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goosewriting · 1 month ago

Note

Glad to hear requests are open! I just wanted to say I love your inquis!cal fics :D

I was wondering if you could write something with Cal? Lovesick Inquis!Cal hunting an in-denial-of-feelings-for-him Jedi!reader is always a favorite of mine. Literally just Cal pinning the reader down and insisting how they’d make such a great team if only reader would join him. Just anything really, being at his mercy- ugh.

Feel free to write it or not, I don’t mind, just figured I’d put it out there :)

Loth-cat and Mouse

summary: as reader escapes from an inquisitor, old sparks might reignite despite the danger.

relationship: Inquisitor Cal Kestis x gn!Jedi!reader

warnings: mentions of death and murder

word count: 3.6k

A/N: top tier request anon, tysm! writing the whole force shenanigans was my favourite part tbh. i’ve been meaning to explore that aspect for so long, battle of the will and all, and i’ll definitely be doing it again! tell me what you think pls c:

[all masterlists] 🪶 [star wars masterlist] 🪶 [ao3]

(english is not my first language. constructive criticism and grammar corrections are very appreciated!)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Living in hiding when the galaxy thinks you’re dead is easy. It comes with the privilege of being virtually invisible in a galaxy that seeks to oppress and exploit every living soul.

Ever since escaping the Clones turning on the Jedis as a Padawan, and the rise of the Empire, you’ve lived in hiding, as most of the surviving Jedis did. And for a long time, you were successful. That is, until an Inquisitor picked up your scent and started hunting you down.

This went on for two years, and you somehow managed to evade her, always being a step ahead. You only came face to face with the Inquisitor twice: the first time, when you looked the purplish skinned Mirialan in her yellow eyes for the first time, and the second when you knew what you had to do.

Sitting in the dusty booth of a run-down tavern somewhere in the Outer Rim, your shoulders slump forward as you remember how you had felt her life essence vanish through the Force like a cloud of spores disappearing, carried away by the wind. You knew you couldn’t get through with it with your own hands, so you rigged an old warehouse with so many explosives that not even the strongest Jedi Master would be able to escape. Using yourself as bait, standing by the entrance to the building, that was the last time you’d see her. Your plan worked, and the whole thing came down on her. So much so that it almost took you out as well, but you survived despite the injuries. You hope that in the eyes of the Force, you had freed her from her pain. Maybe somewhere deep inside she was thankful.

Or that was what you’d keep telling yourself to be able to sleep at night.

It’s been a couple of months since then, and you’ve doubled your efforts at staying hidden, as you don’t think you can take another Inquisitor hunt. Not because you can’t win against them. You already did, and that’s the problem. When you first realised an Inquisitor was trailing you, you were afraid. But now, after defeating her, the thought of going out there and turning around the hunter and hunted roles suddenly seems… exhilarating. But that would make you no better than a Sith, would it? Your face contorts in discomfort as you can practically hear your Master’s disappointed voice at what has become of you.

“I thought I taught you better.”

You sigh. Yeah, you did. But you trained me to be a peacekeeper, not an outlaw. It’s a kill or get killed world out here. It probably always has been, but we were shielded from it, had a roof over our heads, clothes to wear and food on our plates. You smile bitterly to yourself, the hood of your cape casting a shadow over your face as you twirl a toothpick between your fingers. Who’d have thought that we had it better during the war than afterwards.

Your motions come to a sudden halt and you involuntarily snap the thin piece of wood in two as you feel the air in the tavern change, turning impossibly cold. The constant chatter doesn’t stop though, the few customers currently in the tavern continue on unaware of the shift.

Rising up to your feet quickly but without making a noise, you beeline towards the bar, turning a sharp corner into the kitchen and then towards the back exit you know of. You can hear some modulated voices back in the main room; Purge Troopers. And where there are black armoured troopers… you don’t need to look to know what else is there.

Once out of view from the main area, you quicken your pace, exiting the place with one goal in mind: getting as far away as possible. With your mind reeling, you skilfully evade every person and droid in your way so as not to make a fuss or cause noise by something falling to the ground. Mentally, you go through every interaction from the last several weeks, trying to find where you did something careless that gave you away. But you’ve been so thorough with your recons, moving every few days, never staying in one place too long.

How did they find me?

This question echoes through your mind over and over as you take step after step. The destination of your brisk walk doesn’t really matter, you just need to put as much distance as possible between yourself and whatever hound they’ve sent after you.

It isn’t until you suddenly feel your burning lungs and aching legs asking for a break that you realise how far you’ve walked, and at what speed. You ran all the way back to your hideout. Agh, stupid! you reprimand yourself, smacking your hand to your forehead. it must have been an automatic response to come to your current “safe spot”, but if they find you here, you wouldn’t be able to come back to retrieve your supplies. In the few days you’ve been here, you’ve collected several machinery parts that you were planning on selling, but that plan just went down the drain. So you pack up whatever you can carry, mentally saying goodbye to not only the place and everything you’re leaving behind, yet again, but also the potential money you could have made which you desperately needed. With a sigh and a mental promise to do better next time, you head out to the port. Not the nearest one, though; the troopers probably have that one surrounded and monitored. You’re going to the one two towns over. It will take a while to get there, but it’s the safer choice.

The whole way there, you do your mental meditation exercises to keep your Force signature hidden. The familiarity of it also helps you calm down a little and recentre yourself.

After what felt like half an eternity, you’re finally at the port, and you go to buy a ticket off the planet. You’re relieved that at first glance there don't seem to be any Stormtroopers doing patrols out here. There is a bit of a line at the ticket shop though, so you stay a little further back by some crates and equipment waiting to be loaded into the cargo ships. Hiding out of sight, you wait until you can approach the window directly.

One by one you watch the people in the queue leave, and when there’s only one person left, you take a quick look around to make sure no Imperial has arrived. The coast is clear, and you take a step in that direction. Except that your boots remain stuck to the ground. All at once, you’re surrounded, no, enveloped in that cold, eerie aura from the tavern earlier, which holds you in place. You take a gulp of air much like a fish out of water, and you try to turn your head around when you hear a modulated chuckle behind you, but you’re frozen in place.

“Going to the port further away even though it cost you more time. Bold choice,” the modulated voice of a man says, and your heart feels like it’s about to leap out of your throat.

This is it. They found me, you think to yourself, trying your hardest to slip your hand to your belt underneath your robe to reach your weapon, but to no avail.

“Don’t worry. All the troopers are probably still by the tavern searching the whole village,” he says, and you can feel yourself slowly being turned towards him. You were ready to spit in his face and curse him out, but the image before you catches you completely off-guard. While the red visor of his sleek helmet is practically unmistakable regarding his line of work, he threw on some sort of poncho to cover his armour. It’s almost comical, and were it not for the imminent danger you find yourself in, you probably would have laughed a bit.

“Everything has been so boring lately,” he continues, rolling his head back and to the side to make his point. Then, his visor locks onto your face, and he stays silent for a moment. “When I read what you did to the Eleventh Sister, though, I knew I had to come check you out for myself.”

“W-why,” you manage to croak out. His Force grip is starting to get tighter and it's getting harder for you to breathe.

He slightly shrugs, one of his shoulders leaning onto the big supply crate that shields you both from view. “As I said, I was bored. And you get a head start, so…” He pulls the poncho over his head, letting it fall down to the ground unceremoniously. “Entertain me.”

As he turns on his heels, he finally lets go and you can fill your lungs again. You don't know what just happened, but you’re not about to waste this chance to escape, so you beeline to the ticket shop and buy your way off the planet. Before boarding the ship, you take one last look over your shoulder; the Inquisitor is nowhere to be seen. Or felt.

From then on, a strange game of Loth-cat and mouse starts. You’d escape, the Inquisitor somehow following your trail, even though you took great care to stay anonymous. Only days after arriving at a new location, you’d find his Purge Troopers looking for you. Every time you thought you might be able to get a break and rest at one place a little longer, the Inquisitor would reach out in the Force, poking at you ever so slightly, just as a reminder that he’s still there.

You’re exhausted.

People who aren’t Force-sensitive emit a certain aura, while those who are able to tap into and manipulate it, manifest in different ways. Most seem to have an extra set of long, immaterial limbs, able to scan their surroundings. Sometimes it’s like a flowy cape, fluttering around the person with grace; sometimes it’s more like thick and heavy vines, dragging themselves around and scratching everything with their thorns.

Inquisitors have a very strong and rather aggressive presence in the Force, but you’ve never quite felt a signature as distinctly intense as the one currently hunting you. His whole essence feels like an icy mist, spreading quickly around him and seeping into every corner, looking for his victims. It starts out slow, unnoticeable at first, but by the time you realise what’s surrounding you, it’s too late. Once the victim is found, the mist solidifies into ice, sticking their feet to the ground, rendering them unable to move. The Inquisitor stretches out his arm in their direction, and the mist becomes more dense, constricting their airways, squeezing out every last drop of oxygen agonisingly slowly.

At some point, his presence starts haunting you at night. In the few hours of restless sleep you allow yourself while on the run, you find him to be there more and more often. Worn down by how long the chase has been going on, your guard starts to fall. Suddenly you don’t dread it anymore, the cold shudders as you walk through a market, and the icy mist following you into your dreams. Not just his Force signature but his whole presence as a whole, it’s so strong, it’s almost intoxicating. The more he keeps finding you, the more you keep catching yourself almost looking for his presence.

Much to your surprise and not delight, you realise his manipulation game is working.

It doesn’t take much longer until you finally come face to face with the Inquisitor. You know it’s too late to escape him, and you don’t know if you can hold your own against him in your current state, but you have no choice.

As if the exhaustion wasn’t enough, you’re currently stuck in a tropical forest, and you can feel the dirt and debris after running through the thick vegetation sticking to you, a thin sheen of sweat on your skin. The only sound you hear is your ragged breathing and the sounds of the jungle. You know the Inquisitor is not far behind you, but he’s been moving surprisingly silently given his armour. More than ever, he feels like a predator.

Arriving at a clearing in the forest, you stop. Deep in your gut you can feel it: it’s time. Whatever happens, only one of you will walk out of here. So, after taking a deep breath and wiping off your face with the back of your sleeve, you turn around.

All this time, you’ve tried not to imagine what he looked like underneath his helmet, as you knew it would only humanise him and make it harder for you to fight the man. So when you’re met with a face instead of a red visor, you’re surprised. Whatever mental image you might have had of him, you were not expecting him to look as handsome and young as he did. There’s also a strange air of familiarity which you can’t place, but decide to ignore for the time being.

Sizing each other up from either side of the clearing, you merely stand there, looking at each other. He moves his hand and you instinctively reach for your sabre, but he casually adjusts his gloves, weapon stil sheathed.

“You know,” he says with a slight chuckle. “I only ever came after you because I recognised your name. I personally requested to pick up where the Eleventh Sister left off.”

Your brows furrow at his confession, which feels very much misplaced. He talks like he’s expecting you to be flattered or honoured at his words.

You deny ever having seen him, and he seems a little dejected at that. Kneeling down, he picks a little blue flower from the shrubs, and takes a couple steps in your direction. Offering it to you, he calls you by a nickname that you haven’t heard in what feels like several lifetimes.

That’s when you suddenly remember: you had met him once, on Coruscant, when Padawans from all over the galaxy would go to the temple and be shown the archives. You were from two different home planets, there was no reason for you to have ever crossed paths, yet fate would have you attending the tour through the archives on the same day. All Padawans got to spend some time together, mainly to train and spar with each other. You can’t really remember anyone else you met that day, and the events are pretty blurry as is, but you do distinctly remember a Padawan with wild copper hair and freckles that looked like the constellations the Jedi taught you about. You and him would steal glances at each other the whole day, until finally he approached you, offering you a little white flower he picked somewhere. Where exactly, you had no idea, given the lack of green spaces on the planet.

“Cal. Cal Kestis,” you say as his name comes back to you, like it’s always been on the tip of your tongue, dormant.

“Ah, so you do remember,” he smiles a little at that. You don’t take the flower from his hand though, so he flicks it away without a second thought.

”What did they do to you…” You shake your head in disbelief.

You mentally compare the sweet little boy with fiery hair that you had met that day, and try to superpose that image with the man now standing before you, and it’s just not possible. It’s not the same person any more. His eyes, once the colour of oceans and clear skies, now glow an angry yellow, his gaze piercing right through your soul.

Since coming face to face in the clearing, Cal’s presence in the Force has been as unmovable and strong as ever, so you had no choice but to mentally and emotionally shield yourself, like hiding behind a rock in a snowstorm, trying to avoid the relentless icy wind clawing at your exposed skin. But now that you know who he is, you’re certain there has to be something left, even if very deep within him. So you dig deep in your own heart for that short connection you had felt with him that day on Coruscant, and bring it back to the surface, holding onto it for dear life. You dig out the warmth, the safety, the certainty that those days used to have, using them as a shield to part the cold wind as you take step after step in the metaphorical snow towards Cal.

Feeling the shift, Cal straightens up.

“What are you doing?” he questions.

You don’t answer immediately, holding his harsh gaze the best you can.

“I’m reaching out to you,” you say after a moment, the light of your Force finally strong enough to allow you to approach him without being knocked back by his icy aura. The dry leaves crunch under your feet as you take a step towards the Inquisitor.

To an outsider, this interaction would have looked like an intense staring contest. But if you allowed your dynamics in the Force to have an impact on the physical world, you two would have flattened the terrain around you both in an instant.

During this battle of will and determination, which seems to go on forever, you shorten what little distance separates you from Cal. His whole body is tense, trying to keep his wits as you’re blinding him with your light. You wonder if there is a part in him that wants to give in, and that’s exactly what you’re trying to find within him. Stretching out your hand, you carefully cup his face. He flinches slightly in surprise, but doesn’t pull away.

“It’s not too late, Cal,” you say. Your voice is soft, contrasting the intensity in both your gazes. “Please come back.”

Now that you’re so close, you decide to drop the metaphorical shield you were holding up, exposing the warmth and joy from before to him. His icy wind almost knocks you back a couple of steps, but you let it wash over you. You inhale sharply as you let everything he’s throwing at you bounce off; his hate, his anger, his pain.

“Stop,” he demands almost breathlessly.

But you bring your other hand to his face too, holding him, as you cling onto the memory of your first meeting with him and try to emanate that light through his own shield wherever you find cracks. And you succeed, feeling how, for a split second, all his walls come crumbling down and all you’re left with is just a boy, scared and alone.

“Stop!” he yells, as his own hand reaches out this time, swatting yours away and harshly grabbing you by the throat. Pushing you back several steps until your back hits a tree, he holds you there, your own hands clawing at his wrists in an attempt to ease the pressure of his grip.

“Stop,” he repeats, much more collected this time.

“You’re so deep in that dark cave, you forgot there’s an exit at all,” you say. “You don’t have to stay there, you know. Let me help you get back to the light.”

“Why would I want to leave?” He chuckles darkly. “Let me show you the way into the dark instead. There’s more here than you could ever know, so much power to be tapped into that you’re missing.”

He takes a moment to study your face, loosening his grip on you ever so slightly, which allows you to take a gulp of air.

“Come with me,” he offers. ”You’ve already proven how powerful you are. Imagine how much more we could both accomplish if we joined forces.”

“Me? Become like you?” You scoff. “I’d rather you kill me now.”

Cal hums, as if considering your suggestion for a moment. But he remains silent, with you still pinned to the tree. He doesn’t let go of you nor does he tighten his grip, leaving the next move to you instead. Your head spins, trying to figure out what to do.

He raises a brow at you, urging you to do or say something. You frown, conflicted.

“All this time I thought you were just playing a twisted game, coming after me until you got bored. And then you’d kill me. Now you’re trying to recruit me?”

“If I wanted you dead, you never would have even seen me coming,” he retorts with a bit of a snarl.

Then he reaches out for the lightsabre at your belt, and one of your hands protectively grabs onto it before he can. Cal gives you a smug look as that’s exactly what he wanted, and placing his hand over yours, he guides your weapon up, pressing the unignited end into his ribcage. He’s essentially saying, ‘if you don’t want to come with me, you’ll have to kill me right now, right here.’

“Quite the conundrum we find ourselves in, huh,” he says after a moment, giving your hand a squeeze. “What’s stopping you?”

“…Hope,” you answer rather unconvincingly, cringing at how corny it sounds.

He scoffs and lets go of your hand, which falls to your side still holding onto your weapon.

“Don’t worry, I can fix that.”

Cal suddenly leans in, placing a lingering kiss on your cheek.

“I’m looking forward to our next encounter,” he whispers into your ear, and a shudder runs down your spine.

He lets go suddenly, your legs giving in, and you fall to the ground with a grunt as you take a couple deep breaths now that your airways aren’t constricted anymore.

As he walks away, Cal doesn’t turn back once. He picks up his helmet where he discarded it earlier, putting it on and disappearing amongst the trees.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A/N2: part 2 anyone? 👀 let me know how you’d like the story to unfold!

A/N3: the amount of times i’ve written reader getting choked by inq!cal…….. i think i need to unpack something there

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🐥 taglist: [link to join in my pinned post!] @dybynyght, @galaxtic-writings, @kalea-bane, @soka-writes-things, @padawancat97, @ivelostmyabilitytoeven, @alternatescififandomelover, @riddikulus-obsessions, @optimisticprime3, @starilicious, @lovelyygirl8, @cathyket, @wildefire, @ghostkestis, @reckoning-star

#goose feathers #cal kestis x reader #star wars cal x reader #jedi fallen order x reader #jedi survivor x reader #inquisitor cal kestis x reader #inq!cal x reader #star wars x reader

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cosyvelvetorchid · 2 months ago

Text

New bucktommy oneshot just landed!

I'll Crawl Home To Him

This was supposed to be a short drabble of an alternate meeting but it quickly ran away from me, lol.

Read on ao3 or below.

Enjoy!

**********

Word: 12,478

Rated: E

Summary:

Buck, visiting his parents with his sister and her family, end up leaving the house in a snowstorm after his parents prove yet again that they were incapable of change.

After finding himself at a local motel to get out of the storm, he unexpectedly finds himself spending the whole evening with the owner, who by an incredible coincidence used to work at the 118.

Before the night is over Buck’s entire world has been flipped upside down. But leaving to go back home was not going to be easy

**********

Buck knew it was a stupid idea to walk out of the house when a snow storm was just beginning but he was just so mad! Mad at his parents for being typically them, mad at his sister for convincing him to go there in the first place, but most of all he was mad at himself for, yet again, for believing that they had changed.

It had taken a while and a boat load of therapy—both separately and together—after the heart wrenching revelation of Buck having had an older brother that had died and everybody had kept it quiet like a dirty secret, for Buck to trust that they truly regretted their mistakes and wanted to make things right. The thing is, Buck knew that they would never have the kind of relationship he had wished that they could have had when he was growing up—he knew that that ship had sailed. He had accepted that at best they could have the kind of relationship where they could stand to be in the same room without fighting and maybe come to a mutual respect for one another.

But just as he had started to believe that they really did mean it when they said they wanted to change and build a relationship with their son, they show their true—and old—colours.

He’d had fights with his parents before; more than he could count, but this one, despite it being no different than other fights they’d had—his parents critiquing his life choices like they had done a thousand times before—hit different this time.

Maybe because it had been a while since they’d done it. Maybe because he’d believed they’d changed. Maybe because Maddie and Chim and Jee-Yun were there too or maybe because it was winter in Pennsylvania and he fucking hated the cold!

But it did hit different. He could almost hear the snap in his heart as his mother spat her usual vitriol at the son who could never do right.

His eyes were streaming as he trudged along the sidewalk-less road—a mixture of emotion and the ice-cold wind blowing into his face. He didn’t have a destination in mind when he left the house—he just knew he needed to get out. Get away.

He had no idea how long he had been walking—he’d turned off his phone after the 15th call from Maddie he’d ignored, and he hadn’t put his watch back on after shower he’d had just before the fight with his parents. He’s was only wearing sweats, a T-shirt and hoodie when he left the house—stopping only to put on his sneakers—and the snow that was now coming down heavily had quickly soaked his clothes through.

He knew he’d walked roughly 6 miles when he rounded a bend in the road and the Mountain Laurel motel came into view. He could have honestly walked another 20 miles, fuelled entirely by the anger he felt, but he was soaking wet and the last vestige of logical thinking left in his head told him it was probably a good idea to stop.

The sign high above flashed ‘vacancies, in big neon purple letters in front of the parking lot at the front of the motel that empty save for one truck parked by the entrance. He opened the creaking door to the foyer and stepped along the old, threadbare and ugly brown carpet, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving a wet trail in his wake.

The place smelt as though someone had emptied an empire can of pine scented air freshener and it made Bucks throat dry breathing it in. He approached the high mahogany counter and palmed at the scuffed bell and waited.

“One second!” Came a deep voice from the back room. A few seconds later the door at the back opened and a tall, well built man appeared wiping his mouth with a napkin. Buck immediately noticed the man’s striking blue eyes as he looked across at him.

“Sorry, was eating dinner.” He said. “Welcome to the Mountain Laurel. You’re looking for a room?”

“Uh, yeah. Please.” Buck answered wrapping his arms around himself in a pointless attempt to stop himself from shivering.

“Hmm, that might be difficult—we’re very busy tonight.” The man answered.

“Oh. Uh..” He truly couldn’t take anymore and was on the verge of more tears. The man noticed and his expression immediately changed.

“That was a joke.” He corrected. “Sorry, I’ve always been told I have a bad sense of humour. We’re actually completely empty tonight—you’re our only guest so if you want a room you have your pick of any.” He smiled warmly and deep lines appeared around his eyes. Buck let out a sigh of relief.

“Honestly, any room is fine.” He said sighing. The man typed on the computer that looked like it was made before he Buck was born, then unhooked a key from the hooks on the wall behind him.

“Room number two it is.” He said. “Name?”

“Evan Buckley.”

“How long are you staying, Evan?”

“Uh..” Buck hadn’t thought about that. He hadn’t thought he’d be staying in a motel at all. “I..”

The man seemed to sense that Buck was struggling and offered a helping hand. “I’ll put you down for one night and if you want to extend your stay just let me know.”

“Thanks, th-that would be, uh.. yeah.”

“Good. Are you paying by cash or card?”

“Card.” He said opening his wallet. The man gave him the price and completed the transaction before handing Buck his card back and then a room key.

“Second room on the left as you go outside. You need any help with bags?”

“No, I.. I didn’t come with any.” Buck admitted.

“Oh.” The man said with surprise. “Well, if you need anything I’ll be here.” He smiled again and Buck tried to reciprocate but didn’t have the energy for anything other than a half smile.

The room was as basic as he’d expected for a cheap Pennsylvania motel. A double bed, with surprisingly white linen for this type of establishment, on one side of the room, with a cheap wooden nightstand on either side of it, each with a lamp. Opposite the bed was a mid sized dresser with a TV from the dark ages sat atop.

Usually the first thing he’d check was the state of the bathroom but he simply didn’t have the energy to do so. Instead he slumped onto the edge of bed and put his head in his hands.

A knock at the door startled him. He opened it to find the man from the reception standing there.

“Uh, hey..”

“Tommy.” The man introduced.

“Tommy, right. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I, uh, thought you could use these.” He held out a small pile of clothes. Buck looked at him with a mixture of surprise and confusion. “You’re clearly soaked to the bone and you said you didn’t have any bags with you. They’re nothing special—just some old sweats, a T-shirt and hoodie. No underwear though—that would be weird.” He chuckled.

Buck felt kind of pathetic. This guy—Tommy—pitied him. Why else would he offer his clothes to a stranger? He was a grown man for god sake and here he was contemplating accepting clothes from a stranger and all because he didn’t want to see his parents.

“If you don’t need them..” Tommy began to say and Buck almost snatched the clothes out of his hand. Regardless of how he was feeling about it, he couldn’t deny that he was soaking wet and freezing cold, and a hot shower and fresh clothes—even those belonging to a stranger—did sound nice.

“No! I mean.. thank you that’s.. that would be helpful.” Tommy handed them over. “Thanks, To-Tommy.”

“You’re welcome, Evan. And if want a beer or something to eat I’ll be in the entertainment centre.”

Buck raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You have an entertainment centre?”

“We have uncomfortable chairs, a flat screen and beer fridge if that counts?”

Buck couldn’t help let out a huffed laugh. “Uh, I don’t know—I’m pretty exhausted.” He told Tommy honestly.

“Fair enough. Well, if you change your mind.” Tommy shot him a finger gun and began to turn away.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, Evan.”

Buck considered correcting Tommy and telling him he’d rather go by Buck, but he really didn’t care all that much. He’d spent the last 3 days continuously correcting his parents which didn’t make a damn difference—“We chose your name so we have the right to use it.”—his mother had said, and quite frankly he was tired of correcting.

He finally decided to inspect the bathroom and was impressed to find it was actually clean—no soap scum on the mirror or around the sink, no mildew in the bathtub or white calcium build up on the shower. And the toilet actually looked like it had been cleaned!

He turned on the shower above the bath tub, removed his wet clothes and got in under the hot water, hoping the heat would wash away his feelings.

He wasn’t that lucky.

He inspected himself in the full length mirror on the back of the bathroom door. He almost laughed at how ridiculous he looked in Tommys clothes. The shirt and hoodie were fine, if a little bigger on him than he would usually prefer. But the sweatpants were loose on the ass, tight on the thighs and short on the leg.

They smelled really good he had noticed—a warm, spiced scent. He toyed with the idea of asking Tommy what detergent he used but that would probably be weird, right? Although no weirder than giving a stranger your clothes he supposed.

He looked at his still turned off phone and contemplated turning it on to call Bobby as he would tell him it would be okay. But, quite frankly, he didn’t want that. At least not yet. He was righteously angry and didn’t need anybody telling him it’ll all be okay.

Instead, he turned it not, ignored all the messages that came in, shot a quick text to Maddie telling her he was okay and needed space, then shut it off again and left his room.

He walked into the ‘Entertainment centre’, which Tommy wasn’t kidding when he described it—a few tables with chairs, a flat screen tv on the back wall and a small counter which presumably had a beer fridge behind it. The door opened behind him and Tommy walked into the room.

“Evan. You changed your mind.” He said with a surprise. His eyes looked down Bucks body wearing his clothes and he raised an eyebrow when he saw the flash of ankle sticking out of the bottom of the sweatpants. Buck felt himself blush.

“Long legs.” He answered to an unasked question.

“I can see.” Tommy replied; the corner his mouth rising. “Can I get you a beer?”

“Uh, Yeah.” Tommy removed two bottles from the fridge behind the counter, opened them both and handed one to Buck. “Thanks.” Tommy leant on the counter as Buck stood looking at his surroundings. “So how long have you worked here?” Tommy laughed into his beer bottle. “What?”

“I own the place, kid.”

“Oh.”

“That surprise you?” He asked.

“Kinda, yeah.”

“Why?” Tommy asked.

“You look like you.. I dunno.. like-like you’d do something more physical for a living.” He replied looking at Tommy’s arms. The plaid shirt he was wearing over a Henley wasn’t exactly hiding his large biceps. He wondered if they were bigger than his.

“You’re not exactly wrong—I’m actually a firefighter.“

“No way? I’m a firefighter too.” Buck excitedly said.

“Yeah? Here in Hershey?”

“Uh, no, thank god. L.A. The 118.”

Tommys mouth slackened and he stared at Buck in disbelief. “Nash still Captain?”

Now it was Bucks turn to be in a state of disbelief. “You know Bobby?”

Tommy chuckled. “He was my captain.” Buck put his beer down on the counter a little too hard and foam rushed out of the top of the bottle.

“Shit! Sorry!” He tried bent forward to catch some of it in his mouth and Tommy just looked at him wide-eyed before swallowing and grabbing some paper towels from under the counter.

“Don’t worry, I got it.” He lifted up the bottle and wiped the counter down.

“I can’t believe Bobby was your captain. When did you leave the 118?”

“I transferred out about 6 years ago—went to harbor.”

“Holy shit you’re Tommy!” Buck exclaimed after doing the math in his head.

“Usually.” He quipped.

“You helped us with that fire at Doheny Park.”

Tommy nodded remembering Howie’s call. “Well, it wasn’t just me, but yeah. How is Howie by the way? We haven’t spoken in a while.”

Buck couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s good. He’s, uh, actually engaged to my sister, Maddie. Got a kid, too.”

“Wow! Good for him.”

“Yeah. He’s here, actually, with Maddie and my niece.” Buck told him. Tommy’s face changed to confusion.

“So why are you here and not with them?”

It was a valid question but Buck wasn’t really sure if he wanted to answer it. Truth be told he actually wanted to scream it all out; get all of the frustration and anger and resentment out of his system, but Tommy had already done enough for him by lending him his clothes—the last thing he needed was to hear about Bucks pathetic family problems.

“They’re, uh.. they’re with my parents.” He simply answered.

“And I’m guessing you don’t want to be?” Tommy gathered.

“Nope.” Buck said simply. Tommy correctly ascertained that he didn’t want to talk about it and changed the subject.

“So, what’s the 118 like these days?” He asked instead and Bucks face opened into a smile.

“It’s good. We’re a family. I couldn’t imagine being stationed anywhere else.”

“That’s good. I remember Captain Nash introducing family dinners.” Tommy said fondly remembering them.

Buck nodded as he sipped his beer. “He still does them. Actually, he’s been teaching me since I joined and recently he’s started letting me cook for everyone.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m not as good as him, but the team seems to like it. So, was Bobby always your captain?”

Tommys shifted uncomfortably in his stance and sighed. “No. For most of the time I was there we had Gerrard at the helm.”

“Chim and Hen have talked about him. Bad guy, right?”

“That’s putting it mildly—he was a bigot. And I.. he did not make me a better person.”

Buck wanted to ask what he meant but wasn’t sure if he could. Tommy, however, surprised him.

“I wasn’t the kindest to Hen and Howie when they first joined the 118.” He admitted. “I never agreed with the things that Gerrard would say or how he treated them, but I was way deep in the closet back then and terrified of being found out and Gerard making me a target. That’s not an excuse, by the way—I was wrong in how I handle it; handled him, but like I said—he did not make me a better person.” He took a sip from his bottle then continued picking at the sticker on it.

Buck wasn’t sure how to respond to Tommy’s candour. He obviously felt bad—his body language and facial expressions gave that away as he was speaking.

“I mean, if it makes you feel better whenever Chim and Hen talk about you it’s always positive.”

“Hmm.” Tommy responded, neither negative nor positive.

“Were you, uh.. out at the 118? I mean when Bobby took over?”

Tommy shook his head. “No. I knew everyone else would probably be fine with it, but I wasn’t. It wasn’t until I moved to Harbor that I stopped lying about who I was.” Tommy walked out from the counter and gestured towards one of the tables and they both sat down.

“Is that why you transferred?”

“No, I missed flying. Used to do it in the army.”

“God you’re so fucking cool!” Buck exclaimed without thinking and immediately felt his face flush with embarrassment. He could have sworn, though, that he saw a subtle blush to Tommy’s cheeks too.

“You need to raise your bar, kid.”

“Come on—you’re a firefighter and a pilot!” Buck argued. Tommy held his eyes to him for a moment and smiled.

Buck felt a warmth run through him as he looked at Tommy. He wondered what it would have been like if he’d have joined the 118 and Tommy was still there. Not to mention It was one hell of a coincidence that the man who left the 118 and creating the space for him to join, happened to be running a hotel a few miles away from his parent’s house.

“It’s crazy isn’t it?”

“What is?”

“You and me, here. I-I mean you leave the 118 so that I can join. 6 years later you’re running a motel in my home town.”

“It definitely is strange.” Tommy said.

“How come you’re here?”

“This placed used to belong to my dad.”

“Did he hand it down to you?”

Tommy almost choked on his beer. “God no! He be turning in his grave if he knew I owned the place.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realise he’d passed away.”

Tommy waved him away “Don’t be—he was a bastard. He was the reason I knew how to handle Gerrard. He actually left the place to my uncle in his will, but then he died a few months ago and it was passed on to me. I’m only keeping it open until I can find a buyer, then I’m going back to L.A.”

“Back to Harbor?”

“That’s the plan.” He finished the last of his beer. “You want another?”

“Sure.” Buck said finishing off the last of his. Tommy got them both a fresh bottle and sat back down.

“Thanks.”

Tommy looked at Buck with narrowed eyes for a moment before a wave of realisation came over him. “I just realised who you are.”

“The hottest firefighter in L.A?” Buck joked.

“That too.” Tommy said with a smirk and Buck found himself blushing again. Tommy noticed but said nothing of it.

“You’re the guy that got crushed by the engine.”

Bucks smile slowly fell. “Uh, yeah. That-that was me.” He looked down at his beer bottle.

“I’m sorry, Evan. We don’t have to talk about it.” Tommy said softly.

“No it’s.. it’s fine. It was just a hard time, you know?”

“I can imagine.”

“I thought my career was over. I got through all the surgeries and rehab, and just when I passed my recertification I threw a blood clot in my lung. Puked up blood all over Bobby and Athena’s patio.”

“Jesus, Evan.”

“Yeah. Then I was on blood thinners for a while and Bobby wouldn’t let me back on the team out of fear something would happen to me.”

“That makes sense.”

“I know that now, but back then? Man, I was so angry. And desperate. The 118 was, is, my life. It’s the only thing I’ve ever done that meant something and the idea of losing it?” He swallowed away the emotion rising in his throat. It was years since it happened but the memory of the fear and trauma of what he went through were a still a part of him. Likely would be forever.

“I’m ashamed to admit but I actually tried to sue the department. And Bobby.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep. Like I said I was just so angry. I couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t let me back in. Yeah I was on blood thinners but I was on them and survived a god damn tsunami. Saved some lives too.”

“You were in the tsunami?” Tommy asked.

“I was on the pier with my best friend’s kid when it hit.”

“Sounds like you need to be wrapped in bubble wrap.”

“I think that was Bobby’s thought, too. Anyway, eventually I came to my senses and dropped the lawsuit. And-and Bobby realised that he needed to trust that I was ready and let me back in.”

“What about the blood thinners? You still take them?”

“No.” He said “turns out it was the bolts on my leg causing them. Once they removed them I was back to normal.” He smiled.

“Here’s to that.” Tommy lifted up his beer and Buck clinked his bottle into Tommy’s. “Any other life threatening injuries on the job?”

“The emergency tracheotomy wasn’t on the job so that doesn’t count, but-“

“Hold up.” Tommy sat up in his seat “you had an emergency tracheotomy?”

Buck pulled down the neck of his, well, Tommy’s, T-shirt to show him the faded scar. “Yep. Worst first date ever.”

“It happened on a first date?!”

Buck couldn’t help but laugh at Tommy’s shock.

“She was the one who did it.”

“Holy shit, really?!”

“Yep. With a steak knife.” He added. Tommys eyes widened. “I feel like I should point out she was a 911 operator so not exactly a laymen. But she had someone one the phone talking her through it.”

“Jesus, Evan. Anything else?”

“I did get struck by lightning.”

Tommy choked on the sip of beer he was drinking and coughed.

“Are you okay?” Buck asked.

“Are you?!” Tommy threw back.

“Miraculously, yeah. Though technically I did die for over 3 minutes.” He said plainly.

“I think I’m might have to wrap you in bubble wrap and keep you here for safety.” Tommy said shaking us head.

“What, like your pet?” Tommys head quickly shot back to Buck. His head was tilted with a soft smirk on his face.

Buck didn’t know what he said that. Tommys pet? Really? jesus, Evan!

“You have any major injuries at work?” He quickly moving the conversation along.

“Just one.” He stood and lifted his shirt up to reveal a long scar—about 4 inches long—on the right side of his upper torso. “Factory explosion. Caught a big piece of shrapnel.”

Before Buck knew what he was doing his hand was reaching out and his fingertips were delicately tracing the scar. Tommy audibly inhaled a breath and goosebumps exploded on his skin. The sound of Tommy breathing in brought Buck back to reality.

“I’m-I’m sorry—I shouldn’t have.. that wasn’t.. sorry.” He quickly withdrew his hand and sat it in his lap. He suddenly couldn’t look Tommy in the eye. What the hell was that he just did?!

“It’s fine.” Tommy said lowering his shirt and sitting back down.

“So what happened with the tracheotomy first date? Did anything happen with them?”

“Yeah, I uh, actually lived with her for a while. Sorry of accidentally, really.”

“How do you accidentally live with someone?” Tommy asked, a curious look on his face. Buck chuckled.

“She was taking care of her mom at the time, Alzheimer’s, and after she died I wanted to better for her to help her through it. At some point I just sort never left.” He explained.

“But you broke up eventually?”

Buck sighed. “Yeah. She, uh, was having a hard time with her moms passing and decided to go travelling; have a “Eat, Pray, Love” experience, which, I didn’t know what that meant at the time—did you know it was a book? Apparently this lady wanted to find herself after getting divorced. Which I kind of get. Not-not the divorce part—the finding yourself part-” Buck stopped himself. “Sorry, I’m rambling.”

“Ramble away, I don’t mind.” Tommy told him with an easy smile. It made Buck feel at ease. Plenty of people, mostly exes, had told him they didn’t mind him rambling but he knew they were just saying it to not hurt his feelings. But there was something about how Tommy was looking at him that told him he was being genuine.

“Anyway, long story short she never came back.” He sipped his beer. “Mmm, that’s not true—she did come back about a year and half later with a fiancé in tow.”

“Ouch.” Tommy said. Buck nodded in agreement.

“But I mean I get it now—she was an older woman and she’d lived so long being the safety net for other people and she’d lost herself along the way. I think being with me reminded her of being a little more care free, but it wasn’t sustainable. Least not for her.”

“How old was she?”

“45.”

“And you were?”

“Uh, 23.”

“So you like them older?” Tommy smirked.

Buck laughed. “Uh, not really. I mean I don’t really care about age, it’s more about competency for me. I like people who are good at what they do and can confidently do it.”

“I get that.” He said. They held eye contract for a moment and Buck realised he actually felt a little better than he had when he had walked in. There was something so easy about Tommy. He never would have shared what he had with anybody else he’d just met.

“What about you? You ever had your heart broken?” Buck asked.

“Once.” Tommy answered. “Guy I served with. For obvious reasons we kept it secret, but after we got discharged I thought that we could actually have something. Turned out he just saw me as a way to pass the time while on tour. He’s married to a woman now with a couple of kids.”

“I’m sorry, that’s.. that sucks.”

“It did for a while.” He confessed.

“You ever come close since?” Buck asked.

Tommy shook his head. “Not really. I’ve dated here and there but most guys that are attracted to me because of my physique and being a firefighter.”

“Yeah, it must be so hard being so hot.” Buck teased. Tommy laughed and nudged Bucks leg with his knee under the table then turned it back on Buck.

“But you think I’m hot?” Tommy looked at Buck and pursed his lips. Buck lost all moisture in his mouth and is heart thudded against his ribcage. It wasn’t.. it’s not like he didn’t know Tommy was.. Look, anybody with working eyes could see that he was gorgeous. He was tall, board and muscular and that cleft.. he’d be lying if he said he didn’t, kind of, sort of, maybe a little bit want to poke his pinky finger into it. Those eyes too—big and blue and surrounded by extraordinarily long eyelashes.

“You know you are.” He said back trying to sound confident. Tommy simply smirked again in response.

“Well, it would be nice to meet someone who was interested in getting to know me as a person.”

“Nah, I get it—people are impressed with the job but once they realise you’re an actual person with feelings they don’t stick around for long.” Buck commiserated with him.

“It’s why I don’t date people I meet on calls anymore.”

“Uh-huh.” Buck said into his bottle. “You know I once met an ex responding to a helicopter crash, which.. should have been the first clue.”

“Yeah it’s never works out the way you expect.” Tommy agreed.

“Learned that the third time around.” Buck laughed. “I met the last one at a living funeral—she was a death doula.”

“What the hell is a death doula?” Tommy asked.

“She helped people who were terminally ill accept that they were dying and supported them through it.” Buck explained.

“Oh, well that’s noble.”

“Yeah, I thought so. Until all she wanted to talk about was when I died from the lightning strike.” He said and Tommy scoffed.

Without warning everything went dark and silence surrounded them.

“Well that was creepy timing.”

“God damn electrics in this place!” Tommy complained with a sigh and turned on the flashlight on his phone. “I swear one tiny breeze and this whole place will fall down.”

“Can you fix it?” Buck asked.

“Ordinarily I would be able to get it going again, however.. the electrics are in a separate building out back and..” he pointed to the window behind Buck. He turned around to see the blizzard raging outside.

“Jesus! Yeah you can’t go out in that.”

Tommy pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed again. “Okay. Here’s what we’re going to do.” He took the key to his room and held it out to Buck. “You go to my room, and I’ll lock up the place and meet you there in a minute.”

Buck looked at him with a hint of surprise on his face. “Y-your room?”

“The heat in all the rooms runs on electric—my room is the only one that also has a fireplace. So unless you want to freeze to death it’s the best place to be to keep warm.”

“Ri-right. That makes sense.” Buck conceded.

“First room outside.”

“You have a flashlight?” Buck asked.

“Can’t you use the one on your phone?”

“No, it’s in my room. And turned off.” Tommy analysed Buck for a second before brushing it away. “Okay. Hold on here for a second.”

Buck heard him moving around in back room for a minute before walking back out with an open backpack in his hands. He opened the fridge behind the counter and he heard the clinking of bottles being shoved inside it.

“God that snow is really getting heavy.” Buck said looking out the light the glass door. There was at last 2 or 3 inches on the ground and there was no signs of it letting up.

“Yeah. You ready?” Tommy asked.

“Yeah.”

Tommy opened the door letting Buck out and quickly closed and locked it. They both raised their forearms to shield their faces from the snow as walked quickly to Tommys door 10 or so feet away.

“You got the key?”

“Shit. Right, yeah.” Buck took it from his pocket and unlocked the door and they entered the room with Tommy shutting and locking it behind them.

“Hold on one second..” he said putting his backpack down and unzipping it. He removed a large pillar candle and a lighter from the bag and lit it. The room was subtly illuminated in a warm glow. It wasn’t enough to really get a good look at the room, but from what Buck could see it Tommy was definitely a tidy, squared away person. The bed was made with the same white linens as his own, save for a fleeced blanket folded at the bottom of the bed. There was the same night stands and dresser that he had in his room, except a much bigger, and more modern TV.

Tommy removed a bunch more candles from the bag, lit them and dotted them around the room.

“I would have thought a firefighter would recognise a fire hazard when he saw one.” Buck teased as he watched Tommy the candles.

“I won’t tell if you won’t.” He said back with that smirk that Buck was beginning to find quite pleasant.

“You’ve put me in a really good blackmailing position, you know?” Buck replied.

“Is that so?” Tommy said with a casual smoothness to his voice that Buck didn’t know what to make of. He sounded flirtatious which—no, he wasn’t flirting, right? That—he wasn’t against being flirted with. He liked flirting and he couldn’t deny that it always felt nice. He’d had guys flirt with him before and it wasn’t as if he were ever offended by it—he had a healthy confidence in his looks and was never short of flirtatious attention when he was on the job and in his turnouts, from any gender. He appreciated it and saw it as a compliment when men flirted with him, but he was never really in to it.

But with Tommy.. Buck was sort of in awe of him—he was just so effortlessly cool. He made Buck feel like the cool kids made him feel when he was at school—wanting to do something stupid to impress him. That would explain the feeling in deep in his stomach that had been growing since they’d been hanging out—he was just impressed by the man.

“What is it you want in return for your silence? I don’t have a lot of money, but I do make a mean chilli. Maybe I can bride you with food.”

Buck couldn’t help but smile. “I don’t think even you could do that in a blackout.”

Tommy laughed. “Well, obviously not right now. I was thinking maybe in a day or 2 when the storms gone and obviously when we have power back. Unless you’re going back to L.A soon?”

He looked at Buck in a way that Buck thought might be hopeful.

“Uh.. I don’t actually know when I’m going back to L.A. We were supposed to stay for another few days but.. my parents..” He sighed.

“Not great?” Tommy asked. He took the backpack to the sofa underneath the curtained window and pulled out a beer each and sat down, handing a bottle to Buck.

“Thanks. Uh, not really. They.. I thought.. they promised me they had changed; that they wanted to change. But they’re just the same people who will always be disappointed in me.” He drank down a few gulps of beer and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

“What made them disappointed?”

“This time? That I went back to work after the lightning strike. Apparently an act of God was just more proof of how dangerous my job is and that it it’s stupid to risk my life everyday. The funny thing is they lavish Chimney with praise for doing the exact same job because he’s doing it to provide for their daughter and granddaughter—I don’t have a partner or kid so I’m just being the same old reckless Evan.” He rolled his eyes.

Buck instinctively went to apologise for rambling but quickly realised it actually felt good to get it out.

“That sounds really tough.”

“You have no idea. It’s ironic—they were never around for me or Maddie growing up; never there to guide us or help us make the right choices in life, and then they have the nerve to criticise the choices we did make. I-I thought that after what happened a few years ago that things would actually change. Guess I was wrong again.”

“What happened a few years ago, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Buck sat back on the sofa and turned a little to face Tommy. “I found out I had an older brother, Daniel. He had Leukaemia. None of the family were a match for him and so..” he gestured to himself “..so they made one. Except, the cells didn’t take and, uh.. he died.”

“God, Evan I’m so sorry.” Tommy said “that must have been.. I don’t even know.”

“Yeah. After that my parents packed up and moved us away; made Maddie swear to keep Daniel a secret. She was 9 years old, Tommy. What kind of parents force a nine year old to keep that kind of secret? The only reason I found out was because my parents had brought my sister her baby box when she was pregnant with my niece—unsurprisingly they never made one for me—and I found a picture of Daniel in there. Maddie couldn’t keep the secret any more and told me about him.”

He wiped away the tear that had escaped his eye without permission. “Although it finally made me understand why my parents had been distant with me my whole life—I was the living, breathing reminder of the death of the son they actually wanted.” He sniffed and drank some more beer.

Tommy’s hand, which was rested on the back of the sofa, moved to the back of Bucks neck. It was a gentle act of comfort, one that Buck wasn’t expecting. He felt a warmth spread around his body at the touch. He looked at Tommy who was looking back at him with a sad expression. His eyes really were quite beautiful.

Buck looked back down at his beer bottle as Tommy returned his hand to the back of the sofa.

“Seems shitty parents are another thing we have in common, kid.” Tommy said.

“What were yours like?”

“You know how people say that someone might be the father they never had? Well Gerrard was like the father I already had. Actually, Gerrard was a walk in the park compared to Pops.”

“Yeah?

Tommy nodded. “Thomas Kinard Senior had a very.. traditional idea of what it meant to be a man. One that he wasn’t afraid to beat into me. And that was before he found it I was gay. I think he truly thought it could beat the homosexuality out of me.” He laughed but it didn’t meet his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Tommy. God now I feel bad for complaining about my parents knowing you were beaten.”

Tommys hand went straight back to Bucks neck and he turned his body towards him more. “No, Evan—you have every right to feel how you feel about your parents. Your parents hurt you and that’s valid.”

Buck nodded, deciding not to argue. “What about your mom?”

“Mom was.. troubled. Part of me doesn’t blame her for staying with him—he beat her more than he beat me, but.. a part of me will always wonder how she could watch her husband beat her son and not step in, you know?”

“My sister was in an abusive marriage. She told me once that when you’re in it that you can’t believe that it’s happening. Maybe that’s why your mom stayed?” Buck offered. He wanted to offer more to comfort Tommy but he didn’t know what else to give him.

“I mean that makes sense. I’ll never know through.” He said and Buck looked at him confused. “She died about a year after my dad.”

Without thinking about it Buck reached out and put his hand on Tommy’s that was holding his beer. A fleeting look of surprise came over Tommy’s face before it softened and he placed his other hand over the top of Bucks.

“I don’t even know what to say other than I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to say anything, but I appreciate it, Evan.”

He’d barely known Tommy a couple of hours yet his heart hurt for him. He couldn’t help imagine him as a young kid on the receiving end of bruises instead of love.

He felt Tommys thumb brush along his hand and suddenly he became viscerally aware of his own pulse. Did it always throb this hard in his ears? Was it always this fast? And his lungs—why was he having to concentrate on breathing? Surely that’s supposed to be an automatic bodily function.

A strong gust of wind rattled the old windows surprising them both. They separated their hands and Buck felt a surprising pang of disappointment.

“Th-that the bathroom?” He pointed to the door on the other side of the bed.

“Uh, Yeah.”

Buck put his bottle down on the small coffee table in front of them and picked up one the candles to light his way. He locked the door behind him and leant against door.

This couldn’t be happening. Well, it could—it was a totally normal thing, but it had never happened to Buck before. Sure he’d checked out a hot guys ass here or there but this? Tommy? This felt like the beginnings of an actual crush and not just admiring someone’s attractive features. The ease with which he could talk about some of the worst things that he’d been through with him, the comfort he’d felt with Tommys hand in his skin, and the feeling of something being missing when Tommys hand left his were not things he’d expected.

After peeing and washing his hands he leant against the sink and looked at himself in the mirror. He’d half expected to see a change to his own reflection and was somehow both disappointed and relieved to see the same old face staring back at him.

He took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door to see Tommy lighting the fire, and the sound of soft music playing from Tommys phone on the coffee table.

“That Sinatra?” He asked.

“Yeah. I felt like putting on some music and he’s the only artist I have on my phone, currently.”

“You do know you can download more?” Buck said with soft sarcasm.

“Yes, Einstein. I just.. haven’t yet.” Tommy said back.

“Why Sinatra? You don’t strike me as a fan”

“No? What do I strike you as a fan of?”

“Dad rock.” Buck replied and that caused Tommy to bark out a laugh.

“Hey, there is nothing wrong with a little soft rock, thank you. But Sinatra reminds me of my aunt. When I was a kid she used to take me to this little community hall with her friends where they would dance. Fell a little in love with Sinatra, Dean Martin and that kinda stuff.”

Buck actually found that unbelievably endearing. “So you’re a dancer, huh?”

“I’m not an expert by any means but I know my way around a ballroom.”

“That’s more than I can do. Last time I danced—not including jumping around like an idiot in a club—was senior prom. And that only involved swaying.”

“I could teach you.” Tommy offered.

“Yeah? Would that be before or after your famous Chilli?” Buck asked.

“No time like the present.” Tommy suggested to Bucks surprise.

“Really?”

“We’re in a blackout with nothing else to do so why not?”

“O-okay.” He agreed. And suddenly he could feel his pulse again. Tommy came over and stood in front of him.

“At the risk of sounding disgustingly heteronormative, you’re going to be the woman in this scenario, okay?” He said and Buck simply nodded.

“Okay, so you’re going to put one hand here -“ he took Bucks left hand and placed it on his waist. “-and the other I’ll hold here.” He held Bucks right hand in the air while his other went around bucks shoulder to his back. He looked down at the space in between them at their feet. “Just mirror what I’m doing with my feet.”

He began swaying gently and moving his feet in slow sequence with the rhythm of the music. Buck kept his head down watching Tommys feet trying to mirror his movements. Occasionally he would move his feet out of sync with Tommys, and each time a wave of embarrassment flushed through him.

“You’re doing good.” Tommy said and a burst of excitement exploded in his stomach at hearing the praise. Slowly Buck committed the steps to memory and looked up with pride at Tommy who was smiling softly at him.

“I gotta say you’re picking it up quicker than I did.” He confessed.

“Yeah?”

“I mean in my defence I was eight.” He said and Buck couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well you’re a good teacher. Maybe you missed your calling.”

“You think?” Tommy

“I’m sure there would be plenty of people who would pay to have you throw them around a ballroom.”

“Huh.” Tommy said. “Like this?” He moved his hand down to the small of Bucks back and quickly bent him down into a dip before bringing him back up again; their chests coming together.

“Holy shit!” Buck looked at Tommy entirely mesmerised. His stomach hadn’t got a clue what was happening. Neither did his brain. “That was.. wow.”

Tommy laughed at Bucks reaction.

“Impressive, no?” He teased.

“Uh.. ye-yeah.”

“How about this?” Without giving him time to think he lifted up the arm that had the hand holding Bucks and swung it around with just enough force behind it to spin him around before catching him perfectly in the same position as before. Bucks mouth opened in shock but no words came out.

He was utterly mesmerised.

Tommy just softly laughed. “Okay, no more surprise moves for now.” He said and continued their previous steps. Buck was moving his feet without even thinking about it. He had no idea if he was moving his feet correctly—he was far too distracted by Tommy looking at him.

“I have to say I wasn’t expecting the day to end like this when I got on a plane this morning.”

“You mean you didn’t foresee getting a dancing lesson from a-what was it you called me? Ah, yes—a hot firefighter.” Tommy’s lips slid into another smirk. Buck dipped his head bashfully and looked back up at him, shaking his head at his own embarrassment.

“You’re adorable.” Tommy said and Buck literally felt his heart skip a full beat.

“You’re loving this aren’t you?” Buck asked trying and failing to suppress an embarrassed smile.

“Little bit.” Tommy smiled back. Buck sighed and let his forehead fall onto Tommys shoulder. The hand that was on his back slid upwards and the next thing he felt was Tommys fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. He shivered and blew out a breath; failing miserably at hiding how shaky it came out. He lifted his head back up at met Tommys gaze.

His eyes were glued to Tommy’s, until they quickly darted to his lips. Buck was helpless as to stop himself from doing the same thing.

And then..

And then Tommys lips were on his.

It was so unbelievably soft and gentle; a complete contrast to his hulking physique. Neither of their lips were moving but it didn’t stop Bucks entire brain framework from short circuiting.

Tommy slowly pulled away, opening his eyes to see Buck staring at him heavy lidded and his mouth open.

“Was that okay?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Buck willed his vocal cords to answer but they couldn’t. He was just so overwhelmed with far too many feelings that any human should reasonably have to deal with in a given moment. He responded in the only way that he was capable of.

And kissed Tommy back.

The kiss was more desperate than the one Tommy had given him and he pushed his lips into Tommy’s deeply. Tommy hummed in surprise but immediately pushed back into the kiss. He held on to the side of Bucks neck; his thumb on the hinge of his jaw as his other hand held him by the waist to his own body.

Almost immediately Buck opened his mouth to allow Tommy access and the first brush of Tommys tongue against his bottom lip sent an electric current through his entire body. His hands, that were gripping on to Tommys shirt tightly, slid up to his neck, holding him tightly in place. He’d pull him closer into his mouth if he could.

His mouth was warm and wet and tasting of beer and Buck couldn’t get enough. He was frantically trying to breath through his nose, not wanting to part his lips from Tommys even for a second to breath.

It was ridiculous. Utterly, utterly ridiculous. Never in his life had he ever thought about kissing another man and yet here he was doing exactly that and it felt-

Right.

His lips slotting between Tommy’s like the missing piece of the jigsaw, that was his whole self, being slotted into place. His whole life he’d felt like there was a puzzle to complete but it came without instructions or a finished image to give him a clue as to how to complete it. He’d gone to so many places; done so many things in an attempt to figure it out.. Yet here it was—the missing piece of the puzzle and it came in the form of a beautiful man named Tommy Kinard.

Buck hadn’t particularly articulated all of this to himself—that would come later—but all he knew; all he felt was wanting. He wanted Tommy. In any way that he would allow Buck to have him.

In an act of instinct that his brain wasn’t involved in he pressed his hips forward into Tommy’s. They both moaned at the touch and Buck went from half hard to fully engorged at the feel of Tommy’s erection against his. Tommy—grabbing his ass with one hand; the other on Bucks face—deepened the kiss.

Buck could barely breathe from the overwhelm of heat flowing into every inch of his body. His nerves were on edge with thrill and anticipation as they ground their hips together.

Tommy’s lips moved along Bucks jaw, down his neck and he sucked delicately at his collarbone. Bucks head tilted to the side and he breathed loudly outwards.

“Shit…Tommy..”

Tommy hummed at the sound of Bucks exclamation and grabbed his ass harder, pushing his groin into Buck. Buck needed to taste him again and dipped his head, catching Tommy’s lips with his own. God, Tommys lips were perfect! They moved wondrously, with the perfect amount of pressure. His tongue was deft and purposeful in its movements and tasted like heaven.

He almost cried when Tommy gently pulled away. He held bucks face in his hands and rested their foreheads together.

“Evan..” he said breathy “we should st-“

“No.” Buck interrupted. He pulled his head back to look at Tommy. “I don’t want to. I.. I want you.” Tommy swallowed, looked down at Bucks lips then back up to his eyes.

“Are you sure?” He whispered.

And once again Buck answered without words. This time however, having more confidence, he took his time. He slowly ran his hand along Tommys jaw, gripping him lightly with a thumb against the hinge and pressed his lips into Tommy’s.

A shiver went through him as the palms of Tommys hands pressed against his shoulder blades, holding him tightly to his chest. Being held by someone as big as Tommy was illuminatingly wonderful. For the first time in a long time Buck felt safe.

Buck was radiating enough heat that he feared he might actually melt into a puddle. He unzipped the hoodie he was wearing and let it fall to the floor before peeling Tommys open shirt over his shoulders and dropping it to the floor too. He immediately pulled at the hem of his undershirt and Tommy raised his arms allowing Buck to remove it. Tommy pressed another kiss onto Bucks lips then pulled off his T-shirt.

Tommy went straight for Bucks neck again and goosebumps exploded all over his skin. His hands pressed against Tommy’s chest—his finger tips caressing the smattering of hair along Tommys skin. This was something overwhelmingly new and unexpectedly exciting for Buck. Lack of breasts was one thing, but the feeling of chest hair under his fingers was surprisingly turning him on.

They migrated towards the bed with Buck getting on first and pulling Tommy on top of him without even breaking the kiss. And holy shit he never knew that having the weight of someone near enough the same weight as him—perhaps a little heavier—would feel so good!

Both of their hands were all over every inch of skin they could get too. Caressing and stroking and rubbing and kissing—no inch of bare skin was left untouched.

Buck trailed wet open-mouthed kiss along Tommy’s throat; his tongue licking into every one of them. Tommy was breathing heavily into it and Buck felt awash with pride and self satisfaction. He had game when it came to women—he knew what buttons to press to turn them on, but there was something extra exhilarating about turning on this man on top of him.

And he was a man. Buck was quickly beginning to realise that what was turning him on the most was Tommy’s masculinity. His weight, his breadth, his body hair, even the stubble on his chin that was burning into Bucks skin was addicting. And his large hands gripping onto his shoulders and chest and waist and oh god his neck!

Tommys hand slowly caressed down his torso and lower stomach and when it reached his waistband Buck sucked in an anticipatory breath. Tommys fingers gripped the elastic. He lifted his head to meet Bucks eyes.

“Is it okay to take these off?” His eyes were blown and his lips kiss-swollen and Buck thought it was the hottest he’d ever seen anybody ever look.

“Y-yes.” His voice came out throaty and strained. Tommy smiled and kissed him again before lifting himself off of Buck. He moved down the bed and Buck lifted up his hips to allow Tommy to slowly pull them down and off, throwing them somewhere across the room.

His eyes roamed over the large bulge in Bucks underwear before they moved back up to Bucks eyes. For the first time since this started he felt an element of self-consciousness. Tommy seemed to sense this and made his way back up towards Bucks face and kissed him gently. Bucks self-consciousness immediately melted away.

“Do you want me to take mine off?” Tommy whispered.

“Definitely.” Buck replied with a heavy breath. Within seconds Tommy’s jeans were thrown to the floor. He laid back down on his side, pulling Buck in to face him. They kissed deeply as their legs tangled together and hands continued exploring each other.

Buck was lightheaded. His brain was having trouble reconciling the array of physical sensations and feelings he was experiencing all at once. Especially the feeling of Tommy’s underwear covered cock pushing against his own. He couldn’t help the whine that escaped his mouth as Tommy jerked his hips towards his; could feel himself leaking at the touch as they rutted against each other.

“God, Evan.” Tommy moaned into Bucks mouth and oh god that was unbelievably hot! His finger tips slid into the back of Bucks underwear, grasping at his ass and pulling him even closer. Buck grunted in response.

Tommy’s lips grazed Buck’s ear as he whispered into it.

“What do you want, baby?” And Jesus that pet name almost broke him in two.

“To-touch me.” He couldn’t hide the pleading in tone. Tommy groaned at Bucks reply, kissing him again. His hands gently held Bucks face as he lifted himself back on top of him but not putting down his whole weight. Buck bucked his hips up in search for the friction he’d become addicted to.

“I got you, baby.”

There it was again: Baby. He’d been called pet names before but fuck this felt different. The juxtaposition between Tommys sheer size and masculinity and the softness of his words was wondrous.

Tommy continued kissing Buck beautifully whilst letting his hands slowly travel down Bucks body and his hand dipped inside the fabric of his boxers.

The moment Buck felt Tommy’s warm hand gently caress his throbbing length he couldn’t hold in his response. “Fuck!” He felt Tommy smile against his lips. His thumb lightly caressed the slit collecting Bucks pre-come and Buck’s body vibrated at the feel. Tommy lifted his face up from Bucks a few inches to watch him as he slid his hand back down Bucks cock, then slowly up again; squeezing just the right amount to drive Buck almost to insanity.

Buck began panting and grasping onto any part of Tommy he could reach in a fruitless attempt to steady himself. Tommy kept eye contact with him while he worked his cock faster and Buck wasn’t sure which was turning him on more.

Eventually Buck involuntarily scrunched his eyes shut as his head threw itself back onto the pillow. “Oh.. g-god..fu-Tommy, I.. it’s.. fuck!” He was babbling; unable to form a coherent sentence. Every synapse, every vein, every inch of his skin was on fire.

“You’re doing so good, baby.” Tommy said throaty and low.

“Fuck!” His hips bucked up into Tommys hand faster, chasing the edge of the cliff he was desperate to fall over.

On the next up stroke Tommys hand left Buck and for a moment he felt an overwhelming disappointment at the lack of touch. He lifted his head up to see why Tommy had stopped only to see him setting free his own cock. Buck sharply inhaled at the sight of his flushed and swollen dick, and desperately wanted to wrap his fingers around it. Before he got the chance however Tommy took him by surprise by taking them both in his hand, moaning loudly at the first slide of his hand.

Buck was certain that his heart was mere seconds from giving out as Tommys quickly caught up to the rhythm he had going before.

“Holy shit!” Buck cried out and yanked Tommys head down to kiss him. This one was unbelievably filthy; Buck having absolutely no composure left. “Oh god..” he pulled apart trying desperately to breathe.

“Evan..” Tommy moaned and the second it hit Bucks ears he was done for.

“Shit! Shit..shit.. ah.. fuck!” Sparks behind his eyelids exploded into a kaleidoscope of colour and every muscle in his body tensed as he came harder than he had ever done. In the middle of it shooting all over his chest, he felt Tommy’s body shaking and tensing before he shoved his lips hard into Buck’s, kissing him as he realised his own load.

“Fuck, Evan!” He moaned into Bucks mouth as their collective orgasms slowly petered out. He shoved his face into the crook of Bucks neck as they both tried to catch their breath.

Eventually their breathing slowed and Tommy lifted his head back to look at him. Bucks face was a mixture of blissed out and mesmerised.

“Are you okay?” Tommy asked softly. He raised his hand and gently rearranged an errant curl that had fallen onto Bucks forehead. It was such a simple act of care but after the overwhelming feelings, both physical and emotional, it was enough to push Buck over the edge and his eyes quickly welled up with a tear escaping and running down his temple towards the pillow.

Tommys face morphed into concern. “Hey, what’s wrong? Was that too much?” He lifted himself from Buck and laid on his side, resting on his elbow, looking down at Buck.

“N-no..” Buck replied, his voice wrecked “it’s not.. I..” His breath hitched as he tried to keep more emotion at bay “that was.. new. And.. and a lot. I-I just..” He blew out a breath to try to calm himself. “It’s just a little over-overwhelming, that’s all.” Tommy continued looking at him with concern.

Bucks lifted a still shaking hand to Tommy’s face to reassure him. “I’m okay.” Tommy put his hand on top of his and Buck leaned up and placed a long and delicate kiss to his lips. He gently leant back, with Tommys mouth following him. Their lips moved slowly and softly; no heat or tongue involved—just two people relishing the soft moment.

“We should clean up.” Tommy said after a few minutes. Buck shifted to get up and Tommy put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “No—wait here.” He walked over to the bathroom and wetted a towel and returned, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Is it okay if I wipe you down?” He asked. Buck simply nodded having lost the ability to speak at the care that Tommy was showing him. He’d never been with anybody who so consistently checked in with him when he was with somebody long term, let alone a someone he’d only spent a few hours with.

Tommy finished cleaning Buck then pulled his boxers back up, fondly tapping his hip as a little flourish at the end of the job. He threw the towel back into the bathroom and laid back down on the bed, lifting his arm up. “C’mere.” He said and Buck didn’t hesitate to slide his body over and rested his head on Tommy’s chest.

It was different being the one to cuddle into someone’s chest—usually he was the one with his arm around his partner. But as new as it was, it felt good; calming. He couldn’t help but swirl circles into Tommys chest hair either his finger; the novelty of sleeping with someone that had it had not left him yet.

Tommys hand was lightly running through Bucks curls and he couldn’t help but let his eyes flutter closed at the feel. He sighed contentedly and Tommy placed a kiss onto the top of his head. He couldn’t help but smile into Tommys skin as his consciousness slowly slipped away.

Buck sighed heavily as he woke up. He kept his eyes closed as his brain came back online. He was warm and cosy wrapped up in the thick blanket. Slowly his eyes blinked open and at seeing the room he was in, the memories of the previous night came flooding back.

But Tommy wasn’t there. The room was empty. Buck laid back staring at the ceiling remembering what happened between them. A flush came over him as he remembered the feeling of Tommys lips on his; his hands all over his body, and his voice! That molasses-infused voice praising him was otherworldly.

What did all of this mean for him? He was never afraid of new sexual experiences—hell he relished them—and he wasn’t ashamed of the fact that this one involved a man. More than anything it was surprising. He knew that plenty of people discover things about their sexuality later in life, but could you really go 33 years without a single clue?

He tried searching through his memories to find some kind of clue that maybe there was something that stood out. There was that one time in Texas with a firefighter named TK; he’d thought Buck was asking him out, and Buck was quick to deny that that was what he was doing, but.. It’s no secret that he had a thing for competency, and he worked side by side with TK; saw just how good he was at his job. Maybe he was attracted to him?

Before he had a chance to think more, the door opened and Tommy walked in holding 2 cups of coffee; with a brown paper bag held in his teeth.

Bucks stomach swooped and flipped at seeing him. He walked over to Buck reaching out of the cups for him to take, before removing the bag from his mouth.

“You hungry?” He said, placing his own coffee on the nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed by Bucks hips.

“You-you brought me breakfast?” Buck asked in surprise. Tommy smiled and Buck felt his heart rate increase.

“What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t?” Tommy said it so plainly; so as a matter of fact as though not doing it wasn’t even an option.

“Th-thanks.”

Tommy tentatively leaned down and pressed his lips to Bucks. Just a quick chaste kiss, but one that Buck pressed into. Tommy smiled again as he released Bucks lips and sat back up. Buck took a sip of the coffee and hummed pleasantly.

“I didn’t know how you take it, so I took a guess.”

“Good guess.” Buck told him happily.

“I figured your coffee would resemble you: strong bodied and super sweet.” Buck couldn’t hide the blush that spread across his cheeks and smiled back at him.

“I take it the snow has let up?” He asked trying to change the subject away from Tommy trying to actually kill him with compliments.

“Yeah, a little. Enough that I could get my truck out to get food. Still no power though. But the local radio said half the towns power is out.”

“Shit, really? I should probably check on Maddie.”

Tommy pulled his phone from his pocket and held it out to him. “Here. If you wanna call her.”

“Oh, I don’t actually know her number.” Buck admitted. Tommy raised an eyebrow.

“You’re a first responder—you know how important it is to remember energy contact details.”

“Says the guy who created a fire hazard last night?” Buck teased back. Tommy opened his mouth to respond by quickly closed it. “Exactly.” Buck smiled.

“Well, I have Howie’s number anyway if you want to call him. You said he was here, right?”

“Uh, yeah. Thanks.” He took the phone and pulled up Chim’s number.

“Tommy? Long time no-“

“Uh, actually it’s Buck.”

“Buck? What.. why do you have Tommy’s phone?“

“Because I’m with him.” Buck informed him.

“You’re with-wait, wait, wait—did you go back home?!”

“No, uh, he’s here in Hershey.”

“Tommy’s here in Hershey?” Chim repeated.

“Yes,”

“Why the hell is Tommy in Hershey?”

“It’s doesn’t matter, Chim. Look, I just wanted to check in on you, my sister and Jee with the blackout.”

“We’re fine. Well, aside from your sister freaking out about not being able to contact you. She’s really having a hard time, Buck.”

Buck sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I know and I’m sorry I scared her—I just needed to get away from them.”

“Hey, I get it—I’ve witnessed enough of Philip and Margaret’s antics, but you really should have talked to her.”

“I couldn’t, Chim.” His began to raise his voice. “She was the one who convinced me to come. And I know she didn’t know what they’d be like, and it’s not her fault, and i know it’s irrational, okay, but-but i needed to get away from her, too, to cool off.”

Tommy put his hand on Bucks leg and gave him a gentle reassuring squeeze. Immediately Buck anger began to dissipate as he looked at Tommy’s soft, reassuring expression.

He kept eye contact with Tommy as he spoke into the phone. “Chim, I have to go. Tell Maddie I’ll be back later and we’ll talk, okay?”

“Okay, but-��

Buck ended the call, threw the phone onto the nightstand and leaned forward, grabbing Tommy at the back of the neck to pull him in for a searing kiss.

Tommy willingly leant into it and held onto Bucks face; his thumb gently grazing his cheek. The kiss quickly slowed down into a soft and deep one. Buck was—god how did he not know it could feel like this? Tommys lips and tongue were perfect. He could do this forever.

But that begged the question: what now? Tommy was here in Hershey to sell the motel—who knows how long that will take. And when he’s back in L.A would he want to see Buck again? Buck couldn’t pretend for a moment even to himself that he didn’t want to see Tommy again. He’d some managed to slide himself into the space between Bucks organs and it filled him with warmth and excitement.

He gently released the kiss and rested his forehead against Tommy’s. They both just breathed each other in with closed eyes.

“Can I ask you something?” Buck asked quietly.

“Anything.” Tommy replied piling back to look at him. That smile was killing Buck from the inside out.

“What happens now? I-I mean.. obviously I have to go back to L.A in a few days and you.. you’re here and-and I don’t.. I don’t want to not see you.” He looked down, embarrassed at the confession. Tommy tilted his chin back up with two fingers.

“I don’t know what happens next. I don’t know how long it’s going to take to sell this place. I don’t expect this; expect you. But I don’t want to not see you either.”

Bucks felt every atom in his body shift and vibrate and he could stop the grin.

***

He was quiet on the journey to the airport, during check in, waiting to board and the first half of the flight. Eventually Maddie approached the subject.

“You okay?”

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” He asked.

“Um, no. But, I do believe that some people come into your life that you’re feel an immediate connection with.” She looked at Chimney who was sat across the aisle in the middle row playing with Jee-Yun. “Wait, have you met someone.”

“Tommy.” He said.

“Tommy the-wow!”

“What, wow?” Buck questioned looking at her.

“No, not wow. I mean like.. wow.. I didn’t think that’s where your interest would lie.”

“I didn’t either.” He said. “I love women—I’ve always loved women.”

“How long have you been leaning in the other direction?” She asked.

“I haven’t; not specifically. I mean, sure I’ll check out a hot guys ass, but that’s normal.” He argued.

“It’s not abnormal.”

“But Tommy.. I dunno, he’s so confident, he’s interesting; he has a cleft..” A feeling of disappointment came over him that he didn’t kiss Tommy’s cleft when he had the chance.

“And you think you’re in love with him?” she asked.

“I.. I don’t know. Ive never.. I’ve never felt like this, Maddie. It’s like.. the way he looks at me I feel like-calm, you know? Being with him made me feel like all the bad shit that has ever happened to me didn’t matter. I have this feeling in my stomach like he’s been carved into it. I know, I know I sound like an idiot..” he sat back in his seat, sighing.

He did sound like an idiot—he’d known the man a few days—how the hell could he be in love with him?! If it even is love.. maybe it’s just infatuation.

“Buck, you’ve been through a lot on your life—more than most. And all I want for you—all I’ve ever wanted for you is to be happy. Does Tommy make you happy?”

“I mean.. yeah. But, we barely know each other. What if he comes back to L.A—if he ever comes back—and it’s not what I want it to be?”

“I can’t tell you if it’ll work out, and maybe it won’t. But maybe it will. Maybe it’ll be the best decision you ever make. After Doug I was terrified of taking a chance with Chim. But i knew there was something between us and I took that chance and now we’re married, with a beautiful daughter and I couldn’t imagine my life with anybody else.”

“I’m glad you’re happy, Maddie. I’ve always wanted that for you too, you know.”

“I know. Look, the question you have to ask yourself is: Is Tommy worth the risk?”

Buck relaxed into his seat and stared out of the plane window at the clouds below him, contemplating Maddies question.

After collecting his Jeep from Maddies house he made his way through town to his apartment. He pulled his bag out of the trunk and heavily made his way into the building, thinking about this last conversation with Tommy.

Buck walked into the motel foyer solemnly. This was the last time for a potentially long while that he would be able to see Tommy. They’d only met 3 days ago and yet he’d somehow rooted himself inside Bucks consciousness.

“Hey you.” Tommy greeted walking out from the back room.

“Hey.” He said trying to force a smile.

“You heading home?” Tommy asked coming closer and sliding hands around Bucks waist. Buck naturally let his arms rest around Tommys shoulders.

Buck nodded. “They’re in car waiting for me.”

“Oh, well don’t let me keep you.” He moved to release Buck who held on tighter.

“What if I wanted you to keep me?” There was a small smirk to his mouth. Tommy gripped him tighter and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.

“Hmm, now that is tempting..”

Buck took him in another kiss; this one deeper and open mouthed. As their lips and tongues met Bucks mind went blank to everything—Tommy being all he could focus on. He gripped Tommys body tighter and shoved his head into the crook of his neck. Tommy hand came up to stroke the hair on the back of his head.

“I-I can’t believe I have to leave you.” He mumbled into Tommys neck.

“I hate it, too, baby.” He replied and Bucks insides turned to goo again at the pet name. He would stand like this forever if he could but the car horn that blasted from outside. They pulled apart a few inches and Tommy lightly held Bucks face as he kissed him in the softest way; one Buck had never been in the receiving end before. He rested his head against Bucks.

“We’ll see each other again soon, I promise.” He whispered.

“How do you know that?”

“Because how could anybody let someone like you go?”

Buck had to use everything inside of him to not burst into tears at hearing those words. He thrust himself forwards subjecting Tommy to a crushing hug.

“Oomph” Tommy chuckled.

After a few more hugs and not nearly enough kissing, Buck reluctantly left Tommy.

He left the elevator and walked along the corridor towards his apartment. As he turned the corner he stopped dead in his tracks. His bag fell to the ground from his hands, his throat dried up, his heart throbbed in his chest and tears threatened to escape his eyes.

Leaning against his door, with those blue eyes, and that smile that created those beautiful lines around his face, was Tommy.

“Hey, sweetheart.” he simply said. The tears came from Buck as he hurtled forward and crashed his lips into Tommy’s. Somehow having Tommy here now made him feel more at home.

“What are you.. how did you.. I can’t believe.” Buck has so many questions and tries to ask them in between kisses.

“Perks of being a pilot.” He answered. Buck pulled his head back and looked at him.

“You-you flew all the way here?”

“It was the quickest way to get to you.” And oh my god if he wasn’t in love with Tommy already, he would be soon if he kept saying things like that.

“What about the motel?”

“Well..” Tommy said in between kissed to Bucks temple and cheek. “I don’t actually have to keep it open while looking for a buyer. Plus, I fucking hate running a motel.”

Buck couldn’t help but laugh.

“So, are you going to invite me in, or..?” He asked running his hands along Bucks shoulders.

“Oh.” Buck said, a little embarrassed he’d forgotten they were still standing in the corridor. “Of course.” He picked up his bag and unlocked the door letting Tommy in first. Tommy walked through the kitchen looking around at his surroundings as Buck closed and locked the door.

He stood for a moment just looking at Tommy. He still didn’t know if what he was feeling was love, but wherever it was, he was going to welcome it.

Risk it.

Tommy turned around to look at Buck the other side of the kitchen.

“C’mere.”

#911 abc #tommy kinard #911 #911onabc #buck x tommy #bucktommy #911 buck #evan buckley #evan buck buckely #bucktommy fic #cvo writes #tevan #tevan fic #kinley #lou ferrigno jr #thomas kinard #evan x tommy

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doukeshi-kun · 1 year ago

Note

What happens on days where Nikolai and his family go to the beach to have fun and his wife is wearing a swimsuit (not extremely revealing since their kids are there but just enough for Nikolai to go awooga)

𝙙𝙖𝙙!𝙣𝙞𝙠𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙞 + 𝙨𝙬𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙪𝙞𝙩

replies ⨳ i love this sm I LOVE

contents ⨳ fem!reader, babymama!reader, oc kids (yuri, mari, karol), fluff, suggestive

“Karol.”

Karol coos sadly as Nikolai ties the lace of the boy's beach shorts. Yuri is standing by his side, already wearing his blue swimsuit. Karol wants to mimic his dad, so he insists on just wearing a pair of shorts.

“You already put on your sunscreen, Yurochka?” Nikolai asks before he stands up, looking at himself in the mirror. His loose white shirt is unbuttoned fully and his sunglasses are resting on his head. He adjusts his grey swim trunks before he gives the sunscreen on the sink to Karol.

“Here you go, Karol. Your turn.”

Karol grins as he takes the sunscreen. Nikolai then grabs the bag that holds the rest of his and his kids' belongings before leading them out of the men's restroom. He holds Yuri's hand as Karol is trailing closely by Yuri's side.

“Where's mom? And Mari?” Yuri asks when they are already at the beach, with Nikolai laying a mat on the sand, under the shadow of a tree. Nikolai smiles at Yuri — always looking out for people he cherishes. He pats Yuri's head, messing with the boy's hair.

“Mama and Mari are probably still in the restroom, Yurochka. They know where to find us. And Karol! Why are you white?”

Karol looks at Nikolai, confused — his face is completely covered with sunscreen, an excessive amount of it too. Yuri scrunches his face, seeing Karol's proud face as the little gremlin makes an 'X' gesture with his arms, aimed at the sun.

“Extra protection! Sun is ev— waaa!”

He whines when Nikolai starts to rub his face, making sure the sunscreen is applied evenly to his face and neck. Karol tries to fight Nikolai's hands but his effort is clearly futile against his own dad.

“Hey.”

Karol stops resisting immediately. He pouts but he lets Nikolai do what he wants. Yuri is already sitting, looking around to look for his sister and mother, sometimes watching his dad apply some sunscreen on Karol's back.

As soon he turns to his right, he sees you and Mari walking towards him. Mari gets excited quickly and runs towards them, immediately lunging herself on Nikolai who still does not notice you are coming.

“Papa!”

“Oh!” Nikolai turns around quickly and his smile gets broader once he sees his little princess, adorable in a pink and yellow swimsuit. She also has a small beach hat on her head.

“You look cute, malyshka.” Nikolai smiles, pinching Mari's cheek lightly. Mari happily twirls and shows her twin braids.

“Mom did it for me!”

“Is that so?” Nikolai chuckles. “Seems like your braiding skill has...” his words falter when he turns his head towards you. His eyes widen as they travel your whole body, up and down multiple times.

“Mari! Let's build our sand empire!” Karol is quick to drag Mari to leave the shade and to the beach. Yuri stands on his feet quickly and follows his two little siblings, warning them to not go far. You only watch the kids leave you and your husband in the shadow as they are now having fun at the beach.

“My goodness, Karol is just too excited, isn't he?” you comment as you finally sit beside your husband. You turn to Nikolai and realize that he is very much staring at you — from head to toe.

“Kolya?”

“Mm...”

“Do I look too pretty?” you ask, clutching the long tropical robe you wore over your white one-piece swimsuit. Nikolai's eyes twitch at your assumption before he shakes his head, smiling slyly.

“You look sexy, gorgeous.”

“Oh, you...” you shyly nudge his face to the side. Nikolai chuckles at your touch as he turns his face to you again. “Not going to lie though... It feels a bit too tight right here,” you mumble as you fix the fabric beneath your breasts and of course your husband would shamelessly stare. Your breasts do get bigger after three pregnancies after all and Nikolai loves that.

“Yeah? Like this? Want me to fix it?” Nikolai grins as his hand reaches that part, purposely nudging your breasts so they shake a bit. You slap his hand away lightly, only making him laugh.

“You're such a pervy,” you mumble, slapping his thigh, which makes Nikolai groan lowly, covering his mouth in frustration. He feels extremely bothered and giddy — who wouldn't feel so when your sexy wife is by your side?

“You're driving me crazy, love.”

Nikolai could not keep his hand to himself as he holds your thigh, squeezing it lightly. “You're so pretty, love. I just can't,” he says, leaning closer. But you are quick to halt his advance by placing a hand on his bare toned chest.

“Baby, please, just a kiss.” he pouts.

You laugh softly, only making Nikolai smile more. Your hand that is on his chest trails up to his chin. You pull him closer, pecking his lips shortly.

“There. Now go check on the kids. Mari and Yuri are burying Karol in the sand now.”

Nikolai grins. “Yes, ma'am.”

He stands and wears his sunglasses back. Before he walks to his kids, he immediately seizes your jaw, bringing your face upward only to plant a kiss on your lips, a bit longer than before. Your giggle muffled by the kiss only makes him smirk against your lips.

“Just you wait tonight, love.”

©doukeshi-kun 2023 — do not copy, plagiarize and repost my works to any platform, more @cherikolya

if you like my works, consider buy me a ko-fi!

#道化師-jest❃ུ۪ #bsd x reader #nikolai x reader #nikolai gogol x reader #bsd imagines #nikolai imagines #bsd fluff #nikolai fluff #bsd nikolai x reader #bsd nikolai gogol #bungou stray dogs x reader #bungo stray dogs x reader

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momphineasandferbmadeablog · 1 month ago

Note

how would YOU write phineas and ferb star wars 2 and 3 if they make them in the new seasons

OKAY SO

there are a couple of problems we have to solve first -- unlike luke, leia, and other star wars protagonists, phineas and ferb have active living parents who probably do not want them participating in the rebellion and exisiting parallel to the plot of original star wars, which is going to make it difficult for us to put them in the plot. and we can't solve this problem by having the empire murder them and burn their house down like happens to owen and beru, because this is a kid's cartoon. MAYBE they think phineas and ferb are at ski camp on hoth like they suggested at the start of episode 4a while they're actually helping out with the rebellion alongside isabella and the former stormtrooper gang.

they have to be there for the evacuation of hoth. im imagining isabella having to go out in the snow to rescue phineas and ferb like han does for luke, but they build some kind of igloo structure (ice chalet, perhaps) to survive the night rather than having to sleep inside a dead tauntaun. then i'm imagining p and f go to dagobah to train in the force with former jedi master...meap. they do not know that luke is also there training with yoda. meanwhile, isabella, buford, baljeet, and candace are stuck in space in the centennial chihuahua experincing the han and leia subplot -- i want baljeet and buford to recreate the scoundrel scene. darthenshmirtz, who survived the explosion of the death star, is chasing them through space to try and learn where perry the rebelpus has gone. in the end, everything comes to a head on cloud city ( i saw a comment on cj's post saying stacy should fill the lando role and i actually kinda love that so i'm stealing it, and candace took them there to find help. of course, stacy doesn't betray them on purpose, i bet she's just like accidentally live streaming it on the holonet or something). darthenshmirtz, who's a fan of her channel, shows up and holds the kids hostage, leading phineas, ferb, and perry to come rescue them. buford trips and falls into the carbonite pit after the main story crew has left, and baljeet is distraught. Darth and Phineas have a dramatic confrontation where Darth tells Phineas he’s his father, and Phineas almost believes him before Darth says “kidding! That’s just a stupid fan theory!” and stares directly at the screen. Phineas and Candace (who is slowly realizes she might also have the force) sense each other and the rest of the gang is able to save him and ferb, and escape from the empire with stacy's help. the movie ends with them all staring out the window into space, planning how to rescue buford and help stop the empire.

i got another ask about this so i will use that to give my ideas for episode 6!

#phineas and ferb star wars #phineas and ferb #star wars #pnf #pandf #cartoon #cartoons #disney #disney channel

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lovelybeesthings · 1 year ago

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Obedient bunny 3

Chapters 1, and 2 here are the links

Coriolanus Snow x Reader

Word count: 1.8k

A/N: This is the last one of the bunny trilogy!

After the events in the movie

Once Coriolanus had grown custom to his new living arrangements in the Capitol he soon started plotting how he would build his empire with the help of Dr. Volumnia.

He successfully poisoned Dean Highbottem an obstacle that passed and he was using anyone even the president and his wife believing how strong of friends he was with their son Sejanus foolish just like his son in the end believing what he wanted them to believe in the palm of his hands.

But something did linger in his mind, not Lucy Gray but a bunny he left behind a long time ago who he felt he needed to revisit, as he went to event gatherings among the elite he'd heard much about Y/n she didn't leave the publics eyes not once.

Y/n had been desired among all of her family titles, her beauty and wealth making people fight for her affection and attention left and right but from what's been rumored that she had locked up her heart from one fatal man, no one knew who.

But Coriolanus knew why and who that man was, it was him since that night he had made this bunny scared of finding another to love the way she had done with him once in her life.

The thought of his actions impacting her so well like an obedient bunny waiting for their master to return he had to see her all he had was the image of her in a nice dress and gorgeous face like a wild dream he knew when he'd see her again it feel like a fresh breath.

Sad girl

As Y/n went to gatherings and gatherings she soon became bored with it all altogether She made an appearance shining among others and was bothered by man after man to undo the curse that she had cast herself.

Since that night it felt like nobody could compare it to Coriolanuss's looks, his eyes his guard always up but when it came down to the two of them he let himself be vulnerable he was here there from Fiancd, friends, something more, back to strangers.

But it's as if she never expected it but also knew he wasn't here like she was always competing for something to win his eyes his attention she knew him she knew the way he'd stare at the Academy food acting like he wasn't hungry when he'd been starving for days and how'd she make sure to always pack a lunch for him he'd share them with grandmama and Tigris.

Was it all pretend did he put up all these acts to delude herself? She wondered to herself each night before bed at the center of the crime scene in her heart she believed that he'd open that door again and he'd be there his smile his curly blond mop locks.

But she knew it was hopeless and continued the role she had to play longing for the memory as she had built walls around her heart keeping her sweet attitude and never letting anyone she'd a tear.

Today was no different She had walked around the university in her pink winter coat with white stockings and her dress and warm boots hair straightened she made sure to keep in touch with his family, especially Tigris but when they had stopped sending letters in ended their.

Y/n entered the warm library her cheeks and ears were rosy she took out the books she needed sat down at a table began to study with some cookies always been one for sweets, shortly after the time flu by and she had lost the fight with her sleep slumbering peacefully on the table.

Coriolanus had needed to borrow a book from the university library he had huffed as when he entered the library he made sure to wrap his mother's scarf around him for the extra measure since it was freezing he soon found the book he was looking for but when he turned his head it felt Like destiny.

There she was his once-fiance the girl who was once his the one he took for granted sleeping softly hiding from the cold outside seeking slumber in the warm library he couldn't help but let a smile creep on his face as he made saddle moments as he took out a chair and sits down next down to his eyes strung upon her.

She soon made a huff in her sleep causing him to hold her chuckle scared to wake her up as she made noise in discomfort cold Corionalus took off his red coat and placed it over her hearing a noise of comfort soon her eyes began to wide open blinking yawning.

As she looked around her surroundings she saw blond moppy hair she recognized and when she looked him in the eyes her heart began to break again she swore she'd be ready for this moment but now that it was happening she wanted to run away.

“Why the face bunny I thought you be happy to see me,” he spoke with a smirk “I-I what are you doing here, your hair!” everything in her mind was disorganized even if her emotions were running around she couldn't help but smile placing her delicate hands on his face he responded with a smile

“Do you like it I mean it's not like my old look but I mean I don't have to fake my class” he responds I don't bat an eye away from his look his hair was different but he looked more like a gentleman I give a kiss of his cheek “so you do?” he answers being cocky “calm down you just look so handsome it suits you in glad to see you again?” I say.

“Really from what I've heard you've locked any romantic emotion toward someone surpisnlkg since that night I last saw you,” he says changing my mood he notices and quickly tries to fix his mistake “Hey, I didn't mean that I'm sorry I missed you too Im glad to see you again,” he says the sincerity in his voice.

I look back to give a small smile “Well are you gonna explain why in seeing you again you disappeared for a while now” I say as he sighs and begins to tell me everything (not the murdering parts lol) “I'm so sorry Coryo I can believe she just left you all alone in that cabin” I respond as I hold him close to me

“Well since I've been back I was able to improve our living conditions and get to go to university under Dr. Volmnia,” he says with a small smile making me frown as I hold his face with my hands “I'm glad to hear your life played out nicely at least the last part,” I say giving a lovely smile.

“Well, one part I want to achieve but I'm having. A hard time to make it more than a dream” he says chasing me to give a confused look and his smile just grows “I'm ready Y/n after everything I've been threw I want to have a life with you I want to be your husband” he says with confidence sending shocks my way as he gets up and on his knee pulling out a red leather box and opening it showing a diamond ring made to look like a rose my eye light up to it.

“Coryo how could you-” I say trying to figure out how much it costs I can't let him spend this much on me but he interrupts me “Y/n Will you be my wife?” he says looking at me with that stare of stare I cannot refuse I nod and kiss him as he places the ring on m finger sliding it on.

As they share this intimate moment his hands are on her hips and as she breaks the long kiss for a breath of air she looks at the window beside them “Croyo look snow falling!” She says with a sweet smile her voice like honey enlightening to the sigh as he watches her this was his destiny he’d make her his wife they’d have a family as he’d provide a life for her no man would be able to.

THE END OF THE BUNNY SEIRS!!!

#coriolanus snow x reader #reader #coriolanus snow #fanfic #tom blyth x resder #hunger games #peeta mellark x reader #finnick odair x reader #the hunger games #the hunger games x reader #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #tom blyth #fanfiction #fem reader #y/n

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swampshi · 6 days ago

Text

Parental love

little illustration I did forgive me for my laziness but I'm NOT finishing this

I am by no means a writer and English isn't my native language, so yeah, approach at your own caution as always, may be radioactive

The colors on her canvas all turned crimson, black. There were no bright rays of light, no glow of the Elven empire. There was no empire at all – everything that came out from under her brush turned into blood-red chaos. The brush hit the floor, painting the stone with oil paint, the wooden handle broke from the force of the blow. Sylaise wanted to throw off the easel and tear the canvas apart, but instead she simply fell to the floor, bursting into muffled sobs.

Her cities, her statues, desecrated, destroyed, infested with living trash, pointless beings only made to serve, all by the hand of rebels. If she had her way, if she had known all those years ago, she would have squeezed the traitor's neck until her knuckles turned white, until the last drop of lies fell from his poisoned lips, until his lungs closed with his last breath. Solas. She hoped he would burn.

Behind her she heard a solemn, many-legged stomping that would have pleased her at any other time. Loneliness was eating her up and leaving no trace, despite her constant search for solitude. Only one entered the chamber, endless servants left behind. She did not bother to turn around. Hot hands gripped her shoulders, pulled her up, forced Sylaise to her feet. Gods do not cry, huddled on the cold floor.

– Your work will be avenged. – Uncompromising statement, meant for comfort.

None of the Evanuris knew parental love. They were created from the flesh and blood of the Titans, each molding their own bodies from plasma. But Elgar'nan was the one who called to her, when she was but a spirit. Called to grace the earth with her beauty, to build his empire with care, to make it glorious. She found comfort in the rays of the Sun.

– Give me your soldiers and the rebels will have to fall back. They are outmatched as it is, with worthless thralls fighting for their cause. – He ran a hand through her brown hair. Soft like silk, left unbraided.

– But what about my cities? My temple?

– If you don't give me your forces, they will take them and more. Rabid dogs, that's what they are, and I need to put them down.

Silence lingered, as she was left to consider. To think.

– They will ravage, will destroy. – His words only fueled the desire to step onto the battlefield herself. To set ablaze each and one of them. – I will bring their heads to your feet if you so wish.

– I'll send the order to my forces to retreat through the eluvians. – Sylaise tilted her head up to meet the satisfied gaze of golden eyes. – June gathered lyrium knights for my personal guard. I can send them.

With a soft click, the sun-shaped brooch released the other side of his heavy cloak, the head embroidered with gold thread and rubies. Elgar'nan threw the heavy cloak over her fragile, but already straight shoulders, led her to the soft taffeta, strewn with pillows. Sylaise did not protest and sunk down. Endless fabrics of her dress and his coat weighed her down, suffocated.

– I won't leave you vulnerable. You're the greatest treasure, Sylaise, and the one I vowed to protect from those, who seek to wrong us.

Cold air rushed into the room, billowing the organza curtains, fanning them out. All-father wrapped her tighter in his cloak, not knowing where to place his hands, how to make her smile. He can bring the head of Solas himself, but knew it wasn't enough. Andruil is still nowhere to be found and no one can fill the void for Sylaise other than her sister. Parental love was unfamiliar to them?

– Don't go, please. Please, stay. – She felt her throat tightening, her nose starting to feel raw. Her eyes threatened to burst into tears.

Gods do not cry, burying their red faces in someone else's shoulder. They probably do not cry at all, do not love, do not get lonely, they only rule. But now, in secret, they became just elves. Sun-Tamer found himself just a man, and what is a greater weakness for a man, than a daughter?

#art #dragon age #dragon age elves #artists on tumblr #evanuris #datv #dragon age art #dragon age lore #dragon age the veilguard #elgar'nan #sylaise #dragon age 4 #dragon age fanart #dragon age fanfiction

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featheredenby · 9 days ago

Text

Mycelium

“Hotguy coughs a bit, “It’s a long story.”

“Not really” The Mayor says while rolling her eyes, “The Red Witch got Cuteguy possessed by a mushroom. Again.” She explains.

“Oh jeez,” Shelby exclaims, “Not again, let's get you guys inside.” She leads the others into her house through the rain where she explains the situation to Shrub and Katherine.”

Written by FeatheredEnby

Word Count: 1,857

Part Thirteen of: Show Your Fangs

Read On Ao3

A Superhero AU of Empires SMP/Hermitcraft/The Life Series

Lizzie climbs up the fire escape on an apartment building in her new and improved vigilante outfit. She reaches the top of the building and climbs onto the roof, she pushes herself into a standing position and sees someone flying around the city towards the GFHA headquarters. “Weird…”

She starts heading over to the building and sees someone darting through the alley way below her. She dashes over to the edge of the roof and uses the glider sewed into her outfit to get down safely. Quietly landing on the ground next to the person she takes in their details. White hair, red and black sweater, light green overalls, a deer mutant, holding a staff so they’re likely a witch. These features all feel very familiar, she lightly places her hand on the person's shoulder. Since they’re an animal mutant there’s a chance that Lizzie could read their mind. Within a second they see who this person is, “Hi Gem!” Lizzie shouts.

Gem jumps and screams something that Lizzie doesn't catch however she does end up frozen in place. Just work your way out of it, she just has to figure out a solution. Her mind control powers could work but she’s frozen and can’t do anything. Gem looks down at her, “How do you know who I am?” Lizzie rolls her eyes as if to say she can’t talk, “Right…” Gem says and releases the spell.

Lizzie looks at her, “My one power is mind controlling animal mutants and hybrids, and to some extent if I get close enough to them I can read their minds. So,” she explains, “I essentially was able to tell that you’re Gem, or as you’re currently calling yourself, Slay.”

“Okay…”

“So,” asks another person from a nearby roof, “What exactly are you two doing out tonight?” Lizzie looks up and sees The Time Witch standing on the roof with their wand in hand.

“I saw someone flying to the GFHA headquarters while on patrol,” she says, “I was going to go check it out but then I found Gem.”

Gem glares at Lizzie, “Stop revealing my secret identity!” She yells, “that’s private information.”

Lizzie giggles, “No.”

The Time Witch sighs, “Good to know who you two are, by the way have either of you guys seen The Red Witch?”

Lizzie shakes her head while Gem nods. “I’m out tonight because I’m pretty sure she’s trying to infect Cuteguy with her weird mushroom again…” she sighs,”I- I know who she is…”

“I was gonna debut as the newest hero soon when we got her in custody. I had Hotguy leave the room and I questioned her but then she stopped answering… I used a spell to make her tell me the truth… when I removed it she broke out of her prison and I got a nasty cut on the forehead…”

“I wasn’t happy with what I’d done so I stitched myself up and used a spell to remove myself from the GFHA database, and to learn who the others are-“ Her next words can’t be heard over the sound of an explosion in the distance.

The Red Witch lunges at Cuteguy while throwing off an avian who keeps cursing at her. Behind them Mycelium frantically tries to put together a mushroom spell while Psudoshroom and Story hold off Lazy Cat and Bard, who just arrived at the scene. Cuteguy tumbles out of the way and Scar stands in a dark corner watching. He doesn’t quite understand what’s happening, he’d just been outside getting some fresh air when Cuteguy had shown up to talk to him but then they got stuck in mycelium together and the next thing he knows The Red Witch shows up.

In his panic he’d ended up standing as still as possible in a corner. He tentatively pulls out his bow and starts firing arrows at The Red Witch, out of the corner of his eye Scar sees an avian land on a nearby roof and starts firing their own arrows at Mycelium and Psudoshroom. He watches as one of the arrows pierces Mycelium’s shoulder and they slump to the ground. Soon after, Psudoshroom sweeps Lazy Cat’s legs from under them and tires them down with mycelium threads.

Scar turns his attention back to The Red Witch and Cuteguy who dodges a blow from the witch and ducks even lowers as the mushroom spell thing is thrown to The Red Witch and lands in her hands. Scar realizes what’s going to happen and fires a regular arrow through one of The Red Witch’s wings. He runs over to Cuteguy and frantically tells him that they need to leave. Cuteguy holds onto Scar and flies them both down into the alley between two random buildings where they see three people dash away into the distance.

Scar stares at the avian in front of him as his ears tune out the sounds of the battle on the roof next to them, “Cuteguy are you okay.”

The man nods slowly, “I’ll be fine… Hotguy there’s something I need to tell you.”

He nods frantically but doesn’t really pay attention, “Yep! Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep! I’m sure it’s important but it can probably wait till later!”

Cuteguy shakes his head, “It really can’t, I- Hotguy you need to know that-“ He’s cut off as a pouch of mushroom and herbs hits his back and he collapses onto the brickwork ground. Scar leans down to try and help while The Red Witch sits and watches it unfold. Cuteguy looks at Scar directly in the eyes, clearly afraid. “I think we both know what this is gonna do…” he says, “You know when I first heard about you I hated your guts, you’re not too bad though.”

Cuteguy grasps Scar’s wrist, “When you were at the Arian Griandae concert I saw you… I feel bad admitting it like this but I know your identity…” he turns and watches mycelium crawl out of the small bagged spell and drops Scar’s hand, “Run Scar…” it spreads further, “Run Scar! Scar run.” So he does, Scar runs away to the only place he thinks can deal with the mushroom spell to the only other witch he knows the location of. Into the woods and to Shelby’s house. He doesn’t look back.

Shelby walks off the well trodden path through the woods she lives in with her sister and girlfriend, she has to find the cave that leads into the mines where the moss in the vial she holds in her purse originated. She’s been doing some tests, sure she’s a witch but science and magic aren’t that different when it comes to basic theory. Her boots slosh in the mud that starts getting thicker and covering more ground the closer she gets to the clearing where the caves start. She’s going to be out for a while, at least four hours if she had to guess, after all the caves go on for hundreds of miles underground. She rounds a clump of trees expecting to be in the clearing but instead finds that the area which used to be a sunny glade is overgrown with giant mushrooms of all types and infested with chickens, Okay that’s odd.

Shelby pulls her scarf over her mouth and nose and pushes through the fungi. When she reaches the entrance of the cave she sees that it's completely blocked with a thick layer of mycelium threads. She pulls out her wand and aims it at the fungal threads, “ᒷ ̇/!¡ꖎ𝙹ᓭ╎𝙹リ! ʖ𝙹𝙹ᒲ!” The threads are blasted to bits and she steps through the flaming remains and into the cave. Cool air hits her face along with a large number of tiny spores. She walks through the cave system, keeping track of where she’s been with a glowing paint line on the wall.

Eventually the witch ends up at a deepslate gate with a glowing carving of a warden in the center. She pulls out her spellbook and flips to a page on skulk which includes how to enter the ancient cities. Shelby shakes her wand while muttering a spell and it lights up so she can read a part of the passage, “In order to enter the an ancient city insert whatever you use to cast spells into the slot at the center of the gate and cast the spell ‘tenebris aperire’ in enchanter.” She breathes out and starts humming while putting the book away.

Shelby ends the light spell on her wand and slides it into the center of the gate she closes her eyes, “ℸ ̣ ᒷリᒷʖ∷╎ᓭ ᔑ!¡ᒷ∷╎∷ᒷ.” The witch opens her eyes and pulls her wand back right before it would have been broken by the retracting doors. In front of her lies a nearly pitchblack expanse with the shimmering skulk covering the floor and most of the walls. In the distance she can see deepslate buildings rising in front of an ancient portal. She isn’t here for any of that, all she needs is a tiny bit of the strange moss that grows this deep down. She pulls a small vial and an exacto-knife out of her bag and scrapes off a small amount of skulk which she deposits in the vial. She places it in the bag and quietly walks out of the deep dark, closing it off with a spell.

The witch walks back up through the cave system erasing the line that she’d placed on the wall as she goes. When she reaches the upper levels she can hear rain drumming through the forest. Shebly reenters the main cave and sees the rain coming down through the mushrooms and picking up the spores as it does. She walks to the edge of the cave and holds her wand up to the sky, “⚍ᒲʖ∷ᒷꖎꖎᔑ.” A canopy shoots up and out of it shielding her from the rain that manages to get through the forest canopy. Shelby sloshes through the high mud which soaks her socks as it lands in her boots.

She walks for a little while and can see the lights from her house. As she walks up to it she sees someone in the woods a few feet outside of the opposite side of the clearing. She walks to the other side of the clearing and the person backs up, “Who’s there?” Shelby waves her wand through the air, “ᓭ⍑𝙹∴ ||𝙹⚍∷ᓭᒷꖎ⎓.” Out of the woods emerges a beaten and very shaken up Hotguy along with The Mayor, Slay, and The Time Witch. “What the-” the witch runs over to the group and raises her wand into the air again, “ʖ╎⊣⊣ᒷ∷ ⚍ᒲʖ∷ᒷꖎꖎᔑ.” An even larger canopy covers the group and Shelby looks at them with confusion. “What happened to you guys?”

Hotguy coughs a bit, “It’s a long story.”

“Not really” The Mayor says while rolling her eyes, “The Red Witch got Cuteguy possessed by a mushroom. Again.” She explains.

“Oh jeez,” Shelby exclaims, “Not again, let's get you guys inside.” She leads the others into her house through the rain where she explains the situation to Shrub and Katherine.

#fanfic #trafficblr #hermitblr #empiresblr #show your fangs #empires shrub #shubble #huntress katherine #hotguy #goodtimeswithscar #cuteguy #grian #ldshadowlady #double life pearl #Time witch cleo #secret life gem #feathered writing

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starlordcumidk · 4 months ago

Text

New Kind of Love

~chapter 1~

word count: 3.2k

notes: slight ooc, reader wears glasses, this is an AU of TASM!Peter where he is a fraternity brother. reader is portrayed as rude/stand-offish. reader is a tad neurodivergent. playful banter. please read this knowing that i am a newer author and the plot is based on a song.

warnings: not proofread, minor cursing? does that count?

Enough of "Love Lite"

And "I Can't Believe It's Not Love!"

Monday, October 21st, 2024.

School started back up eight weeks ago, frat, sorority, club rushs and event posters making anyones head spin. There were at least forty parties that happened just in the first six weeks of school, none you attended. Right now, the school was setting up for their next pep rally, big decorations all over the place, even in Siebert’s courtyard.

Empire State University was known for its largely populated campus, even for a private school. Truly, the scholarships they offered were the biggest reason anyone was able to go. Those from out of state were even encouraged with extra offers, you included.

You have been living rather normally, even with the hussle and bustle through the dorm halls every night, your favorite being the RA catching the girl down the hall with two gallon size ziplocs with coke and her boyfriend naked in the hall in the middle of September.

It was refreshing, almost. Being back in New York always puts an extra pep in your step, especially after a very long, very hot, very southern summer spent back at your parents house. Not only was it over one-hundred and five degrees most days, the humidity was consistently breaking the ninety percent mark.

Even though you weren’t as lucky this year with housing and got the road facing room, six floors up— with a broken elevator nonetheless– you were comfortable. The room was decorated meticulously, just the way you liked it. Warm lighting from lamps, the big light never on, a rotary fan at the foot of your bed. Perfect.

The cool seventy degree weather was a welcome breeze as you opened the window, allowing yourself to get the dry, definitely polluted air into your lungs. Looking down at the road, even though it was nowhere near as beautiful as the courtyard, filled you with excitement every single time. It was a beautiful swarm of colors, bright jackets and scarves creating a moving mural with the fresh morning sun.

I missed this. The thought floods your senses as you feel your first genuine chill of the year.

This was home. Being surrounded by tall buildings, loud and awful people, hagglers and one very fit red-blue spandex hero, was comforting. Back home, there were no heroes to swoop in if you were threatened. Spider-Man was always a welcome guest, and you’ve definitely seen more of him these past few months than before.

Maybe your paranoia was bad, but the idea of a sticky-gross-web man sweeping in and saving you made those thoughts calm down. Even if you thought the idea of being part spider was less than exciting.

It was Monday, all of your aggravating and mundane classes were scheduled for this morning. It took effort to get dressed and go to your first lecture, but eventually you did.

As you walked across campus, you messaged back and forth with your close friend who still lived in your home state, so many thousands of miles away.

Delilah: girl u have to go out and make more friends. i’m tired of being your only one. you: you know that isn’t happening right now. people find me too abrasive and that makes it hard enough as is. Delilah: ok well maybe be nice to people babe ? you: ehhhh not really my thing but maybe i’ll try for you < 33 Delilah: u better !!!!!! Delilah: hugs n kisses < 333 i gtg, reed is here you: it’s not even 9am so idk how you’re already at it with him… have a good day lilah.

You shake your head at the quick interaction and feel a moment of missing her before shoving your phone back into your pocket and taking a deep breath. Opening Dr. Howards lecture doors and seeing that you’re the first to show again, a small smile graces your lips as you make your way to your seat.

It’s not long until the small, bubbly, blonde seventy-year-old woman walks in, big binders and a mug in hand. Following her are more of the students, none of which you know or care to know. You look away for a few minutes to gather you notebook and pencil to scribble nonsense notes to try and dissect later.

And the lecture begins.

—--------------

Peter, frankly, was over everything. He was the one who had to organize where people would be sleeping, how they’d fit into the chapter house and he even had to argue with the stupid underclassmen asking why he was the one with a private bathroom. Being in a frat was tiring, he was only here for the scholarship and housing opportunity.

It was always the same, but luckily this was his last year he had to be involved with it.

After this year, his bacholers in hand, he could just worry about graduate school. Everyone and everything outside of bioengineering and Spider-Man would wash off of him. His hands clean and life lonely, just as he liked it to be- with the exception of May.

Even if one fleeting conversation leaves him enamored with the wrinkle of your nose, the way it caused the inner corners of your eyes to crease. He hadn’t been this way since highschool, it was scary and unwelcomed. Something he’d rather kill off and walk away from, but every day in the courtyard or the times you happened to be on the Q train at the same time as him, the weird adrenaline rush would light him on fire.

Mondays, Wednesdays and select Fridays were the worst. He was sure of it.

Environmental Managment, a dumb class, but he took it to get his credit hours up, hoping to balance out his GPA…. Somehow, you were here too. Almost like a curse, he has to look at you from the back row of the class, the closest seat to the back entrance. You sat alone, front and center of the lecture hall. You were always there on time, which urged him to be too, it gave him extra time to stare. Even with this, he was never sure of your name.

—--------------

The teacher was droning on about some mudslide somewhere in California, babbling about the random effects it had on the surrounding citizens, the heavy rain that caused it. Your pencil was etching into the paper lazily with each slide.

A small timer went off which indicated the end of class, but before you could react there was a loud clap and Dr. Howards mic was turned on. She only used it for important announcements or when the frat boys in the back wouldn’t shut up.

“So, this semester is going really well. Many of you are keeping your grades and positivity up! But, we still need to discuss our final exam.”

A symphony of deep groans sound from the back, you feel your eye twitch at it.

“Thank you, boys.” A pause and a glare, “Anyways, I have decided your final will be a presentation on a hypothetical scenario. In groups of two, that I assign, you and your partner will have to decide on a catastrophic event, it can be any of the ones we have discussed or any you find in your books. After picking the event, choose the setting, it can be close to home or even Australia, just make it realistic. No monsoons in New York. You two must decide how devastating it is and how the community will recover. The groups are in the class Canvas. Take care! Go Otters! Excelsior!” She closes her laptop and is out of the room before anyone can complain about her groupings.

You are quick to start thinking over ideas, most of which are tornado-centered. You’ve never experienced one, but the movie Twister was a classic at home when you were little. Quickly, you write down some ideas, tornadoes, hurricanes, mudslides….

You pack your books away and look into the list the professor had composed on your phone, scrolling through too many names before your gaze lands on yours next to… oh no.

Peter Parker.

You feel dumb for a moment, you hadn’t realized he was in this course let alone the same exact class as you. Turning around to look for him, it’s hard. The cluster of bodies was too big to just be pairs discussing their ideas.

Then, your eyes meet a messy mop of brown, leaning over a laptop and the same sweater from back in summer all the way in the back. You feel nervous just looking at him, but you swallow the hard lump and start towards him. Of course he’d be all the way in the back, surrounded by sport and frat bro’s.

With a deep breath, you tap on his shoulder. It causes him to jump, and for a moment he looks as nervous as you feel, but it disappears quickly and is replaced with a smile.

“Hey, I know you.” Peter says it with a warm tone.

“Yep. Uhm… we were partnered for the project?” You say it coolly, staring down at him.

“Ah- so that's who you are, huh?” He tilts his head, slowly shutting his beat up laptop and leaning back in his chair. He says your name a few times under his breath, as if reciting it to himself.

“Uh-huh….” You nod, something weird stirring in your stomach at the timbre he uses when whispering your name to himself. “So, what days are we meeting for this thing?”

“Uh- we could use the free period on whatever days you want. As long as it isn’t at night, I have a job.” He shrugs, looking up at you and his smile falters.

“Monday, Wednesday and Friday it is then.” You decide, grabbing the paper you scribbled ideas on and hand it to him.

He takes it and looks it over, his brows furrowed for a moment before looking back up to you. “We can’t meet today, but if you give me your number I’ll look these over and text you.” He is so soft spoken compared to the other frat guys around you, it is almost shocking.

“You have my school email. Use that.” You shrug, your tone almost rude as you speak. “Sorry, I mean- just email me about it and we can talk Wednesday….” It’s kinder this time, but the tone correction feels embarrassing.

“Oh- okay. Sure thing.” He nods and starts to gather his things around, looking you over before slinging his backpack over his shoulder, you couldn’t help but notice the skateboard sticking out from it. “See you then.” He says your name then he is gone, quickly leaving to go wherever he needed to be.

—-------------- <[email protected]

Sent at 2:27pm 10/21/2024

Let's do the hurricane and Louisiana idea. Meet me at the library at 12:30.

Peter B. Parker

Get Outlook for iOS>

—--------------

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

You walk into the library, your eyes scanning the large area. Peter and you had agreed to meet on the first floor for ease of finding one another, but he hadn’t specified if he was at a table, a computer or in a private study room. You groan at the fact you never asked for any more specifics.

The building had three levels, ground floor was all peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, anything that was used for research and could be ran through scribbr for essays, the middle floor was dedicated to fiction and had very limited stock, only a few of the books were actually worth a read, the top floor was just old archives, nothing that was allowed to leave the library.

It was a very tall, circular shape. Each floor visible from the entrance, glass sidings and the small tables or armchairs pressed against them. Red and gold quotes painted along the walls. Your personal favorite was by Madame Curie, it was directly above the checkout desk.

"One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done."

Slowly walking through the shelves, looking at each and every table and bean bag, you can't seem to find that stupid mass of brunette hair and slushy posture anywhere. In all seriousness, you’re getting angry. Had he stood you up? Was he running behind after he set up the whole meeting in the first place?

Just as you were about to give up you felt a hand fall on your shoulder, a breeze of honey and pine enveloping your nose.

“Finally, I found you!” Peter's voice was easy to recognize, especially with how sweet he smelt.

You turn and look up, giving him a skeptical look. “Where are we going to study?”

He took a moment before pointing at the private study hall, his smile smooth and easy to take in. With a quick nod, you walked towards the hallway, looking in each room to decipher which had his items in it. To your delight, it was easy. Every other room was filled with people, some studying, others playing some tabletop games. You walked in, sat at the empty seat closest to the computer and started pulling your notebook out.

He was right behind you, closing the door and settling in across from you. In one foul swoop his legs were propped on the table and he leaned back a bit. “So do you really think this assignment is going to take ten weeks to research?” He sounded so… carefree.

You respond with a shrug, looking at the page on natural disasters.

Peter hummed a small ‘mhmm’ and drummed his fingers on his chest, staring at you. “So, are we gonna challenge ourselves and use just our textbook as a reference?” A small smile.

“That's dumb.” You scoff and put your book aside, logging into the school computer and doing a quick search for Louisiana and scrolling through its map, trying to find the city to zone in on.

“Oh. Okay… uhm….” He sits forward, dropping his legs and leaning forward, craning his neck a bit to try and get a peek at the screen.

“New Orleans is probably a good one. Super populated, a staple for tourists. It would be a big tragedy for it to get destroyed.” He pointed at the spot on the screen, his tone still just as warm as usual.

“No, too predictable.” It comes out like an insult, and you internally kick yourself.

There's a pause before a defeated sigh and he points out another spot on the map, it’s random and his smile is gone now. “What about there? Grand Isle?”

You take a long look at it before nodding and writing the town name down, looking over at him with a forced smile. “Cool.”

“You know, we’re gonna have to talk like real people eventually, right?” It’s frustrated and a bit.. sad. Another internal kick.

“Listen I-” you pause, not sure of how to put it at first, “I’m not good at talking. Never have been.”

“Yea, I’ve noticed.” He shrugs and pulls out the most beat-up laptop you’d ever seen. “But, that night in the courtyard you seemed pretty chatty.”

The memory flashes in your mind and you touch your nose, your new pair of glasses hasn’t arrived yet. “It was a momentary lapse. Probably won’t happen again.”

“Why not?” He stares intently, a stomach turning, heart flipping look on his face as he asks.

“Why would it?” You stare back, your hands starting to fidget with your jean pocket.

“Cause we’re friends now.” He spoke so nonchalantly.

“Not friends.” A groan

“Oh come on, you’ll learn to love me eventually.” His voice was soft and he brought the backside of his fingers against his chin, batting his eyelashes.

“Eh, doubt it. I’ve had enough of love lite.” You said it, genuinely grossed out.

There was a moment of silence, the buzzing LED above you making you think you won Peter's yap battle.

“What?” It came out after a hearty laugh, one that felt like it had to come from his stomach.

You roll your eyes, looking into Grand Isle, writing its population count down as you respond. “Don’t worry your pretty head about it.”

“So you think I’m pretty?” He gasps, his hand pumping in the air as if he’d won something.

A shiver runs down your spine but you don’t let it show. “Sickening thought. Thanks, Mr. Aracnophile.” You grimace, making a fake gagging sound even though deep down you were enjoying this stupid conversation with him.

“Oh ew- never call me that again. What did I ever do to you?” His hand flew over his heart, squeezing his pullover with a dramatic gasp.

“You haven’t shut up since we got in this room.” You looked him in the eye, an almost unamused expression on your face outside of the small smile that was fighting its way past your ever slipping mask.

Peter is quiet for a moment again before rolling his shoulders back and sighing. “Got you pretty chatty though, didn’t I?” A shit-eating grin and a teasing tone accompanying his words.

You go to speak but nothing comes out. He did get you chatty. For some reason it makes your face heat up and you roll your eyes before looking back at your computer screen. “I’ll look into the town, you look into the likeliness a hurricane would destroy it?”

He nods and opens the laptop, it has several cracks in the screen and duct tape holding a few of the plastic parts down. You take a mental note not to ask about it right now, but maybe later.

The next hour progresses quickly, handwritten notes torn out of notebooks and stacked neatly into a pile in between the two computer screens. There are a few sneezes and quick exchanged glances while you work, but you ignore it. No reason to think too hard about it.

As you start to type a few sentences into a digital outline, your phone buzzes, indicating your next class would be starting in twenty minutes. You sigh and start to boot down the computer. Peter lifts his head, looking at you and furrowing his brows a little bit.

“Got somewhere to be?” He says your name so smoothly, you almost miss that he said it at all.

“Yea. My next block of classes is about to start.” You shrug and sift through the different notes he and you had written, letting your eyes graze each one to see what’s what and how you should organize it in your folder.

“I can take those.” He gently taps the top of the papers and you’re reluctant to hand them over. It was hard to say yes, because what if you needed to double check them and retrace your steps before- “I’ll scan them and send them to you after work tonight.”

A wave of relief washes over you, and you nod, letting his hand take them from you. “Sounds good, Spider-guy.” You say with a tight lipped smile and start to leave the study room.

“Hey, wait. Let me walk with you.” He calls out to you but you put your earbuds in and pretend you didn’t hear him.

—-----------------

<[email protected]

Sent at 3:06am 10/24/2024

2 attachments (4 MB)

Here you go, just as I promised. Oh, also, here’s my number, you know, if you want to be a normal 21 year old someday. Also, can't meet Friday. Something came up.

See you soon, trouble.

(xxx) xxx-xxxx

Peter B. Parker

Get Outlook for iOS>

#fanfic #peter parker x reader #frat!peter #x reader #spiderman #peter parker #peter parker x you

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webnovel-deluxe · 1 year ago

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Isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? Side Story Chapter 17

i also upload this chapter in my YT, feel free to read there to support my effort, click👉Link

***

“I didn't expect you to get your diploma so soon.”

What a summer semester graduation!

The dean of the Academy's Faculty of Magic, my uncle, the Marquis of Wert, puts down his teacup and grinned.

He seems cold and cynical at first glance, but seeing the same face often, he knew he wasn't in a bad mood today.

“To be honest, the picture is strange for a single magician to teach the saint who saved the empire. ”

“But it is true that graduating too early according to the school rules… I thought the dean would be against it.”

“Do I not look so inflexible like your father?”

Addition adds more, but it doesn't look less.

I swallowed the hard words that came to my throat.

“Honestly, I didn't want to make an exception either, but I can't help it. Because of you, my work is almost paralyzed.”

“.....”

“I’m going to see you, and even the graduates come to the undergraduate building from time to time, and I feel like I’m going to die.”

He shakes his head with a rather troubled face.

In fact, when the academy started, it was much more serious than it is now. The formula lectures I was giving were like taking a break.

“I respect you! Lady! Sign it!”

“Call my name just once!”

“Lady! Just say one word that you will pass your graduation thesis!”

“I feel like I will be able to pass the matriculation exam after receiving the saint from afar!”

There were people who didn't listen to lectures telling me to listen, and treated me as a totem of ups and downs.

'Of course, even if you only open your eyes wildly, you close your mouth right away.'

In the past, when I appeared, everyone was busy bowing their heads and politely giving way... .

‘I don’t really want to go back to the days of a villainess, but there were definitely things I was comfortable with.'

Still, it seems that some polarizing fans were in school, It seems that he was finally able to escape from the space called the school thanks to the trouble he made to the dean and president of the Academy.

The long compulsory education period, 5 years of undergraduate life, and hard work at the academy passed like a lantern.

“… It’s too long.”

While relieving, Marquis Berthe suddenly murmured.

“What?”

“I thought you were good at teaching. If possible, I was thinking of making a teaching assistant. Because that's the fastest way to become a professor.”

'Hey, it's not too harsh, oh!'

With the creepy remark that he wanted to pamper me like a grad student, he casually pushed the cake in front of me. with a small box.

“This… .”

When I opened the box, it contained a rose-shaped brooch, and his scar trembled for a moment.

“When I see you, I think of Marien. She was the junior she wore. She was a good lecturer, so she was going to be a teaching assistant, but I don't think my younger brother would run away with her.”

“...?”

Surely, not a love triangle, but a favorite graduate student No. 1?

Having written several chijeong novels in my head, I erased the questions that came to mind. Sometimes it's better to just leave it unaware.

“Your mother was a beautiful bride to match May. Marriage, congratulations.”

“Thank you, dean.”

“What dean when you get your diploma? Call me uncle.”

Uncle...

At the name that came out a little awkwardly, he smiled softly, incomparably with the previous one.

“I’ll see you at the wedding, Deborah.”

***

Upon hearing the news of Isidor's marriage, the Marquis of Jaba Slein hurried up to the capital with her family. It was to help her nephew's wedding preparations.

In the Empire, instead of the bride bringing the dowry, the groom prepared the wedding preparations, so Isidor would have a lot to worry about.

“Originally, this kind of preparation has to be led by an adult in the family… ”

In the mind of the Marquis, the childhood image of Isidore, who was like an angel from the past, was etched in her mind. Perhaps that's why his nephew, who had to carry out all the preparations alone, felt pity for him.

But after a while, instead of sticking her tongue out in pity, she sticks it out in exasperation.

To put it bluntly, perfectionism is a long one... … .'

He is a person with a reputation for being meticulous, but his nephew is a bit more sophisticated.

'I don't think there's a way to skip something.'

Isidor, who visited the wedding venue in advance, not only looked at the seating arrangement, but also the banquet room curtain decorations, candle holders, wine glasses, carpets, and even cutlery used by guests.

“This tableware is a trendy style?”

The vassal quickly responded to Isidor's point.

“Yes. There are a lot of nobles in the capital who prefer this kind of tableware these days, so I prepared it.”

“But it’s a formal place, but you don’t feel too heavy. Also, it’s not a flower pattern that suits the season, is it?”

“I will change it right now.”

The Marquis of Vaslein approached Isidor, watching closely the number placed on the tablecloth.

“May I give you a heartfelt message to the Duke of Visconti?”

Isidor, who had even taken off his gloves and checked the texture of the tablecloth, lifted his head at his aunt's call.

“Speak at ease, Auntie.”

“Yeah, don’t be shy. It would be a headache just to sort out the guest list, but if you look at every little thing like this, your nerves won't be left behind.”

“As soon as this place, which you rented for a dinner party, became known, the empire was turned upside down. If it had been this way, Seymour's first headmaster would have been satisfied.”

“The little things make the best quality. Visconti’s invitation.”

“… The invitation left such a saying?”

“Yes, I remember.”

Seeing his nephew, who said he was only following the laws of the Visconti, to stop nagging, the Duchess of Vaslain shook her head as if she couldn't do it.

“You really remember everything.”

“aunt also has a good memory. I want you to forget about my immature childhood... .”

She often glorified Isidore as a child. Little Isidor, with rosy cheeks, dazzling blonde hair, and big eyes, was as real as her face, like an angel who had just descended from the earth.

“Isidor, when have you been immature? You grew up too early for needlessly because of your rude father.”

“I did the exact opposite because my father didn’t like it, but I look like I’m mature.”

“… Well, on the other hand, he was a perfect guy to be a teacher.”

I say it lightly now, but what the former Visconti owner, Albert Visconti did, was beyond my imagination.

As the only son was a mess, the former family's affection for the genius grandson grew and the conflict between the father and son deepened.

'It was terrible... .'

As she recalled the past, her eyes fell deeply.

***

In the long past, the Visconti Castle was always noisy due to the clamor of Bardo Visconti, the former headmaster. Even the sound of the rough waves crashing into the Alea Strait could not sweep away his shouts of force.

“There are drug dealers in the castle. Albert, are you crazy!?”

“Ah, father… !”

“Aren’t you ashamed to look at Isidor!? While you marred Visconti's impeccable prestige and defiled the stature of a noble bloodline, your son has awakened the talent of a magic swordsman! whopping! At the age of eight when you hid in an underground warehouse and stole alcohol!”

When Bardo Visconti provoked Isidor, Albert Visconti, who was trembling, suddenly bubbled like a mad dog.

“father! Where the hell is my son?”

“What?”

“I know it all. Isidore is actually my younger brother, so I'm wearing it like my own son, right?”

“this… this guy! What nonsense are you talking about now?”

“Also. If you are stabbed, you are revolting.”

Albert rubbed his eyes like a madman and teasing his tongue.

“Anyway, Olga, I’ll have to pull the girl’s hair out and let Chidogon go. I'm playing with my sister-in-law, how dare I take a sip of my behavior on the topic of an affair?! The person who will receive the huge alimony is me!! dare! Dirty bitch!”

Olga, a victim of an arranged marriage, was fed up with Albert's Visconti's chaos and divorced after giving birth to Isidor.

After the divorce, the news that she died of an illness had been heard five years ago, and Bardo Visconti could not overcome his anger and drew a decorative sword, seeing his son tarnishing the honor of the deceased.

“After hanging out with the backstreets, every time I open my mouth, the smell of stinking vibrates! I will rip off your tongue today.”

“Hey, hey!”

Albert, who drank too much and couldn't even use his sword properly, was frozen by the blood of his father, the sword master.

“You poor bastard! The spirit is not as strong as that of a ten-year-old Isidor. I don't know if you are really my son!”

Just as Bardo Visconti was fed up and was about to cut his tongue with a knife, Agat broke in and stopped them.

After staying in the Bar Slaine estate, she stopped by the Visconti Castle after a long time and had no choice but to become a flagship at the sight unfolding before her eyes.

“Agat, go away!”

“father! Isidor is watching!”

Why is it that the father slaps his brother so loudly at the place where the child sees it? Isn't it too harsh to show that young child the cruel sight of his grandfather cutting off Jea's tongue?

“Ugh! Huh”

“Albert, you just owe your sister a tongue.”

The sharp blade that had dug into his shabby lips slowly fell away.

“ugh… uh... ”

Blood cascades from Albert Visconti's long slit lips and chin.

”.....“

“Isidor! Don't stand here and go to your room.“

“Agat, you are the older sister who only looks at that child too young. My grandchildren don't even blink an eye at this. He's a bold guy like a Visconti.”

Little Isidor, who was standing loudly beyond the chaotic door, thought as he watched his father's tears, runny noses, and blood.

it's dirty.

The thick bloody smell and the smell of man's dung pee mixed together, and his nasal passages throbbed. It was tens of times more disgusting than the smell from the barn.

“Ugh...”

When I met my father's hazy eyes, I suddenly felt an insect crawling all over my body. Goosebumps rose from the forearms and the nape of the neck.

No matter how many times I wiped and wiped, the unpleasant sensation never went away. Bardo Visconti sighed briefly as he watched Isidor wiping his hands all day with an expressionless face.

“You are truly a Visconti even in this respect.”

Most of the Visconti's who ran away had a chronic tuberculosis. So Bardo Visconti was rather happy to see the child's fingertips that had been split and had blood on them.

A natural perfectionist temperament, the talent of a magic swordsman, a superhuman memory, and even the habit of raking gold by any means. Even if it was called the reincarnation of the invitation, it was not strange.

Target is 20 Likes and i will upload the next chapter if you all complete the target.

#novel #light novel #isn't being a wicked woman much better novel #isekai #reincarnation #villainess #isn't being a wicked woman much better manhwa #isn't being a wicked woman much better?#isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better novel translate #isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better novel English #isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better novel side Story Chapter 17 #side Story Chapter 17 #isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better side Story Chapter 17 #isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better side Story 17 #story 17 #chapter 17 #side 17

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mactavishwritings · 2 years ago

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Mi Amor part 2

Alejandro x CIA!reader code name Serpent

smut <3

Working together may be easier than the two of you thought.

tw: weapons, violence, smut, poorly translated spanish

smut contains: praise, use of sir, soft sex, female receiving oral, slight dacryphilla, overstimuation, unprotected sex, biting <3

i have fallen for this man <3 also i don't proof read shit

part one

Alejandro's eyes followed you across the room. You had been given a change of clothes by one of your teammates and now you looked like a soldier. Alejandro watched the way your eyes flicked through the screen, taking in the information on the Turnswell empire. "You never did answer my question. How'd you kill the kid?" Alejandro asked you.

"Hairpin. Easy to sneak in." You answered, not even looking in his direction. Soap's eyes went wide and looked towards Alejandro, who gave him the same look back.

"With her, you learn to expect it." Zero, your teammate, giggled at the two boys. "We pulled everything we could off the phone. From what we can see, they are meeting in Norway." You said, turning towards the rest of the group.

You looked up and made eye contact with Alejandro. "Let's go get him then, si?" Your words were laced with a sickly sweet that shook Alejandro to his core. It warmed him, made his insides twist. Your lashes were thick and your eyes were piercing. "Si, hermosa."

You tagged along to Norway with the 141, dressed this time in tactical gear. While your main skill was undercover work, you still were trained in tactical and field work. You all were in the plane, waiting around to rest the drop site. You were sitting next to Alejandro, his legs were spread enough for your knees to touch. Your head was tilted back, sighing deepily.

Alejandro was reading a small book he always kept with him for longer rides. "ETA 5. Suit up." Price called out to you all, causing you all to start to gear up. Alejandro watched you put your parachute on. "C'mere. Let me check your chute." Alejandro said and you turned your back so he could examine your chute. He pulled on each strap, making sure it was all tightly secure and nothing was tangled. "Let me check yours."

Your hands were small compared to his. Your hands pulled and tugged at his chute. "Secure." You smiled, pulling tightly on the last strap. You all lined up to jump and soon, the plane door open. You felt a warm hand on your shoulder and you turned your head slightly to see it was Alejandro. "Go!" Price shouted and you all jumped one at a time.

Your feet touched the ground and you let out a soft grunt, releasing the chute from your gear. You all split off into pairs and you and Alejandro ended up together. You held your gun and you felt Alejandro's warm hand back on your shoulder, letting you know he was watching your back.

You all starting making your way towards the warehouse that was described on Alex Turnswell's phone. There were a few goons around the towns so you two made quick work of taking down. Alejandro grabbed your waist and pulled you to the side when one came from inside of a building, preventing the goon from shooting you.

"Thanks." You moved a stray piece of hair from your face. "Anytime. Now let's keep moving." You nodded at him before you two moved again. You worked like a machine, taking down men left and right. You soon reached the the warehouse and saw Soap and Ghost across the way.

You two nodded at them and the other two men jumped onto the guards out front. You and Alejandro moved into the building, killing the few guards that guarded the entrance. Alejandro kept a protective eye on you, grabbing the back of your vest to move you from the line of fire.

"Move!" Alejandro shouted and you ran forward towards the main control room. Alejandro ran behind you, focusing on killing the guards. Once you reached the control room, you used all the momentum to kick the door open. You both turned your guns on Michaek Turnswell, the head of the Turnswell mafia. The man had a gun in his hand that was trained on you. Before either of you could react, Michaek shot at you.

Alejandro shot Michaek three times before turning to you. "Serpent!" Alejandro knelt down and you coughed, "I'm fine. He hit my vest. It's gonna leave a huge bruise." Alejandro helped you up, bringing you close to his chest. He looked you over, arm wrapped around you middle.

"Price. Teller. Turnswell is K.I.A." Alejandro spoke into his comms and you were struggling to take breaths. "Need medic. Serpent hit, not bleeding, but I think she may hurt herself." You rolled your eyes and opened your comms. "I'm fine. Just hurts to breath. I'll be okay."

His eyes followed your movements as crossed the room. Your hips swayed as you walked up to the bar to order more drinks. You had every eyes on you at the moment and you knew it. You wore a pair of tight fitting blue jeans and a sage green shirt that was tucked into your jeans. Alejandro's brows drew together tightly as he watched you turn your head over your shoulder to send a wink his way.

"If you continue to stew like this, you're gonna break that bottle." Alejandro heard Price say. He shook his head and sipped the last of the beer. Alejandro watched you grab the two bottles you had ordered. You turned and your eyes focused back onto Alejandro, a hungry look in your eye. "Enjoy whatever this is." Price slapped Alejandro's shoulder before wandering off to find the rest of the team.

Your eyes landed on Alejandro, feeling like he was the only person in the bar; in the whole world. You took each step, feeling your body light up with a fire deep inside you. Each foot landed in front of the other, exaggerating the sway of your hips. You reached the table and placed his beer down in front of him.

"Hello soldier. Just wanted to say thank you for saving me earlier." You smiled, sliding into the booth. You fit into his side, resting your hand on his chest. "You have every man drooling in here, mi muñeca." Alejandro's voice was almost a growl, his arm wrapping around you in a possessive manner.

"You say as if it bothers you." You leaned closer to Alejandro, wrapping your finger around the chain Alejandro was wearing. You used his chain to lightly tug the man closer. "Would it turn you on if it did?" His accent got thicker and his head tilted towards your neck.

Your eyes fluttered and you grabbed your drink before taking a sip. "I saw you that night. The first night. In that dress. Dios mío. Almost took you myself." Alejandro whispered into your ear and you shuttered. You felt Alejandro's hand squeeze your thigh lightly. You looked up at Alejandro and batted your thick lashed at him.

"Wish you had." You whimpered into his ear, feeding his dominance. Alejandro leaned back into the booth and grabbed the beer bottle. His eyes stayed on you as he drank the alcohol. You watched, leaning against his outstretched arm. His unoccupied hand raked through your hair.

Your eyes closed, humming happily. Alejandro smiled as he drank his beer, not wanting it to go to waste. "Promise me you don't want this only because you are drunk, mi amor. Promise me you want this sober." He kissed your hairline a few times and your eyes opened. "Yes sir. I promise it's all I've been thinking about."

Alejandro's chest was lit on fire, feeling everything in his brain shut off. "If you keep calling me that, you'll be stuffed full of cum." Alejandro raised his eyebrow at you and you blushed deeply.

"What if that's what I want...Sir." Alejandro chuckled as you tested the phrase. "Very good, bonita." He watched your eyes light up with the praise. He smiled and felt your thighs clench together. "Now, be a buena niña and finish your drink. Then we can get out of here."

He pulled you into his hotel room, hands on your ass. "C'mere." He growled and you threw your arms around his neck. Your lips slammed together as he lifted you up. Your legs wrapped around his waist and he carried you towards the bed. Your tongues explored each others mouths as he lowered you softly onto the bed.

One of his hands rested above your head while the other gripped your hip. He rolled his hips against yours and let out a whine that made Alejandro go feral. He pulled away from the kiss and watched you chase his lips.

"You look so pretty like this." Alejandro smirked as he sat up. Your pupils were blown out and your lips were covered in spit. Your hair was messy and your shirt was untucked from your pants. Your eyes were focused on Alejandro and his movements.

"Sir.." You whimpered and reached up for him. He gently took your wrist in his hand before grabbing your other hand. He placed your hands above your head and locked eyes with you. "Keep your hands here for me. No restraints. Not this time." He winked.

You nodded your head and Alejandro's hands ran down your body. He pushed your shirt and bra off you and threw it off somewhere in the room. He dragged his fingers down your chest and tweaked your nipple, causing you to arch your back.

He dragged his fingers down until he reached your jeans. He played with your waistband, teasing you. It was torturing you. "Please touch me!" You begged, needing something.

"Oh bonita. I'll give you want you want." Alejandro leaned down and kissed your stomach. He unbuttoned your pants, making quick work to strip you of them. "Now look at you. Wear this for me?" He asked, referring to the black pair of panties you had been wearing.

You blushed and nodded. "Wanted to be bonita." You gasped as Alejandro's fingers brushed your core. "You are. You're my angel. Let me treat you like one." Alejandro leaned up and kissed you sweetly. You watched him kiss down your chest until he reached your panties. He knelt down and kissed your core over your panties.

"So sweet. I bet you taste so good." Alejandro lifted your panties and moved them to the side. The cold air shook you and he licked a strip up your center. You moaned loudly, still feeling a little tipsy. Alejandro's eyes shot up at your reaction before focusing back down on your cunt.

His tongue moved fast and he worked two fingers into your hole as well. Ever fiber of your being fought to keep your hands held above your head, but it was hard. You wanted to badly to touch him, to feel him. You wanted to hear him sing your praises more and that's what drove you to remain steady.

"Fuck! Sir please!" You moaned as you arched your back off the bed. Alejandro pushed your hips back down and sucked harder on your clit. You could feel every movement of his fingers deep in your opening, stretching you out. You felt every flick of his tongue, bring you closer and closer to the edge. Your thighs started to shake the closer you got and Alejandro could feel it in the way that your hole clenched around his fingers.

He pulled away briefly to look up at you. "Cum for me, mi amor." Your eyes screwed shut as his fingers curled upwards and found your spongey center and his lips formed a seal around your clit. You cried out and your body shook violently.

Alejandro coaxed you down from the orgasm with a soft smile. "Good girl. Did so good for me." He praised and leaned back over you. "Let me touch you. Please. Need it." You whined loudly, brain still foggy from the high. Alejandro's proud smile remand on his face as he stripped himself of his clothing. "Okay, buena niña, you have my permission."

Your hands moved fast to touch his chest and stomach. Feeling every inch of skin that was unveil by him stripping himself of clothing. You reached down to fumble with his belt. "No, mi amor. This is about you to night. I will have my way with you another time." He reassured you, pushing his pants off. You let your body fall back and Alejandro stripped himself of his last layer.

You took in his image with that same hungry look in your eyes from before. He watched the way your eyes trailed up and down his body, a desperate want deep in your eyes. "I got you, let yourself go for me." He leaned down, hand guiding your leg to wrap around his middle. You nodded, letting your jaw loosen.

"After this, you are mine and mine alone. Do you understand me, mi amor? Mi belleza." Alejandro's hand came down to caress your cheek and your eyes fluttered shut. "Belleza. I need to know you understand. Words please." He reminded you and you nodded, lips parting. "Yours Sir. Don't want to belong to anyone else." Your words held a warm, deep meaning that shook Alejandro deep to his core. He kissed your head as he slowly pushed himself into your opening.

You gasped and your body shook at the stretch. Your eyes filled with tears as Alejandro rested his forehead against your own. You could feel a dull burning sensation as he pushed his cock all the way in, lightly kissing your cervix. "You're so tight for me." He grunted, trying his best to not pound into you right then and there. He looked to you for permission to move and you forced your body to relax before giving him the nod.

You whined as he pulled himself back, but soon found yourself crying out as he snapped his hips forward. Your nails dug deep into the man's back, his name becoming almost a religious chant as his pace became damn near unbearable. Alejandro kept your leg wrapped tightly around his middle and made sure to maintain eye contain with you as he dropped his unoccupied hand down to play with you lonely clit.

"FUCK~ Please sir!~ can't take much more!" Your tears spilled down your face as the pleasure became too much, you second orgasm threatening to explode at any second. "So pretty when you cry. Who makes you feel this good? Who pleasures you so good that you cry?" Alejandro pounded into you faster, certainly leaving bruises on your thighs and hips. "You! You sir! Please I wanna cum!" You arched you back, driving yourself further down on Alejandro's cock and he moaned, feeling you clench around him.

"Do it then, mi amor. Show me how good I make you feel." He growled in your ear and your vision went white, teeth sinking into Alejandro's shoulder. Feeling you cum around him was enough to send him over his edge. He felt himself empty his load deep in you and your cunt squeeze him more. He moaned lowly and caught his breath, kissing your temple a few times.

When your head cleared, you felt empty. Alejandro must've pulled out and got off you. You let out a whine before your brain could catch up and you heard a chuckle. " 'm right here, darling. Come. I want to get you cleaned up." Your head turned to find Alejandro standing with his boxers back on. You reached out for him and he picked you up, carrying you off to the bathroom. He helped you into the shower and got you all cleaned off from the day and your activities.

He seemed to get distracted by the bruise on your chest. It was not caused by him however; it was caused by Michaek. "I should've seen the gun. I should've protected you." He sighed, angry at himself. You wrapped your wet arms around him and shook you head. "There's no way you would've know. Plus, I'm fine. It's only a bruise." You caught his eyes and you smiled. "It could've been worse if you weren't wearing your vest. You're mine and I need to protect you." He whispered. It wasn't an angry statement; it was desperate.

He sounded like he really meant it. "Oh Alejandro." You placed a kiss on his cheek. "You know I can protect myself." You giggled as he wrapped his arms around you and held you close to his chest. "I am well aware of you capabilities, Miss (Y/N). Just let me watch out for you. I need you to be okay." He kissed your nose and you rolled your eyes.

"Why? So we can continue to fuck?" You felt slightly embarrassed for a strange reason. You knew that he didn't mean that you were his in any other sense than sexually, so why did you feel that he did? "No, so I can take you out on a real date. So maybe we can turn this," he gestured between the two of you, "can become a real thing."

You blush furiously before nodding. "I would like that. A lot." Alejandro took you chin in his fingers. "I'm glad to hear that, because I would've perused you until you said yes." He leaned down and captured your lips with his, your eyes closing and your heart beating a million times a second.

oooo maybe a part three with actual angst? an actual injury or maybe a fight? we'll see!

#alejandro #alejandro x reader #alejandro vargas imagine #alejandro vargas x reader #alejandro vargas x you #alejandro vargas mw2 #alejandro vargas #alejandro vargas cod #alejandro mw2 #call of duty modern warfare 2 #alejandro cod #cod x reader #call of duty modern warfare #codmw2022 #cod fanfic #cod #mw2 #mw2 x reader #alejandro smut

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mollysunder · 1 year ago

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Mel and Jinx, Co-Presidents of the Black Sheep Club

Isn't it crazy the way Jinx and Mel never interact but are practically foils to each other throughout the show? They both started out as black sheeps of their respective families for essentially the same reason, both excelled at different set of skills their families wouldn't or couldn't prioritize for their goals.

The traits that alienated both Mel and Jinx within their own families, and eventually had them torn away from them, also landed them in a place where their skills are valued. In Piltover, Mel becomes a master of court and the informal Head of Piltover’s council in a relatively short amount of time. With Silco’s resources, Jinx becomes one of Zaun's brightest and deadliest engineers and the best shot there is down there.

Ambessa, and Noxus in general, had no motivation to adopt Mel's perspective on diplomacy as it had the potential to weaken their family's standing. Vander wasn't equipped to handle or cultivate Jinx's skills in firearms or engineering nor was he in position where he could. Sure, Vander could support the other kids in their more manual pursuits, like boxing, lockpicking, and general physical strength building, but that's all he could do for Zaun in general. Vander as a leader was just maintaining Zaun in a way that didn't challenge Piltover's dominance, he couldn't support Jinx's skills because those were areas Piltover used to assert force over Zaun.

Jinx and Mel are both characters that are well acclimated to violence thanks to their mentors (Ambessa, Vander, and Silco) and environment, and are now effective actors of violences in their respective spheres. It's obvious with Jinx, she's a willing force within Silco’s empire. Jinx also runs around with grenades and guns and rockets killing enforcers and firelights alike. With Mel, she oversees an incredibly violent hierarchical system as the informal head of Piltover’s council that does cause on screen civilian casualties. Mel herself is also comfortable sending a militarized force into Zaun to shakedown the populace to assert the illusion of control. Even Mel's plans for hextech (outside of weaponizing it) were a form of economic violence to Zaun as it made Piltover less dependent on Zaunite labor, the one thing they could leverage.

Where the two really diverge is how they handle power and conflict. From the beginning Mel enjoyed being the politician behind the current, never putting herself in full risk of fallout by hiding behind her choice of figurehead. This passivity that helps Mel avert risk extends throughout business and social life. Mel doesn't seek out Jayce on his hextech theory she stumbles upon him in when he's breaking into the Academy. When Mel's upset with Jayce she lets him come to her. When Mel misses out on new hextech investors she let's an opportunity present itself to let her make up for it rather than confront Jayce. Mel almost never actively attempts to be vulnerable in matters of business or of the heart.

Jinx is quite literally the complete opposite. Jinx refuses to be passive throughout the show, when presented with a problem, especially one that makes her vulnerable, Jinx immediately decides she'll solve it her way. When Vi tells her she can't come to save Vander, Jinx goes anyway to use her experimental bombs. When the destroyed Shimmer shipment set Silco's operation back further widening the gap between PnZ, Jinx decides to steal the hexgem and frame the Firelights for it. After Silco tells Jinx that Marcus will crack soon, she kills him along with his closest men at the bridge, once again framing the Firelights for it. What use were those Enforcers if they were going to flip soon? Jinx doesn't wait to be self righteous, or for others to come to her. Jinx chose to confront her loved ones by kidnapping them and forced them to decide how they're relationship was going to be based on the choices Jinx gave them.

It's ironic how these two have never met, and yet they both work as one another's boogeyman. For Jinx, Mel practically is Piltover, this bright shining machine that unrepentantly tore apart her life. Mel is wholly uncaring of the fallout of her past decisions that led to conflict with Zaun and solidly remained transfixed by her "line goes up" style definition of progress the entire time until it came back to bite her. For Mel, Jinx is like the stuff of her nightmares, brutal and single-mindedly ruthless in her goals that she achieves through violent means. Mel gravitated more to the advisor role because she not only hated war, but feared the consequences of being at the mercy of people like her mother, people like Jinx.

Jinx and Mel have such potential when you explore both as foils of one another. I could go on and on about their light and dark motifs, how their respective hqs are placed at the very top and extreme bottom of their cities, or how Mel gets Jayce and Jinx gets Viktor in the hextech divorce, but I won't. It's better to wonder how they'll converge in the aftermath of the finale.

#arcane #jinx arcane #mel medarda #together these two make one good noxian #frankly theirvrelationship to their primary parent deserves its own post #arcane meta

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aneurinallday · 2 months ago

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Green Eyes

Chapter 19: Atonement

He took Alec home - not to Arrow House, but to the old flat above the betting shop in Small Heath, where Thomas had lived as a bachelor before Grace, and which was much closer.

All eyes were upon them as they entered, Alec an arresting sight with his dishevelled curls and smudged makeup, clutching Thomas’s coat around himself. The fringe of his dress was visible below it, the long tassels dancing around his bare legs. But nobody would dare remark upon his appearance.

“You’ll be safe here,” said Thomas as he guided Alec upstairs. “I own this part of the city, and the people answer to me. Nobody can harm you here.”

The small, sparsely furnished flat overlooked the dreary cobblestones of Watery Lane, a view which Thomas had looked at every day while building his empire brick by brick. Alec stood lost in the middle of the room, glancing at his unfamiliar surroundings. He was still clutching the empty picture frame - the only material object that still mattered to him.

“You can put that down - nobody will take it away from you.”

Alec reluctantly set the frame down on the dresser.

“Are you hungry? I can heat up a tin of something.”

Alec shook his head.

“Alright. Let’s get you cleaned up, eh?”

Leading Alec into the small en-suite, he sat him down on the edge of the bathtub and turned both taps. He removed the blanket from around Alec’s shoulders, folded it, and set it aside.

“Take a bath,” he said, “I’ll have my men start looking for your daughter.”

He left Alec staring into the water, and headed downstairs into the betting shop. From there began the search for Clara Cobb - a search he knew would most likely end in failure.

“Her name is Clara,” he said to the assembled Peaky Blinders, “She’s a year and a half old. Yellow hair, green eyes. If Cobb didn’t kill her, he most likely dumped her at an orphanage. Pay a visit to every children’s home in the area. Track down everyone who’s adopted a little girl of that description since late January. Tell them she was kidnapped and should never have been put up for adoption. Whatever compensation they want in exchange for her, tell them Thomas Shelby will pay it.”

He faltered, reluctant to voice what he needed to say next.

“It’s possible that Cobb planned to raise her until she was old enough to start working. Search every business he owned, in case she’s being kept among the other prostitutes’ children. Those businesses belong to Bragg now, and he won’t like us poking around, but he won’t risk starting shit with us - not when he’s still trying to establish himself as the new man in charge. Go in pairs, and don’t leave a single fucking stone unturned. This child needs her father and he needs her. We don’t have time to waste. Understood?”

A map of the West Midlands region was rolled out, and pins were placed to mark the brothels Cobb had run. Once he’d finished giving the men their orders, Thomas returned upstairs to his flat.

He expected to find that Alec had finished his bath, but instead found him sitting in a half-empty tub. His naked knees were drawn up to his chest, and he was gazing vacantly at nothing. His tasselled dress had been dropped in a pile on the floor, unwanted.

Thomas dipped his hand in the water. It had turned cold.

“You’re going to freeze,” he said.

He turned the hot taps on full blast, then crouched by the side of the tub. With a bar of soap and a sponge, he began to scrub Alec’s body, trying to wash away the memory of the Arcadia. The downward trajectory of Alec’s life was mapped out on his skin - fresh welts layered on top of old bruises, ribs making their presence known above a malnourished stomach, rope-marks itching on his wrists and ankles. On his neck and shoulders were love-bites left by loveless encounters - uncaring visitors who’d taken what they’d wanted and given nothing in return.

“I’m sorry,” Thomas said quietly. “I never should’ve sent you away.”

Alec didn’t respond.

With his thumb, Thomas attempted to wipe away what remained of the smudged liner from around his eyes, but it held on stubbornly.

“That’s not giving up easy,” he said to fill the silence, “I’ll ask my Aunt Pol if she’s got anything to remove it. While I’m at it, I’ll ask her if she’s got anything to make these marks go away quicker. A cream or something...”

He checked the water temperature again. It was warm. He turned off the taps. Picking up a bottle of shampoo, he shook some of the fragrant liquid into his palm, and began to rub it into Alec’s hair.

Finally Alec spoke, his voice thin and hoarse from disuse.

“I’m never going to see her again,” he whispered.

“You will.” The dark, wet curls were slick in Thomas’s hands. “I promise you will.”

“She’s gone, Mister Shelby. I’ll never find her.”

“I’ll find her for you,” Thomas assured him, though the words sounded hollow even to his own ears.

“She won’t remember me,” Alec mourned, “Even I find her tomorrow, she won’t remember me. It’s been two months. She’ll have forgotten me by now.”

“You can’t be sure of that.”

Alec put his face in his hands and took a deep, shaky breath to steady himself, trying to suppress his tears.

“I’ll be nobody to her. I’ll be nothing. She won’t love me any more. If she has new parents, she’ll love them instead.”

“She might not remember you, but she will come to love you again. She’s still just a baby. All she’ll care about is that you’re the one holding her, you’re the one singing to her, you’re the one playing with her. Those are the things that matter to a child.”

Alec lowered his hands and looked desperately around the bathroom.

“I can still hear her, but she’s not there. Sometimes I dream that I’m holding her. I can feel her in my arms like she’s there. When I wake up, I just…I just want to go back to sleep, so I can feel her again.”

“I’ll find her,” Thomas repeated firmly.

With wet hands, Alec grasped at Thomas’s arm and clung tightly to it.

“I don’t know what to do, Mister Shelby,” he whispered, “She was…she was all I had. Before I met you, she was my only friend. And after you sent me away, it was the same. But now she’s gone.”

“I’m sorry.”

“My whole life, I was just…I was nothing. I was invisible. People only saw me when they wanted to use me. I didn’t know why I was here - what the point of me was. But when she was born, suddenly I became someone. Someone who mattered. Clara loved me and needed me, and she didn’t care what I was. She didn’t care if I was a whore. To her, I was just her dad. And I was a good dad too.”

He could no longer see through eyes stinging with tears and soap-suds.

“When I held her, I could see her whole future. All the nice things she’d have and all the places she’d go. And I knew I’d do anything to make it come true. I knew I’d do anything for my Clara. And I didn’t hate myself anymore, because I knew I was finally doing something good.”

He choked back his sobs.

“I was nobody until I became a dad. But now she’s gone and I’m not a dad any more.”

“You still are. You always will be.”

“I’m not. How can I be?”

“My Grace is dead but I’m still her husband. Your Clara is still out there, and she will come back to you. I don’t know when, but she will.”

Alec’s ragged sobs subsided into hiccups.

“I’ve always protected her. I’ve always tried my best. But now she’s gone, and I don’t know where she is, and I don’t know if she’s alright. What if she’s in danger? What if she’s…?” He couldn’t speak the word.

“She’ll be alright,” Thomas said, “Whoever she’s with, I’m sure they’re taking care of her. There are decent people in the world.”

“But…”

“You’ve come this far by yourself. Now I’m here, and I’m going to help you. We’ll see it through together, the two of us. Understand?”

Alec nodded through tears and released his grip on Thomas’s arm.

Scooping up more water, Thomas cupped the young man’s jaw to hold his mouth shut, and tipped his head backwards. He placed his hand over Alec’s forehead to shield his eyes, and carefully poured the jug over his hair, rinsing away the foam.

“There.” He kissed Alec’s shoulder, pressing his lips against damp skin. “All done.”

“What should I do, Mister Shelby?”

“Right now? Nothing. You’ve worked yourself to the bone. It’s time to let us take over.” Thomas straightened up. “Now, come on. Up you get.”

Alec’s body was stiff from sitting in the tub for so long, and he struggled to rise. Thomas helped him to towel himself dry, then led him back into the main room. In the corner stood a narrow bed with an iron frame and a single pillow.

Thomas pulled back the old patchwork quilt and sat Alec naked on the edge of the bed. Then he helped him to lie down, lifting his bare legs up onto the mattress.

“Get some sleep,” he said, covering Alec warmly with the quilt.

Alec was unresisting, his mind elsewhere. Then he startled. He suddenly sat up, pushing back the quilt and attempting to rise.

“I shouldn’t be here,” he croaked, “I should be out looking for her.”

“My men are already looking for her. You have to rest.”

“I can’t just wait here. I can’t just do nothing.”

“Easy now,” Thomas said as if soothing a skittish horse. “Easy…”

“How can I stay here? It’s been so long…I haven’t held her in ages. I need to find her.”

“Alec, stop. Listen to me.” He held Alec’s face between his hands, stroking his haggard cheeks, gazing into his hollow eyes. “Listen. We’re searching for her. We’re the Peaky Blinders and we own this town. Wherever she is, we’ll find her much quicker than you could.”

Alec seemed to feel slightly comforted. It was probably the first time he’d been offered any kind of reassurance.

Thomas gently pushed him back onto the bed. Physically and mentally spent, Alec lay unmoving while Thomas adjusted the pillow and straightened the quilt. Thomas fetched the picture frame that was all that remained of Clara, and pressed it into Alec’s hands, then pulled up a chair beside his bed.

“Get some rest. If anything happens, I’ll wake you. Alright?”

“...Alright.”

Unable to argue any longer, Alec closed his eyes, hugged the empty picture frame to his chest, and sank into miserable unconsciousness. Thomas kept a silent watch over him, and when the nightmares came, he was ready. As soon as the sleep turned uneasy and the restless tossing began, he stroked Alec’s damp curls and murmured softly in his ear until he settled again.

Thomas knew that it was his own failures that had led them here. In his desperation for companionship, he’d refused to recognise the obvious warning signs before it was too late. And once the undeniable truth had been revealed, he’d failed to show mercy to a powerless pawn who’d been wielded as an unwilling weapon. Failed to predict the extent of Cobb’s vindictive cruelty. Failed to protect an innocent child from being separated from its father. Now Alec and Clara were paying the price for Thomas’s catastrophic mixture of stubbornness, complacency, and pure aching loneliness.

He knew there was nothing he could do to make up for those abject failures. But he had to start somewhere, and for now, all he could do was offer Alec a moment’s respite from the living hell of losing his daughter.

#fanfic #aneurin barnard #cillian murphy #peaky blinders #tommy shelby #thomas shelby #smut #gay #romance #TW prostitution #TW abuse

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litcityblues · 9 months ago

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I'm So Annoyed, But Not For The Reason You Think

Look, I'm just going to go ahead and say it: Ahsoka should have been the basis of the sequel trilogy. The whole damn arc from start to finish made for a vastly more compelling story than anything The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, or The Rise of Skywalker managed to put in front of us.

Rogue One and Andor managed to take the original themes of Star Wars (rebellion against tyranny, the costs, etc.) and give them some actual depth about what it means to try and take down a tyrannical government. The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett and now Ahsoka are exploring what I think is a vastly more interesting idea that Star Wars should have centered itself around for the sequel trilogy: now that you've defeated the evil empire, you've got to get into the messy and sometimes boring business of actual governing and how do you do that on a galactic scale? How do you deal with the Imperial Remnants? How do you deal with corruption? How do you, the New Republic, extend your authority and show that you're better than the Empire was?

There are so many story possibilities there and those shows mine that territory and do so effectively-- but what annoys me is that this is such an obvious arc to build into a trilogy of movies and they just... didn't. If the prequels were about the collapse of the old Republic into the Empire and the originals were about the Empire and its defeat the sequels should have been about the New Republic and securing the post-imperial future. That's the perfect arc of a trilogy of trilogies and saves us from such awful writing as, "Somehow, Palpatine has returned."

But, Ahsoka:

The series opens with Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson), a fallen Dark Jedi, and his apprentice, Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno), assaulting a New Republic cruiser to rescue Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) who had been previously captured by Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson). Elsbeth informs Skoll that Ahsoka is searching for Grand Admiral Thrawn who has been missing for years- along with her former companion, Ezra Bridger who was dragged to an unknown location by a Purrgil.

(It should be noted at this point that I have not seen any episodes of Rebels, but know enough of the characters to piece together what's going on. It would probably provide more context if you have seen the show, but it's not at all necessary.)

Ahsoka and Huyang (David Tennant) find the Star Map they've been looking for, but it's locked so, on the advice of General Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), they head to Lothal to meet with Ahsoka's former Padawan, Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), who agrees to help them and manages to unlock the map, only to have Hati show up, steal the map and stab her during a lightsaber duel.

Skoll and Hati take the map to the planet Seatos where Elsbeth reveals that Thrawn is trapped in another galaxy. When Ahsoka and company track down the droids that attacked her to Elsbeth's factories on Corellia- they and the New Republic get an unpleasant surprise, as a massive hyperdrive is being built, not for the New Republic but by Imperial Remnants for reasons unknown. They manage to get a tracker on the ship and it's revealed to be the critical parts for Elsbeth's ship, the Eye of Sion, ready to go and find Thrawn and return him to the proper galaxy.

Hera is convinced that allies of Thrawn and imperial remnants are seeking ways to bring him back, the Senators of the New Republic less so, and despite a sympathetic Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly), they refuse permission to send Republic forces to Seatos. So Ahsoka, Wren, and Huyang go themselves, find the ship, and are close to figuring out just what it's doing when they get shot down and are forced to land on the planet below, where Skoll, Hati, and company come and hunt them down.

What follows is quite literally one of the best lightsaber duels in the history of the franchise. I would put it right up there with 'Duel of the Fates' from The Phantom Menace or even the original confrontation between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader in A New Hope. Ahsoka and Baylan Skoll absolutely go at it and it's awesome. Ahsoka tries to tell Wren to destroy the map, but not wanting to lose her last chance and find Bridger, she hesitates and Ahsoka goes over the cliff, where she spends time In the World Between the Worlds where she meets none other than her old master, Anakin Skywalker. (Hayden Christensen)

Ahsoka makes some peace with her past- but not before Wren, Skoll and Elsbeth activate the Eye of Sion's hyperdrive and head out of the galaxy, just as Hera and a few New Republic forces arrive for a clandestine and unauthorized mission. Ahsoka and company figure out a way to follow Wren to the next galaxy, while it takes a timely intervention from Threepio (Anthony Daniels) to bail out Hera from being in real trouble with the New Republic authorities.

(Seriously: imagine how fucking badass that scene would have been if Leia herself had walked in. This is what I'm saying when I say this story arc should have been the basis for the sequels.)

In the next galaxy, Ahsoka and company find themselves at Peridea, home of the Night Witches of Dathomir and Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and his fleet. Wren goes out to find Bridger (Eman Esfandi) and Ahsoka and the company eventually reunites with them and has one grand finale. They try and stop Thrawn and Elsbeth-- but the Night Witches of Dathomir reanimate the Night Troopers sent to confront them (zombie Stormtroopers!) and eventually the parties are split once more, with Bridger hitching a ride back to the galaxy with Thrawn before sneaking off his ship and reunited with Hera and Chopper while Ahsoka, Wren, and Huyang are stranded on Peridea.

Overall: I absolutely loved this show. Love the characters, love that you didn't need to have seen The Clone Wars or Rebels to enjoy the shit out of this show. Loved so much new stuff! No Tatooine in sight! Loved the Night Witches! Loved Thrawn and his falling-apart Star Destroyer! Loved that he's loading up what I'm guessing are Palpatine clones-- which retroactively provides a clear, story-driven explanation for "Somehow, Palpatine has returned."

This is the Star Wars I should have seen on the biggest screen possible in the theaters. If I'm annoyed, it's because I can see the missed opportunity throughout all eight episodes of this show. That doesn't mean this show isn't awesome though. It is. Give me more, please. My Grade: **** out of ****

#ahsoka #star wars #streaming show #streaming review

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crowandthefics · 4 months ago

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Another Ethan and Drew fic because that’s what I do best

Trigger warnings: death, war, injury’s. Be careful, this is kinda really angsty and dark in way

➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶

The Empire State Building glowed blue. Half-bloods all across the city slowly realized it signaled the end of the war. Half-bloods all around collapsed into each other, celebrating the end of war.

But all running through Ethan’s mind was pain. He had been stabbed and fell down from the top of Olympus. He should be dead but he wasn’t. He was in so much pain he couldn’t think.

He vaguely heard his name, but didn’t think much of it. Probably someone here to kill him for his treachery. That was until he heard the unmistakable voice of his sister telling him to wake up.

Ethan assumed this was some sort of death bed hallucination. His brain providing a final comfort as he drifted off, taking his last breath….

Bright. It was bright, he could breath, he could feel the pain. He gasped for air, trying to sit up. Someone pushed him down.

“No no Ethan, don’t sit up. You’re hurt,” the person said.

“Alive- I’m alive.” He gasped.

The person let out a soft laugh despite the situation. “I found you after the battle, couldn’t leave my brother to die.” Ethan realized the person was his sister, Drew.

“Drew? Drew, oh my gods I’m so sorry I- I betrayed you- I’m sorry Drew,” Ethan apologized.

Drew shushed him, “shh you can worry about that later, when you’re not barely alive.”

Ethan let out a breath, he started falling asleep while Drew hummed as she used to whenever Ethan was hurt.

After two nights in the infirmary Ethan was sent back to the Hermes cabin. There wasn’t a cabin for nemesis yet.

Ethan didn’t spend much time with the Hermes cabin though, or really anyone. At every turn there was someone calling him a traitor, telling him he wasn’t worthy of this camp.

Instead, Ethan hid away behind the Aphrodite cabin with Drew.

Neither of the siblings were doing well after the war. Drew was struggling to run her cabin and Ethan was out casted. So they spent their spare time hiding together.

“I’m sorry,” Ethan started his apology again.

Drew shook her head. “Ethan I know, I don’t care. You’re my brother and I’d defend you to the end of the world.”

Ethan smiled. “And I’d do the same for you.” He offered a hug to his sister, who gladly accepted.

The siblings peace was short lived. Not a week after the end of the war some campers disguised themselves and dragged ethan to woods. Killing him slowly and painfully. I will spare you the details for your sanity.

Most of the camp wanted to glaze over his death. He was a traitor, why put in the effort for a proper funeral? And believing it to be a simple monster attack, not a murder.

But Drew insisted on a proper pire. She would not see her brother disrespected like that.

In the end, no matter of the wars or separation that was between them, Drew and Ethan had each other’s backs and would defend the other if anything.

Because what’s the point of a sibling if they don’t help you out of a mess you made?

➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶

Im sorry I dropped more angst I keep doing this

#pjo hoo toa #ethan nakamura #pjo fandom #pjo fanfic #drew tanaka #pjo fic #tanaka/nakamura household #ethan nakamura and drew tanaka #nakamura/tanaka household #Drew/ethan siblings

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tragedybunny · 7 months ago

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The Song Divine - Chapter 1

༺Summary༻

Astrid was an opera singer with a glowing future ahead of her when fate crosses her path with that of Prince Folwin, youngest son of the Emperor. The two begin what feels like a romance from tales of old. The closer the two become though, the more Astrid is pulled into the deepening conflict tearing the Imperial Family apart from within. One fateful night will shatter it entirely, leaving Astrid alone in the world and a fugitive. Just as she begins to find solace among the companions who took her in, her and Folwin are thrust back together for a grim mission that will have them pardoned if they can see it through. While the dangers they face are great, the biggest struggle might be having one another close through it all.

༺Warnings༻ Setting appropriate violence, sexual content

༺Word Count༻ 3011

༺A/N༻ Hi Lovelies. This is my first original work. It's been a labor of love for a year to get started on this. I hope you fall in love with these characters as much as I have. I will still be writing fanfic of course, I have so many plans for Astarion. The biggest thank you to @icybluepenguin for editing and being my support! I love you Icy, you're my partner in crime. And thank you for reading.

Also on AO3

The night air was cool on Astrid's skin as she gazed at the sky and wondered if Volant had put a star there to guide her specifically. Perhaps she should pray on it, but religion was never close to her heart. A sentiment many in the Empire shared these days, some even replacing old gods with the Imperial family. It was whispered the Emperor had secretly begun to encourage the practice.

Astrid shook her head to clear away those thoughts. Politics and state religions weren't her concern. The stage was. And she'd come to this deserted, neglected part of the Imperial Garden to practice. The great opera house, the Helentine, named after the Empress Helentia, was open to her, but there she might be observed and even heard, a mortifying idea.

Pulling her shawl tight over the plain dress she wore, she began singing scales to warm up her voice. She kept glancing around at the paths through hedges around her, waiting to be interrupted. It seemed that this corner of the Imperial Garden was truly an untouched haven. Softly, she sung the first notes of an aria. In moments, she was lost in the song, transported to that place she could only get to when she sang - that wondrous, sacred place where there was only her and music. To Astrid, singing was divine bliss.

Her voice remained softer than the projection she’d use on stage. Even though she was reasonably sure she wouldn’t be found, no reason for extra risk. Eyes closed, she raised her arms, hands moving along with the melody, keeping time. Every note was effortless, and when the last one came, her heart surged with joy. As her voice died away, Astrid felt herself coming down from the high in a soft, joyous haze, the most relaxed she’d felt since she came to the Imperial complex. For a moment, it felt like things were going to be alright.

Until she heard the sound of soft applause behind her.

Blood turned to ice water in her veins as she turned to look behind her. A young man sat on one of the worn stone benches scattered amongst the neglected hedges and flowers. Though his silver eyes were friendly and a smile played about his full lips, she dread was building in her stomach. He was tall, taller than most men. Elven lineage, she surmised, noting the pointed ears almost lost in waves of platinum white hair, and the handsome yet fine features he bore.

"Bravo, that was delightful, my dear," he said in a cultured and mellifluous tone.

"T-thank you," Astrid stammered and he didn't seem to notice her struggle.

"And what's your name? I haven't seen you at the Imperial Opera before and I'm sure I'd remember a voice like that." The smile never left him but it didn't do anything for her unease.

"Astrid, Astrid Lucerne. I just arrived at the Opera company. And you, sir?" This time her voice sounded blessedly normal… She'd just been caught singing alone in an abandoned garden, she didn't need to embarrass herself further in front of this striking stranger.

On his feet in an instant, he bowed with a dramatic flourish. "Prince Folwin, pleasure to meet you, Madame Astrid."

"Oh-" the air rushed from her lungs and she felt unsteady on her feet. She had just looked foolish and eccentric in front the most important audience she could ever have, an Imperial Royal.

"Now I've gone and overwhelmed you, it would seem." Taking her hand with all gentleness, he guided her to sit on the bench next to him while her mind tried to catch up to the situation. “My sincerest apologies.”

Shaking her head, she collected her scattered thoughts, black hair that had escaped its pins swirling around her. “No need, I had just thought I was alone…”

“And then some nosy Prince shows up and spoils the evening,” he continued on, in the same lighthearted manner as before.

Astrid had never had a stranger moment in her life than sitting on a cold bench next to her unexpected royal audience, hearing him poke fun at himself. Her panic was slowly succumbing to a fascination with him and why he was there. “I wouldn’t phrase it quite that way, Prince Folwin.”

“Just Folwin will do, given these rather informal circumstances. But I must beg you, indulge my curiosity,” he leaned in a conspiratorial manner, the two of them now far too close for any sense of propriety, “why are you out here, singing for the hedges?”

The heady smell of something floral combined with a musky incense clouded her senses. The momentary reprieve from her panic vanished as she scrambled for a way to explain herself that didn’t make her look pathetic. “To be honest…” Her words fell away as she hesitated once again. Folwin rested a cheek in one of his perfect pale hands, eyeing her expectantly. No good excuses came to mind and, admitting defeat, she let the truth out, “I rather hate singing where people can hear me.”

Folwin balked for a moment, as though he was unsure if she was joking. “Interesting, given your assignment to the Opera.”

Astrid found a rather interesting spot on the ground to stare at. “My father's idea, he believes my voice is too good to hide from the world. He plays for the grand orchestra and he insisted I come here and begin my career.”

“Ah, my sympathies. I can understand being subject to the whims of a parent.”

Astrid chanced a glance back up to find those silver eyes studying her.

“Although, if you don't mind me saying, I'm inclined to agree with him, your voice is very lovely, and it would be a shame to keep it hidden.”

The compliment caused her heart to skip a beat and she worried her cheeks would begin to flush. “That's because you only heard me sing while I thought I was alone.”

A hand of sculpted marble reached out and tilted up her chin, holding her eyes to his. “And what have you to be scared of, sounding as perfect as you do?” All the mirth had vanished from his words and he was suddenly quite serious.

There was no answer that would come to her, try as she might to think of it; she could only stare into those hypnotic eyes of his. It was madness, being overwhelmed by the beauty of him, the intoxicating scent, the lilting sound of his voice. Astrid scolded herself - he was a Prince, this must just be some game to him. "Like many emotions, fear is not always rational. But I suppose I fear to fail, and to be on display while doing so. Sounds silly, doesn't it?"

Shaking his head, his hand slipped away and Astrid felt its departure keenly. "We all have that which we must overcome. How about a deal?" He didn't leave space for her to answer. "You face your fears and I'll make a point to attend your debut. It will be a glorious triumph then."

Astrid pictured herself waiting in the wings, watching the Royal Box for any glimpse of Folwin. An absurd fancy; he would most certainly forget his promise as soon as he walked away.

"And how shall I hold you to this?" she asked.

A musical laugh escaped him and the world was light and jovial all over again. "If I fail to keep my word, you must come straight to court and tell my father about how feckless and irresponsible I am. You won't have a hard time convincing him." The bitterness of his last words didn't escape her.

The great clock tower began to chime the hour and Folwin sighed. "Speaking of, I'm afraid I must bid you goodnight, Madame Astrid." He rose, now towering over her. "I do expect to hear word of your success soon."

"Goodnight, Pr-" she stopped at his sharp look, "Folwin. I'll hold you to your word."

Sweeping her hand up, his lips brushed her knuckles before he vanished with an almost preternatural grace.

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

"There's just the two guards, that's all, once his Clerk is out of the way," Lyza nodded at Astrid from across the plans laid out in chalk on the floor.

She sighed. This job was shaping up like so many others. What an odd thought, that criminality had become mundane.

Two other faces turned her way. The room was crowded with the four of them crammed inside, the last one available at the inn last night. The tang of sea air drifting in through the windows and the crying of the gulls had awakened them this morning. They were as far north as one could get and still be in the Empire of Elyssia.

“I'll handle him,” Astrid said.

Tallus nodded. “After Lyza and Brecken take the guards, I'll have the locks open and we'll be out before even the rats in this shithole know what we're about.”

"You had better be quick this time. We almost got caught in Gretz." Even as close as their little band had become, Lyza’s words carried a threat, if they faltered, she would save herself first.

"Relax," soothed Brecken, the half-elf among three humans.

Where Tallus was nervous ambition cloaked in charisma, and Lyza was staunch pragmatism, Brecken was the calm center of their group. Astrid wasn't sure yet what she was, other than a blind will to survive.

"Tonight is the Sending Ceremony, and then tomorrow, the whole village will be at the docks, practically. No one will notice anything." Though Brecken didn't have the elven silver eyes - they were green flecked with gold - sometimes his fair features reminded her too much of Folwin and Astrid couldn’t stand to look at him. Even his hair was such a light gold it looked white in the dark.

“I will relax when we’re out of here with our purses full.” Lyza had been more terse than usual since their near capture in Gertz and the wealthy merchant who’d sworn revenge on them.

That failed job had brought them here, to Abyssus. Spring had come and with it, the Ebony Sea had calmed, meaning the residents could ply their trade, the hunting of the great beasts that stalked it. Tonight would be a ceremony and festival celebrating the start of the season, and tomorrow almost everyone in town would head to the docks to farewell the ships, including the local Lord. Brecken was right, they would be done before anyone was the wiser.

"Then you’ll take it all and retire to a big house in those fertile valleys to the south,” Tallus teased but got another sharp look from Lyza’s black eyes.

“I’ll never stop taking from them,” Lyza said bitterly and Tallus let it rest…

"And what about you, Astrid, didn't you say you had a cousin in Faemare? You've got enough from these last couple of jobs to make your way there." Tallus asked and the other two paused to watch her reaction.

While he was right, she did have distant kin and no compulsion to hold her to this life, the thought of being on her own again made her insides quake. Astrid had spent her whole life either with her father guiding her or studying at the Grand Academy. Those few weeks after the terrible events, running aimless and alone, had nearly ended her. It was the three of them who had seen her weak and starving on the road and offered her a place with them.

"Maybe someday," Astrid answered lightly, "for now I'll stick around if you don't mind."

"Oh, you know I don't mind," Tallus's warm brown eyes danced, empty flirting as easy for him as breathing.

Lyza loudly cleared her throat. "Is everyone clear? Any misgivings? Remember, we can't afford to fail."

They all nodded in unison and began to rise from the unforgiving wooden floor with various laments about their aches.

"Astrid, would you?" Lyza gestured to their chalk plans.

"Almost forgot." She hummed a few notes to set the tone and then, singing directly to the dust of the chalk, she wove a song commanding it to depart as though it had never been there. As she sang, she could feel the eyes of her companions on her, staring with wonder, almost as much as the first time they'd seen it. Songweaving was a rare art, only a few left in the whole world knew it. At least Folwin had given her one thing that lasted.

"Let's get out and mingle, make ourselves too likable to be suspicious. Remember, we're here to invest in one of the companies if we like what we see." Lyza said.

Moments later, Lyza was tugging Astrid after her toward the docks, dismissing Brecken and Tallus. Most of the locals were headed toward the market or they were at home making final preparations for the festival. The two of them traveled against the flow, out toward the ancient harbor that Abyssus was founded on. The whole town seemed to be made of wood weathered into full gray by the sea winds and battered by the storms that drifted in from it, all of it looking rundown and tired.

The people though were like day to its night, cheerful, welcoming, and excited for the event. Endless friendly waves and morning greetings followed them as they walked. Mist still hung lightly to the ground as the spring sunshine struggled to burn it away. The gray woolen dress Astrid had favored for the last few weeks of dismal weather kept the chill at bay, while Lyza wrapped herself in a fur lined cloak over her dark tunic and trousers.

The preparations for the Sending left the docks empty of all but the those working to ready the ships for the coming hunting season. A strange atmosphere hung about the place, sound but not the din of populace, noise but silence in a way. Around thirty ships moored at the docks, ready to begin their bloody work. Sailors from not just the Empire but all over the world went about their labor in a synchronized harmony.

Lyza had been strangely quiet as they walked but as they stopped at the edge of the harbor, Astrid could tell she was readying her thoughts. Lyza was quick to command, or become snappish when irritated, but when there was something important to say, she took her time with it. Breathing in the stinging sea air, Astrid gave her friend space to think, watching the great assembly before them work.

Finally, Lyza drew in a breath. “You know, with what we have stashed away, you do have enough to get out of the Imperial borders. Doesn’t matter if that cousin in Faemare was a lie or not, you could get to any of the three southern Kingdoms, or even Greenhold, if the Wild Elves don’t overrun it first. If that’s what you want. You’re under no obligation to stay with us.”

Lyza cut right to the heart of the matter, instead of dancing and teasing as Tallus had. The thought of Astrid leaving must have been on her mind to bring it up again. Their little group had sworn no oaths to one another nor made any promises to the length of their arrangement, but with a few successful heists now stashed in a cave to the south, it meant there were opportunities to move on. And not just for Astrid. She wouldn’t be surprised if Lyza was going to have this talk with Brecken and Tallus as well.

“I’m hurt you’d think my cousin is a lie,” she joked, trying to lighten up the dark expression on Lyza’s face. It worked for half a second. “But to be serious, I can’t think of what else I’d do with my life, even if I got there. I was dead. You all brought me back to life, this is where I belong. I’ll stay, as I told Tallus.” There was nothing else for her to do.

“Astrid, that can’t be the whole basis for your decision. I know that man you were with did something terrible to you, but you still have your whole life ahead of you.”

Guilt snaked its way around her chest, constricting her breathing. She had never quite gotten around to the truth of how she ended up on that roadside, at first being too terrified they would turn her over, and now worried they would never forgive her. For the hundredth time she resolved to tell them, after this job.

“Promise me you’ll think about it,” Lyza said.

"I'll promise if you tell me one thing."

In the space between their words, Astrid watched one ship in particular, the crew seeming a step more lively than those adjacent to it. They were supposed to be creating a cover, after all. With a gesture for Lyza to follow, she wandered a bit closer, trying to appear as though she knew what she was looking at.

"Fine, what is it?" Lyza had stopped a short bit behind her, now out onto the planks of the docks themselves, playing along with the act.

"Do you intend to chase us all out and keep going alone?"

"What?" Lyza's voice elevated for a moment, just enough to draw a couple of looks which she returned with a deep glare. The sailors went quickly back to their work and Lyza leaned in closer. "I just need to be sure where everyone's loyalty lies. I don't want anyone with us that's going to be dreaming of being somewhere else while we've got our lives on the line."

"Or maybe deep down, you do care about us and want what's best for us," Astrid teased, something she did less often with their serious leader than with the boys.

"Hush, you know what you three mean to me. Now let's go make some more cover." Tugging Astrid by the sleeve, she headed towards the ship's foreman stationed at the gangplank, overseeing the loading of supplies.

#original fiction #original fantasy #my writing #mutual pining #romance #fantasy romance #magic #court intrique #the song divine #story: the song divine

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