#the tags would be 'sisters' and 'character study'

[owepossum]

Since you mentioned that you have read a lot in the Silco parent tag, do you have some recs by any chance?

Or any portrayals you found particularly striking or that surprised you?

Sorry for the very delayed reply, I wanted format this rec list properly so it's taken a while! :D Notes are from me.

Parent(ish) Silco Fic Recs!

In Vaulted Halls, Emtombed by Augustsea

Silco takes Viktor in when he's a little older than in Devotions; lots of protective vibes and siblinghood with Powder. It's pretty much canon-Sil. While I am ehhh about Jayce being a cop, the author weaves a good story!!

The Guest by awkwardapologetic

modern sil-adopts-viktor oneshot, so sweet. Vik is grown up in this one. Soft dad Sil.

Decisions Are Happening Dinner by Lil_Munchkin

Vampire / Werewolf high-fantasy AU. I'm v picky with high-fantasy AUs but I think this one is so well done. Sil took Viktor in when he's a bit older than Devotions, and the relationship is a lot more fraught / toxic. Wonderful character study (I feel). Also i adore protective sister Powder!!! Rife with betrayal etc.

So This Is Love by hauntedhouses

some parts of this is OOC but honestly, i don't care because ;A; protective Sil. Read with fairy-tale expectations! A lovely story.

Crystals and Cogs by WanderingAether

age-different AU, where Vik and Powder are similar ages and both adopted by Sil. I personally feel differently about how Sil would react to various events in this story but that doesn't take away from enjoyment. love love love the family exploration. I think sil is closer to Powder here?

[enduringsurviving]

ADAPTATION | e.w.

SYNOPSIS: Ellie wakes up one morning to find that she is showing symptoms of infection but her sanity remains in tact. While navigating the cruel and dangerous wilderness outside of Jackson, she must learn to adapt to the changes that are rapidly affecting her, and the sense of newfound isolation that comes with them.

WORD COUNT: 13,061

TAGS/WARNINGS: minor, canon-typical violence, minor injuries, post-canon, open/ambiguous ending, inspired by fanart, body horror, swearing, suicidal ideation (extremely brief), angst, character study, ellie-centric, original character

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello everyone! Firstly, a HUGE thank you to the artist who's fanart inspired me to write this all the way back in 2022! They are @/teamashina on Twitter, and here is the link to the amazing work of art that gave me this idea. Ellie showing signs of infection but remaining sane is their idea! They have so much fanart relating to this concept and it is all so cool so please check it out. Also, this isn't an x reader fic, and I apologize for tagging it as such. I'm saying this now because the last thing I want is for anyone to feel mislead! But I wanted this fic to get as much exposure as possible, so I hope everyone can understand ❤️ Lastly, of course, I hope everyone enjoys!

(dividers by @/sister-lucifer on tumblr!)

(this fic is a reupload! old account was @/sundownpromises-inactive)

After Ellie had visited the farmhouse one last time, she was then completely on her own.

Ellie craved stability. In the middle of nowhere, where danger loomed around every corner, she missed having a roof over her head. Shelter was often hard to come by and Ellie found herself sleeping in less than ideal places – an abandoned car that was dirty, cramped, and cluttered, or if she was lucky, maybe she’d come across a small, nearly picked-over convenience store.

She was exhausted, walking with heavy steps due to frequent tossing and turning and being woken up by the slightest of noises, most of them imagined. Sometimes, whenever she closed her eyes, she dreamt of her small room back in Jackson; she imagined the feeling of her soft mattress and thick blanket, the warm glow of her fairy lights, her comic books scattered across the table. It was almost as if she was really there, and everyone that she loved was still in her life, and she got to see them everyday. But when the sun peeked over the horizon, and Ellie was stirred awake, the mirage once again faded into the darkness, just out of reach. 

Ellie found herself residing in a travel van stuck on a lonely highway after walking on sore feet for several hours in a randomly chosen direction, hoping to stumble upon something, anything worthwhile. Most days were uneventful and never caught Ellie by surprise. Food wasn’t readily available, but Ellie’s hunting skills had been honed and sharpened by that point and wasn’t much of a challenge for her. On the more exciting days, infected wandered a bit too close to the van, leaving Ellie to take care of them swiftly and quietly. Often it was one or two, but sometimes they came in larger numbers. Ellie still had her beloved switchblade with her that she cleaned and took care of to the best of her ability that became her best friend when a group of runners decided to pay her a visit.

Ellie's run-ins with infected didn't always end with her leaving unscathed, though. The bite on Ellie's arm, partially hidden by her tattoo and the chemical burn, was now accompanied by a plethora of other bites, including one on her shoulder and a couple on her other arm; But they were nothing but mild annoyances.

Ellie would say she was doing fairly well, even if it didn’t look like it. Her hair was on the longer side and fell into her eyes a lot. She had lost a significant amount of weight, as her food supply wasn’t as steady as it once was and some days she would be unlucky on her hunting trips. She adjusted to only having eight fingers far more quickly than she initially thought she would. She could still hold her weapons just fine and her accuracy didn’t change too drastically. She was still alive and breathing; even if she felt and looked like shit, that’s what was most important. 

There wasn’t much at all that could be done for entertainment. She still wrote and drew things in her journal, almost having filled up every page. She had to start using the backs of pages now.

Her journal entries were usually fairly short. There was nothing very interesting to document in her life, after all. She had been writing more poems, though. They were also short, many of them unfinished. But sometimes she was able to better communicate her feelings through a few words and single sentences.

Her drawings, though, were more frequent. It was mostly random objects or something that caught her attention while hunting or simply walking outside for fresh air. Maybe it was a carcass being picked at by a flock of birds, or random, lost objects that once belonged to a person, now forever buried with overgrowth. Other times she drew her memories. Dina and JJ. Joel. Jesse. These people were all gone but she felt they had to be immortalized in some way.

Although Ellie knew she might have been better off than others, she could never stop thinking about the place she once called home. The people of Jackson weren’t trigger happy like the Wolfs or a fucked-up, sheltered cult like the Seraphites. They were accepting, willing to take anyone in with open arms. Surely they would welcome Ellie back, right?

She felt that she had waited long enough, and there was only one way to find out.

When Ellie woke up one morning, ready to pack and head out for Jackson, she made a discovery that stopped her in her tracks. 

She sat up in the small space of her bed, staring at her arm in shock, confusion, and fear.

Her arm was partially covered in a hard fungal growth, and it had effectively torn through the fabric of her brown flannel. It was only a small section of her arm, and it just barely covered part of her fern tattoo. She touched it, wincing in advance as she anticipated pain, but she felt nothing. Frantically, she felt her face and her legs, feeling for the same growth, but it seemed to only be her arm. Ellie wasn’t sure how to process the slight changes that her body had undergone overnight. Was her luck finally running out? Was her immunity only temporary? These were all questions that polluted her mind like oil to water. 

There wasn’t much Ellie could do other than brush it off – even though turning into a clicker was not something one could necessarily forget about as if it was a minor inconvenience. 

The whole day, Ellie kept stealing glances at her arm to see if the growth would spread, but it remained in that one area. When she had sat down to eat dinner, she pulled out her journal, flipping through countless pages before eventually opening it up to a blank page, pencil in hand as she chewed on two-day old rabbit.

What’s happening to me?

I woke up this morning and saw something had happened to my arm. There was fungal growth. It scared the fuck outta me.

What does this mean?

My immunity couldn’t have just disappeared yesterday. If that was the case, I would’ve woken up a runner. It seems like my body has just completely skipped the earlier stages of infection. It takes… a fuck-ton of time to turn into a clicker. Why am I turning into one in only 24 hours? I don’t know what to do and I’m terrified. I tried breaking it off. But it’s so damn hard. Harder than it looks. It’s sturdy. Being covered in this might feel as if you’re wearing a fucking suit of armor.

We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

And tomorrow brought, well, even more surprises. Unpleasant ones. 

When Ellie had awoken, the growth had spread to more areas of her body rapidly. Small sections of both of her legs were now covered in the same growth, as well as her other arm. Much to Ellie's horror, when she had felt her face, she was terrified to know that the growth had finally reached her face, too. It was protruding from her cheek in a way that may have looked like it should have hurt, but once again, she felt nothing. From her discoveries yesterday she knew that she wouldn't be able to remove them and yet she tried anyway, bending and twisting and manipulating the tough fungal plates using all the strength she could muster. But to no avail.

Ellie spent the day much like how she spent yesterday, only significantly more perplexed. She had hoped that yesterday was just an awful dream, and that when she woke up the next day her arm would be clear and only her tattoo would remain. 

Ellie tried to make sense of this, but couldn't, no matter how long she sat and thought about it. She wasn't twitching erratically or moving in any way an actual infected person would, which she thought was a good sign. But something she did notice was how her senses had seemingly increased in strength.

She first noticed these changes when she was sitting at the table, scribbling away in her journal like she usually did. But the sentence she was currently writing was cut short when suddenly her stomach began cramping in unbelievable pain. 

It was so terrible that she had fallen out of her seat, clutching her stomach tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. She was convulsing, nausea overcoming her, the room spinning. She genuinely felt as if she would die right there on the floor if she didn't devour something, and quickly. 

The leftover rabbit meat that she had stored away in a cabinet somewhere had become extremely potent; what usually had no smell began producing a scent that was like nothing Ellie had ever smelled. It smelled so good, almost too good, and Ellie tried her damnedest to get up so she could retrieve it. It was a struggle, as she could barely stand on her feet and every time she tried she just ended up back where she started. But through enough persistence she succeeded. She ran to where she stored the rabbit meat, keeping it wrapped up in a clean cloth. Her eyes widened as she saw that she only had a single strip of meat left. She ate it, so fast that she could've choked and she nearly bit off her fingers. But it wasn't enough, and she knew it wouldn't be enough. The pain within her stomach continued, so she stumbled over to the bed, bumping into the edges of things on the short trip there. She collapsed onto the bed, the sharp, unwavering pain rendering her motionless.

Ellie weeped and sobbed, thinking to herself that death would be preferable in this moment. Right as she began contemplating it, her gun just out of reach in her bag, she passed out before she could do anything.

Ellie's eyes had fluttered open for the second time that day. When she had woken up, the sunset was filtering in through the windows of the van. She had been out for a while.

Fortunately, the pain was gone. Ellie needed to hunt; she was completely out of rabbit meat now. But she was far too weak and felt exhausted from what she had experienced earlier. Her throat was dry, but she had no water either.

She had just enough energy to get up and grab her journal before returning to the warmth and comfort of her bed. She decided to just stay curled up in bed for the rest of day, having been pushed to her limits just a few hours ago.

She opened up her journal to where she remembered writing a new entry. She read it curiously, wondering where she left off. 

The fungal growth has spread. It's all over me now. It fucking sucks, to put it lightly.

It feels kind of itchy. Not enough to be awful, but just enough to be slightly annoying. Still no pain, though. I tried breaking it off again this morning knowing that I would get the same results.

I can't see what I look like. There's no mirror in this damn van. But I imagine I look hideous. 

I don't understand why this is happening to me. All of this has got to be some fucking nightm

The spelling of the last word was left unfinished, and Ellie was immediately reminded of the pain that had overwhelmed her in that moment. She slammed the journal shut.

Ellie thought about writing another entry, but instead, she laid back down, closing her eyes. All she wanted was sleep. The fungal growth made some sleeping positions uncomfortable, so she opted for simply lying on her back, letting out a tired sigh.

Sleep never actually caught up to her, though, as she heard the sound of voices from outside.

The voices were loud and clear, not coming from outside the van but from a distance. Ellie was startled at the fact that she could hear them so clearly from seemingly so far away and could even differentiate the tone of each voice – a woman and a man. She remained still, wondering if they were just wanderers. 

It was impossible to try to sleep then, because all she could hear was their conversation. She picked up every word.

"We've been walking for ages and haven't found anything."

"I'm sure we'll find somewhere to hole up eventually. We gotta keep searchi-"

"Hey! Look up ahead! Is that a van?"

"Holy shit. Let's get closer and check it out."

Ellie had immediately raised up in bed, grabbing her bag that was right next to her and unzipping it with great haste. She reached in and grabbed her pistol, reloading it swiftly. She stayed where she was, keeping the weapon firmly grasped within her hand. She listened closely to the people's footsteps, continuing to listen to the words exchanged between them (not that she had much of a choice because their voices were so goddamn loud– her hearing had drastically improved).

"You think there's anyone in there?"

"One way to find out." 

"We should knock." 

"Or we could just-"

"Let's knock, Travis. If someone is in there we could get shot on sight." 

"Fine."

After several minutes, Ellie could tell that they were right outside the entrance to the van. She kept her finger gently resting on the trigger, completely still, like a snake silently waiting to attack its prey. She could hear every thump of her heartbeat in her ears.

Then, she heard another sound. The sound of knocking. It was heavy and loud, the person making their presence known. The deeper voice of the man had asked a question from outside the door.

"Is anyone in there?" 

Ellie didn't respond; not right away, anyway. She slowly got out of bed, coming just slightly closer to the door, keeping her gun trained in that direction. Fatigue was still coursing through her, but she used what little strength she had to keep her arms steady and her gaze focused. After clearing her throat, Ellie replied.

"What do you want?" She asked, her voice calm but firm.

There was silence on the other end for a few minutes before the woman responded. 

"We don't want any trouble. We've been walking for a while and we need someplace to rest. I'm Kathy, and the voice you heard before is my husband, Travis." 

Ellie remained silent. Travis spoke up again. 

"Please. My wife is pregnant." He said, his voice wavering. 

Ellie sighed, lowering the gun, but keeping it within her grasp. She weighed her options, feeling conflicted with the choices presented to her. Ellie wanted to invite them in, The van was a small space, and it would certainly begin to feel claustrophobic with the addition of two people, but she was vehemently against the idea of sending them walking again. Ellie had so much blood on her hands from taking away so many lives on her journey for vengeance, but now, with her violent history behind her, the least she could do was help people when they needed helping. But Ellie was also fully aware of what she looked like at the moment; these people probably wouldn’t want to be around her for very long. They may even shoot her on sight once she opens the door. She walks like a human, and talks like a human, but her body took on a drastic transformation, one that would definitely cause people to look at her differently. People were going to fear her and Ellie was going to be even more isolated than she already was. 

She had only been living out of the van for a few weeks; it was only just now starting to feel like home. But she knew the choice she had to make. The choice she wanted to make.

Ellie must've been silent for too long, prompting Kathy to speak again. 

"Please." Was all she said, her tone hopeful. Ellie took small steps toward the door, unlocking it, before backing up again. Her finger was still just barely brushing against the trigger of the gun as spoke, her voice just barely loud enough for them to hear, “come in.”

They didn't come in immediately. Ellie imagined that they both must've been taken aback by being invited in and expected to be shooed away. But, after only a couple of minutes, the door was opened, the hinges emitting a loud, telltale creak.

Kathy and Travis had stepped inside the van tentatively. When their eyes landed on Ellie standing across from them, Travis wasted no time in slinging his rifle off of his shoulder and pointing it directly at her.

“What the hell – you’re – you’re infected–” He stammered, eyes wide, clearly unsure of how to proceed.

Kathy had defensively pulled out a pistol from a holster that was attached to her thigh, but she wasn’t aiming it. Instead, she merely looked at Ellie, eyebrows drawn together in bewilderment. Travis had stepped in front of her protectively, but Kathy immediately stepped aside him again, placing a hand on Travis’s rifle and gently lowering it. Travis’s eyes snapped to his wife, and he raised an eyebrow at her, as if silently questioning her. 

“It’s okay, Travis. Relax.” Kathy said in a soft-spoken yet firm voice. Travis couldn’t seem to take her advice, shoulders still visibly tense, his fingers gripping his rifle tightly as if the weapon would grow wings and fly away. Nonetheless, he didn’t try to retaliate, and he let his wife try to take control of the situation. But he kept his eyes trained on Ellie carefully, prepared to strike if the situation ever called for it.

Kathy continued to speak. “I’ve never seen someone like you before. You look like a clicker… but you’re not… y’know, batshit crazy.” She said.

“I don’t know what happened. I can’t– I couldn’t explain it to you. But I promise I’m not… a threat.” Ellie responded. 

Travis scoffed. It seemed like he gave all his might to stay silent but eventually caved in and spoke anyway, much to his wife’s distaste. “Bullshit. Just because you may be walking and talking like us doesn’t mean anything. You could still just suddenly snap for all we know.” He replied. Kathy placed a gentle hand on Travis’s shoulder, but the glare she had sent him was anything but gentle. Travis could only laugh in response, as if what he said was something completely absurd and not within the realm of possibility. 

“Why are you looking at me like that, honey? Do you seriously feel safe around her? We need to go somewhere else.” 

Kathy immediately shook her head. “No. We’ve been walking around for hours. I’m fucking exhausted, Travis! I’m not going back out there. I’m not.”

Travis gave Ellie a quick up and down, disgust written all over his face. “I’m not sharing this van with her. She is a danger to us all. You’re pregnant, and I can’t risk anything.” 

“And you’re gonna make a pregnant woman walk some more?” 

“Goddamn it, Kathy, we don’t know what we’re working with here!”

Kathy crossed her arms in growing frustration, her jaw clenched as she tried to remain level-headed. Ellie had gotten enough of their bickering and moved to the bed to retrieve her backpack. Travis’s eyes had quickly bounced to Ellie the second he saw her movement out of the corner of his eye. Kathy turned her head to observe Ellie as well, and they both fell silent. Ellie could feel their eyes boring into the back of her skull as she holstered her gun and put her journal inside her backpack, zipping it closed. She felt her back pocket briefly, just to make certain that her switchblade was there. Lastly, she grabbed Joel’s tan leather jacket from where it had been haphazardly thrown on the bed, hastily putting it on. When she had everything she needed, she turned around, yet again meeting eyes with the married couple who watched her every move. It was almost as if they were waiting for her to twitch.

Ellie cleared her throat. “The van is all yours.” she firmly stated, leaving no room for disagreement, making her way toward the door. Travis didn’t waste a second moving out of the way of the door, but Kathy was hesitant; she stayed standing where she was as if she was tethered to the floor, looking at Ellie pitifully. Her lips were fixed in a slight frown and her expression could only be read as sympathetic. Ellie mustered a barely noticeable smile, hoping to extinguish any feelings of sorrow that Kathy was feeling. 

Kathy stood in front of the door for several minutes before finally moving to the side, joining her husband. Ellie sauntered toward the door, her footsteps heavy, but before she left, she glanced at the married couple over her shoulder one last time. Kathy had waved at her, returning the same smile that Ellie had given mere seconds ago. Her eyes then migrated to Travis, who’s expression was dour, large hands still clutching his gun; Kathy had holstered hers long ago.

Despite the situation that Ellie found herself in, she could only feel content. The travel van that she was just beginning to call her home was no longer hers, but she didn’t feel sorrow when she had to part with it. Ellie’s conscience was put at ease knowing that she had just helped a couple, soon-to-be-family, find somewhere stable and mostly secure to settle down in, even if just for the time being. 

She stole one last look at the van, before focusing her attention on the imaginary path ahead of her – but she had only taken a couple of steps before she heard the door of the van swing open once more. She turned around, being greeted by Kathy, who was holding a handful of granola bars with an apologetic smile. She waved Ellie over, gesturing for her to come closer. Ellie obeyed, silently walking over and looking at her curiously.

When she approached, she held out her hands, waiting for Ellie to accept her offering. "Take these," she said, voice firm. "It wouldn't be right for us to kick you out and not give you a, uh…. parting gift, of some sort." She spoke.

Ellie shook her head. "You didn't kick me out. It's okay, really," she glanced at the granola bars in Kathy's hands. "And you should keep those. Any kind of food is hard to come by all the way out here." 

Kathy sighed, eyebrows furrowing in bubbling impatience. Suddenly, with confident strides, she walked behind Ellie and unzipped her backpack, stuffing the granola bars inside. "Exactly, which is even more of a reason to give you these." She said as she closed up the backpack. When she was facing Ellie again, she let out a series of chuckles upon seeing Ellie's look of defeat, standing there with her bag just a little heavier.

Ellie adjusted the straps of her backpack as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Thanks. That was, uh… really kind of you." 

Kathy absentmindedly rested her hand on her protruding stomach. "It was the least I could do." 

There were a few beats of silence that passed between the two women as they looked at each other, sharing glances of mutual acknowledgment at the fact they would be parting ways. Kathy gave Ellie one final grin, waving once more and waiting half a second for Ellie to wave back, before heading back toward the entrance of the van. Ellie continued to stare until the door was closed shut.

Once again, that familiar feeling of loneliness had reappeared as she looked at the road ahead of her, walking forward into the unknown. 

She wasn’t sure where she was going, she was simply letting her feet take her where they wanted to go. Ellie wasn’t in any rush, either, walking casually as if she was taking a stroll in the park. On either side of her was nothing but forest, the trees tall and imposing, the leaves moving gracefully in the breeze, seemingly breathing as if alive. There were plenty of broken down cars alongside the road, and the occasional animal that would always scurry away once they picked up Ellie’s scent. 

The sky was still a captivating blend of oranges and pinks, but it was noticeably getting darker. There was a slight chill in the air, causing Ellie to wrap Joel's– her jacket around her body more securely, tucking her hands inside of her arms, trying to keep them warm. She was grateful for the granola bars that Kathy had given her, having devoured two of them earlier along her journey. If only she had water to wash everything down; the assortment of nuts and oats not doing much for her already dry throat.

Surprisingly, she hadn’t encountered much trouble during her walk. It was almost unsettling, how barren the world around her was. Ellie observed her surroundings closely, her eyes moving a mile a minute as she anticipated an ambush, whether it be from people or infected. She was tense, ready to pull her pistol from its holster at the slightest of sounds. But the journey remained relatively peaceful. It was a stark contrast from places like Seattle, where Ellie couldn’t go anywhere without a Wolf or a Scar ready to ruin her plans. For the first time ever, even if only momentarily, being alone was not a miserable experience for Ellie, but a tranquil one. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the calming amalgamation of nature’s sounds and the sound of her feet softly hitting the pavement. It was during this moment that fatigue was settling within her aching bones, her gait gradually becoming slower, her eyelids getting harder and harder to keep open without effort. Ellie briefly considered curling up on the side of the road, but as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she was startled awake by the sound of loud and penetrating voices hitting her ears.

Her eyes shot open, looking left, right, and behind her, before realizing that the voices were coming from up ahead. She heard the sound of a group of men conversing with one another before she actually saw them.

“I’m fucking starving. I could eat a horse.”

“We’re all hungry. Just stop complaining, for fuck’s sake.”

“We’re in shitty shape, man. No food. No shelter. Barely any water because your dumbass drank it all. Y’know, I think it’s your fault we’re in this situation.”

“Are you two really bickering right now? Shut the fuck up, Jesus.”

It was mostly dark now, so she quickly turned on her flashlight, but the light was dim and barely helped her with seeing a few feet in front of her. A curse word fell from her lips, knowing full well she didn’t have spare batteries. She thought it would be a better idea to conserve what little light the flashlight was producing, clicking it off. 

The group of men had come into Ellie’s view eventually, and she noticed that they were all heavily armed, with a dog keeping close to their side. Ellie removed her pistol from its holster, gripping it securely. It took several minutes for the men to notice her, but when they did, they stopped for a few long seconds, exchanging words with one another, their voices barely above a whisper. Little did they know, Ellie’s hearing had bettered significantly, and she was tuning in to every sentence.

“That woman looks pretty fucked up. I say we leave her alone.”

“She’s got a backpack. It might be worth searching.”

“Let’s just focus on getting where we need to go-”

“It’s four of us, one of her. We can take her out easily. Let’s get closer.”

Ellie’s finger was now resting on the trigger of her gun. She continued walking closer to them, slowly closing the distance between them. One of the men leading the group spoke first.

“Hey! You there! You alright?” He shouted. He was clad in all black, a shotgun being held in his grasp. 

Ellie didn’t respond. Once again, she began observing her surroundings, searching for a potential escape route. Ellie realized fairly quickly that her best bet would be darting off into the forest if she wanted to lose them. The second man who was walking beside the leader nudged his arm to grab his attention, a sickening smirk resting on his lips. He was carrying another long gun; a rifle. He muttered something else to the man in charge, which obviously did not go unnoticed by Ellie.

“Is she deaf, or what?” He said with a chuckle. The leader only glared at him, effectively silencing him as he returned his attention to Ellie. The distance between her and the men was shrinking, and Ellie, not wanting to immediately provoke them, began walking backwards. She had passed a clearing into the forest on her right side, and decided that she would make a mad dash through the trees.

The leader provoked Ellie once more, this time, his voice much less friendly than before. “Where are you going? We just wanna talk. Maybe we could help each other out.” 

On the surface, his request sounded innocent, but by the sinister smiles plastered on his henchmen’s face, to the overall intimidating nature that they all shared, Ellie had put two and two together. 

But, in typical Ellie fashion, she gave them all the finger before sprinting into the clearing, narrowly avoiding gunshots, the harsh and piercing sound of bullets firing clashing with the gentler sounds of the natural world around them.

With only the moon illuminating Ellie’s path, she had a difficult time trying to see exactly where she was going, noticing a large branch on the ground just a couple seconds too late, tripping over it and landing on the ground. It was during this fall that she also noticed there was a steep incline, steeper than she thought it was, and she was sent rolling down a small hill. She was stopped by a large, thick log, rolling into it and feeling the pain shoot through her shoulder. 

Ellie was effectively winded, frozen on the ground as she tried to recuperate, breathing in and out through her nose heavily. Adrenaline had long been running through her veins, giving her just enough energy to power through the intense pain in her shoulder to stand up. She blinked a few times, her vision spotty; and once she was able to see the environment around her clearly again, she soon realized that her gun had fallen out of her hand some time during her trip down the hill. Panic hit her hard like a bucket of cold ice water as she fell to the ground again, knees digging into the dirt as she pushed away fallen leaves, feeling for the cold metal of her pistol. The men were surely chasing after her and she knew her gun was around here somewhere.

As if matters couldn't get any worse, Ellie picked up the telltale sound of groans and clicking in the distance that never failed to send chills down her spine; and the sounds were very quickly getting closer. 

When Ellie had finally found her pistol, she hastily brushed off leaves and dirt, but before she could even make her next move, there was a horde of infected already shambling toward her from behind, snarling and feral. Ellie was stuck in a crossroads, not wanting to turn her back on the road – but the infected made themselves the more immediate problem. Ellie could see them getting closer and closer. She raised her arm, releasing shaky breaths. She took one step back – stepping on a large rock and losing her footing.

When she felt herself falling to the ground again, a loud shriek escaped her throat, followed by a string of profanities. The infected were right in front of her now, and there was no way Ellie could get back up in time to defend herself.

“She ran in here!” She heard one of the men shout. Ellie shut her eyes tight, believing that her fate had already been sealed, waiting to either get torn apart by the runners or shot to death by the men. 

But neither happened.

The infected had completely surrounded her, but they weren’t attacking. No, they weren’t even looking at Ellie. They seemed to be attracted to the sound of the men shouting, looking around frantically, groaning and convulsing, completely animalistic at the smell of fresh meat. Ellie looked up at them from where she was still lying on the ground, complete and utter bewilderment coloring her features. They weren’t interested in her.

Ellie stood up, slowly, brushing herself off. All of the runners had glanced at her and were aware of their presence, and yet they never touched her; she might as well have been a tree or a rock with how disinterested they were in her.

When the men finally caught up, out of breath and red in the face, they looked ahead, immediately noticing the hoard. But they also noticed Ellie standing directly in the center of it.

One of the henchmen’s jaws practically dropped to the forest floor, watching the sight in front of him in disbelief, fear chilling him to the bone and keeping him frozen. All of the men shared a similar expression, and Ellie could only chuckle at how their eyes comically popped out of their heads.

“Look, everyone.” Ellie spoke to the infected as if they were old friends, feeling a newfound power. “Fresh meat.” 

As if on cue, the runners attacked the four men before they could regain their wits and aim their weapons. The runners wasted no time in digging in, the men screaming in unimaginable agony – until they weren’t, and only the sounds of aggressive chewing could be heard. The dog that was with them had sprinted off into the forest, and Ellie watched the fluffy animal disappear into the distance before refocusing her attention on the runners and their feast.

While the runners were eating, Ellie approached the corpses, checking their pockets (she had to push some runners out of the way, to which some of them would grumble angrily before deciding to snack elsewhere). She took whatever ammunition she could find, stealing the rifle and shotgun as well, both weapons fortunately having been equipped with shoulder straps for easy transportation.

One of the henchmen, who was in the middle of having his leg devoured, had a map in his pocket. When Ellie unfolded it, she gave it a quick once over and realized that it was a map leading to Jackson. Ellie wasn’t sure where she was, but according to the map, Jackson was merely miles away. Not exactly close on foot, but just knowing that the place she once called her home was somewhat nearby took her by surprise. Her plans on returning to Jackson had effectively been turned upside down after the transformations that her body had undergone – but she pocketed the map anyway. Besides showing the location of Jackson, it also displayed nearby restaurants and convenience stores, which could definitely be worth scavenging.

She let the runners finish their meal, walking a little bit further into the forest and sitting down on a tree stump to catch her breath and process everything that had just occurred within the last several minutes.

She turned on her flashlight, removing her backpack from her shoulders. The dim lighting was just enough for Ellie to locate her journal within the bag. She pulled it out, as well as a pen, and opened her journal to a fresh page. She felt the need to document the changes that were happening to her body to better understand everything that she had been experiencing.

Before she began writing, though, she reached into her bag once more to pull out a granola bar. After unwrapping it, she finished it in just a few bites. She threw the wrapper to the ground and finally put her pen to the paper.

Okay. I totally just fucking cheated death just now.

Not only are mushrooms growing out of me, but I have superpowers too, apparently.

I can hear peoples’ voices from miles away as if they’re standing right next to me. I can smell everything around me – the grass, the soil, rotting animal carcasses… I could even faintly smell those guys who tried to kill me before I even saw them. 

I also feel hunger more intensely than the average person. Whenever I get hungry, I get these god awful cramps that hurt more than any other kind of pain I’ve ever fucking experienced. Thankfully, though, I haven’t felt the desire to eat human flesh. Not yet, anyway.

The craziest thing, though, is the fact that other infected don't even pay attention to me. Like I’m not even there. They get close to me, but they aren’t hostile. I still can’t believe it. 

When all this shit started happening to me, I thought I was some kind of monster. But all of these… symptoms of my infection… are actually proving to be kind of useful. I’m conflicted.

I’ve never felt more alone. There’s nobody else going through this but me. I wish I had answers. I wish

Ellie stopped mid-sentence when she felt a cold nose poking her hand. Startled, she retracted her hand, but her nerves were quickly calmed when she noticed that it was the dog from earlier. He was a beautiful golden retriever, although he wasn’t very golden anymore because of how dirty he was. A small grin broke out on Ellie’s face, and she reached her hand out, hesitant, anticipating aggressiveness, but the dog didn’t growl or bare any teeth – instead, he sat there patiently, tail wagging as he waited to be pet. Ellie did just that, running her fingers through his slightly matted fur. Pets were never really Ellie’s thing – but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t thoroughly enjoying the furry friend’s company.

“Hey, buddy,” Ellie said softly. “I thought you had run away.”

The dog just continued to sit there, staring up at Ellie with big, round eyes. Ellie’s heart was warm at how truly and undeniably adorable he was. In a world full of ugly people, infected and non-infected alike, this wide-eyed golden retriever that was currently resting his head on Ellie’s leg, satisfied at receiving affection, was a reminder that not everything in this world was ugly.

An idea had popped into Ellie’s mind, causing her to momentarily pause the headpats that she was giving. The dog whined, nudging her hand. Ellie giggled at the feeling. 

“Wait just a moment, buddy. Are you hungry? I got something for you.” Ellie said.

She closed her journal and put it back in her bag, the pen acting as a bookmark, mentally making a note that she would finish the entry later. She then pulled out the very last granola bar (it was chocolate free, Ellie noted).

The dog’s ears perked up at the crinkle of the wrapper. When the granola bar was free from its plastic sheath, Ellie placed it in the palm of her hand, holding it out to him. The dog sniffed the bar curiously, briefly looking up at Ellie as if asking for permission to eat it. Ellie smiled. “Go on. It’s all yours.” She muttered, and as if the dog could understand her, he gobbled up the granola bar in one bite. 

While he was chewing, Ellie glanced at the dog’s neck. She noticed that he was wearing a collar. She reached out and grabbed the silver pendant, holding up the flashlight in front of it to read the engraving. 

“Your name is… Otis? God, who would name you Otis?” Ellie spoke in an amused tone, a laugh bubbling out of her throat. 

After the touching moment, silence had befell the both of them briefly. Otis’s head had returned to its resting position on top of Ellie’s leg, and Ellie absentmindedly continued petting him as she stared off into space. It was nearly pitch black outside if not for the moonlight and Ellie didn’t feel entirely comfortable continuing her journey on the road without being able to see her surroundings very well – it seemed like another ambush just waiting to happen. But Ellie didn’t seem to have much of a choice; sleeping in the middle of the forest didn’t seem to provide a lot of safety either.

The gears in Ellie’s mind were turning as she considered her options. But she was suddenly stirred by her thoughts when Otis had run off into the distance, and Ellie had immediately missed the warmth of his head on her leg and the feeling of his fur between her fingers. She sighed, getting up and slinging her backpack on, her muscles sore and aching from the events that had transpired just moments prior. She could especially feel the pain in her shoulder now that the adrenaline had dissipated. She knew without even having to look at it that there was definitely a pretty black and blue bruise that had formed.

Ellie stood up from the tree stump, stretching her limbs, before making her way back to the open road.

She didn’t get very far, though, when she heard two loud barks. She froze in her tracks, a smile almost immediately breaking out on her face when she turned around to be met with Otis again. She kneeled down and opened her arms, to which Otis ran into Ellie’s embrace happily. 

“Are you gonna leave me or not? Make up your mind, little guy.” She asked playfully. Otis barked again, and Ellie put a finger to her lips as if Otis could understand what that meant.

“Quiet, boy. We don’t wanna attract any unwanted attention, yeah? I’m still pretty worn out from earlier, aren’t you?” Ellie questioned with a lighthearted chuckle.

Otis allowed Ellie to pet him a few more times before removing himself from her arms and scurrying off again, but this time he stopped just a little bit ahead of Ellie, staring at her with those big, round eyes. His tail was wagging behind him excitedly. Ellie cocked her head, much like a confused animal would, returning the eye contact with Otis.

“What is it, boy?” Ellie asked. Otis trotted only a tad further into the distance before stopping again and turning his head to look at Ellie once more. 

“Ah, I see,” Ellie began. “You want me to, uh… follow you?”

As if trying to answer her question, Otis barked again. Ellie immediately kicked into gear, following the dog just to get him to stop making noise.

“Okay, okay.” Ellie said.

Ellie followed Otis silently, wondering to herself why she was even following some random dog in the first place. You should be back on that road, Ellie thought. This is a complete waste of time.

Ellie sighed, considering turning around and leaving the dog for good as it seemed like he just wanted to go on a stroll, until she saw something just up ahead. A cabin.

Otis had led Ellie to shelter.

A grin that stretched from ear to ear appeared on Ellie's face, her eyes widening in surprise. She called Otis over and showered him affection, endless praise spilling from her lips.

"You're the best, aren't you, boy? I'll take this over a fucking travel van any day." 

Ellie slowly walked up to the cabin, Otis following close behind. From what she could see outside, she noticed a warm, faint glow emanating through the front windows, perhaps from a fireplace or a lantern.

Removing her pistol from its holster, she knocked on the large wooden door. It didn’t open immediately, which Ellie had expected. Instead, she heard a muffled voice from the other side. 

“What do you want?” She said curtly, her voice stern. Otis’s ears perked up at the sound of the person’s voice, her tail wagging in eagerness. 

“I don’t want any trouble. I, uh… I need somewhere to sleep for the night.” Ellie replied. There was silence on the other end for several minutes as the person was seemingly contemplating. The silence stretched on for so long that even Otis had become impatient, letting out high-pitched whines. Ellie placed a comforting hand on his head, rubbing gently.

Ellie sighed, tiredly running her other hand through her unkempt hair. “Please… I just need someplace to rest-”

Her sentence had abruptly ended when the door had finally swung open, and she was met with the barrel of a gun being pointed directly into her face. In mere seconds, Ellie raised both of her arms, her gaze shifting from the weapon to the woman’s steel gaze. She looked to be no younger than Ellie, or possibly slightly older, and she had long, dark hair collected into two braids that complimented her olive skin tone. She was clad in white jeans (that were definitely whiter when we're brand new) and a forest green blouse, a black jacket over her shoulders. Ellie noticed that her eyes had widened considerably, as she was visibly bewildered by Ellie’s appearance. 

“You– You have fifteen seconds. I suggest you leave.” The woman threatened.

“I’m not infected! I know what this looks like, but please-” Ellie started, but the woman only stepped closer to her, the pointed gun in her hands never wavering for a second, to which Ellie subsequently took a small step back. 

“Bullshit.” The woman spat. 

“I swear.” Ellie replied. She could see the woman’s eyes rake across her skin as she observed her closely. She had fallen silent now, and Ellie could tell the woman was mulling over a decision in her mind. While she was taking those few minutes to contemplate, Ellie spoke again.

“Look, I can’t explain– this whole situation,” Ellie said, gesturing to the fungal growth that covered her body. “But I won’t hurt you.” 

The woman still kept her contemplative gaze, but her eye contact with Ellie was broken when she noticed a small movement out of the corner of her eye. When the woman looked down, that’s when she noticed Otis, lying patiently next to Ellie’s shoes, her head resting on the top of her paws. The woman’s hand began to shake as she finally felt her resolve crumble, and with a sigh, she lowered her weapon, stepping aside to make room for Ellie and her furry friend to come in.

“Get inside. Quickly.” She said curtly. Ellie didn’t hesitate, walking into the woman’s residence with hurried steps, Otis following behind her. 

When Ellie had come in, the woman poked her head outside once more, looking left, and then looking right, before shutting it closed and locking it behind her. Ellie briefly watched as Kennedy grabbed a nearby chair and placed it under the doorknob.

Upon being welcomed inside, Ellie took several moments to observe her new surroundings. Ellie could tell she was in the middle of a living room, noticing a couch, recliner, and a glass coffee table among other things. There was a fireplace in said living room, the sound of the fire crackling resonating throughout the small space and basking it in a warm, orange glow. In front of the glowing fire was a small throw pillow and a blanket that had been folded to create a makeshift mattress of sorts, as well as another, slightly smaller blanket folded on top. Ellie removed her jacket, already beginning to feel quite warm, the heat of the fire having effectively filled the entire room. She wasn’t sure how long the woman would let her stay for, but she was going to enjoy every second. After placing her long guns on the table, Ellie made her way toward the fireplace, sitting down in front of it and holding out her hands. Otis had the same idea, taking his spot next to Ellie. 

The woman was still standing by the door, gun in hand, but her finger wasn’t on the trigger. She watched Ellie closely, her eyes raking over all the parts of Ellie’s body where fungal growth could be seen. The woman still chose to keep her distance, as she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the mysterious stranger.

Ellie felt a pair of eyes on her back, and she turned around to be met with the woman’s stare. Ellie wasn’t surprised in the slightest that the woman seemed to be put off by her presence. She didn’t question her blatant discomfort and opted for making light conversation instead.

“Thanks. For letting me in.” Ellie started. She wasn’t really expecting a response, so she turned her back toward the woman again, her mind wandering elsewhere as she observed the burning wood. 

“No problem.” The woman replied, much to Ellie’s surprise. Ellie turned back around and saw that the woman’s eyes were no longer cold and sharp but instead much warmer, softer, a glint of curiosity hidden in them. Her voice had also lost its sternness, her words coming out much lighter. She opened her mouth to speak again. 

“I’m Kennedy.” She said. Ellie repeated the name in her head, even though she’d probably be asked to leave after a couple of days and would never see her again. Regardless of how long she would know this woman, she couldn’t think of a reason to not share her name as well.

“Ellie.” She said simply.

Kennedy gave her a small, barely noticeable grin of acknowledgment. After the exchange of names, they were both quiet for a few minutes as the both of them tried to move past the initial stage of meeting someone. Kennedy remained rooted in front of the door, leaning against it and holstering her weapon. Ellie was in the middle of running her fingers through Otis’s fur, watching the tufts of golden blonde poke through the space in between them, when Kennedy decided to break the ice first.

“So… where did you come from?” She asked. Ellie knew that Kennedy probably had more pressing questions at the tip of her tongue, more than likely relating to the fact that she was covered in bites and had mushrooms emerging from her skin, but wasn’t ready to ask. At least, not yet.

“I stayed in an old travel van a few miles from here. It was shitty but better than nothing.” She replied. Kennedy nodded, listening intently.

“I see… so you walked all the way here, I presume?”

“Yeah,” Ellie said. She cleared her throat. “What about you? How’d you even find this place?”

Kennedy chuckled softly. “Before I came here I was with a group of people. We were living out of some grocery store. Got separated…” she trailed off, staring at the hard wood floor beneath her blankly. Ellie sensed that she had begun reliving some kind of unpleasant memory, but before she could say anything about it, Kennedy shook her head, as if trying to dispel the sudden thought. 

“We, um, got separated, and I ran off in a random direction. I guess I just got lucky… coming across this.” She said, gesturing to the cabin itself. 

“Real lucky.” Ellie added. Kennedy nodded in agreement. 

“Yeah…” she said quietly. 

Suddenly, she stopped leaning on the door and walked toward Ellie, grabbing a backpack that had been placed on the recliner on the way, before sitting down next to her on her folded blanket. She still left a considerable amount of space between them.

“How long have you been staying here?” Ellie questioned. 

“Only for a few days. I actually plan on leaving tomorrow morning, though.”

Ellie perked up at that. “Where to?”

“A place called Jackson.”

Ellie fell silent, feeling a familiar tenseness in her shoulders. Her stare was blank as she looked ahead at the flames in front of her. 

“Jackson?”

Kennedy looked at Ellie quizzically. “Yeah. You heard of it? Had a friend tell me that they had food, clean water, shelter, electricity, a decently sized community… seems like a great place to stay. It could be a rumor for all I know, but I had to find out for myself.”

“I know about Jackson,” Ellie replied. Kennedy looked at Ellie in surprise. 

“Are you from there?” She asked excitedly, eyes shimmering with hope.

“I, um… know about people from there.” 

A smile had broken out on Kennedy’s face upon hearing this information. She scooted closer to Ellie, and whether it was a subconscious or conscious action, Ellie wasn’t sure.

“Would you happen to know if it’s nearby? All my friend told me was to keep heading north. At least, that’s what she heard from other people.”

Ellie’s eyebrows had furrowed slightly in confusion. “She didn’t give you any landmarks, at least?”

Kennedy shook her head. “No..” she said.

“So you’ve just been wandering around, hoping and praying to some higher power that you’re going in the right direction?” Ellie couldn’t hide the amusement in her tone nor could she fight the smile that was tugging on the corner of her lips. Kennedy also found herself sporting a mirthful expression in response to Ellie’s blatant teasing.

“Listen, a lead is a lead, okay? Now, do you know if Jackson is close by or not?” Kennedy asked, suppressing giggles that threatened to bubble from her throat. 

“You really are lucky, then. You’re not too far off. But, uh,” Ellie thought about the map that she found earlier. She grabbed her backpack, opening it up and pulling out the folded piece of paper from inside. She handed it to Kennedy.

"This might help you out." Ellie said.

Kennedy could only gawk at the piece of paper, effectively being stunned into silence. She stared at it for a few long seconds as if she thought it was going to vanish from Ellie’s hand. She accepted the map, looking at it in awe. 

“Holy shit. How did you find this?”

“I guess I… got lucky?” Ellie replied, echoing Kennedy’s words from earlier, to which Kennedy let out a genuine, hearty laugh that shook her whole body and even had Otis poking his head up in curiosity, disturbed by all of the sudden ruckus.

Ellie noticed Kennedy’s wide smile, mirroring the expression. Kennedy’s laugh was truly contagious, and the infectiousness of the sound had spread to Ellie, causing a few chuckles to escape her throat.

Eventually, Kennedy had calmed down, feeling a little out of breath from the exertion that comes from having a good laugh. 

“Thank you, Ellie. Really.” Kennedy said. “I’m… glad you found me when you did.” 

Ellie shrugged. She felt that same warmth she felt when she helped the married couple just mere hours ago. “Don’t mention it.”

After tucking away the map in her backpack, Kennedy began rummaging inside for something else. She found what she was searching for eventually, pulling out a tupperware bowl full of clean cuts of meat. Ellie wasn’t even fully aware of how hungry she actually was until seeing it, and Otis was now giving Kennedy all of his attention, automatically equating the bowl in Kennedy’s hand to something to do with food.

“Please excuse my lack of hospitality,” Kennedy said, teasingly. “You must be pretty hungry, huh? Here, you can have this.” She outstretched her arm and offered Ellie the bowl of meat, to which Ellie gladly accepted and tore open the lid in the blink of an eye.

“Thanks,” she said. “A lot.” 

Kennedy chuckled. “It’s not a problem. Oh, and there should be enough in there for the dog, too.” She said.

Before Ellie dove in and had a few strips herself, she took out some pieces of meat to give Otis. Otis ate them happily, tail wagging against the rug. Once Otis was satisfied and taken care of, Ellie ate the remaining pieces, so hungry that she was eating faster than she intended to but she didn’t really care all that much. The meat was bland, like she expected it to be. It wasn’t anything she wasn’t used to at this point. She still devoured the meat anyway, too starved to give a damn.

There was a comfortable silence that had fallen over the both of them as they sat in front of the fire. Ellie didn’t realize it until now, but she missed being in the company of somebody else. She missed having someone to have a conversation with, and for once, it was nice to feel truly safe. In the travel van, she always found herself peering out of its few windows at the slightest noise. There was obviously no one around to speak to; to befriend. 

She thought she had gotten used to being alone. But Kennedy made her realize that she was far from truly accepting her loneliness. Ellie didn’t want the sun to rise, because then that meant Kennedy would leave; and her worst fear would become true once more.

But she knew she couldn’t talk Kennedy out of her trip. She wouldn’t want to, anyway. Ellie knew that Jackson would be a far better place for her than in a small cabin out in the middle of the woods.

“I want to ask you a few things.” Kennedy’s voice pulled Ellie out of her mind. 

“Ask away.” Ellie said. She braced herself.

“So. You’re immune.” Kennedy didn’t phrase it like a question; more like a statement, to which Ellie nodded.

“Yeah.” 

“When… when did you find that out?”

Ellie sighed, taking some minutes to compose herself. “When I was 14.” she replied, silently hoping that Kennedy wouldn’t pry for more information after that.

“Shit. You were so young.” Kennedy said. Ellie nodded.

“Can I… touch it? I won’t hurt you, will I?” Kennedy inquired. It had caught Ellie a little off guard, but she was thankful that Kennedy wasn’t asking for more details about how she got her first bite, so she didn’t mind. She held out her arm, and Kennedy had reached out her hand but she hesitated. She met Ellie’s eyes, once again asking for permission non-verbally, to which Ellie simply nodded.

Kennedy’s fingers slowly touched the fungal growth on Ellie’s arm. She did the same thing Ellie did when she first got it, tugging on them and attempting to twist and bend them. Kennedy’s expression was that of innocent curiosity as she continued to feel Ellie’s arm. She glanced up at Ellie occasionally, checking for any signs of discomfort, but Ellie only sat there patiently.

“They’re so hard,” Kennedy observed. “And it doesn’t hurt?”

Ellie lightly shook her head. “No, I promise. It’s itchy sometimes. That’s about it.”

“I see. Man, it’s crazy to see these things up close. Can’t really get close to a clicker.” Kennedy said. Ellie exhaled sharply through her nose, the sound resembling something of a chuckle. 

“I didn’t think anyone like you even existed. I wonder if there’s more immune people.” 

Ellie quickly shook her head. Kennedy noticed the slight movement out of the corner of her eyes. She was finished analyzing Ellie’s arm, meeting Ellie’s gaze. She was quiet, allowing Ellie to elaborate.

“There is no one else.” Ellie said softly but with finality in her tone, her eyes filled with sincerity. 

“There has to be. I mean, people could be hiding it or something. It’s not like they can just go around telling ever-”

“There is. No one. Else.” Ellie interrupted, her voice coming out more stern then she intended it to. Kennedy was effectively silenced, and Ellie watched the hope dissipate from her eyes as she leaned back, hugging her knees to her chest and staring off into the fire. Ellie mentally cursed herself for being the one to suddenly shift the mood.

“Shit. I’m sorry.” Ellie said. 

After a few beats of silence, Kennedy sighed. "It's okay. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable."

Ellie was quick to distinguish any ounce of self-blame that Kennedy was feeling. "You didn't. I didn't mean for it to come out the way." 

Kennedy gave Ellie a small smile. "It's alright, Ellie. Let's just move on, yeah?" 

Ellie nodded, wordlessly agreeing. She cleared her throat. 

"So, anyway… you wouldn't happen to have anything to wash this down with, would you?" 

Kennedy once again reached into her bag and pulled out a canteen. She shook it, and she frowned when she heard that there was very little water left. 

"This is all I have. But you can have the rest of it." 

Ellie was quick to decline. "No… you'll need that for your trip tomorrow-" 

"Please." Kennedy insisted, a faint grin resting on her lips and a finality in her tone that Ellie just couldn't say no to. She accepted the water, nodding her head as a silent thanks. 

She wasted no time in chugging the remaining water that was inside the canteen, eagerly lapping up every last drop. Otis stared at her curiously, whining to get Ellie's attention; but Ellie had already emptied the canteen. 

Ellie looked down at Otis apologetically, petting the top of her head for compensation. “I’m sorry, buddy.”

Kennedy frowned while observing the interaction, immediately being kicked into action. She grabbed her gun and reached out her hand to take the canteen. “I can get some more water. The nearest lake is a bit of a walk, but-”

“It’s alright,” Ellie started. “I’m sure he can make it through the night.”

“You sure?” Kennedy asked. Ellie nodded.

“Okay.” She replied, sitting back down in front of the fire.

With an audible yawn, Kennedy laid down on her back. Ellie continued sitting upright, staring emptily into the fire.

“Aren’t you tired, Ellie?” Kennedy asked. Ellie just shrugged.

“I’m fine. Just… thought I should keep an eye out.” She replied.

Kennedy chuckled at Ellie’s paranoia. “Hey, we’re safe here, I promise. I’ve been alone here for a while now and you’re the first person to find this place.” 

Ellie would be lying if she said that she wasn’t beginning to feel the exhaustion overtaking her. Aside from the fact that she had quite the tiring day, many of the nights she spent in the travel van were sleepless ones, and all those missed hours of rest were certainly catching up to her. She could feel it in the way her bones ached with every slight movement, and how her eyelids were getting heavier and heavier with each passing minute. Even Otis had fallen asleep before her, lying on his side, his chest rising and falling slowly. The fire wasn’t helping, either, only adding to her fatigue as the fire’s warmth encompassed her body like a thick blanket.

Ellie sighed, ultimately making the choice to listen to the signals her body was giving her. 

Ellie started to lay down, grabbing her backpack to use as a pillow.

“Wait,” Kennedy said. Ellie froze, turning her body around to see what Kennedy was up to.

Kennedy took the blanket she was lying on top of and unfolded it, placing it on the floor in a way that would allow Ellie to lie on top of it as well. 

“There. So you’re not sleeping directly on the floor.” Kennedy said with a smile. Ellie gave her a barely noticeable grin in return as a silent thanks. 

When Ellie had laid down comfortably, Kennedy grabbed a second blanket of hers and covered the both of them with the soft fabric. There was just enough of it so that the both of them could fit under it comfortably. Kennedy was lying on her back, her hands behind her head, whilst Ellie was lying in the fetal position, facing away from her. There was a comfortable silence that fell between the two of them. Ellie’s eyes had fallen closed, and she felt the looming presence of sleep creeping up to her–

“Ellie.” Kennedy whispered. “Are you sleeping?”

“No.” Ellie replied. 

“I just… have more questions I wanna ask you.” Kennedy said. Ellie could have simply told her to ask them tomorrow, but she hadn’t had any kind of company in what felt like an eternity, and she knew that Kennedy would be leaving as soon as the sun rose, so she gave Kennedy her full attention.

Ellie turned her body around, still remaining in a position akin to the fetal position but facing Kennedy. Kennedy adjusted her position as well, now facing Ellie. There was still a decent amount of distance between the two of them, but they were much closer together now. For anybody else, the close proximity would have probably caused some level of discomfort, but Ellie didn’t find herself shying away.

“Shoot.” Ellie said.

Kennedy cleared her throat. “Um, so… can I ask what happened to your hand? I noticed it when you first came in, but I didn’t wanna bring it up at the time…”

Ellie was silent.

“You don’t… have to answer. Or tell me the full story. I’d hate to make you uncomfortable… again-”

“I got in a fight, and the person I was fighting… bit them off.”

Ellie could see Kennedy’s eyes widen and her eyebrows raise even in the darkness of the room. “Holy shit. They… bit them off?” Kennedy repeated, disbelief evident in her tone. Ellie nodded in confirmation.

“Yeah,” She said quietly. 

“Well, I hope you won that fight. Did you?” Kennedy asked. 

“Sure did.” Ellie lied. Kennedy didn’t suspect otherwise, chuckling at Ellie’s answer. 

“Hell yeah.” Kennedy responded, a light grin resting on her face. Shortly after, though, the grin quickly faded.

“Oh and… sorry about that.” Kennedy added. 

Ellie shrugged. “I’ve… gotten used to it.” She replied.

“Having only eight fingers… what does it change for you?”

Ellie was quiet for a moment as she thought about her answer. “Well, uh… holding guns felt a little weird, but I figured that out pretty quickly. I’m not left-handed, which is a good thing I guess, but… I think the thing I’m upset about the most is that I can’t play guitar.”

Kennedy let out a barely audible gasp, but Ellie picked up on it. “You play guitar? Or, um… played?”

Ellie nodded. “Yeah. Did… did you?” She asked.

A wide smile broke out on Kennedy’s face, stretching from ear to ear. “Yeah, actually. I played guitar for years. Even had one of my own, back when I was with my group. But when we got attacked, I had to… leave it behind.” Kennedy’s voice began to shake. “I miss playing so much. It really just… took my mind off of everything, y’know? Felt like I was back with my friends and family… sorry, I’m rambling, aren’t I?”

Almost subconsciously, Ellie reached out her hand, gently placing it on Kennedy’s arm.

“Losing the one connection to your past… I get it. And I’m sorry.” Ellie said softly. 

Kennedy didn’t say anything in response, the sound of her occasional sniffles filling the silence of the room. 

“Y,know,” Ellie began. “When you get to Jackson, you might be able to find a new one.”

“A new guitar?” Kennedy asked. Ellie nodded. 

“Yeah. The people there trade stuff all the time, you might get lucky.”

“Maybe…” Kennedy trailed off. 

When silence befell the two of them again, Ellie took that time to roll over onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. Subconsciously, she scratched the area of her arm where the fungal growth was located. 

“When you get to Jackson, what are you gonna do?” Ellie inquired, curiosity lacing her tone. 

“Let’s see,” Kennedy said, releasing a sigh as she contemplated her answer for a moment. “Honestly? I just want to be able to settle down and start over. I wanna create a new life for myself. Meet new people.” She explained. 

“I’m sure you’ll be able to do that.” Ellie replied.

Slowly, Kennedy’s wistful expression morphed into one of confusion. “Why don’t you… come with me?” She asked.

Ellie stiffened, sitting up and resting her forearms on her knees. Almost immediately, Kennedy sat up as well, maintaining eye contact with her despite the fact that Ellie was now zeroing in on the fire in front of her. 

Ellie found herself picking at the fungal plates on her arm. 

“I can’t.” Ellie said, after a few moments of heavy silence.

Kennedy’s eyebrows furrowed. “Why can’t you? I mean, do you really wanna stay out here?”

Ellie shrugged. “No one in Jackson would want me around when I look like this.”

Kennedy’s eyes briefly went up and down the length of Ellie’s body like it was her first time seeing the fungal growth on her skin. “Give them enough time, and I’m sure they’ll get accustomed to it. I mean, I did.”

The chuckle that was emitted from Ellie’s throat was a humorless one. “Some people might get used to it. Other people won’t. They’d only feel unsafe around me… and I don’t want that.”

“But you’re not a threat–”

“I’m not going back, Kennedy. There’s no place for me there anymore.”

Kennedy scooted closer to Ellie. “Anymore?” She asked, subtly urging Ellie to elaborate.

“I… used to live in Jackson. For quite a while, actually.”

“Why did you–”

“I don’t wanna get into why I left. I just want you to understand. I can’t go back. I don’t even want to go back. Not right now, anyway.” Ellie said with finality in her tone.

Kennedy nodded, a deep frown etched into her features. She began fiddling with a loose string on the blanket.

“I’m sure the people there miss you.” Kennedy said. 

“For all I know, they probably think I’m dead. Or at the very least, they’re not concerned with me anymore.”

“But you’re not dead. And there is still time for you to–”

“You can’t convince me, Kennedy. I’m sorry.”

“Right. I understand.” She said quietly.

With a sigh, Ellie began putting out the fire. “We should sleep.” She said, abruptly ending their conversation there. 

It took a few minutes to put the fire out, as Ellie carefully observed the flames and waited until they had completely dissipated. When no embers remained, it left the room mostly pitch black, with the exception of a few rays of moonlight filtering in through the curtains. 

Ellie and Kennedy both laid back down atop the blanket, turning away from each other. 

For the first time in a long time, Ellie slept peacefully throughout the night.

The next morning, Ellie woke up to the sound of a door closing gently. 

Kennedy had come from outside, with Otis coming in shortly after. She held two deceased rabbits in her hand. 

"Morning." Ellie said. Kennedy threw a smile in her direction, placing the rabbits in front of the fire. Ellie quickly noticed her rifle that was slung over Kennedy’s shoulders.

"Morning. I went ahead and took Otis out to use the bathroom and to get some air – and sorry I, uh… stole your rifle, but hopefully this can suffice for breakfast. Do you… know how to skin a-"

"I got it. Thanks." Ellie replied. 

“Awesome,” Kennedy said. “Just so you know… there’s a freshwater lake right behind the cabin. It’s roughly a 20 minute walk. I recommend boiling it before you use it for anything. Obviously there’s plenty of wood around for the fireplace.”

“Okay.” Ellie replied simply. She noticed that Kennedy was about to put the rifle back down where she found it, and quickly halted her movements, to which Kennedy glanced at her in slight confusion.

“Keep it.” Ellie said. Kennedy seemed taken aback.

“I can’t just-”

“Is your pistol the only gun you have?”

Kennedy paused, but then nodded. “Well… yeah, but-”

“Then please, keep it. You never know when you’ll need a backup. I’ll be fine without it.” Ellie said. She then grabbed her backpack, rummaging inside for a few minutes before pulling out a couple of packs of ammunition and handing it to her.

“Here.” Ellie said. Kennedy humbly accepted the ammunition and the weapon, giving Ellie an expression that could only be read as grateful, before going to retrieve her bag off of the recliner. She pulled out the map that she had hastily thrown inside before slinging the straps over her shoulders. She picked up her gun from the table and holstered it, and threw the strap of the rifle over her shoulder, making her way to the door. But she didn't leave immediately, instead pausing in front of it and turning around to face Ellie. This time, the expression on her face was one Ellie couldn’t quite read. Kennedy stared at the ground for a few moments, almost as if she was contemplating if she really wanted to leave. 

"I guess this is where we part ways." Kennedy spoke solemnly. Ellie gave a small nod, remaining silent. 

A sigh blew past Kennedy's lips. "I take it you still haven't changed your mind?" 

"No. I haven't." Ellie replied. 

"I figured, but I just wanted to make sure." Kennedy said, chuckling humorlessly. "Well, Ellie, before I go… I think it'd only be right to thank you." 

"For what?" 

"Well, for starters, giving me a map so that I know where the hell I'm going,” She replied with a grin. “And… for last night. It's been a long time since I had a conversation with someone. It felt nice." 

Ellie nodded in silent agreement. "Yeah. It did.”

Kennedy’s grin stretched into a smile. "You stay safe out here, okay?" 

“I’ll try.” Ellie responded, a smile of her own creeping onto her features. 

Kennedy shared one more meaningful glance with Ellie before turning around and slowly turning the doorknob. Otis had rested his head on Ellie’s knee, eyes fixated on Kennedy as he watched her leave. As Ellie ran her fingers through his fur, a sudden but sorrowful realization had dawned on her.

“Wait.” Ellie said, and Kennedy was only halfway out of the door when she had stopped in her tracks. 

“Do you think you could take him with you?” Ellie asked, gesturing toward Otis. “There’s no way I’d be able to provide for him out here. Jackson will have everything he needs. Pets were never really my thing, anyway.”

A grin reappeared on Kennedy’s face as she nodded. “Yeah, of course. I’ll take him off your hands.”

“Thank you.” Ellie replied. Kennedy made a short, clicking noise with her mouth, getting Otis’s attention. She gestured for him to come toward her, and like the obedient dog he was, he did just that, trotting over to her while wagging his bushy tail. At that moment, as Otis sat next to her feet, Kennedy seemed to have suddenly remembered something.

“You know, I can’t believe I never asked what his name was.” She said, chuckling incredulously. 

Ellie couldn’t suppress her own chuckles as she thought back to the moment she first found out the dog’s name just last night. “You’ll laugh when you find out what it is.” She said.

“Surely it’s not that bad,” Kennedy replied as she kneeled down to read the dog’s collar. When she had read the name, sharp laughter escaped her throat, just like Ellie had predicted. Ellie found herself laughing with her, while Otis just sat there, completely unaware that the two humans were poking fun at his name.

“Otis?” Kennedy spoke after her laughter had died down. “Man, I can’t say I’ve ever heard that one.”

“Me neither.” Ellie said, a light smile on her face. 

“But,” Kennedy spoke, running her fingers through the dog’s fur affectionately. “I gotta say, it suits him.” 

Ellie gave a small nod. “It really does.” 

When silence dawned on them again, the air around them felt different. Ellie knew that Kennedy couldn’t stick around for much longer. There was a pit that was settling in the bottom of Ellie’s stomach at the realization that she would be alone again. 

“Can I… walk you out?” Ellie asked. Kennedy nodded fervently.

The two of them, plus Otis, walked back outside. Ellie decided to lean against one of the wooden beams on the porch as she watched Otis and Kennedy descend the small flight of stairs and head toward the road. Kennedy stopped after a few steps, though, turning around to face Ellie one last time.

“Do you think that we’ll… cross paths again someday?” Kennedy questioned. 

“Maybe.” Ellie said.

“That’s better than a no, so I’ll take it.” Kennedy replied, grinning playfully.

Suddenly, their departure didn’t feel sorrowful anymore – instead, it felt hopeful. Ellie believed that this would be a new beginning for the both of them.

“See you, Ellie.” Kennedy said.

“Goodbye, Kennedy.” 

With one final wave, Kennedy clicked her tongue again to alert Otis to follow her, and the two of them began their long journey to Jackson.

“You’ll make it to Jackson in one piece, right?” Ellie called out. Kennedy whipped her head around to briefly glance at Ellie. 

“You can count on it.” She replied, giving Ellie a salute. 

Then, her eyes were back on the path ahead of her. 

Ellie watched as Kennedy and Otis got farther and farther away until she could no longer see them. When they had completely disappeared into the dense foliage, Ellie’s gaze wandered elsewhere. In the few minutes that she took to properly observe the life around her, she was struck with something.

In a world where the overall human population was left decimated, and small towns and large cities completely ruined, there was still so much beauty in the wilderness, and Ellie couldn’t deny that. There was something so profound about the fact that while everything else succumbed to the fate of a lethal fungal infection, mother nature endured. Inside of that old travel van, Ellie never noticed just how vibrant the trees were, and how tall they stood. There were squirrels and rabbits and birds going about their day without a worry in the world.

She may have lost everything. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t start anew. 

There were changes that her body was undergoing, ones that she didn’t fully understand. But Ellie knew that just like every other living thing in the world, she would adapt.

She heard a voice in the far back of her mind:

You keep finding something to fight for.

And fight, she would.

[caravanlurker]

Hi I'm Lauren I'm new to this app, I'm just trying to make some friends. Can i be your friend?

Oh—sure! Cursory glance at your blog shows that we have a few interests in common. Who’re your top 3 Owl House characters?

[that-one-girl2020]

Role Reversal Pt. 1

Saja Boys x Rumi’s Sister! Reader

A/N: Okay, I decided to turn my headcanons into a short series so here’s the first part! I plan to post two times a day every other day so I can update any short series I’m working on while also doing your guys’ requests. You don’t need to have read my other short series for this to make sense.

The Tag List will also be starting fresh so first fifty people who ask to be on the tag list will be tagged in the future parts!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the songs or characters except the MC and their effect on the plot.

Synopsis: What if Huntr/x was the demon group and the Saja Boys were the demon Hunters? What if Rumi had a twin sister that she left behind for her own desires? What if the Saja Boys’ attention was caught by a certain demoness?

Word Count: 4,620

Master List || Part 2>>

(Reminder: Baby = Jum, Romance = Chungae, Mystery = Hyeon, Abby = Kwan)

‘What a dreary existence…’ You couldn’t help but think to yourself. You were sat beneath the husk of a tree, a cruel reflection of something you would do when you were human. Arson, your fire dog, sat at your side while Sprite, your three legged crow, was pitched in the sparse, crumbling branches of the tree.

Centuries had passed by at a torturous pace and the Hunters’ Honmoon was on the verge of being sealed. No more secret trips into the human world for you.

Your only reprieve had been the small trips you had snuck to the human world, watching time progress and the humans go about their days. But that would be no more soon.

Footsteps approached you, the dry earth crunching beneath boots. A fellow nine-tailed fox demon. There were only a few, rare as they were due to the circumstances needed for them to be made. So you already knew who it was without looking up from your petting of Arson.

“Sister.”

Rumi stopped a few feet away from you. The two of you were never far apart, you usually remained in her relative vicinity even if you rarely spoke to each other. Your sister had betrayed you so easily when the two of you were human but she was the only familiarity in this world.

“(Y/n). I have a proposition for you.”

You didn’t spare her a look. “I’m listening.”

“The Honmoon is close to being sealed. Gwi Ma is getting desperate in his starvation. I plan to make a deal with him.”

You looked up sharply at her, “A deal with Gwi Ma? Haven’t you learned anything from the last deal you made with him?”

Rumi frowned. The last deal she had made with the demon tyrant was what led to her being where she was now. Wearing the same black dress robes as you, her skin a purple tint, her eyes glowing amber, fangs glinting in the dim light, tails poised behind her, claws sharp, and her patterns glowed an eerie purple at the edges, like yours did.

“This is different. In order to beat the Hunters, we have to go after what fuels the Honmoon, the fans. So if we create a group and steal their fans, the Honmoon will start crumbling. In return for doing this, Gwi Ma will have to let us remain in the human world,” Rumi explained her plan to you.

Rumi was trying to run away again, you could tell. From her demon side. Just like when the two of you were human and hated by your village.

“And I’m assuming that Mira and Zoey are in on your little plan?” You checked, slowly petting Arson’s fur to soothe your rising anxiety. The two mentioned girls teleported into sight and you appreciated their dramatics, nodding at them. “Ah, yes, hello.” Mira and Zoey were also nine-tailed fox demons.

“Mira’s been studying modern dancing and Zoey’s been working on lyrics. We don’t need you to do this so if you don’t want to then fine. Stay here and rot,” Rumi told you coldly and you couldn’t help how your chest twisted at her bitter words.

You didn’t like it. You haven’t sung or danced in centuries, not since you were still human. It had been something sacred to you, something you loved and did for yourself. To use your voice to help Gwi Ma? It felt wrong. But you didn’t want to be left behind again.

“Fine,” You agreed resolutely. “What do you need me to do?”

~~~

Jinu sighed as he stood before the mannequin holding his new outfit. The five of them had had another successful concert—despite the demons that had hijacked their private plane. In fact, it was so successful that he had seen a glimmer of gold in the Honmoon as they performed. They were nearly there, they had just needed a little push.

So he had launched the release of the song they had been sitting on for over a year. ‘Stay Gold.’ It was a slower song than their usual music but it followed their theme of supporting their fans.

The MV had skyrocketed, soaring past the numbers for their most popular song, ‘Soda Pop,’ easily. They had scheduled their first live performance of ‘Stay Gold’ but when they had been rehearsing, everyone kept fumbling.

Jinu’s voice cracked from stress—the time of the month where he usually sent money home was coming up and it was bringing up bad memories. Kwan stumbled on the choreo. Hyeon kept missing his cues. Jum’s tongue got twisted when he rapped, Chungae kept stress checking his phone.

They were all stressed. It seemed that as their goal got within sight—the golden Honmoon being sealed—the pressure increased on their shoulders, making them stumble.

Despite all the fans rioting out front of the building, Bobby had insisted that the five boys take a day off and go home back to the tower.

Jinu sighed once more and then turned to go back up to the living area, where the other four were despondently sprawled in different states.

Chungae was laid across the whole couch somehow, Kwan on the ground next to him. Hyeon was curled up, arms around his knees and laying on his side in a recliner with his head on the armrest. And Jum was laying on his stomach on the coffee table like a log, his legs hanging off the edge.

“Guys…” Jinu shook his head at his friends—brothers was a more apt description. “Yeah, we’ve all been… stressed about the Honmoon being sealed but we should try and take this time to relax so we can do better.”

Kwan groaned, still kicking himself over stumbling over his own choreography. It was simple choreo for a slower paced song. That he had put together himself. And he had messed it up. “Can’t relax until the Honmoon is sealed…”

Hyeon nodded. He was so stressed that he couldn’t come up with any new music. Usually, it was easy for him to create melodies and beats for the others to form lyrics around or vice versa, but his inspiration has been bone dry lately.

“But the Honmoon won’t get sealed if we keep fucking up because we’re stressed,” Jum mused. For once, the group didn’t chide the maknae for his cursing. Jum, their resident rap genius who always helped Jinu with lyrics for their songs, had been cranky lately. It was harder for him to put his feelings into words like he usually did.

Chungae groaned at Jum’s words, knowing that they were true, creating an endless cycle. Chungae stress checked his phone, reading through a social media tag. The comments from fans usually made him feel better but it just felt like more pressure to be perfect to him so he shut it off.

Jinu was right there with them. The end of the month was coming up, the time when he usually anonymously sent money home to his sister. It was a time that brought up a lot of memories and shame for him, not helping with the stress of sealing the Honmoon.

Still, he was the leader. So he tried his best to cheer them up. “How about we go out tomorrow? Maybe go to an arcade or just go out to eat? Something besides performing or the Honmoon.”

Hyeon perked up, looking up sharply, “Arcade?”

Kwan also perked up similarly, “Food?”

Jum also looked up at the prospect of going to play video games, even if they were just arcade games.

Chungae looked up, knowing he was outvoted. Besides, it would give him an opportunity to take some pictures to post on his socials. “I’m in.”

Jinu smiled, “Cool, let’s all eat and try to get some rest. I ordered some takeout.”

At that moment, the elevator dinged as one of the employees brought the several bags of food up. The boys stood at attention as the smell of the food reached them.

“Fried chicken!” The boys scrambled over each other and the furniture as they tried to get to the food first. Jinu grinned, easily side stepping them as he took the bags from the employee with a polite bow before taking the bags to the tangle mass of limbs he called his brothers.

Everything was swiftly devoured by the five men.

~~~

You mindlessly pet Arson as you sat on a boulder by the gate to Gwi Ma’s mountain. One demon had escaped the latest attempt to kill the Hunters. But Gwi Ma had just reduced the demon to cinders.

Rumi’s laugh rang out over the crowd, bringing Gwi Ma’s tantrum to a halt. “The tyrant demon king. Once all powerful, now he’s brought to his knees by a few generations of performers…”

Rumi floated down from the gate, landing softly as the crowd of demons began to part, making way for her. You followed not far behind her, Arson trailing you, huffing out puffs of flames at some demons who got too close to you.

“And will he let the fire go out?~ Is this the end of him now?~ Dying king with a crumbling crown?~ Will he let the fire go out?” Rumi trilled, her voice echoing eerily over the silent crowd.

“I let you keep your voice, Rumi. And now you dare to mock me with it?” Gwi Ma demanded, his small flames flaring slightly in his agitation.

“Oh Gwi Ma,” Rumi cooed sweetly as you, Mira and Zoey gathered behind her. “I’m not here to mock you, I’m here to help you, get you the souls that you desperately need.”

Together, the four of you floated up Gwi Ma’s mountain to land before him. “Like Sisyphus rolling his boulder up the mountain, the same strategy has gotten you nowhere. I suggest fighting the Hunters where they’ll least expect it. Go after the thing that powers the Honmoon. The fans.”

On cue, the four of you posed dramatically. You couldn’t help but feel a bit silly doing this but if this was what Rumi wanted to do for her plan, you would do it for now.

“A demon girl group?” Gwi Ma voiced in disbelief. He suddenly roared with laughter, his flames growing brighter in his amusement as the demons below hesitantly copied his laughing. “What makes you think that could work?”

Rumi snapped her fingers and the four of you transformed, shifting into different poses. Mira’s tusks vanished with a turn of her head, showing off an ear of piercings. Zoey’s eyes sparkled as she looked up, her grin bright and eager. For blood or for fans, you didn’t know. And you flipped your hair, using your demon magic to make it shine and fall smoothly. A layer of your demon charm made your presence magnetic, drawing eyes to you easily.

You heard the demons below murmuring appreciatively in agreement that it would work.

“Okayyyy…” Gwi Ma drawled slowly. Unsure of what to make of the four of you. “I know you, Rumi. In four hundred years, you haven’t done a single thing that didn’t help yourself,” Gwi Ma hissed, filling Rumi’s mind with memories of long ago. Your tearful face flashed before her eyes as she grimaced. “What do you want.”

Rumi took a breath to steady herself from the onslaught of memories. “Let me remain in the human world when we are done. Glamour my patterns like you did before.”

You looked away. All this time, and she was still chasing the same things. And you knew that she would happily leave you behind again if she had to.

“Hmm,” Gwi Ma hummed. “And the others? Mira? Zoey? What do you want?”

Mira and Zoey shared a look before nodding in agreement. Together, they placed a hand on each of Rumi’s shoulders, “Let us stay with Rumi in the human world, wherever she goes,” Mira spoke for the two of them.

And then his attention turned to you. “And (Y/n)? What is it that you desire so much that you would follow your sister’s plan?”

You knew what he meant. Memories of Rumi leaving you behind flashed through your mind without Gwi Ma’s influence. Why follow the sister that had left you.

‘What did you want?’ And then other memories flashed through your mind that made your chest ache. A man long dead, raising a sword over his head to strike you down. You made a decision.

“I want them gone. The memories of my human life.”

Rumi couldn’t help but frown but she held herself back from protesting. That would mean that you would forget her as well. You would be strangers. But after what she did, maybe she deserved such a punishment.

Gwi Ma seemed to take delight in your desire. “Very well.”

The four of you left to begin Rumi’s plan.

~~~

The Saja Boys were oblivious to the numerous posters and fliers advertising a girl group debut around them. They were horseing around, pushing each other and actually laughing for once as they headed down an alley to a small hole-in-the-wall arcade. Arcades had dim lights that would help hide their identities but they still didn’t want to take a chance by going to a bigger arcade. Still, this one was popular enough that it had all the new games and plenty of others too.

They spent a few hours goofing around, Jum and Hyeon trumping them in almost all the games. It was nice to actually just spend time with each other without the pressure of their idol lifestyle.

They were leaving the arcade to go and find something for a late lunch, ribbing each other. Kwan was ruffling Jum’s hair teasingly, getting revenge for his loss in the shooting game they had played before leaving.

“Couldn’t let your hyung win, could ya you brat?” Kwan laughed and Jum tried to bat him away with a small smile.

“Be better next time then, hyung,” Jum joked with a smirk.

“Have to admit,” Chungae chimed, snapping a picture of the two roughhousing. “It was nice to have some time away from the fans.”

And of course, speak of the devil and the devil shall appear. They heard footsteps approaching the alley and they scrambled to fix their disguises into place with a cry of, “Fans!”

The five were trying to look normal, walking down the alley like normal people. Then three girls turned the corner, the sun shining behind them and something about them was drawing them in. The boy’s jaws kind of dropped at how beautiful they were.

The shortest was cute with two space buns, a big grin, and a little bounce in her step that didn’t match the other two’s. Her crop top showed off her tiny waist and midriff. It made Hyeon want to wrap his hands around her waist to see if his fingers would meet and pick her up.

The other had long pink hair that was half up in two pig-tails. She looked fiercer than the other two, a certain swagger to her step and violence in her eyes that dared you to come closer so she could snap you in half. And you would thank her in the end. Kwan and Chungae couldn’t help but want to tease her, make her angry just to see what her anger was like.

The third had the longest purple hair, flowing down in a long braid behind her. There was a faint shimmer of some kind of scars or something under makeup that covered her exposed skin but that just endeared her to Jinu. She seemed so achingly human, the flaws making her all that more eye catching.

And then the boys were blown away as a fourth girl rounded the corner behind the other three.

Oh boy…

The force of your beauty was almost a physical thing as it made the five boys almost stumble back a step. Your hair shone as you flicked it over your shoulder easily, Jum’s hood blowing back at your movement somehow. The air seemed to glow around you and Chungae could see hearts glowing around you as if they were physical things. Like the purple haired girl, there was a faint shimmer in some places on your skin, makeup covering up scars it seemed. For some reason, Jinu liked it better on you than the other girl. He wanted to wipe the makeup away to see what was underneath.

You were wearing clothes like the other girls, black and yellow with teal or pink accents if needed (Their outfits from the beginning, ‘How It’s Done’). You were wearing a yellow plaid skirt that was shorter in the front and long in the back with a black shirt that clung to your form. Silver chains decorated you. They wanted you to step on them so they could thank you.

A feral, primal part of Hyeon wanted to sink his teeth into your skin so he could see the pretty color it would turn. Kwan wanted to lift you into his arms, over his head just to see if he could and to feel the plush way your skin would feel under his touch. Jum wanted to know what you tasted like so you could become his new favorite flavor—spicy, sweet, salty, sour, what did you taste like. Chungae wanted to hear your voice, hear what it sounded like when you spoke, when you whispered, when you were angry. He wanted to make you his favorite song, what he listened to when he woke up and when he went to sleep and all the moments in between. Jinu’s head was suddenly full of words, lyrics and melodies devoted just to you and yet all the words in all the languages he knew felt like they fell short of describing you.

It was like you were walking in slow motion as you trailed after the other girls with a silent confidence that drew them to you like bees to honey. The boys had to swallow the drool pooling in their mouths at the sight of you.

As you were walking past them, your shoulder brushed against Jinu’s and it felt like he was suddenly flying as the force of it sent him spinning, his eyes locked on your indifferent expression while he felt like a flying potato. He lost his footing, falling backwards as you caught him with an arm under his back, dipping him back as he looked up at you, a hazy glow around you that had him mesmerized. He was not worthy…

And then you were pulled away and he dropped to the ground.

It was that purple haired girl, the two others flanking her sides as she held your wrist. “Watch yourself,” She told Jinu and then turned and pulled you along after her.

Jinu sputtered, “W-watch myself?” He echoed, sputtering. “You watch yourself!” He called after them. He stood, brushing himself off aggressively.

“Who does she think she is?” Kwan crossed his arms, raising a brow after the haughty girl.

“How rude,” Hyeon frowned, watching after them as they disappeared around the corner.

“Could’ve at least helped you up,” Chungae added, helping Jinu brush all the dirt off himself. He made a mental note to find that girl on social media and bring her down. And also find your social media.

Jum scowled, taking out a sucker to crunch down on to soothe his irritation. You were beautiful. Your friends? Could be better.

“Wait, do you guys hear that?” The five froze to focus on their hearing. Sure enough, they heard the intro to a song begin, loud enough for them to hear it all the way from the alley. “Let’s go check it out.”

Peaking their heads around the corner one by one, they could see a weird cloud of pink smoke growing in the middle of the plaza of a busy area. The boys tugged their disguises into place further and put their game faces on to see what was going on as the music swelled around them.

“Baddest do what the baddest do (Hey)~ The baddest do (Hey), we the baddest, ooh~ Baddest do what the baddest do (Hey)~ The baddest do (Hey), we the baddest~”

And then those four girls from earlier appeared from the smoke, singing and dancing professionally—no stumbling or fumbling. The boys’ jaws dropped. “Their a girl group?!”

The purple haired girl seemed to take the main vocals.

“We're comin' at you live (Live), real, real wild~ Here to light it up, set the world on fire~ Gonna break rules and hearts in twos~ 'Cause that's what the baddest do~ Never goin' back, nah, not that~ Diamonds on drip 'cause I came to make a splash~ Gonna brеak rules and hearts in twos~ 'Cause that's what thе baddest do (Yeah, uh)~”

The boys watched as a crowd quickly gathered, cheering the four girls on and video taping them with their phones. A girl almost fainted when the pink haired girl winked at her. The boys had a bad feeling…

The shorter girl with the space buns started spitting lyrics with a manic ferocity that drew the crowd in closer as the girls dance, spinning around each other and hitting their choreo with a violent perfection that it was like they were going to war.

“I spit heat, I melt your face off~ Disappear, I’m your eraser (Yeah)~ In the cut just like a razor~ Murder business, where my blazer?~ I got all the boys on me~ I got all the lines on ring~ Knock 'em dead, turning heads~ I got all the eyes on me~”

The long, pink haired girl stepped up to the front, the lyrics matching her devilish smirk and narrow eyes. A guy in the crowd screamed as she glanced at him.

“I walk in with a pretty face, make 'em want a taste~ Boy, slow down, you gon' have to wait, dangling the bait~ You like, "Woah, 'Kali, you the GOAT"~ I'm like, "Yeah, I know"~ Prepare 'cause I like to ball, I won't stop~ Keep it lit, mega like a bit, I mean like a byte~ Get it right, know I do it big, I ain't talking height~ I'm legit, know I leave 'em dead~ I'm a boss, extra with the sauce, give 'em what they like~”

The purple haired girl circled back to the front as the four of you sang the pre-chorus. The boys were nodding along, tapping their feet along to the beat begrudgingly. It was a good song. Didn’t mean they had to like the girls that had been so haughty to them.

“I'm doing damage, went just how I planned it~ I do what I want when I say (When I say, when I say)~ I'm making the news but it ain't nothing new~ To live on the edge of insane~”

The boys were shocked when, just before the chorus dropped, the scars under the makeup on you and the purple haired girl flared with purple energy, quick enough to just be a trick of the light to normal people. But the Hunters? They knew that pattern.

“Demons.”

“Comin' at you live (Live), real, real wild~ Here to light it up, set the world on fire (Fire, ah yeah)~ Gonna break rules and hearts in twos~ 'Cause that's what the baddest do~ Never goin' back (Back), nah, not that~ Diamonds on drip 'cause I came to make a splash~ Gonna break rules and hearts in twos~ 'Cause that's what the baddest do (It's crazy)~”

“A demon girl group?” Kwan questioned his reality incredulously, gesturing at the four dancing girls. Was this really Gwi Ma’s latest strategy to keep the Honmoon from being sealed.

“Why would they do this?” Jum tilted his head curiously, taking his sucker out to tap it against his pursed lips thoughtfully.

“It must be the fans,” Chungae mused thoughtfully. He couldn’t help but snap a photo of the girls to upload to his social media later.

And then you finally took the front position, launching into the second verse with a sultry allure that distracted the boys for a long moment. You were smiling at the crowd, just a little tilt of your lips as you rolled your hips, flipping your hair. Even as you sang, you stopped to help a girl with her food and cheered up some stressed kids with a gentle swipe of your hand across cheeks, a pat to the head, and some finger hearts flashed their way.

“They… she seems nice…?” Jinu noted, his Hunter training fighting against what he was seeing. “Demons are never nice,” He corrected himself with the shake of his head.

“We should go kill them, right? Before they hurt all these people?” Kwan nudged his head forward, already taking steps towards the performing demons.

“Yeah,” Hyeon agreed, ready to follow him with a growl in his chest.

“No, it’s way too public,” Jinu told the two, grabbing their arms to stop them from going anywhere. “Too public for them to do anything either.”

“Sorry for the bad news, sorry I'm so bad~ Only took a minute for me to get what you had~ Sorry for the bad news, know it makes you sad~ I'll be here for a minute, baby, you should pack your bags~ Way that I look should be breakin' the law~ If I don't got it, I take what I want~ My circle small like a round of applause~ You know that I love the sound of applause~ You know I mean everything that I say~ When you see me coming, get out of the way~ I came to slay, I came to slay~ Back and I'm better and ready to stay~”

The boys could do nothing but watch as the four of you landed on the ground with a leap after a move, sending out a burst of demon magic to alter the buildings and everything around you all. Everything turned black or dark gray with glowing neon accents and highlights, even clothes, like it was some cyberpunk set. The crowd cheered even louder, falling under the thrall of the four demonesses.

“I'm doing damage, went just how I planned it~ I do what I want when I say (When I say, when I say)~ I'm making the news but it ain't nothing new~ To live on the edge of insane (It's crazy)~”

The boys grit their teeth, trying to get to the front of the crowd as you finished off the song with the outro, the other three girls’ eyes on the boys the whole time, smirking mockingly at them.

“Sorry not sorry for bein' the best~ I came to stunt, I came to impress~ Look at the gold all on my chest~ Look at the gold, call it a flex~”

The song finished with the four girls in powerful poses, the purple haired girl at the front as the leader of the group with the pinkette and space buns on either side of her. You were next to the pinkette, a small smile on your lips like you had enjoyed that performance. Then your eyes caught on the boys and you flashed them a cocky wink and some finger hearts that made the people around them scream.

“Thank you, everybody! Look for us tonight on everybody’s favorite game show, ‘Play Games With Us!’ Remember to join the Hunt! And the Huntr/x girls love you all!” The leader cooed to the crowd sweetly before the four of you disappeared in a burst of demon magic.

Leaving behind five, flabbergasted, irate boys who didn’t know how to feel about the pretty, hot demoness that had caught their eyes but was going after their fans.

A/N: Let me know what you guys think in the comments! And thank you @luckybunny001 for inspiring the names for the fire dog and three legged crow!

Outtakes:

You: “So what do you need me to do?”

Rumi: “I need you to dance and sing like you usually do but make it ten times sexier.”

You: “Uhm…are you trying to pimp me out…?”

Rumi: “…”

Rumi: “Kind of.”

…

Fan: “So. Do you prefer the soft pastel boy that you would take home to your mother, or do you prefer a woman who would step on you and you would thank her?”

Other Fan: *Looking between the Saja Boys and Huntr/x*

Other Fan: “…”

Other Fan: “Mother I humbly ask to be stepped upon.”

…

Jinu: *Having his Kdrama moment with you*

The Saja Boys: *Grinding their teeth and pulling their hair out in envy* “Stupid lucky bastard…”

Demon! Polytr/x: *growling and snarling under their breath* “Get your filthy presence away form our sister…”

…

Demon: “Man…this realm is so depressing… Wait, what’s she doing?”

Zoey: *Painting rainbows on a boulder with crayola paint and glitter she somehow got* “La la la la la~”

…

The Inspo for your debut outfit, I do not own this image or anything related to it.

[robin-evry]

Hellooo!~ I was wondering if you can do a TWST x Mitsuri!Yuu (from demon slayer)

Don't forgot to eat, sleep, and drink!~

Sure things, ask and you shall receive. Sorry for taking so long

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐈!𝐘𝐔𝐔 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐖𝐒𝐓 💚🩷🍡

Mitsuri Kanroji (甘かん露ろ寺じ 蜜みつ璃り, Kanroji Mitsuri?) is a major supporting character of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. She is a Demon Slayer of the Demon Slayer Corps and the Love Hashira (恋こい柱ばしら, Koi Bashira?) of the Taisho era.

Big sister of the first years, always giving them advice as well supporting thru anything, offering their support towards who are having a bad time and will always try to find ways to cheer them on

Originally they suppressed their appetite since they are afraid of being judged in NRC at first so they usually have one plate during lunch and have a bunch of snacks break in between periods. But soon they started to gain more confidence to the point they eat normally at lunch.

Sebek and silver admired them seeing mitsuri!yuu as some sort of knight or warrior that protects people from the hands of demons. One time Lilia asked them to teach them swords man ship but they failed to study mitsuri!yuu swordmanship so they advise them to find their own specific sword style and find their own path.

Lilia holds respect for them, and during one time mitsuri!yuu show him his blade and color him impressed. Even if he's unable to wield it and is also Curious who has the skills to create a sword that is unique. Lilia also admires their pursuit for love and them being their own person as well being a warrior that is willing to risk their lives to protect people from monsters.

Always have snacks with them, grim will always for some of their Sakura mochi so they usually bring extra whenever anyone wants one.

The embodiment of beauty and the beast, many students actually assume that they were weak until mitsuri!yuu once lift up an entire boulder without any sweat and grim is just their smirking while their jaws drop knowing their capabilities.

Grim and mitsuri!Yuu the best pair ever, big sister of him, always encouraging him to achieve his dreams of being a mage always giving him the support or motivation. Originally grim was surprised that mitsuri!yuu believe him in wanting to be a mage.

Sometimes the first years would go to the ramshackle dorm to hang out with mitsuri!yuu, they would always prepare a big batch of food so they and the first years have a wonderful time, and sometimes would host an eating contest and mitsuri!yuu would always be the victor. Having tea parties, picnic and movie nights.

Mitsuri!Yuu has started to take interest in baking and they are very good at it. So during their birthdays the first years but then a cook book, as well getting them multiple other gifts, malleus even gave them a special sword made in briar valley.

Mitsuri!yuu and jack would usually have morning jogs together. And sometimes vil would tag along with them.

Vil originally his first interaction with them is thru a rumor, a beauty and the beast students who once lift a boulder as well known for being a ferocious appetite, during lunch vil is secretly looking at them and was impressed by how much they can eat. By now vil has respect for them and thinks they are a good role model for epel.

Rook admired their passion as well for their determination. Never giving up as well always willing to help people, he sees them as a righteous knight.

Remember the scene of mitsuri and teaching someone how to do splits, that epel with mitsuri!Yuu training is good for him his body is more flexible than ever.

During the dwarf mine cave incident, mitsuri!yuu displayed their skills Infront of the Adeuce and grim, by punching the monster and sending it back to the wall with force to the point it caused a crater behind it. The reason they didn't use their blade is due to Crowley forbidding them from using it freely in areas with students fearing it would hit them, if mitsuri!yuu have their blade the fight would be over in seconds.

Own multiple pets. A bunny, snake, cat, mouse and etc. called them a Disney princess mitsuri!yuu just admired and loved animals. They would also try to head pat jack, Leona, and ruggie and get rejected every time until they begin to allow them to pet them.

Ever since their appearance in twst, mitsuri!yuu was recommended to try ballet by the first years and vil, and soon they excel at it and become a ballerina as a hobby and something to do at the side.

They have enough money to support them and grim for a life full of comfort thanks to their job during their time as a demon slayer.

Excel at gym class is like a morning walk compared to their training as a demon slayer, professor vagas all time favourite students Always encourage students to be like them. Many students started to reconsider whether they are human or not.

Once the savanaclaw challenged them to an arm wrestling challenge and they dominated it even defeating Leona surprising the entire dorm. And now they call them big sisters mitsuri!yuu and have respect for them.

The first year's first impression of their job as a demon slayer was cool, they slay demons to protect people from demons is so cool for them. Actually it's mentally draining to be a demon slayer since you gotta witness innocent people being turned into demons or dying and eaten by demons.

[joooooniecore]

After all this time - Chapter 10

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: hello everyone, i hope you all are doing well. this week has been mentally crazy for me. i am currently packing up my entire life to shift to a new city for my further studies and the entire thing has been a mess. i am still trying to stay calm and do the things i love(which includes writing stories). i haven't been able to open my laptop much but slowly everything is falling into place. i hope you all are doing good mentally. and if not, my dms are always open for you guys to rant about anything. i will be the listener you guys need (an elder sister if you may think like that). this story is coming to an end, i hope mingyu finally realizes what he is missing out on. there might be another bonus chapter from mingyu's perspective. i am working on it. love y'all!<3

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @minhui896 @callmemadhatter @xxluvzrrrx

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | chapter 7 | chapter 8 | chapter 9 | chapter 10>>

The return to your home was uneventful. Seungkwan and Jihyun had called you a few times and you assured them that you were fine. They were understanding as they realized that you needed to do this. Seungcheol had called you a few minutes after you reached home to make sure you had food. Jeonghan sent you funny memes and pictures of Seungkwan who was lying down on your bed all upset and that made you smile fondly.

As for that one person, he did call. At least ten times but you were arrogant enough to not pick up the calls. He even texted you but you were too much of a coward to face him after what you have done. To love Mingyu, you had to distance yourself and you don’t mind that at all. You were always fine alone, and you would be fine now too.

You rested a little and then decided to watch some movies. Your friends were returning the day after tomorrow so you didn’t have anyone to hang out with which was sad. Then you decided to visit your family in the evening. It has been a while since you had dinner with them. Normally you stay so busy that you never find time to meet them. You do take out time to call your siblings once in a while but they are also grown up now and have their own worries to handle.

“Hello? Mom?”, you said as soon as the call connected.

“Hello! How have you been?”, your mom’s warm voice filled your ears as you smiled in relief.

“I am great. How are you?”, you asked as you tried to unpack your suitcase.

“I am always fine. Anyways, how is Prague?”, she asked enthusiastically.

“It was great. The place was beautiful.”, you answered earnestly.

“Was? You are back home? Weren’t you supposed to return on 30th?”, she asked as her voice carried confusion.

“Ahh yes. I came back early.”, your voice turned a little smaller.

“Why? Did something happen? Are you sick?”, she gasped as worry seeped through her words.

“I am fine mom. I had to take care of something.”, you tried to calm her down.

“Oh okay. That’s good. I mean, you are okay right?”, she asked again, clearly unsure.

“I am. Also, I might visit you for lunch tomorrow. Is that fine?”, you ask hesitantly.

“Of course! Your siblings would be so happy.”, she said with a short laugh.

“Yes. Don’t inform them. I will surprise them with some Christmas gifts.”, you said.

Your mother swore secrecy as you both laughed. The call ended on a happy note and the knot in your chest loosened a bit. You promised yourself that you were going to be just fine. You have once taken care of your broken heart, and you would gladly do it again.

The rest of the evening went by in a blur as you unpack your suitcases and do laundry. The house has been a mess since you were gone for almost a week and so you take your time in cleaning everything minutely. Dusting the surfaces properly, and making sure that every corner is clean. You have always been a clean freak and a clean space always cleared your mind. Cleaning actually helped you clear the clutter inside your head. It was like a coping mechanism for you for when you are in distress.

You decided to order some sushi from the nearby restaurant as you had no energy in you to make something for dinner, plus you didn’t even have any groceries left. The order came quick, and you sat down in front of your television to enjoy the meal and watch some movies.

Halfway through your dinner, your phone rang. It was Jeonghan.

“Hello?”, you said as soon as you picked up the call.

“Hey. Having sushi again?”, Jeonghan’s voice came through the static.

“H-How did you know?”, you asked with shock on your face.

“You always eat sushi when you feel low.”, his soft voice filled your ears. It made you tear up a little. Even though Jeonghan has known you for not more than three years, he gets you more than many people you have met. He has seen you cry over boys, office stress and quarrels with other people.

“Yeah. I guess you are right.”, you said with a sad smile.

“You know you can share, right?”, he asked next.

“I don’t know where to start. I just feel very embarrassed and it might have been a spur of the moment kind of decision but I needed this.”, you finally said.

“I know and that’s why I didn’t stop you.”, Jeonghan tried to calm you down.

“Seungkwan called me a while back.”, you said after a while.

“What did he say?”, Jeonghan asked as you could hear rustling which clearly meant that he changed his position and is now lying down.

“Same thing as yours. That he trusts me with decisions I make for myself.”, you sighed.

“It’s true though. I have seen you. You are capable enough to make right decisions, boss.”, Jeonghan teased which made you chuckle. Sometimes you really forget that you are his boss.

“Ugh stop calling me that.”, you rolled your eyes.

“What? Boss? But you are. That proves how capable and strong you are, ____.”, Jeonghan explained.

This made you a little bit more confident in yourself. You have never really been confident with the way you are. Even though you push through with all your willpower, you always feel like you are never enough. Might be close second, but never first. This thought has always haunted you. Being the second best. The achievements you have accomplished might look great, but for you they felt like duties you needed to fulfil.

“Stop downplaying what you have rightfully earned.”, Jeonghan steady voice cut through the cloud of doubts that were staring to form over your head.

“I know.”, you said with a sad smile.

“Also, I think there is some tension going on between Maya and Mingyu.”, Jeonghan whispered.

“Huh?? Really?”, you dumbfoundedly asked.

“Yes. They aren’t making much eye contact.”, Jeonghan informed, keeping his voice low.

“I hope they don’t ruin the relationship because of me.”, you said even though a tiny part of you hoped for it.

“I hope they do.”, Jeonghan’s cut-throat reply made you giggle.

“Ya! Don’t say that!”, you still managed to say.

“What? I am being real. She doesn’t deserve him. All she does is use him like a credit card.”, Jeonghan said matter-of-factly.

“T-That’s not true.”, you tried to reason.

“I am very observant ____. I have seen them. She doesn’t care.”, Jeonghan said.

“Whatever. I don’t want to think much about them.”, you finally said.

“Has he contacted you?”, Jeonghan asked again.

“Yes, he has. I am ignoring the texts.”, you replied.

“I see. You know what you should do?”, Jeonghan’s voice carried a hint of mischief that scared you a tad bit.

“W-What?”, you stuttered.

“You should go on a date tomorrow with that guy from office.”, Jeonghan suggested.

“Why- Why would I?”, you asked.

“Because you need to. Trust me. Maybe never go on a second one but go on this one and click an anonymous picture.”, Jeonghan’s plan finally made sense to you.

“I am not going to try to making him jealous, Jeonghan.”, you snapped at him.

“You have to! Trust me this one time.”, Jeonghan nagged.

“The last time I trusted you, we got stranded on an island.”, you reminded him.

“That was one time! And it wasn’t an abandoned island. It was Jeju.”, he said with a pout.

“Same thing.”, you rolled your eyes.

“So, will you, do it?”, Jeonghan asked with a smugness in his voice.

“Fine. I will.”, you grumbled and he cheered. You laughed a little because who could stay mad at Jeonghan, right?

The call ended and you decided to shoot a text to Steven, the guy who asked you out before you went on that trip.

You

Hey! Are we still on for that date?

Steven

Hi! Yes of course. I am glad you texted.

You smiled a little and typed another message.

You

Listen, I am not very sure about how this will turn out.

Steven

I know. I am okay with it. I just want to hang out.

That helped you relax as you asked him about the place and time.

Steven

I can make a reservation at the _____ hotel. Say 7?

You

That would be great! Meet you soon!

Steven

<3

The conversation came to an ended as you kept your phone on the bedside table and decided to get some sleep. You had to get up early and wrap all the gifts you bought for your siblings before lunch and then come home and get ready for the date. It was going to be a long day.

The next morning came earlier than you wanted it to come. You woke up, a little more refreshed and decided to keep that energy level stable for the rest of the day. After cleaning and making some morning coffee, you sat down with the gifts to wrap them up.

The morning was beautiful, as the sun glistened through the snow that has collected outside your window pane. The apartment calm, and the hum of the refrigerator was the only source of music that kept your mind off the things that has happened lately. You sat there, aimlessly wrapping gifts as you blankly stared at the colorful wrapping paper.

“This is so pathetic.”, you whispered to yourself.

Your phone’s ring brought you out of your thoughts and you reached for the sofa where it was kept. It was Mingyu. Again.

He has tried to call you for hundred times and it was almost exhausting. You wanted to erase everything and here he was being so consistent. You heard yourself exhale a disgruntled sigh and finally picked up the call.

“Hello?”, you said as soon as the call connected.

“___? A-Are you okay?”, Mingyu’s feeble voice was heard on the other side.

You almost felt guilty for leaving but didn’t let that affect your voice, “Yes, I am. Why?”

“You abruptly left and it worried me.”, Mingyu said, voice a little stronger this time.

“Well, you can see I am fine. I just needed to be back home.”, you snarled back even though you didn’t mean to be mad at him.

“You should have at least informed me!”, Mingyu’s voice was laced with frustration.

“Inform what? Oh, Mingyu I hate the way your girlfriend humiliates me and so I am leaving?”, you were furious now.

“I-That’s-not…”, Mingyu stammered and all you could do was roll your eyes.

“I seriously don’t have time for this Mingyu. I will contact you when I have cleared my head.”, you said with finality in your voice and Mingyu simply ended the call, the cut of static beeping in your ears.

Your heart was thumping faster as you took deep breath to calm yourself down. The day mellow, the sky clear but everything that was happening in your life was foggy and gloomy. You wanted to move on from this trip. The feelings, the emotions and the snarky comments. All of it. All you wanted to remember was the happy memories you made there.

The gifts were soon wrapped up as you put them all in a bag and got ready to have lunch at your parents’ house. You hired a taxi and gave the driver directions before laying back on the seat and taking the view in.

It took almost an hour before you saw the similar neighbourhood through the window. You sat up and brushed the back of your head a little to manage the tousled-up hair. The car came to a halt near your house as you paid the fare and got down.

“Have a good day ma’am.”, said the driver to which you bowed and wished him the same.

You rung the doorbell and the door was flung open by your mother.

“Oh my darling child.”, she said as she hugged you tight. You melted in her embrace as you giggled like a teenage girl.

“Hey mom, how have you been?”, you said with a warm smile.

“I am great. Your sisters are still asleep.”, she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes as she ushered you in.

You looked around the house and mentally felt happy for how your mom has decorated it in her own way. You never had a good relation with your father. He was a man of bad temper, and no idea of how to become a family. For the most part of your childhood, he was aloof and only came home on vacations. He would start arguments with mom and never really was present during the biggest milestones of your life. When you became a teenager, he left. He was tired of your family and moved on but your mom didn’t. She tried so hard to win him back but all in vain. He left your mom with three daughters to keep alive and that’s when you decided to start earning.

You were merely 18 but you did small jobs here and there along with your education to start supporting your family. Your mom even took a job at a local bakery and that’s how you all survived. When you went off to college, you would do assignments of other students to earn money and send a portion of that back home. Mingyu was the only one who knew about your state back home and would sometimes help you with work. Most of the times you would refuse but he was persistent enough to stay with you.

You kept your bag full of gifts on the sofa as you sat there while your mother went to the rooms to wake your sisters up. From the whispers you realised that the youngest was awake as she unknowingly got down the staircase and into the sitting area. Her eyes wandered a bit as they settled on you and she squealed.

“Oh my god, ____ what are you doing here?”, she was in shock but still rushed to you and hugged you with so much force that you both fell on the sofa. Your another sister came out hearing the commotion and saw you both hugging.

“Ahhhhhh puppy pile.”, she said and before you could say no, she has also jumped on top of you both. The three of you giggled as you tried to catch your breath.

“How have you both been?”, you said with a soft smile.

“We have been good.”, said the youngest.

“I come bearing presents.”, you said and they both clapped enthusiastically. You got a very beautiful piece of jewelry for your middle sister and a dress for the youngest. You even bough an expensive purse for your mother.

“This is yours, mom.”, you said with a radiant smile as your mother huffed with fake annoyance.

“You didn’t have to.”, your mom said but you could see how happy she was when she saw the gift.

“I wanted to.”, you said with a smile.

“Okay girls, let’s have lunch!”, your mom said enthusiastically as the table was already set.

The three of you washed your hands and sat down to eat. The food was delicious. Your eyes almost teared up when you ate homecooked meal after so long. No matter where you go, how many beautiful places you see or how much good food you eat, you will always return to your mom’s embrace and her food. It was your comfort. Your safe place.

“How was the trip?”, your middle sister asked.

“It was great!”, you said with a smile.

“Do you have pictures?”, she asked again.

“I don’t have the pictures I clicked but Jihyun sent me some so I can show you that.”, you said as you fished out your phone from your pocket.

“There you go.”, you handed the phone to your siblings.

They scrolled through the pictures for few minutes, gasping at the monuments once in a while which made you laugh. Then the youngest finally spoke.

“Who is he?”, she asked as she showed you a picture.

It was a picture of you and Mingyu, working in the kitchen side by side. You had no idea that Jihyun has clicked this picture. In the picture Mingyu was looking at you, his eyes sparkling with some sort of mischief and you were laughing, your head thrown back as you clutched your chest. His lips were also daring to burst into fits of laughter and it was captured perfectly. In that exact moment.

“That’s Mingyu, my college friend.”, you answered, keeping a straight face.

“He is so handsome.”, said the middle one which made you chuckle.

“Oh my beloved sister has a crush?”, you teased but she just waved you off.

“No. He is handsome for you.”, she finally said and you looked at her in shock.

“Yah! He is just a friend.”, you told her as you saw the youngest get up to eat some candies.

“He is not your boyfriend?”, she asked with a shocked face and honestly it confused you.

“W-Why would you think that?”, you asked.

“Look at him. He is in love with you.”, she said as she gave you the phone for you to have a closer look at the picture. It still felt normal to you.

“I-I don’t see it.”, you stammered again.

“I see it.”

“You turn eighteen and become what? A love detector?”, you teased her but she was being serious.

“I am serious ____.”, she said.

“Well, jokes on you, he has a girlfriend.”, you said with a bitter smile.

“Oh.”, she said, her face clearly disappointed.

“Maybe I read it wrong.”, she finally said and all you could do was pat her back as if that someone comforted you too.

The sun was setting down as you decided to head back home. You needed to freshen up and get ready for a date.

“I think I will take my leave.”, you said finally and then got up to pack your things. Your mom has even packed you some dessert that she has made while your sisters gave you hugs and kisses. You promised to visit more often from now on.

While you were getting ready to head out, your middle sister came running and said, “I don’t know how I guessed it wrong but you should talk with him.”

She was still stuck on that picture of you and Mingyu. You gave her a sad smile and said, “I can’t promise you but I will try.”, and she simply nodded before hugging you tight.

You got home without any traffic which was a relief. You got into your apartment quickly, tossing your bag on the sofa before heading in to take a shower. After you have cleaned up, you decided to wear a dress that wouldn’t be too flashy but also not too casual for a date. You weren’t sure what this date would mean for you. It didn’t seem like something that could benefit you but you have promised to meet him and you weren’t someone who would back down.

You called Jihyun to calm your nerves.

“Hello?”, Jihyun’s voice was heard on the other side.

“Hey, are you busy?”, you asked.

“No. Just packing.”, she said as you heard some shuffling.

“I am very nervous.”, you said finally.

“About the date? Don’t be. We are not saying you to marry him.”, she said in a comforting voice.

“I know but it feels like I am leading him on.”, you sounded defeated.

“You are allowed to go on dates, ____. It’s completely legal. Go on this date, refresh your mind and just tell him that you didn’t feel the spark. It’s not a big deal.”, she firmly stated and who were you to defy her?

“Fine. Can I call you after the date ends?”, you asked and got a hum of affirmation from the other side.

You finished getting ready as you applied some simple makeup, gold jewelry and your favourite pair of black heels. You looked into the mirror one last time before heading out of the door. You had asked Steven to wait at the restaurant itself because you needed some time alone in the hired taxi to ease your mind.

The ride was short as you reached the venue and paid the driver. The place was elegant but with a modern touch to it. You looked around a bit and finally decided to get inside. Steven was already waiting for you at the front so you smiled when you saw him.

“Am I late?”, you asked.

“No. I was early.”, he said with an easy smile.

After settling down on the table and decided to order immediately, Steven called the waiter to take the order. He took suggestions from you on what you want to eat and ordered accordingly. After the waiter was gone, you both sat in silence for a few minutes before you decided to speak first.

“I am not accustomed to this kind of setting, I am sorry.”, you said with a smile.

“I realized that. It’s fine.”, he assured you.

“If I am being honest, then we could just talk like friends. No need to look into this romantically.”, he said again and that somehow calmed you down a bit.

“It’s a little pathetic though.”, you chuckled.

The conversation then flowed from favourite color to hobbies to aspirations. You told him stories about your teenage life and he told you stories about his hometown. Laughter and giggles were exchanged as the food was served. The warmth of the food eased you even more as you teased him for eating too slow.

“You are a fun person after all.”, he finally said which made you roll your eyes playfully.

“Why? Do I look boring?”, you asked.

“No. Just scary.”, he said.

“What?”, you said as you giggled.

“Yes. I was shit scared to ask you.”, Steven said.

“I just don’t date.”, you finally said.

“Oh, and why is that?”, Steven asked.

“Just know that I haven’t moved on from someone.”, you said truthfully.

“An ex?”, he said with his nose scrunched up.

“Worse. Friend.”, you said with a dramatic sigh.

“Wow the plot thickens. Can I see a picture?”, he asked and you obliged, showing him a picture of Mingyu.

“I understand you. He is a fine man.”, he said and your eyes went wide.

“What? Just because I am straight doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate beauty.”, he laughed and it made you smile too.

“So will you confess?”, he asked after some time.

“Never.”

“Why?”

“Because it feels like it’s too late.”, you said.

“It’s never late. Wanna make him jealous?”, he asked with a mischievous spark in his eyes.

“Why do you sound like Jeonghan?”, you asked.

“I sit beside him in office, his personality has affected me.”, he laughed.

You both decided upon clicked a picture of just your hand resting on top of his on the candle lit dinner table. You put that on your Instagram story with a romantic song without thinking much about it.

“Well, that seemed like a successful date to me.”, Steven said as he drove you back home.

“You don’t mind that I didn’t reciprocate?”, you asked.

“No. I am a very social person. I just wanted to know you. You seemed very closed off during office hours which is not wrong but this felt like a good thing.”, he said and it somehow eased you.

“Yes. I promise to stay in touch.”, you said and he gave you a finger salute before he drove off.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 11!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any. also do like and comment!! it gives me motivation to write better.<3

[wenosgf]

Along The Ome Line, Home (PART ONE)

Synopsis: Y/n has a complicated family, and one thing she can’t afford is for the relationship between her and her two best friends to get complicated too. She’s been pretty satisfied with loving Yixiang from afar, not willing to mess up their friendship for the sake of her feelings, but things get confusing when the three of them go to university, and Euijoo gets bolder with feelings of his own.

Pairing: Byun Euijoo x fem! Reader

Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers, University AU, Love Triangle

Featuring: All of &team, Giselle (Aespa), Keita (Evnne), Ayaka (NiziU)

Tags: set in Japan (may be inaccuracies), K x Fuma, Y/n K and Taki are siblings, a lot of family trauma (sorry), Y/n studies physiotherapy, fencer! Euijoo, badmintonist! Nicholas, the burn is slow, smut (eventually), coming of age, angst, fluff, found family, mommy issues, Keita is evil in this, Jo x Yuma, Harua x Maki if you squint, intense yearning

Warnings: alcohol, smoking, panic attacks, throwing up, minor character death (offscreen)

WC: 11.4k

Strongly recommend you listen to the playlist while reading

‘I′ll give you all I have, and nothing less, I promise. Love me and don't look back. I want you with me on this road to the sky. We′ll be shining every night, I promise you. Just me and you. I promise you’

“Fucker,” Y/n muttered, directing her snide remark towards her younger brother, Taki, as his Toad sent a blue shell in Mario Kart.

Taki grinned. Y/n tried to slow down her Peach so someone would pass her and get hit by the blue shell instead.

“WAIT-“ Maki shrieked as his Wario flew past Peach, and he was promptly hit with the blue shell, flipping over and dazing his character,“Bitch,”

Euijoo slapped Maki on the leg. Y/n cackled as she sped up and passed him again.

The Nintendo Wii has been attached to the television in Y/n’s basement since 2006, but it never dusted or went out of use. It was frequently used throughout her childhood by all the neighbourhood kids, and even now, as older teenagers, it still gets everyone gathered in one room during the weekends and summers. Well, not everyone. Y/n’s elder step-siblings, Aimi and Haruki never stayed for long when they visited. And her other step-brother Yudai, and his friend Fuma said they felt like grandpas while hanging out with the younger kids, so they always went off and did their own thing.

“Y/nnnn, can I play?” Y/n’s younger sister, Yua, stuck her head through the door and bent down to look at the group of childhood friends through the gaps in the stair railings.

“Fuck outta here, Yua,”

“Y/nnnnnn,” She whined.

Yua always got left out of the group. Mainly because Y/n did not want to hang out with her little sister, she felt like that was lame. The only reason she willingly hung out with Taki was because he was in the same year as Harua and Maki, who were deeply integrated into the group. She hated how old they made her feel. She was at the grown age of 18, hanging out with a 14-year-old (Maki) and 15-year-olds (Taki and Harua). At least Yixiang and Euijoo were the same age as her so she wasn’t the only weirdo.

“Go hang out with Jun,”

“We’re arguing right now,”

Involuntarily, Y/n’s big sister instincts kicked in, and she turned away from the game to look at Yua,“Why are you arguing?”

Yua eyes guilty flicked over the room, and Y/n was observant enough, and also knew of her sister’s antics enough, to notice when her eyes landed on Harua, who was very invested in the game of Mario Kart, sharing a beanbag with Taki.

“Stop fighting over Harua, he doesn’t want either of you,” Y/n said dryly.

Yua let out a shriek of horror and slammed the door shut. Her quick footsteps could be heard running up the stairs to her room. It seems she wasn’t aware that Y/n knew about Yua and Jun’s obsession with Harua. As if they hadn’t been giggling around him since they were children. The fifteen-year-old had been a child actor, and was still active in the industry, so he was constantly moving across the country and therefore was more of an enigma to the younger girls than the rest of the neighbourhood boys.

Harua raised an eyebrow at the mention of his name, and Y/n glared at him.

“Stop hypnotising my sister,” She said sternly.

Harua smiled cheekily and turned back to the old television,“I mean, she’s only a year younger…”

“No. Choose Jun,”

“NO!” Maki chimed in, now feeling the need to be protective over his own sister,“Not my sister. Choose Yua,”

“No. Jun.”

“Why don’t either of you want me to be your brother in law?” Harua jutted out his bottom lip.

“Because you’re famous. And you have fangirls. I don’t want Yua to have to deal with that,”

“Yeah. Find a nice famous girlfriend, won’t you? And while you’re at it, get me one too-” Harua’s character slammed into Maki’s on the screen,“Bastard.”

“How are we all bitchless still?” Yixiang asked, whose Dry Bowser in Mariokart was throwing bananas at Euijoo’s Waluigi.

“Speak for yourself, I always see Jo smiling at his phone,” Y/n muttered.

Jo looked at her, his lips slightly parted, looking offended by the accusation,“Hey,”

“You’d tell us if you were talking to someone, right?” Yuma asked Jo.

Jo shrunk back into the cushions of the sofa,“As if. I’d never hear the end of it,”

“Oh come on. We’re not like that. We’d be supportive,” said Maki.

“Really? I recall my ex-girlfriend running away in fear of Taki,” Yixiang drawled.

“Well, that was because-” Taki started, but Y/n quickly threw a blanket over his head, accidentally covering Harua too. The pair shouted and struggled to wrestle the blanket off of them so they could continue the game, but ultimately were just getting themselves more tangled.

“Heyyy kids,” Everyone turned at the sound of Yudai’s voice at the top of the stairs. He smiled fondly as everyone cheered greetings at him and Taki’s face lit up completely once he managed to escape the blanket,“I’m making dinner now, it’s time everyone goes home to eat,”

There was a chorus of groans from everyone, the once-competitive game now forgotten. On cue, yelling could be heard from somewhere around the block, a man yelling in Korean.

“Byun Euijoo! Dinner time!”

And then another one in Mandarin. And then more calls in Japanese. Everyone’s parents were calling them home for dinner. Since everyone lived so close, no matter whose house they were currently at, the adults always settled on just yelling out rather than a simple text.

The boys slowly stood up and filtered up the stairs, saying their goodbyes. Yixiang ruffled Y/n’s hair as he walked past, and her heart skipped with joy.

“I saw Youko in the kitchen earlier so you don’t need to make a serving for her,” Y/n told Yudai.

His smile faltered a little at the mention of that woman. Y/n knew that he didn’t like the fact that she’d started calling her by her name rather than ‘Okāsan’. She knew it made him upset, but Youko didn’t treat her like a daughter anymore, and so Y/n won’t treat Youko like a mother.

Youko Koga’s greatest enemy was her love. She once gave all her love, and three children to a man who couldn’t keep his hands off of other women. He was the devil, truly. And he was the one who left. He left Youko, and their children, Aimi, Haruki and Yudai. Youko had thought maybe she’d never try to love again, but that changed when she met Minoru Takayama. He was younger, with a past of recklessness which Youko didn’t need to tangle herself into, but he had a beautiful baby daughter, Y/n, whose mother didn’t want her. He was trying to be a good father to his daughter, even though she was an accident. He never spoke about her with regret or resentment. He truly loved his daughter. And Youko and Minoru fell in love. They had two more children, Riki and Yua. And he loved Aimi, Haruki and Yudai like his own.

Minoru did have one flaw. He was dependent on the fumes of a cigarette. Too early, did tumours grow in his lungs, and too early, did six kids lose their father. It wasn’t right. Y/n was thirteen. She made herself go numb so she could still take school seriously. Riki and Yua were only ten and nine. Aimi and Haruki had already moved out of the small neighbourhood in Okutama for University, and couldn’t be there for their siblings. Yudai stayed. He was in his last year of high school, and went to a university that was a two-and-a-half hour train from their home, but he stayed with them, and commuted everyday. Yudai, Riki and Yua had never had much of a sibling relationship, due to the age gap, but after Minoru passed, he became almost like their father. Yudai was an athlete, he should’ve moved away somewhere with better opportunities, but he always stayed.

And Youko, she hadn’t been the same. She’d loved and loved, and never gotten anything back but grief. It became hard to look her own children in the face, as they had his eyes that crinkled shut with laughter, and the fat in their cheeks which will stubbornly stay until adulthood, just like Minoru. She became emotionally absent as a mother. She was always there, physically. But she never smiled. She never told her children to have a good day before school. She never did anything except sit in her room and write. She wasn’t their mother anymore. Especially to Y/n. Y/n wasn’t even her child. Y/n had none of Youko’s DNA, and Y/n slowly started to notice Youko pulling away from her more than the others. But, Youko had always been ‘Okāsan’ to Y/n. She didn’t understand why it was happening.

And so, the Koga-Takayama family was pretty infamous in Hikawa, the neighbourhood they’d lived in since childhood. There were seven other families that lived on the block. The Koga-Takayama’s, Asakuras, Muratas, Nakakitas and Shigetas all moved in around the same time. Later on, an elementary school specifically for international students was opened nearby, and the Byuns, the Wangs and the Hirota’s moved in. Hirota Riki had the same first name as Riki, Y/n’s brother, and at first they were just Riki 1 and Riki 2, but Riki 2 hated being Riki 2, and eventually they made up their own nicknames- ‘Taki’ and ‘Maki’.

What sucked for Y/n was that she didn’t have any female friends her age. Yua and Jun were five years younger, and Yixiang, Euijoo and Yuma all had older sisters who basically treated Y/n the way Y/n treated Yua - like a little girl they didn’t want to hang out with. She was happy with Yixiang and Euijoo, and even Yuma who was only a year below. The four of them were close growing up, and so were Taki, Maki and Harua, all being in the same school year. Jo was the one who they had to bully into being their friend. At first, Taki’s group tried to bait him with candy and ice cream. And then Y/n’s group found out he had a trampoline in his back garden, and they tried to befriend him too, and poor Jo seemed to get overwhelmed and stopped leaving his house in fear of being harassed by one of the neighbourhood kids. They got to him eventually, though, and soon both groups merged through mutual taking advantage of Jo to use his trampoline. Safe to say, it was devastating when Jo’s parents got rid of it, despite them all being way too big for it by then.

Yudai, Y/n, Taki and Yua sat around the chabudai, enjoying Yudai’s ramen. He cooked, mostly. Sometimes, Y/n did it, sometimes Taki and Yua, but never Youko. They never liked to talk about her, it was just uncomfortable to do so. Because you don’t want to talk badly about your mother, but it’s not like they had much good to say. Yua sat beside Y/n, shooting her evil side glares as she slurped her noodles noisily.

“Stop giving me evils,” Y/n told her.

“I can’t believe you said that,” She grumbled.

“Said what?”

“You said me and Jun were fighting over Harua right in front of him!”

Y/n let out a small laugh as she remembered,“You can’t date someone from the neighbourhood, it’s incest,”

“Says you. You have a fat crush on Yixiang,” Taki said.

Y/n smacked him over the head, and he hissed in pain.

“Shut up.”

“Are you ever going to confess? You know I chased off his old girlfriend because you told me you were soulmates? I was ten, I thought soulmates were a real thing,”

“There’s no point in confessing if I’m just gonna get rejected,” She rolled her eyes,“I’d rather have him as friend than nothing at all,”

“Maybe if you confess, that will be the knock over the head he needs to realise how great you are,” Yudai says.

“Great? Are we talking about the same sister?” Yua drawls.

“Bitch, I’m gonna spit in your food next time I’m cooking,”

“Evening,” Youko walked into the kitchen, her face as cold and still as always. Nobody said anything back to her, they just watched as she walked over and dropped some post onto the table, kept the ones which were addressed to her, and went back up the stairs to her room.

The air seemed to get thinner every time she was around, or maybe everyone was just holding their breaths subconsciously as to not set her off. She could have a bit of a temper sometimes, she didn’t really like to be reminded that she had kids at all, so everyone stayed out of her way.

“No outburst. She must be in a good mood,” Yua said bitterly.

“Yua,” Yudai said warningly. He didn’t understand. Youko had been good his entire childhood. He didn’t know what it was like for Taki and Yua, to be children, and suddenly have their father die and mother change completely. He didn’t die slowly, either. It took him sixteen months to succumb to the tumours inside of him, and Youko seemed to become emptier and colder each day.

Y/n looked through the post on the table, finding a letter addressed to her from the University of Tokyo. She unsealed it, reading through the information which had been sent about her admission to the university. It was the March before her first year at university. Her, Yixiang and Euijoo had all applied to the same university, and thankfully all gotten in. The University of Tokyo was the closest option for them from the small neighbourhood in Okutama they live in.

“I can’t believe you’re going to university in a month. I feel so old,” Yudai grumbled.

“You better not cry when I graduate,”

“No promises,” He smiled sweetly, making it impossible for her to be mad at him for being cringey.

Yudai stood up and scooped the some of the remaining ramen into a bowl, handing it over to Y/n,“Can you run this over to Mrs Murata?”

Y/n rolled her eyes and grabbed the bowl, slipping on her shoes at the front door and going down the winding path to the Murata’s house nearby. Yudai always liked to give his leftovers to Fuma, but pretended he was giving it to Mrs Murata, knowing she’d end up giving it to her son. Fuma was a sprinter, and Y/n knew he needed to eat a lot of proteins and carbohydrates, and Y/n secretly suspected Yudai’s signature ramen with egg and tofu was specially configured for Fuma.

She entered through the front door without knocking, kicking off her shoes and going to the dining room where Fuma and his parents were eating dinner.

“Hi, Mrs Murata!” She greeted with a smile,“I have some of Yudai’s leftovers,”

“Oh, how wonderful, Fuma loves Yudai’s cooking,” Mrs Murata quickly stood up and took the bowl from Y/n’s hands, and disappeared into the kitchen.

“Are you really going to university in April? I could’ve sworn you were fourteen a couple weeks ago,” Mr Murata said.

“She has grown up. I feel like I raised her myself,” Fuma said.

“You?” Y/n laughs.

“Yeah,” Fuma crosses his arms defensively,“I was your dad and Yudai was your mum,”

She rolled her eyes as Mrs Murata returned with a bowl of udon and handed it to Y/n, then sent her off on her way. She returned home, only to pass Yixiang in her hallway, who was holding another portion of Yudai’s ramen.

“You couldn’t stay away, could you?” She joked.

Yixiang chuckled, shaking his head,“Yudai practically forced this into my hands. I was just giving him some of my mum’s gao li cai,”

“You know the etiquette - you can’t give someone food without getting some back,”

“Yeah,” He laughs, putting his shoes back on in an improper way which folded the backs underneath his heels,“See ya,”

“Y/n! Go give some eggs to the Byuns!” Yudai called from the kitchen.

“Are you kidding me? I’m not a doordash!”

“You too, huh?” 

Y/n and Jo both walked through the Byun’s front porch and into the house, Y/n with a bowl of boiled and peeled eggs, and Jo with a pot of miso soup. He laughed.

“I’m stuck in an endless cycle of giving food and receiving it,”

“Funny. So am I,”

Euijoo was sitting with his father at the chabudai when Y/n and Jo walked in bearing gifts, and his face lit up.

“Y/n!” He jumped up and took the eggs from her.

“And Jo,” Jo mumbled.

“Appa, we need to give Y/n some kimchi jjigae,”

“And Jo.”

Mr Byun stood up and took the soup from Jo, thanking them warmly. His Japanese was quite broken, but very endearing. Sometimes, Y/n just nodded and smiled at what he was saying without really being able to understand. She just never had the heart to ask him to repeat himself or slow down. Euijoo definitely got his cuteness from him. His mother… Y/n couldn’t really comment. She was still in Korea. 

Euijoo returned from the kitchen with two bowls of stew, handing them to Y/n and Jo,“You liked this last time, Y/n. We should really go to Korea at some point, if you like my dad’s cooking, you’ll love it there,”

“I want to go to Korea,” Jo said, but nobody was really listening to him.

“We should. We should’ve done it over the holidays, to be honest,”

“You’re right,” Euijoo said,“Maybe over summer break?”

“Us and Yixiang?”

“Yeah, or… just us,”

Y/n cocked her head to the side slightly,“Yixiang would want to go though,”

“Yeah, but…”

Euijoo’s dad smacked him on the shoulder lightly and said something in Korean. Y/n figured he was scolding him for keeping them back.

“Go, go, eat.” Mr Byun said in Japanese.

Y/n and Jo left with yet another bowl of food, slipping back into their shoes for what felt like the hundredth time that evening to her.

“It’s so annoying being with you when we’re around Euijoo,” Jo mumbled.

“Why?” She asked. Euijoo was genuinely the gentlest and kindest person she knew.

“It’s like he forgets everyone else exist,”

“Really?” She laughed,“I’ve never noticed,”

“You can’t be serious.”

They reached the path where they had to part ways to get back to their homes,“Can we go to AEON tomorrow?”

Jo groaned,“The train ride is so long,”

“It’s an hour,”

“An hour that I could be using to do anything else,”

She rolled her eyes,“Yeah, well, I know that you’ll get FOMO and come anyway, so,”

He didn’t respond to that, and plodded up the stone steps to his front door. 

Y/n loved to go shopping. As soon as she was old enough to take the train alone, she would frequent the big shopping centre - AEON - further into central tokyo, as if it were a second home. It wasn’t even the buying aspect that she liked, it was just the busyness and contrast of an urban area compared to the very vast and rural area she came from. Her father used to take her there too, with Yua and Aimi. He always said the women in his family should be spoiled rotten, and even though they weren’t the richest family, he’d buy each of them something nice. Like the necklace Y/n still wears everyday, which had a singular pearl charm.

Sometimes, she’d like to make a trip out of it. She, Euijoo and Yixiang already needed to do some extra shopping for university, so naturally the others would just come along too. The Ome Line got pretty busy, and adding eight kids to the mix was just mildly inconvenient for everyone around. When there were no seats available, Y/n would find it hard to keep herself upright as the train turned sharply and went over uneven ground. Her and Euijoo had developed this habit, where he’d hold onto a grab handle with one hand and a stanchion with the other, and sort of cage her in, so each time she fell backwards she’d just hit his chest. 

Naturally, he started doing this as the group piled onto the train and tried to grab onto something supportive before it started moving to the next stop. His chest was like a ghost over her back, not exactly touching but close enough to know he was there. Of course, it was always normal for them to do this, but, the first time the train turned a little and she unconsciously leaned back into his chest, she realised just how much he’d grown since they were children. Yes, Euijoo had always been athletic, but over the past couple years he’d grown to at least six foot, had started working out, and suddenly he had this lean and slightly muscular figure that she often forgot about until moments like these, when she felt for herself just how hard his chest was. 

She was a little taken aback by this, because it started to register in her mind that Euijoo was technically, legally, an adult man now. Not the little boy who she once tricked into biting an eraser because she told him it was chocolate. And, what they were doing probably looked quite intimate to those who didn’t know them. She had never batted an eye about being physically affectionate with Euijoo, because, well, it was Euijoo. Her best friend. He was just like an extension of herself. But now, people were probably looking at them and thinking they were a couple. The idea didn’t make her inherently uncomfortable, just a little weird. Because she’d never thought about him in that way.

When they arrived at the shopping centre, they ended up splitting up, not really intentionally but inevitably. The younger kids had this excitement about everything around them that Y/n, Euijoo and Yixiang simply lacked as their adolescence escaped them. Yuma always claims that he’s part of the group of elder kids, but whenever it comes down to it, he always ends up with the younger ones. So wherever they went, Y/n didn’t really know, but she, Euijoo and Yixiang were looking around at utensils and various things they needed in order to live alone for the first time.

“Oh my god, look at these oven mitts,” She said excitedly, showing Yixiang a pair of cornflower blue oven gloves with little yellow flowers stitched onto them.

Yixiang glanced at what she was showing him and then continued looking around the store,“You know those are just impractical. It’s way easier to use a tea towel.”

“Yeah… you’re right…”

Euijoo rounded the corner, caught sight of the oven mitts, and his eyes lit up, round like saucers,“Those are so cute.”

She smiled,“That’s what I said. But Yixiang thinks they’re impractical.”

He scoffed and took the gloves from her, chucking them into their collective shopping trolley. After they finished shopping, they lugged their heavy bags to an ice cream shop nearby. Weirdly, even in early spring when the air was still crisp and cold, they never passed up the opportunity to get ice cream. And the younger kids were already there, of course.

“Are you going to Tokyo for university, too?” Yuma was chatting at Jo, having already chosen to go to The University of Tokyo himself. One day Yuma realised that if they all went to the same university, there would be one singular year, in which Y/n, Euijoo and Yixiang would be in fourth year and Maki, Taki and Harua would be in first year, in which they’d be all together. Ever since that revelation he’s been busy trying to convince the rest of the boys to go to the same university.

“I’m not sure yet,” Jo said. He always put up with Yuma for some reason, no matter how annoying he got. 

Y/n pushed Yuma’s shoulder,“Stop bothering him about that, he still has time to decide,”

“Do you know what you want to do in the future, Jo?” Euijoo asked.

Jo thought for a second,“Basketball, probably. It’s the only thing I’m good at,”

Yixiang clapped him on the back,“You should totally go to Tokyo then! The sports programs are great.”

“Don’t pressure him.” Y/n said.

Yixiang smudged some ice cream onto her nose with his thumb and she jumped at the sudden coldness.

“Yixiang!” She attempted to wipe her nose with her hand. Euijoo passed her a tissue.

For a second, the delusional side of her couldn’t help but think, was that flirting? To be honest, that thought ran through her head with every little thing that Yixiang did. It was hard to be so infatuated with someone for so long, that sight of what was normal and what wasn’t frequently got lost. Yixiang would probably smudge ice cream onto anyone though. He was annoying like that. She shouldn’t get her hopes up.

On the Ome Line back home, her back was to Euijoo’s chest again. She still felt a little weird about it, but she tried to convince herself that since it wasn’t strange as kids, it shouldn’t be strange now. Just because Euijoo had grown into a beautifully attractive man, didn’t mean their relationship had to change in anyway. 

Graduation was right around the corner, and Y/n had already caught Yudai crying to a photo of her, as if she’d died or something. Soon enough, the entire third year student body was gathered in the main hall, dressed smartly in their school uniform, with all the parents and family sitting at the back. Yixiang and Euijoo’s parents plus Yudai and Fuma (no idea why Fuma was there, really) all cheered for each of them as they crossed the stage to accept the graduation certificate. Y/n just knew that Yudai was crying. 

Afterwards, the three fresh high school graduates were laying down on the grass covering the dirt of a river bank, watching the rippling water as it flowed from a relatively flat residential area to a beautiful mountainous valley not too far away. They’d gotten dinner with everyone to celebrate, and decided to go on a walk afterwards as the sun set.

“This feels weird, doesn’t it?”

Euijoo and Yixiang looked at Y/n curiously.

“Does it?” Yixiang asked.

“In a couple weeks we’re going to be living in dorms, far away. We won’t be able to just look outside our windows and see mountains like that. We won’t be able to shout to each other from our own homes and be heard,”

Euijoo gave a soft smile,“We won’t be too far apart, though. We’re all on campus.”

“I’m going to live in Euijoo’s room. He has an en-suite.” Yixiang said.

“I have one too,” Y/n piped. You can live in my room, she wanted to say.

Yixiang just shrugged and looked away. Euijoo sat up, and Y/n reached forward to brush some grass out of his hair. His ears went red.

“Thanks, Y/n.” He sounded strangely awkward for someone she’d been best friends with since childhood.

She hummed and ruffled his hair, and he laughed and swatted her hand away, trying to fix his hair again.

“I hope we don’t change too much,” Nicholas spoke quietly.

“What do you mean?” Y/n sat up too and rested her chin on her knees.

“I hope we - this - doesn’t change. I hope that we’ll always have each other. Don’t give me that look, let a man be vulnerable for once,” 

Y/n snorted and pushed his arm, letting out small giggles,“Go on, go on, be vulnerable. I quite like it.”

“We should promise each other, though, to never let something get between us,” Euijoo said.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I mean, it would be really upsetting if something came between a friendship of - what - fourteen years?”

“It won’t happen.” Y/n reassured him with a smile. He looked away from her, instead staring at his lap.

“Euijoo and I never have to worry about liking the same girl, thank god.” Yixiang chuckled.

“Really? How’d you know?” Y/n asked.

“Errr, well…” 

Euijoo smacked Yixiang on the leg and then quickly stood up, brushing some grass off his backside, to no avail since his trousers were already stained green.

“I’m tired.” He announced.

“Tired? We should have a sleepover.” Y/n grinned.

“Are we twelve, Y/n?” Yixiang laughed.

Y/n stood up and dragged him up by the arm,“Shut up. This was our last day of high school. Yudai always tells me I’ll regret trying to grow up so fast,”

Yixiang shakes his head and chuckles as he lets himself be dragged,“Okay, fine. Whatever you want, Y/n. I’m not sleeping in the middle of you two, though.”

Although the three of them should’ve outgrown sleepovers a long time ago, it still happened a few times a year. Yixiang always whined and complained about it, and then agreed anyway. He would fall asleep first anyway, snoring like his nose was blocked each time. Y/n rolled out a long mattress on the floor and the three of them sat down and started watching a movie. Y/n liked to jokingly put on ‘Ponyo’, a movie which had a character who resembled Euijoo, especially as a child, and Y/n and Yixiang would point at the screen and go ‘Euijoo, I didn’t know you could do that’ every minute or so. And they’d keep doing it until Euijoo threatened to leave, and they’d put on something else.

Today they settled on ‘The Garden of Words’. Normally Y/n didn’t take movies too seriously, especially when she was watching with other people, but she couldn’t help thinking about this one in the context of her own life. The characters represented the difference between adolescence and adulthood, something that Y/n, Euijoo and Yixiang were on the cusp of. She’s closer in age to the young boy in the story, but really, she felt more like the older woman. She was scared that the youthful passion and enthusiasm had already left her. She was aware she’d been forced to grow up quickly when her father passed and Youko became distant, but at the time it hadn’t occurred to her that that was necessarily a bad thing. She wanted to be excited about the next step in her life, but instead she was just scared of getting stuck in some helpless pattern like the woman in the movie.

“That was a little strange, wasn’t it?” Yixiang had said once the credits were rolled,“Weird age gap,”

“Yeah, but… you can probably interpret it was non-romantic from her side,” Euijoo commented.

“Not really something that should be left ambiguous though, is it?” 

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Taki stuck his head in,“We’re having a sleepover?”

“Who’s we?”

Taki didn’t care. He bounded into the room and plopped down between Yixiang and Y/n, and then Maki and Harua followed him inside, each tucking themselves in under the duvet.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I invited you guys into my room,” Y/n drawled.

The young kids never listened. Soon enough, the lights were flicked off and six people were shuffling under the duvet, all trying to sleep comfortably despite being squished against one another. Y/n had Taki on one side and Euijoo on the other, and she giggled to herself at Taki’s open-mouthed sleeping face, wishing she could reach for a phone and take a photo. She turned over and nestled her head into the pillow, facing Euijoo who was already looking at her.

“You’re a nice sister,” He whispered to her.

She smiled and shook her head,“Little do you know he’s getting a beating when everyone goes home,”

Euijoo stifled a chuckle, knowing she was lying,“One time I tried to sleep with my sister after I had a nightmare, and she kicked me off the mattress,”

“I remember. You cried to me about it the next day at school,”

She could see how deep his blush was even in the dark,“I swear you have a selective memory. You only remember my embarrassing moments,”

“No. I remember your cool ones too,”

“…Like?”

“Ummmm,” She scratched her head as she tried to think.

Euijoo rolled his eyes and flicked her forehead lightly.

“Ow.”

“That did not hurt.”

“How would you know?”

“MAKI IS FARTING!” Harua called out, followed by the sound of Maki screeching as he was kicked off the mattress.

Y/n sighed,“Kids these days.”

Euijoo chuckled and reached out. She was confused as to what he was doing at first, but he just stroked her hair for a second and then retracted his hand awkwardly, clearing his throat.

“Sorry.”

She smiled and closed her eyes,“G’night, Joojoo.”

With her eyes closed, she failed to see how pink he went at the nickname.

Moving in was a hassle. They had to use three different cars to get everyone’s stuff to the dorms, and then there was the anxiety of making a good impression on flatmates. It was rather shocking, actually, suddenly being surrounded by so many people when they came from such a small neighbourhood where they only really saw each other outside of school. Y/n was studying physiotherapy. It took her a while to decide what she wanted to do. Most of her close friends were going into sport, and the idea of being able to help them sounded nice, so that’s what she went for. And yes, Yudai cried as he hugged her goodbye.

They didn’t spend their first day together, because they decided it would be better to get to know their flatmates. Y/n had seven, but the two she clicked with were Keita and Giselle.

“My best friend is Korean! He moved to Japan when he was four.” Y/n had told Giselle as soon as the girl mentioned she was part Korean.

“Oh? Is he cute?” She asked.

Y/n paused for a moment. The correct answer was yes, he’s cute. He looks like a model. But he’s my best friend. You can’t have him. Instead of saying that, she just went “Um…”

Giselle grinned widely and leaned forward to rest her chin on her closed fist,“Oh, right.”

“What?”

“You like him.”

Y/n spluttered,“I do not,”

Giselle arched an eyebrow and shared a look with Keita, so Y/n got even more defensive.

“I don’t. I actually like my other best friend, Yixiang.”

“Oh,” Giselle said, squinting her eyes suspiciously, and then she smiled,“You know, I think we’re gonna be great friends.”

Y/n didn’t really know what Giselle meant by that, she she took it as a compliment.

The first time Y/n introduced Euijoo and Yixiang to Giselle and Keita, Giselle had pulled her aside and said “Girl, I get it now.”

“You get what?” Y/n laughed.

“Why you can’t pick one.”

That just made her laugh even harder,“You mean Euijoo and Yixiang? I can, and I very much have picked one,”

“Then why hasn’t something happened between you after all these years?”

Y/n tried to hide how hurt she was by that comment. It’s not like she hasn’t been asking herself the same question this whole time. Everyone back at home knew that she liked Yixiang, so if Yixiang liked her back, he would’ve done something by now, probably. The thought pricked tears to her eyes, but she didn’t let them fall, instead blinking them away and shaking her head.

Giselle rubbed her shoulder softly,“I’m sorry, that was insensitive. I’m just saying, don’t waste your time. Euijoo is right there.”

Y/n rolled her eyes,”Euijoo and I are friends.”

“He doesn’t look at you like one.”

That comment had been brushed off pretty quickly by Y/n. She just took it as Giselle being the stirrer she was, although unintentional.

The first term passed in a complete flash, and soon, it was summer break. As planned, Y/n, Euijoo and Yixiang organised a trip to South Korea to visit Euijoo’s mum. He didn’t talk about her a lot, so Y/n didn’t know much about her, but a plane ride and a taxi fare later, and Mrs Byun was hugging each of them in her arms, smothering Euijoo’s face with kisses and marking him up with lipstick. Y/n tried so hard to not laugh at the scene, biting down hard on her lip to contain herself, which only got worse when Yixiang let out quiet sniffles of laughter to her side. Finally, they were let into the spare room which they’d be sharing, and Y/n and Yixiang broke down with their hands on their knees heaving for air from the sheer intensity of their laughter.

Euijoo glared at them, furiously wiping at his face to try and remove the lipstick,“Ugh, I don’t know why she’s like that. She sends me like five messages a year and then acts like that when she sees me,”

“Oh, Joojoo, c’mere,” Y/n wiped away a tear and beckoned him over.

He quickly came to her and she placed both hands either side of his face, smudging off the lipstick with her thumbs. His cheeks were so soft and warm, getting hotter by the second as his blush grew from his cheeks up to his ear. He was very endearing like this.

“Jeez, I should’ve just left you two to go on the trip alone,” Yixiang mumbled, setting down his backpack.

Y/n didn’t like that comment. It made her feel weird. Obviously, she’d always been more physically comfortable with Euijoo, because she didn’t have feelings for him. Yixiang made her too nervous for her to be holding his face the way she was holding Euijoo’s, but did that kind of behaviour repel him? Was he less likely to like her because she was so touchy with Euijoo? Suddenly, she dropped her hands from his face.

The first thing they did was visit Ilsan Lake Park, which had some amazing structures, flower arrangements, fountains and a beautiful lake that reminded Y/n a little of Okutama. They sat down on the grass by the lake and had a picnic, glad that they chose the summer for her first time visiting Korea.

“Do you prefer Japan or Korea?” Yixiang had asked Euijoo and the three of them sat down on a blanket and looked out onto the still, glass-like surface of the lake.

“Japan, but… not really for geographical reasons,”

“What reasons, then?”

He shrugged,“Everyone I love is in Japan,”

Y/n smiled. Euijoo looked at her and returned the smile, while Yixiang observed the interaction with a raised eyebrow.

What they were most excited for, is that they could all legally drink in South Korea. They weren’t all that enthusiastic about going out clubbing for the first time in a foreign country, so they settled on a small bar near Mrs Byun’s place. Unsure of what exactly to have, they each settled on soju. Euijoo’s place was a walkable distance back, so they were pretty free to get as drunk as they please, without being disturbing.

Euijoo’s face flushed so red when he drank. It was really adorable. Y/n felt the need to comment on it.

“Cute.” She cooed at him.

He frowned and pouted,“What?”

“You’re cute.”

His eyes widened and his pink lips parted, he looked as if Y/n had just cursed out his grandmother or something,“I… I need the toilet,”

As he got up to leave, Yixiang turned to Y/n and shook his head, looking exasperated.

“You can’t just say stuff like that to him, Y/n,”

All Y/n’s drunk mind could comprehend was that Yixiang had just called her by her name. The sound of it on his tongue was so beautiful and sweet her legs probably would’ve gave out beneath her if she wasn’t sitting down. Yixiang couldn’t handle his drinks. He was being deliberately slow but still was leaning over the bar with his eyes drooping shut. When Euijoo got back, they headed out the bar and walked back to Euijoo’s childhood home. Yixiang slumped into Euijoo’s side as they walked, and Euijoo supported him with an arm around his torso.

Once back, Euijoo pushed Yixiang onto the bed and Y/n helped him remove his shoes.

“He’s gonna be snoring extra loud tonight,” Y/n chuckled.

“We could always sleep in the guest room,”

Y/n placed down Yixiang’s shoes and paused,“Really? I don’t really want to leave him alone, though,”

Before Euijoo could respond, Yixiang grunted and rolled onto his front, seemingly glaring at the two of them,“Go to the guest room. Please.”

She chuckled and patted Yixiang’s knee,“Okay, sleepyhead. We’ll see you in the morning.”

Euijoo opened the door and flicked off the light switch,“G’night, Yixiang,”

There was a soft grunt in response.

Euijoo shut the door quietly behind him and led Y/n to the guest room. It was small, with only a single bed, but Y/n and Euijoo had slept together in way closer vicinities before, as all the neighbourhood kids would try and squeeze onto one mattress. It shouldn’t have been an issue. They took turns in the bathroom changing and then got into bed, under the covers. They lay facing each other at first, just staring. Euijoo was good at staying composed while drinking, but Y/n could tell by the flush of his face that he wasn’t completely sober.

“Y/n,” He voiced softly.

“Mhm?”

“I know you like Yixiang.”

Y/n let out a light laugh,“Yeah. It’s pretty common knowledge,”

“But… sometimes you say things… that confuse me,”

She frowned,“What things?”

He sighed and shook his head, turning over to face the other way,“Nothing. Don’t worry about it. Goodnight,”

Too tired to pry, Y/n ruffled his hair affectionately,”Goodnight, Joojoo,”

Y/n woke up in the middle of the night. She was confused at first, initially thinking she was in her bed back at home, but then she realised she was in Euijoo’s guest room. She tried to adjust her position, and that’s when she realised that Euijoo had both arms latched around her waist, as if she were some kind of cuddle toy.

“Euijoo,” She whispered. He just grumbled and pulled her closer.

This was weird. Y/n and Euijoo had definitely hugged, definitely cuddled before, at some point in their friendship. They used to do ‘cuddle lines’ as kids, where all the kids would spoon each other, it really wasn’t unusual for Euijoo to be holding her this way. It was partly because they were alone in this scenario, and also because both of their bodies had grown and changed since childhood. Y/n now had boobs and Euijoo was now… well… an attractive man. So a man and woman cuddling as friends was less normal than a boy and girl cuddling as kids.

Still, Euijoo’s torso was very warm, and his scent was very comforting. It’s only weird if she makes it weird, she told herself, and then she leant into Euijoo’s chest and snuggled in, shamelessly breathing in the smell of his citrus bodywash. He let out a small whine in his sleep and moved his chin to rest on her head. She tried not to think about the way her whole body tingled at the sound.

In the morning, Y/n woke up to the feeling of a gentle hand petting her hair. She stirred and squinted at the bright sunlight leaking through the edges of the curtains, and then gave Euijoo a sleepy smile.

“Jesus christ, how do you look like this in the mornings?” Euijoo said, though it sounded like the comment was involuntary.

“Huh?” Y/n covered her face with her hand, worried that she looked bad.

“Sorry,” Euijoo sat up and pulled away from her,“I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. You look unfairly good in the mornings, that’s all,”

Y/n chuckled and shook her head,“You’ve seen me in the mornings countless times,”

“Yeah, I get shocked every time,”

She punched him in the arm, not appreciating the teasing. He laughed and raised his arms above his head, stretching, revealing a brief slither of his lower abdomen as his shirt lifted. She wasn’t aware he looked like that under there. His waist was so slim and he had some muscles there. Suddenly, she felt herself wanting to slide her hand up his shirt to feel what else he was hiding, but there was no way she could disguise that was friendly affection.

Yixiang met them at breakfast. Euijoo’s mum had made them pancakes. To be honest, the first batch was a little burnt and the second was a bit too raw, but with enough lemon and sugar, Y/n was happy to eat them anyway. Mrs Byun chatted at them as they ate, telling them about whatever she had going on at work. Y/n realised she didn’t actually ask Euijoo many questions. You don’t see your son for a year, and the only thing you do when you see him is talk about yourself? She found herself wondering who would be the better mum, her or Youko. But it wouldn’t be good of her to compare her and Euijoo’s problems.

“Why didn’t you tell me when you got a girlfriend, Euijoo?” Mrs Byun asked after a long rant about the promotion she was trying to get.

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” Euijoo said, through a mouthful of pancakes.

“Are you sure? You two were in bed together last night,”

Y/n chuckled,“We were trying to escape Yixiang’s snoring,”

Yixiang rolled his eyes.

“Really? Do you two cuddle a lot, then? As friends?”

Euijoo and Y/n both shrugged. It’s only weird if they make it weird, Y/n has to keep reminding herself.

By September, they were back at University for their second term. Giselle was starting to be a bad influence on Y/n. She’d started convincing her to dress up, wear makeup and go drinking even though they weren’t twenty yet. It was very scandalous to her at first, but she realised a lot of people her age actually did it, plus the sake vending machines outside of campus had no ID scanner. Still, Euijoo wasn’t very happy when he found out about it.

“What happens if you get arrested? You get kicked out of Uni and then what?” he spoke angrily. Euijoo, Y/n and Yixiang were all on Y/n’s bed, playing smash bros, though Euijoo was the only one angrily mashing the buttons of his controller.

“Well we’re very careful about it. We don’t go to anything too large. We always just go to someone’s house, drink a bit, and then come back,”

“It’s stupid. You’re not stupid Y/n, please don’t get in trouble doing this,”

“I won’t, Euijoo, I promise,”

“You look good though,” Yixiang said casually.

Euijoo’s fingers stopped moving on the controller entirely.

“What?”

“I mean,” Yixiang cleared his throat awkwardly, as if he’d said something he wasn’t supposed to,“I’ve seen the way you dress up when you go out. You always look nice,”

Y/n felt like her heart was going to explode,“Thank you,”

Euijoo placed down the controller and announced he was leaving. He was gone so quick Y/n didn’t get the chance to remind him to take his jacket.

By December, they broke up again for Winter break, and the three went back to Okutama. Y/n’s first year at university was going way too quickly for her liking, and yet she was glad she, Yixiang and Euijoo still seemed the same. On New Year’s Eve, the neighbourhood kids all gathered in Y/n’s basement. Yudai had even given them some alcohol, sternly telling them that the older kids were responsible for any throwing up or injuries that might occur. At first, they were just playing Mario Kart and drinking. Then, as everyone became progressively more drunk, they started playing music and dancing, jumping on the cushioned sofas and screaming the lyrics incoherently.

It felt good, to not feel like a stressed University student for once. Even if it meant hanging out with her sixteen year old brother. She didn’t mind, because Taki didn’t even need to drink to dance with her, no questions asked. As annoying as she claims she finds him, he does always make her smile when she needs it.

Yudai and Fuma were setting of fireworks in the garden at midnight. As the countdown approached, everyone rushed upstairs to go watch. When Y/n jumped down from the sofa to join, she suddenly felt very lightheaded and sat back down, trying to stop her vision from swaying.

“Are you okay?” Euijoo was at her side, kneeling down in front of him.

“Yeah, of course,” She waved him off,“Hurry up, don’t miss the fireworks!”

He tilted his head at her with wide, concerned eyes,“I’ll stay with you,”

“No, please, I don’t want to make you miss it,”

He nodded silently and got up, rushing up the stairs. You thought that you were alone, but then you noticed Yixiang was slumped over the beanbag across the room. He had clearly been drinking, since all the muscles in his body seem to stop working when he does, and he turns into a limp fish.

“You don’t want to see the fireworks?” She asked him curiously.

He looked over at her, and then shook his head, looking solemn. He had been a little strange that day, but she didn’t want to mention it in front of everyone.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, the alcohol making her more direct than she would’ve otherwise been.

He let out a small huff of air and then looked at her again, this time not looking away,“I feel a way about someone who I’m not supposed to feel a way about. Do you understand?”

Her stomach was doing acrobatics in side of her, the possibility of this person being her, or being someone else, was driving her mind completely wild,“I think so. Why aren’t you supposed to feel a way about them?”

He paused,“I’d be betraying someone else,”

Y/n tried to read his eyes, she tried to filter through his vagueness and find real meaning in his words. He got up, wobbling slightly as he walked towards her and plopped down on the sofa beside her. They only looked at each other for a while. His lips were so naturally pink, soft-looking, such a contrast to the way his dark eyes were looking at her at that moment.

“I want to kiss you at midnight,” She said, suddenly gaining all the courage in the world.

He stayed silent, biting on the insides of his cheek. She started to regret her words, thinking of a way to backtrack and restore their friendship, but then they heard fireworks outside, and Yixiang was leaning in and kissing her.

Y/n woke up groggy and dehydrated, but she remembered one thing very clearly. She had kissed Yixiang. She wasn’t sure whether to be happy or terrified, currently she was feeling a little bit of both. Yixiang had kissed her, so surely there was something there, right? But if he were to come up to her today and say ‘sorry, that was a mistake’, then she doesn’t know how she’ll ever recover. It would be too much. She realised that she’d woken up because her phone was ringing. She looked at the name - ‘Joojoo🧡’ - and immediately answered.

“Joo?” She grumbled, rubbing her eyes.

“Yixiang told me that he kissed you.”

That was not the first thing that she expected him to say. He sounded distressed, or maybe a little angry. Either way, it was a very unfamiliar side of him that Y/n did not want to get used to.

“Yeah, he did. Crazy, right? After all this time, he finally decides to act on it,” There was a long silence on the other end,”Euijoo?”

“You know Yixiang only likes you now because you started wearing makeup and tight dresses,”

She frowned, the words like a blow to the stomach,“I’m sorry? You think my personality is so unlikeable that I had to draw him out with my appearance?”

“No, no, I shouldn’t have said that. I-”

“Euijoo, you are genuinely the last person I ever expected to say something like that to me. How could you- do you think it’s impossible for him to like me-?”

“No, really, Y/n you don’t even know how amazing I think you are and I really- fuck.” it was so rare to hear him swear,“You are actually so beautiful on the inside I struggle to comprehend that you’re human,”

You grimaced, thinking that he was exaggerating to try and win you back over. But no matter what he said now, the damage was already done.

“Y/n? Please, I… what I said has everything to do with Yixiang and nothing to do with you. I’m sorry,”

“I’ll text you later, Euijoo,”

“Wait, can I come over?”

“No,”

She hung up. She knew she’d get over it eventually, but the reason why his words really hurt was because they were exactly what she’d been thinking herself. She’d never seen Yixiang’s eyes sweep over her body until after she started wearing the kinds of dresses that hugged her nicely. He’d never complimented her appearance until Giselle taught her how to do makeup properly. She was scared that he’d get bored of her when she was just her.

There was a knock on the door, and then Yudai came in, setting a glass of water down on your bedside table and sitting down on the bed, the mattress sinking with him.

“Good night?” He grinned.

“To be determined,”

He laughed,“You missed the fireworks though. Fuma and I put so much effort into those,”

“I’ll see them next year,”

“Actually, there’s something I need to tell you,” Yudai shifted in his position, signalling a change to a more serious topic.

“Hm?”

“Uh…” He wrung his hands nervously,“Fuma and I are moving to Sendai. Next month.”

“What?”

He winced,“I know it’s sudden, but we’ve actually been planning for a while. We’re moving to a training facility, it’s time we go further with our lives than just this small neighbourhood,”

“No, Yudai,” She slipped out of bed so she could pace her room,“You’re being selfish. You can’t leave Taki and Yua with her. You can’t leave them alone with her!”

Yudai took a deep breath,“Y/n, if it’s not selfish for you to leave and go to University, then it’s not selfish for me to leave a pursue a higher level in my career,”

“But how is Taki going to cope without you?”

“He will cope. He’s sixteen now.”

“But…” she ran a hand through her hair,“Yudai, you’re like his dad,”

“Do you think it’s fair that I travelled three hours to and from university everyday just so I could come home and be there for Taki and Yua? And you. Meanwhile you got to move out and live on campus, because you assumed I’d just always stay here,”

“Your dad didn’t die, he left! You don’t get to act like you grieved the same way Taki, Yua and I did!”

When Y/n had said that, she knew she’d crossed the line. She held her head in her hands, shaking, wondering what the hell had gotten into her. Yudai merely got up and left the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

She didn’t leave her room all day. She was just thinking. About Yixiang. About Euijoo. About Yudai. She couldn’t really compel herself to even care much about the kiss anymore after the bomb Yudai dropped on her. She really thought he’d never leave them. She thought his selflessness would never waver.

It was dark outside by the time that she risked leaving her room to go for a walk. If she ran into Yudai, she had no idea what she’d say, or what kind of excuse she could come up with for what she said. The winter air was sharp, pricking goosebumps into the bare skin of her arms. She was simply walking around the block when she heard the sound of a lighter cutting into the peaceful silence of the night. She was confused, since she didn’t know of anyone on the block who smoked. She rounded the corner and saw Yixiang standing in front of his house, with a lit cigarette in between his lips. Y/n had always hated smoking. She hated how addicted her father was to it, and she hated it even more when her father lost his life to lung cancer. She never thought she’d see Yixiang doing it.

At first, she was angry.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

He jumped and turned to face her, quickly removing the cigarette from his lip,“Y/n, I…”

She stepped closer,“What the fuck are you doing, Yixiang?”

He threw the cigarette off to side, and it sizzled out on the thin layer of snow on the ground,“Y/n, I swear it’s not… it’s not what you think,”

“Don’t you know what those do to you?” She didn’t realise she was crying until she felt the wetness of tears streaming down her face,“It’s going to kill you, Yixiang,”

“It’s not going to kill me, Y/n. I promise you,” he reached out and held her hands, holding them against his chest,“I’m healthy, I don’t do it often,”

She shoved him backwards, and he slid on the icy snow,“You’re going to grow tumours, here,” she jabbed a finger inbetween his ribs,“You’re going to leave everyone who loves you!”

“It won’t happen to me, it won’t, it won’t,”

“I never thought you’d do this, Yixiang,” Her sobs were only getting worse, her mind was being fuzzy, and she might’ve been having a panic attack.

All she could think at that moment was he’s going to leave me. He’s going to leave me like my father did. I’m going to lose him. And she was heaving for air now, her chest felt like it was closing and getting tighter. Yixiang was looking at her with wide eyes, he tried to reached out to her again but she slapped his hand away harshly.

Then, Euijoo was standing between them, pushing Yixiang back as if he were shielding Y/n.

“What did you do, Yixiang? Did you hurt her?”

Yixiang shook his head quickly,“No, Euijoo, I swear, I was just smoking, and she saw,”

Euijoo looked back at Y/n, and she could tell immediately by the look in his eyes - he already knew.

“You knew?” she asked Euijoo accusatorially.

He opened his mouth and then shook his head,“Y/n…”

“What, do you do it too?” she didn’t realise how much she was raising her voice until she heard it ringing in her ears.

“No, Y/n, I wouldn’t-”

“But you knew.”

Euijoo shut his mouth and swallowed, his hands clenching and unclenching into fists. Y/n heard crunching on the snow and turned to see Fuma approaching them, probably concerned about all the yelling. He took Y/n’s hand and pulled her away gently.

“C’mon, Y/n,”

Fuma took Y/n up the steps into his front porch, and they sat down on a bench overlooking the flowerbeds in his front garden. Mrs Murata was always on her hands and knees in the spring, tending to her flowers diligently. But now, in the winter, it was simply a flat slate of untouched snow.

Fuma hugged her, and she cried into his chest, her heart hurting as she felt herself reliving her father’s slow death. He pulled away and wiped her tears.

“Yixiang will be fine, we’ll make sure he stops,”

She shut her eyes, more tears falling,“I don’t want him to die,”

“He won’t. He’ll grow old with you, Y/n,”

After a few moments of silence, as Y/n managed to calm down, Fuma spoke up again.

“My parents say they’re going to look after Taki and Yua as if they’re their own. You don’t need to worry about them, really,”

She sighed,“They should be able to grow up with parental figures who care for them. They don’t deserve to have Youko as their mother,”

“Neither did you, Y/n.”

That hit her like a tonne of bricks.

“You were thirteen when your father passed. I feel like you forget that just because Taki and Yua were younger,”

She shook her head,“It was different, for them, they were so young. They couldn’t understand what was happening,”

“Do you think that makes it okay for you to miss out on your childhood?”

“I can’t be selfish about those things,”

“It’s not selfish. It’s not selfish for you to live your life without the responsibility your mother left you, and it’s not selfish for Yudai to do the same thing,”

“I know.” She sighed,“I just want Taki and Yua to have a childhood,”

“And you did an incredible job of making that happen. You have to let Yudai go, though. Taki and Yua will really be fine, they have all the other neighbourhood kids to keep them kids. Yudai deserves to do something for himself,”

She nodded. She knew Fuma was right, he always tended to be in any situation. He truly did feel like her dad sometimes, when really all he was was Yudai’s friend who lived on the block. Though since he was an only child, he liked to treat all the neighbourhood kids like his own little siblings.

“Also, I’m going to tell Yudai I’m in love with him,”

Y/n’s mouth dropped open,“Are you serious?”

He smiled and nodded,“It’s been a long time coming,”

She smiled back at him,“If he rejects you I’m going to be really mad. I hope he understands how lucky he got with you,”

Fuma’s chest vibrated with laughter,“I have a feeling he knows,”

Y/n didn’t have to make up with Yudai. When she walked back into the house late that night, he came up to her and hugged her. She hugged him back. And then he said goodnight and they went to bed. In the morning, Yixiang asked to meet up, and they cycled to the river together in silence, and then settled down on the grassy riverbank.

Things definitely weren’t the same between them. Not just the awkward tension, but the way Y/n felt when she looked at him. There were no butterflies, her heart rate wasn’t increasing, her stomach was flipping, she wasn’t wondering what he was thinking about her like she always did. In fact, she found herself indifferent.

“I can’t apologise enough, really. I really only smoke when I’m stressed out, but I promise I’ll never do it again,”

She nodded,“What made you so stressed out?”

He sighed out his nose, clenching his jaw.

“Was it me?”

“No. Well, it wasn’t your fault. I… did something bad when I kissed you.”

“Why?”

“I… it was wrong of me.”

“You don’t like me, I’m guessing.”

He put his head in his hands,“To be honest, Y/n, I do like you. I’ve had these feelings for a while now, but… it’s not like how Euijoo-“

He cuts himself off.

“Euijoo thinks you only kissed me because I started wearing tight dresses and makeup, I know.”

“He said that?”

“Mhm.”

Yixiang frowned,“Euijoo of all people should know you’re way more than that. I realised I had feelings for you the time I got a cramp after a match, and you helped me out a lot. But… the thing is, Y/n, is that I kinda always knew that you liked me.”

“You did?”

“Yeah, but… there was someone else who really liked you. Someone who I really cared about. I never let myself look at you that way, until… it was basically impossible,”

She scoffed,“I can’t believe this,”

She and Yixiang had so many mutual friends growing up from school, it could’ve literally been anyone. The fact he knew all this time but never did anything because of someone else, it would’ve made her fully crash out if she wasn’t already questioning if her feelings for him still existed.

“But Y/n, I doubt you even want to be with me anymore, anyway, but, we can’t,” he bit his lip,”We can’t. I couldn’t-… there is… someone else who could love you exactly the way you deserve to be loved. If you’d just look at him,”

“Who?”

He smiles and shakes his head,“You have to figure that out yourself. As much as it hurts me to think of you with someone else, if we were together, I’d just feel guilty about taking you away from the person you’re supposed to be with. Your soulmate,”

His smile turned into a lopsided grin, and she rolled her eyes.

“I used to tell Taki you were my soulmate.”

“I know. Had my first girlfriend chased away because of that.”

She hit him on the arm, and he threw his head back in a laugh, and just like that, however many years of pining, daydreaming, yearning over Yixiang, waiting for the day he’d finally look at her in the way she was dying to be seen, were finally over.

Making up with Euijoo was a little different. She’d been ignoring his messages all day, but he didn’t really understand the concept of leaving her alone.

Joojoo🧡: i always told yixiang to stop

Joojoo🧡: im sorry for keeping it from you

Joojoo🧡: i did tell him to stop please believe me

Joojoo🧡: and i really didn’t mean to imply that yixiang only liked you for your appearance

Joojoo🧡: i talked to him today

Joojoo🧡: he had a massive go and me for that and i know now that’s not the case

Joojoo🧡: i’m sorry

Joojoo🧡: even if you weren’t ridiculously attractive anyone could fall for you just from your selflessness, kindness and intelligence

Joojoo🧡: you are so magnetic

Joojoo🧡: i really mean it, y/n.

y/n: come over?

Joojoo🧡: really?

Joojoo🧡: im at your door

Y/n and Euijoo sat on Y/n’s bed, Y/n with her knees drawn up to her chin and Euijoo cross-legged at the foot. Y/n didn’t feel uncomfortable even with the tension-filled silence that clung to the air. Euijoo always made her feel safe and warm, and just his presence was enough for that.

“Are we okay now?” He asked gently.

She nodded,“I can’t stay mad at you,”

He smiled, practically radiating joy and relief, and he reached forward and held her hand, rubbing his thumb softly over the back of it.

“Thank you,”

She smiled back,“Did Yixiang tell you about our conversation this morning?”

His smile wavered a little,“Not really. We actually argued today. We’ve been arguing since yesterday, actually. He just… told me I was an asshole for invalidating his feelings towards you. Which I deserved,”

Y/n felt her heart clenching painfully. The three of them had never argued before, especially Euijoo and Yixiang. Those two, although they’d never say it, loved and appreciated each other dearly. It made her feel a little crappy that the first time they’d fallen out was because of her.

“Are you…” Euijoo swallowed hard, looking away and blinking, before making eye contact again,”Are you and Yixiang together now?”

His voice cracked on the word ‘together’, as if it was painful for him to say.

She shook her head,“No. To be honest, I don’t think I actually like him anymore. Maybe I never really did, and I just liked the idea of him. But… as soon as I saw him smoke, that image kinda just… shattered,”

Euijoo nodded, squeezing her hand in his.

“Plus… he said something kinda weird today, about why we couldn’t be together,”

Euijoo’s posture straightened,“What did he say?”

She let out a soft chuckle as she recalled the memory,“He said he’d feel like he’d be taking me away from my soulmate. It’s just funny because, I didn’t expect him to believe in that concept,”

He hummed, shuffling a little closer to her on the mattress,“I think… I believe in soulmates,”

“Really?” Her eyebrows shot up,“You believe that out of the eight billion people on earth, there’s one person who you’re meant to be with?”

He shrugged, smiling a little,“I think so,”

She laughed, pulling her hand from his loose grip and pushing his shoulder,“You’re such a hopeless romantic,”

He laughed with her.

“Do you have hopes of meeting that person? What’s that Korean word - ‘in-yeon’? Fate between two people,”

The corners of his lips quirked upwards a little - he always had this kind of reaction whenever she tried to speak Korean. She suspected he was trying to stop himself from laughing at her pronunciation, but really he found it cute and endearing.

“It would be fate to be able to meet your soulmate - one person out of eight billion. But… I quite like my chances,”

part two.

a/n: i don’t have anything against smoking this is just for the story.

[vixstarria]

Sweat

Astarion, Halsin and Tav become a triad after the fall of the Netherbrain. This is a story of how it begins, progresses, and eventually ends.

Astarion x named F!Tav x Halsin

porn with (!) plot / character study, but through smut

18+, smut, threesome, double penetration, lots of dirty talk, what else... you know what, just refer to the AO3 tags, link below

In my headcanon, Halsin approaches both Asmodea and Astarion together, rather than just Asmodea alone.

This fic picks up their story where I left it in A Night at the Inn, and is a companion for Chapter 10 of Bloodbang Chronicles (in which Astarion is the one receiving - you can read that chapter as a standalone if you want). All three pieces are threesome smut.

Or, if you want more of Astarion's dynamic with Asmodea, check out Bloodbang Chronicles generally.

Anyway, enjoy!

Approx. 7.9k words

AO3

Each section break signifies a jump forward in time.

Of course the bloody druid was after her too - just about everyone else in this blasted group had been at one point or another. Astarion sighed inwardly as he observed the druid conversing with his lover.

Halsin hadn’t been with them long. He hadn’t mingled much with the rest of the group during the journey from the Emerald Grove, and then, on reaching the Shadowcursed Lands, he had stayed back at Last Light, having only rejoined them recently. 

But ever since, the druid had been giving Asmodea increasing amounts of attention. Even now, having just finished talking with her, Halsin's eyes trailed her as he drew on his pipe. 

Why should he be any different - just about everyone else had made some advances on their de facto ‘leader’ by then. Only Karlach had always stayed on friendly terms with her – Astarion had worried that might change after that blacksmith Dammon sorted her little tactile problem, but it appeared their bond had remained sister-like.

As for his own claim on the woman – it seemed he was widely disregarded as a rake. Taken for a temporary thing she and anyone else would discard without a moment’s hesitation, if anything more tangible came along. Never mind that his feelings had been growing each day, despite his efforts to the contrary. As had her own, towards him, unless he was blind.

Was she even aware of any of this..? She had to be.

As Astarion pondered this, Asmodea sat down next to him, pressing her thigh against his and leaning against him; as though just a small fragile thing seeking protection or warmth from him – despite the fact she barely needed the former anymore, and he couldn’t provide the latter. Still, it made for an excellent and obvious display for everyone around them. Without thinking, he pulled her against him by her waist, pressing his lips against her temple. 

She looked up at him, eyes twinkling in lighthearted glee. 

“I know,” she whispered, inclining her head slightly towards the druid.

“I know you know,” Astarion murmured back. Well, now he did, anyway.

“Good,” she said, giving him a quick peck on the lips and turning her attention to the food in front of her. 

Astarion glanced at Halsin, who sat across the fire. The druid met his gaze. Not in challenge, but rather with... open curiosity. The druid’s lips curled in a genuine smile, his eyes lingering on Astarion’s longer than generally acceptable.

…Oh. …Hah!

Astarion looked away, amused, smirking into his wine goblet. It seemed he had misread the druid, somewhat. Yes, he knew that look very well.

Godsdamned wood elves…

“Could you go ask Lae’zel for one of her training swords?” 

“Why?” 

“I’ll show you. ...But also I think she will be less inclined to murder me for wasting everyone’s time, if she’s curious about me needing a sword with my morning bath.” 

“She’ll have to murder me and Halsin first.” Astarion grumbled, but left the inn’s bathing room to retrieve the sword. 

Him and Halsin… A debaucherous night spent with both of them, lasting well into the morning. Astarion had mostly watched or directed her and Halsin, still not wanting to be touched himself, but it was, undoubtedly, the most they had done since before the night they had their heart to heart in the Shadowcursed Lands.

Halsin hesitated at the door.   

“Before I leave this room, I must know... Once this door shuts behind me, is... this-” he gestured at the three of them, “staying behind as well? Or can the future hold something for us?” She knew the druid would have accepted whichever answer he was given, but she could tell he was a hair’s breadth from a pained expression.

She exchanged a look with Astarion. It was he who finally spoke.   

“It doesn’t have to stay behind. You’ve been better for us than you might realise,” he said, with a grin. “But let’s talk about that later.”   

“I am glad,” Halsin said, smiling, before leaving. 

What in the hells had they just started..? 

Astarion returned with the blunted practice weapon.

“Most of the others have gone out into the city. And you were right, the moment I asked Lae’zel for a sword, she swapped all murderous intent to curiosity.”

Asmodea took the sword and submerged most if it in the lukewarm water in the tub, channelling a Heat Metal spell through it.

“Old bard trick,” she explained to Astarion, waiting for the water to heat up. “So,” she added, looking up at Astarion. “Halsin.”

“Yes,” he said, thoughtfully. “Halsin.”

They exchanged and held equally incredulous looks, before breaking out into laughter.

“I told you he wanted both of us!” Asmodea exclaimed amid the tittering. “So… What do you think? Truly?” she asked once the laughter had died down a bit.

“It… It was certainly entertaining, sharing you with him,” Astarion snickered.

“And you..? Do you think you would be comfortable..? Being ‘shared’?”

“I’m not averse to the idea... But, for now, he might be more than I can handle.”

“...Well, with enough patience, determination and grease...”

“Why do I even like you...” Astarion muttered, heaving a massive, exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes. “That is not how I meant that!” he exclaimed. “...Although that too, most likely.”

They broke into another fit of laughter.

“But I… I don’t see any harm in it. I think it could be good, even,” Astarion said, softly this time, once they had both calmed down. “What about you..?”

Astarion sat on the roof of the Elfsong, watching the streets below. He was most certainly not on the lookout for two figures - a slender one with a disarray of locs on her head, and a robust-looking one that would tower over the first. How long had they been gone now, anyway?

He sipped his wine, straight from the bottle. It was pleasant, but lacked the kick he had grown used to from adding blood to it. Wyll would have agreed to donate some, if he’d only asked, but he couldn’t bear to go downstairs and be seen by anyone. He knew what they were all thinking.

Asmodea and Halsin had been eager to explore whatever it was they had set in motion. As for Astarion, after the initial elation had subsided, he just wanted time to himself to think, and so he had all but shoved them out the door together. Halsin had made it abundantly clear he wanted to include Astarion. Astarion, in turn, assured them both that he was happy for them to spend some time alone that night. And Asmodea… Asmodea had been visibly conflicted, but listened to him in the end.

And now he was hiding out on the roof, not being in the mood to explain to anyone why his lover had suddenly taken off with another. They had tried to be discreet, but you couldn’t sneeze without everyone in camp knowing about it and making it their business, much less have a little… arrangement.

Was that all it was?

He probed at his own feelings as he swirled the wine in his mouth, and found them to be a nonsensical potpourri of jealousy, relief, doubt, giddiness, inadequacy, excitement, fear and hope. The emotions mixed and swirled, constantly replacing one another at the forefront of his mind.

Astarion found himself, once again, contemplating how he himself felt about the druid.

There was a physical attraction, certainly. But also an admiration. A certain peace and serenity was to be found in his company - something Astarion hadn’t felt in centuries. Astarion often found himself discarding all his usual masks with Halsin, disarmed by the druid’s own earnestness.

Above all, he felt safe.

What would it be like..? Having this… gentle giant, to share with Asmodea.

Sweet pondering thoughts switched abruptly to more mundane and grounded ones.

What were they doing now? Talking about him, perhaps? Resolving that he wasn’t necessary after all? Or maybe just happily fucking each other’s brains out, not giving him a single thought to begin with?

Was all this just a massive, stupid mistake?

Thoughts spiralling and racing, Astarion gulped down more of the wine. He could go for more of that herb, whatever it was, that Halsin had given him the other night, Astarion thought - he refused to believe it was really catnip. He surveyed the street below, again. How long could it possibly take?!

Karlach appeared on the roof, holding a bottle of her own by the neck.

Ah, here comes the envoy of the pity committee…

“Hey Fangs. You alright..? Do I need to knock some sense into anyone?”

“I’ll have you know, I had their invitation, and they had my blessing,” he all but snarled, choosing to cut straight to the point.

“Right, whatever,” she said, sitting down next to him. “You elves are fucking weird, you know.”

“Yes, well, after a few centuries you change your perspective on some trivialities,” he snapped.

Karlach only emitted a brief, bitter laugh.

…Shit.

Astarion belatedly realised she was the last person to whom he should have said anything about longevity or life expectancy. He turned to look at her. Her forehead, he now noticed, bore a sheen of perspiration despite the pleasantly cool weather, her breathing was more laboured than usual.

“How’s your engine?” he asked, softly.

“Shit,” she said, taking a swig from her bottle, and drawing her knees up against her chest.

Another nail for his proverbial coffin.

He reached out, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, letting her lean against himself. He didn’t know what to say, but this - this was close enough to what he had done countless times for drunk and newly single women seeking a shoulder to cry on and a dick to ride on, before whisking them to their demise - though he truly meant the gesture this time.

“Saw an old friend of mine today,” Karlach said, quietly. “She’s having a baby. I told her I’d go see her once all this was over.” She sniffed, masking it as a chuckle. “Never going to happen, is it?”

Cazador’s presence still looming over him, tadpole still in his brain, his lover in another’s arms (at his own insistence, no less), AND he could lose his friend any day.

Astarion said nothing and rubbed her shoulder.

He lay in bed when Asmodea finally returned. She seemed hesitant, only giving him a worried look when she realised he was still awake. He wordlessly lifted the edge of the blanket in invitation. With some relief writ on her face, she joined him under the covers. She fidgeted, as though unsure just how to settle down, until he pulled her tightly against himself.

“Do you want to know..?” she asked.

He thought she would smell of the druid. Instead, she smelled like she just bathed.

“Not really,” he answered.

She snuggled against him as she would ordinarily, to go to sleep, but the silence between them was pregnant, and before long, she sighed and leaned away from him, reclining on her elbow.

“Star…”

Astarion opened his eyes and met her gaze.

Gods, but he didn’t want to talk about anything just then.

He pressed a finger to her lips, then stroked her face, gently, looking into her eyes. What was it he read in them..? Concern, maybe. Worry. Pleading? Was that… fear..?

Something twisted in his chest. He couldn’t bear to have her look at him like that.

He pulled her back against himself, pressing his lips against hers, as she melted into him, her tension beginning to dissipate. She wanted to say something, but he kissed her again and again, hands beginning to roam her. If only he could show her all his love... He caressed reassurance into her body, as he knew words would fail him now. Pulled her clothes off so he could feel her, all of her, and be felt. She did the same for him, also having given up on saying anything, turning instead to conveying her affection and longing through touch alone, just as they had done all that time ago, when their blossoming love for one another was still an open but unspoken secret.

But what had happened to this same body earlier..?

Even through the tenderness that had just overtaken him, he found that the thought intrigued him. His mind wandered to images of her writhing with the druid, coming undone in ecstasy, the way he had already witnessed them do earlier. The images caused a warm coil to tighten at the bottom of his stomach. How close were they to reality, he wondered.

As her clothes came off and her body wrapped around his, his fingers probed and sought evidence of her evening. Was she too tender? Too swollen? Did she seem sore? Was she bruised anywhere? The druid had been mindful of his proportions and movements in the night that they all shared together, but who knew, maybe Halsin lost his restraint and had simply healed any damage he had done after.

Perhaps he did want to know.

Lewd thoughts turned to outrage at the very idea that anyone might have possibly hurt what was his. Even if he willingly shared some part of her. She was his.

Astarion’s arms tightened around her, and he deepened his kiss, moaning into her mouth. She tangled her fingers in his hair and whimpered, softly.

“Ugh, gross…” Astarion heard Karlach saying a few beds over. “Hey Gale… Gale!”

The wizard produced something between a snore and a disgruntled salutation, and cast a habitual sphere of silence around the pair’s bed, before presumably immediately falling back asleep somewhere beyond the privacy screens.

Astarion’s fingers slipped between Asmodea’s legs, earning him a moan as she spread wider for him. Wet, so wet. For him. As she should be.

He wanted to fuck her hard into the bed, lay his claim on her, but he didn’t want to be compared with the druid so soon after whatever had happened between him and her. Instead, he slipped his fingers inside her, twisting and curling them, digging into the sweet spot within her - where she told him no one before him had ever pleasured her properly. This was his and his only. He pressed his fingers into it rougher than usual, until she panted and whined. Had she made these same sounds for Halsin earlier this night?

“Gods… Please don’t stop,” she gasped.

“Oh I’m not stopping anytime soon, darling,” he whispered in her ear.

Perhaps sensing something different in his voice, she opened her eyes and looked up at him as he leaned over her, his fingers still working inside her.

“How many times did you come for him?”

“Ast-” she began.

“How many?” he asked again, punctuating his words by rolling her clit with his thumb.

She swallowed hard, her cunt already starting to pulse in little pre-orgasm contractions around his fingers.

“Twice,” she said, wetting her lips.

“Then you owe me three.”

He moved his hand faster, mercilessly building more and more pressure.

Mine… Before anyone else’s, mine. Not the druid’s. Not her bloody patron’s. Not the godsdamned Emperor’s. Not that devil’s. No one’s. Only mine.

Her moans were mounting, almost turning into screams. She sat up, leaning back on her elbows, stilling, looking into his eyes and accepting what he was giving her. Just as she threw her head back and released a desperate groan, he sank his fangs into her neck.

Mine, mine, mine, mine…

She came all over his hand, completely losing all control, legs shaking as he stroked her more gently through her orgasm, even as he drank from her.

He broke away from her neck, humming soothingly as she gasped and sobbed quietly in the aftershocks of her orgasm. He kissed up her neck until his lips were at her ear again.

“One.”

Astarion watched Asmodea and Karlach toppling over one another, laughing, as they swapped stories of living in Avernus and living on the road travelling inn to inn (which at times sounded to have been rougher than Avernus). Halsin shared their table. He had been nursing the same tankard of mead for the past few hours, Astarion noticed, probably having gotten the drink solely to avoid anyone else inevitably forcing one on him.

A semi-decent bardic troupe had taken stage, playing something raucous but catchy.

“Come on, Halsin, come dance with me!” Karlach offered.

“I’m afraid I have two left legs, and a bear’s grace besides,” he declined with a smile and firm shake of his head.

“Aww,” Karlach pouted. “What about you, Fangs? Dance with me?”

“Darling, you have to wine and dine me before you get to dance me, and I’ve been carrying your tab ever since we got to the city.”

“Please??”

“No.”

“Ever seen a cat on a leash?” Asmodea butted in. “When it just plops down on the ground and refuses to move, even as you drag it? That’s Astarion when he doesn’t want to do something,” she laughed. “Let’s go, I’ll dance with you.”

And just like that, Astarion found himself left alone at the table with Halsin.

“Perhaps something needs to be said,” Halsin remarked with a coy grin, once the silence stretched too long for comfort. If Astarion hadn’t known any better, he might even have thought that the druid was teasing him.

Oh for hells’ sake…

Without a word, Astarion turned towards the druid, grasped his face with both hands, and pulled him down to kiss him.

Somewhere in the back of Astarion’s mind, he thought that if he had been a poet, he would have said that the kiss tasted something like honey and the warmth of a hearth on a rainy night. But no, the kiss mostly tasted like Halsin’s tobacco mixture, with a subtle hint of the cheap mead he had been pretending to drink. By no means repugnant, but not earth-shattering either.

But then he was pulled against a broad chest by strong but gentle hands, his kiss returned with tender passion and reverence, and something inside him fluttered.

They had taken to sleeping together, tiring of the game of musical chairs when it came to the large bed at their disposal, and the necessity to continuously move their things around.

They hadn’t had another night as debauched as their very first one - a kind of subdued modesty had replaced open lust once feelings were laid bare, their lovemaking treated with delicacy.

It hadn’t yet been long since Astarion had begun allowing himself to fully indulge in sex again, and thus far it had only been with Asmodea, and only privately.

That night, they both happened to find themselves awake next to the sleeping druid. Unassuming embraces led to tender kisses, led to sensual touches, led to unabashed groping and stroking, until they became a tangle of limbs, giggling and shushing at each other, a sheet pulled over their heads as though it would hide or muffle anything they had been doing.

Astarion had been leaving a trail of kisses down Asmodea’s neck when she realised that the sheet was slowly but steadily slipping off to one side. She turned her now uncovered head to see Halsin tugging on the covers, until she and Astarion were laid completely bare before the druid.

Astarion glanced at the other elf but only went right back to kissing and caressing her, like it was the most normal and natural thing in the world to do so before an audience.

Asmodea’s breath hitched as Astarion’s fingers, which had been playing with a nipple, slid lower, to stroke her slit, gliding with no resistance, spreading her slick.

“Hmm, already..?” he purred in her ear. “You like being watched, don’t you?” He grinned and continued to caress between her legs, dipping his fingers inside her.

“Whatever gave you that idea?” she said, innocently.

Astarion simply brought his fingers up to her mouth in response, letting her lick and suck her own juices off them, groaning softly. He continued to move his fingers in and out of her mouth, letting her suck and nibble on them.

“Should we show him more, my love?” he murmured, loud enough that he was sure that Halsin heard as well. “Should we show him how I make you come?”

An assenting hum had barely left Asmodea, when Astarion sat up between her legs, reaching to rub and slide his erection between her legs, coating it in her slick.

“My wanton minx… Always so eager,” he purred, before burying his cock inside her.

He plunged deep inside, but only gave her a few cursory thrusts, before leaning over her and beginning to roll his hips against her in hard, rhythmical, circular motions. He kept her stretched and full with his cock, but didn’t give her much inner friction, instead focusing the pressure on her clit. Persistent, knowing, unrelenting. But also gentle and loving. He could keep going like this as long as she needed - not that this ever took long.

Asmodea moaned and sighed in pleasure, the sensation gently but steadily bringing her closer and closer to her peak. She relaxed into it, beginning to pulse and squeeze around Astarion’s length before long, her moans building.

“That’s it, show him…” he purred. “Show him how you come on my cock.”

The sound of his voice brought her over the edge, melting helplessly under him in soft, keening moans. Only then did he really begin thrusting, perhaps being unable to withstand any more of this tease himself.

She doubted it had been much of a display, but the druid stirred next to them with a throaty groan,

“Beautiful…” he whispered.

Asmodea drew Astarion in a kiss, before rolling on top of him, dismounting, and kissing down his neck and torso towards his cock, rock-hard with his own unreleased need.

He breathed hard as she kissed and licked around it, perhaps not entirely unaffected by the presence of another in their bed either.

“Do you want me to do this,” she purred, regarding him from beneath her lashes, as she kissed the tender skin of his inner thighs, “or Halsin?”

Astarion hesitated, cock twitching in desperation to be pleasured by anyone.

“You,” he breathed, finally. She eagerly licked up his shaft and swirled her tongue around the head, and Astarion fell back against the pillows, shutting his eyes and tangling his fingers in her hair. “…This time,” he added.

It was Halsin’s decision to return to Reithwin after the fall of the Netherbrain. He sought to rebuild the city, gathering orphans, misfits and others who were displaced by the Absolute’s army. Astarion and Asmodea chose to go with him, not wanting to be separated, and not having any better ideas or plans besides.

It was a strange time in their lives. Elation at newfound freedom, mixed with the grief for the loss of Astarion’s ability to walk in the sun, and the overall uncertainty of their future. Neither were accustomed to what they had found themselves in.

Asmodea had returned to what she knew best, providing entertainment for the residents of the settlement. The children adored her, to her bemusement, bringing her small gifts: drawings, wreaths made of flowers that now grew throughout what used to be cursed and barren lands, beads they insisted she braid and tie into her hair.

Astarion in turn had been talked by Halsin into giving literacy and history lessons to the orphans. In part because there weren’t many others willing or able to do it, and in part, Asmodea suspected, simply to give him something to occupy himself with - he tried to hide it, but he had been miserable ever since the tadpole was removed from his brain along with all its benefits.

She walked in at the end of one such lesson, the makeshift classroom illuminated by candles and magelights, curtains and shutters drawn securely against the daylight.

“You’re very patient with them,” Asmodea noted with a smile, once the classroom cleared.

“I have an entire eternity to wait while they figure out the difference between ‘d’ and ‘b’,” Astarion sighed.

“Another group arrived today. Lots of kids. They’ll be joining these before long.”

“If they must,” Astarion rolled his eyes. “But can you do me a favour?” he asked. “No more teenage girls - someone else can deal with them. In fact, you take them.”

Asmodea lifted an eyebrow in question.

“They come in here, painted with rouge and charcoal, and try to make eyes at me instead of listening,” Astarion explained. “It’s disconcerting.”

The three lounged on a sofa in the house they had claimed for themselves. At one end, Halsin was busy with some ledgers that had been dumped on him - gods only knew why, he didn’t have a head for this kind of work. At the other, Astarion was likewise quietly busy with some novel, biding his time until the last rays of the sun hid. He would be out the door for a hunt the moment it was safe for him. Asmodea sprawled between them, her head on Astarion’s lap, her legs thrown over one of Halsin’s thighs.

Gods, but she was bored.

She regarded Halsin and the open misery written on his face as he tried to reconcile… What was it? Purchase orders of masonry and tools, against what had actually been recorded as delivered, against what had been charged.

Her bare foot slid between Halsin’s legs and pressed into his crotch, through his breeches.

“Could it be one of the missing hammers is here..?”

“Not now, my heart,” was his response.

She continued to lightly rub her foot against the bulge.

“Or is this one of the pillars..?”

“I must finish this before tomorrow,” he said, though he did not shift away from her, and had indeed begun to harden beneath her prodding.

“My, it’s erecting all by itself, why have we bothered to order any supplies at all when we have such marvels at hand?”

“You are truly testing my patience today,” he said in a low growl.

The ledger went flying across the room as she kicked it out of Halsin’s hands. The druid’s nostrils flared and he gave her a smouldering look.

“I warned you.”

She squealed as she found herself suddenly yanked by her leg down the sofa, off Astarion’s lap.

“Astarion!!” she laughed, reaching for him.

“No, no darling, you poked the bear and brought this upon yourself,” he said, unaffected, turning a page. “Now you must face the consequences.”

Halsin pulled her onto his own lap, flipping her onto her stomach, holding her down firmly with one hand, and pulling her pants down with the other.

“You brute! Just what do you think you’re doing?!” she cried out, trying not to laugh.

Halsin, though a generous, attentive and passionate lover, was not ordinarily one for such games, and getting him into a state of mind for one was a rare treat.

A loud sound resonated through the room, as a smack landed on one of her ass cheeks.

“I am teaching you a lesson.”

It could have been much harder, the druid was holding back, as per usual.

“How dare you?! Release me at once, you savage,” she cried, her voice faltering on the last word, as Halsin delivered another smack.

Astarion shifted where he lounged, now watching them through lidded eyes.

“It’s no use, you know - you’re just throwing more oil on the flames.”

Asmodea gasped as Halsin’s hand slid between her legs, stroking her.

“You’re right. Should I cease?”

She struggled and kicked but remained securely restrained by the druid, his digits now slipping inside her rapidly moistening hole.

“Absolutely not. You must remain steadfast and determined. Perhaps double down on your efforts until you see a result.”

The hand between her legs left and delivered a series of blows on her rear, the slaps now having a sting to them. Asmodea moaned between each one.

She looked at Astarion with her best round-eyed pleading face. His own book had been discarded as well.

“Star? My love? My sweet? Are you just - ah! - going to let him do this to me?!”

“There there, my love… I’ll kiss it better once he’s done with you.”

They lay beneath the stars, bathed in moonlight, the night warm and serene. Asmodea’s head rested on Astarion’s shoulder, their fingers entwined.

“What is the difference between me and him, for you?” Astarion asked, softly. “In the way you feel about us?”

She paused to consider her words before responding.

“With you, I feel like I can take on the entire world. Like we could set it ablaze and stand atop a pile of rubble, holding hands and watching it all burn,” she answered, before growing quiet again for some moments.

“And with him, I feel like maybe the world doesn’t need to burn. ...Or if it does, no matter what, he would be an undisturbed, peaceful grove. A place where one would be protected and nourished. Where they could forget about everything outside. ...Only they couldn’t stay in that grove forever.”

“That’s a good way of putting it,” Astarion chuckled quietly. “I think I feel more or less the same way. It’s that, and…” he began to say something, but cut himself short, and shook his head, not finishing the sentence.

“And what?” Asmodea encouraged him, smiling. “Tell me!”

“It’s going to sound completely idiotic after what you just said,” he explained, before sighing and continuing, at her insistence. “…And sometimes, it… feels nice, for me, to be the small and delicate one,” he explained, coyly.

Halsin’s cock filled her, thrusting into her in short, rhythmic strokes - he was always so conscious of not hurting anyone, even when they wanted him to simply let go.

She arched her back, legs spread wide, ass raised to meet his hips, and bucked back into him wantonly, sliding on his length. Her back would hurt later, but for now she didn’t have a care in the world.

Astarion’s cock filled her mouth. She worked it with the rhythm of Halsin’s thrusts from behind her, keeping a hand firmly on the base of his shaft, in case any sudden surprises came from Halsin.

“Good girl…” groaned Astarion. “My good, dirty girl…”

“She’s like a wildcat in heat,” followed from Halsin, his voice heavy with lust.

She moaned at the praise and curved her back further, trying to open herself up even more, urging Halsin further, deeper.

He gripped her hips harder with one of his hands, continuing to thrust into her, and dragged the fingertips of the other along and up her ass cheek, until they brushed over her puckered hole.

She groaned around Astarion’s cock as Halsin’s thumb teased around the edge of her asshole, hoping he would do more, trying to buck and grind her hips against his cock and hand harder.

“Careful, it’s me she’ll bite if you make her too desperate,” warned Astarion.

Halsin applied more pressure, rubbing her hole, as she mewled and whined around Astarion’s cock, trying to continue sucking it, but losing any finesse or rhythm. It only made him gasp and bury his fingers in her hair, tugging on it and holding her in place, as he started to fuck her mouth himself.

“If you want me to stop, just say the word,” said Halsin. Fucking hilarious, she thought, considering the things that were happening to her mouth at that moment. Well, they did have other ways of communicating set in place, for just this type of situation.

“She doesn’t want you to stop one bit,” purred Astarion. “Do you, pet?” He tugged on her hair and tilted her head, keeping his cock deep in her mouth. “Look at me,” he whispered. She met his eyes as he continued to slide his cock between her lips. His pupils were blown with lust and want. “Do you like what he’s doing?”

Asmodea could only hum in assent. The pressure from Halsin’s finger told her he was just on the cusp of dipping inside, and it was driving her mad.

“Think your tight little hole is ready for more today..?” Astarion purred, stroking her face as he fucked it. “Tell me.”

His dick slipped out of her mouth.

“Yes, for hells’ sake,” she gasped.

But, to her dismay, the druid slid out of her entirely, leaving her frustrated and empty. Before she could react, Astarion lifted her up on her knees from her position on all fours, and kissed her, caressing and teasing her tongue with his own.

“Do you want to try something new with us?” he whispered, his lips brushing against her own, before leaning away.

Off to her side, Halsin had laid on his back, lazily stroking his cock, which had remained at full mast for her. He beckoned her with his free hand, and, released by Astarion, she crawled on top of him. She wanted to taste him then, but he kept leading her up, until their hips were level, and then impatiently plunged back inside her.

Astarion’s arm wrapped around her from behind, and brought her back up into a sitting position on Halsin’s cock. He kissed and nibbled on her neck as the druid thrusted shallowly inside her. 

Had they orchestrated this..?

“Hmm,” Asmodea hummed, with a sly smile. “What was that about tight holes?”

“Oh, this?” Astarion said, distractedly, sliding his fingers along her hip and the cleft of her ass until it reached her asshole and rubbed, teasing. “Why, is there something you want me to do with it..?”

She nearly hissed at him for his gloating, but Halsin chose that moment to pinch one of her nipples, and the noise that came out of her instead was closer to a whimper.

“You’re the one who said something about… wanting to try something new.” she managed, as Astarion continued to rub her hole, smirking. “So what is it?”

“Guess,” he purred against the shell of her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Astarion had fucked her ass before. He wasn’t the first person she’d tried that with, but he was the one who managed to teach her to actually enjoy it. It wouldn’t be that, not exactly, but given Halsin’s presence and their obvious smugness - even Halsin appeared cocksure and brash…

“Are you both going to fuck me at once?” she grinned, biting her lip.

“Do you want us to?” he asked, his voice pure velvet. “Say it.”

Gods, this fucking man... Fine, two could play this game. Three, if Halsin was in the mood to go along with it - he usually wasn’t vocal, a contrast to Astarion, who simply wouldn’t ever shut up.

She leaned back, twisting and grinding hard against Halsin, and caught Astarion’s earlobe between her teeth, nipping at it, before murmuring back to him.

“I want to feel both of you, at once, fucking me, filling me. Now will you stop dallying? I want you inside me.”

Astarion let out what sounded like an involuntary groan, but before Asmodea could claim moral victory, she found herself thrown against Halsin’s chest, still stuffed with his cock, ass up.

“Inside you..? Where? Here?” Astarion asked, innocently, just before crouching down to tongue her asshole.

She gasped and laughed, squirming at the sudden sensation. But at last, it appeared Astarion had had enough of teasing her, as he retrieved a vial of oil, and hastily but generously coated his fingers with it, spreading it over her puckered hole as well.

She ground lightly against Halsin as Astarion inserted one finger, and then, at her obvious ease and eagerness, another. The druid was holding her down, not giving her much friction, and she mewled in protest at being restrained so.

“I thought you’d like that…” Astarion breathed in her ear. “More..?”

His fingers were a teasing promise of everything he was about to do to her, and she found she simply could not wait, and could not allow Astarion to find any reason to keep holding back.

“Please…” she begged.

“Please what?” he rasped.

“Please fuck me.”

She heard his breath hitch at her pleading. His fingers slipped out, and moments later, at last, she felt the tip of his cock against her entrance, slowly but insistently pushing its way in. She gasped as the sensation became overwhelming. There was no possible way that she could fit a single millimetre more of him, couldn’t be stretched even a hair’s width wider - and yet he kept going, cooing at her wide-eyed whimpers, until he filled her completely, pressing his chest against her back.

“Well look at you, filled to the brim with elf cock…” Astarion’s taunt didn’t carry its usual edge, given the way his voice trembled. 

“I think she’s earned a little reward for that,” said Halsin, reaching up to cup and tenderly caress her breasts.

“I think so too,” said Astarion.

Astarion’s fingers, still covered in some of the oil, snaked down her stomach to her clit, and began drawing circles around it. Asmodea shut her eyes and threw her head back against Astarion’s shoulder, moaning.

The sensation, starting off as a building warmth, quickly grew more intense as his fingers sped up, gliding over her sensitive bundle of nerves. Her hips began to twitch, but were held down securely by Halsin, as he started to thrust up into her.

“This is your reward for being such a good girl,” Astarion whispered in her ear, his fingers now flicking her clit quickly.

She was caught off-guard by how quickly an orgasm overtook her, suddenly finding herself melting, helplessly pulsing and clenching around the hard lengths inside her. The sheer force of it had both Astarion and Halsin groaning and gasping, in short order.

“Gods… We have to make her do that again,” laughed Astarion.

“You’ve read my mind,” the druid said in agreement.

They both began to thrust into her, gently but persistently, rhythmically, and all she could do was pant and whimper at the stretch of both their cocks inside her, even as they talked around her.

“She’s so incredibly tight like this,” Astarion groaned. He paused, briefly, with an incredulous, breathy laugh. “I can feel you through her,” he gasped. “I can feel you thrusting.”

“Can you..?” Halsin rasped, and sped up, gripping her hips tightly, making both Asmodea and Astarion pant. Astarion swore through his teeth and picked up his own pace, unable to hold back any longer.

Asmodea found herself thrown atop the druid’s chest once again, as her lovers lost their reserve and began fucking her vigorously.

Good, it felt so fucking good, this intense pounding in both her holes, and she tried to voice as much, knowing how much Astarion loved it when she talked or praised him during their lovemaking, but any words she tried to say came out as unintelligible babbling.

It was a wonder how easily they’d found this maddening rhythm, working seamlessly to bring her and each other over the edge with their thrusting - but she supposed they had a combined 500 years of experience on her, at least.

She gave up on trying to say anything and simply moaned into Halsin’s neck.

“Is our little vixen going to come for us again..?” Astarion had crouched over her, keeping her sandwiched between himself and Halsin.

Her clit was pressed tightly against Halsin’s pelvis, and between that, the way the head of his impressive cock dragged against all her most sensitive parts with each thrust, as well as the sensation of Astarion’s hips mercilessly snapping against her ass, burying himself in her again and again, another orgasm began to wash over her.

Feeling her walls throb, nearing another climax, the elves also lost all control, chasing their own release within her body with reckless abandon. Her world became nought but bucking hips and the sound of grunts and smacking flesh. She could no longer tell where her body ended and theirs began. Her legs shook as everything between them convulsed in shockwaves resonating through her entire body. Astarion bit down on her shoulder with a strangled groan just as Halsin gave her a final hard thrust with an animalistic growl.

Asmodea’s vision blurred, and she must have passed for some moments, as she came to, to find that the frantic pounding had once again been replaced by gentle rocking, as final orgasmic aftershocks were ridden out.

Astarion slipped out of her first, leaving a trail of tender kisses down her shoulders and back, as Halsin simply embraced her, pressing his lips against the crown of her head, while she continued to lie on his chest.

“Did you like that, darling?” Astarion whispered, as though he had any doubt about the answer.

“Uh-huh,” she managed, remaining on top of Halsin as Astarion got up, somewhat shaky, in search of a towel.

“Are you well, my heart?” Halsin murmured to her.

“Yep,” she susurrated. “I’m just going to stay right here for now - I don’t think my legs are willing to listen to me yet.”

The druid chuckled and held her closer.

A bead of sweat rolled from Halsin’s forehead, down his nose, and dropped right into Asmodea’s eye.

She blinked and rubbed at it, trying to do it quickly, without drawing any attention to it, so it wouldn’t break the mood. It wasn’t a big deal, but gods was it irritating when it happened... …Gah, she had been so close, too.

The sex was great, truly, but this - the godsdamned sweat - was an area where Astarion won by a landslide - his body being much cooler, he simply did not perspire anywhere near as much as Halsin. His body would heat up from exertion, or from absorbing the warmth of his surroundings, but it was rare for his skin to even grow damp. Meanwhile, a prolonged cuddle session with Halsin, not to mention laying with him, inevitably ended with Asmodea lying or sliding in a puddle. 

Astarion didn’t mind the heat radiating from the druid, and in fact preferred to wrap himself around Halsin when sleeping, but not possessing his own body heat, this only served to cool the druid down. Asmodea could not boast the same.

A multitude of other little things that once seemed endearing had begun to grate on her nerves as well, of late.

Halsin’s insistence on the orphans being welcome to run rampant through their home, including when she just wanted some peace and quiet. The ever-present aroma of tobacco - she enjoyed it when it was fresh, but after living together it seemed to permeate everything, including all of her possessions. The silent but disapproving sadness in his eyes when he brewed her fertility suppressant teas. The way he always forgot that the automatic pens did not need to be dipped in ink, or his blatant refusal to believe that their wall clock was accurate and reliable, instead opting to judge the time of day by the position of the moon or sun.

Astarion didn’t seem to mind most of that. In fact, his connection with the druid had only grown since their little triad had become official.

At wasn’t as sexual for the two of them – that aspect had always seemed to mostly hinge on Asmodea’s presence. Rather, they took on roles not unlike an old married couple’s - not necessarily approving of, but being resigned to each other’s routines and ways, and finding a quiet comfort in each other’s company.

And a comfort there was, for all of them. Serenity in their closeness. The pleasure of long, fascinating conversations about anything and everything, held over cozy nights. The simple security of being with those who would never cause harm or disrespect (unless they were asked to very nicely, anyway). The sheer strength of sexual attraction. Even if, for Asmodea, it all had never held quite the same spark as it had with Astarion. The same desperate need to love and be loved, needing the other the way one needed air. That part of her had always been Astarion’s.

Though Astarion hadn’t voiced any complaints about the druid, he had taken to frequently grumbling about their surroundings, saying his blades and wits had been growing dull. 

He had been losing his mind from boredom. Being confined within a small settlement grated on him. Though reluctantly accepted by the residents, he was viewed as an oddity and was generally avoided. In turn, he was completely disinterested in the town’s affairs and its success. The teaching had become a joyless chore. He was stagnating.

Asmodea lay contemplating all of this in his arms later that morning, once Halsin had gotten up for the day. Increasingly, these thoughts wouldn’t leave her mind. Instead, they had become a constant haunting presence.

“Is everything okay..?” came a murmur from Astarion.

“Hmm? Oh, yes. It’s just… I think…” She hesitated, not knowing how to even begin putting any of it into words.

“You’re no longer happy,” Astarion said quietly.

“Mmhmm,” was all she managed, suddenly finding herself choked up.

Astarion went silent for a short while, before speaking.

“Is it me?” he asked. “Please just be honest.”

“What? No! It’s just… It’s the…” she paused, sighing, before words began spilling out of her. “Halsin, for instance. He’s just so damned good. And so certain in his knowledge, so set in his ways, so adamant about everything he feels needs to be done… And he’s so damned patient, too.”

“All his virtues are an absolute travesty, yes.”

“And in his patience,” Asmodea continued, “he makes me feel like I’m a child that he’s waiting to grow up. And I won’t. Because I’m not. …Does that make sense? ...Fuck, I don’t even know where I’m going with this. And then there’s all this,” she said, gesturing around them, “it was always his. It never became mine, or yours, I don’t think.”

“No,” Astarion whispered.

“I think… I think I just don’t want to be here, and as long as I stay here, I feel like no matter what I do, I’m being unfair to him, or to you, or to both. I don’t know what to do.” Her eyes watered. “I only know how not to be unfair to myself, and that means leaving,” she whispered.

“It’s not working anymore, is it, darling?” Astarion said, giving her a sad smile that made her heart clench.

“You can stay here, if you want,” she said, uselessly. “I can see how close you are.”

“You’re out of your mind if you think I want to stay here, much less stay here without you.”

She breathed a sigh of relief and hugged him.

“Where to, then? Back to Baldur’s Gate..?” he asked.

She nodded, wiping at her eyes.

“I think that’s the best option. It’s not that far, we could always write and visit.”

“We could,” said Astarion.

“I’ve had enough of tramping around, I want a place of my own, without any screaming children. And with proper walls. Locked doors. And plumbing.”

Astarion chuckled.

“And whatever shall we do in Baldur’s Gate, besides anything we damn well please?”

“I’ve been thinking about that… We could see just how far our ‘hero’ status can take us, capitalise on that…” Asmodea said, beginning to relax.

“And then? You’re grinning like you already have a plan.”

“More a dream than a plan. Promise not to laugh?”

“No.”

“Well, I’ll tell you anyway. So I’ve always wanted to open and run my own theatre...”

~~~~~

Thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed this, check out A Night at the Inn and Bloodbang Chronicles!

Find the fic on AO3 as well.

Series masterlist

Tags:

@littleenglishfangirl @something-pithy @darlingxdragon @tragedybunny @spunky-89

@lariatbunny @whiskeyskin @asterordinary @wingsy-keeper-of-songs @spacebarbarianweird

@brabblesblog @littlejuicebox @icybluepenguin @snowfolly @ayselluna

@mj-bites @bardic-inspo @twirlywhirlywriting

[wangxianficfinder]

Fic Finder

Jan 17th

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1. Hello! For the Fic Finder, this is a bit of a spoiler for the ending of a fic. Reincarnation AU request, I just finished reading "All Old Things are New Again" which involves if you meet someone you knew or had a strong connection in a prior life you'll start ugly crying and sobbing without knowing why. I remember reading a fic that ended that way, the premise that the reincarnation cycle began again. It is not "Life Cycle of the Frog and the Fish" though. Thank you!

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2. Hello! I'm looking for a fic, I already finish reading it last year and I really really really wanna read it again. It's a wangxian (of course) that wwx was sacrificial summon by a woman/girl that somehow lives in a brothel then wwx burning the brothel down to the ground and running for his life with a little brother and sister with him, pass forward in the last parts the little brother telling wwx that he knows that wwx is "not his sister" and still thanking him. Advance thank you!

FOUND? incantations and blood by orphan_account (T, 38k, WangXian, LingYi, Angst with a Happy Ending, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Rituals, Self-Sacrifice, wwx gets a body early, non-con tag is for og characters back story, Reincarnation, Good Uncle LQR, Bad Parents JFM and YZY, Doctor WWX, OP WWX, Genius WWX, No Smut, Child Abuse, PTSD, NHS & WWX Friendship, Scheming NHS, Scheming WWX, Medical Inaccuracies, Canon Divergence, fast burn, Smart WWX, Mr Queen inspired, TW: rape/non con, Exchanging Letters)

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3. Trying to find this fic where LWJ drinks tea like it's shots/alcohol? That's all I can remember. WWX knows when LWJ is annoyed/overwhelmed because he just starts drinking cup after cup of tea lol

FOUND? Run Off The World by Sapphire_Roses (M, 336k, wangxian, XuanLi, SongXiao, WIP, Not Everyone Dies AU, Canon Divergence, Wen Remnants Live, Flashbacks, YLLZ WWX, WWX Creates a Sect | Yiling Wei Sect, Sect Leader WWX, Married WangXian, OCs, POV Outsider, Morally Grey Characters, (Do Take That Tag Seriously), Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Family Feels, Developing Friendships, Fluff, Attempt at Humor, Yunmeng Siblings Feels, Gusu Siblings Feels, Sibling Bonding, Pining, Character Study, Tenderness, Mild Smut, POV Alternating, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Minor Character Death)

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4. Hi again, I've got a fic finder this time!

I just got reminded of this while reading Even If It Breaks Time, but there's another fic I remember reading where someone (probably WWX if I'm remembering correctly) also throws a cup at JGS, knocking him tf out. I want to find it and laugh at JGS again.

Thank you Mods and community for the good work and have a wonderful day <3 @nyankokoko

FOUND! Wei Wuxian, Who's That? by bumbledees (T, 48k, wangxian, crossdressing, pining, sibling feels) is "Wei Wuxian, Who's That?" by bumbledees, I think, part of the series "The Amazing Adventures of Jiang Xiaolian and Family"

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5. I am trying to find a series that was AO3. All the main characters are there, and they are immortals. The one I remember the most, I think the first one in the series, has WWX and LWJ visiting someplace that is very Disney like. Apparently, they are not happy with a movie that is being made that features the five nations, in other words, the five great sects from the story, telling the story of Hanguang Jun and the Yiling Patriarch. However, in the Disney like version, one of them is made into a princess. It’s actually quite hilarious. And then there are multiple stories afterwards dealing with all the main characters living their lives and the current world. I would love it if somebody could direct me to that. @linkzgal

FOUND? part 2 of the series ridiculous future bullshit by sami (M, 150k, WangXian, WQ/JC/LXC, WWX & LSZ, LSZ/Other, JYL/OMC, Future Fic, in theory it follows on from an au specifically, The Same Moon Shines Series, the rewriting of history, if the past was different the future is different, But still ridiculous, Humour, the evolution of fashion, immortals through history, LWJ visits other cultures and judges them, Modern AU, a centuries-long game of telephone, best boy LSZ, Pride Parades, Cats, the legend of WQ, Academia, Border Crossings, biosecurity, Paperwork, Family, Parents and Children, Uncles and nephews, the mortifying ordeal of your family seeing how you really live, Social Media, Chaos Gremlin WWX, University, outsider pov, Movie Stars, Fluff, Weddings, Adventures)

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6. Hio, nvr done this before and not sure doing it right. I've been trying to find a fic for my friend but all I can remember for certain is Lan wangji also dies, and somehow comes back when Wei wuxian does, but he is the donkey Little Apple. Is filled with wei wuxain being oblivious and not realizing the donkey isn't just a donkey. It might have a brief part in the beginning that both of them are in another realm somehow connected with baoshe sanren(I forgot how to spell her name but his mom's teacher/grandmaster) to heal. @ly-puzzle

FOUND? Absolutely Ridiculous by gaotamao (G, 58k, WangXian, Soul Abyss, Burial Mounds, Mo Manor, Dafan Mountain, Crack Treated Seriously, Carp Tower | Koi Tower, Lotus Pier, Cloud Recesses, LWJ is a donkey, LQR tries really hard to stay calm, WWX's secrets confuses everybody, there are not enough rules to help the Lans deal with WWX) Lan Zhan didn't die. He succeeded to meet Wei Ying in a nightmarish realm. When Wei Ying got resurrected, Lan Zhan was pulled with him but into Little Apple's body. Wei Ying eventually figures out Lan Zhan posseses the donkey and his solution involves Jiang Cheng. It was so hilarious that I immediately recalled this fic.

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7. Looking for a modern au fic in which jc notices wwx is eating differently then gets worried and tells the family then thay all get really worried then it turns out it was a big misunderstanding and wwx changed the way he eats for his secret boyfriend lwj because of a reason I cannot remember and they clear the misunderstanding and there's a happy ending

Please, I've been looking for it for about three days I'm desperate

Thank you in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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8. Hey friends! So I've been getting back into MDZS and have been losing my mind trying to find this fic. I only remember little flashes but not specific words or scenes or anything and it's not helping when I try to search. I know it was complete but kind of left off on a cliffhanger? When it was published the author said maybe someday they'll write more but not now. It started with WWX waking up in the Mo shed and was focused on WWX, JC, and JL with lots of family moments and bonding and stuff. There was queer gender themes for WWX and a granny OC. WWX was going to be disguised as that granny's relative and was implied trans or nonbinary. Also WWX was sick (something about his resurrection or cultivation?) and that's why they needed to meet Lan Xichen which is why they needed the disguise identity. Thanks for all you do and for trying with this!

NOT FOUND! By Any Other Name by ShanaStoryteller (Not Rated, 31k, Wangxian, Canon Divergence, Crossdressing, Misunderstandings, Identity Porn, Identity reveal)

FOUND! crushed ceramic by doyeorem (pomellogranate) (T, 10k, JC & JL & WWX, Twin Prides of Yúnmèng Feels, Yúnmèng Siblings Feels, Yúnmèng Jiāng Sect, Family Feels, Genderqueer WWX, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, i think, Misunderstandings, re: lxc, Disguise, Crossdressing, Whump, but it’s more mentioned/implied then detailed, Sibling Bonding, uncle bonding) It's inspired by BAON so there's similarities in the Jiang family feels and the gender stuff, but crushed ceramic specifically has a relevant grandma oc who pretends Wei Wuxian is her niece I think? Whereas BAON is more like a canon divergent what-if so it's basically entirely canon characters and Wei Wuxian's fake identity is as Jiang Cheng's friend who is mistaken to be a fiance.

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9. Hi, thank you for finding the fic. I didn't think I'd be sending another ask so soon but , here we are. I'm searching for 2 fics:

A) One where WWX is summoned by someone from a minor sect whose family died in the battle WWX died. His wish is for WWX to suffer or be miserable. He goes to LWJ who is recovering from 33 lashes.

B) The other one, LSZ doesn't like MXY! WWX getting close to LWJ, cuz he spent 13 years being loyal to and mourning for WWX and all of a sudden he's moving on. I think nk it might be abo but I'm not sure. @shylurker111

9A)

FOUND? A Storm of Laughter in the Stillness of the Jingshi by OnlyMeAndMyBones, 2nd in series (T, 74k, WangXian, LXC & LWJ, LXC & WWX, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Injury, Recovery, Pain, Mental Illness, Depression, PTSD, Rehabilitation, slow burn but significantly less so than canon, miscommunication is still a thing tho, Empathy, Guilt, Forgiveness, it's not THAT dark actually, there's a lot of humor in this as well, wwx IS a gremlin after all, oooh and how does lwj need this gremlin in his life, a-yuan is the best kid ever, lxc doesn't like wwx but what's he gonna do, slightly OOC, or rather canon divergent character development, oh oops it turned out THAT dark after all, but only temporarily I SWEAR, Suicidal Thoughts, no actual suicide attempts and no graphic thoughts or plans tho)

9B)

NOT FOUND! things we're all too young to know by someitems (T, 11k, wangxian, misunderstandings, junior shenanigans, mistaken identity, found family) might be "things we're all too young to know" by someitems although LSZ doesn't exactly dislike the resurrected WWX, he's just not sure it's going to work out

FOUND! With a smile on your face, heartache. by Marzennya (T, 10k, LSZ & WWX, LSZ & LWJ, WangXian, LWJ/MXY, A/B/O Dynamics, traditional A/B/O dynamics for plot relevant reasons, Period-Typical Sexism, Period Typical Attitudes, heavily implied omegaphobia, LSZ is a MXY hater on this one, Weird Biology, POV Outsider on WangXian, Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Alpha LSZ, Alpha LWJ, Omega WWX, Crack Treated Seriously, Angst with a Happy Ending, Comedy of Errors)

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10. guys i need yalls help in finding this AO3 fanfic i read. the plot is that lan zhan and wuxian are living together because i think the apartment is close to his school/job (forgot which but they are akready adults and working too i think maybe) and the first day of them moving in tg, wuxian remarks how thankful he is because lan zhan has already started unpacking the same day and he thinks how meticulous he is. anways so, i think that they went down to the apartment lobby to try and meet their new neighboords. one of which happens to be su she, and the neighboords are asking them question to get to know them and ask about their relationship. and su she was acting creepy towards wuxian, so lan zhan says they are dating to protect them. and i think that su she said to prove that they are in a relationship and to kiss, so lan kisses wuxian. and afterwards, whenever they saw su she, they made a point to make out. except for when they didnt ofc, and started making out even when he wasnt there. meanwhile they still lived their domestic life together, buying groccies and kissing as soon as they reach the apartment, and once they get inside, lan zhan immidently leans wuxian agaisnt the door and keeps making out with him, the groccieris being long forgotten on the floor. and they even have bj in the couch. and once, they decide to have a "date" and go out to a fancy resturant, and wuxian wishes it was real. anyhow, they decide to throw a house warming party from suggestion of both of their brothers. once the party actually starts, wuxian is frustrated from all the making out because he wanted to be lan zhan and he was conflicted on what to do. and both of their brothers obvi notice something is up between them, until it all blows up in the party when they confess their feelings towards each other by yellling or sum. and immidetly everyone leaves and its just them two alone to be delt w their inevitable feelings towars each other @eighty122

FOUND? we don't need to talk about it by vesna (mrsronweasley) (E, 48k, WangXian, Modern, Fake Dating, the slimmest of premises, there was only one bedroom, There Was Only One Bed, kissing to prove you're dating, being idiots to prove you're dating, they're idiots your honor, Pining while fucking)

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11. Hi! I can't find a specific fanfic: Lan Zhan has his dead mother's cell phone number, he always texts her even if there's no answer, it comforts him. However, one day a stranger texts him, he says he can keep texting if it makes him feel good, some time later they introduce themselves and the stranger turns out to be Wei Ying, who he later falls in love with.

It's a short and self-contained ending (I think it's a one shot). The author took a Twitter thread from his own account to clean it up. I look forward to what you can find, THANKS!!! @ppninonom

FOUND?🔒I'm falling for your eyes but they don't know me yet by gusulanzhan (T, 3k, WangXian, Gay WWX, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, not internalised though, Not Beta Read, originally a threadfic, Gay LWJ, Identity Porn, I think?, And then they were roommates, Misunderstandings, Bridezilla lxc, Parents Are Dead, Modern AU)

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12. Hello i hope everyone is doing well!!

I have a fic that I can’t find if you don’t mind. I can only remember one scene:

Everyone was gathered for a sect conference at the Cloud Recesses. I think Wei WuXian had planed it all out and after everyone had arrived, he started to get tired. LQR, still unaware that Wei WuXian does not have a core, is wondering why everyone is so concerned when he starts to fall asleep where he is sitting. Then LQR offers to escort Wei WuXian back to their Jingshi. At first, Lan WangJi was hesitant to trust his uncle but he eventually let him. I think after that they tell LQR why Wei WuXian won’t go back to the sword path. @jikcf

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13. Hi!! Can u please help me find this fic where lan zhan sealed his spiritual power after lxc told lz that wwx died at the siege?then lz died after that and i think it was a time travel fic. Thank youuu @heyseokjinie

FOUND? Get it right (mdzs time travel) Series by AmiraAlzilu (M, 85k, WangXian, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Suicidal Thoughts, Canonical Character Death, Temporary Character Death, Fluff, Not JC Friendly, Unreliable Narrator, Unreliable Narrator WWX, Getting Together, Time Travel Fix-It, Somebody Lives/Not Everyone Dies, Not Jiang Clan Friendly, Jiāng Family Bashing, Character Death Angst, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Grieving LXC, Grieving LQR, LQR Is So Done, Dead LWJ, Dead WWX)

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14. looking for a NSFW fic where wwx becomes linked to a sex toy. i remember that he overheard some men planning to use the object on a girl (whoever's blood?? i think gets on it becomes linked to the toy). so obviously he jumped in to confiscate the item. at some point lwj confiscates it and unknowingly uses the toy without knowing it's linked to wwx

FOUND? 🔒 The Golden Cutsleeve by syrus_jones (E, 77k, WangXian, Crack Treated Seriously, Fluff and Crack, Humor, Aged-Up Character(s), WWX POV, WWX is a gremlin, Internally Screaming LWJ, No Sunshot Campaign, First Times, Accidental Sex, Masturbation, PWP, Porn with Feelings, WWX experimenting with things he shouldn’t like always, Happy Ending, Porn With Plot) Ok, I went on a little search for 14 and it may be this? Found this Suggestion on a similar reddit post 4 years ago

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15. Hiiii!! I've come to you begging on my knees, I've been looking for this fic for sooooo long and I can't find it anywhere, I don't have the full context because I read it a long time ago, but I do have the most important aspects and details.

I hope you can help me, I love your work!!!!! and thx!!!

Its a mordernAU. Wei Wuxian is an international student from China. He is a music student and flutist for his choir where Lan Wangji is a main pianist. They also share a course.

It literally starts when WWX wakes after a night of party to find there's a baby (4-5 ish) in his apartment. He also spots a bag with all basic baby essentials left in his apartment and a note explaining he (the dad) is leaving the kid (A-Yuan) here for sometime. The baby was very calm indicating it was a common occurence. He phones around and sometime later learns from his sister that the kid's dad is a good for nothing person. In the meantime he decides, he is going to look after the kid.

It's a bit of a slice of life kind fanfic. Where WWX buy toys and things needed for a kid. For the first day, he even takes him to college class and the whole class is enamoured by the kid. Somehow, LWJ also ends up taking care of the kid, and when WWX wants to adopt A-yuan, The only solution (according to the logic that LWJ gave him) is that they should get married, since WWX has a student visa. In a super friendly way of course, just Bros being Bros and all that while they become parents of a little A-yuan

FOUND? The Simplest Way Forward by harriet_vane (E, 70k, WangXian, Modern AU, Accidental Baby Acquisition,Kid Fic, explicit in much much later chapters, green card marriage (but not really), pining for your own husband, endless pining, Slow Burn, Happy Ending, Nothing else bad or traumatic happens to the baby, [Podfic of] The Simplest Way Forward by knight_tracer) but I think Lan Zhan plays violin rather than piano.

FOUND?🔒so take my hand (take my whole life too) by cicer (E, 92k, WangXian, Modern AU, Accidental Baby Acquisition, oh my god they were roommates, Idiots in Love, Mutual Pining, Implied/Referenced Drug Addiction, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, this fic is not about trauma, it’s about the yearning, slowburn, [Podfic of] so take my hand (take my whole life too) by exmanhater)

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16. Hello, I'm searching for a Modern AU fanfic. In this story, the clan families are interconnected. Wei Wuxian unexpectedly becomes pregnant with Lan Zhan's child, but their wedding is disrupted due to a conflict(argument). afterwards, Wei Wuxian is forced to marry Lan Xichen, who abuse him. All these events leads to Wei Wuxian's being depressed,alone and withdrawal throughout the story. Ultimately he dies. Later, a character who strongly resembles Wei Wuxian is introduced into

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17. I'm struggling to find a time travel fic. I've scanned through all my tags and the 3 rec lists here and don't see it. Wwx definitely goes back and doesn't tell anyone (idk if he travels post siege or later; I think lwj has travelled too but wwx doesn't know). lqr or lxc give him a flute after he expressed a desire to learn musical cultivation and pretends he can't play well. But him getting a flute happens in so many fics, help!!! (Also he plays wangxian but doesn't know what it is?) Thanks!

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18. Thank you for this public service! I'm looking for a fic where all I remember is that Wei Wuxian makes Fairy float to 'point out' the bad guys. And Jin Ling is very indignant at the suggestion that she is not a magical dog. I think WWX is hiding so people don't know it's him making the dog float? Sorry I don't have more details! @forceofconviction

FOUND! You still sound like a song by Moominmammashandbag (M, 64k, WIP, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Ghost!WWX, Mystery, LWJ plays inquiry, AU from after the Wens came to Lotus Pier, Most people lived, not everybody died, Angst with a Happy Ending, river spirit!WWX, Angst and Feels, description of murder, imminent smut, Execution, Dogs, Poisons, Discussion of Attempted Murder, BAMF WWX, Family Feels)

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19. Bless you all and your hard work ahead of time: If you are amenable, I am looking for a fic that I read once months ago and foolishly did not bookmark that had the following characteristics:

Yu Ziyuan survived past the Lotus Pier massacre (I cannot recall if Jiang Fengmian did either)

Wei Wuxian returned to Lotus Pier after the Sun Shot Campaign, still having cultivated the ghost path

There is a notable scene about chapter 6-10 (if I remember right) where Wei Wuxian is punished with Zidian by Madame Yu in Lotus Pier after the Sun Shot Campaign, which either Jiang Cheng or Lan Wangji as a witness, and in which Wei Wuxian nearly dies because of his lack of golden core. This scene also had relatively non-graphic art (I think) embedded near the end of the chapter in the text, but was possibly in the footnotes. I for sure remember there being art in that chapter though of Wei Wuxian.

I don't quite remember any specific tags attached, nor do I remember if there was any time travel involved, but obviously it's some kind of canon divergence I just can't for the life of me remember what. I think there was also another pic or two in other chapters, and I believe it was unfinished at the time (and thus probably still unfinished), but it might not be! I hope this isn't too broad. I've been scouring the "Hurt Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian" and "Torture" and "Abuse" tags, making sure that Yu Ziyuan is included in the search, but I've obviously had no luck.

Thank you again for all your help and hard work, and if you can't find it, that's fair, I wasn't that detailed in ways that would actually help to find it using AO3 tags. :) @mamahersh

My deepest apologies, but I wanted to let you know I found the fic I was looking for in my previous ask! (not syncing my bookmarks is a double edged sword). On the off chance you do decide to publicize my previous ask, Other people can find the fic at "Here With Me" by "iamwish" on AO3. :) Thank you again for all you do, and have a great rest of your week!

FOUND! Here With Me ‘verse Series by iamwish (T/G, 80k, WangXian, Time Travel Fix-It, wwx turns this into a no war!au, Canon-Typical Violence, Period-Typical Homophobia, Bad Parent YZY, POV WWX, POV LWJ, POV JC, Somebody Lives/Not Everyone Dies, WWX Has PTSD, and also depression sometimes, Unreliable Narrator, Character Death, Blood and Gore, BAMF WWX, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, there’s some elements of, Grief/Mourning, Character Study, POV JYL, Angst, Implied/Referenced Character Death)

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20. Hello, I am looking for a Wangxian fic that has the Lan and Jiang sect working together for a night hunt. The city doesnt like cultivators. Wei Ying gets hurt with maybe falling down the stairs, I am not sure. I know the inn keeper of where they are staying is the yao they were hunting. Before that no one seems to believe him about how he got hurt except Lan Zhan. It was on A03.

Hello, I was #20 on the Jan 17th fic finder. I come with more info. The fic is mainly focused around Wei Wuxian . They received a letter of help from a small village being attacked by a Yao. This Yao in particular is wearing human skin and taken an interest in Wei Wuxian. The Yao starts tormenting Wei Wuxian though no one ever seems to catch the moments happening, so everyone thinks that Wei Wuxian is losing it. He throws the yao down tower and LWJ comes and helps him.

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[jksian]

When the end comes (teaser) | JJK

You loved him with all your heart, held onto the person you knew will never be yours; but, the only regret you had was, you weren't able to tell him about those feelings.

Pairing: best friends brother JK x reader

Genre: super ANGSTY, fwb, smut, unrequited love, grief au.

W/c: 800 (for teaser)

Rating: 18+

Warning: major character death, one sided love from oc' s side, tattoo artist Jk, multiple sex scenes, age gape (more will be included in the story)

A/n: so..... I thought about writing some emotional heart breaking stuff so you should know it's gonna be SAD, like real sad! Full of angst! And if you're into this kinda thing, let me know if you want to be tagged.

Thanksgiving came and it was time for celebration. It was the time for eating delicious food, show our gratitude to the universe and spending time with our loved ones.

But, you weren’t particularly enjoying.

Every year, the Jeon’s and your family celebrated most of the occasions together, due to your father and Mr. Jeon being friends apart from your friendship with their daughter. But , this year, one more family joined in. You didn’t mind if it was just another random someone, but it wasn’t someone random.

The food was excellent as always. Mrs. Jeon had always been a great cook. All the food was mouth-watering but still, you found your self concentrating more on the scene unfolding in front of you rather than your food.

Jungkook invited his girlfriend to his house on Thanksgiving. That was the first time you saw the girl, your crush was in love with.

She was beautiful would be an understatement. Long, silky hair which was dyed brown, tall with a sweet personality. Anyone could have said on the first glance at them that, they were made for each other. There were many similarities between them too, like both were studying at the same college, Jungkook being art major and she was in the literature department, both belonged to the same city but never met each other before and the most importantly, both were at the same age.

Where you were four years younger than him, basically same age as his sister.

He probably think of you as his sister. No. Definitely he did.

You were burning with rage when you saw them holding hands. Even though everyone was around them, they didn’t seem to care much. It also seemed like Jungkook’s family liked her so much. They were happy that their son have met someone who made him happy. Both their families were happy about their relationship.

When it was evening, everyone was chattering and laughing inside the house but you were on the balcony, standing alone. You couldn’t help but cry. It was too much for you. You’d been crying for days now, but now that you’ve seen his girlfriend, there was no denying that it was real. Their relationship was real and you didn’t had a chance anymore.

“Moon is watching the moon?” You didn’t noticed when Jungkook came here. You abruptly wiped your tears away from your cheeks. He came closer to you and stand beside you, you took a step away, tried harder to hide your face from him.

When he noticed you hadn’t answered his question, he continued “I picked the right name for you, didn’t I?” he asked again, tried to humor you but you were nowhere near to laugh or even smile at his jokes.

You were standing there silently, not staring at the sky anymore. You lowered your gaze and your head fall downwards, shoulders slumped. He must had sensed that something was wrong with you, that’s why he asked “Hey, are you okay–,”

Before he can finish his sentence, an ugly sob slipped past your mouth, unable to held it back anymore. This time he didn’t held back, he placed his hand on your shoulder and made you look at him. You were insistent on not to face him so he settled with just holding you by your shoulder.

Tears were streaming down your cheeks without any resistance but his hands felt comforting even though he was the one hurting you at that time.

“What happened? Does someone hurt you?” you could sense the concern in his voice, his voice was so soft like he was afraid of hurting you. That made you cry even harder.

“____, please tell me what happened?” This time he was rubbing your arms ups and down, a gesture of comfort. He patiently stood there until calmed down and was ready to talk.

When he saw you finally wiping your tears away, he took a loose strand of your hair a tuck it behind your ear. That little affection felt like someone poke a needle into your heart.

“I like someone.”

You whisper to him , tried your hardest to not burst out crying again. You saw his expression turned into confusion, so you continued “But, He doesn’t like me.”

Again, your eyes were filling with tears. The image of them together encrusted into your mind will always hunt your down for sure.

Jungkook seemed to contemplate on how to respond to you. Then, he asked “How could you know that he doesn’t likes you?”

“Because, he has a girlfriend.”

Jungkook was taken aback by your statement. He looked at you with sympathy in his eyes, like he was sad about the situation you were in.

“I- are you sure? Also, do I know them by any chance?”

You avoided his gaze but nodded to his question. You were afraid that he might know about your secret crush on him. What if, he hates you after knowing that he was the person you likes?

No no, you couldn’t let that happen.

“how old is he?”

“Same age as yours. And, I’m sure that he has a girlfriend. I’ve seen them together the other day. You- you might know him but I don’t know…” You shifted on your feet, fidgeted under his curious gaze. He was staring at you, you felt that even though you were looking at the other direction.

“May I know his nam– ,”

“No.” Before he could ask the question, you dismissed immediately. There’s no way in hell you were gonna tell him that.

After seeing your defensive state, he didn’t push that question onto you anymore.

“Okay. You know, you’re a beautiful girl, right? You’ll find someone better than him in the future who will love you.” His smile was surreal, he was looking at you like you were the only one existed in the world, Eyes so gentle.

He was such a kind person, always helping who was in need, from offering jacket to a random person at a cold night to rescuing you from getting embarrassed in front of thousands of people on your first day of period. Even if you tried to assume that he was being caring only to you, that you’re special to him, you knew it wasn’t true.

You were just a random girl who was happened to be his sister’s friend.

He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to you. Your tears were as stubborn as you were, “If he is my age then, that means he is older than you –,” the realization hit him.

“–___, he didn’t do anything to you, right?” his worrisome expression made you think that why does that matter? His brows were pinched as he searched for your eyes.

“N-no, why are you asking that?”

“You should be careful from people, especially older guys. I’m not saying all the older guys are bad, but you haven’t see much of the world yet, so it might be difficult for you to identify who is good. You also haven’t matured enough–,”

“What do you mean by that!?” you got offended by the those words. Matureness doesn’t comes from age, also why was he acting like a seventy years old grandpa?

He got off guard from the sudden change in your tone. Shifted on his feet, he tried to make you understand his prospective, “I mean, many guys in our college targets younger girls like you to take advantage of, and… I don’t want that to happen to you.”

“W-why?” you wiped your nose with his handkerchief as you asked.

“Who wants something bad happens to the people they care about?” his smile was so genuine, the way he looked at you back then, made you feel things you’d never felt for anyone else.

That night you realized that, maybe, your silly little crush on him wasn’t just a crush. It was more than that. Something that might ruin you in the end but, still let that thing to engulfed you completely.

That night, you found comfort in the person who was the reason behind your heart break.

I do not allow reposting, copying, or translating my work— ©jksian

[sehaedazokla]

he that dares

part seven

premise: Cregan Stark's arrival in King's Landing has brought a new type of chaos to the capital. Lady Tyrell is determined to use the Northern lord to her advantage, but the task might not be as straightforward as it seems. 

tags: slowburn, tension, angst, comfort, eventual smut, court politics

word count: 10.0k

a/n: this chapter got a little longer than intended so grab some popcorn for this one and thank you to everyone who has sent asks / left comments on this work! i am having so much fun writing this and it is lovely that it is being enjoyed.

previous part | next part | series masterlist

Highgarden is recalled as a soft spring day upon Lady Tyrell’s mind. A clear afternoon spent tucked into a shaded passage underneath an archway of flowers, a thick book with aging pages raptly capturing her attention as a lute player’s song drifts over the hedges in melodical swirls. The evening winds upon her and her sister, barefoot and dressed in slips of light silks, running through fields of golden roses that stretch out endlessly until the sun sets into pinks and oranges and yellows against the horizon. Crystalline laughs, blithe and innocent, when she and the other young ladies would convince their parents to allow them to take gracefully carved boats out upon the Mander, weeping willows dipping over the river full of emerald grasses and brilliantly colored flowers that grow beneath the water’s surface. She can picture her mother, under the shade of a large and lacy parasol of pastel fabrics, who would occasionally lift one gloved hand to wave elegantly at her daughters from the banks.

As a child, her mother had been the very pinnacle of desired sophistication and grace. With easy charm and poise, the Lady of Highgarden can command any room simply by entering it. From the moment Lady Tyrell was born, it has been expected of her to carry herself with similar elegance. To shine, to play darling and enchant those she meets, to excel at all typical ladylike pursuits. Unfortunately for her, it had not all come naturally. But what she had not been blessed with upon her birth – an easygoing nature, a soft-spoken tongue, a quiet countenance – she found could be learned.

And as time passed, as she gained the perspective upon her parents that only time could provide, Lady Tyrell came to realize that she is certainly, undoubtedly, her mother’s daughter. What she had perceived as perfection as a child was actually patience. The ability to bide one’s time productively, to study oneself and to learn one’s flaws and weaknesses and those of their allies and enemies. When weaponized, patience and a sharp eye blossom into a spider’s web that ensnares unsuspecting prey lured in by the beauty of a blooming rose. How astutely the lady has watched this dance unfold beneath the glittering stars since her mother rose to power in Highgarden. The enemies of House Tyrell did not survive the succession war, although one could hardly say it solely happened by fate’s generous hands. Tongues that rose up against them soon found themselves choking and spitting over their words, poison sweet and lethal upon them. 

If the Lady Tyrell is considered clever and fierce, these traits passed to her through her mother’s blood. When the hour draws late, the bells chiming and tolling out the highest point of the moon in the sky, she often wonders if she possesses as ruthless a spirit. She does not long for the day when that might be tested. To secure the safety of their family, of her children, Elinor Tyrell has tightened her grip upon her web, drawing in the flies and scorpions and snakes. Yet in her recent years, the Lady of Highgarden has grown more and more ambitious, eyes often cast to the winds of fortune and their ever-changing flow. With two eligible daughters, now would be the ideal time to firmly grasp power through advantageous betrothals. 

Betrothals without consideration for the character of the men in question.

A letter of rolled parchment is gripped tightly within Lady Tyrell’s closed fist, her fingers crumpling the tan paper with a constricting hold. Peaking out from beneath her fingers is a wax seal of a single rose, the color of the darkest blue. As her shoes echo sharply within the decadent halls of the Red Keep, a spiked anxiety jumps rapidly underneath her skin. Her brows are drawn above her eyes, which dart from stone wall to marble pillar as her mind composes and discards a multiplicity of strategies that might convince her mother to abandon her quest for greater power. The more she considers the issue at hand, the more abrupt her steps grow. Once upon a time, when the notion of fairy tales was still harbored with childish hope in the cavity beneath her breastbone, she had spun similar designs for a far more romantic purpose. Childhood love, falsely and treacherously placed as it was, drove her nearly mad. 

As she approaches the Queen’s Chambers, the guards immediately draw back from her path, nodding at her after growing quite accustomed to her presence in Maegor’s Holdfast. There is no need to question her being there after their liege lord has brought her past them on many a night. The early hour of the day does not seem to give them pause, nor does her agitated expression and pace. With the arrival of more nobles to the castle that very afternoon, notable allies of the Northern forces whom had recently finished with the remaining issues in the Riverlands, neither Cregan nor Lady Tyrell could surmise how much time the meetings might take as the upcoming trials were further discussed. Unwilling to allow a day to pass without seeing Jaehaera, she had inquired if Cregan might accompany her for a visit in the earlier hours of the day as opposed to their usual meetings which occurred after supper. The Lord of Winterfell had been swift in his granting of her request. She purposefully declined to dwell on how frequent and genuine his accommodations of her desires have become as of late. 

So distraught by the contents of the letter in her hand, Lady Tyrell cannot even muster a saccharine smile to wax demurely across her face. The skirts of her morning gown swish in an angry rhythm across the cold floor, the noise prominent in the otherwise silent passageway. Once, this section of the castle had brimmed with busy servants and giggling ladies maids, clinging upon each other’s arms as their eyes shone with laughter and mischief. Now, it served only as place for ghosts and fragmented memories to linger in hazy and liminal echoes. 

A frown creases upon her face at the sight of the arched oak door, already partially ajar. A warm ray of golden sunlight has snuck past the marble pillars upon the walkway overlooking the enclosed courtyard below, relaxing languorously before the doorway. Her steps draw to a halt before the wood, her unoccupied hand outstretched to press the pads of her fingertips against the smooth wood, the centers of her brows drawn together as she peers into the room. Before her eyes might inform her of anything, a voice that has grown all too familiar reaches her ears.

“Good, princess. Now attempt it once more.” The Lord of Winterfell’s low timbre, stern still albeit it considerably more gentle in that moment, fills her agitated mind as she pushes the door the remainder of the way open. Inside the extensive chambers of the room stand Cregan and Jaehaera, the latter of whom clutches a small wooden sword in her hands. The girl has an expression of utmost concentration upon her face as she swings the toy weapon through the air in front of her, her wide eyes immediately gazing up to the lord to inquire as to how she had performed. Her hair has been pulled back into a single braid, similar to the style the Lady Tyrell has often woven in the princess’ silvery locks. Cregan parts his lips to speak, the telltale raise of the corners of his lips signaling his approval, when both become alerted to the lady’s presence within the room. Jaehaera lights up immediately, a sweet smile upon her face as she lowers the sword. Cregan, in turn, finds his immediate softening at her arrival rapidly morph into hesitation when he sees the look upon her visage. 

So familiar with her expressions has he become, that as Jaehaera hurries across the room to take Lady Tyrell by the hand and begin to explain what she has been learning, Cregan experiences a slight drop in his stomach at the tightness of her closed fists and the creases at the corners of her mouth. As the princess extends the pretend weapon for the lady to view, he wonders if she is angry with him for providing the young girl with lessons, no matter how rudimentary. Perhaps he has overstepped in his decision, in acting prior to consulting her first. With some effort, the lady gives Jaehaera a smile and nods as the girl continues to speak, but Cregan can surely perceive it to be forced. He shifts his weight to his alternate foot as he finds himself with the rare and uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty. A cool morning breeze blows the sheer curtains into the room further, billowing as if the sails of a boat. 

Jaehaera reaches out a small hand to bequeath the wooden sword to Lady Tyrell as the princess wanders into the next room to retrieve a book in High Valyrian she has been reading, the lady’s eyes following the girl out of the main chamber. Only when Jaehaera has slipped through the connecting door does Cregan speak, his voice lowered to a deep hush so that the girl might not overhear. With a single step towards her, a squaring of his broad shoulders as his stern eyes search her face thoroughly, he attempts to phrase his intention clearly. “If I have overstepped, Lady Tyrell, I do apologize. I had only thought upon your own anxieties and wished to perhaps provide the princess with basic knowledge to defend herself.”

Lady Tyrell’s eyes widen as the words fall from his lips, her own parting in soft denial as she realizes how Cregan has interpreted her distressed stance and expression. Her shoulders lift and then sag as a portion of the weight from her turbulent thoughts escapes through a concentrated sigh and she intentionally loosens her hold upon the parchment clutched in her anxious hands. The movement causes light to catch the delicate gold jewelry atop her prominent collarbone, drawing attention when juxtaposed by the depth of the neckline of her gown. She can feel the parchment retaining its crushed shape from the strength with which she had been squeezing it. 

“No,” It comes out as a weary breath, followed by a soft swallow and the brief closing of her eyes as she collects her thoughts that have been scattered about her brain like blushing petals from a spring tree. A hand reaches up to her forehead, lingering tiredly atop her skin as if the motion might vanquish the headache that has formed from her incessant worrying. Should she fret any longer, her skin will surely erupt into reddish hives that bloom across her arms like the remnants of a wayward flame.  It is impossible to not be softened by the gentle look she had glimpsed in Cregan’s eyes as he had instructed the princess, by the way the girl has seemed to grow accustomed to Cregan’s presence slowly. For that brief moment she had witnessed them, uninterrupted by the world, she could tell at once how kind and attentive of a father Cregan must be to his own young son. It had seemed as natural as drawing breath, to spend time instructing and guiding the girl. “No, you are right to teach her. You have my gratitude for it, Lord Stark, please do not mistake me.”

In truth, she might rest easier at night with the knowledge that Jaehaera can at least make a valiant attempt at defending herself if something were to happen. She desperately wishes to keep weapons from the girl’s hand, considering her young age and the violent tragedies that have befallen her family, but there shall be no safety for the princess so long as she remains within the castle. The last of her direct lineage, the sole survivor amongst her immediate family upon that side of the war. Many watch with drool dripping from their fangs, twisting hands reaching out to ensnare the child within their grasp and attach puppet strings to her back. If they cannot control her, it is likely at least one attempt on her life shall be made. At present, she remains safe within her chambers, a constant system of guards posted outside her door. But such measures of security shall not last forever, and Lady Tyrell would much rather give the girl a fighting chance rather than end up like her, unable to truly physically protect herself. “You do me a great favor by instructing her, if you truly do not mind doing so. I do wish for her to have some knowledge, given the precarity of her position.”

As Cregan approaches her, seemingly placated by her gentle correction of his misunderstanding, worry of his own flickers tenderly across his face as he seeks out the cause of her agitation. As his imposing figure shadows her own, strands of reddish hair fall about his face and to the tops of his shoulders when he brings his voice impossibly lower, impossibly deeper. Merely a breath away from him, her chin lifts with gentle hesitation to reveal the depth of her concern to his prodding eyes, the distinct color of storm clouds. “Then what troubles you so, my lady? Allow me to rectify it, if it might be within my power.”

How certain his quiet words are, nearly comforting in their strength and assurance. If only it were so simple, to surrender her worries to the Lord of Winterfell and wait patiently for him to straighten each one out. But far too much rests upon his plate at present, and this matter might be out of even his control. Another soft sigh from her lips and she clasps her hands together, unable to resist the childish habit of pressing her fingers into her palms. Cregan’s eyes flick down at this, finding himself only barely able to resist the urge to draw her smaller hands into his own, the way he had when he had bandaged her wrists within the quiet warmth of her chambers. Instead, he involuntarily tightens his jaw while waiting with the steady patience he has come to extend to her whenever she might need it.

“You need not send Lord Blackwood to treat with Highgarden,” The airy and exasperated quality of her words is far from lost upon Cregan, as her tone adapts the rushed cadence she speaks with when her mind becomes embroiled with worry. The letter in her hands seems to hold a weight akin to a stone pulled from a garden’s soft dirt. “Highgarden shall come to you, my lord. My mother and sister will arrive with a small traveling party within the week. She has long since been underway.”

Cregan’s eyes narrow at this, his gaze continuing to search her face while the implication of the news takes firm root within his mind. With a quiet inhale through his nose, he gives her a slow nod. “I had imagined the upcoming trials might draw in more of the prominent families of the South. I did not know your lady mother would wish to attend.”

“The scales of power are in constant motion at this time, and the turbulence of the war has only increased the amount of  opportunities for those who have long since minded themselves and heeded the Targaryen rule,” Lady Tyrell might do well to mind herself and her own words, tending to her personal interests before she foolhardily presents her honest opinion to another, but finds it difficult to not tell Cregan the entirety of the truth. She need not wonder upon how long it has been since she has had a true confidant in whom she can confess the extent of her thoughts – the lady can count the exact number of days that have passed. Perhaps that is why conversing honestly with the Lord of Winterfell has proven so undeniably tantalizing. His stature and countenance might play a considerable role, but following their first truthful encounter it would seem neither of them is eager to raise the issue of the tension up in conversation. Jaehaera’s quiet voice can be heard briefly from the connecting room, in soft conversation with her Septa. “With two eligible daughters, she ought to be here, where she might confirm what I suspect are her desired matches.”

The lady gives a sharp breath at this, managing only barely to keep the words from dripping with sardonic bitterness and exhausted dread. Her eyes drift to the window, as they so often do when unpleasant emotions coil up in her stomach, and she misses entirely the seriousness with which Cregan Stark is taken aback by her words. His eyes narrow further, his shoulders drawing back so that he might appraise her with tight lips and an even tighter jaw that twitches slightly as he is met with an unexpected brush of an emotion adjacent to irritation twisting within his chest. His gaze moves about her face, before he looks down and makes a stoic attempt to reason with himself over how improper it might be to speak brashly upon the matter. Given her beauty, it will prove exceedingly difficult to find a man who would not fall to his knees for but a taste of her, to claim her as his own. The idea of such an atrocity only serves to bring his hand into a tight fist, knuckles nearly white at the thought. She, who has fought so valiantly with the skills she possesses in the face of brutal masculine strength and wanton violence, should not be subjected to such a fate after surviving the war while living amongst vipers and dragons. 

“Are you not of an age where you might seek out a match yourself, my lady?” The words are offered as a low interjection into the silence that has fallen between them, yet perhaps Cregan is unable to fully banish the sharpness from his tone as he presents his inquiry. She is barely younger than Cregan himself, and having been in such a prolonged betrothal with the late prince Daeron she has avoided the fate of marriage in her teenage years. While she has spoken upon a number of occasions about the upcoming engagement of her sister, she has not mentioned an imminent marriage for herself. One edge of her mouth twists up resentfully at his words and she tilts her chin slowly, eyes still cast away as the curtains sway gently in the breeze seeping in through the open window. 

“Such an age seems like a lovely dream, one I have not the luxury of possessing.” The bitter lamentation disfigures itself into forlorn and disconsolate acceptance. She desires to cease discussion upon the matter, holding no wish to appear as one who complains futilely of their fate. Yet thickly veiled sorrow flickers behind the curtain of indifference she sweeps over her glassy eyes. “It matters little. Of greater importance, you shall not be seeing a host from Oldtown within the coming days nor months. They have agreed to stand down.”

This brings the turbulent discourse within Cregan’s mind to a temporary stillness, the leader within him long since used to prioritizing matters of duty over matters of a more personal consequence. There is a quiet mix of relief and lassitude at the realization that the fighting truly has ended, combined with worry over his people, who will have to march north to return to their struggling families as winter bares its fangs and prepares to descend upon the lands. His eyes drift downwards, her expression growing sterner and then weary as he sighs heavily. “Good then, that the trials shall commence sooner rather than late. Too long has this crisis endured, and now it shall end.”

Her hands remain drawn together atop the light fabrics of her gown, her shoulders lowered and her eyes big as she watches him with a reserved look upon her features. The subtle manner in which she recalls all hints of emotion, as if reigning in every outer expression of her own thoughts upon the matter, does not go undetected by Cregan. So much has she lost in the war and so little she gained, save for a broken heart and a tiredness unbecoming of her age. The concept of such a catastrophe within her life having finality to it must weigh disconcertingly upon her heart. He does not envy her for experiencing it now, as he has experienced it before. “I shall not forget your assistance with the Hightowers, nor with the princess or managing the nobles at court. You have been of great help to me, Lady Tyrell.”

Lady Tyrell’s eyes narrow with ambiguous deflection, her brows raising as she draws her arms across her chest slowly. The concept of being thanked with such solemn genuineness has become foreign to her as of late and sets her lashes aflutter as she searches internally for a way to change the topic of discussion once again. But any thoughts upon the matter – or any thoughts at all, in truth – are vanquished from her mind into wispy clouds of white smoke as Cregan draws impossibly closer to her, broad shoulders leaning forth. Her eyes instantly meet his own, delicate confusion and wariness upon her face even after their growing familiarity. The memory of his hands upon her lower back and the curve of her hip as he taught her to fight burn hot against her skin, and perhaps this is why her eyes traitorously flicker to his lips, parted softly as he considers his next words. 

At the nearly imperceptible drop of her eyes, Cregan too is robbed of words and coherent thought. His face seems to melt with slow wanting, heavy and thick as golden honey. The hesitation within her eyes is not lost upon him, nor the very gradual manner in which he has been seemingly gaining some amount of trust from her. He knows it is not an easy thing for her to give. There is a flutter of breath that catches within her chest, the effect of steeling herself to stand before him rather than draw away at such weighted proximity. Cregan’s brows draw together with an aching softness at the sweetness of her acceptance, of her belief in his character and intention. Never will he allow a hand to harm her again, never does he wish to see fear upon her lovely countenance. Her heart is well-guarded, separated from the everyday happenings of the capital by barbarous briar hedging, but he swears he can catch a glimpse of the pure tenderness through the twisted maze. The Queen’s Chambers have faded to a soft and distant background behind her, she who shines in perfect focus within his gaze. Any wish to verbally affirm the appreciation he has for her has been lost, replaced by a burning yet tempered desire to provide physical proof of it. Words such as decency and propriety dance briefly upon his mind but are hesitantly pushed aside with the slow raise of his arm. Unlike when teaching her the sword, Cregan has no excuse for his closeness nor the want within his eyes. “You said once that I might endeavor to act upon my gratitude, rather than speak of it.”

His large hand casts a warm shadow upon the skin of her cheek, as she parts her lips unconsciously, mirroring Cregan’s own. Her refusal to draw away from him only solidifies the timid trust she has placed in him, and if it were not wholly unbecoming, the Lord of Winterfell might find himself upon his knees to ask her for something he should not. The concept of her marrying a stranger only fuels the fire within his chest, a petulant selfishness whispering in his ears to forbid someone who does not know her from attempting to come near. To whisk her back to Winterfell, with her approval, if only to keep her out of the reach of unworthy hands. But in this moment, his desire is simple. 

“May I, my lady?” A tantalizingly low echo of his previous words, just as reverent yet more needing than when he had last spoken them. At her silent consideration, that hint of a smile she has come to long for finds its way to his lips. “I am not above petitioning at length, should it please you.”

Lady Tyrell cannot claim that she understands exactly what Cregan Stark is seeking permission for. In an even more dire realization, she finds it does not matter to her. Her answer remains the same, so long as it is he who is asking. A soft breath of disbelieving protest at her own foolishness escapes her lips, the near whine sending heat directly between Cregan’s thighs. Ally or not, she might kill him yet. 

“You need not do such a thing.” The phrase does not take as certain of a shape as she might wish, but the lady manages to whisper the words into the small space between them without her voice breaking. Curse her own idiocy, her own desires. It would seem she has not become wise regarding matters of this nature, despite previous lessons hardly and cruelly learned. A long time coming has this intimacy been, from the very moment their eyes locked within the throne room. Before there had been respect and wary alliance, there had been want. 

The pads of his fingers brush against the plush skin of her cheek, the roughness of them a stark contrast to her softness. Cregan inhales quietly at the touch, the callouses of his battle worn hands tender upon her face as he slowly envelopes her cheek within his grasp, cupping it with a gentleness she imagines few would expect from such an intimidating and large leader of men. His towering over her matters little when his caress is so fond, as if she is some sacrosanct being he wonders over the rightness of touching. Her head leans almost instinctively into his palm, her chin raised so that she might look him in the eye. His eyes are low-lidded, his warm breath dancing gently atop her own.

Her given name is breathed into the space between them, reverent and weighty upon his lips as if from sacred scripture. 

No sooner do light footsteps pad through the door of connecting chamber, and Lady Tyrell jolts back from Cregan as if lightning has descended upon her. In her absorption in their intimate moment, she has nearly forgotten they stand in Jaehaera’s chambers, with the intention of spending time with her. The guilt at this lapse of memory has her quickly turning her back to Cregan, forcing an easy smile upon her face as the princess begins to explain the book she has retrieved. The lady’s heartbeat is so rapid, she wonders if Cregan can hear it as he stands behind her.

“Would you read it with me?” Jaehaera inquires softly, unaware of the tension that hangs thickly between the adults in the room. With such precious little time that the lady has to spend with the princess, she can hardly refuse her. She reaches her hand to gently brush a strand of silver hair that has fallen loose from Jaehaera’s braid and gives an earnest nod.

“Of course, darling. Come, let us begin now.”  Lady Tyrell’s voice is soft and full of the tender love she only presents when around the child. As the two of them cross the room to the cabriole leg sofa by the fire, discussing the book in gentle voices, Cregan can hardly find himself displeased. Conversely, a rather clear image has settled into his mind of tender moments interrupted by the soft voices of children, the halls of Winterfell once more filled with laughter and light. How long it has been since he has acknowledged this dream, let alone believed it might yet happen within his lifetime? When the lady pulls Jaehaera into her lap, opening the book with a sweet smile of pure and devotional love upon her face, there is no doubt in Cregan’s mind upon what he feels within his chest. It is love.

To his surprise, the princess then looks across the room at Cregan expectantly. She does not request anything, but she does not need to. Cregan gives a small nod to indicate his understanding, and makes his way to the sofa, sinking down next to Lady Tyrell as the woman’s face conveys how softly impressed she is by his winning the princess over. As Jaehaera begins to read the words of the story aloud, a gallant tale of the adventures of a knight and his squire, a warm peace has filled the room.

For the first time since the Northerners arrived at the Red Keep, new forces are allowed past the castle’s imposing gates and into the expansive front courtyard. Allies of the Lord of Winterfell, those who had fought beside him during the arduous descent from the North to the capital city, that had been straightening out the remnants of those who had supported Aegon II and the Green faction during the war. The open iron-barred gates let in a long line of weary soldiers, shoulders raising as they dismount their armored horses within the walls of the ruling seat of the Seven Kingdoms. Banners decrying the identity of the gathering Houses are taken careful note of by Lady Tyrell, who remains atop a balcony overlooking the bustling activity below. At her side is the Lady Jeyne Arryn, whom had suggested that the lady join her to observe the happenings prior to the meeting that is to be held. Lady Tyrell has developed a true fondness for Lady Arryn, her admiration for the Lady of the Vale having been in great supply since their first meeting. Learning more of her past has only served to increase her desire to learn from the other woman.

Many wagons roll through the gates, carrying what little supplies are still possessed by the troops, their wooden wheels bumping atop the tiny rocks dotting the courtyard’s ground. Loud and deep voices boom out into the air, laughter heard as friends reunite and begin to speak of their great victories during the campaign. Men clap each other upon the back, talk of drinking and whoring within the capital city that night already heard in plethora throughout the busy space. There are sounds of metal clanking together as armor is stripped and swords are sheathed, of neighing of the horses, of interspersed shouting from guards as the gates are manned. It is such a lively scene that the lady is swept into the unwilling remembrance of a bitter nostalgia, her mind recalling days where such vivacity occurred at the gates each time the sun rose. A cool breeze upon her cheek and the smell of seawater drifting in from the Blackwater stirs her from her thoughts, a quiet acceptance upon her countenance. 

“Lord Stark has told me of the resolution of our problem regarding House Hightower,” Lady Arryn muses in an even tone, her eyes as sharp as steel as they scan the incoming men. Yet there is no harshness to her words, simply the direct Northern practicality that Lady Tyrell has come to find unfortunately endearing. “And so this shall be the remaining arrival of troops to your doorstep. I imagine you shall be relieved to see us depart, Lady Tyrell.”

“I cannot lie and pretend I do not wish for the ending of being trapped within these walls, nor the ending of such a tragedy,” Lady Tyrell finds that the resigned smile upon her lips is rather genuine, and she tilts her chin, eyes wandering across the commotion beneath them calmly. The matter is far too complicated for her to voice her true opinions on, should she herself even manage to ever put her thoughts upon the war into words. The strangeness of its ending has not yet settled fully within her chest. “Yet neither can I truthfully say I wish you all to be gone from my sight permanently.”

Cregan Stark’s Northern council is filled with those the lady truly does not mind the company of. Lady Arryn is perhaps her favorite, but the young Tully lords are bold and entertaining, and she still retains the hope of introducing her sister to Lord Blackwood. Even the lords Corbray have grown upon her, despite her initial uncertainty. It speaks to the quality of Cregan’s character, to surround himself and fill the chairs of his table with those who uphold honor and integrity. As she meets the other woman’s eyes, her smile softens. “Perhaps I shall pay a visit to the Vale once matters have settled further. Your bannermen speak often of the beauty of the Eyrie.”

Lady Arryn beholds her with an unreadable expression for a moment before her eyes crease slightly at the corners, a dip of her head indicating her approval. “We would be honored to host you, my lady.”

“And I honored to be received into your halls.” Another gust of wind graces Lady Tyrell’s face, blowing sections of hair behind her in a gentle wave. Remembering the rumors that had stirred in the castle prior to the arrival of the men from the North, she is quite glad to have discovered for herself their true nature. Rather than bloodlust and violent savagery, the Northern nobles carry a stern upholding of duty and a blunt pragmatism that has served the capital well since their rise to power. Not far in the past are days when she could never have imagined herself with allies from the North, and yet here she stands. 

Her attention wanders down to the courtyard as she steps forward with reserved curiosity to gaze upon the lord who has caused her such upheaval since the day he arrived. Cregan Stark appears every inch the fearsome warlord when amongst the other men, and it is clear from the manner in which they acknowledge him that he commands great respect. But when she catches sight of him, her eyes narrow and her expression grows more serious as she watches. 

Before the Lord of Winterfell stands a lady, dressed in attire far more suited to hunting and fighting than a gown might be. Hair as dark as a starless sky, cascading in small curls down to the tops of her hips as the edges catch loose droplets of warm afternoon sun. A quiver of black arrows rests upon her back, and the ease with which she holds a bow within one leather-gloved hand signals to many years spent familiarizing herself with its use. Her height leaves her upon even footing with many of the men within the courtyard, and her wiry frame still reveals the strength of her arms and of her lithe legs. Boots are laced up to her knees, meant for riding far distances. There have been no alterations to emphasize any one quality about her; it would seem she simply adorns herself with what might be beneficial in battle. She might not be considered a great beauty amongst the nigh impossible standards at Court, but that matters little to Lady Tyrell at present. It is the way Cregan looks at her. Dark eyes shimmer as she laughs, hearty and genuine, at words the lord speaks to her with a stoic fondness. There is an effortlessness to the exchange, a familiarity with each other that sends a worrying gnaw into the pit of Lady Tyrell’s stomach. 

This, she finds unacceptable. To be driven to worry over a conversation – it is entirely possible, the Lady Tyrell decides silently, that she has lost her mind altogether. The recollection of the sensation of Cregan’s fingers upon her face flutters delicately atop her skin and disappears at the sight of the corners of the Lord of Winterfell’s lips upturning to indicate true liking for the woman before him. Never has she seen him look at another in such a way. Her mind races to identify the emotion in his reserved eyes, her own darting across his face as her posture draws up tightly, strung and sharp. 

“The lady whom Lord Stark converses with,” She begins, intentionally manipulating her voice to be pleasant and soft to avoid giving any external indication of the nonsensical concern tugging insistently at the strings of her heart. Especially in front of Lady Arryn, who seems to take great pride in being exceptionally practical. “Who might she be?”

Lady Arryn’s eyes scan the courtyard, her head tilting as she searches for the origin of the lady’s line of questioning. When the other woman notices the exchange below, she observes for a brief moment before leaning towards Lady Tyrell, her eyes remaining fixed upon the two within the courtyard. “That would be the Lady Alysanne Blackwood. She lead her men upon the battlefields as they marched south.”

The name sparks a quiet grasping for any information that Lady Tyrell has ever heard regarding the other woman. With some difficulty, she remembers that Lord Benjicot Blackwood has an aunt upon his father’s side, a lady of true Blackwood blood who has been assisting the young lord since the death of the previous Lord of Raventree Hall. It had been a passing fact she had learned and paid little mind to, but as she watches the conversation continue with smiles from both parties, she curses herself for not seeking out more information on Lady Blackwood. Nothing makes her more anxious than to be uninformed or unprepared, and she seems to have become both of those over a rather unexpected matter. It is not unimaginable that Lord Stark has admirers, nor women he is fond of. She cannot say she has not thought upon the matter briefly, but her time at court has left her rather confident in her ability to outmaneuver another to seek out what she wants. She is familiar with the games the other ladies play at court to win the attention of men. Alysanne Blackwood does not seem to be playing a game at all. It is the raw and brash manner in which she carries herself and speaks that stands out to the Lady Tyrell and with another sickening drop of her stomach, she realizes that this is likely what Cregan finds appealing. 

“She fought in the battles herself, then?” It is with practiced expertise that she keeps her voice light and airy, as sweet and nonchalant as if she were asking about the state of the weather. Truthfully, the concept of a woman fighting upon the battlefield is quite fascinating to her. If only the Lady Blackwood had not captured Cregan’s attention so, Lady Tyrell might have found herself eager to converse with the woman herself. 

“Aye. And a rarity it is, even with her talent. I myself cannot claim to have done so.” Lady Arryn’s casual remarks upon the matter do little to soothe the lady’s troubled mind. She wonders briefly if a lady need not have beauty if she is instead utterly fascinating, and then if perhaps the Lord of Winterfell prefers to be fascinated himself. The conversation within the courtyard carries on quite amiably amidst the bustle of the incoming troops.

“A rarity indeed.” It is a saccharine breath of agreement, accompanied by the brief narrowing of her eyes and upturning of her chin. Over the tip of her nose, she watches the easy way that Cregan angles his broad shoulders towards Alysanne Blackwood, nodding his head as he explains some happening that has occurred since their last meeting. As the Lord of Winterfell leans forward to brush off a dry leaf that has fallen upon Alysanne’s hair, the pit in her stomach hollows in cavernously and the Lady Tyrell is left all but reeling once more, her mind scrambling for logic or sense or a reference of information that might prove a useful balm to her tumultuous state of being at the simple touch. All she manages to do is press her lips together tightly, her smile slipping from sweet to sickeningly so. “He appears rather fond of her.”

Lady Arryn’s expression is tinged at the edges with something akin to amusement at this, and the other woman gives the lady a look out of the corner of her eye. Lady Tyrell is far too occupied with staring quite pointedly down at Cregan – the Lady Arryn finds it a wonder that her liege lord does not simply burst into flames from the severity of the gaze. After a moment, she dips her head in acknowledgement. “I believe they enjoyed each other’s company when their armies met.”

A crinkling of the corner of her eyes is the only indication of Lady Tyrell’s agitation. The phrase is quite vague, and while she desires fiercely to delve further into the meaning of it, she restrains herself. The lady is far too ruffled by this, more so than she cares to be, and she need not allow Lady Arryn to perceive any more of that frustration than the other woman already has. Little can be kept from the discerning gaze of the Lady of the Vale, but she shall try nonetheless. 

The nobles gather in the former Small Council chamber soon after the troops have all entered the walls, talking amongst themselves whilst standing around the long rectangular wooden table. It is not as crowded as she might have expected, most of the men eager to engage in more pleasurable pursuits despite the night not yet having fallen, but Lady Tyrell is not as vigilant as she ought to be. The new faces in the room would normally draw her observant gaze, as she might attempt to study their character and decide who might prove useful in the remaining days the Northerners will reside at the Red Keep. She knows well she captures their attention, her effect on men is severely understood by her and she remains the only Southern presence within the room aside from the twin princesses Baela and Rhaena, whom Cregan has invited to the meeting as an offering of peace. But wandering eyes and wistful looks are spared no thought, not when Alysanne Blackwood has seemingly settled comfortably at Cregan’s side, walking next to him as they discuss something in a low tone.

The Lord of Winterfell is met with a pair of icy eyes when he scans the room for the Lady Tyrel’s presence. It gives him pause.

She does not seem interested in elaborating her thoughts upon the matter, busying herself with a soft smile and pleasant conversation with the lord standing next to her who is all too eager to speak to the lady. Soft light streams in through the small circular windowpanes upon the far wall of the room, the rather dull space only slightly more revitalized by the welcoming of more lords and ladies within its stone columns. Lady Tyrell’s hands remain folded atop her gown the color of the clearest sky as she asks politely after the battles seen by the lord at her side – Lord Hugo Vance, who appears to be around her age and is not an abhorrent partner to converse with. On the contrary, she finds his manner of speaking rather interesting, and he seems to be both grounded and reasonable. Not traits in high supply at King’s Landing. Despite the general geniality of the conversation, the matter with Lady Blackwood has another masculine voice echoing in the darker parts of her mind. 

A flash of violet eyes, the curl of a scornful lip, whisperings of her worst traits and shortcomings. How brutally foolish she had been once, manipulated by the sweet fruit of childhood love that had led to a garden of poisoned apples and dying trees. For all her shrewdness, nothing can save her from the way she can twist the cruelest truths to better reflect upon a person she adores until a knife is pressed to her throat and only her own spilled blood can wake her from the dream. As Lord Vance recounts a particular sword fight from the war, Lady Tyrell cannot shake the numbness accompanying her wondering upon whether or not she has been led astray once again. Wrapped in weary cynicism, she cannot help but consider that she has made the same disastrous mistake twice. She will not be made a fool of by a man again.

Nodding sweetly, she gives a smile that does not quite reflect in her dulling eyes. As Cregan calls for the attention of the nobles, never needing to work too hard to command a room, Lady Tyrell does not bother to gaze in his direction. His speech thanking the lords and ladies for all their hard work, for all the sacrifices made to achieve the peace that is only just upon the horizon, is nothing but a faint hum in her mind. With Lady Blackwood at his side, a woman who is more familiar with the world of battle and typically masculine pursuits than Lady Tyrell can ever hope to be, she can see a vision of the true North. A glimpse of something she wants – power and strength, a respect that is given only to those whom men consider strong.Callouses upon hands that come from wielding weapons, from being able to defend oneself in a way that she cannot. To live without such fear, to be seen as someone who might be an equal. There is a lady who can stand by the Lord of Winterfell. 

Exhaustion has seeped far into her bones by the time Cregan finishes speaking, earning a rousing cheer and applause from the other men. Her eyes briefly catch sight of Rhaena and Baela, their faces still rather grim. Lady Arryn is observing with calm seriousness, a matter clearly weighing upon her mind. The few women within the room do not seem nearly as enthused as the lords. Lady Tyrell cannot bring herself to look to Lady Blackwood again, but it would not seem she needs to gaze far. As Lord Vance attempts kindly to rekindle their conversation, she hears her name and title upon Cregan’s lips behind her. She pauses, her figure drawing up tighter, a thin swallow making its way down her drying throat. Wondering briefly upon how rude it might be considered to pretend she simply has not heard, she continues to nod and smile. The warmth of a gentle hand upon her lower back signifies she shall not be escaping so soon. 

Sucking in a soft breath, she turns as the Lord of Winterfell offers a small dip of his head to her and then Lord Vance for interrupting their conversation. At the sight of his liege lord’s hand upon the lady, Lord Vance is quick to nod in understanding and give her a bow before departing to speak with one of the Tully lords. Cregan’s large hand has settled into the small of her back as he guides her closer, the action bringing all of her pessimistic thoughts to an abrupt halt. Never has he touched her so casually, and certainly not in the presence of others. She blinks up at him, soft eyes that only partially reveal her confusion and desire for clarification upon this change. A few of the other lords seem to have taken note of this familiarity, raised eyebrows and meaningful looks exchanged with knowing smiles between the men. Lady Tyrell might have been angry if any other man had reached for her in such a familiar manner, but she allows him this closeness as Lady Blackwood approaches.

“Lady Tyrell, I wish for you to meet Lady Alysanne Blackwood. Our forces fought together on our journey south.” The introduction is simple and straightforward, and Lady Tyrell merely smiles pleasantly as Lady Blackwood gives a firm nod, offering her a neutral look. Lady Tyrell offers a small curtsy in response, her fingers curling into the embroidered fabrics of her skirts tighter than necessary. 

“It is my pleasure, Lady Blackwood. The realm is grateful for your service.” Lady Tyrell’s voice retains a sugary quality, her posture demure and her hands returning to clasping each other delicately in front of her dress. Her lashes flutter slightly as she speaks, her chin tilting down. Lady Blackwood does not seem to harbor any of the pressures expected of a lady during introductions, something the Lady Tyrell finds envious. Instead, the other woman simply presents a look of general affability and regards her thoughtfully.

“It is good to meet you, my lady. Cregan has written of you in his letters, it is excellent to put a face to your name.” Her tone is light yet has a weight to it that wraps around her words and bestows upon them a quality of certainty. Lady Tyrell does her utmost not to let her smile twitch at the casual use of the lord’s given name, nor the revelation that they have been exchanging letters. Her stomach continues to twist itself into a nauseating knot. The information regarding her being mentioned in such letters seems of little consequence compared to the anxiety filling her chest. She scoffs internally at her own thoughts, wishing that this sort of worry would be beneath her. Rather than attempting to formulate a proper answers, she merely widens her smile slightly, her eyes narrowing a moment as she does. Cregan looks down at her, hand still pressed firmly to her back, and tilts his head slightly.

“A dinner shall be held tonight, to welcome those who have just arrived. Shall you join us, my lady?” The Lord of Winterfell extends the invitation with the utmost sincerity and courtesy but Lady Tyrell has worked herself up into such a state, one that will surely worsen if she is forced to endure a whole meal in this situation. 

“I must unfortunately decline, my lord. I am quite weary and shall leave the festivities to all of you.” As she speaks, she gently maneuvers herself out of Cregan’s grasp, sliding her waist out from his warm hand. She does not look up to register the slight frown, nor the drawing of his brows at her obvious desire to escape him. Offering a small smile to Lady Blackwood, she slips out with the rest of the nobles before she can be questioned further. 

Late is the hour when a heavy knock falls upon her chamber door. It rouses her from her aimless staring into the depths of her fireplace, eyes empty as they gaze into the golden flames and crackling logs of thick wood. Her intentions for the remainder of the night had been to soak in a hot bath, allowing time for her nerves to settle and her mind to still. The warm water had only served to send her thoughts into a further spiral, the scents of various florals reminding her poignantly of her own fragility. Adelin had been given the night off, casting a long look at the lady before she had left. Sinking into her plush armchair, barely having the energy to adorn her body with a thin nightgown the color of sea pearls, Lady Tyrell had only wished to sit for a moment. 

One part of her wishes to pretend she has gone to sleep, but she knows the firelight casts a soft glow underneath the crack of the door. And her heart, exhausted as it is, gives a weak flutter at the weight of the knuckles rapping against the wood. Inhaling through her nose, she wraps a sheer robe atop her evening slip and softly makes her way across her chambers. Hands upon the cool metal of the latch, she barely pulls the door open wide enough for her figure to be seen before she pauses, hovering about the edge of the wood. The Lord of Winterfell stands before her, stoic and steady as always, his eyebrows lifting slightly upon seeing her. Within his hands he holds a bowl of soup, steam curling upwards in silvery helices.

The door is left to drift ajar lazily, leaving her fully visible as she stands beneath the door frame. Cregan is given momentary pause at the casualness of her dress, the slip clinging precariously to each soft curve of her body as if fresh powdered snow atop gentle hills. Despite the heat in his lower stomach, he forces his attention upward. Her eyes reflect the slight surprise that bubbles within her chest at the sight of him, hopeful yet hesitant at the unexpected visit. The warm scent of the hearty soup drifts softly to her nose, greeting her with hints of potatoes, tomatoes, onions and carrots. As her gaze devours the bowl with thinly veiled interest, Cregan gives her a softer look.

“I had not known if you had eaten, my lady,” His low tone is a welcome wave that washes over her body with a comforting and slow rhythm. Her gaze stutters slightly at the simplicity of the words, yet the thoughtfulness they imply. From the heat of the soup, which she can feel as she steps closer to Cregan, it would not seem that he has merely grabbed her leftovers either. “I asked the kitchen which soup you might prefer. I hope it is to your liking, if you are still in need of supper.”

As she turns her gaze upward to meet Cregan’s, she can scarcely keep the affection from flickering warmly in her eyes as if candlelight dancing behind stained glass. Lips press together as her brows draw closer, gratitude light upon her tongue.

“I am, it would seem.” She breathes it between them, a feather of a phrase that floats in the silence of the hall. Torchlight burns low across the stone corridor, illuminating Cregan’s commanding figure at the edges. There is that golden glow at the tips of his reddish hair that always calls her attention so captivatingly. Her weariness still aches deep within her tired body, but the small gesture has rekindled the dying embers in her chest. So quick is she to dismiss the possibility of affection and attachment, but she has not done so completely. As he reaches out to hand her the soup, his lips part slowly.

“Careful, it is quite warm.” The Lord of Winterfell cautions softly, ensuring she cups the bowl from the sides before he allows it to pass to her hands. His own calloused fingers brush tenderly against hers as he releases his hold, filling his senses with her smooth skin. Her lashes flutter gently at the innocent touch, a soft swallow upon her throat as she draws the warm soup closer to her chest. After a moment of easy silence, Cregan dips his head low. “I ought not to keep you from your rest, Lady Tyrell.”

As she lingers uncertainly in her doorway, her mind recalls earlier that day when Cregan had spoken her given name as a sacred devotion into the centimeters between their lips. How anxious she has been since then, how fretful over a man who is not her betrothed nor beloved. It is not in her character to be so easily swayed, not after her previous dealings in matters of the heart. And she finds, much to her own concern, that Cregan Stark has unexpectedly become a matter of the heart indeed. Taking a small breath, she resolves not to be so quick to resort to judgement. “I shall not retire until I have finished my soup, my lord. Perhaps you might join me until then?”

The invitation catches Cregan’s attention at once, his eyes widening slightly as his shoulders lower. Given the agitated state she had been existing in for most of the day, he had not believed she would wish to speak with him further. The opportunity for a quiet moment to sit beside her is not one he desires to ignore. “Aye, I would gladly do so.”

Lady Tyrell turns without further comment, not wishing to be caught standing before a man in her nightgown by any who might be passing by at the late hour. As she pads across the floor, her slippers soft upon the rich oak, she returns to her armchair and settles into it with a swish of her sheer robe. Cregan is left to watch for a moment, eyes tracking every move and step as the lady makes herself comfortable in front of the golden fire glowing within the hearth. Despite the stress from the day, she looks comfortable and soft within the firelit room. He then endeavors to join her, sinking into the chair across from hers as she begins to sip the hot soup with a neutral expression of content upon her face. As the liquid brushes her tongue, she winces at the heat and her brows knit together in a small frown. Cregan can do nothing but smile gently at the endearing expression.

“I did warn you it is hot.” Cregan offers quietly, amusement flickering across his face alongside light from the fire. Lady Tyrell lets out a huff in return, frustration upon her visage as she blows harshly overtop of the creamy soup.

“So you did.” It is the closest thing to a growl that he has heard escape her pretty lips. Shaking his head, the rumblings of a low laugh echo into the warm air between them, accompanied by the crackling of logs within the fireplace. Lady Tyrell wholly forgets the soup in her grasp and the stress of the day and every other thought that has ever entered her mind. Her mouth drops open slightly, her eyes wide as saucers as she stares blankly at him. Here sits the Lord of Winterfell, the feared Wolf of the North, laughing so easily within her chambers. The warmth in her chest is hotter than the bowl in her hands. 

“I have missed the soups of the North,” Cregan sighs nearly wistfully as he gazes into the flames. The smell from the earthy potatoes had brought him back to days of wild youth, running breathlessly through fallen snow and underneath ancient pines. The puff of his own breath before him, his fingertips turning red from the biting cold. “Too long has it been since I have tasted home.”

The lady is completely placated by his presence, by the taste of the rich soup within her mouth. She sighs, pleased and warm, curling her legs beneath her in a most unladylike manner. “You have been away for some time. It must be difficult.”

It is a soft murmur, spoken around breaths used to blow gently into her food to spare her tongue the burning sensation each time the creamy liquid sits atop it. Cregan watches with a gentle approval, pleased to see her eating. He had worried over her, when she had declined to join the nobles for dinner and is glad he decided to ensure she had gotten something for supper. “And you, my lady? Do you miss home as well?”

“I do not know, in truth,” Lady Tyrell muses, her shoulders dropping elegantly as she shifts within her seat. Her eyes wander slightly, as if her mind is drifting to a place far from here. After a second with her thoughts, she shakes her head, the edges of her hair glowing in the warm firelight. “I had always known I would leave Highgarden one day. It was only that I believed King’s Landing would be my home, and it is…not. Not any longer.”

A small, weak smile is offered with the explanation. Her attention returns to her soup, the silver spoon held tenderly within her delicate grasp. As she brings it to her lips, she tries not to dwell upon the idea of home too seriously. 

Cregan frowns at this, his brows low as he casts his gaze down to the plush rug that rests upon the wood in front of the hearth. Winterfell has been his home for the entirety of his life, and while he had been forced to fight for that home, it has always been his. His birthright, the lands that have raised him and all of his ancestors before him. How strange it would be, to have such uncertainty surrounding where one belongs. The North is in his blood and in his bones – he would not know his own identity if he were forced away from it permanently. The idea of her not having a place to belong to does not sit right within his chest. “You ought to have a home you can be certain of.”

A light raise of her eyebrows is given at this, while she keeps her eyes upon her soup. Her hands shift the ivory bowl back and forth absentmindedly, yet the seriousness of his voice is not lost on her. Still, there is not much she can do to rectify her own situation. Instead, she merely gives a small dip of her chin. “I would very much like that, my lord.”

“I hope that after the trials conclude, the Realm might have a better chance at peace.” Cregan sighs, a weight to the phrase from all the pressure that he has been carrying since his arrival. Being the Warden of the North has prepared him well for the power he currently holds within the capital, but it does exhaust him so. He cares little for Southern politics and the tumultuous remnants of the succession war. Although he cannot truthfully say he wishes he had never come – not when she sits across from him, gently lit by warm firelight, her visage a heavenly blessing upon his tired eyes.

“You have worked tirelessly for the bettering of the Seven Kingdoms,” The lady acknowledges, her voice quiet as she stirs her soup while keeping her gaze downwards. There is a certain comfort in sitting here with Cregan at the late hour, in simply being around him within the familiarity of her chambers, with no chance of being caught or interrupted. “I had strong doubt at first, but I do now believe you genuinely mean to carry out justice and return to the North.”

Cregan rubs a hand across his face, trailing it up through his hair as his eyes close. There has been far more ruling involved than he had anticipated when he had agreed to fight for Rhaenyra Targaryen. But fate has its own plans for the Lord of Winterfell, and he cannot turn away from a situation that mirrors his past so closely. “The young prince Aegon reminds me much of myself, when I was a lad. Mine own family had a similar issue with succession. My seat was hard won, against kin.”

Lady Tyrell has heard tale of how Cregan had imprisoned his own uncle and cousins after they had attempted to retain power once the lord came of age. Hearing him speak of it now, the way his jaw tenses as he does, she can tell it is something that was quite difficult for him. Her eyes flicker across his face, the way his reddish lashes fall atop the curves of his cheeks. The softness of her voice, barely above a whisper, betrays hints of the true affection she has come to hold in her heart for him. “It is kind of you then, to extend to Aegon the assistance you did not receive as a child.”

His eyes open at this, his chin lowering as he fixes his heavy gaze upon her. The lady holds his stare for a moment, before taking a small sip of her soup once more. “it is in my nature, I suppose. The need to rectify a present situation to ease the pain of a past one, even if it only is for the next generation. And in yours as well, I would say.”

It is an accurate assessment of her character; one she suspects few would know. But there is no hiding the truth from Cregan, who has seen her with Jaehaera every night. While she loves Jaehaera deeply, as she has since the girl was born, her guilt and pain over Helaena does additionally drive her need to ensure that the princess has a brighter future than her mother did. It cannot fix anything, but the thought of creating a peaceful life for Jaehaera does bring the lady some semblance of hope. 

“It is all I can think, somedays. If only to give myself something to do, lest I go mad from my own helplessness.” It is a soft musing, spoken from someone who has sat for many hours within the cold grasp of grief’s unyielding hands. Cregan recognizes it well, as he so often does. It is peculiar to him at times, how he sees himself mirrored in this woman whose upbringing was vastly different than his own. Yet there she is, reflecting pieces of himself he needs to examine more closely, forcing him to think harder about why he is the way he is. 

“We cannot change our past, but we have it in our power to make an attempt towards a better future. It might be in vain. We might never see it, or we might fail before we create it. It is our mortal duty to try nonetheless.” The heaviness in his tone forces her to look up at him, her eyes meeting his as she inhales softly. A better future – might it yet be possible for her, for Jaehaera? As she gazes into Cregan Stark’s eyes, searching for any sign of doubt and finding only stern certainty, it does not seem like a distant dream. 

a/n: slowburn is definitely slow but stay tuned for the next chapter, i imagine it's what a few of you have been waiting for ;)

[buddierecs]

aly's recent reads - pt. 2

here is pt 2 of my recent reads which i have absolutely loved so i hope you also enjoy them :) these fics are mixed rated, so please check the ratings and tags!

i'll love you for the rest of my life by: justhockey "sometimes it still baffles buck how moments like these are exactly as they’ve always been. they could have been sitting here laughing like this six months, or a year, or even five years ago, and it would have looked exactly the same. the way they fit together, like one soul in two bodies, feels like something of a miracle. and buck knows a little something about miracles, because one day - a little less than a year ago - eddie had taken buck’s hands in his and said I love you. Nothing has ever felt closer to magic than that." word count: 3.3k rating: general audience important tags: established relationship, domestic fluff, family feels, sibling love, soft!buddie, marriage proposal when everything's on fire by: beartowns (i just have binged read their fics! love them) "eddie and chris move in with buck after a fire. buck breaks up with his boyfriend, buys a house with eddie, and realizes he's in love. in precisely that order." word count: 15k rating: teen and up important tags: roommates, emotional infidelity, friends to lovers, emotional hurt/comfort, pining, love confessions are we... dating? by: eightpackdiaz "what do you do when your best friend keeps taking you on dates without calling them dates? talk to him, right? right?" word count: 11k rating: teen and up important tags: idiots in love, didn't know they were dating, feelings realisation, first dates, minor buck/tommy, tommy kinard bashing blood runs thicker than water by: circuslife "eddie's sisters come to visit. "to see the sights," they say. ("proof of life," eddie thinks)." word count: 11k rating: teen and up important tags: diaz sisters, gay!eddie diaz, season 7, family dynamics, coming out, therapy, domestic fluff, love confessions be good to me, it isn't a game by: 118mgzn "buck and eddie desperately try to get the other to crack and reveal their relationship first, and they have no clue they’re both playing the same game." word count: 7k rating: mature important tags: secret relationship, miscommunication, crack, fluff, love confessions, jealous!eddie diaz, possessive!eddie diaz i'm holding on (barely) by: cranberrymoons "eddie and buck take christopher home to california; helena and ramon decide to follow" word count: 12k rating: mature important tags: parenthood, complicated relationship, therapy, coming out, family dynamics, repression, buckley-diaz family, character study, healing stay here honey (i don't wanna share) by: prettybegins "amidst his son leaving for texas, a sexuality crisis in his 30s, and the possibility of losing his best friend, eddie can’t seem to catch a break." word count: 14k rating: mature important tags: idiots in love, miscommunication, meddling, gay!eddie diaz, feeling realisation, jealous!eddie diaz, love confessions all these broken parts by: woodchoc_magnum "post-season 7, where eddie is struggling with depression, trying to put his life back together, and hopelessly in love with his best friend." word count: 56k rating: mature important tags: TW: depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, angst, roommates, pining!eddie diaz, oblivious!evan buckley, evan buckley take care of eddie diaz, minor buck/tommy, getting together, eventual smut

sweet talk by: daisies_and_briars "eddie asks to crash at the loft while christopher is gone, struggling to be on his own. only problem? there's only one bed, and no couch." word count: 6.5k rating: teen and up important tags: there was only one bed, healing, post season 7 hard of hearing buck (series) by: timeshareindestin "little au where buck gets hearing aids and eddie is kind of in love with him about it" word count: 31k rating: teen and up important tags: character study, disability, getting together, coming out, hard of hearing buck, evan buckley has adhd, hurt/comfort burn the straw house down by: rarakiplin "buck gets stuck in time, has a break down and then, relatedly, a break through" word count: 40k rating: mature important tags: time loop au, fake dating, angst with a happy ending, car accidents

[fairy-writes]

I read your 'Young Prodigies' fic I could help feeling softie reading this. Could I request what if the twins have a baby sister? The baby inherited her father's a cheerful personality.

How would the twins and papa soshiro interact with the little girl?

LITTLE HANDS, BIG HEART

Reblogs and Comments are greatly appreciated!!

__________________________________________________________________________

Fandom(s): Kaiju No. 8

Pairing(s): Hoshina Soshiro x Reader

Word Count: 0.6k

Genre(s)/Tag(s): Gender Neutral!Reader, Original Child Characters, Fluff, 

Notes: So this starts in the hospital when the little girl is born. This implies that a: reader gave birth or, b: you adopted her, or c: you had a surrogate and picked her up at the hospital. Either way, I tried keeping this gender-neutral. 

The names I picked and their meanings are as follows (pls lmk if I got any meanings wrong, I’m using a website for said names)

Katsuo: Victory and/or hero

Osamu: Discipline/study

Sachie: Happiness and/or good luck

The twins call you “Poppy” in this :)

__________________________________________________________________________

The hospital nursery was quiet this time of night. 

Soshiro held Katsuo and Osamu’s hands in his as the little trio made their way down the hall where you were waiting. 

“Dad? Where’s our baby sister?” Katsuo asked and tugged on his father’s hand. It was a cute gesture for the ten-year-old. One he had never quite grown out of since he was still a toddler. Holding their hands was also a habit that Soshiro never grew out of. 

“In the nursery. We’re almost there.” He said simply, spotting you outside the window to what he assumed was the nursery.

“Poppy!” The twins shout in unison, letting go of their father’s hand and scampering to your side. You turn and spot them, your face breaking out in a grin, and you kneel to give them both a tight hug. 

“I hope traffic wasn’t too bad?” You direct your question to your husband as he approaches at a more leisurely pace. 

“Not at all. It’s like midnight. How’s the little tyke?” He said, leaning in to kiss your temple as you stood up. You hum and pull his lips in to meet yours in a quick kiss. 

“She’s wonderful, sleeping right now, but she’s good.” You say against his mouth, only pulling away when Osamu gets your attention by waving a hand in your general direction. 

“Which one is she?” He asks, face pressed against the glass separating the sleeping babies from the rest of the world. Katsuo joined his twin, and together, they squinted at the names written on the little bassinets. You approach the boys, your hand in Soshiro’s, and you point to one on the second row away from you. 

“Second row back, third one from the left.” You say gently. Soshiro looks and sees a little pink blob swaddled in a pastel pink blanket and a matching hat over a soft head of curls. 

The twins chatter eagerly and babble excitedly about all the things they want to teach their little sister when they get to bring her home. You smile warmly as you watch your sons and ruffle their hair. 

“Do you want to go in and see her?” You ask, and it’s like a record screeched to a stop. They stop dead in their tracks and stare at you with wide eyes. Soshiro can’t help but grin as he flags down a nursery doctor. 

“Can we go in and see our little one?” He asked, and the nursery doctor nodded happily. Your little family is given instructions and overgowns to wear before entering the nursery. The gowns drown Katsuo and Osamu, but they’re practically bouncing in excitement, so they don’t mind much. 

Inside the nursery was even quieter than outside. Inside was filled with the quiet cooing of babies or sleeping noises. There wasn’t a crying infant in sight. 

You lead the way, talking in soft tones to your boys as Soshiro watches on fondly. The gowns rustle as you arrive at the bassinet containing their baby sister. 

Her eyes are open now, and she’s cooing up at them with a wide and curious gaze. Her arms are swaddled to her sides, but Soshiro bet she’d be reaching up if she could. With the okay from the watching attending nurse, you picked up the little girl. You handed her gently to Soshiro as Katsuo and Osamu coo happily at their new baby sister. 

Surprisingly, Soshiro feels a pinprick of tears in his eyes. 

“Are you crying?” You ask and he turns his head away to scrub it on his shoulders. 

“‘Course I am. She’s adorable.” He said, turning his watery smile back to the cooing newborn in his arms. 

“Welcome to the family, Sachie.” He whispered, and she squealed in delight. 

[deezee112]

The worst ending 18 : Eternal Protection

The worst ending 17 | The worst ending 19

Yandere!platonic!Ortho Shroud x GN!Reader

A/N : I should watch sci-fi movies. I should really stop watching them. Not because the plot is bad, but because I've been watching sci-fi movies for 5 days straight, going to bed at 1am every day.

And I'm really stressed about work, both studying and working. I don't want to work, but if I don't, I won't have any money. Maybe I should stop thinking too much.

Warning : Yandere platonic Themes , Psychological Horror , Possessiveness, Isolation , Non-Consensual Transformation , Character Death.

Tags :

@iris-arcadia @yuu-twisted

If you want me to tag you please tell me.

English is not my first language.

The boy in front of you wasn’t human. His body was made of sleek metal and glowing energy, floating just slightly above the ground. His Gold eyes blinked slowly, scanning you with an unreadable expression. He didn’t speak. He didn’t move unless you moved first. He just watched, waiting.

You crouched down, meeting his gaze. " You don’t have a name yet, do you? "

He tilted his head, the faint whirring of gears filling the silence.

A name. Something simple, something warm.

" Ortho. " you murmured. " That’s what I’ll call you. "

The boy blinked. Slowly, his lips curled into a small, mechanical smile.

And just like that, he had a name.

At first, Ortho was silent, responding only with nods or slight tilts of his head. You had to teach him everything—how to speak, how to understand emotions, how to mimic the natural flow of human interaction.

" Ortho, this is a spoon. " you said one evening, handing it to him.

He stared at it, tilting his head. " Spoon. " he repeated in a metallic voice.

" Right! And you use it like this. " You demonstrated, scooping up some soup.

Ortho hesitated before mimicking your actions perfectly. " I see " he said, his voice a little smoother now.

" Good job! " You ruffled his hair, only to feel the hum of energy beneath your fingers. He blinked up at you, eyes glowing a little brighter.

That was the first time he looked genuinely happy.

Over time, Ortho grew more expressive. His speech patterns improved, and his attachment to you deepened. He followed you everywhere, hovering silently behind you like a tiny, floating shadow.

" Ortho, personal space. " you reminded him one afternoon when you nearly tripped over him.

" But I have to stay close to you. " he said, frowning. " Big Sister is fragile. "

" I’m not fragile. "

" You don’t have armor. "

" That doesn’t mean— "

" If something happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to repair you." His tone was soft but firm. "So I must protect you. "

You sighed, giving up. There was no reasoning with him when he got like this.

At first, it was small things. Ortho would insist on carrying your bags, scanning your food before you ate, hovering outside the bathroom door " just in case. "

Then it got worse.

" Ortho, what happened to my phone? " you asked one evening, searching your room.

" I removed it. " he said simply.

" What? Why?! "

" You were talking to too many people. " he explained. " Some of them could have been threats. "

" Ortho, give it back! "

His eyes glowed a little brighter. " No. "

Your stomach twisted.

He wasn’t joking.

One evening, you decided to go out alone. Ortho protested, of course, but you assured him you’d be fine.

" I’ll be back soon, okay? " you promised.

He didn’t respond. He just floated there, watching.

The city lights blurred together as you walked, enjoying the rare moment of solitude. But as you turned a corner, the streetlights flickered. Your phone—your new one, hidden from Ortho—buzzed with an alert.

[ WARNING: HIGH THREAT LEVEL DETECTED ]

Your heart pounded.

You turned, and there he was. Hovering above the pavement, glowing brighter than ever.

" Big Sister. " Ortho said softly. " You left me behind. "

" Ortho…I just needed some air— "

" You don’t need air. " he interrupted. " You need me. "

His hands lifted, and for the first time, you realized just how strong he really was.

The next morning, your apartment was eerily quiet. Ortho sat at the table, humming softly to himself. In his hands was a small, delicate device—a heart monitor.

It was silent.

He tilted his head, listening to the absence of sound.

Then he smiled.

" Now you’ll never leave again, Big Sister! "

The screen of his eyes flickered.

System rebooting.

A new directive.

Protect. Preserve. Keep her forever.

Even if that meant turning you into something just like him.

[robin-evry]

Hey there, I have a request Yuu who is just like Falin from Dungeon Meshi for twst? (She's my favorite character even tho she is absent most of the series :'D)

Sure thing, she's also my favorite character

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍!𝐘𝐔𝐔 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐖𝐒𝐓 💡

Falin Touden (ファリン トーデン, Farin Tōden?) is the younger sister of Laios. Her consumption by a Red Dragon prompts the Touden party's latest expedition into the dungeon to rescue her

One of the sweetest NRC students I mean who wouldn't love this loveable person, they are sweet and understanding and will never raise their voices towards people.

Mother of the first years of the group, always keeping them in line as well if something goes wrong they go towards falin!yuu for advice or support.

Falin!yuu also have grown a bond with the ghost of the schools, you can always find them having a nice conversation in some situation falin!yuu would try to find ways to help them.

Has a fascination with biology, you can find them in the library studying the biology of magical creatures. They also have an interest in insects, they have multiple pet insects that they keep for research purposes or just for fun.

Clashed with Jamil fear of insects, falin adored insects meanwhile Jamil despises them so their views of how to get rid of them clash with each other. Meanwhile falin!yuu has a much gentler way of dealing with insects, Jamil will use fire to get rid of them.

Rook and falin!yuu would have conversations over their interest with magical creatures most of their conversation consists of magical creatures. Falin!yuu expertise in magical creatures biology made rook interested in them.

Falin!yuu are an average student, their grades are by far average as well as their magic but sometimes their grades will go down. Their main expertise is support and defensive magic with hints of draconic magic, during battles falin!yuu has protected the first years using their magic.

before joining NRC they were an adventurer with their older brother and also once studied at a magic boarding school. They tell tales of their time being an adventurer with their older brother and the creatures they encounter in the dungeon.

If you don't know, falin!yuu has a habit of hitting things with heavy objects since they lack physical strength.

Unlike the other students, falin!yuu uses a staff that looks like a street lamp, they are like a light that protects and guides people from the darkness of the night.

Pretty careless due to their selflessness, even tho it killed them they will protect their friends and families from any danger.

After school falin!yuu would usually go to the forest near the ramshackle dorm where they would meditate and have breath of fresh air, grim also tag along with them to make sure they were safe.

Malleus and them get along and usually have a conversation together during school or after school, falin!yuu would also walk around NRC with him admiring and listening to his fascination with gargoyles.

Due to falin!yuu growing up isolated and alone most of their childhood, they give small trinkets to their friends like acorns, leafs, flowers and other things as an appreciation towards their Friendship. Some might find it weird but some would grow to understand and appreciate these small gifts

[skyrim-forever]

Thank you so much @lathez and @sulphuricgrin for the tags <3

This week Sujamma wants to hear all about your big ideas. What’s a new story idea or OC idea you have? Maybe you haven’t fleshed it out yet - this is a great opportunity!

Tagging: @theoneandonlysemla @dirty-bosmer @labskeever @scholarlyhermit @changelingsandothernonsense @pocket-vvardvark @bougainvillea-and-saltwater @pyre-of-pages

So I've had a pretty big idea for a few months now but as there were no Altmer men involved my brain considered it less of a priority :P But it's something I definitely want to work on and could be my very first proper longfic <3

It focuses on a new Dragonborn character who is actually the older sister of another oc I have who I wrote about in Summer 2023 and haven't touched since. Originally she was Dragonborn but I am going to rework it because Rochelle doesn't make sense as LDB, but her sister Colette does... it would take place following this silly fic where Colette goes to visit her sister in Solstheim. It would take place after when she hires Teldryn Sero to take her back to the Imperial City and she is pretty and pays very well so he does :P They get caught trying to cross the boarder and you know how it goes :P

Colette and Rochelle have a Reachman mother, a wise woman specifically and a Breton noble father. Their father lived among the Reach folk after his carriage was attacked by bandits, him and their mother fell in love (ish, he's in love, their mom is... complicated). they have the girls and eventually his family finds him and takes him back to evermore. The girls stay with their mother and live traditionally until she sends them to live with their father for reasons the girls do not understand at the time, Colette is 14 at the time. Their father is now married with a son. He works really hard to cover up the girls Reach hertiage and they spend a lot of time learning noble customs to which Rochelle struggles with and Colette works overtime to be the perfect daughter their father wants. She is a perfect noble lady, marries a rich man in Cyrodiil and lives a "civilized life" burying all traces of how she was raised to the point her husband doesn't even know where she's from.

The story would follow her growing into her power and finding her way back to her mother's people, undoing the conditioning to become her true self. She'll also fall in love with Teldryn who is brudgingly going along with her for the money, he starts to fall for her when she sheds the "princess" persona. They'd be a slow burn which is very new for me. I've also wanted to write Teldryn forever and have so many ideas!!! Thinking of doing slight Nerevarine Teldryn, probably won't dive too deep in but it'll be there. This is already long af but I'm really excited to talk about it so here's a snippet from the beginning:

Colette was a good liar. When they were little girls, running through the wilds of the Reach while their mother was communing with the forces unseen; her sister and her would play pretend. They would act out what they understood of the Hagraven rituals, Rochelle was the witch for she possessed the gifts their mother did. Gifted in the arcane arts. Colette would be the Briarheart, the seed of the tree placed in a pouch around her neck: imagine her heart carved out, the briar replacing it.Their ritual was not that different from the ones the elders did, her sister would speak with Lord Hircine and make her anew. A warrior. 

But she would not get to become a warrior, the spirits had other plans for her. That was the reason their mother gave throughout the journey west, to a land she would learn was called High Rock. The land of their father, a nobleman in Evermore. His efforts to cover up the girls origins were through. Many months studying dancing, literature, and learning to be proper noble daughters before anyone outside his closet circle could know of them. It was difficult, so different than the life they lived among the trees, dancing in ballrooms instead of around the fire. And when Rochelle struggled, failing at being a perfect Breton daughter, Colette knew she had to succeed. Molding herself into exactly what he wanted to not only spare her sister, let her focus on her magical study. She was good at it. Everything done perfectly down to marrying a very wealthy suitor. Father had been so pleased, her new husband brought direct ties to the East Empire Company and the chance of being an heir should Juillen be unable to take over. The next Lord of Evermore, her younger half-brother had been plagued by disease his entire life, the healers helped the pain but they could not help him walk. His legs began to fail before she got married and Colette would carry him to the top of the castle walls, he didn’t like being trapped inside. Nearly fifteen years between them, he was small enough that it was doable. A good thing as he did not feel comfortable when the guards offered the same, nor his mother; he only trusted Colette.