#theo's feet are under attack

[theodoradevlin]

Ah, she is walking barefoot again! Let's see how she likes THIS move, that'll teach her!

Half way through the random fox forgets why it was doing what it did to begin with, and runs around with your shoe playfully.

Theo isn't even done questioning her ankles before she spots the blur of red, but it's already too late! The fox has run away with her shoes!

"Meech, did you just see that?!"

She doesn't have time to think before she sprints after the fox, sprinting to keep up with him. It's a good thing that she's used to running with no shoes on.

She finally catches up, winded and trying to corner him into a tree of some sort...but the spry thing seems far too amused to be contained, bounding around with her boot happily.

"Hey! Give that back!" She lunges, but misses. She almost resigns to being barefoot forever, unless she can entice this mysterious fox with something else. She sits crossed legged across from him, thinking for some reason that maybe flattery might do it.

"Aren't you a pretty fox? Come here over here, won't you? Please? Such a lovely coat...!"

[imtryingbuck]

Worthy

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x OFC!Theo

Summary: Bucky has to marry a woman who surprises him more and more as their story goes along.

Word count: 3,399

Warnings: angst. swearing. Dot. fluff. Bucky tells reader how he lost his arm. Cheating mentioned, miscarriage mentioned.

Masterlist   Series Masterlist

When he woke up that morning he laid there watching Theo sleep peacefully, his fingers gingerly stroked up and down her back as she laid on his chest. The morning sun cut through the slit in the curtain landing on her bare arm in an orange purple hue. Those few minutes with him lying there with her in his arms, the whole house silent he had never felt more at peace.

Then he remembered the conversation the night before.

How any person could harm a child is lost on him. How any father let his own child be harmed in such ways that she told him makes him question humanity.

Bucky knew one thing though and that was he was going to make every single one of them pay.

Wanting to do something sweet for her he slid out of the bed carefully to not to wake her up he did his morning routine and headed downstairs going into the kitchen to make her breakfast in bed, coming to a stop when he walked past the living room where he saw someone sitting there.

Dot.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk to you James"

"We have nothing to talk about, get out of my home"

"Why is your whore of a wife-"

"Call her that one more time I swear to God Dolores I will kill you" His voice low showing her that he was not messing around.

"Do you love her?"

"That's none of your business."

"Does she suck your cock as good as I did?"

"You were shit at it and we both know that"

"That's harsh. Do you know she's been passed around like some cheap whore?"

He blinked once, twice, thrice. What was she talking about? Did she know about what had happened to Theo?

"You didn't, did you?" Dot laughed at his facial expression.

"W-what are you talking about?"

"I got an envelope through my letter box and well let’s just say she's a filthy whore" Dot shrugged, leaning down to pull her bag on to her knees she pulled a large brown envelope out and placed it on the coffee table.

Looking up at Bucky she cocked her eyebrow up "It's all in there"

"Who sent it you?"

"I don't know, listen I know that she's asked her father to let you divorce her why don't you get him to and you can marry one of his other daughters then I can be your mistress"

How?.. what?..

"You seriously have no shame do you? I don't love you Dolores. I don't want you or any of Michael’s daughters other than Theo."

"You'll change your mind once you've read this" tapping the envelope. Though Theo had told him everything last night he couldn't help but be a little bit curious to what was inside, so before his brain could register what was happening his feet carried him over to the coffee table, snatching the brown envelope from under Dot's hand he sat down and opened it.

Inside contained photos of a naked Theo, in most of them she was looking away from the camera but sure enough in every one of them there were bruises and open cuts on her body. There was a list of all the names of the men that had raped her, his stomach churned when he read some of the names. Some of the names, he knew them.

So lost in what he was reading he had no idea that Theo was walking down the stairs, nor did he have any time to react to Dot climbing on his lap before she was kissing him. He was frozen in place only snapping out of it when he heard the door creak.

No, no, no, no, no.

Running after Theo his heart in his throat when he sees her taking her clothes out of her side of the wardrobe, the hollow organ sitting in his chest breaking when he sees a few tears slid down her cheeks.

"A-Angel it wasn't what it looked like" He stutters out truly meaning the words, he didn't even kiss Dolores back. He couldn’t not now he had a wife. He wouldn't do that to her.

"It is fine Mr James"

He swears he was going to have a heart attack as she calls him that. "No it's not, please stop and listen to me so I can explain"

It's like he isn't even in his own body but watching from the side lines, the rest of the conversation is lost on him and when he finally snaps back into reality he sees her leaving their room to go back to her old one. He had no idea how he could fix this with her especially not after she had trusted him enough to let him know about her past, not when he felt the scars that cover most of her body. Not when he touched them so easily, not flinching away from them or looking at them in disgust.

Not when he spoke those words when she was asleep.

"Buck what's going on?" Steve questioned voice full of sleep.

Bucky had woken him up not knowing who to turn to. "Dolores"

"What's she done now?"

Bucky told him everything about what had happened minus telling him what was in the envelope or what Theo had told him the night before. It wasn't his place to say anything.

"Fucking hell. Is Theo okay?"

"Steve I just told you she left our room to go back to hers"

"Did you not try and explain it to her?"

"I did but she wouldn't listen. I don't-"

"What the fuck have you done James?" Wanda stands in the doorway, eyes full of pure hatred as she looks at her best friend.

"Wan-"

"I'm not going to ask again."

"I-nothing I swear"

"So Theo didn't just see you kissing that whore? Are you seriously calling my friend a liar?"

"I didn't kiss her!" he shouted "And you seem to forget she's my fucking wife Wanda!"

Rolling her eyes she went to say something but closed her lips again, shaking her head she left as quickly as she came.

"I think she's mad" Steve says trying to lighten to mood earning him a warning look from Bucky.

Over the next week Bucky tried to get her to talk to him and all he received was 'It's okay Mr James' or a head shake. Wanda and Nat had kept their distance from him too, when Nat had found out she pulled a gun on Bucky. She lowered it when he didn't flinch or pull his out on her, she knew he was telling the truth about him not kissing Dolores back. Dolores kept coming back to the house even though Bucky told the guards to make sure she's not let in, which was making the brunette furious.

Bucky had sent Nat a text asking her to come down into the office, needing to talk to her and since both redheads had been upstairs with Theo it was his only way of getting Nat to talk to him. The other day he had gone up and knocked on Theo's bedroom door he was greeted by a still very angry Wanda, who wasn't believing him or Nat, she slammed the door in his face that hard he even flinched.

"What's up?" Nat asked as she strolled into the office.

"I-Is Theo okay? Is she eating? Sleeping?"

"Buck she's fine, me and Wanda are looking after her"

"It should be me"

Sighing, Nat sat down in the seat across from him. "Buck she did walk in on you and that thing kissing-"

"I didn't kiss her back Natasha! I swear-"

"I know and that's why I didn't shoot your dick off" she raised her eyebrow and smirked "You've just got to give her some time Bucky, it's one thing after another and she feels-" Nat quickly cuts herself off.

"Feels what?"

"Nothing, just give her some time"

"Feels what Natasha? Please, please tell me"

"She feels like she isn't worthy to be loved"

Bucky's face dropped, it was the exact expression that both her and Wanda had on their faces when Theo whispered it to them. "W-what?"

"She said it's okay and that she's accepted this life an-and-" shaking her head she knew it was wrong to be telling him the things Theo had whispered to them in secret, but she believed Bucky when he said he never kissed Dolores back.

"And? What?"

"I-I think you should talk to her Bucky, I've already said to much"

"Wanda won't let me"

"Grow up James. Like you keep saying she's your wife. Go!"

Jumping up out of his seat he ran to the door before turning around to jog back over to Nat and placing a kiss to her head which earned him a smack. Running up the stairs he stopped outside of Theo's bedroom door to catch him breath. Knocking beforehand he walked in the room.

"Get out James!" Wanda shouted.

"She's my wife Wanda, I need to talk to her."

"No-"

"Wanda it's okay" Theo interrupted Wanda, who looked at Theo with a look as if to ask her if she was sure, she nodded and helped Wanda stand.

"Hurt her one more time James I won't hesitate to kill you" Theo shut the door behind her friend and turned to face Bucky, gulping and twiddling her fingers she waited for Bucky to say something.

"T-Theo I'm so sorry for what you saw but it wasn't what it looked like, Dolores kissed me as I was reading something she gave me b-but I swear Angel I didn't kiss her back!"

"It's okay-"

"No it isn't! Stop saying that it is, please. Please scream at me or-or hit me please just do anything other than say it's okay"

"I won't hit you" She frowned with a slight head shake "My father won't agree to a divorce unless you ask Mr James-"

"I don't want a divorce Theo"

"B-but the scars..."

"They don't bother me Angel, fuck I've got my own, look" pulling his shirt down enough so she could see the scars on his chest/shoulder "I have them too so who am I to judge?"

"Oh-l, I will continue being your wife and you can date that woman from the other day but you will h-have to sleep with one of my father's daughters so you can have an heir, I pro-"

"Theo-"

"I promise I'll stay out of the way, jus-"

"Theo-"

"Just please promise me that I won't get hurt by none of your men" This time she doesn't get cut off by him and when she finds the courage to look up to him her heart tugs when she sees the tears gathering in his eyes.

"You-um-you think I wou-no Angel, no to all of that! I only want you I don't want Dolores, I don't want any of the brats your father calls daughters, if I am lucky enough to have children you will be the mother. None of my our men will ever lay a hand on you, I will never let anyone hurt you again, I won't hurt you again. That I swear and promise you until my last breath"

Though she heard every word he spoke, took in every word he spoke she couldn't help but question "Why?"

And though he had his reasons, mainly because he didn't want to end up like his father, he couldn't stop the words from spilling out. It was so much easier when she was asleep on his chest, right next to his beating heart. "Because I love you"

He hated the way she flinched at those words.

"W-why?"

"I know it's way too soon to be feeling these kind of feelings, believe me I do but I-I do Theo and that's the truth. I love you. You are worthy of it Angel, it isn't just me that loves you Wanda and Nat do too, even the guys do. Please let me show you, please don't think you're not worth love or affection because you are-"

A loud sob cuts him off. He doesn't wastes any time in moving closer to her and wrapping his arms around her trembling body. "I'm sorry" he whispers over and over into her hair.

"I-I-I'm not good eno-enough for you James or anyone"

"You're enough. Theo, you're enough"

What happens next shocks the both of them.

Theo leans on her tiptoes and places her lips to his.

Her first ever kiss.

Bucky knew he shouldn't do it because she's got tears streaming down her cheeks, she's confused, she's emotional but fuck she's kissing him. He can't stop himself from kissing her back.

Pulling away from one another slightly out of breath Bucky rested his forehead against hers, smiling at her when she looks up at him.

"Wa-was tha-that okay?" Theo asked shyly.

"It was perfect Angel"

"It wa-was my first kiss" she admitted a light blush coating her cheeks.

"Really? Baby it was perfect"

Theo goes to open her mouth closing it quickly at the noise from outside her door.

"Shut up! I'm trying to list-ow Nat my head!" Sam hissed a muffled cry after a bang on the door startles Theo.

"You shut up. Did she just say a first kiss? Holy shit did they just kiss?" That was Nat's voice.

"Both of you shut up!" This time it was Steve's voice being heard.

"Do you think they're kissing again? Oh god what if they're having sex and we're just listening like creeps!" Wanda's voice turned to panic when she thought that the couple in the room could be doing something that she really did not want to be listening in on.

Shaking his head Bucky had to force himself not to laugh, leaning to whisper into Theo's ear "I bet they're leaning against the door, should I open it so they fall in?"

"No, they might hurt themselves" She whispered back trying really hard not to laugh.

"I bet they're kissing" At hearing Sam's failed attempt to whisper slip through the door Theo looked at Bucky and nodded, giving him the go ahead to open the door. Giving her a gentle kiss on her lips, and another, and another before finally sneaking over towards the door. Hand slowly going to the door handle he looked at Theo and winked.

Sam was the first one to fall in, Nat landing on top of him, Steve on top of her and Wanda landing on the blonde.

"Ow fuck! Nat get off you're fucking heavy! Ow ow stop hitting me!"

"Steve's on me you dickhead!"

"Wanda's on me so I can't move-ow shit what is it with you women hitting people?"

"You've just basically called me fat Steven!"

"Are you guys finished? Me and Theo would like to get past you"

"Help us up then please!" Sam begged.

"Why were you listening to us anyway?" Bucky asked completely ignoring Sam making grabby hands to him.

"Who-what-we-never" Steve stuttered out trying to get Wanda off of him gently not wanting to tear the stitches open.

"Who-what-we-never" Bucky mocked. "We heard you"

"No you didn't, you're just imagining things Bucky" Sam says "I've accepted my fate by the way guys not that any of you care"

"What are you talking about?"

"Well Natasha none of you are getting up off me so l lay here on the ground being squashed to death by my so called family"

Everyone apart from Theo rolls their eyes at Sam's dramatics, Theo tries to move forward to help Wanda off Steve when Bucky's hand stops her. "Leave them, come here."

"But they need help"

"Nope, they'll figure it out soon" picking Theo up he smiles when she squeals, Bucky walks them over to the door and quite literally steps over the four bodies of his friends on the floor.

"Oh that's so fucking cold man"

Taking Theo into the living room he placed her gently onto the couch, there was a small bar sitting at the back of the room Bucky made his way over to it pouring a drink for himself he asked Theo if she wanted one she shook her head, no.

They sat in comforting silence before Theo broke it.

"James... can I ask you something?"

"Of course"

"W-what happened to your arm?" She knew he had a metal arm, at first it startled her not expecting it but now finding it pretty and unique.

Taking his glass, he knocks the rest of his drink back. "My father, piece of shit as you've already probably picked up on. My ma was pregnant with her third kid but miscarried when she was around four or five months." The memory of his mother stumbling down the stairs bottom half covered in blood, her hands shaking and tears rolling down her face. Martha running around ordering the other maids to grab things or to take him and Rebecca upstairs, makes his heart beat a little faster.

Clearing his throat "My ma had found out my father had a mistress. I'm not a doctor but I think that's what caused my ma to lose the baby. Anyway ma needed sometime away as she was really struggling, she went to my aunt's house in Louisiana for three weeks. My father brought his mistress into the home, he actually picked her up after we dropped ma off at the airport" chuckling, he loosened his tie "Three weeks of having to hear obvious fake moans and me looking after Becks because my father gave all the maids three weeks off so they wouldn't tell my ma." Getting up he walks over to the bar he pours himself another drink. Sitting back down he continues.

"The day came for when my ma was coming home, we was on our way to get her from the airport and the prick and his whore was arguing, if I remember correctly it was because she wanted him to leave my mother but he kept saying he wouldn't do it, she grabbed the steering wheel and pulled it towards her, he managed to get the car stable but then she did it again. It was pouring down so the roads were slippery" Taking a deep breath in "Then the car rolled off down the road and went straight down a ditch. I put my arm out in front of Rebecca, my arm got pinned. They both got out, and were actually more bothered about getting their story straight than trying to get a twelve and eight year old out of the car. You know Tony Stark? Well he was in the car behind us, he was the one who rang for help. I begged the fire fighters to get Becks out first but th-they didn't... I woke up in the hospital six days later and my arm was gone"

"James… I’m so sorry"

"Don't apologies Angel, please. It is what it is"

"D-did you ever tell your mother what happened?"

"Yeah, when I woke up I told her straight away. Broke her heart even more. They separated for about two years and for some reason she got back with him, I was so pissed at her but then I found out it wasn't because she loves him but for the money"

"That's... I-"

"I know ah, but yeah Tony was working on prosthetics and a few months later he met up with my ma and next thing I know I'm being fitted with this" he turns his arm around to show her "I had to get it upgraded a few times"

"It's pretty"

"Pretty? You really think so?"

"Yes, is it heavy?"

"At first it was but I'm used to it now so"

"C-can I touch it?"

"Of course"

"Do-do you feel anything?"

"I do, not very often though" Bucky sat there watching Theo's finger slowly move up and down on his arm, it felt like she was trickling a feather up and down the metal prosthetic.

Later that night Bucky had Theo back in his their bed, after sharing a few more kisses and shy blushes from Theo, they let sleep over take them.

Bucky slept peacefully for the first time in just over a week now that he had his Angel in his arms.

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Tags: @sapphirebarnes @bellabarnes1378 @unaxv @skulliecadaver-blog @mrsnikstan @sebastians-love @pattiemac1 @julvrs @undf-stuff

[xxsycamore]

𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙞𝙣 (ARTHUR X READER)

↬ 🩸 ❝ Now, now…❞ Arthur unfolds yet another towel, laying it on the bed. ❝ You've surely heard that this is one way to treat period cramps.❞ ❝ What is?❞ ❝ Orgasms.❞

Arthur Conan Doyle x f!Reader • rating: E (MDNI) • tags: Menstruation; Menstrual Sex; Period Cramps; Embarrassment; Kink Negotiation; Vanilla; Arthur is gentle; Pet Names; Gentle Sex; that gets a little not so gentle; Vaginal Fingering; Vaginal Sex; Kissing; Lots of it; mentions of blood drinking; Creampie; Aftercare; Post-Coital Cuddling; Crying; Dacryphilia • wordcount:  3,177 • masterlist

a/n: I've been trying to finish this fic for months 😭 My first period sex fic! Hope you enjoy!! If you happen to suffer from cramps and you want your favorite ikevamp suitor comforting you in their own unique way, may I also offer: Napoleon, Comte, Mozart, Theo, Leonardo, Sebastian 💕(All fics in this series share the same opening scene!)

It’s another beautiful day at the mansion, and the sun is continuing to shine brightly outside as afternoon settles in. Your list of chores is more than half-way done now, the morning was a productive one and you pat yourself on the back for pushing through at your usual pace, even if your period surprised you early this morning. Sleeves rolled up and armed with a feather duster, you march towards the lounge room to take care of another chore.

Specks of dust dance in the afternoon sun, windows wide open, as you complete your task little by little. Soon the sections left to dust decrease and you start to tire - a minor pain in your tummy appearing as well, as if to persuade you into taking a short break. You throw a look at the grandfather clock. You’ve been a busy bee; not even the distraction of dusting off some of Comte’s highly intriguing antiques couldn’t get you late on your own schedule.

You sit down at the spacious couch area, grab a throw pillow to hug, and fall on your side - shoe-covered feet juust hanging off the couch because it won’t be worth the effort of taking them off for just a minute or two of rest.

Uh-oh! The pain doesn’t go away and only gets worse instead. Suddenly moving as much as a millimeter equals signing a death warrant.

“Help” You whisper to yourself, clutching onto the throw pillow.

Trying to escape from the pain in the realm of your imagination, you fantasize about nicer things…and that means fantasizing about your boyfriend, Arthur. If only he was here right now, you're sure the pain would be way more bearable. Maybe he would sit in the armchair next to you and take out the small journal he keeps on his person to work on his current draft. You love relaxing in the ambient sound of his pen scribbling across the paper, it has helped you fall asleep many nights. On those, he'd normally write on his desk, but seeing you snuggled onto yourself alone on the bed never sits right with him. It typically doesn't take him too long to come join you under the warmed-up covers. You think about how he props the book against his knee, how he plays with the ends of your hair spilled across the pillow when he gets deep in thought…

You also think about how on some nights, you just can't sleep, and he just can't write - when those innocent idle caresses start growing into more, and your gazes meet for a second too long. Arthur would slowly remove his glasses and turn off the night lamp; then in a flash, his lips are attacking your neck with passionate kisses before your eyes can get used to the darkness.

How did your mind trail off to this, again?

"Arthuuuurr…" You groan as the loneliness begins growing stronger with your daydreams, and the cramps chime in as well.

You hear the floorboards creak outside the door and you raise yourself to a sitting position, calling an abrupt end to your short break. Maybe you'll go take some medicine, after all…

"Calling for me, luv?"

You stand awkwardly in front of the couch for a second, staring at Arthur as if he is a fraction of your imagination still. He's not, and if it wasn't for the godawful cramps you'd be throwing yourself on his neck right this instant.

"D-Did you really hear me? It can't be possible!"

Thankfully, he's the one shortening the distance so you don't have to, planting a greeting kiss on your cheek.

"Oh? So you did call my name?" A wide grin occupies his lips now, satisfied with himself and his little accidental guess that wins him the sight of your blushing face.

Realizing his bluff, you purse your lips, removing yourself from his smooching range.

One look at you and Arthur is nodding as if all the checkboxes in his head are now marked. However, he's not celebrating the brilliancy of his deductive mind with a smirk this time; he looks remarkably concerned.

"You were lying down just now, luv, didn't you? Are you in pain? Your period came?"

Despite the best efforts of this persisting pain, expressions other than a bitter frown are still able to play on your features, and you're honestly impressed. "Yes, yes, and yes, but…how did you know?"

Arthur steals himself another kiss, on the corner of your lip this time. "How did I know? Is it so strange for me to know my lover inside out?"

Whispering his reply is all a part of the flirty little trick to win you over, and you wish he didn't - because it works a little too well with the whirlwind of emotions and hormones inside you. You shiver whole, barely able to spare a thought or two about the actual reason. Didn't you catch him taking a bath today? Did he take a peek in your underwear drawer, armed with the knowledge about which panties are the "period panties" (which surprisingly IS a thing even with the circumstances of this time and age!), and notice their absence? Some pervert he is. It wouldn't even be his first time doing this, but still, you're not mad. Not when he's palming and caressing your shoulders while sneaking in another kiss on your pouting lips. You love his attention, especially now that you missed it so much.

"Now luv, what are we going to do with you, hmm?"

You shiver as his hands wander all the way down to your hips and linger there.

"Should we get you something warm to press to your belly? Or maybe take you on a light walk once you're done resting? One word and I'll do everything for you, my dear."

"Arthur, you're spoiling me…"

"Think about it, I'll wait."

Oh, thinking is not good. Not when he's so close with little to no room left to be closer than that, save for the one thing you absolutely cannot ask of him. Your thoughts start getting shameless; cursed be the conditions that are not letting you pounce on him. Even if you're never going to live down the shame of it, you wish you could just hump his leg to a sweet, sweet release and be over with it. It would end quickly and without mess.

Arthur looks at you differently now, and you can feel his gaze examining you. You try to control your breathing which might have quickened in the last couple of seconds. But he's too good at this.

"Something the matter, luv? You seem hot."

His cool hand on your cheek feels too good, as if asking you to nuzzle into it, slip the thumb in your mouth and suck. You summon some much-needed self-control at the price of a sharp breath that puts the attempts at steady breathing to waste. You decide to spill the beans, groaning as another cramp creeps its way onto your nerves, both metaphorically and literally.

"I'm horny."

You expect pity at most. This sort of blurted-out-of-nowhere confession is more typical of the man in front of you, so even with this, you're not doomed to become the bigger pervert between the two of you; it's relieving somehow. You hope that Arthur understands.

"Ah."

It's a small exclamation, and it could mean many things coming from his mouth of all people. While leaving yourself wholly in his hands and their gentle messaging motions, you should've considered that he is ready to sweep you off your feet any second. Like he does right now.

The sudden loss of balance surprises you, and you find yourself carried bridal style. Arthur turns with you in the direction of the door, but before taking a single step, he leans in to whisper to you. With your arms wrapped around his neck, you have no chances of escape as his warm breath hits your lips.

"I think I just thought of a way to relieve you from your pains, darling."

***

To your surprise, you're dropped off at the chaise longue once in your shared bedroom. You watch in near horror as Arthur brings out towels and lays them on the bed. It's not long before you connect two and two, and you have to protest.

"Arthur, you're surely not thinking about-"

"Now, now…" Arthur unfolds yet another towel, giving it a small shake. "You've surely heard that this is one way to treat period cramps."

"What is?"

"Orgasms." Arthur catches your gaze, having finished preparing the bed. You watch him approach and you change the position of your legs on the chaise longue, pressing your thighs together.

Sometimes you hate how awfully familiar Arthur is with the human body given the fact that he used to be a doctor - a field doctor, but a doctor nonetheless - everything from your anatomy to your bodily reactions being a mere tool in his hands to love you and to take care of you, should the need arise. You should be glad to have such a knowledgeable boyfriend by your side, even if it embarrasses you to no end when he puts his skills into action.

"But, it's gross!" You insist in a near-shout, realizing that he's now close enough to hear you even in a meek whisper. "Just think of all the mess… I don't want you to be grossed out with me."

"My dove."

Arthur caresses your neck, pressing his thumb into the underside of the top button of your shirt and easily undoing it, then moving to the next. He pretends he doesn't possess the skill of getting it all done with in seconds, and you're not a fan, even if it gives you time to arrange your thoughts. He wets his lips and continues.

"Nothing about you could ever gross me out. I think this exercise would help me prove that to you, even… and maybe by the end of it, you'll truly believe me."

Soon there are no more buttons left for him to undo.

"I happen to know how to wash blood from bedsheets."

Shivers go straight to your nethers, images of sleepless nights flash in your mind with the reminder of the sharp tips of his fangs perforating the skin of your neck.

"I'm a blood-drinking bastard, remember?…" He latches his mouth into your neck, but keeps his fangs to himself. Despite doing nothing to stop him, you know that losing more blood is not the wisest thing to do right now, and you're already sure Arthur keeps that in mind. You still enjoy his teeth on you, even the ones that don’t aim to break the skin. Before he can suck long enough to leave a mark, he breaks the contact, needing you to be good and listen for a little longer.

"Some blood cannot get in my way of giving you pleasure. Quite the contrary."

You whine at his comment alone, as embarrassing as it is, and you realize that you've been rubbing your thighs together a little too hard. It doesn't go unnoticed by your boyfriend, as he places his warm hand on your knee, smirking at the way you shiver and release the tense muscles of your thighs. He pats you in encouragement. "Will you stand up for me, my princess?"

Complying quietly, you stand up on shaky legs. Arthur hugs you from behind, distracting you with kisses as he untucks your open shirt from your skirt, moving to his next target. Soon the two pieces of clothing pool at your feet, leaving you only in your underwear. His hand is gentle as it guides you to bed like many times before.

You lie down with the soft towels underneath caressing your lower body, and it's not as awkward as you thought it would be. Arthur doesn't give you much time to dwell on it as he climbs ontop of you, claiming your mouth in a passionate kiss.

Burning hot need pools in your belly, a tang of pain mixing with it, and you realize you've almost all forgotten about your cramps. Instead of being wary of upcoming sensations flaring them up, you feel like chasing the prevailing lust that now resides in your loins. Arthur's got you. You want to experience this together with him.

Eager to show him your progress, you guide his right hand between your open legs. To your surprise, he lets out a groan, breaking the kiss to look down and rub the place at the apex of your thighs.

You didn't expect to feel him through the obstacles in the way, and your own sensitivity catches you unprepared. The noise you make is familiar to Arthur, it's hardly the first time he's got you helpless and dying for him to touch you like that. Though it usually takes a bit more toying with you. He keeps rubbing down on it until your body is certain this is nowhere near enough for what it needs.

"Arthurrr… Please…"

"Begging already? My, aren't you cute?"

You pout at his teasing, taking matters into your own hands as you try to shimmy out of your panties. He's there to help, hands meeting yours as he pulls them down and out of the way.

You shut your legs together out of embracement, and Arthur is prepared for this reaction as he quietly tuts you, resuming his ambush on your lips, and you give into his ways of convincing you.

Feeling the tips of his fingers on your clit, electricity runs through you and you thrust your pelvis up involuntarily. Arthur remains collected as his fingers dance around your bundle of nerves, but no matter how gentle he is, his touch feels too good for some reason. You can feel how slippery it is, but the feeling is not too alien to you, and that's a relief. While drowning in the sweetness of Arthur's kisses, it all feels like a regular night with him, you're just extra wet and sensitive.

"Arthur- Are you gonna…" You don't finish, instead running your hand down his toned body and to the front of his pants.

He chuckles. "Only if you can handle it, luv. Say the word and I'll give you what you need. But if you think that would be too much, I can make you cum on my hand now and here."

It all sounds lovely to you, but the hormones playing with your head are demanding all you can take and more. You want to explore this sensation all the way, despite the tad of embarrassment still threateningly lingering in the back of your head.

"I want you inside…" You blurt out, raising your legs in an attempt to make Arthur hurry up and slip inside you already. You obviously don't need more preparation, as you're sure it's not only the blood lubricating your hole anymore.

The shadow of lust darkening Arthur's blue eyes is alone at fault for your walls clamping down around nothing. The rustling of a belt coming undone is music to your ears as you count the seconds before Arthur claims the place between your legs once again.

Same as when you felt his fingers, the tip of his very hard cock makes you jump, but now Arthur chooses to simply observe from above as you forms writhe. You feel him coating himself in your juices and the filthiness of the act makes you moan on the spot. The repeating tease of him threatening to breach your entrance only to withdraw is making you crawl out of your skin.

"Are those tears in your eyes, Luv? Oh, you poor thing, we teased you too much now…"

You're shocked to discover that your vision is indeed blurry. Hormones at fault, you mutter a sound of surprise that turns into a moan as Arthur finally enters you.

"Oh— My god, so— big-"

Arthur groans like you rarely hear him do. He must have felt that too. You're really tight around him.

It's good he slips his tongue between your lips again because the smallest thrust would make you explode. You're getting drunk on this sensation, feeling him so intensely. Just as you begin to relax, he starts grinding inside you.

"Ahhhh- More, more!"

Eager to give you all you want, Arthur complies until you start hearing the wet noises of him thrusting inside you. It's making your face red, but you can't help moaning at every thrust, adding to the sultry sounds.

Arthur is as lost in it as you are, and your heart sings at being the source of his maddening need. Hearing his low noises of pleasure drives you closer and closer to the edge, as all you can think about is cumming together with him.

Locking your legs around his torso, you egg him on to tip over the edge now and here. The unmistakable noise of him cursing under his breath floods you with desire just as you thought you couldn't feel needier, but then something happens that catches you off guard. Arthur moves his head away from where it was nestled against your neck and at first, you aren't sure about the reason before you hear his muffled groans. He fills you with his hot cum just a second after.

You realize that just now, he was biting the pillow. The bloodthirst must have gotten to his head, and he… did everything in his power not to drain you of more blood.

Seeing him so out of control makes you scream as a violent, powerful orgasm is ripped out of you, your body seemingly having a mind of its own as it humps against Arthur through it, and he holds you down by the folds of your knees to ride the pleasure off for you. It's one of the best orgasms you've ever had.

Hormones shifting once again in the chemistry of your brain, you glow with the aftermath of pleasure running through your body, head to toe, and suddenly the need to hold Arthur close grows tenfold. His hands move to cushion the back of your neck as he kisses you softly, spent and content as you are, chuckling against your lips.

"Aren't you going to ask why we haven't done this sooner?"

Still catching your breath, you want to groan at how quickly he regained his cockiness, being a textbook gentleman just a second ago. Though, you can totally see his point now.

"I just…really don't want to look down right now."

"You don't have to. Leave the cleanup to me. I'll take good care of you."

The whispered promise is already lulling you into a deeper relaxation, as you rest your limbs with no intention to get up anytime soon. Arthur is… absolutely, shamelessly spoiling you rotten. Both with his gentle care and with his ways of casually giving you one of the best orgasms of your life, making you discover a new kink.

Oh, and your pain is completely gone, by the way.

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[greygaunt]

How the Slytherin boys would react to being on the opposite side during the Battle of Hogwarts

Theodore Nott

The air crackled with tension as you burst onto the courtyard, seeing Neville and Luna standing stoic, wands pointed at Blaise and Adrian. You pushed through the crowd. You scanned those opposite you, realising you were stood directly opposite Theodore. Your eyes raked over his figure, tense and hard, like a shield. He looked afraid, but fierce. He raised his wand and pointed it at you, a vindictive smirk crossing his face. You swallowed and looked down at your feet, deeply breathing to quell your anger. Your eyes flitted across the rest of your opposition, acknowledging the dead look in their eyes. You looked back to Theo, his face was once a comfort to you, but you didn’t recognise him. Both of your wands raised in silent acknowledgement of the conflict that had torn your bond asunder. His voice, usually filled with love and laughter, was now laced with a bitter edge as he spoke. "So, you've chosen to stand against us," he spat, his words dripping with scorn. "I didn't want it to come to this, Theo," you replied, your voice tinged with regret. "But I can't stand by while innocent lives are at risk." His anger flared at your words, his wand hand trembling with suppressed emotion. "You always were too soft," he snarled, his facade of indifference slipping for a brief moment. "You think you're doing the right thing, but you're just getting in the way.” Theo launched into attack, spells flying from his wand with a ferocity that shocked you. You defended yourself, each flick of your wand a response to the hollow ache in your chest. Just beneath the surface, there was a timid shadow of grief behind his eyes. Theo's attacks were fuelled by a mixture of rage and sorrow, his movements frantic as he grappled with the conflicting emotions tearing him apart. His eyes grew dark as he shot spell after spell your way, his eyes unwavering as he watched you fall. You struggled from the floor, desperately defending yourself until he hovered over you, casting an intimidating shadow. “I may be a pawn in his game, but at least I’m not a weak little coward.” His words bruised you like rotten fruit, and you sagged under the weight of his hatred.

Mattheo Riddle

Your breath was ragged as you joined Harry and Luna in the courtyard. The air was thick with spells and the sound of clashing metal and distant explosions. In the calm of the courtyard, sides began to form. It was almost as if a ravine had split across the stone, two groups stood facing each other. Amidst the standoff, you found yourself standing at the forefront, surrounded by fellow defenders of Hogwarts. Your resolve was unwavering as you faced the onslaught of dark forces that threatened to engulf the castle in darkness. Across the eerie quiet of the courtyard, you caught sight of Mattheo. His figure stood tall and imposing, his eyes gleaming with a fervent intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. He was flanked by a group of dark wizards, their allegiance evident in the way they brandished their wands with aggression. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as you locked eyes with Mattheo, the distance between you feeling like an unbridgeable chasm. In that fleeting moment, you saw the weight of his choices etched upon his features, the conflict waging within him mirrored in the depths of his gaze. Was that… longing? It couldn’t be, your relationship was irreparably ruined. He has made assurance of that. But there was no time for hesitation, no room for doubt. You knew what was right, and you intended to fight for it. With a sigh of composure, you squared your shoulders and raised your wand. Mattheo’s eyebrows raised as you stood so confidently. He wasn’t expecting you to be so ready to challenge him. Mattheo's eyes, once filled with warmth, now glinted with a dark determination. His wand gripped tightly; he raised it. You mirrored his stance, your heart heavy with the realisation that the only way to end this was to face him in combat. Without a word, Mattheo’s face drained of all emotion as he unleashed a barrage of curses. You deftly dodged and countered, the combat techniques he taught you now working against him. "You could have stood with me," Mattheo sneered, his voice cutting through the chaos. "But now you're just another obstacle to overcome." You parried his attacks, your own spells flashing brightly in response. "Mattheo, there's still a chance to turn back. We can find another way, a better way." He was unyielding, his resolve unbroken. The duel between you intensified; the ebb and flow of magic continued. Beneath the surface, there was an unspoken sadness, a shared history that lingered in every bolt of light.

Lorenzo Berkshire

The castle was clouded with bolts of light and screaming. You were running across the bridge back towards the courtyard when a figure blocked your exit. You came to a sudden halt, your eyes tracing Lorenzo’s figure like he was a predator. His eyes were burning with a simmering violence. "I never thought I'd have to face you like this," Lorenzo sneered, his voice laced with bitterness. "I trusted you, believed in you, and you fucking betrayed me.” The air around you was cold as you baited your breath. Lorenzo raised his wand and wordlessly flung spells at you, threatening the bridge you were stood on. "You're a coward," he spat, his words cutting through the chaos. "Turning your back on everything we worked for, everything we believed in. I never thought you'd be so weak. Not fighting back?” You let out a groan of defiance and raised your wand, parrying his attacks with a wild anger. "Lorenzo, it's not about weakness. It's about saving innocent people! There’s another side to this.” He scoffed, his laughter filled with bitterness and vitriol. "Another way? You're fooling yourself. This is the only way, and you're too blind to see it." The spells were flying with vengeance, wands waving and flicking with such disgust. Lorenzo's hurtful words continued to pierce through the chaos, leaving wounds that went beyond the physical. "You were supposed to be my ally, by my side,” he hissed, a dark fire burning in his eyes. "But now, you're nothing. Just another obstacle to overcome. I don't need you. Actually, I’m not sure I ever did. You disgust me.” The bitterness and disappointment lingered like a toxic cloud. You refused to yield. He was not going to win this, he would not best you. His face was cold and detached. You heard footsteps behind you, your head flying to see Harry and Seamus. “Beat it, Berkshire. You sly git.” Seamus yelled, flinging his arms about in a rage. Lorenzo shot you a scornful, hate-filled look and left you with one final seething graze: “I let you ruin me. I take delight in knowing you’ll be gone soon.”

Blaise Zabini

In the midst of the chaos, you had found yourself unexpectedly face-to-face with Blaise whose heartache and disappointment were evident in his eyes. He stood, eyes blinking slowly as he recognised you, covered in cuts and scrapes. His wand trembled in his hand, his movements hesitant and uncertain, as if torn between loyalty to his cause and the love he still harboured for you. You took a deep breath and raised your eyebrows, shrugging your shoulders at him. "I can't do this," Blaise murmured, his voice barely audible over the din of battle. "I can't fight you." You met his gaze, the weight of his words suffocating you. It took everything for you not to be consumed by your guilt. “Blaise, please," you pleaded, hoping to reach the part of him that still remembered the bond you shared. "There's still a chance to end this madness. We don't have to be enemies." But he shook his head, a mixture of anguish and determination engrained on his features. "I trusted you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I believed in you, and you betrayed me. I can't just forget that. We were supposed to be here together.” With that, he raised his wand higher and misfired spells at you. Blaise's movements were hesitant, his spells faltering as if he couldn't bring himself to truly harm you. You deflected his attacks with ease, each clash of magic a painful reminder of the rift that had formed between you. "Blaise, listen to me," you urged, desperation creeping into your voice. "I never wanted to hurt you. We can still make things right." But he turned away, his expression filled with sorrow and regret. "It's too late for that," he murmured, his voice barely audible in his emotional state. "I can't keep pretending that everything's okay when it's not. I have to go." With that, Blaise fled, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. You watched him run, feeling hollow inside as you realised the damage was truly irreparable, you were finished. Both of you.

Draco Malfoy

Draco had his wand pointed at your chest, but his arm was wavering slightly. His face was scornful and cold with disgust, but his eyes were pleading with you. Draco's spells seemed to miss their mark, veering wide or fizzling out altogether. It was clear he was holding back, his hesitation palpable in the air. "Draco, just stop!" you called out, your voice barely audible over the roar of battle. "We don't have to do this. We can find another way. I don’t want this.” The pleading in is eyes dissolved, they were now swirling with a tumultuous mix of hatred and longing, refusing to meet yours. "It's too late for that," he muttered, his voice tinged with pain. "You made your choice, and now we have to live with the consequences. You did this.” Despite his words, his spells continued to miss, each one a silent plea for forgiveness amidst the hatred. It was clear that Draco was conflicted, torn between his duty to his father and the love he still held close for you. With each missed spell, the tension between you grew, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Draco's movements became more confused, his frustration mounting as he struggled to reconcile his conflicting emotions. Draco's resolve seemed to waver. With a final, desperate glance in your direction, he lowered his wand, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I can't do this," he whispered, his voice barely a breath. "I can't fight you, not like this. I-“ With that, Draco turned and dropped his wand, walking away from you. You felt empty. “Draco, wait!” You called out, picking up his wand. But he had already gone, leaving you stood there like a fool. You were drenched in your sadness and your guilt, drawing in your grief.

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

The Wicked Witch of the West - Translation (西の悪い魔女)

Translator's notes can be found at the end and are marked with an asterisk.

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

I have also made a version which includes the members' notes found in the script.

[The battle with the Wicked Witch of the West - The Witch of the West’s castle]

The sound of a silver whistle resonates. 

The Wicked Witch of the West has sharp eyesight and can see the group approaching. 

Using the silver whistle, she commands various beings.

Witch of the West: Hmm... So there are some fellows heading this way...? Two children, a scarecrow, a tin man, a lion... What an odd bunch.

She trembles in irritation.

Witch of the West: I don’t know what their goal is, but they were probably instigated by Oz. I won’t forgive anyone who dares to harm me, the great Witch of the West!

The sound of the silver whistle.

Witch of the West: Now, wolves! Tear them apart and finish them off!

The wolves rush forward, aiming for the Tin Woodman.

Tin Woodman: Wolves, huh! This is my fight! Even if they bite me, I won’t feel a thing. Their teeth will probably end up getting damaged instead!

The Tin Woodman cuts down the wolves that jump at him with his axe.

Tin Woodman: Your efforts are futile! Even the teeth of a wolf cannot compete with the blade of this axe. Haa! Huff! Yah!

Oz, watching the five through his crystal ball, speaks like a kyogen-mawashi*.

Oz (N): With his axe, the Tin Woodman chopped off the wolves' heads one by one.

Witch of the West: Ugh... Then let's have the crows peck out their eyes! Go!

The sound of the silver whistle. The crows attack.

Scarecrow: Crows? Well, that’s my area of expertise! Go ahead, peck at my eyes as much as you like!

Oz (N): The Scarecrow defeated the crows by twisting their necks.

Witch of the West: What the...?! Damn it...! In that case, next up are the bees! Writhe in agony from their venomous stings!

The sound of the silver whistle. The bees attack.

Scarecrow: This time, it’s bees...! Let’s work together, Tin Woodman! Theo, Terry, and Lion, use the straw from my body to hide yourselves! After that, well, you already know what to do, partner!

Tin Woodman: Yes, the only target left will be me, made of tin. The bees’ stingers are no match for tin, and they’ll all break...!

The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow high-five.

Scarecrow: That’s right! 

The bees fall helplessly, plopping down. The Witch of the West cannot hide her irritation.

Witch of the West: Oh, all of you are useless! Flying monkeys, this time, make sure to end their lives! If you don't, your friends will die!

The sound of the silver whistle.

The winged monkey attack.

Oz (N): A wise person can probably roughly imagine what happened next.

The Lion asserts his strength.

Lion: Finally, it’s my turn! I am the king of beasts, the Lion! I won’t lose to some monkeys!

He threatens with an even louder voice and a terrifying expression.

Lion: Roar!! If you don’t want to be eaten, get out of here!

The winged monkeys leave, screeching.

Oz (N): The monkeys, who were originally under the control of the Witch of the West, abandoned the unwelcome battle and left.

She stomps her feet in frustration.

The group has arrived at the foot of the Witch of the West’s castle.

Witch of the West: Eek! They’re getting closer and closer! I have to do something… my life is in danger!

Oz (N): Feeling threatened, the Witch of the West decided to use the Golden Cap. This was a magical tool that could summon the winged monkeys and grant the owner’s wishes three times.

The Witch of the West takes out the Golden Cap and places it on her head.

Witch of the West: Now that it’s come to this, there’s no other choice...

She stands upon her left foot, then upon the right, and finally, she stands upon both feet.

Witch of the West: Ep-pe, pep-pe, kak-ke! Hil-lo, hol-lo, hel-lo! Ziz-zy, zuz-zy, zik!

He commands with a big wave of his hand.

Witch of the West: Drop the Tin Woodman from a high place onto sharp rocks so that he’s all battered and dented!

The Tin Woodman is lifted high into the sky by some of the winged monkeys under the magic of the Wicked Witch of the West, and then dropped.

Tin Woodman: (screams as he’s carried through the air and grunts once he hits the ground)

Witch of the West: Serves you right! Next, it’s the Scarecrow’s turn! Pull out every last piece of his straw and throw his clothes on top of a tall tree!

Other winged monkeys under the magic of the Wicked Witch attack the Scarecrow and pull out his straw.

Scarecrow: Ah... stop… please... I’m losing... all my strength...

Witch of the West: Capture the Lion with a rope and bring him here! I’ll work him to the bone.

The winged monkeys wrap the Lion tightly with a rope.*

Lion: Ugh, it hurts...! I... can’t... move...

Witch of the West: Lastly… Take care of those insolent humans…!

Terry despairs as he witnesses real magic.

Terry: What a horrible thing... Everyone has been defeated…! We’re done for, too!!

Witch of the West: Tear them to pieces!!

Terry is about to be attacked by a winged monkey under the magic of the Wicked Witch. 

Theo steps forward to protect Terry.

The silver shoes emit a strong light.

Theo: I won’t let you do that! I absolutely won’t allow anyone to hurt Terry!!

Terry is surprised by the light.

Terry: Theo!! You-!!

Witch of the West: Those are… the silver shoes...! And good magical power is surrounding the children? Where have you been hiding such power? Ugh… I can’t interfere like this.

Theo is unaware of his magical powers, so he can’t control them.

Terry: What’s the matter? Weren’t you going to tear us to pieces?

Witch of the West: … He’s not attacking? Could it be that he is still unaware of his own power? And those pure eyes. If I play it right, this might be something I can take advantage of.

The Witch of the West snaps her fingers and the gate opens.

Witch of the West: Go ahead and enter the castle!

Terry: Hey, are you going in? It might be some kind of trap.

Theo: Even if that’s the case, we won’t get any further if we just stand here, so I’ll go. There must be a reason why she won’t lay hands on us.

Theo and Terry proceed into the castle and reach the Witch of the West.

Witch of the West: So you’ve come, humans... Hand me those silver shoes. If you do, I’ll let you go.

Theo realizes from the Witch's words that the silver shoes are special.

Theo: ... If you want them that much, why don’t you just take them by force? The fact that you can’t do that means there must be something else, right?

Theo takes a step closer to the Witch. The light from the silver shoes grows stronger.

Witch of the West: Hey, stay back…! If you do as I say, I won’t do anything bad to you. That’s right, how about we team up?

Theo: You join forces with me, a mere human?

Imitating what he sees, he reaches out his hand and poses as if gathering his strength.

Witch of the West: N-No... Stop it... Wicked magic can’t win against the power of good magic.

Theo: Magic…?

While Theo is distracted, the Western Witch circles around to grab Terry.

Terry: … What!? Ugh...

Theo: Terry!!

Witch of the West: Separating you two was always my goal. So, do you not care what happens to your companion...?

Theo’s anger reaches its peak and his hidden power awakens.

Theo: … Let go of Terry!!

The magic creates a huge amount of water that splashes over the two of them.

Terry: Uwaaa!!

Witch of the West: Aah!!

The Witch writhes in agony.

Theo rushes over to Terry.

Witch of the West: My body... my body... is melting... Did you know that... water is my weakness?

Theo: O-Of course not! What is this, anyway!? Is this... magic…!?

Witch of the West: … The strength born of purity… The true power that resides in your heart… It’s over… for me.

The Witch of the West melts away to nothing. 

The Golden Cap drops to the floor, making a clattering sound as it comes to a stop.

Terry: Did we... do it? Did we win?

Theo: … I think so. More importantly, are you alright, Terry…? Are you hurt?

Terry pumps his fist in the air.

Terry: Aside from being completely soaked, I’m feeling fine! It seems like it was really just water.

Theo: … I’m so glad~

Terry: … Oh, that’s right! We can’t just stand around, we have to help our companions!

Theo: Yeah!

Translator's notes:

*1 Kyogen-mawashi- storyteller/narrator

*2 Unlike the other lines, they didn’t mention the monkeys here, only the Witch’s magic. I assume this is a mistake in the script, keeping in mind the context and the original book.

[ask-felix-aberg]

You and @theodoradevlin are out on a walk, like you usually do, anticipating an adventure, when somewhere from behind Professor Howin's hut you hear barking. Rounding the hut, you suddenly get attacked by— no, it's not puppy Seb, Felix, I am sorry by a swarm of barking pumpkins! What do you two do?

── ⋆⋅🎃⋅⋆ ─☆:⭑🍂🍁🦇🍁🍂⭑:☆─ ⋆⋅🎃⋅⋆ ──

It was just another stroll through the grounds, crisp autumn air filling their lungs, the golden leaves crunching beneath their feet. @theodoradevlin 's and Felix' afternoon had seemed rather ordinary. Until now. A sudden chorus of barking erupted from behind Professor Howin's hut.

The Ravnclaw blinked, his stride faltering as he turned towards the noise. Barking? Here? There was a split second of confusion as he looked to Theo, brows knit together, but curiosity and hope tugged him forward. It couldn't be... Puppy Seb... right? The boy thought. But rounding the corner of the hut, the truth hit Felix squarely in the chest.

Small, round pumpkins with tiny, stubby legs bounced and rolled towards them, their shrill barks ringing out into the brisk autumn air. Each pumpkin, adorned with jagged smiles and flickering eyes, seemed to compete with the others to be the most fearsome - or the most adorable.

Felix felt himself stifling a laugh as they charged forward, little legs trotting along with the utmost determination. Their bark was hardly menacing, but the ridiculousness of a swarm of barking pumpkins left him momentarily speechless, unsure whether to flee or offer a pat on the head.

Felix took a half-step back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright!" he murmured under his breath, his voice low, as if addressing the pumpkin pack would somehow appease them. One of the pumpkins, slightly larger than the rest and with an unrelenting spark in its tiny eyes, gave a more insistent bark and lunged at his ankles. Felix managed a quick step back, barely dodging the little thing.

"Erm, got any ideas on how to charm our gourd-like comrades here?" he asked, half-joking but half-serious.

As another pumpkin tumbled past, Felix raised his hands in a gesture of peace, adopting his most soothing tone. "Easy there, mate. We're just passing through. No need to get al-" He cut himself off mid-sentence, sidestepping just in time as an especially eager pumpkin sprang up, snapping its jagged grin mere inches from his face.

"Theo," he murmured, eyes wide, barely managing to sidestep as yet another pumpkin collided with his knee with a determined, if slightly aimless, yap. "I... think they mean business." His words trailed off as a few of the smaller pumpkins began to wriggle up his leg, though their tiny root-legs made the attempt look more like clumsy wiggling than an actual assault.

[dross-the-fish]

Part 2 of the Dorian Gray/Adam encounter.

Dorian had tried to barricade himself in his room, locking the sturdy oak door behind him before the creature could catch him. He cowered now under his bed, wondering where this sudden outburst of wrath had come from. His bedfellow had seemed so quiet, so gentle. Dorian had not thought him capable of true passion. But that face he had made when he’d rejected the biscuit. The burning yellow eyes and bared teeth…

Dorian would never forget that twisted, malevolent look of rage as long as he lived. It was as though he had looked into the face of a demon and for the first time in his life Dorian Gray was quaking, throat dry, chest heaving, hiding like a child while a monster rampaged on the other side of the door.

Wood splintered as the door was torn from its hinges. Heavy footfalls stalked around the outside of the bed. Dorian pressed a hand over his mouth to stifle any sound, the wetness of his tears squelching against the flesh of his palm. A thick hand shot under the bed behind him and seized his ankle. Dorian found himself dragged out and slammed bodily onto the mattress, knocking the wind out of him before he could scream.

The hand moved from his leg to grasp at his throat. Dorian’s pulse rabbited against Adam’s palm; was this how he was to die? Could he be killed by such a creature as this?

Then the monster above him stilled. A strange, somber look crossing his face.

The hand released him…

Dorian coughed wetly, breathless sobs wracking his body. Adam stood, starting intensely at him but it was as if he was no longer seeing him.

Golden hair, blue eyes, a delicate swan neck in his hand. Even the billowing white lace of Dorian’s shirt…all of it felt too familiar. The past and the present seemed to merge until they curdled together and Adam could no longer tell if time was moving forward or back.

There had been a bride once. He had crushed her throat and left her sprawled across a bed just like this one before she’d had time to scream.

Dorian coughed again as he struggled to find his voice, “Get away! Monster! Devil!” he rasped. A doomed child’s pleas echoed in his condemnations, drawing an anguished snarl from Adam.

Dorian tried to rise, “Spare me, Creature! I’ll give you anything you-“

Adam backhanded him. Sent him sprawling across the sheets.

“Silence! I have done with this! On every fair face it is always revulsion, always fear and hatred in your blue-sky eyes. Can your lips spare no kind words? Why are you always incapable of seeing that I too am a man?!” Adam screamed, flecks of foam gathering in the jagged tear of his lower lip.

Before he could strike Dorian again Theo burst into the room and seized his arm, “Adam, stop!”

His great head swiveled, his yellow eyes held a distant look, as though he were caught in the pull of something far beyond Dorian Gray.

“Adam! Adam, you ‘ave to listen t’me,” she held his gaze and kept her hand on his arm, trying to anchor his attention to herself rather than to the whimpering man on the bed, “We need to go now, if you attack Dorian, you’re goin’ to put us all in danger. I know you don’t want that,” she gave his arm a tug in an attempt to lead him away.

Adam planted his feet in resistance, Theo was strong, but she was not stronger than him. He would not leave until he was ready. There was fury etched in every line of his face as he turned his gaze back to Dorian, “Heed me! This is not over! You are careless because you have never known torment. Henceforth I will be your instructor, for I am well versed in suffering and the inflicting of it. I will leave you your life but know that you will never have a moment of peace again. You have made an enemy of me, Gray. I would have been the most faithful companion to you had you shown but a little kindness. Alas, you have rejected my benevolence, now you must live to regret it.”

Fashionably late as always, Edward finally sauntered into the room just as Theo had managed to get Adam to calm. Surveying the destruction and the pitiful youth on the bed he gave a low whistle, “Ohhh look at that,” his eyes widened with glee as he pointed at Dorian’s swelling cheek with his cane, “Not so pretty now, are you? I must say, the tears and snot really complete the picture!” he chortled.

Dorian’s chest heaved. He hid his reddening face in his sleeve “Get out! Just get out! All of you! You are never to set foot in my home again!” he shrieked hurling the bedside lamp at them.

Resisting the urge to pick Dorian up and crush him like an insect, Adam finally allowed Theo to lead him back to Watson.

Edward lingered in the room, staring at Dorian contemplatively.

“What?! What are you staring at, you ugly little dwarf?!” Dorian snapped, covering his humiliation with indignation.

Edward lunged at him, pining him to the bed with his cane across Dorian’s throat. He moved so that is face was an inch from Dorian’s, jagged teeth nearly touching rosy lips, the reek of his breath filling Dorian’s nose.

“You know what you look like to me right now, Gray? You look like a little grub, a wet, wriggling little grub. God, it makes me want to hurt you! It’s been so long since I got to hurt someone,” Hyde panted, “I have to be a good boy for my new friends but do you think they’d forgive me if I hurt you a little? Are you a screamer, Dorian?” the barely contained excitement in his voice shocked Dorian and he froze. Were they all madmen? Had he been mistaken in his assessment that this was a group of good, ordinary, people?

From the hall Theo called Edward’s name to summon him back.

With a longing sigh Edward released Dorian “I suppose I’ll get other chances to find out,” he said wistfully. He paused, halfway to the door and turned around, “Oh, one more thing!”

He swung his cane so that the diamond topper crashed into Dorian’s unmarked cheek. Gray made a gurgling nose and spat a bloodied tooth onto the clean sheets. With a curt nod Hyde picked it up and pocketed it. He locked eyes with Dorian and smiled in cold, false, affability, “One, for the jar! Ta-ta now!” he jaunted out of the room with a click of his heels.

[sexualtensiongrowing21]

As the Sun Sets // The Meeting // Part Six

TW: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, mentions of R*pe

*Please be aware of the trigger warnings for this chapter as it is dark and some themes may be triggering or hard for some readers.*

Part Seven

Scarlett's POV:

"It's been a week since the Halloween dance and Adrian caught me leaving my dorm the next afternoon and apologized. Explaining to me that it looked bad on him that I would be showing that much skin around other people. I hesitantly  apologized, but apologized no less and told him that I would be more modest. “Good girl” he said as he kissed my cheek and walked me to class.

Draco and I have our meeting with the Dark Lord tonight and we have been in the room of requirement every night trying to get this damn thing open. We are no closer than when the term started. Needless to say, we are bloody stressed. 

Slipping into my wand into my jumper, I stand outside Draco and Theos dorm. I knock on the large oak door twice. “Come in.” I hear Draco's voice call. When I open the door I see Draco pacing back and forth from his bed to Theos, mumbling to himself. Seeing as my lovely cousin is having a sort of panic attack I take a seat on the edge of Theos bed. 

The bathroom door to my left squeaks open. “Hey, tell me if you see my father will you? Oh, and feel free to throw him under the night bus if you get the chan--” He pauses looking at me with his seductive smile. “Bambina, I didn't hear you come in.” Theo is wearing just a towel that is low on his hips and water is dripping from his chest and disappearing under the towel. 

Say something Scarlet! I yell at myself. “I uh. Yeah. Draco said it was okay to come in.” 

“Well it's more than okay. Are you here to keep me company while our Drakey goes to see the Dark Lord. “ He says that last part with a very dramatic Italian accent while using another towel to dry his curly hair. 

This stops Dracos pacing “What? No Theo. She is coming with me. The letter from mother specifically said her presence was required. I’m only invited because hes at the Manor.” 

“What? Why do they need Scarlet?” Theos eyes start to gray while he is looking at me with concern. 

“I am not sure.” Draco says digging through the mess of blankets on his bed, looking for his wand. Once his wand is secured, he holds his hand out for me, I stand up to grab it when I am stopped with a loud thump from behind me. Theo now has a black jumper on and is struggling to put his pants on. 

“Hold on. I am coming with you.” He says once his pants are on and he's reaching for his own wand. 

“Theo. No. You cannot come.” Draco is pulling us away from the brown haired boy. “The Dark Lord requested her. Not you.” 

“You're bloody mad if you think I am just going to let her get thrown at his feet. You know what he is capable of.” His face is red and his eyes are fully gray now. Anger radiating off him in waves.

“Theo.” I reach for his hand, pulling his attention off of Draco. His eyes snap to mine and lighten slightly. “I will be fine. I promise. He probably just wants me to attend because I essentially live with Malfoys.” I give him my best convincing smile.

If I am being honest, when Cissy wrote that he requested me to be there as well I was flooded with panic. It's all I have been able to think about. But Theo cannot go. I do not want to anger The Dark Lord anymore than he will already be. 

“Please. We will tell you everything we can when we get back. I promise.” I squeeze his hand reassuringly. 

Still looking unconvinced he pulls me into a hug and kisses the top of my head. “Please be safe, Bambina. Draco, please bring her straight back here.” 

With Theo releasing him from their man hug, he puts his hand on Dracos shoulder and steps back. With one final look, Draco takes my hand in his and the uncomfortable twist and pull from the belly we are home. Malfoy Manor. 

——————————————————————————————————

Aunt Cissy is standing outside the gates of the Manor awaiting our arrival. 

“Mum. Is he here already?” Draco asks quietly while hugging his mother and giving her a chast kiss on the cheek.

“Yes. He's inside waiting for you two.” She pulls me as well and kisses my cheek. “Come on. We have to hurry. Need not anger him. Remember what I taught you both?” Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I locked all my doors. Stealing myself off. I turn and see Draco doing the same. 

Making our way into the manor feels like a death sentence. As soon as we walk through the doors we can hear screams. Female screams. And then that laugh that haunts my dreams. My mothers laughed. 

There, sitting at the dinner table on a large wingback chair sits the Dark Lord. 

“Ah, my Protégés have arrived. Sit. Sit.” He waves his hand out to indicate for us to sit next to him at the table. As we make our way around the table I see many familiar faces. Nott Sr. Umbridge. Snape. The Carrows. Crabbe Sr. Goyle Sr. Aunt Cissy, Lucius, and of course my mom and dad. Bellatrix and Rodolphus. 

“Little Lestrange. Your father tells me you have come a long way with your training.” His red eyes are trained on me. I can feel a pinch in between my eyes. I try to focus on his words. “Yes my lord.” 

The room is silent. “Then how come… You and the young Malfoy boy have yet to fix the cabinet?” I feel Draco stiffen next to me. 

I am starting to sweat, “Well my lord.” I swallow hard. “It has proven to be more difficult than we originally anticipated..” He is pushing through now. Breaking all the locks he sees. 

“And here I was… hoping your father wasn't lying to me. That you could in fact be useful.” out of the corner of my eye I can see Rodolphus seething. “Stand up Little Lestrange.” Taking a deep breath I stand up beside my chair. 

“Rodolphus, why don't you show us some of your… training methods.” I stiffen, eyes darting to aunt Cissy, only to realize that she can't help me. Breathe…

Then before I realize,He shouts.  “Crucio” I try to stay strong. I try to focus all of my energy on staying standing. He is still pushing through my mind and now with me being distracted images of Adrian, Pansy, Blaise and Draco flashes through my mind. Late night study sessions, stolen kisses in alcoves, dress shopping. He rips through my memories one by one. 

“Remove the disillusionment charm Bellatrix. Let her show us her true self.” 

“Please” I pleaded quietly to the floor. I see her flick her wrist “as you wish my lord”.

My eyes wander to Draco. I have never shown him my scars. I have never told him what goes on when I am not at Hogwarts or here. No one knows but my parents. 

My skin feels chilled and I know that the charm was removed as well as the jumper that I was wearing. Gasps and murmurs from around the group. Tears streaming down my face and Draco's eyes are fully gray as he stares at me.

“There she is…” The Dark Lord smiles sinisterly. “Again.” This time it's Bellatrix to cast the curse, smiling her yellow teeth at me.  

“Crucio.” I'm screaming. The pain is deafening. White hot blades working their way from inside my skin trying to get out. His attack on my mind doesn't stop. This time. Images of Theo work their way to the forefront of my mind. I try to push them back but I am so weak.

Late nights by the lake. Butterflies in my stomach when he calls me “Mi ragazza”. His smile as he kisses my hand. Falling asleep on him in the common room. The way my heart wrenches when he comes back from visiting his father, covered in bruises and with broken bones. 

I can't fight back. I finally break, falling to the floor. 

“Nott....” the Dark Lord stops his attack and turns towards the elder Nott. “Ah yes. Your heir… Why hasn't he been marked?” 

Nott Sr. Looks confused, eyes narrowed as he looks from me to the Dark Lord. “He doesn't have what it takes my Lord… He is a disgrace and a disappointment to our family name.” Disgust riddles the elders' words. 

The Dark Lord contemplates this for a second “Our Little Lestrange here, begs to differ. It seems she cares a great deal for your son…” I am struggling to breathe when I am lifted by my arm, to stand by my father. “Nott… Come forward.” My vision is starting to blur but I can see Nott Sr. coming to stand in front of me. 

“What do you think your son thinks of our little Lestrange? Do you think that her feelings are… reciprocated…?” The elder Nott assesses me closely. “I am not certain, my lord.” he says solemnly. 

“I see… What do you think, little Lestrange?” I can barely think, let alone will myself to speak. 

“SPEAK” The Dark Lord yells, with a flick of his wand I'm screaming, pain coursing through my body. “N-no… M-my L-lord.” I can feel the blood starting to trickle from the laceration he created just now on my collar bone. Blood slithering down my arm and my chest.

Deep in thought the Dark Lord “ Well… What about you Nott. Are you interested in our Little Lestrange?” Stepping up to me I can feel Nott Sr. coming closer. Running his fingers down my scar over my eye. 

The other men in the room are watching intently “Well… I guess without all the scars she was quite attractive. Perky breasts. Round behind.” His hand trails from my face down to my collar bone. I try to squirm away but I am unable to while being held in place by Rodolphus. Hands ghosting over my right breast, I involuntarily take a deep haggard breath. 

“She seems eager for an affectionate touch from a Nott… How about the rest of you?... Greyback? Dolohov?...” The Dark Lord suggests to the rest of the men around the room. “I hear they can be quite… intense…” The Dark Lord whispers to me. 

Both men rise from their seats to come near me, just as eager as Nott. Sr. Tears are flowing freely now. I can still sense them standing in front of me. Eyes trained on me, licking their lips. 

My breathing picks up, my limbs locked in place. Whimpers of pain and fear escaping my mouth. 

“Now, Now… Settle down Little Lestrange. They won't touch you… Not yet…”  

“Sit back down.” He dismisses the men to be seated again and my vision has cleared a bit he speaks to me again.

“You will fix that cabinet. You will get us into Hogwarts. If not…” He goes quiet and looks around at the men who had all been standing around me 

“Then you get a taste of what life is like for your precious Nott Jr. at home.” His snake-like smile reaches Draco and with a wave of his hand he calls my cousin to attention. “Malfoy… Get our Little Lestrange back to school. You have a cabinet to fix.” 

Draco doesn't need to be told twice. With quick movements he carefully takes me from Rodolphus’ hold and walks me out of the dinner room. 

Once we are out of earshot of the others Draco tries to talk to me, I think he is trying to calm me down, but I can't concentrate on what he's saying. He picks me up bridal style and my head lays limply on his chest. 

His heart is beating rapidly. Whispering to me. Words unclear. The blood is draining from the new laceration fast. I feel the pull of apparition but as soon as we land back in the dorm I feel as if I'm drying. 

[potterandpromises]

if brokenness is a work of art, surely this must be my masterpiece

I finished Only Murders In the Building last weekend and these two have taken over my brain. Predictably, I needed to write the missing space between when Theo sees Mabel on the subway and when she wakes up in his bed ASAP.

As it isn’t clear whare Theo’s new apartment is, I choose to set it in the Arconia, because there’s something heartbreaking about the idea of him walking into a building full of people he’s known (of) his whole life, none of whom he can turn to for help.

The title is from Neptune by Sleeping at Last.

Also on AO3

Theo catches up with Mabel a block from the subway entrance. She’s stopped fleeing, stands under a streetlight pole, gaze unfocused, a bloody object griped in her hand.

He gets ready to bear hug her in case she turns and steps into traffic at the sight of him.

“Are you hurt?” he signs slowly, carefully mouths the words.

She looks up, looks right through him.

He glances over his shoulder. A few people are staring, but at least nobody’s whipped out their smartphones. Yet.

“That blood on your sleave isn’t yours, is it?”

She doesn’t react, doesn’t even look down to see what he’s indicating. It wouldn’t make a difference if she knew ASL. Not tonight. Probably, her reaction would be the same if he spoke English or Icelandic. He’s not even sure she recognizes him through her fog. That might be for the best.

He slouches, makes himself a little smaller, takes another step towards her.

“Let me take you back to my apartment,” he signs, “so you can rest.”

In his peripheral, some guy pulls out his phone. Theo takes a chance. He puts one arm around Mabel’s shoulder.

She lets him.

With his free hand, he pries what he realizes is a blood-covered knitting needle from her fingers. She watches his hand, face imperceivable.

He shoves the knitting needle into a side pocket, keeps his arm around her shoulder, and gently but firmly turns her around.

One foot in front of the other, he tracks the looks from strangers, the sidewalk before them, and Mabel’s face. 15 minutes, he pulls her along and she doesn’t open her mouth once, as far as he catches.

He guides her through a side entrance of the Arconia. It’s five flights of stairs to his new apartment.

She begins to shiver. Theo sweats under his coat.

He unlocks the door, leads her to his bed and pulls the comforter onto her lap. Belatedly, he wonders if she’ll get the wrong idea, maybe punch him in the face. He can’t say he wouldn’t forgive her. Immediately.

Her shaking becomes less violent. She looks around the room, bewildered. He turns off the overhead light and switches on the lamp. Without warning, she starts to pull at her coat as if it were strangling her.

He steps in, ready to help her out of it, and takes in her baby blue sweater. He triple checks that the blood really does belong to her attacker.

She stops struggling and glares up at him. Her coat still clings behind her shoulders.

“Sorry.” He helps her out of it, drops it in a pile on the foot of his bed.

Theo walks the few feet to his couch, tries to feel less creepy. This would all probably be easier if he had a female friend to call. Or anyone.

“I will sleep on the couch tonight.” He gestures to it, makes himself very clear. “Try to rest now, you’ll feel better in the morning.” Hopefully, anyway. “Goodnight.”

Mabel stares at him dully. Her head tips forward slightly and, to his utter shock, she flops backward into his pillow.

His chest is tight. He doesn’t care to examine why. Mabel rolls onto her side, adjusts a hoop earing, and goes still.

He’s still. For what feels like hours but must only be a few minutes, he is frozen in place.

Hot. He’s hot.

He takes off his coat and empties the pockets, leaves the Coney Island badge on the coffee table and washes the knitting needle clean under the tap.

Groceries. He’d meant to get groceries. It’ll have to wait, of course. Sleep will have to wait, too. He’s too wired.

He sits on the couch and pulls out his phone to occupy himself. He means to google tips on how to deal with a person in shock, just in case he’s missed something important, but he opens Twitter instead.

#bloodymabel is trending again.

[dncinginthemccnlight]

Closed starter: Theo Martin and Jacqueline Bourbon (@dxncingxnmyown)

Where: the training grounds

Dark figures, money left under tavern tables, shadowy faces, and middlemen. Theo's brain wrapped in and around upon itself, trying to untangle the knot of information he'd gained from the prisoners so far. How was it that, with all that had happened and all that he'd done, he seemed no closer to finding the missing pieces, those who had hired the soldiers. Whoever had planned the attacks, everything, had been careful to make sure that no one guard would have enough information to truly implicate anyone, no matter how much Theo beat them. Or maybe they had given up more, but Theo wasn't able to make sense of it. Either way, Theo knew there was only one way to clear his head and that was to train so there he was, slicing into the dummies on the training yard with fury, knocking the head clean off one of the wooden posts. He felt eyes on him but did not stop and look up until the wood rolled to the spectator's feet. Then he saw the queen, bowing hurriedly as he realized. "Generale."

[violetfairydust]

Countdown to Halloween

#2

I hope you have a better mischief night than Scott here

-

Allison had unlocked the classroom door and took the key from the knob. She walked into the room a few feet and stopped short. The tables were now on the outer edges of the room with the ugly gray carpet that was standard in every classroom in the middle. The bookshelves were under the windows and the calendar was next to her own desk across the room from the birthday chart. Allison dropped her keys.

“What the fuck?” she mumbled. Louder she said, “What the hell happened to my classroom?”

One of the nearby teachers hurried in. She blinked at the arrangement.

“That’s quite the setup you got there.���

“I didn’t do this.”

The other teacher looked at her with narrowed eyes. “So someone broke into your classroom and rearranged everything?”

Allison was fuming. “I spent eight hours setting up this classroom the way I wanted it to be. And now... It’s a donut.”

“What?”

It dawned on Allison what happened. She dropped her voice and leaned into her coworker. “I think I know who did it. If Principal Amy asks, I’m defending myself from an intruder.” She dashed out of the room and ran down the hall.

The teacher hurried after her. After several turns around corners and in a more private section of the school—between the music portable and the gym—Allison was sitting on Scott. He was on his stomach with Allison’s chest pressed against his back and her forearm against his neck. She also twisted his other arm behind him and it was pinned between his lower back and her stomach.

“At least Lydia didn’t attack me.” He struggled under her weight. “Also how did you run and catch up to me with a broken leg?”

She kicked him with the boot in the hip and he cried out in pain. “Do you work alone?”

Scott didn’t answer.

“How many partners do you have?”

“Just Malia.”

Allison kicked him again.

“Stiles went to mess with Theo. He’s not here. Please... I’ll tell you what you want to know, just don’t feed me the chili.”

[whumperstorm]

Whumpuary day 1 - Failed Escape

Theodore was the first to spot them.

His pod was traveling between asteroid floes after their last had wandered into the shadow of  a gas giant.  The star seals moved as a unit and kept each other close by communicating through bioluminescent flashes from their dappled coats. There was no sound in the vacuum of space, but Theodore could sense the moment the ship entered the range of his antenna. And soon enough its bright red solar sails unfurled as it no doubt noticed them too.

A pirate ship. A poaching ship.

Without the cover of an asteroid belt, Theo and his kin were completely exposed. He let out a warning flash and dove down, the pod following,  in hopes to hide under the ship’s belly.

No such luck. 

The nimble hunting ship guessed their movements and nose-dived. The pod was cut off.

Theodore heard the seals’ cries as he and his pod were netted and pulled towards the ship. They thrashed against their restraints, their spots flashing, but the artificial gravity took hold of their bodies and dropped them onto the deck.  There was nothing they could do but twist and writhe in fear and desperation. They were trapped.

At least, his pod was. Theodore on the other hand, was not.

He knew of the poaching of starseals. The despicable practice infected every inch of the galaxy. But his kind were rare. He had never been there when it happened. Not until now. And Theo knew he could not let them skin another.

As the crew was occupied by the mass of fanged jaws biting at the ropes, hissing and spitting, Theo slipped out of his coat to reveal his biped form. With his hands free he brandished his knife and cut away the ropes confining him.

And oh, how one crew member shrieked in surprise when Theo’s human hand whipped out of the netting to grab his ankle. 

Theo yanked him to the ground and pounced, biting into his neck with his pointed teeth until the man’s screams turned to wet gurgles, then to silence. A couple nearby pirates took notice of the sound, but luckily most of it was drowned out by the calls of his kin and the shouting of orders by the first mate.

Theodore climbed to his feet, a little unsteady as he didn’t often take this form. He dove for the crewmen working to secure the netting to the ship. His knife sliced through the man’s windpipe and he collapsed. The main rope went slack as he let it loose. With a cry of triumph, a handful of seals wriggled out of the netting. More followed, biting and snapping at the hands of their captors .

They were still trapped on the deck, however. There was no way to get space-borne while the artificial gravity still had its grip on their heavy celestial bodies. As Theo’s mother always told him,

Swim alongside the gravity’s current, but never towards it. Once you’re in it’s teeth, you do not escape.

Theodore thanked the stars that he found an interest in starflight, studying spaceships since he was young. He whipped his head around the deck until he found what he was looking for; a beacon and lever on the main mast. The gravity generator. Not the only one. Every ship in the galaxy had backups upon backups installed onboard. Hopefully, his pod could take to the sky and flee the moment before the backup kicked in.

 Unfortunately, the entire ship was aware of his presence by now, and danger was closing in fast. He let out a shrill call to his brethren; be ready to fly.

 Then, he pounced. Slicing in every direction, he aimed not to kill but to fend off his attackers just long enough for him to reach the lever. 

A hand grabbed and twisted his wrist behind him and he shrieked. A larger member of his pod tore through the assailant’s calf muscle allowing him to slip free, but his knife was knocked out of his hand. Instead, He used his teeth to bite off their fingers.

He finally made it to the lever. He pulled with all his might and just as it clicked a weight knocked him to the ground.

The  gravity began to lift and Theo heard the triumphant calls of his pod as they took to the sky. He attempted to throw off the weight on his back and follow, but found that he couldn’t. A boot stomped down next to his head and with horror he saw that there was some sort of magnetic contraption keeping this pirate’s shoes attached to the deck. He spit in anger and attempted to twist around and snap at them but they were too strong. 

After a moment his stomach dropped as he was pulled once more against the deck of the ship. His window of escape had just closed and now more hands were grabbing and pulling him. More than he could feasibly throw off.

He let out a fearful keen. In the distance his pod responded in kind with saddened cries of their own. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a few turn back.

No. Get away. He hissed urgently. Escape. I will be fine.

One last cry in response and he heard it fade into the distance.

He was alone.

He was trapped.

……

Someone reached for his coat.

__________

Two deaths and a dozen injuries to his crew. Captain Porter knew seal hunting could be dangerous. But, as in ‘a few days of bedrest’, not ‘pushing daisies’. He was still processing the scene he just witnessed. A dark-haired man emerging from the nets and carving through his crew like a wild animal. This was not how he expected his day to go. 

Said “wild man” was currently being restrained by his first mate Holtsman and a few others. One of them pulled out their blaster. “Hold it.” Porter commanded. He made his way down from the quarter deck and approached the chaos.

“Captain.” Holtsman greeted.

The captain leaned down to assess the man in front of him. They had managed to drag him to his knees with his arms wrenched behind him. His hair was long and curled, decorated with braids and colored beads. He was completely bare, save for a starseal coat draped over his shoulders. He was quite beautiful, Porter noted, if not for the blood staining his face and teeth.

Porter scowled. Blood from his crew.

“Who the hell are you and how did you get into the middle of my operation?” Porter growled.

The man bared his fanged teeth and hissed.

The captain grabbed a fistful of hair and rammed his knee into the man’s face. There was a crunch and yelp as his nose snapped under the blow. Porter yanked his head back up.

“You just killed my people and lost me a lot of money. I’m not afraid to make this hurt. Now who are you?”

“Maybe he’s a stowaway.” Holtsman said.

“Sir, I saw him cut himself out of the netting and kill Merle.” one crew member spoke up.

“What, you think he was out there with the pod? Don’t be ridiculous. No Terran can survive out there for more than a minute.” Holtsman answered.

The captain didn’t respond. With the man’s face so close, Porter could see peculiar freckles dotting his skin. They almost looked like constellations. He glanced back at the fur coat.

He was starting to get an idea of what they had just caught. A ridiculous idea, but the evidence was right in front of him. 

The sudden appearance, the ethereal features, the fangs. The fact that he wore nothing but the skin of a creature he seemed so intent on rescuing.

Captain Porter grinned.

“Tie him up.”

The man began to struggle anew but with so many hands on him there was nothing he could do as his wrists and ankles were secured with rope. Porter reached down and pulled the coat from his shoulders. 

The man’s eyes widened in fear.

“Don’t touch that!”

“So he does speak!” Porter laughed. He knelt down to be face to face with his captive.

“You know, my ship is a seal hunting ship. We net the bastards and sell ‘em out to butchers and fur dealers. Just one pelt goes for a pretty penny.” 

The man shuddered in disgust, avoiding Porter’s gaze and staring intensely at the coat just out of his reach.

“So why is it that you have one? You seemed pretty intent on saving your little space friends back there. I highly doubt you skinned one yourself.”

Holtsman raised an eyebrow. “Captain… you can’t be serious.”

Captain Porter ignored him and pulled out his lighter. The man’s eyes snapped to it as the flame flickered to life. The fear in his eyes sent a shiver down Porter’s spine. Yes, beautiful indeed.

“What is your name, boy?”

The man ground his teeth. He was shaking now.

“I said-” He held the coat over the flame.  “What is your name?”

The fur at the end began to smoke. 

“Th-Theodore!” The man shrieked. “It’s Theodore. Please-”

Porter smiled, extinguishing the flame. He stood back up to address his crew. “Gentlemen, it looks like we’ll still meet our quota for the month! Perhaps the next few years, even.” He looked down at his prize. Theodore.

“We just caught ourselves a Selkie.”

[cantfightmoonlight]

@kadiraksoy​

You’re fine. You’ll be fine. She couldn’t tell you how many times she reiterated that stupid little phrase over and over again in her head. Five? Maybe six? Maybe ten times over? Maybe more? And it had worked. At first. She quietly sunk into the back of her office chair when Millie had handed over an essay worth of data and evidence she had collected that proved that Meena’s reality, as she knew it, had been false. She slowly flipped through page after page, managing to keep her composure and still her shaking fingers, as she calmly and rationally raised her gaze and told the town clerk that she’d take care of it. Meena was almost unsettlingly undisturbed as she called for a public announcement outside of Town Hall a mere hours after the last firework had exploded into ash in the sky ringing in that of the New Year. And she was told she gave quite the speech, calling forth search parties to bring one of their own back home. The spitting image of what a Mayor should be. Calm, cool and collected as she rested her hand on Millie’s shoulder and assured the woman that she had done good. They had finally managed to get a leg up on whoever had been terrorizing their town. Their office had managed to fulfill what they had originally promised the people of Lunar Cove when she had initially ran- that they would work to uncover the truth and find the answers their townspeople so desperately inquired. Only as Meena let her car door fall shut behind her as she drove painstakingly back home rather than cause a scene by zipping through the night using her super speed, she hardly felt as if any of this was a cause for celebration. 

If anything, she felt as if she may die all over again. Her breath quickened and her pipes seemed to close up with each gasp she took. It didn’t matter how many times she tried to reassure herself that she would be fine or remind herself that the panic would pass as it always seemed to. For she was only a few steps through her front door, when her lungs began to feel as if they were filling up with water. Fuck. She should have seen it coming. The rug always did seem to be pulled out from under her when she least expected it. She had been due for another life shattering discovery and, yet, here she was, gasping out for air as she locked the door behind her and stumbled up the stairs. Crawling into her bedroom, she pulled her feet into her chest and buried her face into her hands. Breath. Just breath. You’re alright. Only no amount of lying to herself could make this alright. 

Theo was alive and some asshole thought it would be funny to toy with her by sending god knows who’s heart to her in some box. Oh god. She had a panic attack that night too and, now the image of her hands stained in blood as they dropped the still beating heart to ground flooded into her mind. She had silently grieved the loss of the one person in her life who had managed to stick around, no matter how horrible they had been to each other and for each other. Theo had stayed until the end. Only it hadn’t been the end. She paraded herself around town acting as if she was better than fine. Acting as if she had been thriving. She had declared him dead and threw herself into her political campaign for Mayor. She had become the Clan Leader, taking over the position her own ‘husband’ coveted over her. She had lost everyone in her life and yet she had managed to turn things around. Didn’t she? Hadn’t she? So why the fuck was she here all over again? Curled up in a tiny little ball beside her bed, tears cascading down her cheeks as she tried to no avail to fight to take another breath. “Fuck,” She whimpered out, barely registering the sounds of Kadir calling out to from outside the front door.

[multipleoccupancy]

"Thank you," Theo said of her offer to bring Obsidian over, he didn't much like the thought of trying to walk, getting on was going to be hard enough and then staying on another challenge. Andrea smiled her thanks to Violet, worry still in her eyes for all the shock and gore of what had happened and it seemed to hit her all at once as she shook and put the tins and rest of their supplies back into the medical bag.

Theo meanwhile spoke softly to Andrea, trying to get her to laugh with no such luck, his eyes keeping watch of Violet as he saw her pull her knife out of Sloane's skull. Oh. That was gruesome! He didn't blame her for gagging and doubling over but she recovered.

Obsidian's ears pricked towards Violet as she approached him, he could see the blood on her hands and he quietly neighed at her as if asking if she was alright. He went with her without any fuss and approached Theo and Andrea, looking over the scene with some curiosity, he didn't understand what had happened or why everyone was covered in blood.

Andrea started to help Theo to stand up, straining under his weight and Theo understood that she was not going to be able to help him back onto Obsidian. He still leaned on her and with his saddle in reach, clung to the leathers to stay balanced. His right arm tucked tight against his chest and not daring to move it again. He was breathless, covered in sweat, stinking like nothing he had ever had to smell in his life but back on his feet... technically.

Andrea bent down and offered him a leg up with her hands. Offering them securely for him to use almost like a step. With some shuffling and several noises of pain and frustration, Theo managed to get onto Obsidian's back and let out his own breath of relief to be there. He looked down to Violet, giving her a little nod while Andrea went to find Theo's hat in the mess around where they had been attacked. "Thank you for saving me, Violet." Theo said to her quietly, "are you doing ok, is your back alright?" That had been a lot to go through and he had heard her fall onto her back multiple times, he worried.

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎 & 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐓 @multipleoccupancy

Violet listened to Andrea's instructions, putting pressure on the wound or stuffing gauze into the bullet hole when she asked. She was not squeamish, and she had patched up her own wounds many times before. But this was a bullet wound, and this was Theo. She was worried, trying hard to stay focused to keep her fears at bay. Her hands were covered in blood. Some was his, and some belonged to the men she had killed. Her own father would have been frozen in horror, with all this blood.

Time seemed to slow down horribly, but after what felt like an eternity, Theo stopped bleeding. The smell from all the monster ointments was pungent, and Violet felt a little bit queasy. She wanted to wash off all the blood, but she knew it was going to stain her hands forever. But she was relieved, she was so relieved that Theo was alive.

Now they had to go to Louisville, so he could get looked at properly. She offered him a shaky smile. "I'll bring Obsidian here, so we can help you mount," she said, trying to be steady on her foot as she stood up. Her knees were still wobbly.

She had to walk past Sloane to reach Obsidian. The knife was still embedded in his skull. She pulled it out, and there was no resistance at all. It slid right out. Violet gagged, doubling over. She managed not to throw up, and with the knife now safely in her pocket, she approached Obsidian and walked him to Theo and Andrea.

[whatwewrotepodcast]

PPis Chapter 5 - Theo

Theo and Pan had done a few short trips together now. Nothing too far, at first. Not only was the Idalia coming out of retirement, but Pan was also new to flying. He’d been on board ships as a passenger of course, many times. But never as part of the crew. Theo was taking the time to teach him to navigate, among other things. He was training him to withstand higher G’s, how to operate under minimal oxygen, preserve resources and think on your feet. A crash course in flying, as it were. He’d even taken him through how to land and take off. To his credit, he’d taken it all in, never once complaining about the early mornings and late nights. Indeed, Pan seemed to enjoy spending time on the Idalia as much as Theo did. Though he suspected it had something to do with the fact that this was the first time in decades that they had spent so much time together.

Quick visits in between Pan’s school holidays and his own down time between missions had never been enough for either of them. He knew Pan was lonely at school, and he knew how much he’d looked forward to Theo’s visits. He should have tried harder to visit more, been more present for him. But life as an Alliance soldier wasn’t particularly forgiving when it came to family time. Pan was a good kid though. And he never held it against Theo. They each just treasured the time they did manage to scavenge. Working together, living together the way they were now, was a dream Theo had never dared to think about.

But now here they were together, an undeniably good team. Pan’s information had come good, and not only did they have Henna’s contract to Haden 2, but they’d also picked up the Eagle Cargo, dropping some supplies to the Calladan Industries factory over on Sequi. Right now, it felt good to be behind the Idalia’s console again. And he had to hand it to Onyx, she felt better now than he’d ever felt before.

“I think she likes you, you know,” Pan said, pretending he wasn’t watching Theo out the corner of his eye as he worked on the flight path on his console. Theo frowned over at him, trying to remember the last thing they’d spoken about to give him some clue as to what Pan was talking about.

“Who?” he asked. Pan rolled his eyes, as if the answer were obvious.

“Henna,” Pan answered. “You can’t tell me she really came all the way down to the docks just to ‘check on the cargo’.” Theo sighed and turned his attention back to the task at hand. Genesis was the main Alliance quarters for a reason. Aside from being one of the largest stations in Andromeda, it was also very well protected.  You couldn’t get in or out of Genesis without first flying through the asteroid belt. It meant that any attacks on the Alliance would be slowed down considerably and, depending on the strength of their shields and the skills of their pilots, thinned out by the time they reached Genesis.

“Henna doesn’t trust us, yet. She came to check up on us,” Theo muttered, eyes glancing over the scanners ahead of him, directing the Idalia’s shields towards the front and sides, where they’d likely take greater hits.

“Oh sure, that’s why she kept touching your arm. To check up on you,” Pan snorted, shaking his head. Theo’s mouth pressed into a thin line, but he didn’t comment. Truth was, he had noticed that. Though he was less inclined to believe it was attraction. It felt a little more possessive to him, intimidating. He was flying under her colours for now. He was at her command. And she didn’t want him to forget it.

“You’re just mad because she called the Idalia old,” Pan added, flicking his flight path across to Theo. “Can you check that? We’re going to Sequi first you said, right?” Theo glanced at his scanners. They still had a few minutes till they hit the asteroid belt.

“Yes. We’re not required to be at Haden 2 for another few weeks,” he answered, flicking open Pan’s flight path and looking over it. The corner of his mouth lifted a little. It was good. Direct, but safe, the calculations perfect. “And the Idalia isn’t old. She’s a classic-“

“’Classic’,” Pan said in unison, lifting his fingers to scratch quotation marks into the air, rolling his eyes and grinning across at Theo. “Classic is just a fancy word for ‘old’, Theo.”

“Regardless,” said Theo, shooting his brother another look that would have silenced anyone else in a heart beat. “You are mistaken. Henna is testing us with this mission. It’s a trial. She has every right to her reservations, given our last interaction.” Pan grunted and shook his head, sitting back more comfortably in his chair and starting to strap himself in.

“Five minutes till the asteroid belt,” he said, then looked over at Theo, his brow furrowed and his lips slightly pursed in thoughtfulness. “I’m just saying, I think there’s potential there. You know what they say, get straight back on the horse and all that.” Theo gritted his teeth and busied himself by making minor, relatively unnecessary adjustments to the shields.

“Pan, don’t,” he said simply and to his relief, Pan fell quiet, albeit with an eyeroll and a shake of his head. He could feel Pan’s eyes on him though as he sat back and strapped himself in, feeling the comforting tightness around his chest and hips. With the asteroid belt looming ever larger in front of them, now was not the time to unpack that.

Theo had been flying in and out of Genesis station for years. That didn’t mean his heart still didn’t quicken every time he approached the speeding swirl of rocks and debris. The shields would take care of the smaller projectiles, burning them up or deflecting them before they got too close the Idalia’s hull. But the majority of the asteroids in the belt were large enough to take out a full Alliance Starliner, let alone a classic vessel like the Idalia. Depending on where you entered the belt, the pilots skills and the type of ship, getting through the belt could take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half to get through. It was a gruelling and tiring journey that demanded a constant hypervigilance. Getting distracted for the smallest moment meant a sudden, fiery stop and the ship being reduced to a swirling mass of debris amongst the asteroids, a new obstacle for the next passer-by. Theo quietly enjoyed the challenge.

“Entering the belt in three…. Two… one.” Pan counted down, bracing himself back against his chair. Theo’s hand tighten on the control stick, adjusting the thrusters carefully, feeling the G-forces shift and change as he began to weave his way carefully into the belt.

Everything immediately went wrong.

The second the shields came into contact with the first bit of debris, the Idalia shuddered and the engines fluttered, the lights flicking briefly to red glow of the emergency lights before flicking back on. Next there was a loud crash as the asteroid, a mere pebble in the grand scheme of things, crashed against the hull of the ship. Theo felt the vibrations come up through the floor of the bridge and he grappled with the joy stick as he fought to keep her under control. A cacophony of alarms sprung to life, sirens and horns, announcing multiple system failures. The door to bridge hissed shut behind them.

“What the fuck was that?” Pan asked, his voice skipping up a few octaves. Theo grunted, planting his feet more securely on the floor as he wrestled with the ship with two hands now. “The shields are gone! Theo, they’re just… gone!”

He backed off the thrusters as best he could, but the reality was, they were in the depths of the asteroid field now. Stopping altogether was every bit as dangerous as trying to continue on. More and more debris began to crash through, peppering the hull, the sound of them smashing against the ship so loud that it nearly drowned out the scream of the alarms.

“Try and get them back, Pan,” Theo ground out through his teeth. He didn’t dare take a hand off the controls, or take his eyes off what lay ahead of them. He grunted as he had to make a hard turn, letting up on the thrusters so he could take it sharper. He could feel the straps that kept him in his seat dig into his chest, his lungs screaming against the sudden shift in Gs. Pan made a distressed whine, holding onto his chest strap with one hand in attempt to steady himself as he frantically skipped through his console.

“I can’t! There’s nothing to get back! They’re just fucking gone!” Pan cried, his words almost drowned out by the cacophony of sirens and alarms filling the cockpit. If that were true, than they were in a really bad way. For a moment Theo couldn’t even respond as he had to put all his energy into dodging his way through a particularly large cluster of asteroids. The sound of the rocks bashing against the hull of the ship were deafening and each one knocked them askew, like the little ball in a pinball machine.

“Pan, you need to get to the emergency shuttle. We’re close enough to Genesis that you’ll make it back,” Theo said once he’d managed to straighten the Idalia once more. There were a total of four emergency shuttles. They were more like tiny, nigh on indestructible homing pods. Not only did they have a shield system completely separate from the Idalia’s, but they were made from an extremely expensive and rare alloy so strong that they could withstand ten trips through an asteroid field like this. They were bulky and weren’t designed for long flights, but it would get Pan to safety.

“Close enough that I’ll make it back?” Pan repeated, not missing the distinction. Theo gritted his teeth, flooring the thrusters as he spotted a break in the asteroids ahead, hoping to clear it before his window closed. Truth was, Theo couldn’t risk losing the Idalia and her cargo. If he returned to Genesis in an escape pod, with the Idalia and Henna’s cargo drifting in tatters through the asteroid field, there would be disastrous consequences. He had to try and get the Idalia back in one piece if he and Pan would ever have a chance of making a life for themselves. It was a risk he was willing to take. But not one he was willing to let Pan take.

“Yes. I’ll meet you back in Genesis,” Theo said, backing off on the thrusters once more as he scanned the puzzle ahead of him. He took the Idalia into a dive, hoping to find a clearer passage.

“Are you fucking kidding me? If I’m leaving, you’re coming with me,” Pan objected, though the end of his sentence was drowned out by a large crash as another asteroid bounced off the side of the Idalia’s hull.

“For fucks sake Pan, prep the pod’s destination and get out of here. That’s an order!” Theo shouted as he struggled to right the wheeling ship before it careened into another asteroid.

“But what about you?” Pan asked, though out of the corner of his eye Theo was relieved to see that he was in fact preparing one of the pods.

“We need this contract Pan. We can’t lose the cargo,” he panted, bringing the nose of the Idalia up sharply as he spotted another opportunity.

“Well, I can’t fucking lose you! Not again! Theo please, just come with me,” Pan pleaded. It was a low blow, and Pan knew it. Theo gritted his teeth, giving a tiny shake of his head, wary of disrupting his field of vision at all.

“Prep two pods. If the hull integrity gets to 15%, I’ll bounce out, alright?” he snapped back. Pan hesitated, but recognised a win when he saw one and busily got to work booting up two pods and setting their coordinates. It seemed to take him forever, but in reality it was probably little more than another five minutes. Sweat was already beginning to drip down the sides of his face and pool at the base of his neck. He could feel his core, tense from keeping himself braced and steady in the chair, working overtime and wondered how long he would have before true fatigue would set in.

“Alright. They’re ready,” Pan shouted over the whine of a new alarm. Hull integrity was already down by 20%. Theo found the clearest spot he could amidst the flying chunks of rocks, easing the ship back a little. Coming to a standstill right now would make swiss cheese out of the Idalia. Pan had been working on the ships long enough though that he should be able fight his way through to the pods at higher level of G force than the average person would.

“Alright. On the count of three, unbuckle and go,” Theo instructed, his eyes shooting around the view screen, checking every asteroid he could see, estimating how fast it was travelling, working out where he had to be to avoid the most amount of damage whilst slowing down. “One, two, three.”

Theo dampened the thrusters and pulled back on the stick, sending the Idalia coasting upwards slightly as their motion slowed to a comparable crawl. He’d lowered it to around 3Gs, which was as low as he’d dare go in the midst of asteroid belt. Pan unbuckled himself and lurched to his feet, his brain able to move faster than his body could. He hauled himself towards the door of the bridge, fetching up against it.

“Theo, please, just come with me! It’s too dangerous!” he shouted back. Theo growled, watching one of the larger asteroids loom closer and closer. If that one hit, it would crumple the Idalia like tin foil.

“I told you to get the fuck in the pod!” Theo shouted, his hand clamped on the thrusters, itching to inch them up, but unable to while Pan was loose in the ship. “I’ll meet you back at Genesis. Go! I got this!” He couldn’t turn around to see Pan’s face, but he heard him swear and grunt as he began to force his way off the bridge and to the pods in the hallway just beyond.

Theo’s eyes flicked nervously from the view screen to his display and back again, waiting for the shuttle to alert him that Pan was in and clear of the Idalia, watching as his window of grace closed more and more. The Idalia shuddered as it was peppered with pebbles, something the shields would have made short work of had they been working properly. But they weren’t, and every strike against the hull and sides of the ship sent up a new dissonance of wails and alarms. It sounded like he was in the midst of a hail storm with nothing but a sheet of tin between him and the ice.

Finally his display flashed up to say that the emergency shuttle had been activated. He waited breathlessly, his sweaty palms feeling slippery inside his gloves, but he didn’t dare take his hands off to change them.  Finally, after thirty seconds that felt more like an eternity, a large siren sounded.

EMERGENCY SHUTTLE ONE DEPLOYED. ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL FORTY SEVEN MINUTES. EMERGENCY SHUTTLE TWO READY FOR DEPLOYMENT.

Theo huffed, the closest to a sigh his lungs could managed amidst the high Gs and anxiety, and slammed the thrusters back to life, pitching the Idalia back down and twisting her away. Now all he had to do, was get the Idalia back to Genesis in one piece.

He gritted his teeth and groaned as another impact shot the Idalia off course, crashing into another asteroid. He glanced down at his display briefly.

Hull Integrity 64%. Six hours, thirteen minutes until destination Genesis.

He could feel the sweat pouring down his neck into his flight suit as he began to carefully manoeuvre the Idalia in a large half circle. He could feel the adrenaline flooding his system with every rapid beat of his heart. He had to fight not to hold his breath every time an asteroid crashed into the sides of the ship, or he’d go dizzy with lack of oxygen. He didn’t have the luxury of being able to panic right now. Keep your head down and your eyes up, he told himself, taking a long, steadying breath.

Hull Integrity 57%. Five hours, twenty one minutes until destination Genesis.

He wasn’t sure if the sounds of the alarms were growing quieter, or if his hearing was becoming affected. The constant whine and shrill became more like distant cries. They were a strangely comforting constant as the ship was beaten and bashed through the belt. As long as he was still hearing those alarms, it meant he still had a chance. A new alarm broke through the discordant melody. It was an update from the emergency shuttle. Pan had arrived at Genesis. He was safe.

Hull integrity 44%. Three hours, thirty eight minutes until destination Genesis.

               Theo couldn’t risk slowing the Idalia down any further, given the speed of the asteroids shooting around him. It would be like sitting still in the middle of a spaceway. That meant keeping the gforces high on the ship. He’d done training at levels higher than the 4Gs he was currently travelling in, but he was aware that this was an endurance run. His lungs were fighting for every breath and every beat of his heart seemed harder than the last.

Hull integrity 32%. Two hours, twelve minutes until destination Genesis.

Coherent thought was gone. There was only the controls in his hands, his eyes staring out at the view screen. Hard right. Nose down. Bank right. Nose up. Impact. Hard left.  All that was left of him was instinct and determination. He could see the edge of the belt on his display now. A light at the end of the tunnel. He just had to hold on a little longer.

Hull integrity 21%. Fifty eight minutes until destination Genesis.

Theo could see the edge of the belt with his own eyes. His body was quivering with exhaustion. Was that why he didn’t see it coming? Or had it come through in his blind spot? Regardless, by the time it was upon him, his evasive manoeuver was nothing more than a token effort. Even if the Idalia’s shields had been intact, the impact of an asteroid that size would have been enough to bump it off course. As it was, with zero shields and an ever weakening hull, it sent the Idalia reeling. Whether through skill or sheer luck, it hit the ship in such a way that it sent it careening out of the belt. Theo felt the edges of his consciousness darken as the Idalia spun mercilessly, the g-forces creeping up. He’d lost a thruster. The lights on the bridge flickered and went dim, now only lit by the red glow of the emergency lights. The main thruster was offline. Without it, he struggled to right the ship once more, using only the smaller auxillary thrusters, normally meant for guiding the ship slowly into port. He swallowed back the bile that rose in his throat as the Idalia finally straightened out.

Hull Integrity 16%. Thirty five minutes until destination Genesis.

Slowly, painstakingly slowly, he limped the Idalia back through the open space to the Genesis station.

Eventually, after an impossible, undeterminable amount of time, Theo found himself on the float outside the hangar bay of Onyx’s workshop. He hadn’t even considered the time until he’d seen the bay doors closed. It was nearly 3am on the station. Onyx would be home, asleep. He wasn’t sure he’d make it all the way around to the public docks. He linked up the intercom, having to blink rapidly as his vision blurred, hoping that at the very least Onyx would have remote control of their bay doors from wherever they happened to be. He wasn’t sure if it took them a while to answer or not, his concept of time warped by exhaustion. Eventually though the intercom buzzed and Onyx answered with little more than a sleepy grunt of interrogation. Theo didn’t feel bad for waking them.

“Where are you? Can you open your hangar?” he asked, surprised that his voice even still worked. He was met with a confused silence, then he heard a loud beep and he saw the hangar bay doors start to open in front of him, the light peeking out from within and flooding him with relief. Theo muttered some choice expletives that he’d learnt from his mother as a child.

“’m in bed, the fuck you think I am? ‘S 3am,” they slurred, croaky with sleep.

“How nice for you. I just spent six hours manually dodging asteroids because my shields failed on the first impact!” he snapped. Now the pressure of life and death had been lifted, he found anger just as beneficial in keeping him conscious and upright. It had a pleasing effect on Onyx, too, as he listened to the creaking sound of a bed being relieved of its load and the sound of feet on metal stairs.

“Eh? Failed?” they grunted, a little breathless now. “The fuck you mean, failed?” As soon as the doors were open enough he began to creep the Idalia in, ignoring the fresh wail of proximity alarms as he did so.

“I mean they were unsuccessful in shielding my ship,” he answer, each word clipped as he forced them through his teeth. He shut down the communication line with a satisfying fist on the button. He didn’t have much focus left in him, and he’d need all of it to dock the Idalia in the bay without crashing and bringing the whole sector down with him.

The Idalia touched down, her docking clamp secured steadily as the hangar doors began to close once more. He went about powering the ship down and it shuddered and fell into a blissful silence, as though it weren’t going to stay awake much longer anyway. Theo barely noticed the sudden absence of her alarms for the ringing in his ears. He only paused long enough to send Pan a brief message. Made it to Genesis. I’ll be in touch shortly. Then he pushed himself up out of his seat and made for the hatch. If he didn’t keep moving now, he would stop and never start again.

He could feel the clammy dampness of his suit, sticking to him in the crook of his elbows and knees, and plastered to his back between his shoulder blades. He couldn’t stop the fine tremors that made all his muscles quiver. The ground felt uncomfortably solid beneath his feet after the hours spent rolling and diving on the ship. Every step felt like it was rising up to meet him before he could put his foot down, only to find it exactly where he left it with the next stride. He waited the extra few seconds it took for the bay to pressurise before opening the hatch and striding out.

Onyx appeared through the door way at the top and headed hastily down the metal stairs to the bay. Their hair was sleep tousled and they were clearly in the pyjamas, a loose black t-shirt and synth-cot pants. They were squinting against the bright lights of the hangar as they padded barefoot over to him.

“I though you said you’d fixed the shields,” Theo ground out, even less inclined to bother with pleasantries than usual. His gloves suddenly felt too tight, like they were constricting the blood flow to his fingers and he fumbled with the clasps on them before peeling them off. He balled the soaking gloves in his hands, a weak attempt to hide just how badly they were shaking.

“I did, ay. Stop snapping at me and tell me exactly what happened,” they said, rubbing the sleep out of the corner of their eye with the knuckle of their thumb. Theo took a deep breath, surprised to find how easy it came, and relished in the feel of his lungs expanding to their full capacity. The rush of oxygen settled him, clearing his mind, though his feet remained planted under his hips, unconvinced he could walk much further just yet.

“I told you. They failed at first impact. Crossing into the belt at sector 12, came across debris that even the most basic of shields should be able to handle. It took one hit and they just ‘fft’ stopped,” he explained, even his anger beginning to fade in his exhaustion. Onyx wrinkled their nose as they looked over the Idalia. Theo risked a glance at her for the first time since stepping off. She was steaming in multiple places and her hull looked like a ball of aluminium foil that had been crumpled and then flattened out again. He could see a crack in the screen now, which he hadn’t noticed from the inside, and the hull had made emergency attempts to repair its own cracks through the release of a sealant fluid. She looked, in a word, like trash.

“It’s well fucked,” Onyx said as they started for a crate against the wall. Theo didn’t bother commenting on the obvious nature of that statement as they rummaged around in the crate. To his surprise they surfaced not with a tool, but with a bottle of some sort of alcohol. Vodka, he thought.  “Here, have a drink before you puke on my floor,” they said offering him the bottle as they continued to frown at the ship. Theo felt his surprise rock through him, a subtle offer of peace? Apology? He reached out to take the bottle regardless, grateful for it as he undid the cap. His body needed water more so than alcohol, but he took a large mouthful anyway, hoping it might stop the muscle twitches.

“Fft?” they mimicked the sound he’d made earlier. “Was there a noise? A shudder?” they asked.

“There was a large shudder when the asteroid put a massive hole in my ship, yes,” he snapped back, pausing to take another swig of the alcohol, feeling the burn of it sliding down his throat. “But no, no noise. It came through the shields like a hot knife through butter.” He watched them carefully as they grunted back at him distractedly, heading into the Idalia, no doubt making their way to the bridge. As soon as they were out of view, Theo’s shoulders slumped, unable to hold the weight of his own head any longer. He took a fortifying swig of vodka before dragging himself over to the stairs. He’d only meant to lean against the railing, but instead he found himself sitting down on them. His head swam dizzyingly, so he dropped it to hang between his knees, paying attention instead to taking long, steadying breaths. He could hear the metal stairs beneath him ringing ever so slightly with the force of his shaking. Now the adrenaline was well and truly leaving him he found he had very little left in its place.

He heard them coming back out and forced himself to stand once more, placing the end of the railing against the back of his hip, something solid to steady him. They made their way back to him, their bare feet almost silent on the floor of the bay, and took the bottle of alcohol from him, taking a deep swig. He found the action intriguing. Was it a clue as to how rattled they were by the apparent fault?

“Power converter failed,” they said, handing the botte back to him. “I ain’t gonna get her running tonight. You’re leaking atmo somewhere and got near to a hull breach. And the main thruster got knocked offline.” Theo took a deep breath, one last flicker of anger flaring back to life in his chest.

“I’m aware,” he said shortly, forcing each word out as though it hurt him to speak. He hadn’t popped back in to chat about the weather after all. “I’m more concerned with why it failed. They were working better before you fixed them.” Onyx looked back at him at that, their chin lifting a fraction to fix him with a level stare.

“You want yer ship fixed, you’re gonna wanna watch what you say to me right now, pal,” they warned him. “I’ll look into it tomorrow, ay? I can’t tell what went wrong just by starin’ at it. I’m not fucking psychic.” Theo gritted his teeth, but he knew he had no choice. If he couldn’t find a mechanic to work on the Idalia as she was before, he sure as shit wasn’t going to find one in the condition she was in now. That and he didn’t want to risk angering Onyx so much they made him take the ship away immediately. He wasn’t sure he could manage that. He wasn’t even sure he’d manage the walk back to the bar where Pan had presumably gotten their regular rooms.

“Very well,” he said, not wanting to waste any more of his precious and quickly fading energy by standing around arguing with them. He wasn’t in his best form. Neither of them had all the facts just yet. That was an argument he could have when he was hydrated and rested. He turned away, his eyes falling on the metal staircase before him. Had they always been so steep?

“Need somewhere to stay?” Onyx asked from behind him. He paused, turning back to them, disappointed to see that despite feeling like he’d scaled a mountain, he’d only managed to conquer three steps.

“What?” he asked, looking back down at Onyx, not entirely sure what they were offering. They gestured vaguely towards the ship.

“Thinking like it’s not in your interest to rob me, ay? So stay in ya ship if you want. I got food upstairs,” they offered. Theo hesitated obviously, his brain taking an unusual amount of time to process what Onyx was saying. But in the end, the prospect of having a bed mere metres away instead of a forty five minute walk away was too tempting to pass up.

“Alright,” he agreed, stepping back down. His knee buckled underneath him suddenly but he caught himself on the railing before he crumpled altogether. Falling was certainly a faster way to descend stairs, though he tried to pass it off as though he’d simply meant to clear two steps at once. Judging by the way Onyx’s brow twitched at him, he wasn’t fooling anyone. “Appreciated,” he added belatedly.

“Keep the bottle,” was all they said. He glanced down briefly at the bottle he’d forgotten he was still holding as they stepped around him and made their way up the staircase with an ease that made Theo jealous.

Theo managed to get back into the Idalia and into his quarters without further incident. The quarters were small and the cot was narrow, but in that moment it felt like the penthouse suite of a five star hotel. He took another deep swig of Onyx’s vodka, putting it down on the sidetable. He pulled out his hand held as he unzipped his flight suite, the fresh air hitting his damp skin, delightfully cool. Pan had sent him a message, but his vision was blurry enough that he couldn’t quite read it. He was okay though. So he sent him another message in reply. I’m staying on the Idalia tonight. I’ll find you tomorrow.

He sat down on the cot, leaning over to pick up the vodka bottle. He took another mouthful, feeling the steady warmth of it start to spread through his body, easing the trembling, slowing his heart rate, bringing a pleasant tingle to his fingertips. He took one more mouthful, put the bottle back on the table, then lay down, passing out before his head hit the pillow.

[edgeofsilverpineforest]

Cont. from Below (Post #6)

Sparrows

Feather four felt the ground buzzing overhead. Thuds sounded more frequently, erratically above their heads and not long after the Dreadfang deployment. The two Sparrows waited for their moment, according to the plan. There would be a signal, a sign from the Shadow Sparrow, which should arrive any moment now.

Feathers Two and Three were hooded, masked, and leaping among treetops toward the Worgen frontlines. The problem was finding trees to jump to that weren’t on fire. 

“The Boss kinda fucked us.” “Just keep going and find us a clear path.” Lightning forked from the rolling, illuminated canopy of storm clouds overhead, striking toward the ground and hitting various targets in rapid succession. The two Feathers instantly flattened to the tree trunks, clinging with gloved hands. 

“I’m not wrong.” “And yet, he made this easier.” “Did he?”

—

Feather Five released the two smoke bombs from his hand, listening to them bounce around a few branches toward the approaching pair of Worgen. His other hand withdrew his pistol, pushing the tip into another holster with a snap-on silencer. Feather Five’s thumb brushed up alongside the pistol grip, and a shimmer illuminated until he pressed his thumbprint over the proper depression, selecting his ammo of choice. Severite shot with an internal magma chamber that explodes internally. Lowering the barrel, Feather Five aimed and felt the recoil of the first pistol blast all the way up into his shoulder. After steadying himself on the branch, his head turned just in time to discover the other Worgen standing there behind him…, just as the other howled on their descent toward the Silverpine forest floor. “You’ll pay for that.” “Oh yeah? Say when.” Feather Five took aim, his arm snapping up, and he clicked the trigger faster than the Worgen could blink, sending the beast to smash into the tree trunk. It shook the tree, sending the Sparrow off balance, and he soon descended among the branches. 

“Not again,” he cursed under his breath, reaching for any hold that would take. Two small ‘booms’ sounded as the bullets imploded inside the attacking Worgen. Their howls instantly ceded.

Worgen Front Line

Chaos. This is what the enemy had fashioned. Carol no longer screamed as her body burned in the brush, muscles twitching as Dreadfang took hold. The tree top rooted Haywood to the ground. He’d cast his battleaxe aside to shove the fiery trunk off him. Ripped muscles and Worgen fury were insufficient. Smoke boiling off the bark filled the leader’s nostrils, choking his cries for aid as the smoke filled his lungs. It stung his eyes, blurring his vision. Just as his arms were about to give out and his hope waned, the log’s weight lightened, and the treetop was pulled from his body. 

Haywood blinked back the soot-filled tears while the world righted itself. Two of his men had pulled him to his feet. Someone shoved his axe back into his hand, and he found himself nearly unable to grip it as his bicep started twitching. His eyes glanced sideways toward Carol’s body.

“What are you thinking? Forward or retreat?” asked one of the men who had saved him.

“I…,” Haywould began but then hesitated. What was the correct course of action here? They still did not know who this enemy was or how many were out there. 

“How many-” he began to inquire before the second man cut him off with the answer. “Over half.” “Dear gods.”

Haywood brought both hands to the handle of his battleaxe and turned it to view the symbol between the blades. Then he took a deep breath, the sort that filled deep into the diaphragm. Opening his maw, their leader let out a battle cry howl. They would all overcome this unseen enemy tonight… or die together. 

Haywood’s muscles began to twitch randomly. He pushed forward in an attempt to ignore the effects… for now.

Theo

Small pockets of brilliance fluttered about among the Shadow plane. The fires raining down from above, landing on the ground, were nothing more than waves of light grey. The color of magic in the forms of boundary lines, weapons, armor, and spells ahead could be viewed in the elf’s periphery. Potential spoils of war to be claimed once the last mutt was cast down. First, he had to deal with the death knight. 

He was at a disadvantage on the ground, with them on even footing. The Shadow Sparrow glanced upwards and saw the path ahead before crouching down. With the shield of the tree’s trunk, Theo launched himself upwards and raised his arms high. He readied himself to grab hold, pulling himself up to his feet. Any slight movement of the branch could give his location away, so he had to move quickly to another tree, much like some other Sparrows were doing. 

Theo withdrew both blades, readying for when the death knight’s hook came out to play. Mid-air and on his way to the third tree, he was suddenly plucked from the Shadow plane and dragged toward the ground. The assassin’s lips almost twitched in a smile. 

At mid-distance from his challenge, Theo dragged his blade along the curve of the hook to disengage himself, and he shadow-stepped behind the death knight. Both blades were poised, turned to dig into the flanks of the Worgen’s backside.

“Did you think it would be so easy?”

Theo could feel the chill attempting to creep around his wrists and within his mind. His eyes narrowed, and his exhale could visibly be seen. His blades sunk in slower than he’d have liked, but they did take hold. Twisting the blade, the assassin pressed his thumb against the pommel of one while ripping the second dagger free. Naturally, no blood ran out of the wound. He needed to distance himself from the Worgen before his feet froze to the ground, feeling the chill creep into his boots. 

“I see you have more talent than a fly.”

Theo back-flipped and then sprang off the trunk of the nearest tree, attempting to gain height again. The Worgen reached around and pulled the dagger Theo left behind free. Blood ran freely this time, causing the death knight’s head to snap up. A low growl vibrated in the cold vicinity. 

“Perhaps a rat.”

The death knight flung Theo’s blade away, which was a mistake. Theo had recall glyphs on his blades, though he suspected the Worgen had an anti-magic zone around him. The assassin watched as the Worgen held a hand against the bleeding wound. The button pressed quickly injected one of his concoctions along the blade, a toxin made especially for the undead. The wound would not be closing anytime soon. 

With another growl, the death knight turned and waved his blade. A sheet of ice dangerously poured out, making Theo climb higher. He didn’t want any of that touching him, knowing it would disorient him. When the cone of ice nastiness ended, the Worgen stepped forward to inspect the area with his blade raised. Theo waited patiently until the death knight was directly below before dropping onto his shoulders and instantly digging his blade into flesh.

The howl wasn’t what had Theo going wide-eyed. The sudden surge of force tried to launch him off the Worgen’s back. The elf’s thighs flexed to keep him wrapped around the bleeding death knight. His dagger had gone through an ear. Pulling his dagger out, he sunk it in, deeper this time while opening his palm to recall the other one, hoping he’d disrupted the Worgen’s concentration. 

Claws sunk into Theo’s calf. He gritted his teeth from making any sound and reached around to grip the hilt with both hands to swipe it across the front of the Worgen’s neck beneath the helm worn. Beheading was going to take a few attempts.

<<to be continued>>