#there's no attempt to make him look bigger outside of the bed despite how puffed up he acts from what I've seen of him

[hibernating-stag]

I've heard there's heated debate on this topic but I Do Not Care, I formed a solid opinion the first time I saw one of his win screens

^ This guy HAS to be 15 ^

[yellowsuitcase]

Betwixt; Draco Malfoy: Chapter - The Job

Introduction(please read!)

First and foremost, warnings will be posted at the beginning of each chapter, but as a forewarning this story will contain mentions of sexual assault as well as swearing/strong language, and smut.

There are some characters in this story that are mine, however, the majority of them are based off of characters in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series. I do not support JK Rowling.

This is a Royalty AU, magic as seen in the Harry Potter series does not exist within this universe.

This series is also being posted on Wattpad @Tonix27 and it is currently In progress / Completed

I plan to create a Spotify playlist for this story, when I do it'll be posted in my masterlist for Betwixt.

Cover and Beta work by @10amnoodles​ on Instagram and Twitch

Please do not repost. There are trends on Tik Tok of people taking sections of writing from their favorite fanfics and posting them, I do not want this done with my work. However, you may post a screenshot of the fanfic's cover with the summary.

A/N: First chapter of the series I’ve been working on! I’m so excited for you guys to read this!!!!

Summary: To make ends meet after her mother's death, Y/N, a young mom, living within the kingdom of Sithrawl, lands a job at the castle working for the Royal Family, specifically for the prince, Draco Malfoy. What starts as a way to make money for her son quickly turns into an unexpected romance between her and the prince. Y/N soon finds herself stuck between her responsibilities as a mother and her longing for  love and adventure

Warning(s): Swearing

Word Count: 5.9k

Credits: @10amnoodles​ Check her out! her artwork is incredible and this series wouldn’t be happening without her :)

Directory

I shut the rickety door and leaned against it, the weight of my body keeping it closed. A deep sigh left my lips, and I relaxed my shoulders, finally feeling safe. It was silent in my home. Jasper must be asleep. I pushed myself off the door and crept around the corner. The wall was cold to the touch, and I was surprised to feel an indent underneath my fingertips. I pulled my hand away to see a long crack embedded in the plaster. There were already so many in this damn house, not to mention the little holes in the roofing and the lack of insulation. It was getting colder every day.

Sighing to myself, I made a mental note of the new damage and peeked into the bedroom. There he was, his dirty blonde hair cast over his eyes as he slept. I put my hand on his shoulder and gently shook him, waking him up. He rubbed his eyes sleepily. Upon seeing me, he jumped up. “Mummy!” he said excitedly. My heart swelled as I took my boy into my arms and hoisted him onto my hip. 

“How are you, my love? Hungry?” I ask. He nodded eagerly. I chuckled lightly at his toothy grin. He was always hungry, but weren’t all six-year-olds? Luckily for him, I managed to get some bread for free down at the market. Mrs. Weasley, the kind woman at the bakery, has been sneaking me food for the past two weeks. And although I was grateful for it, I was also ashamed. I would’ve been able to pay for her tasty treats, but my family’s funds had been stretching thinner and thinner ever since my mother passed. 

She died on the first of October, just as the cold was setting in. It wasn’t sudden; she’d been sick for a month or so before finally laying to rest. I had tried to take up her old job. She worked as a maid for a relatively wealthy family, the Greengrass’. However, when I knocked upon their door, a middle-aged woman dressed in my mother’s old uniform answered. That had told me everything I needed to know. Since then, I’ve been scouring the village for potential work. I’d managed to get a few odd jobs here and there, but nothing long term, and I needed to feed my boy. 

“What did you get today, Mum?” Jasper questioned. I turned to him and kissed his forehead. 

“Just some bread. Is that alright?” I asked hopefully. He’d never been the type of kid to complain, but I knew that, as he grew, so did his appetite. Bread was quickly becoming dull. Sooner or later, he’d voice his distaste for it. To my surprise, Jasper smiled and squeezed his arms around my neck, giving me a tight hug. “Yep!” he replied cheerfully. My anxiety quickly faded away. I kissed his cheek and sat him down at the table. 

“Did you do anything fun today?” I asked as I began slicing the loaf. Jasper hummed, thinking to himself. 

“I pretended to be a cow!” he declared, looking proud of himself. Jasper had always been quite the fan of cows. His favorite activity was trotting around the house, mooing. In my opinion, it was the cutest thing ever, but I may be a bit biased. 

“Did you? And how did you do that?” I asked, eyebrows raised. Jasper smirked and puffed out his chest. “I ate grass!” he announced loudly. I shook my head in bewilderment. “You ate grass?” Jasper nodded proudly. “Yup! And look,” he reached inside his pocket and pulled out a bundle of green grass, dumping it onto the table. “I saved some for you,” he finished, pushing the greenery towards me. I did my best to hide my grimace and gently placed his plate of bread in front of him. “That’s...wonderful, uhm, sweetheart, it’s not good to eat grass. You could get sick,” I said quietly, trying to deliver this news gently. A frown appeared on Jasper’s face, and he dropped his head, his eyes now staring at his lap. 

“Oh, Jas, it’s alright. I know you were only playing, but humans can’t eat grass,” I said while taking my own seat at the table. He reluctantly looked up, his pouty lips on full display. “Come on, love, eat some of your bread. The sun is going down, and I don’t like washing dishes in the dark,” I spoke sternly, trying to get him to eat. He sighed but picked up his bread and shoved it in his mouth. I made sure he didn’t choke since he had a tendency to take bigger bites than he should. I gnawed on my own piece.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was nearly nightfall. Who would be at the door at this time? I quickly got to my feet as the person knocked again. “Who’s that, Mum?” Jasper asked, his mouth full of bread. “Finish your bite before speaking, Jas. And I don’t know, let’s find out.” I approached the door, brushed off my dress, and turned the knob. Standing outside was Ron Weasley, the bakers’ youngest son. 

“Ron? Come in, come in. What’s going on?” I asked, a bit concerned he was here to tell me his parents wouldn’t be able to give me food anymore. The ginger-haired boy rushed past me and into my home and eagerly slapped a flyer onto the table. “Look,” he told me as he pointed to the parchment. I gave him a skeptical look but walked over to the table and picked it up. 

The Malfoy family is seeking a servant to the young prince. If interested, arrive at the castle at dawn on the 19th of October.

SALARY: 4 galleons per hour

The person selected to be the Prince’s servant will furthermore reside in the castle.

As I took in the information on the flyer, Jasper took the parchment from my grasp. He held it out in front of him and stared at it intently. I considered berating him for taking what doesn’t belong to him, but I chose not to, and instead, I turned to Ron, who had an enormous grin on his face. “Ron, you can’t be serious…”

“It’s perfect! It’s four galleons an hour, and if you’re working dawn till dusk, that’s roughly eleven hours. Forty-four galleons a day, Y/N. You can’t pass this up. You’d be mad not to at least try,” he told me. I wasn’t quite sold, “Yeah, that sounds like a dream, but what would I…” I paused and held my hand up to Ron, signaling him to give me a moment. Then I faced Jasper. “Darling, put your plate in the sink and go wash up; I’ll be there soon to get you ready for bed, alright?” I instructed him. His pouty lips returned. 

“But I wanna know what’s going on!” the boy insisted. He dropped the paper, crossed his arms over his chest, and promptly glared at me. I held back my laugh at his attempt at intimidation and put a hand on my hip. “Do as I say.” Jasper sighed but slid off his chair and trod off to the bathroom. I turned back to Ron. “If I live at the castle, how can I take care of Jasper? I can’t just leave him here alone; he’s only six, not to mention he’s ill,” I explained as I picked the parchment back up again. Ever since Jasper had turned four, he started having trouble breathing. There had been times where I was unsure if he’d survive through the night. Ron knew about this, but he wasn’t budging. “Y/N, the castle isn’t far. You could sneak out at dusk and spend the night with Jasper, no problem.”

“With all due respect, Ron, I don’t think it’ll be that easy. I’d have to get past people in the castle, the guards, and who knows who else?” I said, shaking my head. My eyes drifted to the flyer in my hand. A servant to the prince. What did that even mean? There was a serious lack of detail in the advertisement. My lip curled in distaste. The Royal Family was known to be quite the arrogant bunch. Malfoy, their surname, directly translates to ‘bad faith’. They didn’t treat their citizens well; nearly every town outside of Orton’s walls was neglected. Totbury, my town, especially.

Nevertheless, the Malfoy’s knew that, despite treating their people terribly, people would scramble for the chance to land this job. Simply based on the look of the family’s servants, they weren’t looking for people like me. If they found out where I live, they’ll surely dismiss me.

“Y/N, you’re underestimating yourself. That castle has numerous secret passageways, just find one of those, and you’re all set. And even if that doesn’t work, then you just make an excuse. Say the Prince himself sent you into the city, what are the guards going to say to that?” Ron argued. I threw him a look of confusion as I put the flyer down, my eyes lingering on the young prince. “How would you even know about secret passageways?” I asked. Ron cocked an eyebrow. “You don’t believe they exist?” he asked incredulously. I scoffed and walked over to the sink. 

“Ron, they’re only rumors. I’m sure they have a couple of lesser-known corridors, but not a secret passageway. That’s absurd,” I began rinsing off the plates and silverware, “And besides, I wouldn’t get chosen. Have you forgotten who I am? They’re not going to hire a peasant from Totbury, Ronald. I mean, have you seen the sheer amount of guards that line up around the Prince? They won’t let anyone touch him, so what makes you think they’d let me be his personal servant?” I asked, not really expecting a legitimate answer. However, it seemed as though Ron had all the answers that day. 

“That’s easy, just lie. Say you’re from Orton. The population is big enough that they wouldn’t know the difference. And it’s not like the King and Queen even leave the castle. I bet they couldn’t tell the difference between a Sithrawliean from a Perwenese,” Ron claimed. Perwen was the neighboring kingdom to Sithrawl.

“That may be true, but even if I lied, I don’t look the part. I’ve got maybe two dresses, and they both have holes in them. They’ll see right through me,” I pointed out yet another problem with Ron’s plan while I scrubbed the chipped plates in my sink. He remained silent for a moment but then snapped his fingers. 

“You’re about the same age as Ginny, aren’t you?” he asked, eyes looking hopeful. Indeed, I was around his sister’s age. I told him so, and he smiled. “Then you could borrow one of her dresses, in fact, I think Mum just bought her a new one!” he suggested excitedly. Once I put down the now clean plates, I dried my hands and spun around to face Ron. 

“I’m not taking Ginny’s new dress; that’s ridiculous,” I replied. Ron opened his mouth to retaliate, but I interrupted him. “Look, I appreciate you looking out for Jasper and me, but I can’t...I can’t just lie to the Royal Family. And I don’t want to leave my son at home all day.” 

“But haven’t you already been doing that? You’ve been scouring the streets for weeks looking for a job. I just thought that maybe this would be a good—”

I cut him off, my patience lost. “Yes, well, you thought wrong! I’m not going off and living in a lavish castle while my child is all alone in this shithole. It’s unfair to him, and I’m not doing it. End of story.” 

Ron’s previously bright smile had faded into a regretful frown. He nodded his head and looked at the floor as if he was afraid to look me in the eye. I began to feel guilt seep into my stomach. He was only trying to help, and here I was giving him a hard time. Nice going, Y/N.

“You’re right. I’m sorry for suggesting it. I’ll just...get going, and don’t worry, I’ll tell Mum you say hello,” Ron said solemnly as he headed for the door. I held my tongue and walked him out, waving as he strode down the road. When I closed the door behind him, I let out a heavy sigh and ran my hands through my hair. There was no need for me to have acted like such a pain, but alas, the apology Ron deserves would have to wait until tomorrow. Tonight, I need to care for my boy.

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{The next morning}

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I woke with a start, sitting straight up in my bed. My back was drenched with sweat, and my skin felt hotter than hell. I had no clue as to why I'd woken up in such a state, but I didn't have the energy to care. Slowly, as to not wake Jasper, I lifted the covers and slid out of our bed. As I got to my feet and walked into the kitchen, I noticed the sun wasn’t even up yet. I stepped closer to the window and peered out, looking for the town clock. When I spotted it, I saw that it was roughly half-past five. Dawn wasn’t until seven.

Exhausted, I rubbed my eyes lightly and turned around. There on the table was the flyer. I stepped towards it and lifted it up. “...arrive at the castle at dawn…” My head turned towards the window once again. If I got ready now, I could make it. But did I dare? I’d have to find someone to watch Jasper. Does Ron’s offer even stand now? I supposed there was only one way to find out. I rushed to the bathroom and quickly turned on the water in the bath. A slow stream trickled out of the spout. 

“Come on,” I whispered. As if the universe had heard me, the water pressure grew stronger, and the tub began to fill. Anxiously, I stripped my clothing and jumped inside, despite the lack of water. We always kept a wooden bowl by the bathtub, so I reached for it and dunked it under the faucet, letting it gather enough liquid before I dumped it onto my head. The temperature was less than ideal, but I made do, and within fifteen minutes, I was out of the bath and drying off.

Quickly, I threw on my dress, slipped on my shoes, and ran out the door, but not before kissing a sleeping Jasper goodbye. He’ll be okay, I assured myself. The Weasleys were luckily only a few blocks down, so I hustled down the street and up to their door. Yet, once I found myself on their cozy porch, I was unable to knock. My fist hovered above the wooden door, decorated with fresh winter flowers. It’s now or never, a voice in my head whispered. Somehow, I found my courage and rapped my knuckle against the firm wood.

After only a few moments, Mr. Weasley opened the door. “Y/N? What brings you here so early? Has something happened?” he asked initially. Then he saw my wet hair and my shivering frame. “Good heavens! Come inside, you’ll freeze,” he exclaimed, motioning for me to come towards him. I scampered in, and Mr. Weasley shut the door. I could tell he was bursting with questions, but I filled him in before he could speak. 

“Thank you, Mr. Weasley. I’m here because yesterday Ronald stopped by and told me the Royal Family was looking for a servant. And well, at first, I wasn’t going to apply for it, but now...now I wish to,” I spoke softly. The man stood tall as he processed this information. 

“Well, that sounds grand. But if I may, why are you here?” he questioned. Before I could tell him, Ron entered the foyer from around the corner. “Y/N? You’re here, have you changed your mind?” he asked, his voice sounding hopeful. With a bit of lingering hesitation, I nodded my head. “I have.”

Ron smiled brightly. “Brilliant, wait here,” he instructed before he headed into a different room, leaving his father and me by the door. Soon enough, however, he emerged with a green and white dress. It was paired with a leather brown underbust corset. Although simple, it was perfect. “That’s beautiful, wow. Are you sure about this?” I checked with Ron. He nodded and motioned behind him. 

“Ginny’s awake; she’ll help you into it,” he told me. Right on cue, a sweet young girl with long red hair strolled into the foyer. She waved at me softly, and I waved back. 

“Splendid, off you go then. Ginny, find her a towel to dry her hair, won’t you?” Mr. Weasley asked his daughter. She nodded, took me by the hand, and dragged me into what I assumed was her room. The Weasley’s home looked bigger than the rest in Totbury, but I never suspected that one of their children would have their own bedroom. I was led to the center of Ginny’s room. She shut the door and quickly began helping me out of my day dress. 

“Are you nervous?” she asked immediately. Her inquiry caught me off guard and reminded me of the butterflies in my tummy. I scrambled for an answer as she wrapped my hair in a dark brown towel.

“Of course, I am. I’m leaving my son alone all day,” I told her finally. Ginny smiled softly as she laid my dress on her bed, leaving me in my undergarments. She knew I had dodged her question but didn’t mention it.

“We can have him stay with us today if you want. It’s really no problem,” Ginny offered. This wasn’t the first time the Weasley’s had said they could watch Jasper. While it was very kind of them, I never took them up on it; I couldn’t. My mother never gave me over to another family when she went to work. She would always tell me, “Don’t go outside. I’ll return before nightfall.” And that was that. I stayed put and waited for her to come home. Sure, it was a lonely childhood, but she did what she had to do to provide for me. Now, I wanted to do that for my own child, but it was becoming clearer to me that I wouldn’t be able to do things like my mother. If I get the job, I’ll be in the castle, I won’t be able to come running if something happens. Deep down, I knew the safest option for my boy was to let him stay with the Weasleys.

“Are you sure?” I asked. Ginny smiled and nodded her head. “Of course. He’ll be safe and sound while you do what you need to do.” I gnawed on my lip as she slipped the dress over my head and onto my body. 

“I really appreciate this, you know? Things have just been… difficult lately, and I’m trying to do right by Jasper, but I’m still figuring out how, if that makes sense,” I said to her, not really knowing why I was suddenly confiding in her. Ginny was only a year younger than me, twenty-one. We’d never talked much growing up. Better late than never, I suppose.

“You’re doing great, Y/N. Don’t be so hard on yourself, seriously,” Ginny said gently while she began tying up my corset. I took a moment to admire myself in the ornate mirror in front of me. I was now adorned in an ankle-length, deep green dress. It was significantly nicer than any piece of clothing I’d ever owned. 

“Where did you get this, Ginny? It’s so beautiful,” I asked. Ginny shrugged as she pulled and adjusted the fabric, seemingly her final touches.

“I’m not sure. Mum never said where she got it. But it’s gorgeous on you.” I felt my face flush as I stared back at myself in the mirror. I looked unfamiliar. Hesitantly, I gave Ginny a little twirl, feeling a grin creep onto my lips as the skirt flared around me in a perfect circle. I felt young. I felt new.

“Thank you for lending it to me. Hopefully, everything goes well, and I’ll make enough money to buy you many more dresses such as this one,” I said, smiling at Ginny. Then I caught sight of a nearby window. The sun wasn’t in the sky quite yet, but the darkness of the night was beginning to lift. “Speaking of which, I’d better get going. I’ll be back before nightfall to get Jasper; he should still be sleeping at home,” I rambled while heading for the door, Ginny close behind.

“Don’t worry, I’ll go fetch him. You’re right though, you’d better get a move on; sun’ll be up in an hour.” I nodded and tore the towel from my head, letting my semi-dry and now wavy hair fall to my shoulders and back. The other Weasleys lifted their heads as I rushed to the door. I quickly waved goodbye and said my thanks as I ran outside, the chorus of their farewells barely reaching my ears. I was already several paces down the street. 

Luckily for me, I knew my way to the castle. Once I reached my teenage years, I’d often sneak through the woods and journey to the capital. And when I got near enough, I’d take a right and go the long way ‘round. That way, I could get up close and personal to the walls of Orton. I couldn’t see anything, of course, but I loved to sit my back against the cool stone bricks and simply listen to the hustle and bustle. As a young girl, I often daydreamed of what life might be like within those walls. Now, I may get the chance to find out.

The trip was just how I’d remembered it, although a bit shorter. First, I’d walk straight between the long stretches of farmland. Sometimes I’d even get to see livestock. But after that, the land would transition into dense forest, filled with various wildflowers as well as a little creek. Once through there, one found themselves at the start of a cobblestone road leading straight to the gates of Orton. That’s where I was now. The sun was beginning to pierce the sky, and I didn’t feel ready. Then I thought of Jasper, and my foot moved forwards, the other following after it. Soon enough, I was face to face with two tall men dressed in silver armor. Behind them, cast iron doors concealing the city beyond them.

“State your name and business,” the man on the left said. His eyes wouldn’t even meet mine. Bile tempted to spill into my mouth, but I swallowed it down and did as he asked.

“Y/N of Orton. I come to find work, specifically for the position at the castle,” I said in a tone as confident as I could muster. The guard raised his eyebrows. 

“I’ve never seen you or heard of you. You certain you’re from here?” he asked, jutting his finger towards the doors. I nodded firmly. Fake it till you make it.

“Yes, sir. I haven’t been home in many months as I’ve been looking after my cousin in Totbury. He’s been very ill, and I’ve been afraid to leave his side. Yet, I fear I am without much money. Hence why I’m here now.” I looked at the men, trying to gauge whether or not they detected my lies. I’d only just cooked up that tall tale fifteen minutes ago, and I didn’t have anything past that. My fingers squeezed each other behind my back as I waited for them to reply. One looked to the other, who shrugged, then they turned back to me.

“Very well, welcome back,” he said. My sigh of relief was covered up by the loud creaking of the doors as the men pushed them open, revealing the awaking city. I quickly walked through them before the guards could change their minds. Mother of God. I couldn’t believe I was actually here. But I knew I didn’t have time to explore, I had to get to the castle. Hardly anyone was outside their homes yet, so I took off running, my worn shoe soles slapping on the cobblestone. I didn’t know my way, of course. I was simply going by the spiral at the top of a tower. I could see it from the city streets, so I rushed through the city’s twist and turns until arriving at a long stone bridge. It led all the way to a tall archway, beyond it, the entrance to the castle. 

I did my best not to break out into a sprint and instead speed-walked across it, wondering why there was nobody else in sight. I didn’t have time to ponder it further as I had already made it to the entrance. I told the guards here the same thing I’d said to the ones at the gates. They let me in seconds after I said I was there for the job opening.

The beauty of the castle stopped me in my tracks. Candles flickered above me in the high-hanging chandeliers, their light shining on the polished wooden floors. Gold framed portraits decorated the warm stone walls. Everything was so clean, so elegant. My eyes had no idea where to look. Get a hold of yourself. You’re not here to look around. I scanned the foyer but realized I had no idea where to go. But then a soft voice startled me.

“It’s up the stairs and to the left, dear. Better hurry. The Prince is almost done with his breakfast.” I turned around to see a short old woman with stark blonde hair. At first glance, she reminded me of my mother. She smiled when she saw my face. “Go on, wouldn’t want to be late now,” she ushered. I hastily nodded my head as I hurried up the steps, taking a left just as she had told me. I was now facing a long hallway, at the end of which were open doors leading into a large room. As I drew nearer, I could see a long line of people, all with their hands behind their back and chests puffed out. Intimidation tickled my skin. They all looked so proper.

Trying to push away my thoughts, I stepped into the room, which I realized was the throne room, and claimed my place beside a young woman. She looked to be around my age, as did many of the women. I quickly noticed that there were only women here. That’s odd. Surely at least some men would wish to be the Prince’s servant. Although, I suppose it’s not the same as being his right-hand man or advisor. My thoughts were interrupted by a loud toot of a trumpet. I turned to my right to see a well-dressed man with a silver instrument pressed to his lips. He played a little tune before lowering the trumpet.

“His Majesty, the King, and her Majesty, the Queen.” The man stepped aside, and two figures entered the room. The man was tall, had blonde hair, and a pale, pointed face. His eyes seemed to pierce my soul when he made eye contact. He carried a black and silver cane with him as he walked. The woman at his side looked just as unnerving as her husband. She, too, was tall, although not as tall as the King. Her hair was long and blonde, just as pale as her skin. The slimness of her waist was rather alarming, and her eyes were ice cold. 

The couple took their seats on their respective thrones and turned towards the door. The previous man spoke again. “His Royal Highness, Prince Draco.” The man of the hour, Draco Malfoy, strutted into the room. A perfect combination of his parents, his skin was cool white, nearly the same as his platinum hair. His high cheekbones and pointed chin resembled his father’s, but, unlike the King, Draco’s hair was cut short, a few stray strands hovered over his forehead. When he took a seat next to his mother, I could see her eyes soften as she looked at him.

The trumpeter exited, leaving the Royal Family alone with the line of girls in front of them, save for a few guards. The King cleared his throat and rose to his feet, clutching his snake-headed cane as he did. 

“In a few moments, my son will choose his new servant. I trust you will all be respectful and do as you’re told. If the prince dismisses you, then you leave. If the prince asks you a question, you answer it truthfully. And finally, if the prince chooses you, you will be led to your living quarters and will immediately begin your training. The prince will be taking the throne in exactly two hundred and thirty days; he is a busy young man, and we cannot waste any more time. Do I make myself clear?” he asked. Nobody said a word. “Good. Draco,” he called, motioning to us. 

The prince stood up from his throne and made his way down the marble steps. He stopped a few feet in front of a girl a couple of people down from me. He stared at her for a few seconds before waving his hand and saying, “Dismissed.” The girl didn’t move, she looked confused and a bit shocked. Draco scoffed. “Weren’t you listening to my father? If I dismiss you, you leave. The door is to your right; run along now,” he ordered. I watched in disbelief as the girl bowed her head and rushed from the room, tears in her eyes. “Daft cow,” Draco muttered. Anger began to stir in my chest. What an absolute prick. Christ, I knew the Malfoys were a cold bunch, but I never thought the crown prince would be this much of an arsehole.

He continued going down the line, dismissing girls left and right. It didn’t seem like he had a particular order. No, he was merely kicking out the girls who didn’t please his eye. I knew this because he’d tell them what he didn’t find appealing as they left. 

“Big nose.”

“Thin lips.”

“Too tall.”

“Repulsive complexion.”

He dismissed and dismissed until only three girls remained, including me. He stopped in front of a black-haired woman. She wore a cream-colored gown. It was much fancier than mine and contrasted beautifully with her dark skin.

“What’s your name?” Draco asked. The woman replied that her name was Alyssa. “Hi, Alyssa. Tell me, what makes you want this job?” It was silent for a few moments before the woman answered. 

“My mother suggested it, Your Highness.” Draco clasped his hands behind his back and studied Alyssa’s face and body. His calm demeanor was frightening, to say the least.

“So your mother wants you to have this position, but tell me, Alyssa, do you want this position? Or are we just wasting our time here trying to fulfill the wishes of a woman who isn’t even here?” he seethed. Alyssa stuttered but shook her head and insisted she, too, wanted the job. I could tell from his face that Draco didn’t buy what she was selling, but he didn’t dismiss her. Instead, he shuffled his feet until he stood in front of me. My heart started pounding in my chest, but I kept my head up, my mother’s words echoing in my head. “Don’t be afraid to make eye contact.”

Draco said nothing for nearly an entire minute. He only stood still, eyes never leaving mine. It felt like a staring contest, but without the playful energy. I could see now that his eyes were grey. They looked empty like they were searching for something. I narrowed my own, trying to figure out why they looked this way. It seemed as though this upset Draco.

“What’re you looking at?” he spat. I quickly replied. I could practically feel his anger, and I did not want to add to it by being slow to respond.

“Nothing, Your Highness.”

“Liar. Try again, sweetheart.” Perceptive. Or perhaps just angry. Whichever it was, he now left me with a decision—another lie or the simple truth. I weighed the options in my head; neither seemed favorable.

“Your eyes,” I replied. Draco raised an eyebrow. I took this to mean he wanted me to elaborate. “They’re grey.” Upon hearing this, he rolled them.

“Brilliant deduction,” he said, sarcasm dripping from his tongue. “But why were you staring at them so...intently?” he questioned me further. However, he seemed afraid almost. Like he didn’t want to hear my answer. Regardless, I shrugged.

“Well, they appear sad and honestly, vacant.” I could feel the entire room tense as I spoke. Behind Draco, I saw The King jump to his feet, his wife’s hand on his arm in a feeble attempt at holding him back. 

“Guards…” he started, but then Draco lifted a hand, halting his father as well as the guards who’d begun to take a few steps forward. 

“That won’t be necessary. Send for Olive. She can show her to her new room,” Draco spoke gently. His voice was even and firm, and yet, nobody moved to fulfill his request.

“Surely you’re not picking her, son?” The King asked, desperation evident in his voice. It was easy to see that he disapproved of this decision. Draco, whose eyes still hadn’t moved from mine, adjusted his hands. They now rested on his thighs, fingers intertwined.

“You’re from Orton, yes?” I nodded, not trusting my voice. “You’re healthy, no deathly illnesses?” Again, I nodded. “And you want this job?” This time I decided to speak.

“Yes, Your Highness, very much so.” I curled my toes, hoping my conviction was enough. The smile that stretched across Draco’s face hinted that it was. However, his next words confirmed it.

“Perfect. Yes, Father, I have picked her. Now can somebody please fetch Olive? I don’t quite know why nobody did so even though I specifically remember telling you less than two minutes ago,” he said fiercely. Within seconds, a guard rushed out the door to do as The Prince had ordered. The two girls beside me took this as their cue to exit as well. Alyssa looked gutted, and the other girl seemed relieved. I felt a bit sad to see them go, but my thoughts of them were overridden by the increasingly uncomfortable feeling growing in my stomach.

The distress in the air felt thick, almost suffocating. It seemed that the vacant man standing in front of me was quite the threatening presence. While this let me know I should tread lightly when in his company, it didn’t instill fear. Yes, I had been intimidated and afraid when I initially walked into the Malfoy’s throne room, but once I’d gotten a good look at the youngest of the bunch, those feelings dissipated.

His eyes told me all I needed to know. Draco was nothing but talk. He was closer to a boy than he was a man, and more importantly, he had no guts to do anything substantial. Sure, words could hurt, but when it came down to it, they were nothing more than words.

As I was led to my room by Olive, the kind older woman I’d met at the doorway, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. 

Taglist (I used my All Draco Works taglist for this, if you DO NOT want to be on this taglist for Betwixt, please let me know!): @beiahadid​ @pastelpuffbar​ @cutie1365​ @dracoxmgg​ @lumlfy​ @sambucky8​ @emilianamason​ @raplinethereal​ @DixieTheMorab24 @xoxohollands​  @prongsandprancer​ @ch0kemedracomalfoy​ @avlauriaa​ @purpleskymalfoy @mariah-can-dream​ @drxcomvlfx​ @sydnee-kom-spacekru​ @dracosgoodgirl​ @voilawind​ @gloryekaterina​ @anchoeritic​ @ragxsxragxs​ @exoticlizard @dlmmdl @siriusblklftv​ @Writtenbyadramaqueen @amourtentiaa​ @keidensu​

[the-last-cuddlebender]

When Aang Was

When Aang was hurting, he became a walking wound. His reflection turned into a stranger. His smiles got a bit bigger—his magician’s one-liner to hide his slight-of-hand—, but he couldn’t keep himself above water forever. Even he sometimes forgot that he lost everything and everyone, and forgetting turned remembering into daggers through each of his lungs. It stole his air—his element, his last connection to them. 

...the Gaang have a few things to say about that.

And Aang’s family would be damned if they let him bleed alone.

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A/N: The Gaang will walk backwards into hell if it means they can give Aang a hug when he needs one. This was HIGHLY inspired by this beautiful photoset by @imreallyhereforkataang💕 because Yin and Yang make me soft for the airbean I stg. (also special thanks to @demigodseameg16‘s fic request for putting orphan!Aang on my mind!) (also, also, this is my first time writing Mai so ya-hoooo) 

Rating: T 

Words: 5,074

ArchiveOfOurOwn (AO3)

***************************************

When Aang was happy, he talked really fast. His master’s tattoos lost meaning. He tripped over his own feet—graceless but playful—and laughed like giggles were more vital than breathing.

He was an airborne contagion that no one could escape. His family were patient zero, and, almost four years after the war, his quest for world domination was nearly complete. Peace was proven with the smiles he nurtured in others, and his empire of friends and friendly acquaintances circled the globe a dozen times over.

Their symptoms of Aang were chronic—their cheeks always hurt, their middles never stopped aching, he hid their breath behind hurdles of giggles and slap-fights about the absurd...

The list went on and on, just like the peel of his laugh and the warm feeling he left in his wake.

If only the world could see him when he curled up like a cat in its favorite sunny spot every time he lounged across the fuddy-duddy Firelord’s lap. If only the world could see him when Suki caught him using her good makeup—the expensive kind she saved for formal occasions—and the monstrosities he made of his and Sokka’s faces. If only the world could see him when he sent messages to Sokka saying they were from Toph demanding a rematch of whatever they were practicing lately.

Mai didn’t exactly help. She graded his antics with a rubric and gave him feedback, to boot. She refined his nonsense like a blade on a grindstone for greater impact and outcome every time.

The world definitely saw him when he and his lifeline went out in public. He guided Katara down an invisible red carpet every time, and he announced his befuddled Moon’s presence without having to say a single word. He adored getting her flustered—his Mighty Katara—and seeing the beautiful color she turned into. He especially loved the sharp smacks she swatted his shoulder with. He adored her puffed cheeks and her face’s valiant attempts to scowl at him. She hid in his arms from something that wasn’t embarrassment, and Aang kissed her hair at another mission accomplished.

But even if they were ever ‘cured’ of him, his family knew they would never be rid of him. Aang was a master of his craft. His hugs were blue ink, his understanding was his steady hand, and his shoulder to lean or to cry on was a thousand fine needles. His tattoos were unseen but brighter than the sunset’s reflection when the Ocean was in a good mood.

To the world, he was a cure, but, to his family, he was a vice. Neither his better half nor his siblings could shake his grip on them, no matter how hard they rolled their eyes and shooed him away. He saw their pursed lips and grumpy looks as something they wore and that he could take off of them. He found the cracks in their armor like he was a thief turning lock tumblers, and he dug his hands into where they hid their joy.

He was a purple pentapus in airbender robes clinging to their arms, their legs, and their backs. He was their goofy little brother and their grinning parasite, and they wouldn’t have him any other way.

They loved his smile, despite how badly it crippled them. His joy was so second nature that his good feelings became as essential as Mother Nature. The flowers weren’t pretty if Aang wasn’t smiling. He was their greatest weakness—the biggest, happiest, dorkiest chink in their armor.

May the Spirits help the next person who tried to kill him.

Katara would not be held back a second time.

Toph would find someone who needed some punishment if she was left out of ‘the fun’ again.

(Sokka tracked the bastard down, and Suki caught him without—just barely without—snuffing him out)

(Zuko held Aang’s head in his lap while Katara patched up what was broken and tugged his bleeding spirit back into him)

(None of them knew what to do when his fever hit critical. He started talking to people—children, mentors...family—who had been dead for over a century. The six of them were worse than lost when their seventh begged for his old family to talk back to him. He was sorry. He was so, so sorry. He missed them so much—please, he missed them and he missed home so much—)

(When Aang was conscious two days later, Mai sat him down and taught him all that he didn’t want to know but all that he needed to learn about poisons)

...

Four years of healing were four years of silly smiles and cozy camp-outs in the Palace courtyard. Four years of new family were four years of new brothers and sisters discovering, together, what family really meant.

Four years of new family were four Fall seasons where and when nothing (seemingly) happened. Four years and four seasons of dead and dying things came and went like they were never there.

Four Fall seasons became four bundles of dead branches burned between Summer and Winter. A pile of ashes became a memory barely remembered and a nightmare never forgotten.

Four years and four fires were four times he slipped away, unseen, from the anniversary of the war that they ended. Four times he slipped away were four times left by himself with a feeling that was worse than alone.

Four temples and four Fall seasons were nothing more than marks on a map and a calendar.

In the room that Aang used to call his in the home that he used to call theirs was where he kept all of the ‘counts’. At first, he marked the things they missed, just tallies and names on the wall.

Four years and four Fall seasons meant four-thousand names and smudged scribbles of forgotten faces and places they might have thought were pretty. His hands wouldn’t stop shaking and what was left of his heart wouldn’t stop breaking as he carved chalky tattoos, like unhealed scars, into the wall—the one with the window overlooking the places where he struggled to remember playing before.

He didn’t know he was forgetting them until he started having trouble remembering them. The tallies were lives lost, the dashes were shadows without faces, and the names of his family—the names of his old family…—decorated the head of the bed that he used to call his. 

He left them notes like they could read them and asked them questions like they might respond.

Four years and four Fall seasons meant nothing to him. He lost everything and everyone in the blink of an eye.

Aang tried not to stay at the temple, especially if he was alone. Thinking alone was dangerous. His thoughts were wild and threatened to burn him.

He made the mistake, once, of walking past the hidden hall that he and his friends—his old family...—used when they sewed chaos into the weave of their home. The hall was stuffed with fond memories but so poorly constructed—so narrow—that it only allowed enough room for a one-way direction to and from the outside.

It was a charred hole with a sooty-black throat that greedily swallowed his shadow. The blackened stone was melted—glassy—and smelled like the instinct to run.

It wasn’t until Aang got back to his family—his new family…—that he imagined his newest nightmare.

It wasn’t his new family’s fault. They weren’t the ones on the festival ride just to his left and screaming into his ear.

Aang’s empty stomach turned inside-out, and he dry-heaved so hard that he couldn’t breathe. It was a strange feeling, struggling for air, having his element all around him but kept just out of his reach.

Those few seconds of breathlessness turned the ground black and the sky into dirt, but someone caught him before his knees buckled. Someone else was patting him from head to toe with tender touches that left no part of him unturned.

His family were worried sick—sicker than he felt. They asked him in a million different ways and in a million concerned voices if he was okay.

Aang struggled to smile for them. It took him four or so tries to get it right. He couldn’t do anything about his shaking, though.

“Can...Can we go home, now?” He whispered his trembling words like they were secrets never meant to be said aloud. He looked at them like a wounded animal limping back to its master—a stray tucking its tail but crawling closer, desperate, with a broken smile peace-offering and a fit of flinches at any sharp sound. The beating was inevitable, but he pleaded for the chance to feel something soft before he was kicked again. He leaned into Katara’s hand, and he flinched and pressed harder when she was warm and real and didn’t move away from him.

He was their goofy little brother and their grinning parasite.

Aang fought his struggle to smile for them, and he trusted his big brother to carry the whole of his weight. Zuko was warm and familiar, and his gentle squeeze was a promise to not let go; Katara’s worried touches and soft kisses were safe, and she swarmed around Aang like a mobile shield.

Aang sensed their tensing. They were his family, after all. He always had two fingers on their happiness’ pulse.

Their questions were a distressed tidal wave.

He didn’t stop smiling even when he closed his eyes.

He couldn’t tell if the hushed voices he heard were from his new family in front of him or from his old family behind him. Aang remembered...

Aang rearranged his lips into what he remembered a smile felt like.

“Please? C’n we...Can we g-go home?” He opened one eye and found both of Katara’s waiting for him. She was horrified and concerned to tears, and she wasn’t the only one.

Aang almost sighed. His strength was bleeding out of him along with everything else. He struggled to keep smiling for her, and he struggled even harder to keep his eyes open. He flinched from the kicks that were their heartbroken looks, but he tried to give them a reason to smile. 

Zuko was really warm, though. And Katara’s hands felt really nice on Aang’s face.

The flame of his consciousness flickered—a candle left out in the rain.

“Please, K’tara?” He spoke without meaning to. It was an impulse, an instinct. It was the orphan and the last airbender crawling through the carnage and finally having a spot on the stage to speak.

Cold sweat beaded his brow, and frozen shivers shook his insides. He just wanted to go home, wherever or whenever that was. Everything was too blurry. He couldn’t remember anymore. 

Even his new family’s faces were blurry, now, and Aang’s element was torn out of him when his first choke on everything and everyone he lost freed the Oceans behind his eyes.

He just wanted to go home...

“...Please?”

Aang’s voice was the last of him to break, and his family all flinched like they could feel it. His shattered pieces fell all at once and shredded everything he knew and loved.

He curled his fingers into Zuko’s robe to keep himself above water. He shook like something dead about to be churned to ash and carried away—a forgotten memory—on an indifferent passing breeze.

...

When Aang was scared, he talked too fast. His sunshine-warm smile lost meaning. He hugged like he was trying to hold onto something, and he laughed a sound that rang hollow—distorted—like an echo returning from far away.

Toph was the first to notice. His heartbeat was...off. He acted like he was surprised by their group hugs, but the evidence of feeling anything was only skin-deep.

Aang was never happy. He didn’t get happy, either. Aang was happy. He and the word meant the same feeling like how the sun would always mean warmth.

Katara noticed it next—nearly in the same moment. She had no seismic sense, but his kiss wasn’t laden with giggles and his heart didn’t try to beat out of his chest to get to hers when she hugged him.

Suki saw it but didn’t tell the others. She was an elite warrior trained for years in the art of stealth. Aang was the White Dragon and White Lotus tile all in one, but he had a terrible poker face.

Five years marked the start of a new quartet and the shedding of all things old to welcome all things new. They knew Aang loved the festival of the anniversary of the war that they ended, but something was different this time.

Sokka’s instincts saw it coming. Zuko’s hearing picked up on it, too.

Toph won him a prize—a plate of pastries trying to be fruit cakes. Aang greedily ate them and said that he loved them.

His shoulders shook and said that he missed them.

His lip trembled and said that they scared him.

Suki touched between his shoulders and guided him towards something called ‘volleyball’. It was a three-on-three game.

None of them realized until they picked teams that Aang was no longer with them.

It was a three-on-three game.

There were seven in their family.

Mai cursed and cut the net before it could become a fire hazard, and she was barely fast enough to save the netting from turning to kindling when Zuko pulled his hair and charred the sand.

They found him an hour later by following the echoing huffs of Appa’s soft sounds.

Appa held him like he had to chase and pin him down, but Aang held him back like he could never hold on tight enough.

…

Hawky was a master navigator and a tool of military purpose.

Hawky was also distracted when he stopped in the Fire Nation Palace on his way to Aang’s room.

Hawky had never seen a turtleduck before. He was domestic and curious even though the mother turtleduck chased him off like he was a massive predator.

And that was exactly how Sokka found his old bird—soaked and waddling for his life.

There was a message in his pack.

Toph threw open her door to find whoever was about to die from such a fast heartbeat just as Sokka ran past, grabbed her, and sprinted them to the others.

Toph would have fought him if she wasn’t so confused.

Sokka didn’t cry that hard even at that time of year when some girl name Yue had to go away.

…

Hey, Gyatso!

I guess it’s been a hundred years, huh? That’s so weird to think about.

I’ve been meditating just like you taught me. Well, I think I’m doing it right. It’s hard to tell, anymore. I sit in front of the mirror to correct my stance, but it hasn’t felt right in a long time. It’s okay, though! I’ll figure something out. I’m sure there’s a prayer statue in one of the temples that’s still in one piece. I could always check in the mountains, too, but I don’t I can’t I’ll try to check the temples again, first.

A good friend told me yo the Air No all of the Guru Pathik said you’re not really gone, and I believe him.

It’s cold today. It rained, before, so new plants should be growing soon. You would really like it here.

Do you I I miss you. I try not to, but Guru Pathik said to let my emotions flow. He’s gone with you, though. It’s been two years, now.

I wish he He left befor Could you give him a hug from me when you see him?

I hope you don’t miss me, Gyatso. Missing people hurts a lot. I really hope you’re happy, Gyatso. I really, really do.

Please, please, please, don’t miss me.

I miss loved love you!

…

Hey, Gyatso

I have more family, now! You’d really like them. Katara could beat you at Pai Sho, for sure. I tried to show them how you swirled the gooey center of the fruit pies, but I don’t think I did it quite right. It’s hard to tell. I tried it a few times in the mirror, but, when I remember you doing it, I can’t see your hands anymore.

I’m trying, though! I’m trying!

Toph helped rebuild the statues in the temple. I don’t really know how, though. Mai and Zuko convinced me to stay with them and teach the schools how to host a dance while the others left on Appa.

The statues look great. They look almost life-like.

It’s been a hundred years, huh? I try not to That’s so weird to think about.

I can’t thi I don’t kno Please don’t miss me, Gyatso. I’ll write to you more so you don’t miss me. I promise. It’ll be okay. 

I can’t s Please, please, please, don’t miss me, okay? Please?

I loved y

My fathe

I loved you, Gy

I 

…

Wet scars like blood splatters littered the letters by the dozens and made Aang’s handwriting nearly illegible.

Katara couldn’t make herself read any more.

She was the last one to break.

Sokka had been the first.

The second she sat next to where their family cocooned him on the bed, he hugged her like she was the only thing keeping him from falling.

She had seen her brother cry before.

But Katara had never seen Sokka weep.

Missing fathers and fathers missing were scars that never quite closed.

Katara choked on years lost and years alone, and she barely felt their family huddle around them, blanketing them, protecting them from what they couldn’t see.

Sokka’s hand left his grip on her to search for someone who wasn’t there. Katara beat him to it, though. Her empty hands pawed her brother’s back and were only mildly tamed by Suki’s tighter hug.

Aang...

The worst part was the helplessness. It wasn’t like they could bring back the dead.

The second worst part was the guilt. He had been alone even when he was right with them.

The third worst part was admitting that they couldn’t heal him. He needed something stronger than stitches to mend his heart.

Sokka tensed and tried to get up with that bullheaded air of setting his mind on something, but he only collapsed further into Katara’s arms. Zuko held them tighter and hushed the both of them. He tried to distract them with a strategy or a plan of what to do.

“...What can we do, Zuko?”

Zuko shut his mouth. Suki held them tighter. Toph sniffled and fisted Sokka’s and Katara’s shirts.

In the too-far-off distance, Appa groaned a series of soft sounds.

They all paused. They all broke.

Suki was the last to start weeping.

…

Clumps. The beast was easy enough to track.

Appa recognized Mai well enough to remember Aang being happy—trusting her—when he hung upside-down from her shoulders and laughed that happy sound that made Appa’s world of no bison feel full of new life.

He let her pass but not without groaning a hurried list of what she had to do to help his buddy.

Mai patted Appa’s nose.

Aang was a pathetic bundle of orange in the far corner of the cave. He was a mountain breaking apart, but his tumbling boulders didn’t make a single sound. His words were cut. His voice was obsolete. He pressed himself into the wall like he might get to something better if only he could come out of the other side.

Mai was a shark fin cutting through still water, and she sunk to a seat right beside him. The ground was cold and damp, but he burned so hot that she could feel the licks of his fever from here.

Her sitting down was the placing of a needle onto a spinning record, and his sounds of sorrow finally broke free of him. They bubbled in his throat like blood threatening to drown him, and he coughed when the instinct to survive overrode his waning will to keep breathing.

Mai closed her eyes and emptied her lungs. She touched the bare skin of his back. He flinched like she had struck him, but he didn’t duck away from her.

Mai let her presence fill his silence. Even he didn’t know what he needed, but she kept doing what seemed to be working. Her hand rode the waves of his choked sounds in long, looping circles that lasted as long as the time it took to take two breathes.

His hiccups dulled to whimpers. His sniffles quieted to shivers. He dug his nails out of his arms and scowled like he was struggling to remember.

The apex of her hand’s circle was his inhale, the bottom of the arch guided his air out. She unwound him in every way and through every layer until he released himself and uncurled enough to show some of the yellow of his robes.

Aang bobbed his head like a metronome.

Mai kept scratching long, looping circles on his back.

He huddled into himself with a ghostly small smile and a barely-there hug, and Mai would have startled if she was a weaker woman.

Aang started to hum.

His vibrato was something within him thinning and threatening to break.

When he started to sing, that thing within him frayed.

It broke when he got to the upturned chorus. It was supposed to be a happy song.

Mai hugged her knees with one arm and scratched his back with the other—keeping him alive like a broken music box from a hundred years ago that lost its key and was fighting fate from becoming obsolete.

…

Aang wore his smile like it was something he could take off.

The Blind Bandit ripped it off of him.

The Blue Spirit broke it in half.

The Kyoshi Warrior tossed it into the fire.

The Painted Lady threw its ashes away.

The Swordsman melted it down and forged it into something protective.

The Dangerous Lady kept its daggers in her sleeves and dared someone to hurt him again.

...

Toph sat across from him and didn’t let him be alone.

Zuko walked past his room to remind him that there was a way out.

Suki brought him books with pictures to show him how to feel again.

Katara was his shadow, his shield, and his favorite dancing partner, coaxing his smile to come out and play with hers.

Sokka told him jokes and laughed hard enough for both of them.

(Mai sat with him and listened to everything she didn’t need to know but everything she wanted to learn about his loss.)

...

When Aang was loved, he couldn’t talk fast enough. His past and his future lost meaning. All that mattered was his family right in front of him and the smiles that bellied their every feeling.

They were tattoos that he could never wash off, not that he would ever, ever try.

Five years of wanting were five Fall seasons of feeling lost. Five Fall seasons of searching were five Fall seasons of feeling alone.

Five friends and one love were six members of his second family.

Two brothers a foot taller and three sisters twice as strong as him meant Aang rarely won when they wrestled.

Sokka was safe and familiar as he sat on Aang’s back. Katara shoved him off. Toph laughed and took his place.

Aang walked, almost skipping—so giddy that he was going to spill over—next to them. They went slow on purpose to stretch out the precious journey home, but he didn’t mind. He told them all about his first family and everything he loved about them.

“—it, Zuko! He rode a dragon, once, too! Oh, Katara, you wouldn’t believe—“

Five years and five seasons of dead and dying things meant nothing to them. They almost lost him in the blink of an eye, and they wouldn’t look away ever again.

They were each a stretch of ink tattooed around his heart. They were stronger than stitches. They were a part of him.

They shooed him away so they could pull him closer, and their smiles were challenges to the size of his own.

...

When Aang was hugged, all he knew was love. All of his wants and needs lost meaning. Everything that mattered to him was everyone who held him, and everyone who held him were always there for him before Aang even knew that he needed them.

Their hugs were surprises like finding out the dead were alive.

They surprised him every time. He flinched, however, like he had never done before.

He was trying, though. He was trying.

Him missing family and family missing him were scars that would always be tender.

Tender was okay, though.

The secret was the gooey center.

“...Sometimes...life is like this...t-this dark tunnel,” he told his swallowed shadow, “...C’n’t see the light...but if...if you just keep going...”

His family were already in the prayer field. They looked at him with faces armed with smiles and arms loaded with hugs.

Sokka waved and said something he shouldn’t have and that, even though it made their family laugh, compelled Katara to shove him into the fountain.

The water was cold.

Sokka screamed.

Aang froze for a small century. He didn’t breathe for a longer eternity.

...And then Aang laughed.

And Aang cried.

And Aang laughed so hard that he cried.

All Aang cared about were the arms now around him, and all he knew were their soft words spoken over and over.

“We love you.”

“It’s okay.”

“Sokka, you’re a dumbass.”

“Oh, shut up.”

The muted smack of a backhand sounded too much like Mai’s for it to be anyone else’s.

Aang laughed a little harder.

He didn’t want to go home, anymore. Home was a memory. Memories couldn’t feel like this.

In their arms, he was finally where he was meant to be.

In their arms, Aang was happy.

In their arms was what home should be.

And when they held him tighter, Aang never felt more wanted in his entire life.

...

And when next Aang needed to speak with him, he found a way.

“Hey, Gyatso,” Aang said, speaking to the person in the mirror who was once a boy, then the Avatar, and now a young man trying to make himself into something that his memories would be proud of. “Did you miss me? You won’t believe this, but Katara lost to me at Pai Sho this morning. She got me back with the fruit pie, though. It even had sea prunes in it...”

Aang talked some more, and he talked fast. The breeze wound into and through the folds of his robes like it was a lounging cat curling into the warm rooms of a new home and new favorite sunny spot. He smiled something brighter than joy and welcomed the windy hugs that could always hold him just tight enough.

When Aang talked to his father, his master’s tattoos lost meaning. The tattoo Gyatso had left behind was so bright that Aang’s eyes watered if he looked thought about it too much.

He talked and talked and cried and talked until he left himself breathless.

It was a strange feeling, being breathless.

His element was suspended away from him, but nothing felt out of his reach.

A body or two (or three) threw themselves at his door.

“Twinkletoes!”

“You better not have my lipstick again! I bought you your own for a reason!”

“Hurry up, Avatar, we’re going to be late!”

Aang laughed just as the—the wall opened?

Katara lassoed his neck with her arms and threatened to kill him with a kiss that yanked him above the clouds and dropped him into free-fall.

“What...” He blinked. “...I mean I...I-I mean I don’t...” He turned a color and temperature that made Katara smile like he hadn’t seen her do in far too long of a time. “...What do I have to do to get another?”

“Ugh.” Mai rolled her eyes and pointed down the wide hall of the secret passage. “Just don’t do anything stupid. And don’t be late for the fireworks.”

Aang smirked something evil, and Katara couldn’t help but smile.

The firelilies only looked pretty when Aang had two dozen in one hand and her hand in his other. He kissed her knuckles, offered his arm, and escorted her down the invisible red carpet. She hid her face in his arm and trusted him to keep her from walking into anything.

He laughed.

His empire breathed a sigh of relief.

The anniversary of the new world they built was familiar, but none of them felt home until they met together on the hill.

And nothing felt right until their sickness started acting up again.

“Aang! Get back here!”

“Aw, c’mon, Sifu Hotman! Where’s your sense of fun?”

None of them realized the fireworks were over until the sky got a bit darker and it was time to go home.

Aang was tired. And when Aang was tired, he dragged his feet and spoke in slurred songs. His lyrics found every lost feeling and forgotten meaning. They were long lists of pretty names and precious things, tender to the touch and still healing.

He was tired, happy, and teary-eyed as he sang a diary-entry of their day to the breeze dancing around them.

Four seasons were six loves and two families that would never let him slip away into the season of dead and dying things.

He was their goofy little brother and their grinning parasite. He was a candle left out in the rain.

So they built a fort around him. And they hugged him like they could never hold him tight enough.

And when Aang was at peace, he didn’t say a word. Words were meaningless. They were a constraint. They only meant a certain something.

So he laughed.

And he laughed.

And he laughed.

He laughed even when his family cried, and he laughed harder when they learned to laugh with him.

Six years of found family were six years of found love.

And all six members of his family would never—never—let him Fall again.

***************************************

[palettepainter]

Sick

Some more angst because none of you can stop me. I promise I have other stories that aren’t angst related-

In this story Higari is 7 and Hono is 2 - just so I don’t forget I’ll also add here that Kaigo died when Higari was 14

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

Higari scurried his way back inside the home, bursting open the back door and rushing in from the garden glass jar in hand. He eagerly rushed inside, doing his best not to slip as he darted into the kitchen to proudly show off his finding “Ma!” He yelled, quickly scanning the kitchen only to leave a second later when he saw it was empty. “Mmmmaaaa!” He yelled again, rushing into the hallway to peer up the stairway and then dart back into the lounge.

From the floor, Hono, his two year old brother, curiously peered up, watching with big eyes as his brother screeched to a halt by the sofa. “Dad dad dad!” Higari cheered, noticing his dad sprawled on the sofa. His dad blinked open one eye “Hm..Sweetpea” he sat up, scratching at his beard and neck with a tired smile “You know not to yell in the house..” he said, thankfully the missus was currently out, so Higari wouldn’t be getting a scolding this time.

“Sorry..” Higari said before quickly brightening, holding out the jam jar to his dad “But look!! I found a hopper!”

“Heh, slow down there whirlwind! Alright, lemme see” Kaigo hummed, leaning forward on the couch to peer into the glass jar, where amongst the pieces of twig and leaves was a tiny grass hopper. “Hm, so you did” he said with a nod, his hand going to fondly ruffle Higari’s head of ginger hair “But make sure the hopper stays in the jar until you put it back outside. We don’t wanna repeat of last you let something inside the house”

Higari looked off to the side before muttering a shy no

The last time he’d found a critter in the garden he’d found a giant toad, sitting in a murky puddle of water right outside by their porch. Needless to say his mother had a..passionate reaction when she found the thing hiding behind a cushion in her favourite arm chair.

His dad chuckled, before breaking out into a sudden fit of coughs. Higari flinched back, the change in his behaviour causing Hono to let out a scared whimper. Kaigo’s eyes flicked up to them, his throat burning, but he tried to force a smile “D-Dont worry Higari, its just a cough!” He cleared his throat, trying to force down the urge to cough more “I’m fine now, see?”

Higari didn’t look so easily convinced “Are you sure?” He asked, tilting his head to the side. Hono peered back up to his older brother, before mimicking him and turning back to their father. Kaigo couldn’t help but smile at the sight “Don’t worry, I’m fine. You ain’t gotta worry your head off over me” his hand went back to ruffle his hair again, which successfully earned him a string of giggles “Your mother does a good enough job of that on her own” Kaigo pretended to look left and right, as if to check no one else was listening before he leaned down to whisper “She can be a little pushy at times when it comes to being all healthy and clean, can’t she?”

Higari snickered, obviously amused

The two’s laughter was cut short when they heard a thud noise coming from the hallway, it was the familiar sound of the front door being opened and closed.

Magaru, Higari’s mother, wondered into the lounge after hanging up her coat. At the sight of their mother Hono let out an excited squeal noise, prompting their mother to peer over “Hey boys” she said, already scooping Hono up off the floor as the excited tot instantly latched his arms onto his mother in a hug “You two where good for your dad?” She asked, looking down to Higari with a smile and then to her husband

“A course” Kaigo said in a lazed manner, looping one arm round Higari “These two are nothin’ but sweet lil angels” Higari tried to pull his best innocent child look. Their mother hummed, rolling her eyes - knowing that same ‘innocent’ child had been the one to break the shower curtain less then a week ago “Uh-Huh” she said, amused.

“Mama!” Higari picked you his glass jar he’d left on the table and then quickly held it up to his mother and baby brother. “I found a hopper in the garden!”

“All by himself” Kaigo added matter of factly with a a raised finger

Magaru peered down into the glass, watching as the tiny big tried to hip up at the glass only to slide back down into the bottom of the jar. “Well done Higari” she said, giving him a quick pat on the head “But please, keep the bug inside the jar” she repeated what his father had told him minutes ago, leaning forward to press her finger onto his nose “We don’t want a repeat of last time!”

While Higari pouted and rubbed at his nose, another familiar guest entered the room. “Evening Kaigo”

Kaigo hummed, peeking up at the sound of his brothers voice before he turned on the couch to smile at him “Hey Tsūkin” he greeted, his brother bowing his head in return as he placed his hat on the kitchen side. “Hi Uncle Tsukin” Higari waved over towards his uncle, and then held up his bug friend “I caught a hopper!”

Tsukin fiddled with glasses and squinted down at the jar his nephew seemed so proud over. “Ah yes, very good job Higari!” He praised, Higari beaming a toothy smile and letting out a small squeal at the praise.

“One day you’ll have to show me all the good bug catching spots!” His Uncle said, his last attempt to brighten the mood before he knew it would become somber “Though..I am here to talk with your dad, about what’s making him sick”

Kaigo tensed, but didn’t let his smile fall. Better to hide his nerves in-front of his two children, he didn’t need them fretting. “How exciting” Kaigo mocked, still smiling as he stood up from his chair. Kaigo walked over to Higari who looked to be trying to mimic the grass hoppers chirping noises “Alright sweetpea-“ he gently nudged Higari towards the entry way to the hall “-time for bed, say g’night to your Uncle”

Higari, like any child, turned up to his dad with a whine “But I’m not tired!” He insisted, trying his luck. Kaigo rose a brow and leaned back up with an “Oh?” Higari gave a sure nod “Mhm!” Kaigo hummed “Is that so?” He asked again, leaning against the kitchen counter while Magaru, his wife, gave the teeniest of smiles at her sons antics

“Yeah, I don’t want to go to bed” Higari turned to place his grasshopper down on the dresser and then crossed his arms “I’m not tired at all! Nu-Uh. I’m a big boy” he tried to balance on his tiptoes, but gave up when he ended up nearly toppling over. “Mhm” Kaigo gave a slow nod, managing to not laugh “You certainly are getting bigger” he stated

“Yeah!” Higari agreed, whirling up to look at his dad “So can’t I stay up for a little longer?” He rushed up closer to his dad, and under the mane of ginger hair, Kaigo made out a single turquoise puppy dog eye staring up at him “Pleeeaasseee?”

Kaigo once again hummed “.....Nope” he said, popping the P “Off to bed Higari”

Higari let out a long groan, throwing his head back and turning away from his dad with a huff. Kaigo didn’t take it to heart “Don’t pout” he said, kneeling down to be more closer to Higari. His son only further turned away from him with his cheeks puffed out in anger, it was arguably kinda cute, Kaigo thought.

Kaigo attempted a final time to try and make eye contact with the pouty boy, but when his attempt failed, he resorted to his last move. Higari let out a startled yelp noise when he was all of a sudden throw up into the air and caught again by his dad, who then launched a raspberry right onto his cheek, making him squeal and kick his legs like a flailing piglet. “I said don’t pout!” Kaigo teased, before blowing onto raspberry onto Higari’s cheek, eating up his delighted giggles and squeals

“Daaaddd!” He whined, trying to sound angry despite the smile that was now drawn ear to ear over his face.

From the doorway Magakure shook her head lightly, Hono giggling at her side “Alright Higari, that’s enough” she ended their fun before it drag on any further past Higari’s bedtime. Kaigo peered over to his wife briefly, and then looked back to Higari “Alright sweetpea, time for bed” he placed him back down on the floor “For real this time!” He nudged Higari over towards his mother, who held out her hand when Higari was close enough “Off to bed, and don’t forget to clean your teeth this time!” He yelled after them as Magaru lead them up the stairway to the boys room.

Hono was easily tucked away in bed, asleep as soon as his head hit his pillow. Higari took a little longer, as his mother tucked him into bed and closed up his bedroom window “Goodnight Higari” She said, leaning over to kiss his forehead before she turned off the night light, and quietly made her way out of the room.

Higari curled into the warmth of his blankets, happily drifting off into dream land. Being a country bumpkin he naturally dreamed of driving a giant tractor, a big red one with nice shiny paint! And it of course had a giant horn to boot, added coolness, he’d honk the horn and it’d let out a noise like a grasshopper...grasshopper?

“Hopper!” Higari bolted up in his bed, he’d left his grasshopper downstairs on the dresser! Higari knew his mother was insistent on then staying in bed when it was their bed time, he’d be herded straight back to bed if he was caught sneaking about. He debated the idea, weighted the pros and cons - and easily discarded the idea of sleeping in favour of retrieving his bug buddy.

As he put on his slippers Hono stirred in his sleep, rubbing at his eye when he noticed his brothers bed across from him was empty “Higari?..” he called quietly, yawning. Higari jolted, not realising Hono was awake “Shh!” He quickly shushed his baby brother who continued to look confused “You need to be quite! If Ma catches me I’ll be in trouble-“

Halfway through his sentence Higari heard muffled voices through the floor, coming from downstairs in the lounge. He couldn’t make out what it was they where saying, but it must have been loud in order for him to hear them from his bedroom. “Shhh..” he hushed Hono again, this time more gently. His baby brother slapped both hands to his mouth and nodded as Higari kneeled and pressed his ear to the floor. He still couldn’t hear any of the words they where saying

“Stay here..” Higari said, pointing to Hono who nodded again, tugging at his blanket. Deciding to push on Higari quietly creaked open the bedroom door, checked the hallway for either of his parents, and then crept towards the stairway. He could hear the voices more clearly now, they sounded irritated. Higari felt as though he should turn and go back to bed, yet he found himself walking further until he was standing just by the entryway to the lounge. He wondered maybe if he could get away with peaking his head inside-

“What do you MEAN it’s getting WORSE?!”

Higari startled, jumping back and almost falling over onto his butt. That was his dads voice, but he’d never heard him that angry before

“Honey, clam down” His stern yet still concerned sounding mothers voice came soon after

“K-Kaigo please-” the voice of his uncle followed

“I have done EVERYTHING the doctors have asked me! I’ve taken the meditation, the treatment, time off work: HOW can it still BE GETTING WORSE?!”

“Kaigo please! Calm down! They’re doing their best to try and find a way to help, but- b-but with where you live it makes visits and appointments so much harder!”

Higari tried to back up to the stairs, but he was too scared to move any further, none of the adults seemed to notice he was there, and kept yelling.

“I can’t just up and leave! I have the house, a wife, CHILDREN!”

“Y-Yes I know you do! But-“

“I have Higari and Hono to think about, I need to be here for them! If this is going to get worse I have to beHERE! I CANT LEAVE THEM!”

“I’m not saying you have to leave them!” Tsūkin pleaded, trying to calm his furious brother “But PLEASEconsider that moving to the city for treatment would benefit you! E-Even temporarily!” He tried to bargain, and failed

Kaigo shook his head “I worked to build a home here Tsūkin, I’m not giving up everything I’ve worked for just because of some silly sickness-“

“It’s NOT a silly sickness! And YOU KNOW IT-“ Tsūkin’s yell fell flat as he suddenly noticed Higari standing frozen in the doorway. Kaigo, noticing his change in behaviour, glanced over his shoulder.

His eyes shot open at the sight of his son “Sweetpea what are you doing up?” His tone had switched to soothing and calm in an instant, hurriedly walking over and scooping up the child into his arms, not sparing his brother or wife a word as he took Higari back up to his room.

When the door to Higari’s and Hono’s bedroom opened Hono quickly ducked back under his covers, badly faking sleep as Kaigo already knew he was wide awake. Higari was quite even as his dad tucked him into bed, but Kaigo made no move to leave. He sat on the edge of the bed and Higari was worried he was going to be told off. He nervously fiddled with his fingers, waiting for his dad to scold him “Higari?” Higari shyly peered up to his dad “...You” Kaigo rubbed his neck “..You shouldn’t eavesdrop on conversations. Okay?” Kaigo stood, not having the courage the make eye contact with his confused son “Now go to sleep okay?”

“Dad?” Higari’s voice stopped him from stepping out of the room. Kaigo swallowed, and then turned around “What is it Higari?”

Higari toyed with his blanket, suddenly shy. Kaigo took half a step back into the room, the way in which his son looked so nervous not helping his conscious. Kaigo was sure he caught a quite sniffle from his son before he quietly spoke “Are..You’re gonna get better right?”

Kaigo’s grip began close to crushing on the door frame, with his iron claws it would be easy to break through the wooden frame. “I..” words failed him in that moment, of all moments he had to loose his voice he thought. From his bed Hono poked his head out from his blankets, looking up to his dad in the doorway while Higari looked away, trying to discreetly wipe his eye.

“..Aw, sweetpea don’t be upset” Kaigo turned back into the room, picking Higari up into a soothing hug. Higari curled into his dad, trying to hide his face in his shoulder “..Dad just..” he struggled to think of a way to explain without making Higari and Hono more confused, or scared. “..I’m just a little sicker then we thought, that’s all” he said, nodding - trying to reassure himself

Hono instantly sensed the change in his big brothers behaviour, and with a determined look in his eye he scrambled from his bed and made a bed line towards him. Kaigo hummed, watching Hono as he attempted to clamber onto the bed. Despite how heavy the atmosphere felt he shook his head with a smile and picked up Hono with one hand, sitting him down on his other knee.

“Hug!” Hono clumsily leaned over to grab Higari in a hug, his brows furrowed - it was like he was trying to hug the sadness out. Higari tried to wriggle away, but Hono remained glued to him like a leech “Aw see?” Kaigo smiled down at Higari despite him trying to shove his little brother away “Hono wants to make sure you’re feeling okay? You don’t wanna make your baby brother upset do you?”

“Mngh..” Higari gave one last attempt to shove Hono off, before accepting his fate “I guess..” he mumbled under his breath.

“...Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“Do..” Higari paused, looking down at the floor “Do the doctors know what’s making you sick?” He asked. Kaigo grit his teeth, why did kids always have to ask such difficult questions??

Kaigo looked away to collect his thoughts, he’d need to word his answer carefully “Well..” he started, not rushing “You know how...dads been sick for a while now?” Higari nodded. Kaigo moves further back along the bed until his back was leaning against the wall “You see...well, the doctors think it..might be more then a tummy bug”

Higari thought for a moment “Tummy bug and..a headache?”

Kaigo chuckled lightly “Uh- No no, a..a bit more then that too”

“Like what then?” Higari asked innocently, Hono following Higari’s gaze while still hugging Higari’s arm in a vice grip

“They’re..not sure yet...But don’t worry!” He placed Higari and Hono down on the bed, Higari thought his dads eyes looked oddly watery, an emotion behind his smile that Kaigo tried hard to hide “T-The doctors are gonna find a way to help, that’s why your uncles here! Because..we don’t live in the city near a hospital, he’s here to make sure I’m doing okay” he added “Don’t you worry your little heads off, alright?” He gently brushed Higari’s fringe out of his face and then did the same to Hono “Before you know it I’ll be fit as a fiddle! You won’t even remember I was ever sick”

Higari looked away with a whimper “That wasn’t what you said downstairs..” he mumbled, catching Kaigo off guard.

He pulled his hand away, stuck. Not sure what he could say or do next to reassure him. Dammit, why did he have to hear that?? Guess reality liked to play cruel. Kaigo sighed through his nose and shuffled up the bed “Okay, how about this” Kaigo laid down, moving the boys further up so that he could lay beside him “I’ll stay here until you fall asleep, will that make you feel better?”

Higari didn’t need much more persuasion, as he curled up into his blankets, sticking close to his dad but not quite falling asleep just yet, despite how heavy his eyelids felt and how cozy he was. Kaigo let out another sigh, one arm carefully wrapping around Higari in a gentle hug

Hono scowled at his dad, and then wriggled his way in-between the two before sticking his tongue out, arms latching onto Higari’s other arm “...Pfft-“ Kaigo raised his hand in the face of his youngest ones glare “Alright alright, you can hug Higari” Hono narrowed his eyes more at his father as if to say ‘I’m watching you’ before he soon gave a cute yawn, and then laid down next to his brother.

At seeing Hono settling down, Kaigo carefully moved his arm back over his two sons, reaching down to lightly tug the blanket over them both so they wouldn’t get cold. “You need to try and sleep now, okay?” Kaigo shifted on his back, trying to get comfy on the bed that was obviously too small for someone so tall “You’ll be exhausted in the morning!”

“...Dad?”

Kaigo hummed

“...You’re not...g-gonna leave, are you?”

Kaigo instantly snapped his eyes down to Higari “What?!” He shook his head “N-No! No no!” Kaigo began to gesture with his hands, as if trying to grasp the words, starting a sentence was always the hard part “I wouldn’t-...You need to understand that-“ Kaigo wasn’t sure what he was aiming for, but words just kept pouring from his mouth in a desperate attempt to put his concerned child at peace “I-...I-I’m not...” he pressed his lips into a thin line, looking lost, Higari turned to press his face into his pillow, sniffling.

It broke Kaigo’s heart

...He gently ruffled his head again, leaning down to kiss his forehead, smiling - at the last end of his strength when it came to keeping the sad quality from his tone and the tears from pouring “I’m not going anywhere for a long time” he finally said “It’ll take more then some sickness to get rid of me buddy”

“Promise?..”

Kaigo held eye contact with Higari, his big blue eyes staring up at him - he just wouldn’t understand...

“...Alright” Kaigo said with a sigh “Okay Higari, I promise”

Higari at last finally smiled, a weight lifted off his shoulders at the sight, some happiness seeming to make its way back into the room. “...As long as you try to sleep!” Kaigo poked at Higari’s tummy, and the boy quickly curled up in a fight of flight response, ready to protect himself from an onslaught of tickles “Okay okay!” He pressed, flopping his head on his pillow to make it look like he was asleep.

“Good” Kaigo said, laying his head down also, before yawning himself. No sooner then a second later Higari yawned too, letting his body sink into his mattress and pillow, the warmth welcoming slumber as his eyes drifted slowly shut “G’night you two..” Kaigo said, waiting for Higari to fall asleep. It hasn’t taken long, bless him, he was probably exhausted - it was very late at this point.

Kaigo calmly watched his two sons sleep, their little chests rising and falling, even in sleep Hono hugged onto Higari’s arm as though it was some treasured teddy bear. He gently tugged the blanket over them more and slowly stood up from the bed.

He saw no point in trying to pry Hono away from Higari, not when he’d just gotten them to sleep. The moment he was out of the room and in the safety of the hallway he let out a breath, pulling his hands back through his hair. He let his nails drag along his scalp and then pull at the skin under his eyes. He mumbled nothings to himself, rubbing his face to try and calm himself

He let out a shaky exhale, teary eyes upon the ceiling, a sinking feeling in his gut

“...What the hell am I gonna do?..”

[raiokori]

He remembers being excited as his mother walked with him down to a friend’s house. 

They’d met in kindergarten, if he remembers right, and had hit it off well enough to warrant a get together outside of the controlled school setting. It was his first real playdate with another kid, so he was a bundle of excitement and nervous as he held tight to his mother’s hand. Usually, when his mother had errands to run, Mashirao was left with his grandparents, so getting to play with a friend on top of going to a new place was making him bouncy. 

It was only going to be for an hour or two, but that would be plenty of time for the two boys to wear themselves out. They were greeted warmly at the door by the other boy’s mother, and then rather bombastically by the other boy himself -- which was a nice distraction, really, as Mashirao still didn’t particularly like being left anywhere by his parents, even if he was excited about it.

The other boy was quick to trundle the both of them into his room, blabbing and gesturing to different toys or games that they could play with. He was a lot noisier outside of class, but it was sort of an infectious attitude; easy to get swept up in, and carried along for the ride.

It was fun. They were in their own little world for a good hour.

“Hey, wanna see our cat?”

He’d blinked at the sudden question, because he had been plenty entertained with the toys they’d been goofing around with, but it seemed his friend had gotten bored and wanted to move on to something else. 

Cats were nice, though, so what could go wrong?

“Okay!”

Their cat was this small but round, black and white bobtail. It was sleeping, curled up tight, on a cat bed by the window; the warm sun soaked into its fur, green-yellow eyes squinted shut in pleasurable rest.

Mashirao had been content to just watch it from a distance, but his friend wanted to play with it. 

“Aw, well, I know what always gets him up!” the boy had pouted, tromping over to a little basket of neatly arranged cat toys and digging around until he procured one in particular. 

The little toy hadn’t gotten the cat’s attention, but it had sure grabbed Mashirao’s. While it was dulled a bit by having been left out for some time, the scent was still entrancing to him. Tail wagging behind him, he’d made a less than calculated leap at the other boy, knocking the both of them over and resulting into a bit of a wrestling match over the toy. 

It was sort of fun, at first. They were both laughing, playing a game of keep away essentially.

Until he’d gotten frustrated and extended his claws out to try and swipe for the catnip toy. His friend gasped at the sudden pain, dropping the toy and watching for a stunned moment as blood welled up awfully fast in the gashes on the back of his hand.

So, like any six year old would do, he let out a sobbing scream for his mother while Mashirao was none the wiser, distracted by the toy he finally had a hold of.

His mother had been called back to pick him up in an outraged panic by his friend’s mother. It was an incredibly uncomfortable wait for Mashirao, as the effects from the catnip only lasted so long. He didn’t remember what had happened at the time for things to go so badly when everything seemed to be going well, so he’d stood in the hallway by the front door; tears streaking down his cheeks, tail wrapped anxiously around his leg, blood on his fingers that had gone tacky. He could still hear the other boy crying in another room. The boy’s mother was on the phone, talking in sharp, harsh words that didn’t entirely make sense to him through the blood pounding in his ears.

The walk home wasn’t nearly as fun. 

He never went back over to that boy’s house. They ended up going to different elementary schools, anyway. He couldn’t even remember the kid’s name.

His mother had to explain what happened once he’d calmed down. She told him it hadn’t been his fault. 

Mashirao made sure to cut his claws down regularly after that, though. 

---

He was nine or ten, playing at one of the parks near his complex. It wasn’t especially large, but it was kept up nicely and there was always an eclectic group of kids to play with until he had to go home for the day. 

It was a good way to burn off extra energy after school, so long as he let his parents know he was going to stop there. 

Games of tag or soccer that seemed to go on forever, with everyone whooping at whatever score they got, while no one ever actually kept a tally of who technically won. Silly games that changed weekly as kids swarmed the play structure. 

His favorite were the climbing bars, though. There were a bunch of different designs scattered around the boundaries of the park, so it wasn’t repetitive. Mashirao enjoyed the muscle burn that came from traversing them, or just from simply hanging off the bars. There was also something satisfying about dropping off them and into the woodchips below the structures. It was one of the only structures he could really mess around on while using his tail effectively.

He had been hanging upside down by his tail, flexing the long appendage to move up and down a little bit in order to make the topsy-turvy world bob, when he heard laughter off to the side. It wasn’t unusual on its own, but the laughter was followed up by a cheerful but still slightly needling call of, “Monkey boy! Monkey boy!”

Blood was already rushing to his head, so it was easy enough to say that’s why his face was red, but that was just a half-truth.

“I-- I’m not a monkey!” he puffed back in response, tail curling tighter around the bar he was holding onto. 

“You look like a monkey, hanging there like that! If it has a tail, it’s a monkey!”

He could feel his ears burning, a heat that scorched his face and the back of his neck. That wasn’t fair! How was that fair? There were plenty of kids who had tails out there, and he bet most of them weren’t monkeys! Besides, anyone could hang off the bars like this with their legs, so did that make them monkeys, too? Or was it just him, because he could do it with his tail?

Eventually, the pounding in his head got to be a little too much, so he swung back up, grabbing onto another bar with his hands, before landing on his feet with the soft crunch of woodchips. His face was a splotchy red as blood started to circulate again, leaving nothing but his indignant flush behind.

“I’m not a monkey,” he repeated firmly, tail held stiffly behind him, the tuft of fur at the end poofed out in agitation. “I’m a lion!” He’d tried to make himself look bigger, chest puffed out all prideful.

That outburst just earned him another round of laughs.

“Lions can’t climb with their tails!”

“Your tail looks too weird to be a cat’s!”

“Liar! You’re just embarrassed!”

He wasn’t a monkey. He was a lion. He was a lion, he was a lion, he was a lion. He knew he was. His father was, so he had to be. His parents proudly told him what he was, what their family had built over generations of Quirks.

So why...

Why was that so hard to see in himself? For others to see? Why didn’t he look like his father more? No one would tease him about it then, or call him names. People didn’t poke fun at a lion. They respected it.

He stopped going to that park after school.

---

He was fifteen, and on the train to UA. It was finally time for the entrance exams, and he was excited. And a bit nervous, but he was trying to focus more on the excitement more than anything else. 

He had a good chunk of time to calm his nerves, anyway. And it was pretty soothing to listen to the train--

Something tugged sharply at the fur on his tail, making him reflexively twitch it out of the way before he had a chance to see what had done it.

The high pitched, ear piercing cries of a baby hit him like a wave of broken glass.

As soon as he realized, Mashirao was quick to apologize to the child’s mother -- who wasn’t really upset per se, but the kid was crying pretty loudly and they were stuck on the train. 

“I’m really, really very sorry,” he repeated, frazzled, not entirely sure what he should do to help or if he should even help. It was his fault, though, so he should try to fix it.

“It’s fine, she’ll calm down--” the woman tried to wave him off, tutting softly to the little girl in a vain attempt to quiet her.

It wasn’t working.

Shuffling his weight back and forth for a hesitant moment, Mashirao eventually dangled the soft tip of his tail in front of the crying child again, trying not to flinch when grabby hands immediately went for it. Some kids were very nice when touching his tail, but this girl was still pretty young, so she couldn’t really help it. Her crying subsided into pleased, gurgling noises; chubby fingers twisting around his fur, tugging and yanking and pulling. 

It was uncomfortable. Her hands were sticky. Despite being a baby, she seemed to know how much force to use in order to yank some of the hairs out, giggling all the while.

The girl’s mother sighed with relief. 

She didn’t say thank you. Mashirao blinked away reaction tears when another painful tug was given to his tail. The girl laughed and blew raspberries at him. The train clicked along at its steady pace. Light flashed by through the window.

He had just enough time to try and suss out the fur on his tail before the exams started.

But, it was fine. Trials and tribulations, and his were pretty small at that.

That’s what a Hero put up with to do good in the world, right?

[ghostsray]

kin assigned fenton pt. 3

(compared to the two previous 8k-word chapters, this one is really short...also i kind of made myself sad while writing this so oops)

(pt 1/pt 2) (ao3)

summary: danny remembers a fond memory uwu

.

Danny wished he could starve.

That was a sentence most people didn't say. But even as he ate the cereal bar he had stolen, he knew he didn't need to eat it. It didn't give him any energy or quench any hole in his stomach. It just went...who knows where, because it wasn't the other end. He hadn't needed to use the toilet in days. Worst of all, the food didn't even taste the same--everything he ate tasted like ectoplasm.

Not that that stopped him from eating it.

"Dude, what's wrong with your skin?" a man said. Danny looked up and found the person...the human...standing in the bus stop next to him, squinting at his face.

Right--he had lowered his scarf to free his mouth to eat. Danny covered his face again and mumbled, "Skin condition."

The man didn't question him. Most likely, a blue-skinned, slightly glowing teenager wasn't the strangest thing he'd seen.

Okay, so Danny was pretending to still be a human. The hoodie he wore did a good job of covering his white hair and most of his jumpsuit. The sunglasses he wore hid his glowing eyes. The scarf covered the rest of his unusually-colored face.

So what?

Dying was what Jazz would have called a traumatic experience. Danny was desperate to cling onto any semblance of his old life as a human, or he would have lost it. So, he walked and rode buses instead of flying. He breathed even though he couldn't suffocate. He ate and drank even though he didn't starve or become thirsty. At night, he lay down and closed his eyes in an attempt to sleep but always failed because he didn't need to.

He didn't need to do any of those things that kept him alive because he was dead.

He missed being a human. He missed being able to starve.

There was the rumbling of an engine as a bus rolled into view. The doors slid open. The man climbed aboard, and Danny followed.

He picked a seat toward the back of the bus and sat down. Logically, he knew he would have reached his destination days ago if he had simply chosen to fly, but he couldn't help it. As exhilarating as flying was, it was foreign...inhuman. So, he had spent his days walking and stopping to rest even though he didn't need to because he never felt exhausted.

He leaned his head against the window, making sure not to accidentally phase it through, as the bus began to drive. The road outside was dark, the stars hidden behind clouds. The landscape passed by in a blur.

His destination was, of course, in Wisconsin.

His parents were not the only ghost experts in the human world. He remembered visiting their old college friend when he and Jazz were little. Uncle Vlad was as knowledgable as Mom and Dad were in ghost matters, but he was less trigger-happy.

There was one time years ago when their family came to Wisconsin for a ghost expo, and Uncle Vlad offered to let them stay over. Danny must have been four or five years old. He considered himself a big boy, and for that, he insisted on sleeping in his own guest bedroom in spite of his parents' reluctance. He regretted that decision when he woke up in the middle of a night from a frightful nightmare.

Shivering from the image of a ghost trying to eat him, he left his room and attempted to search for his parents. Unfortunately, the mansion was so big that he quickly became lost. After turning another corner and being greeted by a wall of Packers merch but no bedroom door, his bottom lip trembled. Somehow, a deep part of his five-year-old soul was certain that a ghost was out to get him.

"What are you doing here, little badger?" Vlad's voice spoke, and he looked up to find the man standing before him.

Danny didn't want Vlad to think he was a scaredy cat like his classmates in kindergarten did, so he didn't tell him he was scared. Instead, he stood as straight as his little body could allow and said truthfully, "I want Mommy and Daddy."

"Mommy and Daddy? Sure, I was just on my way back from the potty. I can bring you there." Vlad pouted and added, "But tell me, why do you want them? I thought you were a big boy now. That's what you said."

"I'm not scared! I..." he fidgeted and said, "Mommy and Daddy always protect me from ghosts."

"You're worried a ghost might hurt you?" Vlad said, eyebrows raised. Danny nodded.

"Ghosts are bad."

Vlad smiled. He crouched until he was at eye level with the young boy. "Did Mommy and Daddy tell you that?"

"Yes. They know a lot about ghosts! And they hunt them down so they don't hurt us!"

"I'm sure they do," Vlad said. "But you know, I also know a lot about ghosts."

"Are you a ghost hunter, too?" Danny asked, tilting his head. He never saw Vlad carry any weapons like his parents did. And he didn't wear a jumpsuit either, which his parents insisted was an important part of their job.

"No, I'm not. And do you want to know why?" He leaned forward and whispered, "I know of a way to stop ghosts without weapons."

Danny widened his eyes. "How?" he asked curiously.

"It's easy..." He suddenly thrust his hands out in a scary gesture and said with an exaggerated growl, "You scare them before they scare you!"

Danny jumped at Vlad's scare--then laughed. "That can't be right!"

"Oh, it is," Vlad said with a very serious expression. "Do you want to know how I'm sure? Because no ghost ever got the best of me."

"Really?" Danny said, still not quite believing him.

"Of course. Ghosts are only scary if you let them scare you. But if you scare them instead--well, they'll leave you alone!"

He grinned, and Danny couldn't help but grin back. Vlad then stood up and asked, "Do you still want me to take you to your parents?"

Danny thought about it for a second, then puffed out his chest and said, "No. I'm not scared!"

"That's the spirit," Vlad said and ruffled his hair.

That single conversation was not enough to end his fear of ghosts, of course. But for that night, at least, he didn't have any nightmares when he went back to bed.

Later that week, when they had to return to Amity Park, he asked his parents why they didn't visit Uncle Vlad more often. His mother smiled and explained that Wisconsin was very far away.

"Then why don't we move?" he asked.

He vividly remembered a brief moment where Mom looked uncomfortable, though he didn't understand why. However, Dad quickly answered for her by saying, "I, for one, like our house in Amity Park. Don't you?"

Danny grumbled and let it slide. But as they went to pack their things, and Jazz caught him without their parents, she said in her stuck-up big sister tone, "It's obvious why Mom and Dad don't want us to spend time with Uncle Vlad. He's crazy."

Danny frowned. "No he's not."

Jazz rolled her eyes. "He is. You're just too dumb to notice."

Danny didn't understand why she said those things. He thought she was being mean. After all, Vlad was a perfectly rational man!

It was not until years later that he thought back on their encounters and realized Jazz told the truth. Danny always focused on the nice memories he had with Vlad, but there were times when Vlad went from calm and collected to agitated and paranoid in the blink of an eye. Sometimes Vlad changed personalities so violently that it was almost as if two souls lived inside him. Those memories always scared Danny, so he kept them in the back of his memory.

Still, despite how crazy Vlad might have been, Danny still thought of him fondly. Recalling their encounters brought a smile to his face--such as now.

He was sure there must be a way to reverse the switch between him and Phantom. His parents, the leading ghost experts he knew, were too biased against ghosts to listen to him. But maybe Vlad could help him. He had all of their expertise and none of their irrational hatred toward ghosts.

So, here he was, on his way through Wisconsin.

There was a kid in the seat in front of him, watching him over the seatback curiously, probably wondering why he was dressed in a way that covered his glowing face. Danny ignored him and continued gazing out the dark window.

All of a sudden, a chill gripped at him and caused him to shiver. He knew temperature did not affect him as a--you know. He widened his eyes just in time to see his breath turn to mist.

He turned his head away from the window and stared to the front of the bus. the inside of the vehicle was nearly empty, carrying only a few passenger beside himself. The bus driver was a regular, unimpressive dude. Outside the bus, through the front windshield...

Danny saw the glowing figure approach before the bus's headlights did.

It moved too quickly to observe clearly, but it looked like a person riding a motorcycle--and they were headed right at the bus. The bus driver jolted and turned the wheel hurriedly to avoid the crazy biker. The bus lurched violently to the side. The kid in front of Danny screamed and gripped his seat.

Whether they avoided the biker or not was unclear (though Danny doubted it mattered), but now they faced a bigger danger. The bus drove off the road and into the uneven terrain. Soon, everyone was screaming as the vehicle toppled down the hills and into trees, threatening to land in a wrecked heap.

The only one who wasn't affected by the movements of the bus was Danny. he was untouched by gravity and inertia. As he watched the scene play out before him, he knew he had to do something--anything--to help these people.

He stood. He placed a hand against the shuddering window and focused, sending his energy across the bus's frame and through the passengers inside. A few of them gasped at the sudden sensation that overtook them. The bus stopped--right in the middle of a tree.

Danny ignored his self-placed no-flying rule and, still keeping his hand to the wall, moved up until he pressed against the roof. He grunted and pushed upward. The bus was actually pretty easy to lift since Danny kept it intangible from gravity, but he did feel his energy drain as he maintained the ghostly power (hey, turns out he can grow tired).

He carried the bus back to the road and set it down. As soon as he removed his hands, it returned to normal, and he landed on his seat, feeling tired for the first time since he left home.

Everybody stared. Many of them backed away from him. The kid in front of him gawked until his mother pulled him away from Danny and hugged him to her. Even the bus driver gaped.

"What are you?" the kid's mother demanded.

Danny couldn't blame them. Even if he didn't just show an obvious display of ghost powers, his hood and sunglasses had fallen off in the action. Everyone saw how glowy, how unusual, how ghostly he was.

They stared at him with fear.

"I'm..." He wanted to say he was a normal human, but that wasn't true, was it? He was a ghost--a monster. Everyone looked at him like one, and everyone was right.

He trembled. His bottom lip quivered. Suddenly, he felt like he was a lost five-year-old again, looking for his parents.

He wished he could disappear.

Several gasps sounded, and he looked down and realized he literally did disappear. Great. He didn't even think about turning invisible; his ghost powers simply worked according to his emotions.

Well, since he was already gone from view....he ran across the bus to the doors and phased through them. He didn't look back until he made it to the woods on the side of the road. Finally, he dropped his invisibility and collapsed on his knees.

There were many things he hated about being a ghost, but in that moment, he realized the cruelest thing was that he couldn't even cry. He had no tear ducts to make his eyes water. The most he could do was whimper and whine while the emotions boiled inside him.

He wasn't sure how much time he passed that way, but eventually, he stopped whining long enough to hear two voices speaking nearby. His breath misted over. He gulped, then gingerly picked himself up and crept around a tree to see two people--two glowing people--arguing next to a motorcycle.

"Ancients, I said I was sorry, okay?" one of them, a guy ghost with gray skin and blonde hair, said. "I thought we were invisible!"

"You could have killed them," said the other, a girl ghost with wild green hair and blue skin. Her red leather jacket stood out beside the guy's dark gray one.

"Why do you care if they live or die?"

"Excuse me for not wanting a bus load of vengeful spirits after us!"

The guy held up his hands placatingly and said, "Fine, fine! I'll be more careful next time! In my defense, we haven't been to the human world in ages."

The girl rolled her eyes. They landed on Danny, and she paused. "Hey, who're you?" she asked.

The guy followed her vision and saw Danny. Danny squirmed under his glowing eyes. He almost considered turning invisible again, but he didn't know if that would hide him from them.

The guy grinned and said, "Another ghost, eh? Did you come through the portal, too?"

"How did you get past the ghost hunters?" the girl asked. "Those were awful to sneak past."

The guy smirked. He wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulders and said, "Good thing you have a boyfriend who's excellent at sneaking, right?"

"Sure, one who forgot to turn invisible while driving head on toward a bus full of humans," the girl grumbled and rolled her eyes, though she didn't make a move to remove his arm from her.

Danny stayed silent, watching them with wary eyes. The last time he'd encountered a ghost, it didn't go so well. But these two didn't seem to have any malicious intent toward him.

When Danny gave no response, the guy smirked and said, "What? Worried we might attack?" He turned up his palms in a peaceful gesture and said, "Don't worry, no territorial disputes in the human realm. We're all tourists here."

"I'm not a tourist," Danny said before he could stop himself.

"No? What are you here for, then? Hoping to fulfill some unfinished business?"

Danny clenched his jaw. He wasn't sure what made him decided to talk to these ghosts. Maybe he was tired of keeping everything to himself. Maybe he didn't want them to act like he was one of them. But he held his head up and said, "I won't stay a ghost for long."

"So you are moving on?"

"No," Danny said. "I'm going to be human."

For a moment, the ghost couple was speechless. Then the girl gave him a pitiful look while the guy barked with laughter. "Yeah, right. Let me guess--you read about some elixir of life in Ghostwriter's library, and now you're going to find it and revive yourself? If that stuff were real, someone would have found it ages ago. Just give up and accept that you're dead like the rest of us."

Danny clenched his fists. "What if my body is still alive?"

The guy raised his eyebrows. "Well, now you're just delusional."

"He must be a new ghost," the girl said, still eyeing him sadly. "The poor guy's in denial."

"I'm not in denial," Danny argued. "And I'm not delusional! My body really is still alive."

"Oh yeah, wise guy?" the guy taunted. "Then how the hell are you a ghost?"

"It's...it's complicated," Danny told him. "Someone else is in my body. It was an accident with the portal. We switched places."

"Yep, definitely delusional," the guy said, shaking his head slowly. He steered the girl to their motorcycle and said, "Come on, we don't need to waste time with someone in denial like him."

"I'm not in denial!" Danny said. But the ghost couple had already ridden on the bike. He caught the girl giving him one last sorry look before the vehicle revved into action, driving down the road without any smoke.

Danny was alone. He swallowed down a lump in his throat and ignored the tremble in his chin. "I'm not in denial," he whispered to himself.

Because a person in denial would not pretend to be alive when he's not.

Danny bit down his emotions and turned to the road. The bus had recovered from its shock and driven off without him (or maybe they wanted to get away from him). The road was empty.

He took in a deep breath and let it go. He wished that did anything, though. Not needing oxygen meant breathing exercises did little to assuage his nerves.

Still, he sighed and faced the long road. And he walked.

[bananaink]

KeGo December Day 7 - Rant to me, baby

Katsuki was losing his goddamn mind.

Armed with a spatula in the right and a whisk in the left hand, he loomed over the resident garbage rat nursing his bowl of rubbish. Katsuki almost felt a vein in his forehead pop when the green haired menace lifted a spoon to his mouth and freaking ate the concoction in his possession without even flinching. The ends of barely not-spoiled raw spinach vanished, alongside crumbles of yesterday's chips, dosed in soy-sauce. The freaking eighth bottle, Katsuki had specifically hid away from the monster. It was now in the hands of a lunatic, drinking it like soda. Inhaling a – supposedly – calming breath, Katsuki watched the other freeze at the sound and slowly turning his head to face his wrath. When their eyes met, Midoriya – without breaking eye contact – dumped the rest of the bottle into his bowl.

“Dekuu...”

Midoriya took the empty bottle and chugged it at Katsuki, aiming for his face but he wasn’t one of the best for nothing! Deflecting the projectile with the spatula, he watched Midoriya bolt up and run – bowl of garbage still in hands. Katsuki quickly threw the whisk to where Midoriya headed and then grabbed a chair to intercept with his further path. But the little fucker was nimble as shit and managed to avoid a whisk to the cheek and chair to the knees, jumping and sidestepping like a freaking rabbit on the run.

“Give me the bowl, you fucker!”, he screamed and threw himself over the kitchen table when Midoriya tried to use it as an obstacle for him to gain distance. Midoriya squeaked again, bowl holding over his head out of reach and sloshing some of his devil-food onto the pristine floors of the brand new U.A. dorms. A sad and wet cucumber-slice landed with a splat just beside his foot. Katsuki could feel his disgust and anger fight for dominance but at the end they just joined forces against the bigger threat in his near vicinity.

“Who the hell let you in here?!”, Katsuki screamed in rage and Midoriya made this dumb and obnoxiously cocky smile with that nervous edge around his eyes that reminded Katsuki too much and too little of their childhood at the same time.

“Ha ha, you’re awake!”, Midoriya just said, clearly fighting off his surprise at how early he had been ambushed and ducked under a swipe from Katsukis hands. Cradling the bowl against his chest again and ducking under the freaking table, Midoriya managed to evade him a second time. Grabbing the edged, Katsuki was just about to flip the table over and set everything on fire, when two hands grabbed his hips and lifted him from the ground.

“HUrgH!”, came out of his throat in surprise and then he found himself flung over a very strong shoulder, turning around an carrying him away from the kitchen. At that he pounded on Kirishimas back and numbly realized he was still holding the spatula.

“Let me DOWN!”, he screamed and kicked his legs out, eyes boring on Midoriya, who was crouching under the table, grinning, as he smugly shoveled spoon after spoon of his poison into his mouth. Katsuki gagged when he saw cereal vanish behind glinting teeth. But then Kirishima made a turn and he lost the sight of his arch-nemesis. Katsuki dug his hands into Kirishimas back – hardening immediately coating the redhead – and he let lose some small explosions at the sheer audacity!

“I’ll kill that fucker – let me down, did you see what he was eating?! That was my god-damn soy sauce! Let me DOWN SHITTY HAIR-”

“Calm down, bro, Aizawa is already on the move.”, the redhead mumbled, clearly tired and sleepy and with that little annoyed undertone of a not-morning-person being awake at a time they really didn’t like to be. Katsuki huffed and puffed, hitting shitty hair in the back of his head with the spatula.

“I’m gonna take care of this myself!”

But he made no serious attempt at struggling free anymore, knowing his teacher was on the case. Just unhappily wiggling and holding himself up. And not a second later he heard a yelp from the kitchen and saw the black shadow of their homeroom-teacher emerging and dragging Midoriya behind him. Out of the kitchen and into the hall, where Kirishima was just about to use the elevator to his floor. Katsukis eyes latched onto the back of Midoriyas head, the other boy not even struggling against the hold Aizawa had on him and let almost his entire lower body be dragged on the floor. But when the ding of the elevator sounded through the hall, he caught Midoriya looking over his shoulder and meeting Katsukis burning stare.

Immediately he struggled to get to his feet and run, but Aizawa was surprisingly strong for such a slouchy teacher and Katsuki eagerly waited for their teacher to arrive at the elevator, ready to pounce and rip that asshole a new one for defiling the kitchen with his horrible food.

But then Kirishima walked into the elevator and turned around, cutting off Katsukis line of sight, again.

“You can go ahead.”, Aizawas voice scratched over the floor and Kirishima yawned a long and tired ‘Sure, Sensei. See ya later.’

Roaring in rage Katsuki struggled for real because they had taken his opportunity for revenge again and quickly managed to push himself around enough to see the doors closing on his very tired looking Sensei. Katsuki locked eyes with Midoriya and chucked the spatula at him. It made it outside but he would have to imagen it hitting its target.

Kirishima yawned again, unimpressed with the knees digging into his chest and smoldering hands grabbing him, only swaying with the added weight.

“Seriously? It’s three A.M. Can’t you wait until after breakfast?”

Katsuki scoffed.

“Not my fault that fucker woke me up.”, he lied and hit resurfacing memories and nightmares over the head until they stopped making his hands shake. Because Midoriya had woken him up, not childish little nightmares hovering in his room.

Kirishima hummed, now actually sounding more alert, just as the elevator stopped and they walked out. Shitty hair didn’t even ask if Katsuki wanted to go back to his room, just freaking took that decision away from him and entered his own room. Katsuki got dumped onto the bed and sat up, just as Kirishima closed his door and dragged a stool over to sit in front of the blonde.

“Alrighty, listen up, man, this is the second week we're all living together and I’m very tired right now of hearing the same excuse at the exact same time every god-knows-what-hour in the morning. Because no one can hear Midoriya, he’s like a ghost and your room is on the fourth floor, faaar away from the kitchen. So you will now tell me exactly what it is that’s keeping you awake or I’ll hug you now until we fall asleep.”

Katsuki blinked at the redhead and his limp bed-hair and the dark rings under his eyes. And the very real threat hanging over his head.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

Kirishima pointed to his eyebags.

“Do these look like they’re joking?”

Something heavy and ugly washed over Katsukis chest and he refused to see it as guilt because it had been Midoriya who woke him up every morning. Nothing else. Just his stupid face, twisted in pain and covered in blood.

“There is nothing to talk about. He’s just loud as shit.”, he spat and dimly thought about just leaving shitty hairs room. Nothing was holding him back from standing up, crossing the room and hunting for the gremlin again. Shitty hair never held him against his will for too long - just long enough for Midoriya to safely hide himself away where he couldn’t reach him – so Katsuki was fairly confident that he wouldn’t actually stop him now. But this was the first time Kirishima blinked himself actually awake and focused his attention into one intense look.

It made Katsukis hands ball to fists because shitty hair seemed to just know.

How Katsuki still had nightmares about the training camp, about All For One, about All Might and Midoriya.

“I don’t have to tell you shit.”, he cursed and glared away from those eyes, taking in the posters on shitty hairs wall instead.

“If it’s some mushy-touchy-feely-shit you’re fishing for, tough fuck, you won’t find any here.”

“Then don’t!”, shitty hair said and waved one hand in the air.

“I don’t need you to get mushy-touchy-feely with me. Just freaking talk or, or... Ha!”

Kirishimas face lit up in a challenging grin.

“Rant to me.”

“What?”, Katsuki reeled and warily eyed the sudden energy flooding Kirishimas body as he nodded, obviously confident about his offer.

“Yeah, rant to me, baby, I can take it. Use the filthiest and ugliest words you know.”

That somehow got Katsuki to perk up, despite the underlying knowledge that Kirishima was using his competitiveness against him. The black swirling mass of his thoughts slowly wandered to the back of his mind as he saw the most pure-hearted motherfucker Katsuki knew asking him to curse in front of his virgin ears. Even Midoriya and his screams of agony still ringing in Katsukis head took a backseat at the prospect of venting to a pair of ears he knew would hear him. Listen to him.

“Are you sure about that, princess?”

Kirishima pulled the chair closer and land forward, hardened fists slamming together in his signature move.

“Go nuts, bro.”

___________

I’m BACK! Okay, so, sorry for the delay! I had some stressfull days and tried to keep ahead of the KeGo but I haven’t written anything in, like, advance, so I had no chapters up my sleeve to throw at you guys. But I’m gonna catch up now! :D

I should be able to catch up quickly now because nothing is standing in my way anymore! :D

As usual check out @banashee and her stories! I’ll have to go read them myself later, sorry, didn’t even managed to do that :’D

And this is crossposted on AO3 :D

[siamesesouls]

I finally made this fic of my Kiane babies meeting Howzer, oh boi this is gonna be sweet. Hope ya’ll love it <3

It's been a long time since the Boar's Hat hosted a Sin's Reunion but it was a really special day, one worth the preparation. It was early morning when the sunny rays of light gently caressed the rosy cheeks of the young kids' faces as they hopped onto their parents' bed, giggles came out of the oldest one, Magnolia as she clung to her father's neck in an attempt to wake him up from his beauty sleep, the calm snoring he produced abruptly stopped as his first child violently stomped on his chest with her tiny body.

—"FWAAAAA" He yelled while the air on his lungs escaped from his chest in a painful manner.

—"Mooornin' Papa!" Magnolia cheerily exclaimed while his father still tried to catch a breath with his kid suffocating him.

—"Magnolia, I've told you sweetie not to sit on your father's chest, he can't breathe like that!" The Giantess sighed while being gently hold by their little boy.

—"And you...how are you my little cutie pie?" asked while she started to tickle her son, Cloud.

King began to cough as the little child unseated herself of his chest, soon noticing it was getting late for their friends' reunion, he put Magnolia on the ground and thank her for waking him up. Just as her tiny feet touched the ground she pointed her index finger and ordered her little brother to leave their parents alone so they could get ready for today with a demanding, almost cocky attitude, Cloud obeyed almost immediately and exit their room quickly.

—"God, she likes being bossy" King told his loved one with a grin on his face, proud of what they've made together.

They got out of bed to check on their little daughter; Rosa lying on her beautifully made cradle, the sheets touching just to her tender face was truly a divine sight for them.

A family, something they’ve only dreamt of having has been made true thanks to their efforts; they couldn’t believe how lucky they were of being with each other and of course the children by their side.

The air was way denser than before as their rosy cheeks turned into a beet red color, getting close for a kiss when…

—“Papa, Mama, stop flirting! We are gonna be late” Magnolia totally killed the mood for them. Well, some things can’t be helped.

Once they were ready they didn’t waste a single moment as King prepared the Chastiefol transforming it into his signature pillow for his whole family to reach Liones as soon as possible.

It was such a beautiful sight, the hills covered in thick green foliage rushing passed their eyes in one fluid motion, although they could still see the Sacred Tree from miles thanks to its colossal height it was a fun trip for the children since they had never taken a single step out of the borders of their home.

—“We are here” that single word made by their father was more than enough to make their little hearts go wild, despite their excitement they didn’t act rashly as they were careful enough with their dear mother and both the baby on her arms and their unborn sister.

Still holding tightly onto her, the children were left awestruck by the lively and crowded streets of the capital kingdom.

—“We’ll have plenty of time to travel around the city but for now we need to go to the Boar’s Hat” said the mighty Fairy King in a warm tone while pointing his family into the direction of the bar.

They don’t remember the last time they were this outside of the forest but both King and Diane could still remember when they’d given birth to their first two children in that same bar.

Nostalgia hit both of them in the face as they were already at the entrance, that place was filled with so many good memories for them; they even celebrated their honeymoon in there. The calming sighs of the wind along their kids’ tender voices were enough to wake them up from their daydreaming.

They were received by Elizabeth who noticed someone standing in front of the door, as she invited them to come in she noticed the two kids hidden behind their mother’s legs, at first they were nervous specially Cloud who was petrified under the thought of meeting someone new, he’s always been the shy little boy who never played around with anyone other than his golems. Magnolia stepped out of her hiding spot first giving a huge smile to Elizabeth as she gently hugged the pigtailed toddler.

Immediately crushed by his older sister’s bigger personality and charisma, the brunet little boy realized he was so useless at that type of meetings, how could he meet someone new without ruining it up? As he looked at her he couldn’t help but feeling hopeless at the sight of her getting along with someone so quickly, it was excruciating and painful, albeit he didn’t want anyone to feel pity for him not being able to relate to someone who wasn’t his family, he just stood there at the verge of tears when Diane took him and suddenly bringing him into her embrace.

—“There’s no need for you to force yourself to do anything you don’t want to” She said with such a soothing tone, making him feel safe, protected and warm. He could feel his tears drying up as he felt another hand caressing his hair, it was Elizabeth’s, suddenly apologizing for not realizing sooner what she did, or better, didn’t do. With his tiny hands he held onto her fingers while looking into her eyes, he was so happy feeling his cries were understood.

Just as he was getting comfortable with the tender warmth of his mother he immediately felt another presence closing in, it was Gilthunder and Howzer getting ready for their drinking hour.

Cloud felt threatened at the sight of more people he didn’t want to meet, luckily Gilthunder stayed at a safe distance saluting Elizabeth then the fairy and giant couple, while Howzer didn’t respect the space as he went right on to Diane’s side.

—“Wow, Diane it’s being a really long time since we’ve seen each other li―” just as he was getting closer and closer, Cloud gave him a cold killer glare in an effort to keep him as far as possible from the cheery Giantess.

—“Sorry Howzer, this is my son Cloud, he’s a little shy but I hope you get along pretty well” those words fell harshly at Howzer’s ears, who didn’t even stopped to think that his love rival would rise so triumphantly against him to win Diane’s affection. He couldn’t process the idea of someone so unmanly and crybaby like King actually winning his love interest’s heart, it was so unfair according to him. Cloud was still looking at him with a bit of disdain.

“Who was this man? And why was he looking at him almost jealously like? Was he-?” His train of thought suddenly halted by Howzer coming back to the cruel reality of King and Diane being together; well he tried to be the bigger man and showing his right hand to the little boy as a sign of peace between them, albeit the almost busting vein in Howzer’s forehead said otherwise. Cloud wasn’t happy either, he was looking straight at the grown up fingers of his hand getting close to him while moving away as fast as possible from his fake act.

Diane was getting worried about Cloud, so she decided to quickly excuse herself and face away from Howzer while trying to calm her little boy down.

Howzer was at a loss for words after being ignored yet again by Diane and her child; well he wasn’t going to let that sour moment ruin his drinking hour so he seated himself onto one of the wooden stools near the entrance and ordered a beer while Gilthunder was waiting to talk to Meliodas. His aggravated stare at the sight of the Fairy and Giantess couple while clenching his teeth was more than enough to catch Magnolia’s attention, the orange haired toddler was looking at Howzer’s face while hugging her little teddy bear, Harlequin.

—“What do you want?” he asked with a dry, rude tone.

She didn’t answer with words yet she let her glare do the talking, it was an awkward moment for both of them, as he brushed her off with a bit of attitude like nothing, a tsk was emitted from her tiny lips as she suddenly threw a bottle she found on the ground right at his side face.

—“What the hell!?!?” he shouted right back at her on a menacing stance.

—“What the hell is with you? She is just a child” Gilthunder replied to his infuriated friend, as Howzer let a sigh of bitterness out of his lungs. He was right, why was he getting so worked up over a brat? He needed to keep his cool.

She was still there looking at him and when their eyes met she took advantage of the circumstance sticking her tongue out at him.

—“You should know that I’m the Chief Holy Knight as thus you should be more respectful with me” He clarified with a mighty yet presumptuous like voice.

—“I don’t care, my father is way stronger than you” she cut him out faster than he would’ve expected it, his patience was beginning to show its edge as he got up of his drinking spot just to trip up with a raised ledge of the floor made by Cloud’s earth magic, hitting his face to the ground.

He exclaimed angrily at her waiting for retaliation, surprisingly for everyone around she began crying at his words calling for her mom to come save her from the apparently bad man.

Diane was closing in as Howzer’s heart stopped beating at the menacing sight of her murderous intent, he reacted a little too late to explain things up as Diane didn’t heard a word of his excuses threatening him to stop harassing her daughter, just as she turned her back at him Magnolia looked straight at him with a wide grin on her face fully knowing her plan worked.

Howzer was left numb at the sudden threat she made, asking himself why she did that.

—“Because she is an amazing mom” Cloud proudly told, puffing his chest alongside his older sister Magnolia doing the same.

—“We won’t let you do as you please with her you sad sack” Magnolia answered in a cocky voice definitely insulting Howzer, as he was so close to using his magic against the children when Gilthunder approached him certainly disappointed at the sight of him being angered by mere toddlers.

Howzer froze completely by the kids running into their father’s side, as he was holding the newborn Rosa on his arms asking what was going on.

—“I-it’s nothing of your concern” he said while having a zip of his drink.

King noticed something was wrong but instead decided to tell his kids they were to get going back to the Fairy King’s Forest.

As they both hopped joyfully to their father’s arms ready to leave the tavern so they parted ways with a tender hug to Elizabeth, which she invited them to stay any time they wanted much to the kids excitement for coming back to the Boar’s Hat again soon.

Just as they were leaving Howzer couldn’t help but look at them with a tender glare. They were kids after all; maybe he was wrong at judging them so quickly. He went to apologize for all the troubles he caused, as the kids were heavily surprised at first, he sounded sincere though so they gave him a handshake as a true peace sign. Just for now. He’ll rue the day he tries something funny with their Mama, somehow they were looking forward to make him suffer even more.

[jjfantasy]

Let us stay in the light

When Rey finds herself queasy after eating even the smallest bits of food, she attributes it to stress... the missions she’s been sent out on, not seeing her friends for three weeks... surely it can’t have anything to do with the not-so-secret affair she’s been having with Poe Dameron. Or can it?

I can't thank enough @edenofalltrades​ for being my beta and beyond, and generally a great friend.

Read at AO3 (x) FF.net (x)

The walls were closing in. They were fast and cold and the greenish color of the ice made Rey want to puke. This was a new feeling.

Her hand froze in the air, as her eyes followed a couple of cloudberries fall to the plaid. The fruits rested there only for a second or two before they sprung up again in a much less smooth manner.

„Master Rey? Is everything alright?” Cal asked, torn between concentrating on keeping the berries afloat and concern about his teacher.

Rey breathed in slowly and merely nodded, looking away from swirling colors to her student sitting in front of her, legs crossed. It’s been around three years since she stumbled upon this young boy in Market City and she still doubted whether she was already fit for Jedi Master. After all, she wasn’t an expert and accepted the fact she would never think of herself in the role of one, but Cal needed guidance as much as Rey did when she left Jakku.

Cal’s gaze followed her closely, that dark-haired boy got too observant lately.

„Yeah,” Rey rasped and failed at gulping. It felt like she had a ball the size of an apple in her throat, another, bigger one under her chest. ���Continue without me, please. I just remembered I forgot to talk to the General.”

This simple lie seemed to work, so the second Cal closed his eyes again, Rey stood up and quietly closed the doors to the small room behind her. Only then did she let herself storm through the carved in ice hallways, out of the base through one of the exits into the freezing Oosti night. Just when she thought the unfamiliar sensation in her stomach was under control, an unconditional reflex bent her down in half.

I forgot to eat breakfast, Rey thought, her body shivering, trying to unload an already empty stomach.

A couple of minutes later the cold temperature was unbearable and Rey was about to head back but something caught her eye. The wind whistled in a low tone and some snow whirled in front of her. At first, she thought the snow flurry was caused by a Tauntaun chasing one of the Porgs, that was still running around the base.

Next, Rey rubbed her eyes and much to her surprise, the blizzard took a shape of Luke Skywalker himself.

After her eyes fully readjusted Rey was sure it was him. Something felt off, he rarely showed himself to her, but it was always for a serious reason.

Luke stared at her intensely, as if she asked him anew whether Jedis lift rocks.

„Well, what is it?” Rey growled, wiping the corner of her mouth, but the pep talk never came. Just as fast Luke appeared, he vanished into the night.

„Great,” irritated, she puffed the cold air out of her lungs and kicked a white lump, sending a small portion of snow across the ice hallway. Again, she felt like she drank a whole bucket of green milk.

Trying to push the image of Thala-sirens out of her head, she shook the snow remains off of her boots and headed slowly for the meditation room. Calling it a night, Rey sent Cal away and shortly after  was crawling into the bunk in her quarters, hoping this sickness would go away by latest the next day.

Her best friends were coming home. She couldn’t miss it.

-

Once more, sunrise came all too quickly. Rey’s left arm numb from the weird position she slept in, her mouth completely dry. It was not a good night’s sleep she had, yet her mood seemed fixed.

The alarming sensation in her stomach went away, giving way to prickly excitement under her navel.

On her rusty and used-up datapad was a text from Finn waiting for Rey, letting her know all three of her friends would be back home before noon. Being a dignified Jedi master, Rey couldn’t let herself show how off-balanced and lonely the last four weeks had  been for her. During the absence of Finn, Rose, and Poe she had her own political missions to focus on, but she didn’t try to conceal a happy croak reading the message.

Knowing she wouldn’t be able to swallow even a bite of her favorite breakfast pastry at the moment, Rey decided to head for the hangar right away. She kept humming gleefully under her nose when she stepped into the small shower in her quarters, when she put on Resistance trousers and jacket instead of Jedi attire, and when she strolled down the base in her heavy boots.

Three hours passed within a blink of an eye. Amazingly, Rey managed to fix the cables she ripped on her last mission on board the Falcon, without any interruption. It was a task that didn’t require a lot of physical effort, so Chewie let her do it on her own as he relaxed. Welding the ragged wires was so soothing and occupying, by the end of it Rey was in a much better mood than the day before.

Soon, a small smuggling ship appeared on the nearest radar display and Rey’s heart started beating like crazy. Tightening the grip on her jacket, she jumped from her fixing spot in a hoist and waited for the hangar doors to close behind the undersized, landing ship.

First, BB-8 rolled out of the ship and in a speed of light was at her feet, already beeping about the adventures he was part of. Rey patted her tin companion and looked up to see her exhausted, but broadly smiling friends.

Finn put out a hand and pulled Rey into a tight hug.

„How was your mission?” was the first thing her best friend asked, pulling away to take a good look at her.

„Fine,” Rey replied and stepped back, taking a sizeable breath. „Not great, but I got some intel on this senator who might help our cause. How was yours?”

„Full success, ma’am,” a cocky voice echoed behind Finn, and Rey leaned to the right side. Poe strode in, festooned with firearm, magazines and carrying two bigger cases, probably hiding more guns. Next to him was standing Rose, dressed up in a similar style. All three of them were glowing with pride, but all at once Rose’s expression changed.

„Rey, you are so pale. Are you okay?” the petite girl asked in a worried tone, searching for Rey’s eyes with her gaze. Sometimes, it still took Rey by surprise she had people who cared so much for her and for her well-being. The lonely Jakku period definitely happened in the closed chapter of her life.

Rey shook her head, and almost right away regretted doing it. Faces of her friends swirled in front of her.

„Yeah, don’t worry, the usual when I skip breakfast in the morning,” she reassured and brushed away some hair out of her face.

Poe furrowed his brow and dropped his whole weaponry to the floor with a thump so he could approach her and Finn. „You sure it’s only that?”

„Yes,” she breathed with less zeal. „It’s kinda hot in here.”

Finn looked around, alarmed, to say the least, „What are you talking about, it’s freezing in here, the gate closed only now.”

No response came from Rey and only Poe’s reflex didn’t let her fall over. Halfway through the ground his strong palms caught the young Jedi Master under the armpits and lifted her just enough to make her body lean against his torso.

Rey zoned out, her last memory of Poe lifting her up, with a full view of his panicked face.

-

A sharp glow of fluorescents in the hospital wing brought Rey back to reality. Her bed was awfully uncomfortable, but the moment she moved a sharp pain pierced through her left arm. Rey paused, noticing a drip dangling over her head, and its other end attached to her, now stained in red, elbow flexion.

„Let 2-1B fix this,” a coarse, feminine voice echoed from the corner of the room.

„General.” Rey nodded and stuck out her arm towards the medical droid bustling around her bed.

Leia’s eyes flickered and she stood up. She walked over to Rey’s side and took her free palm into hers. „We’re alone my child.”

Rey let out a breath she was holding in. „Mother, what happened?”

„You fainted in the hangar, Poe and Finn brought you in here,” Leia related, her expression unreadable. Rey’s mother fell silent, examining closely her daughters’ face.

„Must have been pressure change, tell the healer to let me out,” she downplayed.

Leia’s eyebrows furrowed.

„Mom, seriously, nothing a training in the fresh air won’t fix,” Rey continued, making a weak attempt at a full smile.

„It might take some time for you to feel good enough to train, Rey,” Leia doubted vaguely, „I’ve had it the same.”

„What? What have you had the same, I don’t understand?”

Leia bent over slightly and squeezed Rey’s hand a bit. „Rey, honey, you’re with child.”

„I’m what?!” the young woman yelped and was about to sit up but in the last second remembered about the drip. „Pregnant?”

Silence fell between them, and Rey chose to drill a hole in the ceiling with a dense stare.

„Don’t be angry or shocked, my child, these things happen, sometimes despite precautions,” Leia encouraged her in a soft voice.

„I’m not,” Rey interrupted her, still staring up. „I’m not either.”

A harder expression entered Leia’s features while she squeezed her daughter’s hand again. „We can take care of it right now if you want.”

A single teardrop traveled from the corner of Rey’s eye down her cheek and onto the white sheet, and she shook her head vividly.

„No,” she refused firmly. „I lost all hope on family, and somehow I got you, Luke and Han, back, and now this...” her voice trailed away. „I never thought I’d have any of this.”

„I never thought I’d live to reunite with my daughter or see any grandchildren too,” Leia admitted.

Rey looked further away from Leia, now watching the snow fall outside the window. „What would Luke say though? Isn’t this against Jedi rules? Wasn’t this the exact same situation that lost Darth Vader?”

Leia puffed air out of her lungs in slight irritation, not at Rey, but rather at her own father’s actions. „It’s not excess of love that lost my father, and may I be damned as well as my brother if Luke didn’t believe some good came out of Darth Vader too,” she paused and smiled widely, „We did. And you did too. It’s true love, not true power that gives you strength.”

Rey only nodded and felt her eyelids getting heavy. The General stood up from her chair and patted gently the Jedi’s shoulder.

„Give me a heads up, when you tell Poe. I want to call Kes, some news it’ll be for him,” Leia giggled at the door.

At last, Rey looked over to her in panic. „How do you know it’s Poe? Did he tell you?”

„No, my dear, I suspected but wasn’t sure until now. It’s been going on something like two years now, hasn’t  it? Not exactly a secret.” Leia winked and opened the heavy, steel doors. „He doesn’t take unnecessary risks anymore, he talks about the bright future. Poe didn’t tell me, but then again, he didn’t have to.”

Tomorrow, ran through Rey’s head and she closed her eyes. Tomorrow she’ll try to tell him.

-

This time sleep rebuilt Rey’s strengths, she didn’t know how much she needed. Heavily confused and hesitant about telling Poe, she knew she ought to tell him about the pregnancy soon. Fortunately, sleep brought some comfort too and even an encouraging thought that there was no rush for it now. She definitely wasn’t ready to speak to anyone at that particular moment yet, so Rey was absolutely grateful her mother gave her the time to think things through.

A couple of weak sunbeams emerged through the slim hospital windows, announcing that the only sun in this planetary system has set. The base was drowsily coming back to life at the time long Oosti night came to an end. Hoping dearly she wouldn’t bump into any of her closest friends, Rey put on her leather jacket and boots and sneaked out of the room.

The ex-scavenger puffed out a visible breath upon stepping into her chilly quarters.

„Ran-D, fix the room temperature, please,” Rey groaned at the droid. Then she threw her jacket to the ground, before changing into a sleeping t-shirt and diving into a stack of blankets laying on her bunk.

Sleep, do not think. Close your eyes, do not tense your muscles.

The mantra bounced inside her skull, but Rey thought it was fruitless considering she still was able to see her breaths colliding with sharp air above her.

In the time Rey was counting the minutes to warmth, exhaustion won and she managed to catch another few hours of good rest.

Around late afternoon as she was gradually waking up, allowing herself to be lazy for once in her life, the only door to the room opened with impetus, making way for a very distraught Rose.

„Rey!” she cried out and closed the door with the same energy she burst into the quarters. „Are you okay?”

„Ngh,” Rey grunted, pulling one of the blankets over her face. She loved her friend, but her tone was too cheerful, too loud. Her hearing hypersensitivity seemed way worse than that last time Finn brought home some quality moonshine, won in a dramatic card game. „Could’ve been better.”

„Oh no, don’t tell me the bug going around the base has reached you,” Rose groaned, and sat down on the chair, next to Rey’s legs. „I was hoping you’d take a look at the material I bought for my wedding dress in the Market City.”

Rey knew she gave her word to Rose on this, so she felt a lot worse remembering the promise.

„I’m really sorry Rose, I don’t think I’ll be able to today,” the young Jedi managed to choke out. „But don’t worry, it’s not the bug.”

Silence fell between them, and Rey thought an upset Rose left the room until she opened her one eye to find her still seated in the same place, puzzled expression painted across her features. Shortly, panic washed over Rey, inadequate to the one she experienced around Leia.

Leia was her mother, and she happily accepted the news. What about her friends though, what would they say?

„So, it’s true?” Rose started slowly, presumably testing the waters. „Are you p-”

At hearing actually Rose say the words Rey sprung up from underneath her blankets.

„Does everybody know already?” she squealed, in her imagination already seeing the worst-case scenario where Poe finds out the news through a cleaning droid, that had hard to overwrite gossip protocols.

The dark haired woman put one hand in the air and the other on Rey’s shoulder, hoping to calm her down, „No, no, don’t worry. I heard Leia send off Poe to get some medicine to the Oittol City and I’m the only one who recalled the name pyridoxine,” Rose explained gently, continuing to rub Rey’s shoulder. „It’s the same medicine I brought Kaydel last year at the beginning of her pregnancy with little Sora.”

Oh, right, baby Sora. And earlier, Snap and Karé got a new addition to their family. Skin crinkled between Rey’s eyebrows, trying to recall the exact moment younger generation of Resistance started moving forward with their lives at the base. In her book, she was living in the constant alert mode.

„Do you want to talk about it? Can I help you somehow?” Rose hinted. „How are you feeling about this?”

„You’re sweet Rose, but thank you, I’m good,” Rey breathed and leaned over the opposite bunk wall. She waggled her foot, sticking out of the bed, a couple of times prior to admitting, „I’m a bit dumbfounded and nauseous, but otherwise simply fine. I guess it didn’t get through yet to my consciousness. Leia says she didn’t think she’d ever see her daughter or any grandchildren, and I didn’t ever think I’d have children. Seems like a too normal thing for our unsettled lives.”

Rose squeezed Rey’s right hand. „It may appear so, and believe me I can’t believe myself Finn and I are getting married, but here we are. Wars or no wars, life goes on. I don’t think it’s an accident.”

A loud creak announced a new guest at the door, and Rey couldn’t help a fear pop up in inside her chest. Relieved, it wasn’t Poe with the meds, but Finn carrying some sweet bread and jam, she invited him in.

„Good you’re awake, sunshine! I heard you haven’t eaten since yesterday.”

Rey buried her face in hands. She was so cranky and wanted to be alone since the morning, yet her friends were so sympathetic. What did she do to deserve them?

„Thank you,” she mumbled and accepted the gifts. Out of nowhere gigantic hunger made its presence known.

Finn stood over them, watching one and the other woman with concern. „You ok?”

Rey nodded and answered with a full mouth, „Mm-yeah.”

She also loved her friendship with Finn. This exchange was enough for the two of them, but she realized she owed to tell him since Rose already knew.

„Sit down, please,” Rey asked quietly, slid down so her feet touched the ground and patted the place next to her on the bed.

Finn followed her request and waited for her to gain confidence to continue talking.

„So, listen, I figured since Rose already knows... I’ve been seeing someone for quite some time now, and the reason what happened yesterday happened is because I’m pregnant,” Rey concluded unhurriedly, both her and Rose examining his reaction.

„That’s good, I mean that’s great congrats!” Finn exclaimed and pulled her into a tight hug, Rey almost forgot how to breathe. When he pulled away, he stated in a firm tone, „First of all, you know we’ll be here for you if you need anything, right?”

Rey nodded.

„Damn, you’re good at hiding though,” he laughed, patting her on the bad a bit too zestfully. „Who’s the father though? Is it that hot medical nurse, Jaque? Is it the maintenance guy I’ve seen you flirt with? What his name, wait, I remembered it... Bay? Babe?”

Rose rolled her eyes. „His name is Isaibai, and don’t push Rey.”

Finn ignored his fiancée. „I mean I was always hoping it’d be Poe... Is he Poe?”

Rey choked as she tried to take a sip of water. „I’d rather talk to the he first ahead of any announcement, please?”

The pair exclaimed in an over-excited manner, „Sure!”

Suddenly, the room was extremely tiny for three people and a house droid.

„Actually, the earlier the better. Rose, can you please throw me a fresh shirt and breastband out of the closet?”

Her friend willingly obliged, honestly happy to be of any help to Rey. Rose went into the small wardrobe, which could be a too gracious term for two shelves of clothes and two pairs of boots on the ground, and strangely took a bit too long grabbing those two, simple items.

When the tiny woman returned, Finn turned around, gaze drilling the ceiling as Rey changed and put some sweatpants over leggings.

„Wish me luck,” she yelled, next off storming out, seemingly looking better. Colour noticeably flooded back into the skin on her face.

„I know what you’re gonna say, but It really bothers me it might not be Poe,” Finn confessed the second door closed behind Rey and looked over to his woman.

Rose didn’t reply anything, her gaze focused on the t-shirt Rey slept and threw over the pillow on the bed. She walked over to the bed and pulled out a bundle of navy blueish material.

„This doesn’t look like anything Rey ever wore, or any Jedi attire either,” the male resistance fighter remarked, at which Rose puffed irritated already ten steps ahead of her fiance. She eyed him lovingly.

„It’s a male shirt,” she remarked matter-of-factly. „Probably belongs to the guy she’s seeing.”

Finn shrugged and opened the big, metal doors for Rose. In the same exact moment, Poe appeared in it, all breathless.

„Hi! Is Rey here? I brought her the medicine Leia asked for.”

The couple exchanged astonished looks, and Rose replied still holding the cloth in her left hand, „Sorry, you just missed her, but I don’t think she managed to get far away?”

„Thanks!” Poe cheered and was about to turn around when he recognized the shirt in Rose’s hand. „Hey, that’s my shirt, how’d it get here?”

Finn looked very much like he wasn’t following but Rose pressed her lips together, trying to stop an incoming shocked slash grinning face. Instead of the truth, she offered cluelessly, „Found it laying around the Millennium Falcon dock?”

Poe nodded in agreement. „I was fixing it some time ago. Doesn’t matter right now, I better run to catch Rey.”

With that, he disappeared from Rey’s doorstep and Rose couldn’t hold in a screech anymore. She hit Finn on the bicep, and despite Rose being a small woman he felt that punch a little too much in the leather jacket.

„‘HOW’D IT GET HERE?’ He should be the one to know, am I right?!”

Finn gently caught the small fist in the air, meanwhile, his eyes went wider and wider at the realization. Before he knew what was happening he was sharply pushed out the door.

-

Rey jogged between countless figures roaming around the main hangar, admiring how the Resistance grew back so big. Poe’s X-wing was parked the nearest to the entrance, meaning he had to be back from the city recently, yet he himself was nowhere to be found around it.

Half-annoyed, half-relieved she’d have to postpone the talk, Rey halted right away and her hands hit her sides with a thump. Instead of going back right away, she remained in her place, looking out the hangar entrance. Albeit constant movement on the tarmac, some ships landing, some transporter preparing for take-off, the view was somehow calming.

The young Jedi slowly filled her lungs with chilly outside air while smiling slightly. Nothing since yesterday managed to clear her mind like this small moment did.

She already had a wonderful, supportive family that was about to get bigger.

Finally, a tiny sucking feeling in Rey’s stomach announced hunger for the first time that day. She decided to go back, but upon turning around her body was met with a human-like heavy object.

Rey staggered lightly and even managed to catch this person's hand and steady them both.

„Oh, it’s just you,” Rey gasped and took a step backward.

Poe was panting, but had to ask, „Hey, are you okay?!” He followed her, making a step forward to hold her sides with his palms. Was she disappointed that it was just him?

„Yeah, don’t worry, I’m swell. I was actually looking for you-”

„And I for you, I’ve got your meds,” he cut in and shook a small, felt sachet in front of her face, smirking at Rey. „I went to your quarters, but I only found Finn and Rose, and surprisingly that one shirt I’ve been looking for some time now? You wouldn’t happen to know anything about it, right?”

Probably every inch of her body went red, pink at best.

Suddenly Rey became all too aware of their surroundings, including the curious eyes around the hangar focusing on them. „About that,” Rey stammered, looking over him.

The expression on the pilot’s face softened. „Oh right, sorry, do you want me to shut up or move this conversation somewhere else?”

„Neither,” Rey interrupted him rapidly, and carried on noticing concern cross Poe’s face, „Let me say something, okay?”

The soft touch of his hands left her skin, but Poe hasn’t moved an inch in a sign for her to continue.

In turn, she was the one to take his palms between hers. „I’m tired of hiding. Hiding with what makes me happy.”

Poe let out a deep breath. „Not that I’m complaining, but I was scared this discussion was about to take a dramatic turn.”

Just wait and see, Rey thought.

„Rey, did something happen? I recall it was your decision to lay low and I’m still okay with it,” the pilot pointed out but half-smiled at her in a reassuring manner.

„I’m pregnant,” came out of her mouth, blocking any further doubts hijacking Rey’s thoughts. She had to admit her main stress throughout the whole day was Poe’s potential reaction, and she was about to add the standard formula about how he could be involved to a degree he wanted, whereas her doubts turned out to be completely misplaced. She was looking at him sideways, only half of his face visible to Rey, but it was hard to miss this enormous grin entering his features.

„Are you serious?”

„Are you angry?”

„Are you crazy?!” Poe burst and picked her up. „I never thought I’d live to this point in my life.”

Rey laughed out loud and swung arms around Poe’s neck. „Why does everybody keep saying that?”

Poe put her down and replied, tears faintly shimmering in his eyes. „For many reasons, but right now I’m mostly thinking how you and I will get to continue our families. How your mother and my father will be able to see their grandchild. I can’t wait to tell Kes!”

Their lips joined in a brief but tender kiss, filled with joy and promises for the uncertain future.

They parted due to some cheers coming from the entrance to the hangar. Their friends were standing there, including Finn patting Cal on the back, Rose giving a knowing look to Snap, and BB-8 zooming around with his tiny lighter pulled out.

Rey unconsciously touched her belly through the grey shirt, grateful for the happy accident, knowing her child would have a bigger family she never dreamed to have herself.

[berevityandquiet]

i haven’t posted enough so here have some drabbles

gabriel wants to take pup jesse on a hunting trip - it goes about as well as you could expect. Town of Watchpoint universe, just the beginning part.

“Oh...Oh Gabriel, I just don't think this is a good idea.”

For a grown man, Jack can sound amazingly childlike. Gabriel rolls his eyes – it's hard not to find his mother henning endearing.

“Well, we can't just not teach him, Jackie – his kind doesn't work like that.”

“I know” Jack makes a face, “But isn't he a little young?”

Jesse looks up from Gabriel's lap and yawns. He's wearing a little vest, a cooling one with ice packs lining the insides – Summer's been a killer this year and with his downy puppy fuzz, he's really begun to suffer. His fur hasn't started developing it's adult strands and, thus, he's having a hard time regulating his own temperature and the (rather exaggerated) cries of “It's hot!” are almost too heartbreaking to bare. He's been sitting with Gabe right in front of the air conditioner, half listening to the daytime talk shows and half dozing in the sweltering heat.

They're often on missions, criss crossing the world and running for their lives – but retirement is  this brand-spanking new thing, this awkward dance they can't quite coordinate just yet.

So the first few days of summer have been spent lazing in the house, getting used to a newly flexible schedule. It would make sense that Mr. Gabriel Reyes, Mr. Don't-Let-Me-Get-To-Thinking,  would decide to take his son on a hunt.

It's kind of amazing – Jesse's three years old and already toddling around after everyone, poking his nose in places it doesn't belong. He's about as curious as a cat, with the gumption of one to boot. Jack found him barking fiercly at Gabe's conspiracy of ravens the other day, puffed up like a dandelion and in way, way over his head (that earned him a time-out from Gabriel and a high-five from Jack).

“Wannago!” Jesse demands, eyes barely open, “I'mma big'nuff, wanna go.”

He gives one great yawn again, tail curled around his paw – Gabriel can't help but chuckle.

“I know you want to go, Jesse, but don't you think you're a little...small?” Jack sits on the floor besides Gabe's knees and lays his head on the sticky leather of the couch, propping it up on one hand, “Daddy doesn't want you to get hurt.”

Jesse mumbles, muzzle trying to twist the noises into words. He's still learning how to talk with a muzzle – it doesn't always come out coherently. It comes out as “Wonge Hurpapiwihme”

“I know your papi will be there with you, and he won't let you get hurt,” Jack parrots as Gabriel rubs his thumb over Jesse's ears, “But I'm still scared something might happen.”

“Jack,” Gabe smiles softly, “Believe it or not, I'm not an amateur-”

“You actually are.”

“-maybe you could trust me a little?”

Jack frowns, reaching up to bop Jesse's pink nose (Jesse sneezes), “It's not that I don't trust you.”

“Then what is it?” Gabriel's question holds no bite.

Jack makes a face, “The harpies have been acting up on the mountain...what if one-”

“No harpy is going to pick up a growing werewolf,” Gabriel interrupts lightly, leaning forward to pluck a silver hair in the nest of blonde, “They're gluts, they're not idiots.”

Jack growls, shooing Gabriel's hand away. Gabriel laughs

And so, after much consideration (and begging, and pleading), Jack relents.

“Back by supper.” Jack says, outlining a list of rules, “You're not going after anything bigger than the bears. And no hunting on the mountain.”

Gabriel laughs and agrees to Jack's demands – he'll ignore them all, of course, because Jack's being a worrywart and he actually does know what he's doing. Jesse seems elated (even if he is exhausted), nipping at Gabriel's fingers when they get too close.

“And what'll you be doing?” Gabriel looks down at Jack – he's resting his head on Gabe's shoulder, a cup full of ice chips in hand. He pops one into his mouth and then hands another to Jesse, who sucks on it happily, “You could always come with us?”

Jack shakes his head, “Hunting's never been my forte, you know that.”

Gabriel can confirm that – Jack really is a fish out of water in some instances.

“I'll probably just hang around the house. Do some cleaning, try to fix that washer.” He gives a seething glance to the washroom, where the clankity machine is rattling away, “It's gotta be a bolt loose, won't be surprised if it flies to pieces on me.”

“Try not to destroy the house while I'm gone.”

“You're the homewrecker, Groucho.”

“And don't you forget it.” Gabriel presses a quick kiss to Jack's forehead, beneath the slowly-greying strands – he's starting to look older, crows feet starting to bloom by his eyes, hair turning silver. Gabriel still thinks he's the hottest thing he's ever laid eyes on

“Besides – it's nearly my heat and I'd rather be at home than in some humid forest, fending off rabid mosquitos.”

Oh...that's right.

Jesse had commented at breakfast the other, over a plate of fluffy waffles – “You smell funny daddy.” Which had resulted in a very, very red Jack and a long, fairly uncomfortable (but overall fruitful) conversation about mating seasons and mythics.

Witches don't have the same sense of smell that beast mythics do. It's no different than a human's sense of smell – even the best can only smell a fraction that a beast does. Gabriel counts his blessings – he must smell awful right now. He wonders what they smell, Jack and Jesse – the scent of outside has clung to Jesse, but can they smell each blade of grass? Every tree Jesse attempted to climb, and the lake they live beside? Is Jack overwhelmed by the smell of fresh, clean cotton and WD-40 (the only thing that can get the washer's door to open at this point).

Jack stretches, pulling Gabriel for his train of thought – he's flushed, bright red creeping down from his cheeks, to his neck, to his chest. Jack's wearing this black tank and shorts that practically hang around his hips. His shirt rides up, giving Gabe a good shot at his belly.

“Guess it'll just be me on my lonesome, waiting for my troops to bring home the spoils of war.” He suddenly purrs, leaning his mouth close to Gabe's neck. His skin begins to goosebump immediately,

“Jesse, it's nap time!” Gabriel shoots up, practically running to put the pup to sleep (despite the sleep addled grumbles of “'m no' sleepy”)

Behind him Jack giggles, trotting off to their bedroom.

He's leaning across the bed, surfing the internet on his phone and Gabe can't help but stare. It's really very strange – Jack's got the flattest ass he's ever seen on a man, and yet it never fails to get Gabriel horny.

Once upon a time they hated one another and now they can't live without the other. Irony of the highest value.

[ecotone99]

[SF Thriller] Flavour I

Pale and milky was the moon that night. The night had an eerie glow to it that cast cold light and dark shadows about the countryside. Yet even so it was a type of night that Mikey Joe looked forward to. The type of night he could walk outside his house and stare with great wonder at the marvellous moon. Always he had loved the moon even as a young boy. He would walk slowly about the yard toking gently on his joint. He often felt anxious out there in the dark a the dead of night and this was no different yet his fear was quelled by his old companion the moon.

Mikey Joe had done his moonlight ritual for many years puffing as he sauntered aimlessly about the yard and down the path to the farm below. Sometimes he listened to music sometimes to the silence of the night. It was only on the clear nights of the palest purest moonlight he would dare to have his little dalliance with his lunar lover, for the nights that were dark cloudy and black as nothing filled him with a terrible dread. Even on this night with the light beaming from the moon and the brightest stars he had flashes of dread which he soothed by looking at the moon and saying “It's alright now” or some other stoner’s mantra.

That dread came to him most nights and tonight was no different he did as he always did and toked on his joint.

“It's almost finished” he thought as he looked at glowing red dot that was very near his finger now.”Soon back inside to comfort and a nice round of toasted cheese sandwich.”

He he began walking back up the path to the backyard and his house, stepping slowly and carefully as to not trip on the brambles and briers growing all over the ill kept path. He meandered across slowly and gently till he could see the yard light through the trees. He continued on and the light became bigger and bigger until he was almost blinded by it.

He froze dead it was surely not his yard light it was far to strong he became rigid with fear. He racked his brain frantically to figure out what he was seeing but after a few seconds the fear truly had him he didn’t care the fear had him. He turned on his heel and ran down the deep dark path straight into blackness. He ran until he heard or thought he hear something up ahead.

“ A figure? A man?” he wasn’t sure what he saw but something moved past him up that dark path. He stopped in his tracks panting, hes wild eyes darting everywhere. Forward to the blackness of the path back to the growing light towards his yard.

“Get to my house and the phone” he thought in a second of clarity. He ran back at full sprint towards the every growing light. But after no more than 5 steps he tripped on a bramble and fell head first into a bush. He looked up from the bush scraping his head on thorns as he did so. He saw the black figure still away down the path and then suddenly blackness.

He awoke to a dim light flickering above his head. He arose to find himself in a small empty room with a candle hang on the wall. There was no door but an open entrance led to a narrow cramped passage. The walls of the passage and and room where made of a red soft substance not unlike play-dough he observed. When he pulled at it seemed to stretch for a moment then go back to its original shape. After a minute of exploring his new environment he was struck with by his new dreadful predicament. Questions raced around his head a thousand a once going 90 miles an hour. He had no idea how to begin to understand what was going on and he felt overwhelmed and fell to his knees and began sobbing pitifully.

“I’m some kind of prisoner or I’ve lost my mind or worse” he whispered as he sobbed.

He felt a hand on his shoulder he stopped crying. He was dead still. He knew he had to turn around to face what was touching him but he couldn’t bring himself to.

“Are you sick?” asked the voice of the man that put his hand on his shoulder.” You seem very weak and you are crying out in pain are you OK?”

He knew now he must look, he must turn and see he captor. He turned to the left side slowly to see the mans had on his shoulder, but it was red! He turned in horror to see his captor and there he was an ordinary looking man dressed in a white robe but with bright red skin! This was too much for him and he fainted on the floor in a heap.

After some time he awoke again, his eyes staring directly at the cavernous red ceiling above he was lying flat red table which was oddly soft and comforting. He felt it move slowly as if it were breathing or pulsating. He jumped to his feet and looked about the huge cavernous room. The ceiling was visible only barley in the dim light that radiated from the floor. The walls or entrance couldn’t be seen as it disappeared into the eternal blackness encircling him. A figure came from out of the darkness slowly walking towards him, it seemed to him to be quite far away. He noticed he wasn’t gripped with fear this time but with a dopey fascination with the figure. As it approached it seem to change shape and suddenly grow taller and longer until before him again was the red man he had seen before. But this time he was different, he wore a old style suit and spectacles.

“How are you feeling now?” he asked “ You were quite distressed. I had to give you some medication to calm you. I hope it makes you feel better.”

Mikey Joe nodded in answer. The red man smiled.

“ You will have many questions, and I have many answers to give now that you are more calm and sociable”

“Are you gonna kill me? Or do crazy experiments on me?” blurted Mikey Joe, his body was calm but inside there was still a little fear, despite his dopey drowse state.

“No, No of course not I am not cruel I’m here to help you and your planet its so primitive even the forms you take are so unusual…. But we can solve all that, teach you to do great things navigate the stars as we have. Here let take this it will relive the drowsiness.”

From nowhere as far as Mikey could tell a cup appeared in the red man hand and he reached out and gave it to Mikey.

“Yes, drink deeply yours is most interesting species bipedal, hi level intellect and highly adept at communicating but so developmental lacking… why? Much lower intellect lifeforms have achieved higher levels of civilization in this…..” as he talked Mikey drank and became more alert and fearful his situation seemed hopeless he needed a way out of this nightmare.

“Ah more alert I see, but anxious too perhaps one of your own medical treatments might help” a syringe appeared in his hand. It was full of a clear liquid he moved closer to Mikey Joe gentle grabbed his arm and smiled.

“Is this it” Though Mikey “I am I really going to let this red bastard kill me and eat me or something, no I have to make a move!”

Mikey punched him hard in the face he dropped the syringe.

‘Why?’ he groaned “ I bring you only love”

Mikey hit him again and again crying manically as he did so. The man made no attempt to defend himself or fight back.

Mikey's hands where covered in blood, tears were rolling from his eyes he went to dry the tears from his eyes but a drop of the blood landed in his mouth. The taste was pure pleasure to Mikey he had tasted nothing like it it was the most savoury sweet orgasmic taste he ever had. A madness took him he began to lick his hands clean his tongue orgasm-ed with each lick. When his hands were clean he looked down at the body his eyes ravenous with hunger for that taste. He picked up one red and began to chew on the fingers.

“No stop I bring you love, I am your friend” the red man said feebly.

Mikey took both hands and strangled him till the stopped hes polite protests.

After eating half of the red man hand Mikey remembered his situation and the danger he got up and ran into the darkness but it only stretched on and on with no end so he ran back to the man near the table searched him for a key or remote, but nothing.

“How will I get out of here, what kind of monster have I become I’ve killed and eaten this poor man” he cried aloud in a desperate howl. Then the craving came over him maybe if I eat more ill feel better” He thought “he's not human, It was him or me! I had to do it!” He grabbed the other hand and pulled at the index finger when suddenly a large wall and monitor came darting out of the blackness. It was beeping and whirring flashing in with and black the deepest black he had ever seen then suddenly there was enormous roar and then blackness.

Mikey Joe, woke up strapped to a bed unable to move any part of his body he head fixed at white ceiling and a fluorescent light. “Mikey” a voice asked through a speaker” are you able to answer our questions?” “ What happened?”

Mikey eyes watered at the memory he was so sad and ashamed, to his horror hes tongue watered as well.

“ I ate him” he sobbed “ I ate him”

The doctor behind the screen wrote his diagnosis and handed it to the team of men in suits. “From what I can observe from here that's my conclusion gentleman” he said in thick Austrian accent.

“ What do you mean, in plain English bud?” asked one man in the far corner of the room with hes eyes squinting at the paper that was passed to to him.

“Vell….. the patient is completely insane”

“Well I could have told you that and I’m no doctor” laughed the man “ saying he ate one of those aliens I’ve never heard of something so ridiculous”

It had been week since the ship had crashed into the desert in Wyoming and special agent Jack Turg was heading the background investigation. It was a sensational case the U.S. Government had of course found alien tech and parts of spaceships before but never a maned vessel with such a large living crew! Jack remembered when he first saw the remains it was the size of a stadium and inside the investigation team had found 50 live “alien creatures” he had seen the classified videos they were strange stupid horrible things no limbs or features just black and grey blobs pulsating formlessly.

“How in the hell could that freak even consider eating one of those disgusting things” he though “They are repulsive!”

He decided his team would have to get a firsthand look at these things to decide next course of action. It made really no logical sense why would you eat something you're terrified of?

The next morning Jack was briefing his C.O. in his progress so far. At the end of the report he paused.

“Was there anything else Jack?” he C.O. probed

“Well sir it's just… we … my team and I…”

“Come on Jack speak your mind!”

“We like to get a look at the live specimens to help make sense of the actions of the detainee”

The C.O. exhaled loud and slow”Quite frankly you and everyone in anyway involved with this whole operation would. But that's impossible it's not even being handled by this agency.You should count yourself privileged to know what you know.” click* the call ended. But Jack a veteran agent 20 years with the agency never question orders, who turned a blind eye to the darker side of the C.I.A. now began to feeling a itch forming an itch he could ignore for now but not for long……

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