally from there.”

“And what about your uncle?” he asked.

Lady Selene went quiet.

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to pry.”

“No no. It's okay. He passed away after my daughter turned 2.”

Marquise nodded before pulling out his wallet.

“Here. Take this.” he said as he handed her a small business card, “have your cousin contact my office as soon as possible.”

“Yes sire. Thank you so much. I wish you and the Princess all the best.”

Marquise shook her hand.

“The same to you and your daughter as well my lady,” he said before they went their separate ways.

When he got back to Khari’s room, they and his aunt were waiting.

“I’m so sorry I took so long. I didn't mean to make you all wait.”

Nadia smiled.

“It's alright nephew. You’re just in time. I have the results of Khari’s scans.”

Marquise sat down next to his wife and daughter.

“As it turns out, Khari has a ruptured appendix,” Nadia said to them.

“What's that?” Khari asked.

“It's one of your organs, sweetie. It's one of the things we all have. Except for your dad.”

“Daddy doesn't have one?”

“No. He had his appendix taken out as a teenager. I would know. I had to treat him.”

“I wasn't that bad.”

“Hmm…I don't know about that.” Nadia teased.

Khari giggled.

“Now because it's ruptured it has to be taken out. That will require surgery.”

“What's that?” Khari asked.

“It’s where a doctor has to make a small cut in your stomach.”

Khari reared back.

“No! No!”

Nadia laid a reassuring hand on hers.

“It's not bad my dear. I promise. You won't feel anything. You'll be asleep the whole time.”

“I will?”

Nadia nodded.

“And I will be there with you every step of the way.”

Khari chewed her bottom lip.

“Do you remember what Dr. Hadley asked you?”

“To be brave.”

“Can you be brave for me?”

Khari nodded.

“Yes, Aunt Nadia. I can be brave. Very brave.”

“That's my girl. Now I have to talk to your father for a second outside okay?”

“Okay.”

Nadia pulled Marquise outside.

“She’ll be transferred upstairs to a private room for surgery prep.”

“When is her surgery?”

“Because it's the weekend, it'll be tomorrow at 9:00 AM.”

Marquise nodded.

“Thank you, Nadia. I appreciate it so much.”

She patted his arm fondly.

“Of course, nephew. I'll see you tomorrow.”

When Marquise returned to his daughter and his wife.

“What did she say?” Shanelle asked.

“She said that Khari’s surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:00 AM so she’ll be sent upstairs for prep.”

Shanelle nodded as she held Khari.

“Okay. We’ll be ready.”

“Indeed we will.”

There was a knock at the door. It was the transporter. Marquise recognized him.

“I remember you,” Marquise said to him.

“Hello, Your Majesties. My name is Sammy. I'm here to take the Princess upstairs.” the transporter said as he introduced himself. “I was here when His Majesty had his surgery when he was 16.”

“It's good to see you again.”

Sammy smiled.

“It's good to see you too, Your Majesty.”

Sammy turned to Khari.

“Are you ready Princess?”

“Yes sir.”

Khari climbed into the wheelchair.

“And off we go!”

Once Khari was transported and settled into her room, it was time to meet her surgeon.

“Hello! Hello! Good morning Your Majesties, and to you too, Your Highness. My name is Dr. Gaston Cormier. I am the head of surgery here at the hospital. It's good to have you all here. Although I am pretty sure one of you swore to me years ago they'd never come back.”

Marquise shook his head with a smile.

“Hello again doctor. Thank you for coming to greet us.”

“And now that you all are here I want you all to know that the Princess is in very good hands. We will do everything in our power to make sure this process goes as smoothly as possible. And Princess you have my word, I will be very gentle. You won't feel a thing. Okay?”

Khari nodded.

“Yes sir.”

“Very good.”

“Will I be able to eat?” Khari asked.

“Yes. You can eat until midnight tonight but no later. Alright?”

“Okay.”

“Now I have some consent to surgery forms that I will leave for you both to sign and I will see you all in the morning.” Dr. Cormier said before taking his leave.

After signing the consent forms, Shanelle let out a breath she had been holding in.

“You look exhausted, my love,” Marquise said to her.

“It's been a long morning.”

“Indeed. Why don't you go home and get some rest?” Marquise asked.

“I can't. I can't leave her here.” Shanelle replied.

“It'll be okay. I'll be here with her.”

Shanelle shook her head no.

“No Marquise. No. I'm not leaving.”

That's when Khari spoke up.

“It's okay Mommy. You can go. Besides the boys need you, they're probably wondering where everybody is.”

“But baby…”

Khari held her mother's hands.

“We gotta be brave Mommy. Just like Dr. Hadley said. We have to be big girls. Okay?” Khari asked.

Shanelle took a shuddering breath.

“Okay.”

“I'll be okay. I'll get to boss Daddy around while you’re gone.”

Marquise made a face.

“You always boss me around.”

“I know but now I get to be extra bossy.”

Shanelle shook her head.

“Okay, you and your daddy win. I'll go home and check on the boys. But I'll be back later okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.”

“And I'll bring you your favorite things.”

“Yay! Thank you, Mommy.”

Shanelle kissed her daughter on her forehead.

“I'll see you later Peanut.”

“Okie doke! Now we can eat!”

“How can you think of food at a time like this?” Shanelle asked.

“The same way Daddy always does,” Khari replied with a shrug.

“I beg your pardon madam!” he protested.

Khari giggled.

“Alright, I’m going. I love you, baby girl.”

Khari hugged her mother.

“I love you too Mommy.”

“I'll walk you out love,” Marquise said to her.

Marquise walked his wife outside before calling for a guard.

“Take Her Majesty home,” he told the two guards outside.

The guards nodded curtly. Marquise’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

“Who is that?” Shanelle asks.

“Your father. I texted him to put a statement out about Khari being in the hospital,” he replied.

Shanelle checked her phone.

“Thank you for naming him the new herald of the Monarchy.”

“He was happy to accept the job. Now let's get you home.”

Marquise pulled her into a loving hug.

“It'll be okay my love. Khari is a big girl. And she's brave. Hell, she's braver than you and I will ever be. We should hold on to that.” he whispered.

Shanelle held onto her husband.

“I know. And I’m trying. It's just…I want to scream. And I just wanna hold her and make the pain go away.”

He kissed below her left ear.

“I know you do and so do I. Now go. Go check on our boys. I'll hold down the fort here.”

Shanelle smiled at him before leaving with the guards.

You have reached the end of part one! Stay tuned for part two!

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sunshineblondiewrites · 10 months

Text

The First of Us - Chapter 4

14 vs 54

Joel Miller x f!reader (no use of y/n)

Series summary: you and your father meet Joel and Tommy 6 years after outbreak day. You join their group trying to make it to the Boston QZ not realizing all that joining would entail. You eventually make it to the QZ but not without suffering many losses. Tommy decides to join the Fireflies and you and Joel are left with your smuggling partner, Tess, when years later you meet a teenage girl that will bring you and Joel across the country, and maybe together.

Summary: Years of being in the QZ has worn you out and with Tommy not contacting in weeks Joel is itching to get out as well. Your team's plan in place seems unbreakable until a deal goes bad and a 14 year old girl appears.

Warnings: death, outbreak day, friends to lovers, reader has a sister, minor physical descriptions of reader, grieving, FFM threeway (does not include reader, cannon typical violence, (if I miss any please lmk)

a/n: Hello, hello hello, SO SORRY this took ages!! This has been written for forever I just like to stay one chapter ahead of posting anddd I got very busy very fast, BUT thankfully due to thanksgiving break I've caught up a bit. We're finally in TV show cannon! WOO! As always thank you so much for reading, it genuinely means so much to me and brings me so much joy!

ps: lmk if you spot the very depressing easter egg in the beginning of this chapter, blink and you'll miss it! (hint: involves one of the bodies in a truck)

word count 4.2k

Ch3 Masterlist

Boston QZ, present day, 2023

You readjusted your face covering and wiped sweat from your brow with the peek of exposed skin between your glove and your dark purple linen button up. You had paired it with a black tank top underneath and some worn jeans as always. Today’s task was body burning. FEDRA had taken on more bodies than usual because of the bombings going on and therefore reviving this job in your schedule for the first time in about a month, which was pretty good all things considered. Less bodies equaled less death. There were quite a lot of bodies to burn today, and of course the FEDRA officers watching you all expected the bodies to be burned by the time the work hours ended. It wasn’t a completely unattainable goal, but it did require zero breaks and speed. Typical.

Most of the corpses you could haul into the fire by yourself, but still often needed help with the larger corpses. Joel was here, but since you and Joel were hardly ever on the same service, you had never partnered together before. It was usually you and a woman named Mary. You knew literally nothing about her except for her name and that she had a dead husband and son. You didn’t know how they died, you never asked, and honestly the two of you had had maybe 10 real conversations, but you still considered her a friend.

You grabbed what looked to be the body of a teenage girl out of the back of the truck bed–the last one for this truck. She had a bag over her head but a large braid still stuck through the bottom of it and from the looks of it she’d been bitten. You chucked her body into the fire and was met with the overwhelming stench that was burning flesh, hair, rubber from shoes, and clothes combined with the sickeningly sweet smell of cooking meat. It made you want to gag thinking about how it reminded you of a Kentucky cookout back home.

As you walked over to the next truck you noticed Mary staring at the bodies with Joel walking next to her.

“I can’t,” Mary said. Wordlessly Joel reached into the truck and turned with a small child in his arms. It had been months since a child that small had been in one of these trucks. While you made your way over to the truck you watched him carry the poor kid over to the pit and toss them into the fire. When he turned away from the pit he made eye contact with you and you paused for a second trying to push back the thoughts of how that kid was no bigger than…

“THERE A PROBLEM?” an officer shouted. Of course you stop for less than ten seconds and ta da Officer Matthews over here has a problem with it.

“Nope,” you said to Matthews who had come around to the side of the truck you were at.

“Then get back to work,” he snarled. You grabbed another body and threw it over your shoulder, this one a woman who looked to be only skin and bones, and began your march over to the pit. Joel passed you, locking eyes with you as he went by, silently asking if you were fine. To which you nodded shortly.

After you’d thrown in all the bodies you had maybe 20 minutes to sift through the ashes and keep the burning pile active and so that you could begin to shovel them away. Eventually the buzzer sounded at 4:00 to end the day and you and Joel met up at the line to receive your cards for the day’s work.

“You got anything else?” Joel asked.

“Not today. Tomorrow, we got street sweeping, or sewer maintenance” the soldier responded.

“Which one pays more?”

“That would be the one with the shit,” the soldier responded sarcastically. Joel nodded. “Late crew, 4pm start,” he stamped Joel’s paper and Joel moved aside so that you could get your cards.

“I’ll do a double on the street cleaning tomorrow,” you said.

“Ah the pretty lady doesn’t like the shit huh?”

“No, I just know I can get more at other places.” It was true, some men liked to tip you a card or two or more while you “worked the streets” and if you could get a double shift in, it would be even better.

“Early and midday crew, 6am start.” You took the stamped paper from him and left with Joel to the QZ’s town square where an execution was taking place.

“... violation of EMC 342.3, unauthorized exit from a Quarantine Zone, Maria Elisiano, violation of EMC 342.7, unauthorized entry into a Quarantine Zone. Each of you have been tried in a military court of justice and each of you having been found guilty by the court martial panel and with a sentence of death by execution…" You felt Joel’s eye’s leave Boston’s gallows and you followed his gaze to the side wall where Lee, a FEDRA soldier, stood and nodded at him before slipping away.

“I’ll be right back, wait here,” Joel said.

“Yes sir,” you said, saluting unenthusiastically. He shot you a glare before following Lee into the back alleyway. You turned back just as the ground beneath the death rowers disappeared and the collective sound of three snapping necks filled your ears and you grimaced. You couldn’t be more grateful you’d convinced Tommy and Joel to just walk through the front door those 7 years ago or those three may have ended up being you.

Tommy hadn’t radioed in two weeks. Joel mentioned it casually that he hadn’t responded in a few days last week but now it was really beginning to worry him. You started going with him to the radio station, if you could even call it that, as moral support for your friend or maybe just because you, too, were worried. It wasn’t like Tommy to not respond for so long.

You looked around the crowd of people and spotted Jake, who you still hadn’t managed to completely cut ties with. You’d been making up excuses for months now of why you couldn’t have sex with him. Headache, you’re on your period, smuggling run, stomach ache, late shift, whatever you could come up with. And besides, you’d noticed him flirting with some chick named Rebecca last week so he’s got a new pretty doll anyway.

*snap*

Another woman’s neck wringed, who you looked up to see was actually Rebecca, so Jake wasn’t completely off your hands now. You eavesdropped on the whispers of the people beside you and heard that she was a Firefly and was hanged for treason not just violation of whatever law like the officer said. This was FEDRA’s new tactic. Whenever they captured a Firefly they would come up with some violation other than treason to try to show that they weren’t scared of them and that they had no value. So they were being hanged with only their fellow Fireflies knowing. Another senseless FEDRA plan.

Is this what happened to Tommy in another QZ? You wondered. He was smarter than that, you hoped anyway.

Tess was supposed to be securing your battery today. You were finally taking steps to get out of here and find Tommy. Joel is a lot of things, but when it comes to his family, patient is not one of them. You heard children’s laughter behind you and noticed two boys and a girl chasing each other around, completely oblivious to the fact people are being killed 30 feet in front of them. It was sad the way the world had ended up. You had so much life ahead of you back then, but now, you were a 34 year old with no family, hardly any friends, and honestly, the apocalypse was lonely.

Now, you were a young, headstrong woman and you’d had your fair share of female teenage fans who looked up to you, but they only met a cold shoulder. You didn’t want them to end up like you, and if that meant FEDRA academy so be it. It was better than what you had. Never having to worry about food or a place to sleep, getting an education. A shitty one you’re sure, but still an education. It hurt to push them away–you had always loved kids, but it was for their own good.

You couldn’t say that you completely regret going into the QZ. It gave you a sense of security, Tess–despite her obvious love for Joel–had become a mentor for you. You thought back to a night not long after Tommy left you had rolled over to see in the moonlight that Joel was still wide awake, staring at the ceiling with his hands linked across his chest. Maybe it was your sleepy state that made you do it, but you reached out and slipped your hand into his and squeezed. He looked at you quizzically but all you did was give him a soft smile and closed your eyes to go back to sleep. In the morning, your fingers were still interlaced.

You were startled out of your thoughts and back to reality by Joel.

“Hey,” he said, grumpy as always.

“Hey, is everything set?”

“Yeah, he said stay off the streets the next couple nights, guys are jumpy.”

“Makes sense, we done?” you asked.

“No,” Joel said gruffly, “one more stop.” He then turned in the direction of the radio station and started walking.

“Joel,” you said slowly and he turned around, “you’ve been there everyday. You can’t keep trading cards and whatnot to get stuff for this guy. He didn’t answer yesterday, or the day before that. It’s almost 5:15, we need to get back.”

“He could answer today,” Joel said and turned to start walking again. You kicked a rock on the ground in his direction and begrudgingly followed after him.

—

You hated the radio station. Hallways filled with people writing notes to family members, some of them crying softly, some giving looks of panic, all of them just quietly depressed. It was things like this that made you glad you didn’t have family out there to call, but now there was Tommy.

Joel, as usual, walks past everyone in the line to the front. There’s a man in there talking to the Radio man, Greg–something about a new baby. Sometimes you forget people still get pregnant in the apocalypse. You’d been lucky, Jake knew how to pull out and you weren’t dumb and tracked your cycle.

Joel sat down across from Greg and tossed him a few cigarettes. Greg took one and lit it before shaking his head at Joel.

“Nothing?” Joel asks, “Is there any chance it's coming in at night? You're asleep and you miss it?”

“When I'm sleeping, Gabriela listens or my son, the smart one, not the other one, God bless him. If Tommy responded we'd know.” You watched as Joel tried to sort through options in his head.

“And you're talking to the tower?”

“Every day. They gave him your message. They haven't seen or heard from him since and that's it. It hasn't been that long.” Greg was right, as things go at the station it really hadn’t been that long. It wasn’t like before where you could just leave a voicemail and get back to them later when you or they weren’t busy. And if Tommy had to move again then maybe he hadn’t found a station there yet.

“It's been three weeks. It's never taken him more than a day to respond.”

“I'm sure he's okay.” Wrong move Greg, wrong move.

Joel pulls out a map you hadn’t realized he brought to work with him today. “Show me where the tower is,” he said firmly.

“Joel…” you piped in.

“You can't be serious.” Oh he is very fucking serious., “Joel it's in Wyoming. All this open country? You guys are capable people, but there are worse things than infected out there. I hear everything on this. There are raiders, there are slavers…” Wrong move again, Greg.

“But you're 'sure' Tommy is okay?” Joel says sarcastically. And you look at him again and you see a broken man, who just wants to know if after all this his brother is still alive.

“It's... it's the Cody Tower,” he circles a spot on the map, defeated. “Q-Bar 4, but I don't know exactly where…” Joel gets up to leave, and you follow him with your eyes out the door before turning back to Greg.

“Thanks,” you say quickly.

Greg nods at you with a flick of his cigarette and goes back to his smoking while shouting, “NEXT!”

—

It was a wordless walk back to the apartment. As soon as you entered, Joel made his way to the floorboards where you kept your supplies and then made his way to the table to spread out all his maps to go over routes with his pencil. You grabbed an old bottle of whiskey and two glasses, filling them and giving one to Joel and sitting at the table with him.

He starts to sip his whiskey and you sit in silence for a bit before speaking up, “So we’re really doing this?” You asked cautiously.

Joel grunted in reply before responding, “We were always doing this.”

“We were always going west, this is fucking Wyoming.”

Joel paused his cartography session to look at you in confusion, “Yeah? Wyoming is west, what the hell did you think it was going to be?” Joel countered defensively.

“We live in fucking Boston, everything is fucking west of here. I was imaging something more like Iowa or Illinois or some shit. Everyone knows how stingy the Chicago QZ is,” you shot back at him. Did he actually think the three of you would be able to make it across the country?

Joel scoffs and pops a few pills and downs the rest of his whiskey, slamming it onto the table. “I’m taking a nap,” he grumbles, “you should too. You didn’t sleep well,” he adds walking away from the table.

As he walks you turn in the chair to look at him, “what makes you think I didn’t sleep well?”

Flopping onto the bed he says, “you were yawning a lot today on shift and I heard you toss and turn all night.”

“I wasn’t yawning,” you argue but he just grunts from the bed. You roll your eyes and start looking at the maps. On paper it doesn’t look that far, but you know how deceiving that is. You finish off the last of your whiskey and get up from the chair to stretch and pop your body. Joel was right, the body of your twenties wasn’t around anymore. You were still a fit and muscular woman, but nothing stops age. Sitting on the couch you grab an old beaten up book from the shelf and try to read it, but succumb to sleep by the second page. At some point in the night Tess comes in and gets in bed with Joel but you don’t look up. It’s dark outside now and sleep is calling you in again.

—

You wake up to Tess making coffee in the kitchen, and apparently so did Joel because you walk into the kitchen at the same time. Joel sits at the table and Tess sits next to him. Since Tess only has two hands, you don’t have a mug of morning drug and you move to the counter to grab one.

You take your cup to the table when you notice Tess’s face was swollen and bruised with a black eye.

“What the fuck happened to your face?!” you rush towards her and Joel looks up, with a slimmer of worry in his stoic features, reaching for her face to get a closer look.

“I got jumped by a couple guys,” she says indifferently.

“What guys?” you and Joel demand in unison.

“Just a couple teenagers. Said some shit I probably shouldn’t have.”

Joel stands up quickly, ready to fight, and you begin to grab a fresh towel to clean her up.

Tess grabs his hand and pulls him back to sit down, “no no, I’m fine,” she says, “come on. You know these guys were born after the outbreak. Never learned how to argue. They just start swinging. Fucking 19-year-old pieces of shit.” You ignore her and begin dabbing at her wounds with what was left of the whiskey from the night before.

“It’s a miracle you’re alive,” Joel huffs.

“It’s a miracle any of us are alive,” she retorts.

“These aren’t new…” Joel says, annoyed, examining her face.

“No. I was in FEDRA lockup all day,” you and Joel look at each other but before you could say anything, she adds, “Anyway it doesn't matter. I need you both to take a breath.”

“What?” Joel questions.

“Joel…” Tess says slowly.

“What?” you say back to her, this time leaning against the back of Joel’s chair and crossing your arms.

“The guys who jumped me were with Robert. He sold our battery to someone else. Nothing's lost. Shit like this is gonna happen. Now we just shake it off, and we go get our cards back or the battery.”

“That little piece of small dick shit!” you shout.

“I need that battery Tess,” Joel gets up aggressively, almost knocking his chair over.“The truck's no good without one and if I don't get to Tommy soon, he's gonna die out there!”

“Well fuck it, we get our battery and the money back,” Tess suggests, “Joel, listen. Robert is terrified of you. So, you march out of here all Clint Eastwood, especially with Miss Hot Stuff with you, he's going to get wind of it and skip. I need you to take a breath,” Tess stands up in front of him.

“Who’d he sell it to?” Joel asks.

“Don’t know,” Tess says.

“Well where is he?” you ask now.

“Don't know...yet. But we're gonna find out quietly. Understand?” Joel nods curtly, “Now I promised Robert that you wouldn't hurt him. But I would very much like for you to hurt him.”

You laugh from the table and take a swig of the whiskey, “you and me both sister.”

“So let's go hunt that motherfucker down and get our battery and our truck. And then we'll go find Tommy. Alright?”

You and Joel both nod and grab the supplies out of the floorboards. Your timeline may have been set back, but that wasn’t going to stop you. Guess you won't be making it to your street crew shifts today.

—

Joel stood behind where you and Tess were talking with Dave, one of Robert’s “men.” Dave may be on Robert’s “payroll”, but it isn’t enough to buy his loyalty. Especially when it involved you in a low cut black tank top.

The conversation didn’t last long. As you and Tess get up from the table and walk towards Joel as another man scurries away from him. You raise your eyebrow at him and he rolls his eyes shortly, nodding towards the white Fireflies symbol being painted over on a wall not too far down.

“Well, I mean, it cost us a couple of cards, but we got him. He’s supposedly taking the battery to a red-tagged building. But get this, the corner of Stillman and Cross,” Tess said.

“The one Miguel used to use?” Joel says confusingly.

“Yeah, I’m thinking so,” Tess agrees.

“I mean, couldn’t we take the subway tunnel under Haymarket and get into the building from below?” you ask.

“Take Robert by surprise…” Tess wonders aloud.

“Pay this fucker back,” Joel agrees.

“Then let's do this.”

—

Joel uses a set of large bolt cutters and snaps the rusting chain keeping the building closed off. You and Tess each have your guns and flashlights out already, wrists crossed.

“Ready?” Tess asks. You and Joel nod. You walk until you come across a door with a U and a dot painted above it. “This is it.”

You walk into an old office looking type room. This must have been some type of office building before the outbreak. Suddenly Tess lets out a yelp, causing you and Joel to whirl around, guns up. Tess shines her flashlight on the wall revealing a dead infected, glued to the wall by cordyceps, frozen by its own flesh.

“Shit,” you say under your breath.

“This one’s done,” Joel says, lowering his gun.

“Yeah, I know,” Tess huffs, “just wasn’t expecting it.”

“You never do,” you say slowly, taking in the magnitude of the horrendously beautiful display of nature on the wall. The poor victim forever trapped in a scream. You’d learned over the years how deadly cordyceps was, but you couldn’t help but have a horrified admiration for what it creates. The fungal flowers that sprout from the infected heads are a display of nature’s beauty surrounded by danger and death.

“Let's keep moving,” Joel says to you, bringing you out of your daze and directing you forward. He, like you, took a last look at the infected and then followed behind you to a ladder Tess had begun climbing.

“It’s like they reframed the whole structure,” Joel starts and you’re already smiling and rolling your eyes, the infectious wall art quickly leaving your mind, “Probably in the ‘80s.. Everyone was cutting down on apartment sizes to sell more condos.”

“Oh,” you laugh, “and this has been…”

“Construction Corner with Joel Miller,” Tess finishes for you. “Construction Corner” had become a running joke between the two of you that Joel just absolutely adored and showed so by completely ignoring you and Tess’s comments.

“How far up are we going,” he says begrudgingly.

“Uh, this far,” Tess says hopping off the ladder, “this door opens into the hallway and… the fuck? They put a piano in front of this thing?” Tess frustratingly tries to pry the door open.

“You smell that?” Joel asks.

“Gunpowder,” you say looking around until your eyes find something trickling out from the cracks in the door, “guys…”

“Blood,” Tess breathes and brings up her gun. You and Tess push the door open together and a body falls, it’s Robert, along with several other bodies around him. Tess spots the battery and bends down to inspect it.

“Well, the battery’s no good. And he still tried to sell it,” Tess shines her light on Robert’s face, “Twice.”

“That greedy fuck,” you say. You hear groaning around a corner in the hallway and Joel goes around the corner gun in position. He creeps fully around the corner and after a few steps you hear a door fly open and SLAM.

“Joel?” you hear from a faintly recognizable voice.

“Marlene?” you hear Joel say. Here we fucking go. There’s some more conversation going on between two parties as you and Tess round the corner as well.

“So this is who Robert screwed us over with? The Che Guevara of Boston? I mean, war must be going pretty shitty for you to be buying from scumbags like him.” You could almost kiss Tess. You hated Marlene. For multiple reasons. The obvious one being that she convinced Tommy to leave, and the second being that she and her little rebel gang made everything harder. For smuggling, for working, for fucking existing. Her people were everywhere, bombing, attacking, causing disruptions. It was ridiculous and they could hardly be considered rebels at this point–just nuisances.

“Yeah. It kind of has been. The merch was bad and he obviously didn’t take “fuck off” for an answer,” Marlene responds.

“Give me my knife,” your attention is brought to some kid on the ground. She looks 12.

“What do you need a car battery for?” Joel says. The girl is wearing a white shirt with burgundy sleeves and worn jeans, with her brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, and looking with big, brown eyes from her knife to Joel and back and forth. She makes a move to grab the knife causing Joel to point his gun at her resulting in a reaction from Marlene and some other woman. Kat? Kit? Kim? Something with a K.

“Don’t,” the woman says, causing you to tear your eyes away from the girl and to the two beaten up women down the hall from you.

“Not at her. Point it at me,” Marlene says. Joel looks back at the kid and raises his eyebrows at her before moving his gun back to Marlene, you and Tess follow suit. It’d be a pretty unbalanced fight, 3 vs 2 injured.

“And to answer your question, I need it for a better reason than you do. No offense, but Tommy’s just one man,” Marlene says, “ It’s our business to know things.”

Joel laughs, “To know things? You’re the cause of it. You turned my own brother against me.”

Suddenly… the assistant? speaks up again, “That was a lot of gunfire. FEDRA’s gonna be on the way.”

“I know,” Marlene says quickly, “We were gonna move Ellie out of the zone tonight. But we won’t make it anywhere like this. Not for a while anyway. So now I’m thinking… you’re gonna do it.”

What the fuck?

tags: @orcasoul @who-has-my-green-banana

thank you for reading and wanting to be tagged :) 🩷

#the last of us #the last of us hbo #tlou #tlou hbo #tlou fanfiction #the last of us fanfiction #joel miller #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller x f!reader #joel miller x female reader #joel miller reader insert #joel tlou #tommy miller #tess the last of us #pedro pascal characters #ellie the last of us

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